The Curia

Balbatus remains standing.

Now, in other news gentlemen, I have received word that the messenger that delivered me news of Carthages agreement to leave southern Gaul and northern Hispania was indeed false. Having returned an answer to the official who supposedly reported this news, I found out that he had sent no such letter. I believe this to be the work of the Punics; their agents in Roma. We should be wary of such characters.

I strongly suggest we send a man of influence that we can trust to meet with the commander of the Punic force that was camped near Massilia. I suggest Consul Cicero, a man of strength and integrity.

Many Senatores break into hushed whisperings and even outright shouting of their various support, or lack thereof of this turn of events. The rancour begins to swell as Senator questions Senator, aides deliver conflicting reports from the library alcoves, and the strong-headed demand to be heard above their peers. More than once shouts of "Send in the Army!", "Betrayers!", "Lies!", and "Allies" can be heard distinctly over the clamourous debate.

One middle-aged, unassuming Senator stands up at his seat and in a moment of relative quiet shouts,

"On whose word have you received this message? Anonymous couriers in the night seeking to stir hatred amongst allies are dubious in the least!"

"I find it funny, to once more have this king title thrown at me. Did i not ask? Did i say i would simply bestow these rewards on my command no! It seems some people cannot forget the past..."

"No, some people just won't close their eyes for the reality for some empty gestures. If anyone here have a doubt of your continued position as king, he need only take a quick glance at the constitution. Has it been changed, as the senate voted it should be? No. It is the same as before, keeping Blasio here as a firm dictator. His propositions and pretensions of re-establishing the Republic, false as they were yet still better than what is, have been shown as mere promises you never intended to realise. Some may be fooled by this, but not I.

My calling you for what you are has thus nothing to do with what happened here - a front by which you wish to hide behind - but all with what you do, haven't done and what illegal perks you allow yourself, and even wished to keep for yourself in your fake propositions. So, your unlawful highness, until you actually give up being a king I will keep calling you out as one, and changing the title for reasons of propaganda won't be enough."

(OOC: By "constitution" I'm of course referring to the rules, which still haven't been updated, despite my PM quite a while ago reminding you of precisely that.)

Balbatus rolls his eyes.

These acusations against Blasio are getting tiresome, Regulus. He is one of our two Consuls-one of the two most powerful men in the Senate for his term. Of cours ehe has greater sway for the time being. When his office is up, and possibly he is replaced, someone will get their turn. But I'm afraid that if you don't begin to drop this continuted and quite frankly now empty attack on our Consul, you will not be receiving my vote come the elections.

He wouldn't participate anyway, for he wouldn't want to become "king", does he

"Oh Balbatus, you senile old fool, do you not understand anything that I have said - ever? If anything, I have always argued for more power to the Consuls! What he gets from being one is not what I'm objecting to, it has never been a reason for my dissent.

If you didn't hear me before, I will say it again: Blasio has not changed our laws, even when the Senate almost unanimously in most cases and unanimously in some, voted for that to be done! He has completely ignored the Senate's decisions, refusing to do what it decided must be done - and that is the illegal actions of a tyrant, not a lawful Consul! Don't you see? He pretends to care what the Senate says, but then gladly disregards it in action. If that doesn't get your lips away from his ass crack, then I don't know what will. Or perhaps you want a king, and that's why you defend him like this?

Furthermore, even if he had gone through with the changes he by law is forced to make, it would still not change the fact that he's still reigning king. It would change the name from what he really is - a dictator - to "Princeps", but what is that if not just an attempt to avoid the bad connotations that come with the word dictator? He still gladly points out through it that he is superior to you, superior thanks to birth. Even if the latter once to replace him would be chosen by the senate - fat chance he would care about those anyway, since he as I just proved only pay lip service to our votes - there would still be no way to remove him once "elected", save through death. That's not a republic.

If you are not loyal to the Republic, then shame on you, and may the gods show you no mercy. I, however, will not be silenced simply because I am."

Balbatus smiles at the insult.

I'm afraid you must have me mistaken for someone else, Regulus. I harbour no connection with the Consul whatsoever, especially within his toga.

So, he has need to visit the House of the Republic to rewrite part of the Constitution. And what then? What would you have him do in order to have you lift these curses against him?

"You say it as if it's a small thing. I have just proven to you that he does not care what the Senate thinks, and you just shrug it off as if it was nothing?! Where in Rome can I find a senator who actually cares about the Republic?!

If he harbours any intent of being a legit Roman senator, he should renounce both the Dictator and Heres part that is now, and the "Princeps & Promagistrate" and take his rightful rank of Tribune. This, of course, means that he cannot be a Consul either. The Consular legion should go to someone it rightfully belongs: a Consul. Whether that means Cicero or whomever the Senate decides is to replace Blasio as the Consul of Finance doesn't matter to me. That is up to the Senate as a whole to decide.

