The atmosphere of the Vault was begining to change, and in a direction that would not favor Markus for much longer. He decided, sitting in the Congressional chambers and listening to the heated discussion between the Congressmen, to excellerate his planned exodus. Several of his agents, informants, and associates had already accumulated the supplies he would need out in the world. All that remained was to secure the release of Danjiela Novak and Khan. The two of them would be crucial to Markus' survival, and essential in gaining favor with the Princep once he returned to the fold. Apart from all that, Markus was not about to let either of them be executed for supporting the Coup when he was in a position to prevent it.
His original plan had called for the rescue of many more of the prisoners, though time and concealment became a priority, forcing Markus to focus his efforts on Novak and Khan. The remaining patriots, particularly Novak's soldiers, must remain behind. Their sacrifice weighed heavily on Markus' heart, but as he put his plan into motion, he mustered up the focus needed to complete the task before him. His authority as Congressman and his prowess as a con man worked flawlessly together, allowing him to trick the guards at the makeshift prison as well as any guards they encountered on their way out of the Vault. Their escape had gone without a hitch, though no doubt the repercussions would be felt in the Vault very soon. Markus was just glad he would not be around to answer for the chaos he had engineered.
Khan, for all his excentricities, had proved just as valuable as Markus had anticipated, leading their party through this new and strange world to a set of apartment buildings. The buildings themselves were deserted, though signs of life lingered, obviously indicating that at one point many people had taken up shelter there. A short time later, they discovered the tracks that would lead them to Nova Roma. What Markus saw was far grander than he'd imagined it would be. The Princeps had wasted no time making his vision a reality. Markus knew the moment he arrived in the Metro that Nova Roma would offer him far more than the Vault ever could. In a way, he had rescued himself as much as Novak and Khan.
Mirroring his first steps once he'd undertaken his ambitious plan, Markus decided to speak to the masses, though this time instead of addressing the fearful citizens of Vault 191 in the wake of tragedy, he stood in front of the hopeful men and women of Nova Roma, newly invigorated by the return of their fellows thought lost.
"My friends, it warms my heart to be amongst you once more, and to see you all not just well, but flourishing. I come before you a humble servant of the Princeps. Lost amidst the chaos and confusion brought on by the bloody savages that drove you from your homes, I lingered in the Vault, awaiting clarity of purpose. And then a vision befell me, and I knew it was my duty, in service of Nova Roma, to liberate her children from the clutches of her enemies. I did so, risking life and limb to bring my friends to safety."
Markus wrapped one arm each around Danijela and Khan, playing up his love and compassion for the pair of them.
"I come with knowledge as well. Knowledge of the state of the Vault since you left it. Without the guiding and loving hand of our beloved Princeps, the Vault we once called home is no more than a rats nest, infested with vile creatures clamoring for power and prestige. None more ravenously so than the traitor Edward Mycroft! He has confessed his sins and crimes gladly! He claims that he accepted the gracious appointment of Secundus, only so that he may undermine and betray us. The snake has shed his skin, and is once more welcome among his venomous brethren."
Markus had gotten swept up in his own speech, moving around and captivating his audience with vivid imagery and detail. He'd learned from the populous in his short time in Nova Roma that many had begun adopting Roman persona, starting with the Princeps, now called Lucius Claudius Agrippa. He decided that would be as good a place as any to finish his speech.
"I humbly offer myself in service to the Princeps, and hope that he will find in his infinite wisdom and compassion a place for me among the people of this beautiful society. In the spirit of Nova Roma, I request to be henceforth known as Marcus Caepasius Gracchus."