The new province

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As the Republic of the Rio Grande finally crumbled, we began the intricate process of integrating the conquered territories into the Legion. As a strategic maneuver, I chose to release nearly all of the prisoners we had captured, sparing only those from regions that had shown the most unwavering loyalty to President Guerra. Those unfortunate souls would be sent to Flagstaff for training as slaves. However, the cities that had risen up against the regime were rewarded with tributary status, allowing them a degree of autonomy under the protection of the Legion.

In the days following Gloria's fall, I took on the role of diplomat. I met with the leaders of each town and state that had once been part of the RRG, aiming to allay their fears and assure them that their protection was guaranteed under the Legion's banner. It was a painstaking task; many feared losing their traditions and liberties. However, I explained that as long as they fulfilled their tributary obligations, they could retain their culture and way of life.

To coordinate and regulate the tributes that these new tributary states were required to send to Flagstaff, we established a highly efficient administrative system. I appointed Cato to oversee logistics, ensuring that the tributes were collected . These tributes included essential resources such as food and minerals.

Simultaneously, we invested in improving the infrastructure of these regions. We restored roads, rebuilt bridges, and reactivated trade routes. This not only facilitated the transport of tributes but also boosted local economies, earning us the favor of the population.

The frumentarii played a pivotal role in this process. They infiltrated the communities, identifying potential pockets of resistance and neutralizing them before they could become threats. Additionally, they gathered valuable intelligence about the people's needs and concerns, which allowed us to adapt our policies to meet those needs.

My diplomatic duties also involved mediating local disputes and ensuring that the leaders understood the benefits of being under the Legion's protection. I assured them that we were not there to oppress but to establish an order that would benefit all. I spoke of the security we offered against external threats, access to advanced technology and medicine, and the prosperity that could arise from the stability we were bringing.

Beyond coordinating the political and administrative purification of the region, I also assumed responsibility for ensuring the physical security of our new territories. While the frumentarii dealt with internal threats—identifying and neutralizing potential insurgents or sympathizers of the old regime—my legionaries faced a different kind of danger: the wasteland beasts.

The Republic of the Rio Grande had long neglected the pestilence plaguing the less populated areas. Creatures such as radroaches, radscorpions, giant ants, and a variety of dangerous insects and mammals had proliferated without control. These beasts did not pose a constant threat to the main settlements, so the Republic had neglected their extermination. However, for the Legion, total control and security over the territory were essential.

I deployed our elite forces to carry out a systematic elimination of these threats. Armed with specialized weaponry and protected by power armor, my men advanced through the infested regions, destroying nests and exterminating any creatures they encountered. It was no easy task; some of these beasts had grown to impressive sizes and possessed deadly capabilities. But the discipline and training of my legionaries prevailed.

Over time, the roads and trade routes became safer. Merchants and travelers began to notice the difference, which increased the flow of goods and strengthened the local economy. The population, seeing that the Legion cared about their well-being beyond mere conquest, began to show greater acceptance of our presence.

However, not everything progressed without setbacks. One of the most difficult challenges we faced was the issue of alcohol. The Legion's prohibition on liquor was not well received by the local population. Alcohol was not only a deeply ingrained part of their culture but also a means of escaping the harsh realities of the wasteland.

As we began purging the known narcotics hideouts, we discovered that many had started producing alcohol clandestinely. The collapse of the Republic's power structure had left a vacuum that these criminal organizations were eager to fill. They exploited the people's discontent to expand their operations and challenge our authority.

Fortunately, thanks to intelligence gathered by the frumentarii, the RRG's records, and the map we obtained during our attack on the Narcoqueen, we knew the locations of many of these production and distribution centers. We organized coordinated operations to strike these critical points before they could grow stronger. My legionaries conducted nighttime raids, surprising the narcos and confiscating large quantities of illegal liquor and weapons.

"Ha! Gaius, you gotta see this!" Todd burst into my office in Caesarea Mexicanorum—Gloria's new name after its fall to the Legion—nearly choking with laughter as he waved a pamphlet in the air, a tear of amusement rolling down his cheek.

"And what, pray tell, is so amusing, Howitzer?" I asked, watching him with a raised brow as he held the pamphlet out to me.

"Take a look at this here flyer," Todd said, still chuckling. "The Free Fighters—ya know, those masked wrestlers seem to reckon you're one of their enemies! Ain't that somethin'?"

I took the pamphlet from his hand and examined its contents. The title, written in bold letters, read, "Battle for the Fate of Mexico: Ultra-Heavyweight Championship." To my surprise, there was a photograph of my power armor in the midst of hand-to-hand combat against the RRG forces, bearing the moniker "The Steel Beast." Opposite me was an image of my opponent: a masked super mutant known as "The Beast of Michoacán."

"What manner of farce is this?" I muttered, frowning as I read through the details.

Todd grinned broadly, clearly relishing the absurdity. "The Free Fighters, Gaius! They're thorns in the sides of folks they figure are evil—narcos, raiders... and now, the Legion. They run all around claimin' they're gonna fight tyranny wherever it shows its ugly head. They've even got a catchy slogan: 'Suplexing Legionaries, Chokeslamming Raiders, and RKOing the Narcos. Nobody fights without the lucha!'"

