Quintus nods and smiles as Theo hands out refreshments, "I may be your new commanding officer, but I am well aware that you men are veterans and I value your experience. While we will want to maintain our discipline and chain of command, I ask that you do not hesitate to share with me any thoughts or experiences you have about any situations that arise during the performing of our duties. I chose you men precisely for your experience and I welcome advice and respectful correction when needed. One thing I ask relating to our upcoming detail specifically is that you not mention my rank or affiliation with the Praetorians. I do not want to give anyone there the idea that I am there to spy or check up on them, as that might cause complications disruptive to our actual mission. Like any good Roman, I simply wish to increase my own holdings and bring glory to the Empire." at which point Quintus grins.

Quote from: Sigmund;516522Quintus nods and smiles as Theo hands out refreshments, "I may be your new commanding officer, but I am well aware that you men are veterans and I value your experience. While we will want to maintain our discipline and chain of command, I ask that you do not hesitate to share with me any thoughts or experiences you have about any situations that arise during the performing of our duties. I chose you men precisely for your experience and I welcome advice and respectful correction when needed. One thing I ask relating to our upcoming detail specifically is that you not mention my rank or affiliation with the Praetorians. I do not want to give anyone there the idea that I am there to spy or check up on them, as that might cause complications disruptive to our actual mission. Like any good Roman, I simply wish to increase my own holdings and bring glory to the Empire." at which point Quintus grins.

Hostus looks doubtful for a moment, then smiles and says "I think I gather your intentions sir, you want us to blend in more, look less official-like. Am I right on that count?"

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;516531Hostus looks doubtful for a moment, then smiles and says "I think I gather your intentions sir, you want us to blend in more, look less official-like. Am I right on that count?"

"Yes," Quintus replies. "I do not want anyone to think we are more than we appear, as the resulting... complications could be disruptive to both our business and the business of our client, which would be unaceptable. It is a simple assignment and I'd like to keep it that way."

Quote from: Sigmund;516533"Yes," Quintus replies. "I do not want anyone to think we are more than we appear, as the resulting... complications could be disruptive to both our business and the business of our client, which would be unaceptable. It is a simple assignment and I'd like to keep it that way."

"Very good sir," Hostus slaps Gallus hard on the shoulder and says, "a couple of common body guards it is then."

Quintus laughs, "At least for this assignment men. Is there anything else you think we might want or need in the way of equipment?"

Quote from: Sigmund;516552Quintus laughs, "At least for this assignment men. Is there anything else you think we might want or need in the way of equipment?"

"A man can never have enough figs sir," Hostus rubs his belly, "Wouldn't mind one or two on the sea voyage...perhaps a few before as well."

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;516558"A man can never have enough figs sir," Hostus rubs his belly, "Wouldn't mind one or two on the sea voyage...perhaps a few before as well."

"I agree soldier." Quintus replies, then turns to his servant, "Theo, please bring us some of those figs you were wise enough to acquire yesterday. We can pack some for the voyage as well if you would be so kind."

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;516231There are extensive histories of Mauretania and the Ptolemy family (these will take several hours to go over). Nothing on Pomponius Mela but you notice many of the Mauretanian histories are written by him. He also has a large history of Iberia and of Carthage.

Lucius will take his time and go over these documents. He will also go to the Librarians and ask them if they know Pomponius Mela. Since there are copies of his writings here in the library, some of them might have known him personally. He will ask them what they think of the man, and how he came across to them. If that isn't the case, he will ask who in Rome copied these works for him. These people might know more.

Quote from: Benoist;518060Lucius will take his time and go over these documents. He will also go to the Librarians and ask them if they know Pomponius Mela. Since there are copies of his writings here in the library, some of them might have known him personally. He will ask them what they think of the man, and how he came across to them. If that isn't the case, he will ask who in Rome copied these works for him. These people might know more.

From the documents you gather the following notable facts:

-Mauretania is a client kingdom of Rome and has been pretty well pacified. However it also has a checkered past dealing the with Rome. The last two kings were heavily Romanized.

-King Ptolemy is a descendant of Marc Antony And Cleopatra through his mother (Cleopatra Selene II). His father, Juba II, was an adopted by Julius Caesar and later the Divine Augustus. So this is a family with close ties to Rome and to the Imperial family.

-There are some who suggest (and this takes time for you to absorb because it involves reading between the lines) that Ptolemy is more worthy to rule than Caligula (because of his bloodline).

When you ask the librarian about Pomponius Mela he weighs with you his eyes then speaks: "He is an intolerable man who, thankfully, spends most of his time far away from Rome. If you plan to pay him a visit, tighten your purse, cork your wine and lock up your wife because he will pilfer all three given the chance."

Quintus finishes up his meeting with his soldiers, pays them half of the money for the upcoming assignment so they can pick up anything they might want or need, or even take care of any family. Then he helps Theo pack for the trip. Afterwards he sends Theo to check in with the rest of the expedition members to see if they require any help, also to obtain a time for when they might wish to acquire the goods we'll need for the trip so Quintus and his men can guard the transactions, and finally to learn the departure date and time and the name of the ship we will be taking if it's known.

Quote from: Sigmund;520814Quintus finishes up his meeting with his soldiers, pays them half of the money for the upcoming assignment so they can pick up anything they might want or need, or even take care of any family. Then he helps Theo pack for the trip. Afterwards he sends Theo to check in with the rest of the expedition members to see if they require any help, also to obtain a time for when they might wish to acquire the goods we'll need for the trip so Quintus and his men can guard the transactions, and finally to learn the departure date and time and the name of the ship we will be taking if it's known.

Okay. Theo departs and one by one visits everyone to plan a timeframe for goods acquisition (you can each post what you say to Theo). I believe Carus was in charge of renting the ship, so he visits him last to determine the details.

Quintus spends time practicing his martial skills using his new gear, then spends time maintaining it, checking over his armor and weapons carefully while he waits for Theo's return.

Quintus then cleans up and has dinner while he waits for Theo to return.

Quote from: Sigmund;522377Quintus spends time practicing his martial skills using his new gear, then spends time maintaining it, checking over his armor and weapons carefully while he waits for Theo's return.

I think it is fair to rule that Theo has spoken with all the other members and returned.

Quintus welcomes Theo back and sets dinner out for his servant as Theo relates what he has learned. Quintus then send Theo on a short trip to inform our soldiers of the schedule and to ask them to report first thing in the morning to begin training together.