Originally Posted by
Pontifex Maximus
"Oh but that is quite the waste." Gaius said more forcefully. "The treasury has already been taxed heavily this year, as those attempting to raise a fleet can attest. Tell me Consul, have you had the chance to read the Lex Messalla Segunda of the previous year?" He paused for only a moment before continuing "In in you will find a provision that requires active commanders within their theatres to pay for the legions under their command." He hoped he would not have to explain things any further, even though Iulus must at this point be certain of his own duplicitousness. But this is what Gaius prided himself on best, the double act, the maintenance of the status quo and the balance of power. If the man was clever enough to keep up, he might throw him a bone.
He did not need Iulus to push this law through, but he preferred to operate by concord.