I, too, extend my congratulations to all in new office. I expect fine things from each of you.
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I, too, extend my congratulations to all in new office. I expect fine things from each of you.
Qvintvs Aemilivs rose to speak.
"Thank you Avlvs Aemilivs, Thank you my fellow senators. I shall not shame thy trust."
Content, he sat down again.
"Thanks to you all, but does it not make more sense - since we only have one consular legion - to let the command of Legio I Apvlia go to Consul Manivs Clavdivs? He knows the soldiers himself as he has fought with them for a long time, and if he would challenge Cnaevs Cornelivs, I would certainly put my vote on him.
Do not mistake my words as distrust in the command of Cnaevs Cornelivs, but rather as a concern for how we would be treating Manivs Clavdivs. He has spent so much time as a second in command under me there, and to have someone else and take it over when I leave would be a direct insult to him, if he does indeed wish to command it now. Has he not earned his turn do that now, if it's what he wants?"
What command would you allow yourself then, Consul? Or would you keep from commanding a legion entirely for your term? I do not share your concern for the leadership of Cnaevs Cornelivs in Legio I Apulia. He has proved himself a capable commander in the past under Consul Dentatvs. I do not believe we should disown his ability when we have yet to experience it.
Qvintvs Aemilivs rose quickly
"Conscript fathers, consul Pvblivs Atilivs, esteemed consular Caivs Avrelivs." Qvintvs Aemilivs opened his address to the senate.
He refolded his toga while gazing around the ancient Curia Hostilia. If he had had any doubt, he could be sure that his carreer was of to a good start now he got elected as Tribunus Plebis.
"Caivs Avrelivs, do not misinterpret consul Pvblivs Atilivs' words in a negative way. He did not intent to minimalise Cnaevs Cornelivs capabilities as a Legate or even general in any way." He shot a quick glance to Pvblivs Atilivs, sitting on the dais in his curule consul's chair to see if he had interpreted this in a right way.
"The only way we should interprete the consul's words, my fellow senators, is a matter of LAW. A matter of the MOS MAIORVM." he thundered now to the whole house.
"We pass here no judgement upon a man who has had no chance to prove his salt as a commander. That is not our style. I have every confidence in Cnaevs Cornelivs abilities." He acknowledged the latter with a nod.
"Yet I say again: THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE AT HAND. Then what is my point, conscript fathers?" He asked, gazing throughout the Curia Hostilia.
"The issue at hand, is the CONSULAR LEGIO I and who is to command it. The answer is simple Conscript Fathers. The answer is already given. The answer, my fellow senators, is in the name itself. CONSULAR Legio I. The Legion that belongs to the consul!. I bare no ill feelings to Cnaevs Cornelivs, nor do I doubt his abilities. But the consular legion belongs to the consul." and he pauzed.
"Durex lex, SED lex!" he finished, and sat down.
Avlvs rose
Of course the consular legion belongs to the consul, that's beyond question. Why do we even discuss it here? There are many young Legatii who like to prove their ability in commanding armies but have no experience. No one doubts Cnaevs Cornelivs.
I feel you are confused somewhat, young Qvintvs Aemilivs. For one, Cnaevs Blasio has proved his worth and battle competence in past commands serving under Consul Dentatvs, our once esteemed Dictator. He has had many chances to 'prove his salt', and has come out highly praised.
Also, we have one Consular Legion: the Legio IV Roma, of which Consul Regvlvs is now in command. The Legio I Apulia is not a Consular legion. Perhpas you were mistaken?
Qvintvs Aemilivs pondered over that.
"It seems you are correct Caivs Aurelivs. Nevertheless, if our only consular legion is already under the command of one of the consuls, Manivs Clavdivs should by rights be able to choose what legion he wants to command in the field.
I also intend to use my trunicial powers to propose a new law to the people. That a consular legion should be created, of a normal legion size instead of a double-sized for being consular, and that this shall always fall under the command of the Consul of Finance. This will be the only legion allowed in our heartlands, to quell any rebellious Italian states.
This results in the fact that the consul of finance should by all times be in Rome, or in it's vicinity when marching with the legion. I shall soon consult a map to draw the lines in which this legion may operate.
This will also prevent future issues where a consul of the Legions will not be in control of the consular legion, which is currently defending our Roman heartland, while it could better be used where our enemies are the most numerous and the threat the biggest."
I fear this is just a repeat of the failed Edict concerning the creation of a fifth legion, which was voted against in this congressional session. If you wish to bring that edict up once more you will have to wait until the next congressional session and propose this again.
