Sunlight slams across an olive grove as Zander arrives without warning, dust swirling around his sneakers. Below, a fortified military outpost cuts stark lines into the ancient landscape.
His fleece jacket, graphic shirt, track jeans, sketchbooks, Scout belt, dog tags, and glowing Apple Watch make 2026 impossible to mistake for anything belonging here.
Zander Lucklin
The outpost is close enough to see, and the Chronocom still has power.
A rugged Roman legionary, a broad-shouldered adult man with sun-browned skin, cropped dark hair, and a weathered face, emerges between the olive trees in battered armor.
Marcus Vibius Varro
State your name and purpose! What are you doing here?
He raises his weapon and advances, sandals grinding over dry soil. The Chronocom catches his Latin, then stutters through its translation several heartbeats late.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Do not move, stranger. Explain yourself before I summon the others.
✓ Quest Accepted
Gain the legionary's permission to move under scrutiny
Director's note
Zander slowly raises his palms to show he's unarmed
“"I'm lost—I don't mean any harm."”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Zander Lucklin
I'm lost. I don't mean any harm.
Zander slowly raises both palms, keeping the Chronocom visible without reaching toward it. Dust settles around his sneakers as the Roman legionary studies his empty hands.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Lost, you say? Then lower your voice and keep those hands where I can see them.
The Roman legionary's weapon dips a fraction. His suspicion remains, but the immediate threat drains from his stance as the delayed translation finishes chiming.
Marcus Vibius Varro
You will come with me to the outpost. No chains, if you remain peaceful.
Zander Lucklin
His weapon is lowered, but still ready.
He steps aside and gestures toward the fortified gate, maintaining distance while allowing Zander a clear, unblocked path down from the olive grove.
Quest Complete
Gain the legionary's permission to move under scrutiny
Director's note
Zander nods and begins walking toward the gate, keeping his hands visible
“"Fair enough. Lead the way....Though I take it my outerwear of track pants and gray sneakers aren't typical clothes around here? Shocked you didn't mention it."”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Zander Lucklin
Fair enough. Lead the way. Though I take it my track pants and gray sneakers aren't typical clothes around here? Surprised you didn't mention it.
Zander nods and starts down the slope with both hands still visible. His sneakers scrape loose soil, while the Chronocom's delayed translation chimes against the grove's silence.
Marcus Vibius Varro
I noticed. I was more concerned with whether those hands held a weapon.
The legionary leads without turning his back, glancing repeatedly at Zander's striped trousers and gray footwear. Each glance sharpens the attention already gathering near the gate.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Your clothing is foreign, stranger. Very foreign. Inside, you will explain where such garments are made.
At the gate, a sentry calls out. The legionary answers in clipped Latin, and the Chronocom translates only after the exchange has ended, costing precious seconds of clarity.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Keep walking. Do not reach for that glowing device unless you are told. The men here are already watching you.
✓ Quest Accepted
Explain the origin of the foreign clothing
Director's note
Zander keeps his hands visible as they reach the gate, his gaze lingering on the legionary's broad shoulders and sun-weathered jaw. He swallows against a sudden flicker of warmth in his chest before focusing, refusing his arousal to be noticed.
Director's note
Zander offers a calm, friendly nod.
“"Fair enough. The clothes come from a distant land across the sea—woven by master artisans using strange dyes and lightweight rubber for running." "If I'm going to be answering questions inside, do you mind telling me who I'm walking with? What's your name, rank, and how long have you been serving out here?"”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Zander Lucklin
The clothes come from a distant land across the sea, woven by master artisans with strange dyes and lightweight rubber for running. If I am answering questions inside, who am I walking with? Your name, rank, and how long you have served here?
Zander keeps both hands visible as they reach the gate, offering a calm, friendly nod. His gaze lingers briefly on the Roman legionary's broad shoulders and sun-weathered jaw before returning to the path.
Marcus Vibius Varro
A distant land, perhaps. Your account is strange, but not impossible. I am Marcus Vibius Varro, optio of the Second Legion Augusta.
The sentry, a young adult man with a lean build, light skin, short sandy hair, and a red-crested bronze helmet over a brown tunic watches Zander's glowing device while Marcus continues through the gate. The Chronocom renders each Latin phrase after a delayed chime, turning the exchange into measured fragments.
Marcus Vibius Varro
I have served Rome for eleven years, and this outpost for the last three. You may call me Optio Varro. Keep your hands visible, and we will have no trouble.
Zander Lucklin
The translation delay makes every answer arrive in pieces.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Now we enter the questioning room. You will explain this distant land, your device, and why you appeared beside our grove.
