The Factory Floor #
The Lanifica matrons initially reject the "vulgar" seated posture of the new Industrial Loom. "A Roman woman weaves standing up. It is a matter of dignity," Caecilia Vettia declares.
Livia counters: "Dignity is feeding your family, Caecilia. Watch." She sits and jerks the handle. The shuttle blurs across the race with a THWACK-CLICK.
The speed is "statistically offensive" to tradition, but the results are undeniable. Caecilia spits on the floor to ward off the machine's "Evil Eye" and then takes her seat. "Demons work fast. Bring me the yarn. All of it."
Wide shot: The warehouse is alive with the rhythmic Click-Clack of fifty looms. Gaius and Marcus watch from the balcony. "It’s the heartbeat of a new world," Gaius says.