"Yes, indeed, friend Vitulus. We shall see you in court" said Gallus to his colleague as the two waited with Lady Clodia for her litter to be brought around. "Since our case upcoming involves wines of questionable quality, I feel it only my duty to conduct some extensive research into the quality and taste of the material in question!" The two laughed.

"In fact, once your brother has had time to think some on my proposal, encourage him to stop by my villa, and the two of us can conduct some research together! You, alas, are not invited this time, as you are once more my opposition.

"And," he said, turning to Vitulus, his tone slightly more serious, "there will be some slightly more weighty matters facing us. You've seen the latest reports? Piracy seems to be spreading throughout the western regions of Our Sea. Once the fleet has arrived and begun its refit process, I intend to introduce a Senatus Consultum Nostrum Mare Purgatio to deal with the issue. As usual, my proposal is bound to raise some eyebrows, yours included. And, as usual, I am confident that you, at least, will give it a fair hearing."