“I want to ask something of you Akeira.”
The Greek pankrationist, beginning to glisten with sweat from her workout glided towards the master of the ludus.  “I am grateful for your hospitality you have afforded me at our ludus.  And so many fine women gladiators! What may I do for you?”
Cornelius then spoke and told Akeira of his plans for the day.  “My ship has returned from Cyprus where I bought several slaves from Roman conquests.  They are an interesting bunch of women-- feisty, fit and all courageous in their own way.  They have been given the opportunity to fight as gladiators and to receive great honor and maybe their freedom.”
Akeira became intrigued, “ I see... is there something you would like me to do with them, Master?”
Cornelius came to the point with his usual bluntness,  “I want you to break them in and tell me what you think of each of them.  But be careful-- don't kill any of them-- they have not been cheap. Make them better fighters.”