Back to the plot.
Pertius summoned Maximus to the senate.
"Ah Maximus."
"At your service, your regal godliness," Maximus was also an expert creep.
"We at the senate have a vital mission for you."
"Oh no," Maximus thought aloud.
"What's that?" Pertius wasn't sure what he'd heard.
"Er um, er, I mean, oh, no mission for the senate could be as vital as the last one; could it?"
"Well, no, that's very true. Remind me, what was the last one Maximus?"
Maximus was getting into deep lion droppings, (a common phrase used in Rome at that time).
"Er, er, enough of my past glories. What can Maximus do for his Emperor today?" Neat move Max.
"Well now Maximus, it has come to the attention of the Senate that there is in Rome today a grave shortage of, ah hum, virgins, vestal......type......virgins." Pertius was trying to act and sound as regal as possible but was slightly embarrassed and managed to blush.
"It's not all my fault, honest!" snapped Maximus defensively.
"No, no, we know that, in fact one of the girls last night told me that you couldn't...oh, ah, yes, er, we believe you Maximus. It's just that with so many orgies, we just don't seem able to keep many in mint condition."
"Oh, I see. What? Which girl said what?"
"Never mind that," Pertius was anxious to get Maximus on his way.
"Maximus, we want you to take three of our best ships, enough slaves to row them, and five hand picked Centurions for each ship. Sail to the west and seek out a new land, where there are lots of virgins. Bring back as many as you can load onto the ships, and no hanky panky on the way back or you'll be paying a visit to the lions."
"It will be my honour to carry out your command oh great one." Maximus was back to being a creep.
"Then go Maximus, and the Gods be with you."
Maximus placed an ad in the Daily Forum.
"Mystery tour----Slaves needed for vacational cruise to undisclosed resort."
Soon plenty of strong slaves were queuing at the harbour gate, each desperate to take part in the trip. Maximus picked only the fittest, strongest, healthiest, and ugliest. Well, you never know, you might get lucky, and you don't need competition do you.
Eventually all the plans were in place and Maximus set sail. The small fleet sailed west, past Malta, and Gibraltar. Then north, along the coast of Portugal, and into the unknown seas.
Then, just after they lost sight of land, a great mist descended upon them, and they were becalmed. The crews started to row as hard as they could, seeking a breeze and clearer skies, but the further they went the fog just got thicker and thicker. The crew of Maximus's ship thought they must be close to the edge
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