Shortly put, for me to lift my curses he must return Rome into a Republic. There is no other way."

Your attempt to turn everyone who is not your pet into an opponent of the republic not only is ridiculous, it also makes it obvious what you really intend to do... making the others look bad, because it's the only way you can distinguish yourself. I'm quite sure, after having said this, I'm also an enemy of the republic, right? Please don't confuse the republic with your person, my dear friend

We all care for the Republic, Regulus. We are the Republic, its body and soul. The fact that we disagree and have different priorities and ideas for the Republic is what makes it great and strong.

When does the current Consul period end? Blasio has done a good job as Consul of Finance, and as Consul of the Legions previously, even you can not deny that. I suggest that he is allowed to continue his current office, and then following the end of the Consul term new Consuls be choson.

"What I'm telling you is that the Republic... isn't. Blasio's actions prove that. If you do not care about taking Blasio off his throne, then you do not care about the Republic. It's as simple as that.

Regardless of what he has done as a Consul, he holds the position illegally. Do you not care about the law, or do you think you can just pick and choose which ones to follow? Just waiting for the next election and electing a new one will not do. He should be impeached immediately."

In a mighty, booming voice, Mars cries out:

Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs, you WILL show respect to a man who has 20 years seniority over you (and has been a senator since before you suckled at your mother's breasts!), has held the praetorship, and has fought in more battles against the enemies of Rome than you!

https://i494.photobucket.com/albums/...pglass/qw5.jpg

Perhaps you would care to bring this up as an Edict in the upcoming Congressional Session, Regulus?

"You mean through an amendment? Yes, I intend to do just that."

Caius the Fat begins to laugh a deep, rumbling sound that turns into coughing, then wheezing, and almost choking. His face turns a bright red and his eyes bulge as he attempts to catch his breath. Aides swarm to his side with cups of water and wet cloths; but he waves them off as he regains his composure. After taking several deep breaths he speaks in his booming, deep voice,

"Whoever the son-of-a-harlot is who imitates Mars like that, I assure you I've had better representations of the god of war come from my ass in the middle of the night! As for those who deny that our Charter remains unedited, I've had aides retrieve the most recent copy from the alcoves, and as of this moment it still retains some of the original language referring to "the princeps" rather than "the senate". Regulus is correct, and should be applauded for his vigilance.

"At the next Congressional session I and other senatores of like mind shall form a commission and propose an edict that we review the Charter and if it is not entirely corrected, that it be done at that time as well as declare a suitable punishment for Blasio. We certainly must have sequential term limits on these posts. Let all who would, bear the burden of governance and leadership."

Blasio smirks...

"Propose what you will, I will of course vote against it and the fact that you would consider punishing me disgraces yourself even more. I will no longer argue this. We waste so much time debating whether or not I am a king instead of deciding the direction this Republic is heading in. If I am a tyrant to you, in the end, give me one thing I have ever demanded or forced any of you here to do. I rest my case senators, gentlemen, but some of you here sicken me with your own quest for imaginary inequality and equality."

"I here by declare the fifth Congressional Council open! It will remain open for debate and legislation until February 21, 2009 at 22:00 PACIFIC ; at which point there will be 48 hours allotted for voting."

"I leave the floor open for debate, all I will announce for now is that I am running for Consul of Finance."

Cotta walks into the Curia, amidst a mixed reception. All Senators rose upon his arrival, as per custom to a man holding the Corona Civica. However, some were slow to rise, or with twists of annoyance on their faces. Others smiled broadly, and clapped Cotta on the back as he strolled pas tto his seat. Polite, but unengaging, Cotta simply made his way past his fellow Senators, and to the Curia floor, signalling for the clatter and applause to calm down, amidst the grumbles and sighs.

Gentlemen, thank you for your reception. Yes, I have been long away from Roma. I am here only for the time the congressional session and the voting is in place. My army is camped across the valley from the enemy, and although I doubt not the abilities of my subordinates, I would prefer to be there myself.

I have been informed of the reaction to the question of the aftermath to the Dux Campaign in Illyria. I am well aware of everything said, and I am not here to defend myself or attack others. I am here to push for the Provinical Dictatorship of Illyria Hellenike, and the city of Epidamnos, for a term of two years (OOC: 8 Turns). I plan to use the Legio II to hold it for that length of time, whereupon we should be safe enough to construct a Provincial Legion to hold our interests there.

Therefore, I propose EDICT 5.1-Dux Cotta to be granted the Provincial Dictatorship of Illyria Hellenike (Epidamnos) for a term of two years.

Avlvs enters the Curia.

Greetings my friends!

He sits on his seat and watches around.


Well, what's going on?

