Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece Chapter 1187: Plato's Choice

Frowning, Plato set down his pen. "Oreas, don't panic," he said. "I've told you to stay calm no matter what you do, because only a calm mind is capable of rational thought. I've reminded you of this countless times, yet you always forget!"

"Teacher... it's like this. Today, the assembly of five thousand passed a resolution to join the Greek League and declare war on Daionia..." Oreas gasped.

Plato showed no surprise, only gently shaking his head. "Haven't I said this before? Given the current climate in Athens, declaring war on Daionia was only a matter of time. These foolish Athenians are too easily driven to irrationality by their anger. The ecclesia holds supreme authority over the city-state, yet it has become nothing but a venue to vent their emotions. This is the flaw of so-called democracy!"

"Teacher... there's more..." Oreas swallowed hard, trying to continue, but a steadier voice interrupted him. "Teacher, the ecclesia passed another resolution—accusing you of treason and demanding you stand trial!"

Speusippus walked into the room, his expression filled with grief and indignation. "I took the stand to defend you, but I couldn't stop it from passing..."

Plato looked at his prized disciple. Seeing the bruises on the young man's face and his swollen jaw, he could easily imagine how ugly the scene had become. "You have suffered," Plato said softly, his heart aching. "I'm sorry to cause you such worry."

"You are our respected teacher; it's our duty!" Oreas had finally caught his breath and spoke with righteous indignation. "It's a good thing you didn't attend the ecclesia today. It was completely chaotic! Isocrates was the worst. He specifically wrote a speech for his student to read to the crowd, filled entirely with slander against you, and those ignorant people believed every word. When Speusippus went up to defend you, the irrational mob cursed us as traitors and even hurled pottery shards at him..."

"I can well imagine how bad it got," Plato said, his expression turning solemn. "Years ago, I too attended the ecclesia that demanded the trial of my teacher, Socrates!"

"Teacher, back then the scholar Socrates wouldn't listen to your advice. He believed the ecclesia would give him a fair trial, and it cost him his life! You absolutely must not—" Speusippus pleaded urgently.

Speusippus let out a visible sigh of relief, but Oreas hesitated. "Teacher, if you just leave like this, won't it... won't it only make the ignorant masses believe Isocrates' slander even more?"

"Temporary slander means nothing. Time will ultimately prove who is right and who is wrong," Plato said with confidence.

"Teacher, if you leave Athens, where do you plan to go?" Speusippus asked.

"Since Isocrates claims I am colluding with Daionia, I will go to Thurii. I'll spend some time studying at their Thurii Academy," Plato said, his voice filled with hope. "By the time we return to Athens, we will be able to make the Academy even better!"

"Teacher, I'll go with you!"

"Me too!"

...

Meanwhile, the Athenian chief general Callistratus was meeting with the Persian envoy Datis at his home.

Datis had previously been staying in Spartan territory. However, once the Daionian Army occupied Messenia and the First Fleet began blockading the Spartan coast, Datis had grown frightened. Worried he wouldn't be able to escape when the Daionian Army eventually attacked Sparta directly, he used the excuse of needing to supervise the mercenaries and supplies Persia was sending to Sparta and fled to Corinth. When the Daunian 1st Fleet subsequently raided the Port of Corinth, he felt unsafe once again and soon relocated to Athens.

"Congratulations, General. Your proposal finally passed the ecclesia!" Datis congratulated Callistratus.

Callistratus, however, replied earnestly. "You are mistaken. This proposal was drafted and agreed upon collectively by our Executive Committee of Generals. It represents the shared will of the majority of Athenian citizens!"

He then revealed a faint smile. "I'm sure your King of Persia will also be quite pleased when he hears the news."

"That is hard to say," Datis replied, his words masking his true thoughts. "The King of Persia hopes that Greece can maintain peace. If he learns another major war is breaking out here, making the 'Peace of Callias'—which he expended so much effort urging you all to sign—impossible to uphold, he will likely be furious!"

