Manius and his sentiments swung back and forth. One minute he was completely for it, the next completely against it. All he had known since age 17 was the Army. This job would confine him to an office working with bureaucrats who never served a day in a Legion. But deep down, he was excited at the prospect of working behind the scenes to improve the Army and, if he were completely honest with himself, to do something different. He would have to ask Levi how long this assignment would last. But now he had to see Lucia. Maybe an assignment in Rome was not such a bad idea.
When he saw Levi two days later, Manius knew what he wanted to do; “Thank you Quaestor for the offer. I’ve decided to accept.” Levi was pleased. He liked Manius. He then let on that he already had the Legate’s approval to transfer Manius. It was a choice in name only. Levi knew immediately that Manius was his man and had him reassigned two days ago.
Manius was provided a staff of five to help with the planning and oversight, an additional 20 soldiers to help with the equipment testing, three scribes, an office budget director, and a procurement specialist. Levi told him, “You have three months to develop a plan and budget to accomplish all the recommendation from Telamon .” Levi also suggested that Manius include a dozen other projects that had been lying dormant such as converting the large oval shield to a curved rectangular one with a stout metal ball centered on the enemy side of the shield. This ball would strengthen the shield and serve to more effectively batter an opponent. Levi stressed the need for winter clothing for the Legions including items such as socks, scarves, leg wrappings, and a heavier cloak.
Levi told him, “Once your budget and plan are approved by the full Senate, you will have three years to successfully complete all equipment modifications and any force structure related changes.” Manius was overwhelmed with the magnitude of the task, but Levi promised he would be there to assist and guide him.
Manius assembled his team and assigned specific projects to each of his staff officers to personally oversee. Levi successfully shepherded the funding bills through the bureaucracy and Manius was now free to begin the necessary procurement and testing to launch the effort. In addition to his office in the Forum, Manius established a field office outside the city to conduct the actual testing and evaluation. He was not with the Legions, but at least he could still be in the field, if only part time.
Manius discovered that the development and testing process was slow, frustrating, and fraught with setbacks. Even though he was the on-scene expert, members of the Committee for Military Procurement would periodically visit his field office to see a demonstration or simply handle the equipment, which often resulted in a demand to make changes. Over time he learned how to subvert the bad recommendations and implement the good ones without offending anyone.
He did not know it at the time, but he was learning how to be a tactful diplomat; how to successfully navigate his way through bureaucratic hurdles and how to please those in power with real results. Manius was rapidly becoming more than a mere soldier. Levi noticed how quickly Manius adapted to his new environment and was pleased with the results of his effort. The two men develop a bond of friendship that would last throughout the coming years.
Lucia moved her few possession into her mother-in-law’s house, which was just a stone’s throw from the Tiber. It was a little cramped with the three of them, but it was free and better than living on the streets of Rome. Lucia surrendered to Flavia the small amount of money she received from the Army for Gaius’ death and took on the bulk of the domestic chores. In return, Flavia took over some of the duties of raising Decima. Everyone benefitted from the new arrangement
When he saw Levi two days later, Manius knew what he wanted to do; “Thank you Quaestor for the offer. I’ve decided to accept.” Levi was pleased. He liked Manius. He then let on that he already had the Legate’s approval to transfer Manius. It was a choice in name only. Levi knew immediately that Manius was his man and had him reassigned two days ago.
Manius was provided a staff of five to help with the planning and oversight, an additional 20 soldiers to help with the equipment testing, three scribes, an office budget director, and a procurement specialist. Levi told him, “You have three months to develop a plan and budget to accomplish all the recommendation from Telamon .” Levi also suggested that Manius include a dozen other projects that had been lying dormant such as converting the large oval shield to a curved rectangular one with a stout metal ball centered on the enemy side of the shield. This ball would strengthen the shield and serve to more effectively batter an opponent. Levi stressed the need for winter clothing for the Legions including items such as socks, scarves, leg wrappings, and a heavier cloak.
Levi told him, “Once your budget and plan are approved by the full Senate, you will have three years to successfully complete all equipment modifications and any force structure related changes.” Manius was overwhelmed with the magnitude of the task, but Levi promised he would be there to assist and guide him.
Manius assembled his team and assigned specific projects to each of his staff officers to personally oversee. Levi successfully shepherded the funding bills through the bureaucracy and Manius was now free to begin the necessary procurement and testing to launch the effort. In addition to his office in the Forum, Manius established a field office outside the city to conduct the actual testing and evaluation. He was not with the Legions, but at least he could still be in the field, if only part time.
Manius discovered that the development and testing process was slow, frustrating, and fraught with setbacks. Even though he was the on-scene expert, members of the Committee for Military Procurement would periodically visit his field office to see a demonstration or simply handle the equipment, which often resulted in a demand to make changes. Over time he learned how to subvert the bad recommendations and implement the good ones without offending anyone.
He did not know it at the time, but he was learning how to be a tactful diplomat; how to successfully navigate his way through bureaucratic hurdles and how to please those in power with real results. Manius was rapidly becoming more than a mere soldier. Levi noticed how quickly Manius adapted to his new environment and was pleased with the results of his effort. The two men develop a bond of friendship that would last throughout the coming years.
Lucia moved her few possession into her mother-in-law’s house, which was just a stone’s throw from the Tiber. It was a little cramped with the three of them, but it was free and better than living on the streets of Rome. Lucia surrendered to Flavia the small amount of money she received from the Army for Gaius’ death and took on the bulk of the domestic chores. In return, Flavia took over some of the duties of raising Decima. Everyone benefitted from the new arrangement
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