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VILLA JUNIA, PALATINE
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It has been days since that Tribune had brought direct charges against Cassius Julius, adoptive Cornelian Scipio as he was told by his cousin, Lucius. While Marcus Brutus knew Cassius Julius not, he was certain that the man couldn't be the one who bribed the Tribune to bring his Senatus Consultum down. Firstly, Marcus pondered, why would one provide a mere sum of 20,000 denarii? Surely, only a fool would risk to be exposed for corruption by offering such a small bag of coin! Not even soldiers or Plebes sorditi would accept that kind of money, no question for a politician who started off his career! Secondly, Marcus Brutus argued, what benefit could Cassius Jullius possibly had to want to bring down the legislation against bribery - by bribing it no less! Surely, it was all a frame against young Scipio, maybe some friend of Bestia's sensing that Marcus' legislation was aiming directly towards his patron's head so he decided to bring down two sparrows with one stone! More fool him, Marcus thought. Without further thought on the matter, Marcus Brutus sat and begun composing a letter of consolation to young Cassius Julius - and some advice!

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Marcus Junius F. M. N. M. PN. M Brutus to Cassius Julius, greetings;

Cassius Julius, my deepest condolences on this horrid injustice done to your person and dignitas. Unfortunately, we live in such times where noble and upright men are brought down by no less than worms - we just have to learn to crush them beneath our heels as we pass! I implore you to recall your earliest teachings on the Mos Maiorum and assemble the needed temperence and dignitas required on occassions such as these. Taking your leave to the country will indeed strike out as a gesture of honour so I trust you don't need my advice on the matter; nevertheless, I should be said. Temperence and patience, dear friend. The fact that it is you who were attacked with charges of corruption - a Scipio no less than a Julius! - confirms my deepest fears; we live in a crumbling Republic, my dearest fellow, a Republic that destroys it's own sons instead of being proud for them. For that we have already two examples of! However, as I said earlier, temperence and patience. The truth will shine in the end and all will be acquitted and punished as it fits.

Having heard the rumours of the corruption myself in the Forum, private parties and other, I could not help but wonder how foolish should one be to try to kill a legislation against bribery with bribery - now, my points of necessity to counter the evil have been verified by both suspicion and fact, I doubt if anyone will have the nerve to stand in the opposing end of the Curia once the Senatus Consultum comes to a vote! As I was saying, I pondered on what a foolish man would try to bribe a up and goer politician like a Tribune of Plebes with a sum not able to host even the modest of Games; unthinkable idiocy! So, I can't say that I find any truth in these allegations - my cousin has always described you as a man of reason; I doubt you lost your mind and wits so much as to carry out yourself this terrible blunder of an opperation. My advice would be to search deeper into this charge and into the bank accounts of this Sextus Nigilius Leontius; If you asked me, I would reply that you were framed, cought up in a bigger strugle and that you are hereby called to prove in court. I, for once, for the interests of truth and friendship, will have my own agents search this Sextus Nigilius accounts as well as your own, if only to prove that no bank transfer ever occured - I am certain of that truth.

In the meanwhile, as long as someone picks the prosecution, I would propose you to consult someone of experience on how to best set up your own defence and after that hire a defence attorney to represent you. I know for a fact that my cousin would love to step into the challenge for a fellow friend, if he manages to be back in Rome in time for the court battle. Currently, the march orders are being delivered in Africa so I trust it won't be long until he's back in the City. Then, I am sure he would be very fond of helping you out of this sordid business, since he is himself found at a difficult spot himself - by framing no less. Until then, my wishes are with you,

Yours in all respect and fidelity,
Marcus Junius F.M. N.M. PN.M. Brutus
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I. I begin an investigation as for the truthness of Tribune's Sextus Nigilius' charges. I will have my agents search into Sextus Nigilius' bank accounts for any financial irregularity. The results are to be provided with all secrecy back to Marcus Brutus.

II. I further begin a more discreet and subtle investigation of all ten active Tribunes bank accounts for peculiar transfers. The results are to be provided with all secrecy back to Marcus Brutus.