[ Considering his interest in Messalina's plight and the fact that he's worked to gain her favour and votes, perhaps he should have tried to speak to her sooner. Or, perhaps, the fact that he has shown his support to her both in the senate and elsewhere means she might be more inclined to be truthful and that will work in his favour. At least, he hopes so. After all, he cannot travel back in time, even if his arrival here has made him wonder about the potential of human invention.

If that's what it is.

Anyway. ]

Messalina.

My name is Connor. I wonder if you might be willing to speak with me. It seems there are many who oppose your wishes and the situation is beginning to turn violent. I would call the response disproportionate to what you ask for. Do you have any theories as to who is behind it, and why they are so desperate to stop you?

[ And he really wants to know what's going on with Alir, but that's not something you just ask right off the bat. He's smart enough to know that, at least. ]