"Get up Domina your First day of Academy is today your going to be late"
I sigh, "Fine, Lupa. What time is it?" "It's thirty minutes past six, Domina." I groan trying to wake up, "Lupa. Prepare a bath." "Already done Domina" I get out from under the sheets dreading the morning. I've never been a morning person. Lupa was the Head Retainer of my house's Fortress Villa. A beautiful but yet deadly place. The House Retinue can be heard drilling in the parade yard. "Lupa!" I scream
"Yes Domina"
"Where's dad"
"He took a flight to Roma today something about the damned Martians!"
"Ah yes those fools thank you, Domina I'll be down in twenty."
"Hurry Domina you can't be late."
I hurry and get my bath and get dressed. It did not matter what I wore. For I would be issued uniforms once I arrived at the Roma College of Military Arts. "Lupa I'm ready!" I say. She responds, "Yes Domina your ride is outside"
I booked it to the car which was driven by Mr. Arnheim Von Hoogensburg. With two guards from the Family Retinue. Eventually I make it to the Atlantia Airport where I see other people formed up. I sigh as I exit the vehicle. A Centurion is calling off names as I rush into formation. He calls out my name and I sound off with "Present Dominus." He looks and arcs a brow "Bit late? Hmm?"
"Apologies, Dominus, won't happen again"
He continues on till all eighty names are called off. Then he shouts "Everyone I am Centurion Decimus of the Four Hundredth Ninety Fifth Officer Training Legion. You are all in and will mostly make up the Twentieth Cohort y'all are the Third Century. Do I make my self clear?!"
We all shout "Yes Dominus!"
"Good there are some rules which you will be informed of when we get there. But the number one rule! Do as I say and we won't have problems! Do I make myself clear?!"
"Yes Dominus"
"Good, now board the Shuttlecraft"
"Yes Dominus!"
We rush into the Shuttlecraft, stow our two bags each and buckle up. The flight takes roughly one and a half hours before we land in Roma. When we get out we are Shocked at the beauty of the city. But, the beauty is short lived as we're rushed onto a series of buses and driven to the Roma College of Military Arts.
We spend the next few hours getting our Fatigues, Armor, and Dress Uniforms. We eat and then get filed into a line. We stand around and get our shots or updates of shots for hours. Then we get in another line for an hour. Eventually I see the Legatus of the School and the Prefectus Castrum. The Prefectus Castrum yells "Next!" I see that's me and I walk up. "Ave Dominus" The Legatus looks at me quizzically. The Prefectus Castrum says, "Cadet Name, Number, Branch of Service, Province of Birth, Field of Study, and any Letters of Mark"
I look at the Prefectus Castrum, "As you wish Dominus. Neapolia Lucanius Quintillicus, Identification Number 7778903325; Imperial Legions; Provincia Americae Septentrionalis; Siege, Infantry, and Artillery" I then procure my Letters of Mark, four from Legates, one from a Prefectus Legatus, one from a Praetor, and One from the Emperor. The Prefectus Castrum looks at me and says "all noted. Copies made. stand in the waiting room the Legatus will speak to you when Available" I respond with "As you wish Dominus." And Head to where I was told to go.
Some time passes and eventually the Legatus enters. "Cadet Quintillicus take a seat." I do as commanded. He sits and looks at me "Cadet it's rare to see some one of Imperial Blood not pursuing political advancement. What brings you to the Legions?"
"Sir, It's simple my House has been in service of Rome since the founding of the Republic. My eldest brother and sister wished not to continue on that legacy. I do."
"Hmm interesting. I feel your time here will be greatly recorded. I expect only the best from you. What religion do you practice."
"The old gods of the Roman Pantheon, sir"
He looks at me with a poker face "Hmm, well may the gods bless your endeavors. Dismissed."
I walk out and rejoin my companions and we get assigned rooms. I was bunked with three other females. We had the rest of the weekend off. Our classes start the upcoming Monday