Act Zero
Scene Seven.
At the inner western part of
Rome city, in a Persian-styled coffeeshop, Ashraff of the Parthians, dressed
like any workmen in a casual shirt and pants with rubber shoes, sipped his hot
black tea, then saw the arrival of his guest. Pompey Genous was not one with
the fanfare, but that day, he was with extra boys. The three T-Fords were their
carriage to the Parthian territory.
“Please have a seat. I have
prepared for you our traditional Parthian chicken, blended with our own
ingredients; the love, also tradition Rome’s herbs, and the laser; the spice
from northern Africa valued by the Mediterranean chefs.” Ashraf smiled. “And the
fruit wine of my home country.”
“Most fascinating, Ashraf,
but I will settle for a hot tea.” Pompey smiled.
"You are humble, Roman.
How may we... shall I say work together?” Ashraf went straight to the issue of
the meeting.
“You are probably aware that
Caesar is away...” Pompey smiled. “The cat is away, and the mice begin to
play.”
“In my country, it was the
mouse who helped the lion take out the thorn.”
“Exactly my thoughts,
Ashraf. Can or... would you do it?” Pompey was served his hot tea then.
“You must be delusional, or
I am mad to listen to you.” Ashraf looked at Pompey. “Was one defeat not enough
for you?”
“A smart leader knew when to
retreat to regroup.” Pompey defended his action then.
“A smarter soldier knew whom
to fight for in any war.” Ashraf smiled.
“A better soldier knew how
to fight the new battle.”
“I am not….” Ashraf looked
toward his tea.
“Perhaps this could. You get
to expand your territory, and the Romans will be in another civil war. A split
Roman is as good as a dead Roman, in some ways.”
“If that were to happen, why
would I share with you, my gains?” Ashraf looked at Pompey.
“Because without the Romans,
there will be a new empire under a new Emperor.” Pompey smiled. “Shall I say a
new republic?”
“Who else is in the
Republic?” Ashraf looked at Pompey. “You would not be here to patronize me
without other allies.”
“Visigoths, Muddles, and
Tongs.” Pompey smiled. “The new Republic.”
“And Egypt.” Pompey added.
“I can consider.” Ashraf
looked at Pompey.
“There is an entrance
requirement. You must perform a task first.” Pompey pushed the note across the
table. “Do this, and you are in on an equal share.”
Ashraf picked up the note
and read the note.
‘Mark Antony’
“Remove him.” Pompey stood
up. “And thank you for the tea. Can I take the chicken as a takeaway, please?”
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