The Curia

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Tiberius raises an eyebrow while leaning back in the seat at his desk

"Long life to the Res Publica indeed, Lucullus. Yet from the letter sent by our victorious Legatus, he sounds quite ready to end the Res Publica and install himself as king. As he stated himself, he intends 'to make sure further splits in the Curia do not happen....'. How can one do that but through force? Perhaps, as stated in the beginning of the letter itself we see his true, thinly veiled intentions, ' I intend to oversee the complete subjigation of this kingdom'. Does he refer so nobly to the areas around Patavium, or does he secretly mean Roma itself?

"I say too much power is invested in this one man. Let him stay in Roma while others command his legion. While Legatus Cotta may indeed be pure in heart - as pure an any mortal may be - all men are corrupted over time, as familiarity with giving orders breeds contempt for accepting them. It is for the good of the Res Publica that Legatus Cotta be recalled indefinitely."

EDIT: to account for Cotta walking in before I submitted my post! :-)

Slightly surprised, Tiberius stands and turns to face Cotta.

"Ahh Legatus, praise and salutations to you. We are blessed by the gods for your safe return. Surely your men deserve a Triumphus! I must say that you have read my very thoughts in suggesting that the Dictator surrender some authority to us Senatores. Perhaps you, as well, may lead by example and surrender some authority yourself? I pray, stay in Roma a while and allow others to gain experience in battle. You have been away from home for so long that surely your house forgets your face. We would not want so noble a Roman to succumb to the barbarous nature of the very people he conquers should he remain exposed to their lifestyles too long."