Though the Senate had voted to allow Cassius the command of up to 6 legions composed of 2 Italian and 4 Auxilliaries, he still needed to get his war chest. Rome ‘s treasury was still notoriously tight and hide bound, in spite of all the wealth brought in by Caesar, Magnus, and others of Sulla’s generation. In spite of the temptations of Parthia - only Egypt was comparable - it had proved a costly endevour. In the eyes of the treasury, a risky investment.

Nor were the 3 Treasury Questors or the Preators acting particularly generous with the aggressive building campaign to monitor. They had a lot of naughty contractors to watch over.

“Consider who you best impressed with your time in East, Gaius,” said ex-mother-in-law Servilia, whom Cassius still could use as a sounding board from time to time. Her mind worked best in a Labyrinth, and dealing with the Roman Treasury, and its power houses in the Plebian assembly and senate were a Labyrinth. “ We all know you can command troops when you want to. But who was really impressed by your ability to moderately use your power, and to step down and bide your time. And of course, who desperately needs a campaign or two to get their family fortune back on track?”

Sighing Servilia leaned back, “ no doubt my son can tell you all who is in financial trouble.”

“ I am sure you can too, Servilia.”

“ Maybe, but its better coming from Brutus.”