Dies Veneris, Vicesimus Secundus Mensis Maii, Anno Urbis Conditae MCCXXX
(Friday, 22nd Day of May, Year of the Founding of the City 1230)
The three days Alexander had allotted to Marcus Scaeva had passed with a swiftness that surprised him. He found himself anticipating the young scribe's report on Senator Cicero with a keen interest that went beyond mere curiosity. It was the first true test of an individual he himself had selected, the first attempt to forge a tool loyal solely to his own hand. If Scaeva succeeded, he would be one step closer to having a reliable personal apparatus. If he failed… well, failures were swiftly discarded in the world Alexander Volkov had once dominated, and he saw no reason for this new world to be any different.
His physical strength was now such that he had begun a light regimen of exercises within his private gymnasium, a small, functional space equipped with weights and practice swords. The young body, though still leaner than he would prefer, responded with surprising alacrity, the muscle memory of Valerius's prior martial training awakening beneath Alexander's focused will. Rebuilding his physical presence was as crucial as rebuilding his understanding of the Empire; a visibly strong Emperor commanded a different kind of respect than an ailing one.
Precisely on the appointed hour, Elara announced Marcus Scaeva. The young scribe entered, not with the almost boyish awe of their first meeting, but with a more contained, focused energy. He carried a neatly bound set of waxed tablets.
"Your Majesty," Scaeva said, bowing with correct, if still slightly nervous, deference. "I have completed the summary of Senator Cicero's orations as you commanded."
"Present it, Scaeva," Alexander said, gesturing to a small table beside his chair. He had chosen to receive him in his private study, a room lined with scroll racks Theron had diligently populated. It was less formal than an audience chamber but more businesslike than his bedchamber.
Scaeva laid the tablets down. "I reviewed all available transcripts of Senator Cicero's public speeches and addresses to the Senate for the past five years, Majesty. I have summarized his principal themes, his oft-cited philosophical underpinnings, the individuals he consistently lauds, and those he frequently targets for criticism."
"Tell me what you found, Scaeva. Your own thoughts, not just what the scrolls say," Alexander said, his gaze still on the tablet in his hand. He wanted to see if the young scribe could think, not just copy.
Scaeva drew a careful breath. "Yes, Majesty. Senator Cicero's recurring themes are, unsurprisingly, the dignity and historical prerogatives of the Senate, which he believes have been… diminished in recent generations. He frequently invokes the 'ancestral virtues' of Rome – discipline, frugality, piety, and selfless public service – often contrasting them with what he terms 'modern decadence' or 'oriental luxury' creeping into Roman life. Economically, he consistently advocates for the security of private property, particularly large agricultural estates, and argues against what he deems excessive taxation on the producing classes. He champions the 'independent landowner' as the backbone of the Republic… or, rather, the Empire." Scaeva corrected himself hastily.
Alexander noted the correction. Cicero still thought in Republican terms, even if he paid lip service to the Empire. "And his targets? His allies?"
"He reserves his sharpest criticisms for individuals he perceives as abusing Imperial favor for personal gain, often targeting freedmen in administrative posts or financiers he accuses of usury or market manipulation. He is also consistently critical of governors who impose what he considers arbitrary levies in the provinces," Scaeva continued. "As for those he praises… they are almost invariably members of older patrician families known for their staunch adherence to traditional Roman customs, and occasionally, successful generals, provided their success is framed as service to the Senate and Roman glory, rather than personal aggrandizement. Senator Quintus Metellus is a frequent recipient of his praise for his 'steadfast principles.'"
Metellus. Captain Arruntius's patron. The web was interconnected. "And his philosophical leanings?"
"He heavily cites the Stoics, Majesty, particularly their emphasis on duty, virtue, and living in accordance with nature and reason. He often uses their arguments to critique perceived moral failings in society or governance."
Alexander nodded slowly. The report was thorough, concise, and well-organized. Scaeva had not merely summarized; he had identified patterns and underlying ideologies. "This is good work, Scaeva," he said, his tone one of genuine, if measured, approval. "You have a clear grasp of the material. Did anything… particular… strike you as you conducted this research? Any observation beyond the summaries?"
Scaeva hesitated for a moment, then seemed to gather his courage. "Majesty, if I may be so bold… while Senator Cicero speaks much of virtue and the public good, the individuals and policies he champions almost invariably align with the interests of the wealthiest landowning class and those who wish to see the Emperor's direct executive power… carefully circumscribed by Senatorial oversight. His definition of 'corruption' often seems to exclude the traditional accumulation of wealth and influence by established families, focusing instead on newer men or those who operate outside the Senate's direct sphere of influence."
