Victor the Navicularii

Victor had spent the last week tirelessly adapting the bireme project plans delivered by Belisarius. It wasn't enough to accept the designs at face value; he meticulously redrew each schematic, ensuring every detail was accounted for. Starting with minor diagrams for individual lumber pieces and larger ones for the assembly process, he carefully planned every aspect of the ship's construction.

To enhance the ship's performance, Victor made several modifications. He reduced the hull's drag by altering its curvature, added a counterweight system to improve stability, and devised a mechanism to enhance maneuverability. Recognizing the need for emergency measures, he implemented a kite system, designed to aid the ship in swift escapes when wind conditions allowed.

Victor also reengineered the oars into an X-variant with curved ends for greater efficiency. He integrated cranks to reduce the force required from operators, ensuring longer endurance during extended voyages or battle maneuvers. Additionally, operator supports were included to improve comfort and reduce fatigue. At the culmination of his planning, he laid out a precise timetable for the ship's construction and assembly, leaving nothing to chance.

In parallel to the ship project, Victor embarked on auxiliary innovations. He designed a simple compass using floating needles and a quadrant, laying the groundwork for better navigation. With maps from the village library, he created the first nautical charts of the region, basing them on experiments using the sun's position and his newly designed compass. He even commissioned an astrolabe from Rome to refine future explorations.

By the week's end, Victor's preparations were complete. He issued orders to begin production, setting the wheels in motion.

He instructed Adrian to repurpose one of the Dominatus house's warehouses in the city as a temporary shipyard. Meanwhile, Vesperus was tasked with acquiring the necessary timber directly from the forests, paying a premium for expedited delivery. Victor also negotiated short-term contracts with ten carpentry shops across the city. Each shop received detailed schematics and pre-purchased materials, which were bought in bulk at discounted rates. The carpenters were instructed to wax the parts with beeswax for added durability.

Victor didn't stop there. Contracts were secured with weavers to produce hemp ropes and cables, while the metal components were outsourced to forges specializing in bronze and iron. Recognizing the long-term benefits, Victor ordered the construction of a dedicated forge near the shipyard. The forge's design incorporated a natural ventilation system inspired by Iranian architecture, ensuring efficiency and durability. He also designed specialized tools for the forge, which were manufactured under contract.

By week's end, Victor and his collaborators, led by Vesperus, were finalizing the assembly plans. They meticulously reviewed the financial projections for the bireme, the auxiliary projects, and the innovative hydraulic presses and hammers planned for the forge.

Vesperus, visibly drained, dictated the expense report:

- The total cost for materials is 11,000 sestertii, with lumber being the most expensive, followed by iron for the tools. Labor contracts for production totaled 9,500 sestertii. Equipment expenditures reached 4,000 sestertii. Including assembly and Belisarius's technical supervision, the total cost for the bireme is 34,500 sestertii.

- By comparison, conventional construction costs range from 45,000 to 60,000 sestertii, while the current market price for biremes is 100,000 to 110,000 sestertii. This represents a significant reduction in production costs for the Dominatus house.

Vesperus was about to continue when a guard entered abruptly, his nervous voice cutting through the room:

 - I announce the arrival of the esteemed guest Lucia Cinna, Heiress of House Goetia, first daughter of House Cinna, Bella Auroria of Mariana, and fiancée of Victor Dominatus.

The announcement barely ended before Lucia stormed into the room. Her eyes scanned the surroundings before locking onto Victor, who sat at the table, a goblet of wine in hand, listening to the report.

Victor's expression remained composed, though his thoughts were less serene.

"At least she didn't interrupt while I was working on the sketches" he mused, suppressing a sigh.

Lucia wasted no time, rushing to his side. She grabbed his arm, her voice rising in protest:

- Ah, how could you? Venus herself must have cursed me! A man newly engaged leaves his bride without word for a week, only to be found drinking wine with his friends? What will become of me if scandalous rumors of my future husband spread through the city?

Her dramatic tone drew laughter from the room, and Victor's stoic demeanor crumbled. His face turned red as he struggled to respond:

- We're not having fun; we're working on a project! By Jupiter, if you dramatize every meeting like this, my reputation in Rome will crumble faster than the Kingdom system !

Ignoring his retort, Lucia's gaze fell on the table. Her eyes widened as she took in the drawings before her—a bireme unlike any she had seen.

This design was strikingly different from traditional ships. The hull had straighter lines to reduce drag, and a "nose" extended from the bow, housing an additional sail for greater speed and versatility. A large sail was mounted across the ship's structure, supported by cables, enhancing stability and adaptability. The counterweight system, strategically placed, ensured the ship remained balanced during sharp maneuvers or in rough waters. The oars, reengineered with curved ends and cranks, added efficiency and reduced the strain on operators.

Her curiosity peaked as she noticed a ladder leading to a "house" atop the main mast—a structure that seemed entirely foreign to maritime design. Beside the innovative drawing lay a schematic of a traditional bireme, highlighting the stark contrast.

- is this supposed to be a ship?

Lucia asked, incredulous.

- Why does it look so different? Who designed this?

Victor smiled, his earlier embarrassment forgotten.

- This, my love.

he said, his voice calm but proud.

- is the future of your father's fleet.