Greetings, Avlvs. I have just proposed EDICT 5.1. We are also discussing the next Consuls.

Speaking of which, I will also be running for Consul of the Legions.

"Blasio, it is an affront to the gods that you call this a "republic". I thank Marcellus for his support and I fully agree that a punishment is in order. You do not seriously think such criminal offences you have committed would go unpunished, would you?

But first and foremost the important stuff. I have an amendment I'd like to make."

Charter Amendment 5.1: The ranks of Princeps Senatus and Promagistrate in Rule 2.4 should be completely removed. The ownership of Consular Legions should thereby pass to the Consuls.

Pvblivs turns to Cotta.

"You know, I used to be one of your silent supporters, all up until the last Session I believe. I used to think that Marcellus' accusations of you were unfounded and unjust, but the more I learn about you, the more I see that he has actually been right all along. Why do you think you would get to be a dictator, even if "only" over Illyria?

Why is it also that you think you can decide what Legio II is to do? That is all up to the senate. If the senate says it is to march to Hades and back, then that is where it will march, Cotta - regardless of whether you lead it there or not! It is an ever increasingly important distinction to make in times such as these."

Sulla rises
ahh how typical for Cotta to propose his own ascandence. I have to, well, strongly disagree. Cotta acomplished nothing to make him worthy of such honours. infact the only thing he did do was tell others a plan they could have come up with in their sleep. Tiberius is right cotta deserves no such honour.

Ah, thanks for the information Dux Cotta.

I second your "EDICT 5.1-Dux Cotta to be granted the Provincial Dictatorship of Illyria Hellenike (Epidamnos) for a term of two years"


Friend Regvlvs, as a member of Legio II, i tell you now, that this legion indeed will march into Hades arse and back, if the senate decides it. But the senate is not only you, but all of us, and we will decide what's best together.

Sulla, if something here is not worthy of any honours it's the words you just spat out. Of course Cotta deserves the highest respect and honours from the senate of rome, on whose command he had spilled his blood! That's beyond question.

Cotta angrily steps up.

I am a part of this Senate, Regulus. Do not dare to tell me I have no say in where this legion goes or what it does. If you would even bother to read back over the minutes taken in this Senate, you will see I have said nothing about having overall say in where Legio II is going or what it will be doing I have said I ask for the Senate to agree to allow me to take it to Illyria, to protect our borders.

A Provincial Dictatorship is but a name containing the word Dictator. That does not automatically label me as some sort of deranged tyrant who will stop at nothing until he gets complete power over the world. I am no Emperor, nor do I harbour any thoughts of mutiny against the Republic. It's pathetic that you do nothing but cry over Blasio, and now myself, when you are too dumbwitted to see your just as blind as the rest of us. Your as bad as Tiberius.

However, I do support Charter Ammendment 5.1 , but I do not support the man behind it. You have made too much of a scene with these accusations. Regulus. You have lost my respect. You are an able commander and a stong character, and I comend you for it. However, you have strayed from your path so far that I do not see a way back for you. You are not fighting for the Republic we all savour, no matter how much you think you are right. You complain about everything, and propose how you would make it all better if you had your way. Your no better than anyone else I have encountered.

Cotta stares heatidly at Regulus, before reseating amidst mixed reception.

"Mamercus, if you for once opened your ears you would've heard how Cotta explicitly told us how "he had plans for Legio II to stay in Illyria..." That is why I said exactly what exactly what you now try to turn against me: that the senate makes the plans, not he.

Why is it that you are so intent on attacking whatever argument I make, even if you have to do it with the very same one? Cotta must be very happy to have such a loyal minion as you."

Pvblivs turns to Cotta.

"You spoke of your plans for Legio II, as if it was in your power to just command that. I have not implied you are not a part of the Senate, and that you do not have a part in deciding what Legio II is to do. I have objected to how you have implied that the rest of us do not.

As for what you doubtlessly intended as insults, I couldn't take them as anything else than compliments. Tiberius is a fine fellow, a loyal Republican and I am very happy to know I'm regarded "as bad as him". It means I have done something right."

I don't attack you, I just said that I agree with you, that legion II will march where ever the senate tells it to, didn't you listen?

The Senatores (like you and cotta) make plans. It's the senates task to decide about those plans!

I see nothing in this but an attack of jealosy and on me as a potential rival.

Cicero rushes in to the Curia apparently looking busy.

he clears his throat for a short announcement:

"I announce that I shall be running for Consul of the Legions again. there are still some tasks I have yet to complete."

after which he takes his seat and proceeds with scribbling something on a long piece of parchment

Jealosy? I see a point that needs to be brought up Regvlvs has a right to say what he wants and bring forward topics that could be key to the republics health. even if that talk may be detrimental to you.