Intent #
The economic crisis after the eruption and the hook for the next issue: Steam Power.
Narrative #
THE HOUSE OF GAIUS LIES NEAR RUIN, THOUGH, Marcus wrote. WE BOUGHT PICENTIAN WOOL, BUT THE HANDS THAT WORKED IT WERE IN POMPEII, NOW DEAD OR WOUNDED. ALL CAMPANIA EDGES TOWARD FAMINE.
WE NEED A MIRACLE.
Ulysses smiled. He looked at his diagrams. He typed the words that would change history.
NOT A MIRACLE, ENGINEERING!
NEXT LESSON: STEAM!
STEAM?
BOILING WATER THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS! YOU'LL SEE.
End of Volume 1.