Quest Complete
Explain the origin of the foreign clothing
Director's note
Zander glance between Optio Varro's sturdy frame and the sharp, athletic sentry by the gate, feeling an internal pulse of attraction that he carefully masks behind a calm, confident smile. He slows his pace slightly as they cross the threshold into the courtyard.
Director's notewhole tale
Zander offers the sentry an open, friendly nod, using his charm to build rapport before they step inside.
“"Eleven years with the Second Legion is impressive, Optio Varro. And what about your friend here at the gate? Does every sentry on duty keep such a sharp eye, or am I just getting special treatment today? What's your name, soldier?" "I'm happy to answer whatever you need—just trying to get my bearings in a place that's a bit far from home."”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Zander Lucklin
Eleven years with the Second Legion is impressive, Optio Varro. And your friend at the gate? Do all sentries watch this sharply, or am I receiving special treatment? What's your name, soldier? I'm happy to answer whatever you need. I'm just finding my bearings somewhere far from home.
Zander offers the sentry an open, friendly nod and slowly raises his palms again. His gaze moves between Varro's sturdy frame and the sharp, athletic guard before settling behind a calm, confident smile.
Titus Aelius
Titus Aelius. I have stood this gate for two years. We watch every stranger sharply, though you are certainly more unusual than most.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Your courtesy is noted. Titus, record his name and belongings. I will conduct the questions inside.
Titus Aelius
Titus Aelius, as said. The glowing device remains in your hand, stranger. Is it some foreign writing tablet, or a signaling instrument?
Titus steps aside and gestures toward the courtyard, his attention divided between Zander's unusual clothing and the Chronocom's faint electronic chimes. The gate closes behind them.
Marcus Vibius Varro
You will explain it under shelter, where the delay in its translation does not confuse the whole outpost. Walk beside me, and answer plainly.
Director's note
Zander matches Marcus's steady pace as they cross the stone courtyard, his eyes taking in the worn leather straps across Marcus's broad chest and the quiet authority in his posture.
Director's note
Zander turns his focus to Marcus, dropping his voice to a smooth, conversational tone as they approach the shelter doors. I'm trying to get intimate and sexy details from them, without them knowing. To fuel my desires
“"It's a bit of both, Titus—think of it as a personal sundial and star-chart. It helps me stay oriented and keep time." "Eleven years in the legion is a long time, Optio. A man doesn't stay in shape or survive that long without real discipline—or something waiting for him at home. Do you have a wife or husband waiting back in Rome, or is a rugged life in the barracks all you need?"”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Zander Lucklin
It's a bit of both, Titus. Think of it as a personal sundial and star-chart. It helps me stay oriented and keep time.
Titus Aelius
A device that carries the heavens in your hand? Useful, if your explanation is true. It is an unusual kind of tablet.
Titus studies the Chronocom without reaching for it, then resumes walking across the stone courtyard. Its faint chime answers his measured steps beneath the shelter awning.
Zander Lucklin
Eleven years in the legion is a long time, Optio. A man does not stay in shape or survive that long without discipline, or something waiting for him at home. Do you have a wife or husband in Rome, or is barracks life enough?
Marcus Vibius Varro
You ask direct questions for a stranger. I have a wife in Rome, and two sons. They are why discipline matters, and why I intend to return alive.
Titus Aelius
Varro speaks truth. He keeps their letters beneath his breastplate, though he would deny sentiment if challenged.
Varro gives Titus a hard sideways look, but the corner of his mouth shifts. He opens the shelter door and gestures Zander inside, while the sentry follows with the register.
Director's note
Zander steps into the shelter, taking in the dim interior as his eyes adjust. He casts a appreciative glance toward Marcus as the Optio moves, noting the strain of muscles beneath heavy armor and leather.
Director's note
Zander offers a warm, lighthearted chuckle, leaning back against the wooden table.
“"A devoted family man—that explains the focus. But three years away from Rome is a long stretch, Marcus. How does a soldier keep his body and mind sharp out here during those long, cold watch nights? Heavy armor like that must take a toll—I'm guessing you've earned a few scars and tight shoulders over eleven years." "Do you guys ever actually get a moment to relax, loosen the chest plate, and take a steam bath, or is it strictly military business twenty-four seven? You must look good under all that armor..."”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Zander Lucklin
A devoted family man. That explains the focus. But three years away from Rome is a long stretch, Marcus. How do you keep your body and mind sharp during those cold watch nights?
Zander Lucklin
Heavy armor must take a toll. I imagine eleven years have earned you scars and tight shoulders. Do you ever loosen the chest plate, take a steam bath, and relax? You must look good under all that armor.
