[color=ed1c24][b]Legatus Aurelius of Phoenix and Vulpes Inculta - Brotherhood Territory [/b][/color]

The interior of the steam locomotive that was transporting the Legate and Vulpes, along with a cadre of Praetorians and High ranking Centurion officers, was well furnished with the comforts that would be expected of foreign dignitaries. To men of The Legion on campaign, it was certainly a step up from the usual accommodations of a Legion military camp, but their interest was not in frivolities or sight-seeing, The Legate's single-minded ambition was to treat with Barnaky as soon as possible and establish a coordinated plan of attack. 

"The iron horses of The Brotherhood are certainly impressive," Vulpes remarked to the Legate as he stared out the window of the train car at the plentiful fields of Nebraska laden with crops and the bounty of what would no doubt be a fine harvest, "Imagine what we might do if we could move Legions East to West with such haste and such ease as they do. I cannot help but marvel at the possibilities."

The Legate shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "Hmm. Perhaps...although I'd much prefer a good steed beneath me than a abomination of metal and fire." 

"It can't be helped. If we're to organize the offensive, we need to link with Barnaky as soon as possible. Meeting with him directly to plan it reduces the chances of error and miscommunication. And if we're to represent Caesar's banner, it is the proper form to meet him face to face to show our commitment to this alliance."

"I do not disagree. Besides, I am eager to meet this great leader of The Midwest and see him for myself."

"As am I..." Vulpes once more stared out the window. He thought back to his short stay at the diplomatic meeting in New Vegas. Barnaky was...not what he had expected. He wasn't entirely sure there was a man of flesh there at all and not one of metal. 

A few hours more journey had them pulling in to the station at Omaha, and The Legion officers disembarked on to the platform. In usual fashion, the Praetorian guards, regally adorned with crimson plumbed helms and finely crafted armor and shields, exited first and with drilled precision formed a protective ring around The Legate. They likely needn't have bothered given The Brotherhood's own security preparations, but it was their duty to protect the household and person of Caesar. As The Legate was representing Caesar in absentia, they would show Aurelius the same unwavering devotion they would give to him.  

Following Aurelius, came the Senior Centurions and finally a contubernium of Veteran Legionaries, whose vexallarius proudly held aloft the golden bull standard of Legio I Arizona. Vulpes, while present, had disembarked with the Praetorians, and was garbed as one of them: not wishing to draw attention to himself. 

Aurelius stared out into the curious crowd, intrigued by the sights and sounds of the Midwestern throng. He nodded approvingly at the young soldiers to-be in black and at the power-armored soldiers that ensured the citizens kept a safe distance back. Feeling the need to say something, The Legate stepped forward and addressed the crowd,

"People of The Midwest. I am Legatus Aurelius of Phoenix, Commander of the Eastern Legions. Caesar has ordered me to help you drive the hated Cult from your lands and ensure they are sent screaming back into Tatarus. Know that I do not come alone, and that twenty-five thousand Son of Mars march behind me!"

With the crowds elated cheers, Aurlius could hear Vulpes's voice coming from one of the Praetorians ahead of him, his voice slightly muffled by the covered helmet he wore,

"I did not know you were in the custom of giving speeches Legatus. A fine one. I daresay even Queastor Titus would be envious of your words."

"Hm. I felt it appropriate. Now we shouldn't tarry. Praetorians! Move out!" He shouted the command loud enough for all to hear.

After a short time, the Legate's retinue was taken to a convoy of waiting vehicles, and they passed through the impressive city of Omaha. Unexpectedly however, their journey took them away from this center of population and out into the country. Soon they had arrived at what appeared to be an old pre-war military base, and The Legate and Vulpes both assumed that this must be the fabled "Vault 0" or at least had some connection to it. As could be expected, the base was heavily fortified and run like a well oiled machine. They expected nothing else from The Brotherhood in that regard. 

Once inside, Vulpes removed his helm and fell in behind his Legate in his official role now as Primus Frumentarius, the need for disguise had passed. Both and he and Aurelius both were led into what their Brotherhood escorts referred to as the "Operations Room" and saw the robotic construct that was Barnaky, or perhaps controlled by him, waiting along with the applause of his own staff to greet them. 

[i]"Legate Aurelius", Barnaky said warmly as he extended his hand, "Welcome to Omaha, your reputation precedes you...it's good to finally meet you!". He then added, "Please forgive the robot, I've found using this form is easier for others to, well, relate to than other methods. How was your trip?" [/i]

"Comfortable and expedient, thanks to you my Lord," Aurlius replied as he accepted the robot's offer of a customary handshake with some hesitation. He wasn't sure what to make of Barnaky's stand-in just yet, but was equally surprised by the Lord of The Midwest's informal tone. He wasn't sure what he'd been expecting, but a royal audience and elaborate ceremony had been tossed around in his head. He rather preferred it this way however, no need for pomp and circumstance between warriors. 

"I would introduce to you as well, Primus Frumentarius Vulpes Inculta, leader of The Legion's Frumentarii." He continued.

"An honor to meet you once again my Lord," Vulpes said with a bow, "Our brief time in Vegas was unexpectedly short. I'm afraid the treachery of the NCR dogs made certain of that."