A Grain mission to Egypt

**Rhapture** · February 19, 2012, 02:06 PM

Quintus Valerius finally landed in Alexandria. The voyage had been the longest he had ever taken and he was glad it was over. They had met no storms, so he thought that was a good sign for his mission.

A port officer came up to him. "Hail, Senator. " Even here people knew what a Roman senator looked like, although Alexandria was the most multicultural city in the world.

Quintus responded. "I am Senator Quintus Valerius, speaking for the Republic of Rome, I am here to conduct trade with Kingdom of Egypt. Can you direct me to the man I need to speak to?"

The officer bowed slightly and hoped that showed enough respect. "Sir, the leading roman citizen villa is in the heart of the city, this servant here will lead the way."

After twenty minutes, Quintus had reached the house of Gnaeus Armentius.
"Senator, I did receive your previous letter. Tomorrow we will go and meet the magistrate here who will take care of you. "
Quintus sighed, oh well, a good days rest would do him good.

The next day Quintus and his lictors appeared at the appropriate office in Alexandria. "Quintus Valerius is here to speak to the head magistrate."

**Pontifex Maximus** · February 19, 2012, 03:17 PM

The Port authority, a gangly man with a bald head but a long, pointed mustache greeted Quintus under the glaring noonday sun. The man was very tan, and had several earrings. He was wearing a white cloth, somewhat like a toga but tied in different places.

I am Amsu, I was told a Roman would be here to talk about something today. I expected something more impressive though. Your senate only sent one man?

**Rhapture** · February 19, 2012, 03:30 PM

Quintus stood at his full height, he tried to hide the fury in his eyes.
"I am Quintus Valerius,and the Senate has empowered me full the full authority allowable to undertake this negotiation. Rome does not need to send more than one man."
"Now I am here because Rome has decided it needs more grain this year, are you the man I need to discuss this with? Are you in charge of the grain here?"
Valerius' contempt would be hard to hold back.

**Pontifex Maximus** · February 19, 2012, 04:09 PM

Amsu spat on the ground in front of Quintus and smiled, revealing yellow, rotting teeth

Rome is starving, eh? If I was in charge here what would you have me do about it?

**Rhapture** · February 19, 2012, 07:09 PM

"I have eight ships that can be filled with grain, but no Rome is not starving. Is there grain to be purchased here? Or should I go to see the Pharaoh? "
Quintus used all his resource to show no reply to this vermin. To show such contempt was beneath Rome.

**Pontifex Maximus** · February 19, 2012, 08:31 PM

I am his man.

Amsu pointed to a necklace bearing a strange crest

If you want to purchase grain at the going rate who am I to complain? Fill those ships up and get out of my port. We've got a schedule to keep, you know.

**Rhapture** · February 19, 2012, 09:18 PM

Then that will suffice. I have 8 ships here, my assistants here will take care of the payments. Will this take more than a day?
Quintus was relieved that nothing more need be done.

**Pontifex Maximus** · February 19, 2012, 10:38 PM

Doubtful. We've got some nice Jews who will be more than happy to assist

Amsu pointed gleefully to a group of severely mistreated people lining the dock piling large stacks of something hear a waiting galley.

**Rhapture** · February 20, 2012, 08:11 AM

Very well, I will be at the local roman's house if something comes up. Until then my captain will oversee the loading of the ships.
Quintus turns to leave, relieved to be in the open air away from the uncouth man.