Inside the shelter, lamplight catches on Marcus Vibius Varro's breastplate and the weathered leather beneath it. He pauses beside the table, visibly weighing the boldness of the compliment while Titus hides a grin behind the register.
Marcus Vibius Varro
You notice much for a man who claims to be lost. The armor bruises before it breaks us, and the cold sharpens every joint. We train, stretch, oil the leather, and keep watch.
Marcus Vibius Varro
As for baths, yes. When duty permits, the men use the steam room. A soldier who never rests becomes a danger to his fellows. And you find me attractive beneath the armor?
Titus Aelius
He has asked the question plainly, Optio. You should answer plainly as well, though I would advise removing the breastplate first if you want a fair judgment.
Marcus Vibius Varro gives Titus a warning glance, but his stern expression softens. He unfastens one shoulder strap, revealing the practical linen beneath, and gestures toward a bench for the questioning.
Director's note
Zander takes a seat on the wooden bench, crossing one leg with casual, athletic poise. His gaze follows the unfastened shoulder strap, a confident, amused smile resting on his lips as his scar catches the lamplight.
Director's note
Zander turns his head toward Titus with a light, conspiratorial smirk.
Director's note
scene ends, and a new scene begins. the interrogation
“"I'm a designer, Marcus—I have an eye for form, structure, and good craft. And let's just say the frame under that leather speaks for itself." "Titus raises a valid point, though. Hard to give an accurate assessment when half the metal's still in the way. But if this is standard Roman interrogation, I think I'm going to like it here. Fire away, Optio—what else do you need to know about me?"”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Zander Lucklin
I'm a designer, Marcus. I have an eye for form, structure, and good craft. And the frame under that leather speaks for itself.
Zander Lucklin
Titus raises a valid point, though. Hard to assess accurately with half the metal in the way. If this is standard Roman interrogation, I may like it here. Fire away, Optio. What else do you need to know about me?
Zander settles onto the bench with casual athletic poise, one leg crossing over the other. Lamplight catches his scar and the loosened shoulder strap as Marcus studies him.
Marcus Vibius Varro
You make a compliment sound like testimony. Very well. Tell me your city, your people, and how you came to this outpost without a road or escort.
Titus Aelius
And explain the device plainly this time. Your strange tablet has already drawn enough attention to make the whole gate curious.
The Chronocom emits a sharp, delayed chime, its power indicator dropping another small notch. Titus records the sound and the flirtation alike, while Marcus pulls the register closer.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Begin with the device, stranger. Then we will decide whether your story belongs in the register or under guard.
Director's note
Zander glances down as the Chronocom dims slightly, and how you're lucky it's solar powered before looking back up at Marcus with a calm, steady gaze.
Director's note
I always had an idea for a fake nation called AJTON, and since the United States doesn't exist for another thousand years, why not have fun
“"I come from a distant land far across the western ocean called... AJTON. The device is a timepiece and map—it tracks time and translates tongues. I didn't use a road; an unexpected storm of light pulled me from my home directly into your olive grove. I'm just a designer and survivalist trying to stay safe while I wait for my people to locate my signal. For what I mean by being pulled from my home to here, I'll answer later."”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Zander Lucklin
I come from a distant land across the western ocean called AJTON. The device is a timepiece and map. It tracks time and translates tongues.
Zander Lucklin
I did not use a road. An unexpected storm of light pulled me from my home directly into your olive grove. I am a designer and survivalist, trying to stay safe while my people locate my signal.
Zander Lucklin
As for what I mean by being pulled from home to here, I will answer that later.
The Chronocom dims slightly in Zander's hand, its solar reserve still holding. He glances down at it, then returns his steady attention to Marcus as the shelter settles into tense quiet.
Marcus Vibius Varro
AJTON is not marked on any chart I know. A storm of light that carries a man without a road sounds like a tale, yet your device and clothing make ordinary explanations difficult.
Titus Aelius
It translates our tongues, records the hours, and shows maps? Then it is more than a tablet. How does your people locate its signal?
Marcus Vibius Varro
You may reserve the storm's deeper explanation for later, stranger. For now, I will record AJTON, your occupation, and your claim that you await rescue. Keep the device visible.
✓ Quest Accepted
Avoid being confined as a suspected threat to Rome
Director's note
Zander leans back against the bench with an easy, relaxed posture, letting his eyes trace the exposed muscle of Marcus's chest before casting a playful smirk toward Titus.