"Dear Caivs Avrelivs. You over-simplify what I have in mind. But this is not the time. You will find I have a few new nifty laws in mind, which should be given consideration, but I do wish to present them to this house when I have fully worked them out! So I ask you to be patient"
It is a shame you did not bring these ideas to light during this last congressional session.There were many senators able to produce more edicts and CA's.
"As a mere tribunus militum, I was not entitled to promulgate any laws Caivs Avrelivs."
Hence why such tribunes approach legates or higher ranking officials, and ask them to produce such edicts. Hence why there were plenty of legates that were able to use their edictorial powers.
"I am my own man, Caivs Avrelivs, my dignitas would not allow others promulgating the laws that are the fruit of my intellect. "
It is not a question of intelect, Qvintvs Aemilivs. A tribune does not have the power to promote edicts; so it is the norm for them to approach those who can. I see it as a blond spot in your intelect that you do not see the wisdom in this. It has been practiced since the Curia was created.
"If you inspect my words more closely, Caivs Avrelivs, you will notice that I do not say this is a question of intellect. This is a question of my dignitas not permitting me to let other men promulgate any laws that are the fruit of my intellect."
Consul Pvblivs Atilivs stands up, raising his right hand and looking around the Curia.
"Qvintvs Aemilivs was quite right, Caivs Avrelivs, when he said I never intended to scoff at Cnaevs Cornelivs. Indeed, I specifically warned you not to interpret my words that way! As I thought I made clear last I spoke, I was only voicing my opinion that Consul Manivs Clavdivs is more than capable as well, and with the time has spent in Legio I behind me he deserves to take the command of it if he wish to do so.
So I summon you, Consul Manivs Clavdivs! Make your own statement and let us know what your decision on the matter is. My words lose their point if you don't want to lead Legio I, in which case I wouldn't deny Cnaevs Cornelivs his chance to command it."
Consul Manius Claudius returns to the Curia, appearing wearied.
"Ave all, I have received a message that my opinions are required here, and so I have arrived."
Manius Claudius Hurries to his Consul's seat, before proceeding,
"I would lead a legion if required to, and since the edict passed in the recent congressional session proposed by myself requires legio I to march on; I would request that I am given permission by the rest of the senate to lead the legion to accomplish the task; as I would not be as selfish as to request another fellow senator to risk his life to do something I had proposed and the rest of the senate had approved in favour of, though the senator may also agree on risking his life.
(OOC: though I had appeared online the past few hours, that was because I left my browser on while typing an essay :sweatdrop: )
"Good Consul Pvblivs Regvlvs, and all senators, I simply asked as is the law to do so. No one here decides the command of legion simply by first raising their hand. I thank you for noting my skill in command, and I am aware of my sons service, so if it his command you will have, then very well. I would ask that, if I am to be away from military service for now, that I be allowed the Provincial Governing of Rhegion. I feel I had done my job as Consul up to par, and if I can finance and run a nation, then I would do fine to finance and govern a city."
The senator from Taras, licking the wounds of having his first Edict proposal defeated in honest debate, stands to address the senate. His clean, crisp toga sports a vivid blue hellenic design around the trim, clasped together with a brooch signifying his rank of Legatus.
"Noble sons of Roma, we are all descendants of great familial lines, each with great history and traditions. Our ancestors made the Res Publica what it is today and it falls upon us to defend it and everything it represents. It is in honor of those traditions that I wish to press the need for Dux Cnaeus Cornelius to remain a strong part of the affairs of the Res Publica. While I am satisfied that he has been removed from office, after serving so nobly, though perhaps for too long as Consul of the Legions, it would be a grievous error on our part to allow him to waste away as if he were a rotten vegetable cast upon the midden heap. His length and success of military service, as evidenced by his rank of Dux, in this Senator's mind makes him the only acceptable choice for command of the Legio I Apulia.
"I say "only" acceptable choice because the legios belong to the Res Publica and not their commanders or officers, no matter how long they served with that legio or no matter how much the men are endeared to him. While not belittling the accomplishments of Consul Manius Claudius, he is still only a Legatus and Cnaeus Cornelius is a Dux. And yet, while Manius Claudius is a Consul, he is the Consul of Finance - which, in this Senator's mind, since the edict to raise another legio was defeated, means that he should forego commanding a legio until such time as law dictates we raise another Consular Legio. Let the Consul of the Legions continue to command the Consular Legio IV Roma as has been our established practice, and allow Dux Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio assume command of the Legio I Apulia.
