Will of the Senate - Senate Deliberations II

[GeneralHankerchief]

We could be quick about this. I engage the Gauls, move to Gergovia, get the Eagle back. Then everything rights itself in a quicker period of time. What say you?

[econ21]

[SENATE SPEAKER]: There is provision in our constitution for calling an emergency session of Senate but it appears to fall entirely within my discretion. I would only call one if a clear majority of Senators speaking expressed this desire.

If the purpose of the session is to call a halt to offensive operations in the east, I cannot see many Senators agreeing to that, given that they currently seem to be clambering over themselves in their eagerness to have at the enemy.

However, I will listen to other voices and act according to the perceived will of the Senate.

[Death the destroyer of worlds]

We could be quick about this. I engage the Gauls, move to Gergovia, get the Eagle back. Then everything rights itself in a quicker period of time. What say you?

You will definitely be involved, but I am under orders of the senate
Motion 9.2: Before making any attempt to recover the Eagle at Gergovia, Legio III (Laevinius' former legion) is to be reinforced to full strength and commanded by Augustus Verginius, with Marcellus Aemilius as Tribune once he has completed school.

OOC : I expect the Iberians to attack quickly after that, so no fear about battles. Fear about surviving would be more appropriate I suspect

[TinCow]

I only suggested a hault to offensive operations in the East due to the risk of incurring further divine wrath. I am not a priest though and this is mere speculation. I greatly wish the Pontifex Maximus' guidance on this matter. Does he believe the Gods would allow further actions outside of our borders if we moved with maximum haste against Gergovia?

[econ21]

[NUMERIUS AUREOLUS]: I am grateful to the First Consul for agreeing to my request to be sent straight to fight Macedonia.

Before I depart, I must say a few words for the deceased. I mourn with Tiberius Coruncanius on the loss of his son. Amulius perhaps lived under the shadow of his illustrious father, but was just beginning to emerge from under it - as the pro-Consul and commander of the Consular I Army. Who knows what great achievements he may have achieved had he not been cut down in his prime?

And I feel strangely moved by the fate of Herennius Genucius. Here was a man who, although formally adopted into one of the leading families of Rome, had in some sense remained an orphan - not having been properly welcomed into the Senate. I never got to know him well, but by all accounts, he was a promising and decent young man. His friends say he was an occasional drinker... ah, Herennius, I wish we could have shared a drink in life. As it is, now I can only drink to your memory.

These are bitter thoughts, Senators, and Legio V departs in quiet anger towards the Macedonian settlements.

[econ21]

[NUMERIUS AUREOLUS]: Senator Verginius inquires about whether the loss of the Eagle at Massilia has brought about a curse on us. Senators, this is a serious question and one that I struggle to answer, as my perception risks being clouded by my own personal desire - already expressed - to come to grips with our assailants.

But I must clear my mind of prejudice and do justice to the Senator's question. Is Rome cursed? I say not. To conclude otherwise is to ignore history. The eagle was lost at the end of First Consul Tiberius Coruncanius's period of office in Spring 260. The defeat of the Consular Army was in Summer 259. A review of the First Consuls' reports reveals many events that occurred in the year between those dates - most of them favourable to the Republic. For example, First Consul Aemilius began his second period in office with a heroic victory against the Thracians that is arguably the most spectacular success the Republic has so far enjoyed. Less than 600 Romans defeated more than 1300 Thracians, for the loss of only 30 of their number! No, I do not believe we as a Republic are cursed, although the Coruncanius family may wish to consult their own private augurs.

Senators, I agree with Augustus Verginius, the gods are playing a role in the chaotic events that are afflicting us. But their motives and aims are as yet inscrutable. Perhaps the trial of Publius Laevinius will tell us more? But for now, my advice is that we must endure these slings and arrows of outrageous fortune as best we can.

[TinCow]

So be it. For my part I shall continue drive my men as fast as humanly possible towards Gergovia. We shall retake the Eagle no matter what enemies, disasters or omens block our way.

[Dooz]

{Galerius Vatinius}

Have you all lost your minds!? What is all this about being cursed? This is the talk of scared old men! Perhaps instead of laying blame on the "gods" for being unkind to you, take responsibility for yourselves and your elected leaders. Raise legions and use them properly to destroy the enemy. That is all you are charged with senators. Do not waste your time quibbling over "curses" and "gods". I could hardly believe my ears when I heard a suggestion to halt all offensive actions in the east! This is madness! We'd be better off under the ruling hand of good old Manius at this point. As a matter of fact, I suggest an emergency session to elect Manius Aemilius to supreme ruler of Rome! Come on senators, you've agreed on worse!

[GeneralHankerchief]

Perhaps since you're so confident about what to do, we should elect you as Dictator-for-Life, Senator Vatinius.