Director's note
deciding not to tell them I'm from the future, just yet at least
“Here is a line to copy into your **Action** box that answers their questions about the signal while keeping the atmosphere flirty: > ** ** "The signal works like an invisible beacon—once my people trace it, they'll know where I am. But until then, I'm at your mercy, gentlemen. Though if being 'under guard' means spending more time in cozy shelter quarters with two handsome legionaries who know how to handle a chest plate, I might just let you keep me here a little longer."”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Zander Lucklin
The signal works like an invisible beacon. Once my people trace it, they will know where I am. Until then, I am at your mercy, gentlemen. Though if being under guard means cozy shelter quarters with two handsome legionaries who know how to handle a chest plate, I might let you keep me here a little longer.
Zander offers Titus an open, friendly nod, then leans back against the wooden table with a warm chuckle. He settles onto the bench, crossing one leg as his gaze follows Marcus's loosened shoulder strap.
The Chronocom answers with a sharp electronic pulse. Its signal reaches beyond the outpost, but the solar reserve drops visibly, one bar vanishing beneath the dim display.
Titus Aelius
An invisible beacon that calls your people across the world? And you offer yourself to our mercy while calling us handsome. You are either remarkably brave or poorly advised.
Marcus Vibius Varro
If your people can trace that signal, then they can find this outpost. I will have the device recorded and watched, not confiscated. Your rescue claim is now testable.
Marcus retightens the loosened strap without fully covering the linen beneath. Titus leans closer to inspect the fading display, his register forgotten for the moment.
Marcus Vibius Varro
You may remain under guard here, stranger. But spend the device's power carefully. Until your people arrive, every signal makes Rome more curious about you.
Director's note
Zander taps the Chronocom display lightly, giving Marcus and Titus a confident, teasing smile as he leans forward.
Director's note
nudge nudge wink wink I mean cocks but they don't know
“Here is a ready-to-copy line for your **Action** box: > ** ** "Don't worry—it's solar-powered and holds enough reserve to last two full days even in total darkness. But if you two are concerned about me using up all its power talking, I'm sure we can find much better, more... hands-on ways to keep my mouth occupied while we wait."”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Zander Lucklin
Don't worry, it's solar-powered and holds enough reserve to last two full days even in total darkness. But if you're concerned about me using its power talking, I'm sure we can find much better, more hands-on ways to keep my mouth occupied while we wait.
Zander taps the Chronocom, then turns toward Titus with a conspiratorial smirk. The display dims again, and another reserve bar disappears despite the sunlight outside.
Titus Aelius
Two days in darkness, you say? Then your device is impressive. As for your mouth, stranger, I suspect you are inviting trouble deliberately.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Your confidence exceeds your caution. Still, the device has demonstrated enough value that I will not risk wasting its reserve on idle examination.
Marcus reaches for the register instead of the Chronocom, recording its remaining reserve. His loosened armor shifts as he leans across the table, while Titus watches Zander's expression.
Marcus Vibius Varro
You will keep it charged by daylight and use it only for necessary signals. Conversation, however, need not involve the device. Titus, see that our guest receives food and a place to sit.
Titus Aelius
Gladly. Though if he continues speaking this way, Optio, the shelter may become considerably warmer without help from the sun.
Director's note
Zander chuckles softly, glancing between Marcus and Titus with an amused expression.
Director's note
Zander flashes Titus a playful grin.
“"As much as I'd love to save the battery, Marcus, there's a small catch—this device is actually translating our words in real-time. Without it, my Latin is non-existent, and you'd just hear foreign gibberish. So if we want to keep understanding each other, we need this little 'sundial' powered up." "And trust me, Titus, you definitely don't want to miss a word of what I have to say next." (I wink)”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Zander Lucklin
As much as I'd love to save the battery, Marcus, this device translates our words in real time. Without it, my Latin is nonexistent, and you'd hear gibberish. We need it powered to understand each other.
Zander Lucklin
And trust me, Titus, you definitely don't want to miss a word of what I have to say next.
Zander taps the Chronocom, then winks at Titus with a teasing smile. The display dims beneath his finger, and another reserve bar vanishes in the bright shelter doorway.
Titus Aelius
I believe you. Without the device, your foreign speech would leave us deaf to your meaning, and I have no wish to miss your next provocation.
Marcus Vibius Varro
Then it remains powered during daylight and for necessary conversation. I will amend the register: the device is essential for communication, not merely a curiosity.
Marcus writes the order into the register, granting the Chronocom protected use while the lost reserve bar leaves its remaining power visibly diminished. His eyes stay fixed on Zander.
Marcus Vibius Varro
But understand this, stranger. Every word now depends on that little sundial, and every word it carries gives me another reason to study you.
Quest Complete
Avoid being confined as a suspected threat to Rome
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Good→Great