Silver Reign

One: When in Rome

//Report: Quinn, Jackson
//The bustling city of Rome.
//Italy.
//The Via Claudia.
//Temperature: 25° Celsius (11°F)
//Begin log.

Rome. City of marble and ruins. Rome's ancient history, once the life of so many a historian, was that of dominance, failure and reinvention. Just like the city of old, the Roman capital had fallen to civil war shortly before the Third World War. Rebellion ravaged Italy's capital city, with its citizens taking a stand against their complacent government. Although Italy's politicians refused to allow their country to partake in the oncoming war, they knew they would not be safe for long.

On the day the warheads were launched, many cities were targeted, including Rome. But the Italian government had been quietly preparing for the worst, fortifying Rome’s infrastructure to withstand the impending devastation. When nuclear fire consumed much of the world, Rome emerged from the ashes with its technological and cultural heart intact. 

In the years just prior to the Third World War, the Colosseum, once a symbol of ancient gladiatorial combat, had been transformed into the Capitoline Reactor—a subterranean fusion reactor and energy distribution hub, now integral to the city's survival in the post-war world.

With its reactor protected deep underground, Rome had baeen one of the fastest cities to rebuild after the Age of Steel Skies.

With an incredibly potent source of clean power, the Italian capital suddenly found itself part of a booming robotics craze, fueled by the emergence of Axion Industries. 

However, not all was well in Rome. After the age of nuclear warheads had run its course, the Italian government was rendered destitute from the costly development of the reactor and the reconstruction of the city. Partnering with the United States, and Axion Industries, had saved their economy. 

The Italian government's massive Capitoline Facility, used to house the titular reactor’s energy stores and other critical components, soon served a second purpose—the world's largest mech factory. 

Life was good in Rome. Axion Industries kept the Capitoline Reactor running and gave the people of Rome jobs manufacturing and shipping their mechs, dropships and IRON chips. People in Rome designed, bought and sold mechs like they were cars, creating a haven of peace built on the foundation of war.

Eleven hours after his escape from the Firmament, I walked down the sunny Via Claudia, blending into the throng of pedestrians and tourists. The afternoon sun was bright, casting dappled light through the trees lining the streets. The sunlight was just warm enough to offset the first chill of the fall season.

 Storefronts buzzed with activity, and the people around me chatted in a language I couldn’t understand, but found soothing nonetheless.

Beside me, Amani Cadenza held my hand, the two of us playing the part of tourists. We’d exchanged our tattered jumpsuits for casual clothes purchased from a nearby shop, disposing of our old outfits discreetly.

Despite the peaceful setting, I felt on edge. Each uncloaked dropship that passed overhead was a stark reminder of Axion’s dominance in the city.

I scanned the bustling Via Claudia, taking in the vibrant scene. Even dressed in civilian clothes—a simple white t-shirt and dark blue jeans—I felt out of place. 

Beside me, Amani Cadenza moved with a grace that belied her role as a soldier. Her pale skin caught the sunlight, creating a striking contrast to her vibrant red hair, which she’d tied back in a loose ponytail. Her green eyes, sharp and ever watchful, darted from storefront to storefront, absorbing the details of their surroundings. She was dressed in a soft, olive-green blouse and a pair of well-worn jeans that allowed for easy movement.