My brother has done nothing to you and yet you persist on using him and the rest of my family as your own personal whipping boy. I find this very strange, as your very own father has amounted to nothing more than a pawn for his wife.

Nevertheless, I will not tolerate any more insults directed at my family. Consider this a warning.

[Dooz]

{Galerius Vatinius}

Oo, senator Aemilius, I'm frightened! I've been getting threats for the past year from most everyone in this senate, don't think yourself anything special. If you cannot bear the truth, do not come within its reach. If you wish to do something to me, please, let be known your intentions.

[Mount Suribachi]

Then, to make us understand, the Gods saw fit to strike down the strongest army of Rome and our own pro-Consul, a man who himself was incredibly devout!

You speak wisely Senator. In the short time he was with me in Pella, it became obvious that Amulius was convinced he was an avatar of the Gods, to be used by them as they would will. And of course, the Gods use men with little regard for the well-being of mere mortals.

If Amulius was an instrument of Their divine will, clearly his death in battle is a sign - but I am not an augur or priest who can interpret these things. Who knows, his death may have been a blood sacrifice to appease them?

[TinCow]

Senator Vatinius, so long as you put the interests of the Republic before your own, so long as you serve honorably on the battlefield, and so long as you promote proper Roman virtues, you shall have a friend in me. Your blasphemies against the Gods are your own concern, so long as you do not bring down their on others than yourself. However, I advise you to use some restraint in the harsh tone you take when you speak to me. I am not a young man anymore and I have no time for games. Others may make baseless threats against you for such statements, but I do not. You are too young to know it, but I have dealt with similar insults to my honor in the past and have been entirely willing to take immediate and very real action in my defense. I hope that we can continue to be friends, Senator, for you will find me a very unpleasant foe.

[Dooz]

{Galerius Vatinius}

I respect your words and your feelings about the matter Senator Verginius. I do not believe I've spoken out about you particularly in the past, but I shall keep in mind your statement for the future. And let it be known for everyone else in this senate; I seek no enemies, but I am not afraid of making any. I also declare my desire to lead the "cursed" sixth legion as most of you seem too afraid to do so. The "gods" do not scare me, nor their accursed curses!

[Lucjan]

I have recently spent a great deal of time speaking with an old friend from Masillia, one whose father had spent time in the legion there and, may Mercury have taken him swiftly to the afterlife, died there under Publius's command at that defeat. This friend has swayed my opinion somewhat as to what fate the banners of the Legio VI should have...and I feel that senator Amulius Coruncanius's last wishes should be realised.

I ask you today senators, will we respect the last wish of a man fated to die for the gods, and immortalise the Legio VI with renewed hope? Rebuild its ranks from experienced men, rebuild its morale with a competant and honored general, and rebuild its public name with many great and glorious victories, until the end of time? I think that both the senators and the centurions that died that day deserve as much. I hereby propose that the Legio VI, from this day forward, become known as the Legio Immortalis, and continue to serve Rome until the end of time.

[GeneralHankerchief]

If you cannot bear the truth, do not come within its reach.

It's called decency, Senator. You could call my brother Manius an unhinged loon and make fun of his poor condition repeatedly, but since everyone knows of it already it is not a decent thing to do.

In the same way, I could call your father, Titus, a useless weak-minded fool who shuts himself away for a week at the smallest sign of bad luck, and who is utterly dominated by his ignorant, sickly wife at every point in his life. I could also say that he is a foul-mouthed idiot who molests cats for fun. However, I do not, because it's not decent.

Please try to show some proper respect for your fellow Senators, Vatinius. My brother may be mad, yes, but he is still a Senator and is still your elder.

I will have no more of this talk of my big brother. If you persist Vatinius, I shall request my father to have you govern Melite for a while, in hopes that you finally learn to be cordial.

[Dooz]

{Galerius Vatinius}

I will not waste anymore of my time with this petty argument. Say what you will about whomever you like senator. I shall continue to do so should the need arise, be exiled to Melite as I might be. If that is your idea of properly using our resources in a time of crisis, be my guest and beg your relatives to banish me. One by one, we will take down all the senators in this body it seems... sad state of afairs we are in...

[Lucjan]

In compliance with my uncle Marcellus, I would hardly call someone who tries to do nothing more than spread dissention and disunity among the senate a "resource", you're more like a liability.

[econ21]

[NUMERIUS AUREOLUS]: My compliments to Legate Tiberius Coruncanius on his recent victory over the Macedonians who slew his son. It is a good beginning to the last chapter in the history of the kingdom of Macedonia. I wish the Legate good hunting in his pursuit of Argeos.

[Death the destroyer of worlds]

Senators,

I bring more bad news, but first I'll inform you of the general situation.

Due to bad weather the Eastern Fleet did not manage to land legate Publius Pansa and the Legio IV Gallica this season. The Fleet did blockade a Greek battle Fleet in the bay of Thessalonica.