"But, fellow Senatores, if you insist upon ignoring Cnaeus Cornelius' rank for the familiarity that Manius Claudius has with the men of the First Legio, I implore you to allow the former Consul a governorship, that he may continue to aid the Res Publica for which he has fought his entire life. Again, I believe it would be a dishonor to military tradition and individual merit to deny Cnaeus Cornelius the command of the Legio I Apulia, but if it is so decided, then Rhegion, as he suggested, is a fine place for one of our greatest warriors to keep vigil over our newest enemies, the Carthaginians."
"Cnaevs Cornelivs, I do recognize that you only asked, but that does not mean no one else can do the same. I was merely looking out for good Consul Manivs Clavdivs here, and it seems it was the right thing to do."
OOC: By the way, I think you meant Pvblivs Atilivs. ~;)
Pvblivs turns to Tiberivs Clavdivs.
"You are quite confused, I see. For one thing, Cnaevs Cornelivs served as the Consul of Finance, not Consul of Legions, and I am the current Consul of Finance. Manivs Clavdivs here is in his second, I believe, term as Consul of the Legions. If Manivs Clavdivs was to command Legio IV, this issue wouldn't be discussed since I would still be the commander of Legio I!
Be that as it may, men are usually more willing to fight and die for someone they know, love and respect, such as they do with Manivs Clavdivs, while Cnaevs Cornelivs, though the wound is healing, have a more scarred reputation amongst them since the days of dictatorship. I am certain he could mend it with time, but we need quick action: the Carthaginians won't wait for him to gain the trust and happiness of Legio I before attacking, nor will the Volcallra wait with defending themselves either! We need someone who can step in and right from the start command them without question or further complications.
This matter must be settled quickly, so I call for a vote now. If someone else wants to challenge for the command, speak up quickly."
"Publius Atilius, you are quite right that I have confused the posts to which these men have filled or are filling. I apologize that I mispspoke in my fatigue from late nights reviewing the laws proposed by Tribunus Pleibeus, Quintus Aemilius. Still, I maintain that, as is our tradition, you, as Consul of Finance assume command of the Consular Legio IV Roma and that Dux Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio still be appointed to command the Legio I Apulia. He has higher rank and military standing than Consul Manius Claudius.
"Our soldiers are volunteers and are professional to the core. Ideally, our men fight for the Res Publica, not individual glory or commanders. True, while they may not yet be 'warmed up' to Cnaeus Cornelius in the manner that they were to you, Publius Atilius, or even are to Manius Claudius, in the end, all ideals are cast aside and it is for their brother in arms to their left and to their right for whom they fight in order to simply stay alive when the time to spill blood arrives. When men are killing each other at close interval, who leads them is the furthest thing from their minds, I assure you. I am quite convinced that Cnaeus Cornelius will be able to muster their hearts as they march to the north west to confront the Carthaginians. Accomplishment and tradition must be recognized and honored. It is the way of our ancestors, it is the Roman way."
"As for the argumentum ad hominem against Cnaeus Cornelius, I believe that the 'wound' you speak of is felt only here in the Senate. Now that he has most graciously stepped down from the post in accordance with election results, I have no disagreement with the man. He is cleared of any wrongdoing in my mind, and I am sure that most citizens couldn't even name him as having been the Consul of Finance, let alone the soldiers he would command care that he held a position of governance longer than some of us would have liked."
"Are you implying that I have not seen combat, or do you have another reason for trying to school me on how the mind work in such conditions? I know it all too well myself, and it isn't as simple as you would have us believe. Like it or not, who commands the army does matter a lot on whether a man will stay, fight and possibly die or run away. If they do not trust the commander, if they do not respect him, they will run, regardless if that's the "ideal case" or not. Fighting under a general they have come to love, trust and respect through acts of courage and valour, that gives the extra motivation to make that extra strike, even though your arm is bloody and exhausted, and your sword heavier than a great rock. Such is the reality of battle, and we should make our decisions based on what is, not what ought to be.
I have also no idea what you're talking about when you accuse me of an ad hominem. I have made no such argument, so please explain yourself."
"Gentlemen gentlemen, good senators, I have already laid down my argument. I am fine with my son, our Consul Manivs Cicero, taking command of Legio I. While yes it is indeed true that loyalty is not what decides command, I feel it appropriate if those men are in the Consul's favor than it should remain that way. As I have said and requested, I look to govern the provinces of Roma for now if it can be arranged."
A magistrate rises...
Due to his achievements in battle and accordance with our laws, Caivs Cotta is discharged of the rank of Dux, and promoted to the rank and office of Quaestor.
Also, the Edict 5.1 of our recent legislation is in effect. (OOC: it was never announced) He will now be Provincial Governor of Epidamnos and its surrounding province for a period of two years."
"Ha, a rank and dictatorship he does not deserve!" shouted an anonymous senator from the Curia.
