The Loyal Lieutenants Act Eight Scene Three Sub Scene One

 

Act Eight

Scene Three

Sub-Scene One

The puzzle began to fit into the frame.

 

Caesar lies on the sofa with Lady Cleop sleeping on his chest. It has been a week since he made love to the lady half his age. It was rather pleasing for him, for he knew he was her first. She was all trying, but he was more experienced. She learned more from him, and it pleased him that once he was the coach, he was not being coached. He was preoccupied by her needs, but he was also focusing on the action in Rome.

The lieutenants were doing a fare task. There was no more killing after the attempt on Ashraf and Mark. The gangs were all on alert, but no new attacks occurred. He did ask Agrippa for updates, and he was told all was quiet then. He asked Mark about the Sicilian and was told that there was silence. It could mean two possibilities: they were involved or they were waiting on the sidelines. He heard reports that the northern gangs were also in turmoil there, and he decided to leave them out of the attack.

The report from Mark stated that the Parthians hinted at Pompey, but Caesar had his reservations. He does not trust Ashraf and does not doubt that Pompey was involved. The latter had been planning ever since his last defeat. It was not like Pompey to accept that, but the Consul had ruled then that Pompey be spared.

Caesar thought of calling Agrippa, but he needed to show him their mantle to lead the Romans. He placed Mark Antony as his other voice there, but Mark is junior to them in ranks unless he can prove himself well.

The last report was that he read of the death of Cicero, who was shot in the office. He was shot on the fringe of Roman’s territory. The secretary said some guys shot him, and she does not know who they were. No one dares to shoot a Consul member unless there is a conspirator among them or they are too brash to know the consequences.

But Lady Fulvia was always the vengeance lady. He heard of Lucius; it was rumoured that he was threatened, but no one lived up to it. It could be real or fake, but Cicero is dead. Fulvia removed the obstacle from the problem, and no Consul members will object to her action.

Not even Brutus, who was close to Cicero. He knew the scores well and kept his mouth silent. Then the folder came to his attention. Caesar read it and had deep thoughts on Brutus.

“Et tu, Brute?” (You too, Brutus?)

“Huh? Oh, hello, my dear. I did not know you were awake.” Lady Cleop woke up and stared at Caesar. She had marvelled at his scars and traced every wound, including the one on his left buttock. He told her that it was a wild shot that got him there.

“Yes, I am. How long has it been?” Caesar asked.

“Since we last fucked? I think it was long overdue.” Lady Cleop smiled. “Are you on for the next round?”

The lady had fondled his penis, which had remained flaccid. He shook his head and then pushed her off.

“You do not want me anymore?” Lady Cleop lay on her side with her legs crossed.

“No, I must attend to matters that need my attention. Can I meet Ptolemy today?” It has been a week since he last met the pharaoh.

“I would not know. I was told that he was not in Egypt. He travels to other cities.” Lady Cleop replied. “He avoids making decisions about Egypt.”

“I heard. You told me so, but that surprised me. Egypt is rich and... ”

“And yet we are paying tributes to the Sicilians, the ranchers, and even the southern cartels.” Lady Cleop sighed. “The empire was my father’s legacy, but Ptolemy is a weak leader. He shies from fights.”

“Was that why he came to us?” Caesar asked.

“Yes, that was his reason. He needed Rome to challenge the others.” Lady Cleop looked at Caesar. “The Romans are supreme in Rome and...”

“We were but...” Caesar held back the strength of the Romans then.

“You still reign supreme there?” Lady Cleop asked.

“Yes, we are.” Caesar said. “We have defeated the others to be the supreme gang there. We just negotiated a truce with the Sicilians to hold onto their boundary.”

“That is why I said the Romans are supreme. You held the Sicilians to their boundary. Not many could do that.” Lady Cleop smiled. “We are impressed.”

Caesar did not share that it was the task of Mark Antony. However, the lieutenant did the task well.

“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory; tactics without strategy are the noise before defeat.” Lady Cleop said. “It is from Sun Tsu, an ancient Chinese military strategist.”

“I am……” Caesar was impressed by the lady’s reading. “As you are knowledgeable, tell me what I should do with... Rome.”

“The reports that you leave on the desk. I read them while you were asleep. It was no fun to watch you sleep. You snored. I much prefer you awake,” Lady Cleop smiled.

“Then tell me my strategy.” Caesar looked at her. The lady spread her legs and smiled.

“Get into me, and I will be able to tell you more.”