Prologue.


Anthaelia was a singularity in the universe. It orbited a red dwarf star similar to the Sun, located in a small, remote galaxy. The size of the planet was very similar to that of Earth and its distance from the star also resulted in almost the same climate. Its singularity instead, was given from the fact that millions of plant species lived on the planet, but only one species of mammals very similar to humans existed on it. No reptiles, birds or insects existed on the planet.
Life had evolved in a very singular and unidirectional way, quickly causing the less evolved previous species to become extinct and leaving only one to survive. Over the course of millions of years, millions of species were extinct, leaving only one at a time on the planet. The humanoids of the latest evolution, like their ancestors, had not natural antagonists and, having at their disposal a immense vegetation that offered them an easy and sure sustenance, they progressed rapidly. After a few million years after their first appearance on the planet, they reached a level of civilization and technology very high.
When they realized that their diet, exclusively vegetarian, could have been improved, they began to produce in the laboratory proteins and all other nutritional principles, that the plants could not offer them. The new diet had extraordinary effects on their bodies which became harmonious and robust. The conformation was very similar to that of a human of tall stature but they were totally hairless. The oval face of a slightly pinky complexion, was enriched by two large eyes very clear, tending towards blue, which managed very well to express their peaceful nature.
The organization social had never presented problems as their mild and sociable character had avoided the emergence of disagreements and conflicts. They didn't know either the war nor the weapons, since it was not conceivable for them to end a life.
When curiosity about the universe led them to leave the planet, they built ships capable of exploring the surrounding space. Over the course of a few hundred years, their technology managed to equip them with crafts that could travel at very high warp and explore spaces that were unimaginable before then. The most modern and technologically advanced spaceship, ever built before, was sent into the depths of space in search of other intelligent species.
She was called Anthaeliana.



EXTRACT
Chapter 2.

The Legate Titus Fabius Aquila had commanded the Legio VIIII Hispana in 731 a.U.c, towards the end of the Cantabrian Wars, and had distinguished himself for his brave leadership and refined strategy. Upon returning to Rome, he was appointed Consul for his war merits and retired to his luxurious villa on the Via Ostiensis, awaiting new imperial assignments. He would not have minded being the governor of a distant province far from the Urbe, and in the meantime, he was enjoying a well-deserved rest.
The political situation in the city was calm. The emperor Octavianus Augustus was popular among the people and the Senate, and his new reforms were well-received. Nevertheless, Titus Fabius had recruited some retired veterans from the Legio VIIII as his personal guard. A low building within the walls surrounding the property served as a castra for his escort. He did not think he had enemies in Rome, but given the importance of his public role as Consul, he deemed it appropriate to surround himself with his loyal veterans. Furthermore, the fact that the house was completely isolated in the countryside along the Via Ostiense made their presence almost indispensable and, having them still under his command, kept alive the pleasant memory of his victories in Iberia.
It was a few days before the Ides of July, one of the hottest months of the year. It was the secunda vigilia noctis, and the evening offered a pleasant coolness after a hot and sunny day. Titus Fabius was half reclined on a precious couch finely inlaid, placed in the inner garden of the villa. He sipped Greek wine mixed with fresh water and, in the torchlight, admiringly viewed his latest jewel. He had built a small pavilion under which an holorolgium ex aqua was placed, which was his pride. It did not have much practical use as the calculation of hours was very approximate, but having it at home denoted sophistication and ostentatious wealth, as well as provoking envy from those who could not afford it. The clepsydrarius who had built it had charged him a fortune in sesterces, but he was convinced it was worth it. He smiled complacently as he heard the evocative sound of the pebble that the clock emitted every hour, making it fall on a small bronze lens.
Titus Fabius came from a wealthy family and had amassed immense wealth during the campaigns in Iberia, transforming his affluence into considerable riches that he took pride in. His merits had been fully recognized, even directly by the Emperor himself, making him particularly proud.
His thoughts were interrupted by the commander of his escort who entered the garden and greeted him militarily, raising his right hand to his helmet with the palm facing towards him. He was a Primus Pilus who had fought with him in Iberia and who was particularly loyal to him. Between the two of them, a solid friendship had developed after the numerous war events they had experienced together. The Primus Pilus was always present in war councils before battles, and often his extensive military experience contributed to identifying the best strategy that Titus Fabius, as Legate, then adopted.
Publius Menenius Glabrio addressed him in a formal but friendly tone, calling him by the title of Legate even though he no longer commanded a legion,
"Legate Titus Fabius, I must report some facts that are not very important and will not disturb your rest."
Looking at him with a slight smile, Titus Fabius placed his cup on the small table in front of him and replied emphatically,
"Your news is always interesting, Primus Pilus, so speak."
Publius Menenius, pleased to be called by the rank he held in the old legion, continued in a less formal tone:
"Towards the end of the first watch of the night, one of my legionaries caught two young individuals lurking along the outer walls in a suspicious manner,"
and concluded with a smile,
"a couple of lashes on their bottoms were enough to make the two fūruncŭli run away."
Titus Fabius smiled at the thought of the massive legionnaire flogging the two unsuspecting young men and commented,
"The isolation of this house sometimes leads the foolhardy to try their luck for some coins."
Publius Menenius nodded and added,
"They didn't seem dangerous, but I will still order patrols around the outer walls during all watchful nights," and before leaving, he added with a smile,
"prevention is better than cure."Titus Fabius watched him walk away smiling. The loyalty of his old comrade inspired him with extreme tranquillity and security, which he reciprocated with gratitude.
Given his immense financial resources, he could afford to generously pay his legionaries, who received salaries that were incomparable to those received by soldiers in the army.