[u][b]SAC HQ Bunker- Operations Room [/b][/u]

"Comfortable and expedient, thanks to you my Lord," Aurlius replied as he accepted the robot's offer of a customary handshake with some hesitation. 

"Glad to hear it", Barnaky replied. "Rebuilding the rail net was one of the best investments we've made...the economic and strategic benefits that flow from it far outweigh the cost, as high as that was."

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

"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."

"Likewise, Primus Frumentarius", Barnaky replied, "both Brother Joseph and I regret that the conference failed before we could meet with you and your Lord. The Californians are indeed a foolish people...they have all the vices of the Old United States, yet few of it's virtues. Hopefully, Lucius Caesar sending their President home in a box will finally make them see the error of their ways."

"Thanks to the valor of your Legions", Barnaky continued, "I don't see them plaguing us with their stupidity and greed for the next few years at least....which is convenient as we have work to do."

Barnaky then picked up a remote from the map table and pushed a button, and the world map on the large screen on the far wall changed to a map of what was the Eastern United States, with the declared borders of the Brotherhood, Cult, the Detroit Republic, and smaller powers were marked. 

"I'll give you a brief rundown of the situation", Barnaky began, "and answer any questions you have. I've also arranged for your Command staff to be fully briefed."

"We are advancing on three fronts", Barnaky continued, "The Southern force is moving on Louisville, Kentucky, along I-64 and the Ohio River. So far, they have met little resistance...mostly Raiders and petty local despots. The Central force, proceeding down I-70 and I-74, has reached Indianapolis and placed it under siege. Two days ago, the Airport was secured and the Paladin-General is moving his Headquarters there to be closer to the front. The Northern force is advancing East along I-90, with the objective of reaching the I-69 interchange. Then forces from all three fronts would cut off Fort Wayne, the main Cult stronghold in Indiana, and destroy the forces there. All the while diplomatic efforts would be made to secure the cooperation of the Detroit Republic for an advance to Columbus, from which we can directly threaten the Cult's heartland. But a complication has come up which may require a re-evaluation of the plan."

"The enemy, of course, has responded with moves of their own", Barnaky said. "They have launched a full scale Invasion of the Detroit Republic, and are doing better than we would like. Their initial objectives appear to be Toledo and Columbus. Columbus was expected, for the reasons I gave before, but some of their moves in the north were surprising."

"A large force entered Michigan, coming South from Canada along I-75. They seized the Soo Locks...which would have cut off maritime traffic between Lakes Superior and Huron...but thankfully did not seem to recognize it's strategic importance as it was not damaged and only lightly garrisoned. They are awfully determined to get into Lake Michigan...no matter how many of their ships my sailors sink they keep coming." Barnaky shrugged, a odd expression for a robot to make, "So be it. If they want to die, we'll gladly oblige them. Analysis of captured communications and interrogating the occasional prisoner generally back up the Cult radio broadcasts that one of their objectives is Chicago...a goal that we see as unrealistic, to say the least, given the depth of Chicago's defenses. We've taken steps to guard against that, nevertheless, as they may have a unconventional strategy in mind...similar to your rather effective way of removing Searchlight from the strategic chessboard at a stroke in the Mojave War, Vulpes."

"Another force is currently contending for Toledo", Barnaky continued, "This move we expected. We believe the Cult intends to take Detroit...this would effectively bring down the Republic and add the bulk of it's industrial base to theirs. Unfortunately, the Republic was not prepared for war, which mystifies me, and is losing on all fronts. We see no choice but to intervene. Detroit must be held at all costs, but there is another opportunity here....the possibility of bottling up two of their Field Armies inside Michigan where we can force them to battle on our terms and annihilate them. At the same time, we must continue the advance on Columbus to keep the pressure on, prop up the Republic...and open the path to Pittsburgh so we can strangle this Cult in it's cradle."

"Given the size of the Legion's contribution to the war effort", Barnaky said in conclusion, "It is only appropriate the Legion's role reflect that contribution. To that effect, Legate, I would like to offer you command of one of the Fronts...either our efforts in Michigan, or the Drive on the East, towards Columbus. We will, of course, attach to your command appropriate specialist and support units, who will report to you. While this is without precedent in Brotherhood history, blind obedience to the Codex invariably led to the undoing of every other chapter but mine....so while I respect precedent when I can, I'm not afraid to replace them with new ones when Duty requires it."

"That's the situation in a nutshell", Barnaky said, "If you have questions I'd be pleased to answer them."