So, it is known on background / based off what the party learned that Caius Justus reformed the previous Ephes military, which was underperforming. To justify the huge expense of this process, Caius Justus assigned the Hand more civilian duties too, like patroling the Hives agricultural clusters, so that they could effectively earn their keep. He named Narula and his now mysteriously deceased brother Tavernus to lead the overhaul. Tavernus later resigned, breaking ties with his brother. Under their leadership, the Hand transformed from an insignificant unit to the elite armed wing you know now. The suspicious element has always been how the Hand jumped from a mediocre military formation to its current excellence — as the party has now learned, through dark water enhancements, with dark water collected from the Hives. This last bit isn't information Aurelius Longus would have, but it's available in posts!

There is no real underhanded arrangement beyond the typical favouritism between the Senate leader and his pet project, and the Hand and its long-time patron. Hand soldiers worship Narula, who in turn reveres Caius Justus.