A few days after Labienus had sent his assorted messages back to Italy, he set out to meet with Hirtius. Ceasar may have not chosen to take him across the Rubicon, understandable politically, but this was now. Due to his work under Isacauris, Labienus had proven himself very capable of handling logistics in rough conditions. Hirtius was now governor of the province, and he had one poor legion to deal with the entire area. Labienus would offer his services. He would use these centurians from Isacaurus’ days to shape the pathetic XXIV up, while Labienus himself recruited a new cavalry unit. Like it or not, he was a horseman, and he did best from the back of a horse.

Of course, Hirtius might refuse him, but Labienus doubted it. He had far too much experience, and Hirtius had always been doing the administrative work while Labienus was commanding Legions. The pairing would be very difficult to pass up. In this manner, Labienus could remain balanced as he always had between these two titans. Oh…would that he were from some other area than the Pompey fiefdom! Then it would be so easy. But he couldn’t possibly ignore the fact that gens Pompey was he next door neighbor on every side. Yet he also couldn’t ignore Caesar. Bah! Fortuna and her tricks. May she give me a trick of my own through Cornelia Metella.

Arriving at the governor’s residence, Labienus walked straight up to the junior officer doing duty.

“ I’de like to see Hirtius, if I may,” he barked out.