Bellum Interruptus

"I can't believe it! I just can't believe those sods in the Senate. They sent us down here to restore order here in Kalabria and then they order us to stand by until they're finished deliberating. By Iove, I don't understand it!"

Tiberius was visibly livid as he paced in the small room within the tent, trying not to knock over the map table or any of the lanterns placed wherever an opening was available. He looked down at Scipio, resting on a cot.

"We marched these men until they were beyond exhaustion for days upon end and right when we have these scoundrels in our grasp we have our chain yanked. The latest scout report says that the enemy encampment is currently enjoying the local festival - they're probably drunk off their asses! One swift night march by our men and we'd be upon them before dawn when they were just passing out!"

Tiberius punched his fist into his palm and turned his look to Servius,

"Surely, Legatus, you could cite tactical necessity and the sheer dereliction of duty it would be to allow such a target of opportunity to slip away to justify an attack during the Congressional council?"

The Legatus glanced down again at his maps. The dogs were right there and within his grasp! His whole being ached with the thought of being so antagonizingly close to battle, to victory. There was a foreboding, palapable presence in the air of the camp and the men were uneasy. The green soldiers knew that death was close - death for the enemy....and for some of their own number. It was not good to allow such demons play with the minds of men. Sevius looked up at his Lieutenants, his mind inwardly heavy with the decisions before him.

"Prepare your men, we attack at when the sun is highest in the sky."

Tiberius snapped to attention and clasped a fist to his heart. A grin made its way across his face.

"Io Legatus! The men shall be ready within a half-hour."

Tiberius Claudius Marcellus bowed his head, quickly turned around and began to fasten his helmet as he strode out of the command tent.

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Servivs Longvs, his cape gently moving in the intermittent breeze, trotted his fine stallion up towards Tribunus Marcellus who was busy overseeing the final packing of what had been the Legio's encampment. Servius had an annoyed expression on his face not lost to Tiberius. He curtly said in his most mocking voice,

"Tribvnvs, I have just received a letter from our friends in Roma, we are ordered to return to Roma for the congressional council. If it were my choice, these rebels would have been dead by now, but we are not prepared to meet the storm of complaints that will surely come if we attack without the permission of the senate. Tell your men to finish packing up, we move out at midday."

Servivs reigned his horse and began to trot away off toward his tent. Those soldiers who were near enough to hear began to grumble their discontent. Soon enough the entire Legio would know of the Curia's wishes. There was not much the command could do to stifle the morale-killing news.

"Those foolish bastards" Servivs muttered, furious about the Senate's decision.

Tiberius called out to his senior,

"Legatus, when we get to Roma, perhaps you could propose an edict or Charter Amendment that would allow sieges and battles to be fought during Congressional sessions - surely that would be best for Roma rather than pull her fighting men home each and every time those old crones wish to gaggle together?"

Longus turned on his horse; but continued moving,

"I've no plans to return to Roma. I will stay with the Army and propose the edict via messengers. I've no intention of letting these dogs get away when we've got them by the throat! You may return to Rome if you would like, but I dont want to have to wait AGAIN to kill these rebels who are too stupid to know when they are defeated."

Tiberius snapped to attention and clasped a fist to his heart. A grin made its way across his face.

"Legatus, my proper place is at your side, with the men of the Legio III Campania. Let the Senatores be damned! I can dispatch messengers just as well....in fact, I've the mind to request a political favor to aid us in the future. I shall continue having the men pack their equipment. We will be more than ready to be on the move before midday. And don't worry about the griping, I shall see to it that the men have a proper knowledge of our current situation - and a healthy support of it too! I shall report back to you when I check with Scipio and his preparations."

The Legatus returned the salute and continued in the direction he had been riding. Such was the life of a soldier, orders and counter-orders, hurry-up-and-wait. It was a hard life; but a good, honest life. He would have his victory yet.