If it weren’t for Maximus’s recent realization, when he wanted Volenus to select slaves to join the Supply Camp and form a new Centurion, that Volenus, already holding considerable authority in administrative affairs, would become the person with the most power in the Supply Camp under Maximus by also intervening in military matters...
Maximus, reborn in this era, values power greatly, as it directly pertains to his survival.
Precisely because of this, he came up with the idea of establishing the position of military officer and assigning Flanitnus to focus exclusively on military matters.
Maximus glanced at Volenus. Although this diligent and hardworking clerk is not an ambitious man, once all power is delegated to him, there is a chance it might change him.
Therefore, convenience alone mustn’t dictate the process; relying exclusively on one person is not an option—power must be distributed. Maximus sighed in his heart but spoke aloud, "Volenus, take one of your experienced subordinates and assign them to Flanitnus as a clerk for the military officer."
"Let’s have Latimas do it," Volenus suggested.
"Latimas?" Maximus thought for a moment and then realized, "Oh, the freedman from the Napolet Harbor. Fine, let’s go with him. Flanitnus, go to Volenus later to request this person. Then, take him to compile statistics on the soldiers’ casualties and the performance of each Centurion. Afterward, gather the young and strong male slaves willing to join our Supply Camp and form a new Centurion. Distribute the weapons and equipment we’ve seized as quickly as possible—by the way, have the soldiers had breakfast yet?"
Flanitnus was caught off guard by Maximus’s sudden question, but Volenus responded, "Fesaros has followed your orders and organized the slaves in the wealthy district to cook for the soldiers. They should have eaten by now."
"Good. Flanitnus, confirm it later. Acronis, the kitchen supervisor, won’t be able to bring his team here today, and since we’ll likely be staying here for several days, you, as the military officer, will need to take charge of the soldiers’ meals during this time!"
"Leader, rest assured, I’ll handle this task," Flanitnus pledged firmly without hesitation.
"Guarding the three gates of Pompeii has already been delegated to Fesaros. Go check later to see if there are any issues. Earlier, I neglected the harbor—later, have Camillus send a team to seal off the port to prevent merchant ships from slipping away..." Maximus’s mind was overwhelmed with pressing issues. He spoke instinctively, "Also, the soldiers battled all night and must be exhausted. Figure out a way to let them rest in shifts and recover their strength... Hmm, and... I’ve lost track. Do you have any suggestions?"
"Leader, Fesaros, Torrelugo, and Camillus don’t yet know your appointment of me. If I go alone, they likely won’t obey my commands," Flanitnus reminded directly.
"Oh, you’re right!" Maximus slapped his head. "That’s indeed a problem. If I had someone explicitly representing my authority to convey these orders, things would be easier... Looks like I need attendants and must get everyone accustomed to my decrees..."
Upon thinking of attendants, Maximus recalled Aco and his group of children. Unfortunately, fearing danger during this raid, he didn’t bring them along. He could only instruct Flantillus, "Later, summon the three Chief Centurions. I’ll announce your appointment in front of them."
"Any other suggestions?"
"Leader, our manpower is already limited. We still need to allocate soldiers to guard the hundreds of prisoners and feed them. I suggest releasing the Pompeians among the captives back home. They’re naturally timid, were defeated this time, and likely won’t dare oppose us in the future. As for the captive guards and wealthy individuals..."
Flanitnus knew these two groups were troops and slaves hated deeply by the rebel army soldiers. So he suggested the approach often used by the Supply Team after occupying farms: "Gather the Pompeian slaves and conduct public trials and executions in front of them."
"Pompey’s elites have likely been slaughtered by Quintus and the others, leaving few survivors," Maximus remarked casually, smiling at Flanitnus’s proactive attitude. He added, "Alright, you’ll manage this matter."
"Leader, after I leave the military advisory group, who will take over my role as group leader?" Flanitnus inquired further.
"Don’t concern yourself with that; I have my arrangements," Maximus replied coldly before redirecting the topic. "Horace has stationed the Medical Team at Areyous’s residence. Later, check on their treatment of the wounded soldiers and see if there’s anything you can help resolve. This is your responsibility as a military officer."
Understanding the warning implicit in Maximus’s words, Flanitnus felt a chill in his heart.
"Also, once you’ve finished your tasks, gather information on whether there are any blacksmiths in Pompeii. If so, no matter what it takes, recruit them to join us."
In the lower classes of City States, blacksmiths were a relatively prosperous profession with decent earnings, making it unlikely they’d willingly join a rebel army. Flanitnus understood well what Maximus meant by "whatever it takes." The two physicians from the Capua Gladiator School in the Medical Team were forced to serve the rebel army under the threat of short swords for the safety of their families. Flanitnus harbored no resentment toward such practices; in his youth, while campaigning under Marius, the army had done far worse things.