Julius nodded. “They must be courted. They will be the core that gives stability after the elections. Spread the word that they are brave men to have resisted Pompey. Make them all heroes. We will ask for their help in the new administration and give my word they will be safe. We need them.”

“And the elections?” Mark Antony continued. “I would want to hold them as soon as possible.”

“Then you have the task. Consuls, magistrates, senators, quaestors, and praetors for the new regions of Gaul—we must have them all. Begin the notices the day after tomorrow, when the hangovers start wearing off. I will leave the details to you, but I want the posts filled quickly. We will have two consuls to head the Senate, once I have seen who is left among the nobilitas. If they are the men I think they are, they should already be considering the benefits of staying behind.”

A frown crossed his face for an instant. “Not Bibilus, though. If he is still in the city, I do not want him. The man is not fit for authority of any kind.”

Mark Antony nodded and Adàn scratched on his tablets until Julius noticed.

“Wipe that part clear, Adàn. I do not want every private opinion recorded. It is enough to have it said between us.”

He watched as the young Spaniard ran a calloused thumb over the wax square and was satisfied.

“This is a new start, gentlemen. It will take months to build a fleet and I intend to use that time to revise the laws of Rome from the very beginning. When we leave, the city will be peaceful and more secure than we found her—and the laws will apply to all. They will see that I have kept my word to them. I will begin with a reform of the courts. There will be no more bribery and favors. This is a chance to make the city work as it was meant to. As it did for our fathers.”

He stopped, looking around the echoing chamber and imagining it full once again of the lawmakers and rulers of Rome.

“We have the whole of Gaul to administer. The roads and enclosures there must continue. Taxes must be paid and revenues collected for the public buildings. It will be hard work. I should think our legions in Gaul will be pleased to get the call home when we are ready.” He grinned as he considered the enormity of the task before them.

“When I have a fleet, I will call all but one legion south. Gaul will not rise again this generation, not after us.”

“Will we have enough men to beat Pompey?” Mark Antony said quietly.