As you and Vulpes travel further into Legion Land, you notice a series of things that put the empire into perspective. Firstly, you are accosted only by the occasional mole rat or radscorpion. There are no raiders or overtly dangerous wildlife. Vulpes explains that every Legionary Recruit is sent on dangerous hunting missions to separate the wheat from the chaff. Those who survive this test are inducted into the legion as the front line of the Triplex Acies.

Secondly, the Legion is much more developed than you had given them credit for. While you don’t encounter any settlement that matches the great cities of the West, you pass many small farming settlements that live a quaint, if antiquated life. When inquiring about domestic policy with Vulpes, he puts it very plainly.

Those who follow Caesar's word of law live in peace and relative comfort. We do not shun all technology like NCR propaganda says. We have electricity in our cities, advanced irrigation and engineering. You should see the aqueducts under construction in New Rome, a testament to the power of unity within the Legion.

You see more evidence of this with the occasional patrol of Legionaries, or traveling caravans with no guards, just the trader and a small sidearm to deal with wildlife.

On the morning of the third day, the two of you arrive at Salernum, or that’s what the Legion is calling it. It seems to be a relatively untouched pre-war city of a few thousand.

We will see Caesar tonight, at his camp. I must replenish some provisions and I have a task I must complete while here. If you wish to look around, so be it but return to this spot in two hours’ time.

Vulpes turns to head into town while you consider the best course of action. Immediately, you head to the bustling market square to fulfill the other reason why you came along. You catch smatterings of conversation about wares and trade routes before weaseling your way into a group of merchants.

“...what’s of value in this Mojave, but I’ve heard they have plenty of gold and silver.”

Another man shakes his head in agreement.

“The Legion isn’t at war with whoever is in charge, right? I’ve heard a few caravans run there. You’ve heard what the Moneta Imperii is paying for those metals, right?”

You see your moment.

[Gentlemen, I can’t help but overhear your conversation. I apologize for eavesdropping but I trade in the Mojave and have some locals inquiring on what that region can provide to the Legion.]

The group of men look at you warily before the oldest one speaks up.

“As we were saying, Gold and Silver for Caesar’s mints. Aside from that, most of those living there are profligates with their degenerate vices. Armor and weaponry are always needed by the Legion, as well as steel and iron. Aquinas, anything else?”

The old merchant looks next to him at a younger man who must be his son.