Titus V, Imperator, Pater Patriae, Divine Caesar...received Friuderich in a pavillion in the middle of his rose garden...far away from prying ears. He carried a case containing one largish parchment, and bade his guest help himself to cakes and wine before taking a seat himself. He saw attendants ranged about the colonnaded garden ready to come at his signal...never a moment's privacy...yet far enough not to see or hear aught of the conversation which passed between the emperor and his old friend.

Over wine, Titus informed his childhood friend of certain matters not generally made public, and awaited the reaction. He was not disappointed when the german gave out a long, low whistle of astonishment. "A whole new continent...!"

"Yes--known for almost a century as little more than tales of lost seamen and storm-tossed fishermen--but for the past year an established colonia...alright, a castrum really...called Nova Italia.

"Now, distance makes communication slow and uncertain, and more than half of the supplies I send have been lost in storms--I need a better way to get there!"

Titus pulled out a chart showing the western shores of Empire: Hispania, Britannia and Hibernia, and Tingitania on the African coast. On the northern edge of this chart, islands appeared in a chain from Hibernia to the northern reaches of this new land...off Britannia's northern tip, west to Thule, from there the icy cliffs of Crona, and southwest of there...Terra Nova. Distances were not marked, but the latitudes were given rough equivalents. Roughly diagonally southwest this long coast ran to the latitudes of Gades, forming a promontory on which lay Nova Italia.

"And the interior of this great land...?" Friuderich asked.

"Reports tell of great forests, many fishing banks, some good harbours and many rivers...inland there must be mountainous areas, for the land generally rises toward the west." Titus had the full attention of his friend, as he knew he would. "Think of the new products and materials waiting for us!"

Friuderich thought for some time, idly scratching his beard. Something did not seem right--his eyes lit after a few seconds as he grasped it! "There is more to this--else you would have a larger presence there than is currently so--and no need for my services."

Titus laughed, uneasily but with satisfaction. "Ever the sharp one, my friend! Yes...there is more--people! Latest reports say that contact has been made with natives. I have no details, and must have them before acting. The results of wrongful action at this point would be catastrophic!"

Friuderich pictured the vistas of this new land, and nodded. "Yes, their lives are forever changed now that Rome has found them..."

Titus nodded: "Indeed, my friend...but I am talking about catastrophe for Rome, not because of Rome!"

It was clear from his expression that Friuderich Helvetti was confused...how could Rome be at risk?

"Think, Friuderich! For more than three centuries--nearly four--our borders have been stable; we are at peace, more or less, with all our neighbors--why? Because we have reached stasis: we use everything we make, either through industry or trade, and have neither the need nor the manpower to take more from adjoining lands. The same is true for the Parthians and the wild tribes of Rus and Scandia, and even Azania in Africa. The limits of growth have been reached and government has accustomed itself to them."

Friuderich nodded. Trade was active and profitable among the lands bordering the Empire...and while the customs and languages might differ from place to place...the story was essentially the same: production met demand for goods, and used all the resources available: rich and poor were still at the ends of the scale, but even the poor got a meal every day, and something to wear from the temple stores when required. Money flowed in a tight circuit from land to land, as was right...what would happen if an unknown quantity of resources was suddenly dumped into this machine?

"So, Titus...you propose to do what?"

The emperor rubbed his temples--a habit more common these past months--and explained his plan, and just why he needed to send Friuderich to Nova Italia.

When Friuderich reëntered his carriage to return home, he was not pleased...but he could not say no to his lifelong friend and emperor.