I myself and the Legio I Italia Victrix were almost defeated in a pitched hilltop battle against the Thracians, but Fortuna favoured us in the end.

Tribune Numerius Aureolus and the Legio V Alaudae had to hire some mercenaries and lost too much time to attack this season.

Legate Tiberius Coruncanius and his Field Army I have attacked and destroyed a Macedonian army in the Second battle of Pella. He is still out for more Macedonian blood to avenge his family and is marching on twice-acursed Bylazora.

The Legio III Sicilia Aemilia have been refusing to engage the Gauls untill their standard returns to them (next season) or legate Augustus Verginius arrives on the scene. In the summer, the Alpine pass was wide open and Gaul raiders have, with incredible daring, attacked and captured Jenuensis, right under the nose of our new Cispine Gaul Legion and legate Augustus Verginius and his Legio II Sabina Quintia.


The moment he heard the news, Augustus Verginius has leaped on his horse and the Legio II Sabina Quintia is attacking the Gaul raiders as we speak.

This is the final insult ! The Gauls will be crushed !

[GeneralHankerchief]

Jenuensis? The mainland Italian Peninsula? Occupied?

Senator Laevinius, this is the destruction that you have wrought. The Gauls are threatening Arretium and Rome herself!! They must not be allowed to survive.

[flyd]

While this incursion of the Gauls inside the Alps is ultimately the fault of Publius Laevinus, I wish Tribune Marcellus Aemilius had done more to stop them.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Alas Senator Coruncanius, I wish I had too, but seeing as how the already demoralized Legio III refused to fight without their standard, I could do nothing. Had they attacked but a season later, I would have met them in glorious battle and destroyed them, redeeming the honor of the poor legion.

[Dooz]

{Galerius Vatinius}

Perhaps this series of catastrophic events is not only the fault of Publius Leavinus. Does no one else think it has anything to do with this senate dragging away a Legate and his Tribune from their legion during a crucial time? From the otherwise unguarded border no less!

Tribune Aemilius, how easy it is to speak of glorious battle, were it only a season later eh? If you wish to be a "glorious" leader at any point in your life, you would have found a way to make them fight! Instead, you stood idly by while our lands were invaded by the Gauls? Unacceptable! Perhaps you ought to be put on trial now hmm? Sometime I wish I had gods to pray to in time like this....

[GeneralHankerchief]

Oh give it up Vatinius. Legio III had neither its Eagle nor its standard. At this point they shouldn't even be considered a legion. A bunch of disgraced Romans and Italians who just happen to be armored and massed would be a better description.

[Death the destroyer of worlds]

Tribune Marcellus Aemilius will get the chance to prove his worth soon enough

[Dooz]

{Galerius Vatinius}

Oh, so a mass of armed and armored Romans and Italians mean nothing? They have not the capability of destroying a mass of armed Gauls without a symbolic miniature eagle? I call that blasphemy against our people and soldiers who go out there fighting and dying for our Republic. You have disgraced good men senator.

[Lucjan]

"Senator", Vatinius, I am fast approaching the conclusion that the only people you truly support or represent are the barbarians. I have yet to see you do anything that may cause anything but unrest in this senate. Perhaps you should do everybody a favor and remove yourself from this senate. Go lend your opinion to the Gauls, or the Macedonians, or any of the other barbarians that surround Rome. Jupiter knows it is not appreciated here. Perhaps we should just grant you the status of senatores pedarii.

[GeneralHankerchief]

You know, not everyone is a godless heretic like you, Vatinius. Symbolism actually has meaning to some people.

These men, good as they are, have lost their Eagle, which symbolises their Roman pride. Next, they are without their standard, which symbolises their status as a legion. Until the standard is returned, there is no Legio III. You try leading men without an Eagle and standard into battle, Senator. If you do so successfully, I shall admit you are the better man. Until you do, however... can it!

(OOC: Woohoo, our first mutual hatred in the Senate! I can't wait until we're all older and proven. )

[Lucjan]

You would have us force demoralised men to fight, and in that respect you would send them to their deaths, they have been beaten, broken, and dishonored, they would not stand against the charge of a confident Gallic assault.

Jenuensis will be swiftly returned to Roman territory, and I am currently, along with a number of close friends I've made amongst the garrison here in Rome, working on a draft for a plan to more efficiently defend the borders of the Republic from all fronts.

(OOC Edit - Beaten you to it Marcellus. ;-) lol..sorry, Vatinius and I have been bickering back and forth almost constantly. I will agree though, Vatinius and the Aemilii family are not fond of one another, it will be interesting to see where this goes later.)

[GeneralHankerchief]

You see Vatinius, no harm done. Verginius has purged Jenuensis of the Gallic force and it has been restored under our control. The only loss was a couple hundred Gauls, and that shouldn't even be counted under the "losses" column.