Decanus Dead Sea

As the girls approach the village of Nelson they are stopped by several Legion soldiers.
Legion Guard "Have you come to Nelson seeking your death, Profligate?"
Rhodane "I'm just passing through."
Legion Guard "The Legion will decide that, Profligate, not you. Will you go before my Decanus for judement, or be killed where you stand?"
Rhodane "What's a Decanus?"
Legion Guard "My commander, you ignorant degenerate! Now, will you go before Dead Sea?"
Rhodane "Yes, we'll go before your Decanus."
Legion Guard "Follow me. Make any trouble, and you'll wind up on a cross - if you're lucky."
They are lead to the commander of the village's occupation force.
Decanus Dead Sea "Ave. Why have you come to Nelson?"
Rhodane "Who are you?"
Decanus Dead Sea "I am a loyal servant of Caesar, and I thank my good fortune for the day that he plucked me as a babe from the shore of the Great Salt Lake. For five years I have had the privilege of serving as a Decanus. If fortune continues to smile upon me, I will serve him until I draw my last breath. I hope that satisfies your curiosity about me, because I won't waste any more of Caesar's time talking about myself."
Rhodane "What's the situation here?"
Decanus Dead Sea "My orders are to hold Nelson. So far the enemy north of here has been too frightened to move against us. Why should it concern you?"
Rhodane "Why haven't you attacked the enemy?"
Decanus Dead Sea "I have attacked the enemy. I led the assault on Nelson with two contubernia against twice our number. It is Caesar's wish that we hold this position. Our mere presence this side of the Colorado humiliates and demoralizes the enemy."
Rhodane "You're demoralizing the enemy by leaving them alone?"
Decanus Dead Sea "I do not question Caesar's will! I do not second-guess! I butchered this town. Those who weren't hacked limb from limb were forced to throw themselves from the cliffs. Three more, I have just crucified. All this, in full view of the enemy's spotters to the north. Yes, our presence here demoralizes the enemy."
Rhodane "No offense intended. Carry on."
Decanus Dead Sea "You are not my Centurion! You aren't even Legion! I do not "carry on" at your command."
Rhodane "I'll be on my way."
Decanus Dead Sea "True to Caesar."