Chapter 439 - Land Of The Legion

"I still think this is a stupid idea!" Josie quietly says to Tamia as they walk towards the entrance of Cottonwood Cove, Dogmeat following close beside them. Already they could see the various Legion scouts coming in and out of their peripheral, probably to report their approach.

"Yeah? Well, tough. You didn't give any better ideas so this is what we're stuck with!" Tamia retorts and elbows Josie to make her aware of the men approaching them.​​

They all wear red-sportswear that'd been reshaped into makeshift armour. Each wearing black shaded goggles and masks to protect their face from the sandy wind. "You are trespassing in Legion territory! State your business or bear the consequences!" the leader of the group commands, each of his men already prepared to draw their weapons.

Tamia gives the man a dull look, "Did Caesar not tell you all that I'd be coming?" she asks, flashing the Mark of Caesar she'd received. Upon seeing it the Legionaries all jolt and turn to their leader in deference.

"M-mark!? Forgive me, I was not aware Caesar had extended such a gift... You are here to meet with the Great Caesar then?"

Tamia nods, "I am, hopefully we can be quick about this, I have something of great import for Caesar." she states and the man rapidly nods.

"Of course! Follow me! Also, try to keep your mutt close." he says, leading the duo down the hill towards the Cove.

Tamia and Josie both look with barely concealed anger at the state of the place. Hundreds, if not thousands of Legionaries are present, red tents scattered as far as their eyes can see with one main building in the middle, judging by the antenna, it's most likely to communicate via the radio.

Nearby there's a caged area with many downtrodden and gaunt-looking people inside, each wearing a thick collar around their neck that occasionally flashed with a red light.

The leader upon noticing their gaze smiles at them, "Like the pens? After you've made your report to Caesar, I'll allow you to buy one of them... Perhaps a male?... No? Would you prefer younge-"

"No!... No. We prefer, erm, willing slaves... It is much more satisfying to have them lick our boots than to grovel and beg." Tamia says, sending a couple glances to Josie who's struggling to not punch the man.

The man slowly nods, "Ah, yes. I understand. I get where you are coming from, sometimes gratitude is much sweeter than terror... But both have their place."

"Are those all the slaves?" Tamia suddenly asks, remembering that they're supposed to be rescuing Karl's daughter.

The Legionary shakes his head, "Only the new ones we've managed to bring in. Why?"

"Just wondering... I thought the Legion would have far more slaves than that paltry sum." Tamia explains with a sheepish smile.

Soon enough they're led down to the dock itself, there's a small shack/bar next to it, as well as a large raft floating beside the end of the walkway. There's a single man standing atop it with a large paddle making Tamia wonder how he was going to transport them up the river without any help...

They aren't asked any other questions by the Legionaries, Caesar's word is law here, so questioning who he hands his mark to is tantamount to heresy... The punishment? Exterminatus... Just joking! It's only crucifixion.

Tamia and Josie are led onto the raft and told to sit, stand or whatever else is most comfortable for them. Afterwards the single man starts paddling with all his might up the river, sweat pools off of him almost immediately, and both of the duo are sure he'd pass out fairly soon.

Fortunately, he seems sturdier than initially expected. They're taken up the Colorado but not close enough to the Dam itself to be seen. Instead, they dock on the East side of the river and travel up a rather hidden pathway

After going through the secret passages and such, they are brought into the main defences of the Legion's frontlines. They're given odd looks, but ignored entirely as they're lead towards the Fort which sits on the top of the large hill.

The path to the Fort itself winds in zig-zag patterns up the hill, but eventually, they reach a large gate that leads to a bridge that overlooks a large pit. Before they're let inside however they're stopped by the gatekeeper, "Guests to the Fort are required to relinquish all prohibited weaponry." he states while looking at the duo with crossed arms.

Tamia looks at Josie and shrugs, handing over her revolver but leaving her Proton axe on her waist, no point letting them know what it does.

Josie does the same but the man continues to glare at Tamia, "What is that?" he asks, gesturing at the Proton axe.

Tamia shrugs, "It's a metal splint in case I hurt my leg again... I've got a niggling knee injury you see, and I don't trust the rotten pieces of wood that pass for splints." she explains, giving the most convincing look she can... Though, to most, it would just look like she was constipated.

The man takes it and looks it over, barely missing the ignition switch on it, he shrugs and hands it back, "Do not wield it inside the Fort or you will be dealt with immediately." he states and Tamia nods.

"What'll happen to our weapons?" Tamia asks, knowing that they'll probably not get them back with how shit was going to go down soon.

"I will return them to you when you exit. Now begone, Caesar has been eager to meet you." the man states, gesturing on the pathway ahead.

The duo continues forward with their guide leading them, they walk up the hill and are greeted by the sight of many slaves carrying excruciatingly heavy items on their deformed backs. They are all gaunt, skinny, and disease-ridden, showing just how terrible the conditions here really are.

More bafflingly were the children running here and there, occasionally throwing rocks at the slaves and laughing. "Little bastards." Josie mutters under her breath, trying not to glare dagger at them but failing spectacularly.