{Legate Varo}
The Shield beast succeeded. I'm happy he succeeded but not that he survived. I have released the hunting party's to hunt the planes, with the airfield destroyed they are aiming for the closest one. A few have landed in the airfield controlled by us but most are flying south and many are falling out of the sky. We have gliders searching from the sky and hunting parties on the ground to find any survivors. All according to plan.
There is a crash, shouting and then a recruit Decanus rushes to the door.
"My legate"
He is cut off as he is hauled back and then smashed into the doorframe. He slumps as the beast steps over him.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"My legate. The mission you approved for my shield bearers was a mistake at best and a blatant misuse of legion resources at worst."
He strides up to me and glares his face contorted in rage.
"We are a defensive fighting unit. NOT an assault squad sending us to assault the airfield was a strategic mistake."
"It worked Recruit Decanus Shield Bearer. You completed your task admirably which I will report to the Malpase Legate. Are you questioning me?"
"No my Legate I would never question someone appointed by the mighty Kaiser."
"Good."
He storms out of the room and I hear a scream as someone is thrown from the balcony.
He is a wildcard but I understand fully why he has risen to this rank. His personality and drive is beautiful, he could be something.
"Veteran Decanus."
"Yes my legate."
"Find the tasks that will challenge his corp most and assign them to him."
I must speak to Carter.
(Julius Carter)
My door slams open as the legate enters looking as ridiculous as ever, I see I was right to lower the doorframe just to see him negotiate it with that flag.
He walks up to my desk and gently places his fists on it.
"I gave you permission to deploy my shield corp however you saw fit."
"Yes and I thank you for it."
"I would like to know why they were sent on an assault mission."
"Look you gave me control, you HEAVILY implied you'd prefer it if they didn't survive. I'm sorry their suicide mission wasn't suicidy enough for you."
He leans in closer and his fingers let out a horrible clicking noise. From within the mouth of the bull he hisses.
"So you sent them on a suicide mission."
I stare up into the bull helmet trying desperately not to let my fear show. These people they aren't reasonable they don't think like normal people they don't pick the smart option. I hear the slight tremor in my voice as I say.
"They didn't die."
"No. They didn't. They came back the best of friends with the mercenary company I have a request on my desk for that company to be absorbed into the legion."
"Have them."
Traitors.
"I will but under this. Recruit Decanus Shield Bearer Frank is a very, very pious man. He has undergone the best training the legion offers he is the head of the shield bearer corp and from the reports he has been instrumental in them becoming what they are."
He leans in close and whispers.
"I will not protect you from him."
He straightens and strides out of my office.
Protect me? From who. That mindless zealot what can he do to me? I am the Caesar of Texas I will rule all he will do nothing. Even so I should deal with him.
{Legate Varo}
The radio crackles into life.
"Yes?"
"My Kaiser I have news about Carter."
"I know."
"My kaiser?"
"He has tried to thin your numbers correct?"
"Yes my Kaiser."
"It is to be expected Julius Carter is acting as I expected."
"I do not understand."
"Power. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Texas is mine!"
The radio dies?