Publica Section 1 Part 2

Part 2

Odours of fresh delights filled the calm air in Jacobi’s garden. It was a pleasant delight to Hasitus. Certainly a stark contrast to the ash and brimstone feel of the battlefield. Wine, fruits and bread rested on a table. All of the luxurious were fully enjoyed by Posydin, but Hasitus ate lightly. It felt strange to eat such delicacies during shortages of food. Even the general populace ate rations. Somehow, Jacobi maintained their undying gratitude.

“How goes it, uncle?” Hasitus asked beginning the conversation.

Jacobi smiled and rested himself into a seat. He spread out his hands welcoming them to more food. “Oh, the senatus is as it always is; full of politics.”

“Too bad,” Posydin muttered through a mouthful of grapes.

“Ah, so there’s a new Imperator,” Jacobi stated suddenly. “What had happened to the old one, nephew?”

“He died,” Hasitus replied bluntly.

“It was unfortunate we could not save the Imperator’s life,” Harma said.

It was then the two guests entered the garden. Jacobi stood to greet them, clasping their arms in turn. One fatter man laughed heartily, while the other older and leaner senator carried a stone expression. He did not smile, and his lips parted only to mouth standard greetings. Jacobi talked to them as friends, wrapping his arm about the fatter man’s shoulders.

“This man is Lassus,” Jacobi said with a smile, while the fatter man’s name was revealed. Lassus chuckled and clasped Hasitus’ arm tightly, almost shaking it violently. He kept repeating the honour he felt in meeting a hero of the republic. “I present to you senator Valisus,” Jacobi said much more formally. They were both senators, but one demanded friendliness and the other formality. Jacobi bent to their will.

Valisus clasped his arm lightly and nodded. He spoke with a carefully picked tone yet but did not utter his words in a slow manner. “Hasitus, your deeds outreach your person. The title of Vir should have been granted to you much earlier.”

“I thank you,” Hasitus said, unsure of what words to say to the senator. He had never cared for etiquette, but it landed him with awkward feelings in the presence of important political figures.

Lassus sat with a thump into a wooden chair and grabbed a goblet of wine. He did not wait for the liquid to stop sloshing about before tipping it to his mouth. A dribble spilled, but he drank deeply before moving to wipe the mess from his chin. “Your uncle tells us how much he confides in you and trusts you. He also tells me of you two. He thinks you’re both too stupid to understand anything he says and so he trusts you as much as Hasitus.”

“It’s good to know we’re trusted,” Posydin responded loudly.

“I heard you speak of the new Imperator,” Valisus said in a level tone. “Thracus is a strong leader and a hard commander.”

“No doubt you like him to be emperor,” Lassus said before laughing. It seemed an odd joke to pretend a man an imperialist, but most likely Valisus carried some kind of reputation for being an imperialist. “Thracus is a wolf, and House Lupus had no Imperators-to-be until that little incident at Commodum. Wouldn’t you agree Hasitus?”

Jacobi nodded silently to him, away from the stares now concentrated on him. “Yes, I suppose that would be correct. After Couratus died alongside Julian, a wolf became the first choice in place of a snake.”

“Yes, you say it right,” Lassus declared before drinking another gulp of wine. “It is a doubly sad note for House Serpen, but today is one for celebration. A new Imperator!”

“May he live longer than a couple years!” Posydin joined in the cry.

Harma shook his head in dismay, but Hasitus laughed along with the others. As the wine filled his mouth, he let himself relax. With his uncle’s presence, he did not fear making an obscene insult or fall into a political trap. It never felt profitable for him to dabble in politics, despite his visits with his uncle.

“Do you happen to know the details of the alliance he forged with the Traciens?” Valisus asked.

“Details? You mean our troop movements and hidden transports to conduct the talks?” Hasitus replied confused. “That is information not given to the civilian citizens of the Publica. It would be detrimental should you ever fall into Federation hands.”

“Ah, of course,” Valisus replied and immediately fell silent.