I arched an eyebrow at this audacious claim. "So, these masked wrestlers believe they can challenge me in combat?" I asked incredulously.

"Darn straight!" Todd laughed again. "They're real popular with the local communities. Seen as heroes, fightin' for the little guy against oppressors. And now, they've got their eyes set on you."

I pondered the implications for a moment. While the idea of a masked super mutant challenging me seemed ridiculous, I couldn't ignore the potential impact on local morale and the perception of the Legion. "How influential are these 'Free Fighters'?" I inquired.

"More'n you might think," Todd admitted, leaning against the doorway. "They draw big crowds to their events. Mixin' fightin' with political messages, y'know? If they manage to paint you as the bad guy, we could have ourselves a bit of a rebellion on our hands."

I gave a measured nod, seeing the possible risk. "I'll inform the frumentarii to keep them under surveillance. I have no time to engage in such trivial games. Is there anything else, Todd?" I asked, shifting the conversation back to more pressing matters.

Todd approached me with an unusually serious expression, setting aside his usual grin.

"You got time for what ya promised? The Ironmongers, that group of super mutants… Years ago, when Attis came through Texas with his army, it all fell apart after his death. His generals split the territories, and one of 'em, Juggernaut, hit a border town, takin' the whole population. Yesterday... they did it again," Todd said, this time with gravity in his voice.

I rose from my seat, feeling the urgency of the situation. "Well, they've signed their death sentence," I declared, my voice calm but resolute.

"Hold on, Gaius... Those super mutants ain't gonna be easy. They took over one of the Association's old weapon factories years ago, and now they're causin' trouble again—with our own guns. Their leader, Juggernaut, he's obsessed with protection. His super mutants are rollin' around in what's practically tanks—construction equipment reinforced with steel plates and heavy engines. They got cannons, not too powerful, but enough to be a pain. It ain't gonna be easy takin' them down..." Todd explained. Then, flashing his signature grin, he added, "That's why you're gonna want some recoilless rifles. I found some 84 mm blueprints that'd be perfect for takin' on those behemoths. Course, the ammo's extra."

I looked at him intently, evaluating his intentions. "So, you want me to handle the Ironmongers and, in the process, buy your recoilless rifles?" I said, crossing my arms.

Todd raised his hands in mock innocence. "Hey, I'm just thinkin' about makin' your life easier, Gaius. These rifles could be the key to neutralizin' their heavy vehicles. Plus, gettin' that factory back would be good for both of us—you protect the Legion's tributaries, and I get back what the Association lost," he said with his usual crafty tone.

"Interesting... but that's not how things work, Todd," I responded calmly, locking eyes with him. "Any recovered technology in a campaign must be auctioned, by direct orders from Lord Caesar. And, so far, only one person's been buying everything up…"

"Yeah, that bastard's been rakin' it in, gettin' advanced tech for pennies. I'm tellin' ya, Gaius, you should pay that guy a visit. He's robbin' the Legion blind, buying it all for himself," Todd said confidently, oblivious to the truth.

"Yes... I've made quite a fortune from it," I replied with a cryptic smile, glancing at my hands.

Todd's face froze, his expression completely blank for a moment. Then, all emotion drained from his face. "Wait… You? You were the one buying it all this time? And you tell me now? Damn it! What have I been doin' with my life? You're sittin' on an arms empire, and you're a damn military leader on top of it!" he exclaimed, a mix of shock, frustration, and begrudging admiration in his voice.

"Did it matter?" I asked, still wearing that same smile.

"Of course it mattered!" Todd blurted, before quickly shifting his tone to something more friendly and sly. "We could've teamed up, dominated the whole arms market... My friend, we'd be untouchable. And, speakin' of partnerships, I think I've got a sister, maybe a cousin—how 'bout I introduce you?" he said with his signature mischievous grin.

I raised an eyebrow at his sudden change of tone. "So now we're potential partners and family, huh?" I said with a hint of irony.

"Well, never hurts to strengthen ties, does it?" Todd chuckled nervously. "Just think about it. With your rank in the Legion and my connections in the Association, we could control the whole region's arms trade. We'd be unbeatable."

"It's an interesting proposition," I admitted, letting the idea linger for a moment. "But I can't compromise. The Legion has laws, Todd, and one of those is that marriages of legionaries aren't allowed."

"I get it, I get it," Todd nodded quickly, not losing his pace. "But consider a tech alliance. You bring the conquests, and I bring the expertise in advanced machinery. Picture it, Gaius: the Legion outfitted with the best gear, with us controlling the production. The future's golden, my friend."

"Manufacturing weapons isn't exactly rocket science, Todd," I said, smiling slightly. "But, yes, it takes time—time I don't have. As you know, I'm constantly on the move, conquering in the name of Caesar. I could be designing artillery mounts right now, but unfortunately, I've got a mission with the Ironmongers. And those super mutants aren't going to eliminate themselves."

Todd sighed, realizing the conversation had reached its limit for now. "Alright, Gaius. Just don't forget who's got your back when you need those rifles," he added with a grin, the slyness in his voice unmistakable.