The Royal Council

[Incitatus]

Alexandros enters the council and speaks

It has been a long time since I was last here but I assure you all that my time in the desert has not dulled my wits. Speaking as one who has traveled along the Nile and also as one with a great deal of experience with the people of Egypt, I do not think it would be wise to discard the satrapy. The Egyptians are a proud people with a long history and would not take lightly an imposing ruler from afar. No, the Egyptians need a ruler in Alexandria who is able to understand the local customs and traditions. If the Basileus wishes better administration in Egypt, by all means remove Aratos, but appoint a new satrap in his place. As far as it goes I believe Cunobelinus would make an excellent satrap, but as you say Hilarion this is the Basileus' decision and not mine. This gives me reason to second Edict 10.1.

As for Mikra Asia and the Macedonian threat, I believe that it is firmly in the Arche's interests to appoint a new satrap and I fully support Kleonemos as a candidate. Mikra Asia needs to be defended, and this is exactly the job for a satrap. At the very least it is not the responsibility of the 1st Lydian. The defeat of the Macedonians should be our first priority - they have nothing to lose and will not stop until they all lie dead. The rebels can wait. Let them sit in Babylon. If they decide to attack more of our loyal cities that will just make it easier for us to destroy them.

with this Alexandros bows and sits