“I think what my cousin means to ask, is deal formed between the good Tracien barbarian allies and our great republic. What was offered to them for their hand in war?” Lassus asked.

“The Traciens were promised little to nothing. The Federation planned troop movements against them, but Thracus must have convinced them to put pressure against the Terra-borns in the Grandeur lands. The main Federation fleets always claim the Grandeur worlds, and we always take them back. If it remains that way, our way will stay at those dozen worlds,” Harma said.

Hasitus looked the senators, feeling somewhat disappointed at the answer. It was truthful, but they were probing. Jacobi said nothing and Valisus had become silent. Only Lassus spoke with a loud voice, seemingly attempting to outmatch Posydin in rude jokes and crude language. Harma spoke when he could, when he was able to explain a situation in delicate detail.

“It is truly unfortunate,” Lassus began again of the Battle of Commodum. “that Thracus was unable to muster his forces mere minutes earlier to save Couratus from death. He led five thousand capitals against the Federation’s five hundred. Victory would have been assured and you would have not needed to suffer through an Imperator’s coronation.”

“I think Hasitus is a lot more eager for his own honour,” Jacobi interrupted.

“Yes, I understand the whole senatus will be present when the title of Vir is bestowed upon me?” Hasitus said nervously.

“Of course,” Lassus replied. “The people elect us, and so we are the people greeting you. Who else greets a hero of the republic?”

“Certainly, with Lassus, it will be the very wealthy greeting you,” Jacobi said with a smile.

Lassus chuckled like an old friend. “You still suspect I run a corporation?” Lassus said.

“I never suspect you of anything,” Jacobi answered, “It is always the people that have their concerns about us senators.”

“The senatus is but a bickering mass,” Valisus said.

“Isn’t it wonderful, cousin?” Lassus said, before laughing and spilling wine on his clothes. The stain did not ruin his mirth.

Hasitus walked to the food and helped himself to an apple as the senators chatted. The words eventually became a buzz and he relieved himself of the conversation. As the well worn soldier he was, Hasitus lay back in a chair and closed his eyes and opened his ears to the sound of summer. Birds chirped, wind flew by in a calm breeze and the gentle rustle of the city surrounded everything.

The serenity brought him close to sleep. Slowly, his breathing slowed and his muscles relaxed. Thoughts became more incoherent. Suddenly, he opened his eyes in a jerk and he brought his head up. A single sound pulled him from sleep.

“I would certainly like to meet a woman who had snatched Hasitus,” Lassus said, still chewing upon food.

“Lavendi is a beautiful woman. My nephew’s choices never disappoint me,” Jacobi said.

Hasitus sat confused as anxiety built in his chest. “Is it not rather sudden?” Valisus asked, seemingly as perplexed.

“Oh, as I understand, it is love by chance. Hasitus, is it not your intentions to marry Lavendi before you are sent on your next campaign?” Jacobi asked.

Hasitus could feel his throat constrict and he could not speak for a moment. He knew what had happened. Out of all the talk of marriage for years, Jacobi had finally found someone to force upon Hasitus. It was well planned for him. The choice would be to make Jacobi a liar in saying he had chosen to marry a woman, or to agree and be matched with a person he did not know.

“Yes,” Hasitus stammered. “Yes it was my intentions.”

“I certainly hope I am invited to your little ceremony,” Lassus said. “I’m sure it won’t be large. You military men never have enough time to make them the large festive things as they should be. Still I would love to attend.”

The fat man appeared drunk, but his wits still stayed about him. Hasitus nodded and smiled saying “of course” and his best manner. Valisus remained silent. The senator seemed to grow more dangerous as time passed.

A sudden gust of wind thrust a cloud of dust into the garden. Jacobi stood and offered more refreshments within his home, escaping the dirty smell. Fearful thoughts gripped Hasitus, leaving him standing a moment too long outside. He never thought to be married in such a hasty or deceitful manner.