The Loyal Lieutenants Act Four Scene One Sub Scene Two

 

Act Four

Scene One

Sub-Scene Two

Caesar’ said

 

Caesar held the meeting at the library with his lieutenants; they were Agrippa, Menas and Lepidus. Mark was invited there too. Jeeves served the drinks and left the chamber.

“I am to leave for Egypt for stay. I am intrigue by the influence of Rome to be there.” Caesar looked to the gathered. “In my absence, all three of you will share the responsibility here. All decisions will be with the vote and the majority command.”

Caesar knew that the three will joust for influence. He does not trust Menas for the lieutenant was once with Pompey.  Lepidus was a neutral in the trio; he had not shown any affliction to any Consult members and may needed his scrutiny. He has faith with Agrippa; the devoted lieutenant of his.

“If ever all three of you needed to discuss matters outside, that person will be Mark Antony. He will act as my liaison to the three of you.”

That appointment surprised the trio for Mark Antony was not a member of the trusted circle of Caesar.

“I want Mark to be Consulted on if ever you need a fresh view.” Caesar looked at the trio. He knew by declaring Mark there, he was providing them a wedge in the trio, but it was his way of sharing power. He needed Mark to be the unknown factor in the trio during his absence.

“Caesar, we could always reach you ……” Trust for Menas to voice out.

“You could but the need for quick decision needed all three of you to act and if there is a stalemate, Mark will be my ……... intervening voice. “

Mark was stunned by the appointment. He was away most times from Rome to handle the delicate tasks.

“Caesar, if I may……” Mark was to speak but Caesar continued.

“I placed my faith in Mark to be ……. Decisive. He had handled some tasks of ours and came back with good results.” Caesar looked at the trio. “His inexperience at Rome needs your guidance.”

“Be aware of Pompey, Cicero, and ……... some other Consul members. They may have Rome in their heart but not me. I trust you will all work to avoid that.” Caesar smiled. “I may be away for one season or two, so keep the Romans at the helm of things at Rome.”

Caesar dismissed the trio but Mark was asked to stay.

“Yu may be surprised that I asked you to be the fourth member of the new triumvirate of Rome.” Caesar smiled.

“You did not say ……” Mark was cut off.

“Triumvirate? Yes, I did not mention that. The trio can manage Rome well, but they need a fresh perspective as I do. You done a great job with the Sicilians. Now, I need to strengthen Rome's's influence in the South East, and Egypt will be the beginning.” Caesar looked at Mark.

“I will be direct. Rome is secured for now. The Romans ruled supreme, but we are one too many. The Sicilian was to engage us in war, but your negotiations averted that. Besides them, we have the Visigoths, the Muddles, and the Tongs, along with Pompey. He has been relieved of his role as Consul, but he held the influence of many there. Brutus is one whom he befriends. And, Cicero, you wife’s enemy.”

“Our last was the civil war between me, Pompey, and Crassus caused us more damage than was reported. We lost the loyalty of some of the boys and split between factions. The war ended fast, and we learned the truth from our enemies. If the others knew, the Romans would be attacked.”

“Pompey knew that and promised me that he would keep his boys with the Romans. He knew that if he went on his own, he would be taken over by the others. We swore an oath to keep the Romans the power in Rome.”

“The Consuls remained but smaller in numbers to better control them, but they are still split by factions. Brutus leads one faction to overthrow me. Pompey remains on the sidelines for the battle.”

“Who do you trust, Caesar?” Mark asked.

“No one. Not even you, but we are soldiers of the Romans. Legionnaires, we took an oath to protect each other. I trust you will remember the oath.” Caesar smiled. “I have my faith in Enobarbus and maybe Lepidus, but not Menas. I kept Menas neat to know what he was up to.”

“And Brutus?” Mark asked. 

“Brutus Sextus and myself go along way long way back. We are like...like... blood brothers but not Legionnaires.” Caesar smiled. “I hold another secret to share with you. I have a half-brother, younger in age named Octavia. He is away doing his studies. If I am to die, he will be the next Caesar. That is my legacy.”

Mark was disappointed there. Why would Julius Caesar not appoint one of the Consul members to be the next Caesar? Why the unknown half-brother?

“Mark, I trust you will be at his side.” Caesar made the line toward Mark. “As a Legionnaire, you will carry out the oath.”

“I ……” Mark was confused.

“I know you are confused. Please believe in me. One day, you will have your own territory to rule. Perhaps east of Rome and Octavia in the west, where he will be Emperor but he will not intrude on your territory. You will however, ensure that with him all of Rome will always have the Romans as supreme.”

“What of Pompey, Fulvia, and Cicero?" Cicero?" Mark asked.

“I like you for thinking ahead. Anyone who is not your friend is your enemy.” Caesar smiled. “I entrust it to you, Enobarbus. He can be trusted.”

“I have not spoken to him on the case of Moses. And Issac.” Mark looked away. “We were......”

“Find out who shot you. It could be any of the names I mentioned here.” Caesar told Mark. “Do be careful. And do not even trust Fulvia. She may be your wife, but she has her own plans. Cicero is a fence sitter. He will lean on whoever is winning, except Fulvia.”

“Look up the new Treasury Agent. They know more than we do at times.” Caesar said.

“I am leaving for Egypt tomorrow.”