A faint, cold smile touched Alexander's lips. Scaeva was not just a diligent scribe; he possessed a degree of political astuteness. He could see the hypocrisy, the self-interest beneath the noble rhetoric. "An astute observation, Scaeva," Alexander said. "One that aligns with my own developing assessment. You have done well."
Scaeva visibly brightened at the praise. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Your next task," Alexander continued, "will be to begin a similar, though perhaps more discreet, compilation. I am interested in General Gnaeus Marcellus. His career, his notable victories, his known patrons and associates within Rome, the current disposition and recent history of the legions under his command in the northern provinces. And any… public expressions of loyalty, or ambition, that may have been recorded." He watched Scaeva carefully. This was a more sensitive assignment, touching upon a powerful military figure.
Scaeva's eyes widened slightly, but he showed no fear, only a renewed intensity. "I understand, Majesty. I will begin immediately. Discretion will be paramount."
"It will," Alexander affirmed. "You have access to Theron and the Archives for unclassified records. For more… nuanced information, we will discuss sources later. For now, see what the public record and Theron's less sensitive collections can provide." He was not yet ready to unleash Scaeva into true intelligence gathering, but this would test his ability to research a powerful individual carefully.
Scaeva left, a new spring in his step, clearly pleased with the Emperor's notice. Once the door closed, Alexander's mind shifted, focusing entirely on Marcellus. Livia's words, the timing of this 'triumph' talk – it all painted the general in a new, more dangerous light. No longer just a name on a military roster, Marcellus was now a clear problem to be watched.
He summoned Theron later that day. "Master Theron," he began, after the archivist had settled, "I require more detailed information on General Gnaeus Marcellus. Not just the laudatory accounts of his recent campaigns, but a full service record. His promotions, his previous commands, any commendations or, conversely, any censures or controversies associated with his career. Also, records pertaining to the provisioning and payment of the northern legions under his command for the past two years. And any historical precedents regarding the granting of triumphs to generals not of the Imperial house, particularly during times of… transition or perceived Imperial weakness."
Theron, though his expression remained placid, absorbed the extensive request. "A thorough inquiry, Your Majesty. General Marcellus is, indeed, a figure of much current discussion. The Archives will hold much of what you seek, though some of the more… candid assessments of his early career might be found in private correspondence or consular reports, which can be harder to unearth quickly."
"Unearth them," Alexander said, his voice quiet but firm. "I need a complete picture." He needed to know if Marcellus was a loyal soldier being used by political factions, or if he was an active participant in a developing power play.
His conversation with Livia that evening was pointed. "Mother," he said, "these calls for a triumph for General Marcellus. Who, precisely, is championing this in the Senate? Are they Cicero's faction, or another group?"
Livia's expression was grim. "Some overlap, Valerius, but it is primarily a group of older, more militarily-inclined patricians, men who see glory only in conquest and who have always chafed under what they considered your father's… overly cautious foreign policy. They see Marcellus as a man of action, a true Roman of the old stamp. And, of course, they believe his reflected glory will enhance their own standing."
"So, not necessarily a direct challenge to me, but rather an attempt by a faction to elevate their champion and, through him, their own influence?" Alexander mused.
"Perhaps it begins that way," Livia said. "But such things have a habit of taking on a life of their own, Valerius. A popular general, feted in Rome, his legions devoted… it can quickly become a focus for all discontented elements." He could see the worry etched on her face.
Alexander nodded, taking his time. "Those reports I ordered from the Council are due back in about three weeks. What they tell me about our money, our grain, how the provinces are run, and the state of our armies – that's what I need. Once I have those facts, I'll know where we truly stand, what we can do, and where we're weak." He let that hang in the air for a moment.
"A triumph for Marcellus, then," Alexander murmured, a new calculation forming in his mind. "And this talk began while I was thought to be on my deathbed. How convenient." He mentally cataloged the general: Gnaeus Marcellus, popular, victorious, and now, clearly, a man whose ambition would require careful watching. Every powerful figure was another variable in the equation of power, another piece to be maneuvered or, if necessary, removed. Seeds of doubt about Marcellus's ultimate loyalty were now firmly planted in his mind, alongside the tentative seeds of loyalty he was trying to cultivate in men like Scaeva. The Empire was a garden that required careful, and at times ruthless, tending.