Callistratus sat up straight, shooting Datis a sharp look. "Let's be completely honest with each other," he said sternly. "The only reason the King of Persia wanted the Greek city-states to sign that treaty was because he hoped we would unite to defend against Daionia! And now, his wish is coming true. The various Greek city-states are forming an alliance to fight back against the invading Daionian Army together. I'm certain that when you report this news back to the King of Persia, he will be overjoyed and reward you handsomely!"

Datis didn't reply, but a slight smile inadvertently slipped onto his face.

Callistratus continued, "But if this newly formed alliance is defeated by the Theonians, allowing Daionia to take control of Greece, it would be a terrible outcome for Persia. At that point, the King of Persia might just turn his anger on you..."

Datis immediately scowled. "What do you mean by that?!"

"Don't misunderstand!" Callistratus said with utter sincerity. "I'm only trying to tell you that Persia's interests, Athens's interests, and both of our personal interests are completely aligned on the crucial matter of defeating the Theonians. Athens needs your help!"

Datis paused for a moment before letting out a meaningful chuckle. "What kind of help could a lowly envoy like me possibly offer Athens?"

"During your few days here in Athens, I am sure you have noticed we are facing financial difficulties. Our treasury lacks funds, and we cannot provide sufficient supplies for our military. Without money, we cannot raise a massive army. Even if the other city-states join this alliance, if they see Athens taking no action, they will likely hesitate... And if this drags on for too long, the situation will only favor Daionia!

"The reason the King of Persia wants our Greek city-states to unite in defense against Daionia is precisely because Daionia is powerful enough to threaten Persia! Now that Daionia has discovered our intentions, they will undoubtedly send more reinforcements to Greece!

"Sparta suffered a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Leuctra, and now they have lost Messenia. Their strength has been severely crippled. Even with your aid, I doubt they are any match for the Daionian Army! Right now, the only ones capable of rallying the Greek city-states and defending Greece are us Athenians! Therefore, we hope to receive Persia's full support. Not just gold and silver, but also your navy!"

Callistratus spoke earnestly, his voice deepening. "We currently lack the warships to fight the Daonian Fleet. Once we declare war on Daionia, their fleet will inevitably blockade the Saronic Gulf. It will become incredibly difficult for Athens to secure war supplies from the outside world. That is why we need Persian naval support! As long as Persia fully backs Athens, I promise you—Athens will turn Greece into an impenetrable fortress against Daionia!"

Datis looked at the impassioned Callistratus and drew a sharp breath.

Countless thoughts flashed through Datis's mind as he fell into deep contemplation.

Callistratus did not push him, choosing to wait in silence.

After a long while, Datis finally spoke. "I will relay your request to the King as soon as possible. Given your current financial difficulties, I can divert a portion of the funds the King allocated for Sparta so that you can raise your army quickly. But first, I need to see Athens's sincerity."

"What sincerity?"

"Send some Citizen Soldiers to the Peloponnese to aid the Spartans."

Callistratus thought for a moment before answering. "I will have to discuss this matter with the other generals first, and then submit it to the Council for debate before I can give you an answer. But I don't foresee it being a major issue."

"Good, then it's settled. I hope Athens and Sparta will work together to repel the Theonians and return peace to Greece!" Datis said righteously. Suddenly, he remembered something. "Ah... the King might agree to your other requests, but regarding the Persian navy's assistance... you should prepare yourselves. The King might not agree to it."

"Why not?" Callistratus was a bit puzzled. During the Corinthian War, in order to suppress the Spartans, the satrap Pharnabazus had ordered Conon to lead the Persian Fleet in an attack on Sparta. Later, when Conon took it upon himself to leave those warships in Athens, the King of Persia did not even pursue the matter. This proved the King of Persia's generosity and wisdom; he was more than willing to invest heavily at crucial moments.

"Because Persia is about to launch a massive military operation, and we cannot do without our navy."

"What military operation?" Callistratus's interest was piqued.

"You will know soon enough."

...

In a mansion along the northern coast of Cythera, Secilian was holding a military council.