Intent #
Establish Marcus' identity as a slave in 79 AD and the disbelief of Ulysses.
Narrative #
I HAVE TO SAY YOUR LATIN IS EXCELLENT, the stone replied. I AM MARCUS, OF THE HOUSE OF GAIUS CALIDIUS. A SERVANT.
A slave? Ulysses wondered. Maybe he means service staff...? But that Latin... it's spotless.
"Why are we speaking Latin?" Ulysses asked aloud.
WHAT ELSE WOULD WE SPEAK? Marcus countered.
Ulysses felt a chill. "Marcus... what date is it today?"
15TH KALENDS OF SEPTEMBER. CONSULSHIP OF VESPASIAN, EIGHTH TERM, AND TITUS, SEVENTH.