As Balbatus reeled from the blow, landing a bunched fist into the fat senator's face with a satisfying crunch as he rolled with the blow. His years had taught him well in combat, but as he skidded across the floor he gasped for breath, his jaw ached incredibly, and he did not feel able to get up. His years must be catching up with him. That Caivs might be his senior, but Balbatus had been on this earth over fifty winters himself. He could see Senators rushing everywhere. Everyone was shouting something different, and Caivs had collapsed with the effort of attempting to stay upright on one leg without a crutch, lost in the momentum of the swing. Balbatus was too ashamed to defend himself with words, and there were Senators everywhere stopping him from retaliating physically. Not that there was any point anyway. The fat git wouldn't feel a thing through that flab.

As the Physicians arrived, they hauled Balbatus up, and began to walk him away. Balbatus did not struggle. He wouldn't be showing his face around here for a while, thought Balbatus with slight satisfaction. But then he himself did not feel like returning anytime soon. A long holiday by the sea was in order, he thought. Away from all this. Letter's must be sent...but later. Much later.