James Maxlore had one last chance to save Maxlore Industries. He was due at the train yard in 2 hours and missing that appointment would mean the end of his beloved company—and a lifetime of hard work. Maxlore calmly ran his index finger over the passage he had just read and paused a moment before he closed the book. He felt strange comparing himself to Caesar, but the ancient emperor and Maxlore had remarkably similar philosophies. They both had made careers out of seeking trouble and wresting strategic advantage from its grasp. Like Caesar, Maxlore wanted his legacy to outlive him. But how could Maxlore have any legacy if he no longer had a company? He needed to think.

He plucked his hat and coat from the rack and, deep in thought, made his way out of the office. As he headed toward the elevator, his mind shifted back and forth between Rome and the task that lay ahead of him. Ancient Romans had used roads and aqueducts to build a mighty empire. If Maxlore was right, then America would regain her world leadership through the development of subterranean technology now in the 22nd century. Caesar’s legacy had been social stability and advanced infrastructure, but he did not accomplish these alone. Each successive emperor had to take on the name of Caesar thus adding his accomplishments to Caesar’s. And Maxlore? He was on the verge of either making a real difference or disappearing entirely. Tonight is the night, he thought.