Another anonymous senator, speaking into a voice scrambler while wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, reproached: "What's the point of whiny petulance now that the whole affair is over with? He won, the majority favored it, there's nothing you can do about it, so get over it already!"
Having completed his expostulation, the senator sat down in slow motion whilst reciting the creed:
"Anonymous is legion. Anonymous does not forgive. Anonymous does not forget. Expect us."
Consul Manius Claudius enters the Curia and takes his seat, moments after a few anonymous senators spoke, he stood up.
"Before I start, I would like to congratulate Quaestor Caius Aurelius on his recent promotion and victories over the Epirotes.
As you may have known from my report this season, one of our agents, Spurius P(somethingwhichIforgot) has made a survey of the lands around Epirote-controlled Ambrakia and Pella, and reports that those regions have no standing military force left; because of Quaestor Caius Aurelius's victories.
Furthermore, the garrison of Ambracia has been severely depleted, and if we strike now, the region would definitely be taken and the Kingdom of Epirus would be severely crippled; for without Epirus, their kings would have no claim to their throne and their presence nearly removed from Greece.
Threfore I suggest that Legio II be allowed to be sent down to take the city of Ambracia and the region of Epirus; though there may be no recent edict instructing that course of action and that if Quaestor Caius Aurelius's actions are perfectly legal; I still seek the support of the Senators so that we may agree that the security of our republic from the destruction of our enemies, is of much greater importance than our individual grudges, selfish ambitions and jealousy.
The Kingdom of Epirus may be weakened now, but they still have a chance to stand up and continue fighting us in Illyria, but with the conquest of Epirus, we would be able to secure the regions of Illyria and make them safer from the risk of another attack by Epirus."
He glances through the Curia silently after completing his speech.
"First we give Caius Aurelius a title and a governorship of a province, now there are whisperings of transferring the Legio II Latium over to become his own personal army, and even unbelievably further, now we wish to have the governor lead an assault into yet another province whilst abandoning the post he was just awarded! What is this madness? Is he Heracles himself reborn? Has Achilles returned from Hades and become an unvanquishable heroe anew?! This is insane!
"If Caius Aurelius is to be a governor, then let him govern. He should sit and rot in Epidamnos as far as I am concerned; let him govern the goats, and the hill people, and the wild asses since he has been deemed so worthy. It would be grossly tactically imprudent of us to transfer an entire legio of the Res Publica over to his personal whim and fancy. As a governor, by law, he is permitted to command one, so let us raise a new one, augmented with local men who know the territory and who are willing to fight against the Epirote Greeks. We are fighting a war on two fronts now. To reduce our available numbers would be criminal activity. Let Legatus Caius Aemilius Mamercus command the Legio II Latium to face Pyhrrus. I am sure that the reinforcements from Italia and the Legio III Campania to assist would be even more than enough to break their backs once and for all."
Tiberius swallows a mouthful of water and continues his speech, pacing the floor
"And why should the Legio III Campania be sent back to Italia to fight rebels? Is that not what we have decided was the role of the Consular Legio IV Roma while Dux Cnaeus Cornelius was in command? Is that task to be abandoned? What sort of precedent is that to be setting, that we have no focus or ability or desire to complete what we start? If we continue in this manner then our enemies from within and without will see that we are weak and fractured. The Res Publica will become the lauging stock of the civilized peoples of the earth! Do we really want for the days when Gauls pillaged Roma at will? Senatores, let us get our affairs in order.
"I summarize thusly:"
Quote:
The Epirote threat must be met - I suggest by the Legio II Latium led by Legatus Caius Aemilius Mamercus, augmented by the Legio III Campania until a proper provincial legio can be recruited.
The rebellions in Italia must be violently suppressed - and the men for the job are the Consular Legio IV Roma, who can also act as a deterrent or intercept force against Carthaginians should they invade the penninsula through the south
The main Carthaginian threat in Vocralla should be met by the Legio I Apulia as we already voted on in the Senate.
"I agree with Tiberivs Clavdivs: Legio III is not needed in Italia. I and the Consular Legion will be strong enough to deal with those rebels, even though Legio IV is practically just a big rabble of levies as is.
Caivs Avrelivs should remain in charge of Legio II until a provincial legion has been spawned from him, so that he can fulfil his duty as a provincial governor there and protect Epidamnos. The logical choice for taking Ambrakia - if it is to be taken at all - would thus be Legio III.
However, there has not been an edict for it, so neither I nor Manivs Clavdivs, nor anyone else here, is obliged to support any such action. Of course, since it was Manivs Clavdivs who proposed it I'm sure he would offer you his help, but I'm not completely sure I would."