The Loyal Lieutenants Act Zero Scene Nine

 

Act Zero

Scene Nine.

 

Menas sat at the dark corner sipping the booze he helped to deliver there. The place was “Moonlight” and it sells the best moonshine in Rome. Moonshine; the name was derived from a tradition of distilling the alcohol at night to avoid detection is high-proof liquor, traditionally made or distributed illegally. Its clandestine distribution is known as bootlegging, if by land vehicles or rum-running if by water aka the sea. The origin of the word moonshine as we know it today comes from England from the previous two centuries ago. Moonshiner was a term that described any persons doing illegal activities under the cover of darkness.

“There is a call for you.” The tavern owner told Menas. The telephone was in the back room, where the owner gets the call to tell of any coppers or agents coming there. That evening, it was a personal call.

“Boss, I need to …….” Menas was cut off.

“I was advised. Cicero was clumsy at best but he likes to keep records.” The voice on the line spoke. “Menas, do not get overly concerned. I will take care of things from my end.”

“Have you returned the vehicles to the Visigoths?”

“Yes, Boss. The vehicles were returned. No trace to us.”

“And the boys?”

“Buried or fed to the coyotes in the desert. They were decapacitated into parts. It’s the Visigoths method.”

“Good. What about the others?”

“Agrippa is upset at the lack of respect by Mark, and Lepidus, he is the silent one. Your hint to them to take on Rome in the absence of Caesar may be working. Mark is arrogant.”

“But he is effective. He knows more than he should. It was a mistake to bring up his name then to Caesar. Now he onto those names, we need to be extra careful. I was told that Egypt is brewing too. Ptolemy may feel a revolt soon.”

“The Sicilians, Boss?”

No, the Sicilians are not keen onto us. They are more focus on their own territories. There is a rift between siblings there at Egypt. Caesar may be dragged in and whoever he sides may win.”

“When do we act, Boss?” Menas asked.

“Soon. I need to get my old man out of the way first. He is too timid at his age.” The other replied. “With the Ashraf out, let us see how the Visigoths and Tongs decide. And the outcome of Egypt.”

“You sit tight, Menas. Soon we will takeover Rome.” The call ended. The other part then dialled the operator.

“Daisy darling, please do not log in that call. I will get the perfume you wanted.”

“Yes, Mr. ……”

“No names, darling.”

“Yes, my dear.” The operator hung up. She was one of the few hundred who worked on the telephone boards.