The Loyal Lieutenants Act Eight Scene Two Sub Scene One

 

Act Eight

Scene Two

Sub-Scene One

The alliance

 

“The Stoics say that he who suffers before it is necessary suffers more than is necessary.” Mark looked at Ashraf from the Parthian side. They met at the neutral spot—the coffeeshop that served the ‘joe’ that most others liked and tea as it was in the neighbourhood of the Middle Eastern groups.

“I learned that a long time ago.” Ashraf smiled. “The Quran 59.9 says, “In fact, they give them preference over themselves, yet they are poor themselves; anyone who is saved from the greed of his selfish desires is successful.” Likewise, Marcus writes in Meditations 9.42, “A human being is formed by nature to benefit others, and, when he has performed some benevolent action, he has done what he was constituted for and has what is properly his.” (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/islam-stoicism-how-prophet-marcus-aurelius-lessons-continue-usman/).

“Ashraf, you are a learned scholar of wise words. I praise you for that.” Mark smiled and gestured to the other to take his drink.

“Saleem here is from the same school. He started this shop some years ago and offered to serve both drinks here. It strengthened the bonds of his patrons.” Ashraf smiled. “And his tea is one of the best.”

“But no booze. I can appreciate that as his religious beliefs for it are forbidden there.” Mark smiled. “And as much as you avoid conflicts, conflicts may come to you.”

“As much as I do not condone conflicts unless they are inflicted on me, One should not embark on the sea without knowing the navigation of the stars," Ashraf smiled. “A quote from ancient Egyptians.”

“I agree. We do not invite conflicts. We just want to live in peace and prosper.” Mark took another sip of the tea that was prepared there. “You came to me with good intentions, and your telling me of the situation defused our conflict.”

“The Parthians are few, yet we are formidable if anyone wishes to create chaos with us. We had drawn our territory where people dwelled, and unlike our past fathers, we do not intend to take more than we can manage.” Ashraf explained the nature of the Parthians he leads. “Our previous conflicts were of necessities or provoked actions, but we had our losses and victories. It is all bygones now.”

“You are wise, Ashraf. Now that I am aware of the intentions of my own foes, I will do what is needed to avoid the spread of the conflict.” Mark nodded to the other. “I hope the Visigoths will hold the same as you do.”

“I know Alain well. He is... tempered, taking on any... for the gains. Although he does not see the losses there, Ashraf reminded Mark. The last conflict with the Visigoths had exacted the loss of life, and the death of Bear was unforgiven by Alain. He told me so.”

“The compensation was paid then. They have held the Fourteenth Street since then.” Mark told Ashraf.

“Do talk about the conflict then.” Ashraf leaned forward. “I am ever curious.”

“It was the telling of Pompey then. He told Crassus that Bear had killed three of our boys in the alley. It was later known that our boys were drunk and fought Bear there. Pompey was furious and led us to seek retribution for his boys. I was one of the trios who killed Bear that day.”

“And later, you and Julius vanquished Pompey and Crassus.” Ashraf looked at Mark.

“Yes, we did. Pompey was upset, and he blamed Caesar for being too lenient. We had our conflicts, and it will not be allowed to happen again.”

“Which is why I approached you, Mark Antony? I am not involved, but not without any knowledge of the conflicts. Pompey's approach to me was to widen the conflict. He lacked the strength to fight alone and needed allies. His desire to win remains the same. He must be removed soon.”

“And beware of his son. The same ruthless streak is in the son.” Ashraf cautioned Mark. It was then that Enobarbus rushed in.

“Take cover, boss." Enobarbus had his gun out of the holster when the shots rang outside the shop. Mark had ducked down on the floor with Ashraf when the shots pierced the glass window of the shop. It was hit-and run mode, with the shooter or shooters literally spraying with the machine gun. Enobarbus crouched up and took a few shots, but he was firing wild. The burst of bullets stopped, and the sound of the speeding vehicles was heard. Mark had arrived with Enobarbus, while Ashraf, near his territory, had come alone. However, he had three of his boys across the street. They had stepped out to shoot at the fleeing vehicles.

“Boss, you are fine?” Enobarbus asked.

“Yeah, and so is Ashraf.” Mark replied. He stood up with the Parthian leader to look outside. The three Parthians rushed in and aimed at Mark with their guns.

“Do not shoot. The Roman is with us.” Ashraf called out. “Who were the shooters?”

“Romans!” One of the Parthians replied. “I knew the face. He was from the Seventh Street.”

“Romans?” Mark was surprised. “No one knew of his meeting. Not even him, but he drove me here on my instructions. Were we tailed?”

“I did not check. We left the mansion then.” Enobarbus looked outside. “The vehicle looked familiar, and then I saw them slow down with the windows down. It was a typical move to do a drive-by shoot.”

“Any markings you can have seen?” Mark asked. Enobarbus shook his head.

“It may not be your side. It could be mine. I did discuss this with my boys at this meeting. One of them could have rattled it out.” Ashraf calmed Mark. “I will do my own checks. Whoever shot us wanted to warn us off.”

“You do your side, and I will do mine.” Mark told Ashraf. “Our truce stands.”

“Let us go, Enobarbus. We need to find out who wanted me dead.” Mark took leave.

“Mark, Moses was not acting alone. He was instructed by someone from your side.” Ashraf told Mark. “Whoever it was had Moses killed.”