After Aulus Aemilius's impassioned speech, several senators gazed at Appius Claudius to gauge his reaction. Appius simply hid his face with his robe, as he usually did when attracting unwanted attention. He beckoned his assistant Quintus Sertorius over. For a fleeting second, Quintus thought he noticed a slight moistness in his liege's eyes, but as soon as Appius turned to him fully it was gone. He put it down to the shadow cast over Appius's face by his cloak accentuating the white of his eyes.

After some moments, he rose.

Senators, may I have your attention please!"

"The esteemed and honorable Senator Appius Claudius Nero wishes to make a comment on current events. *Ahem*

I would like to denounce Caius Aurelius' supporters as being mere yes-men at best, and part of a conspiracy at worst. Caius Aurelius is too powerful for his own good. And from my time serving with him here Appius hissed and glared angrily at Quintus I learned that he is...unashamedly ambitious. He has absolute authority over an entire legion, and is a praetor as well. While the legions fight against Carthage, he could easily march his men into Roma and have us all executed.

Then he will raise more men and eliminate the remaining commanders piecemeal. Who is to say he has not infiltrated the other legions with spies, promising greater power to the common man? Mutinies will arise and he will win without a single threat to his own person. And then, he plans to dole out our ancient estates to his loyal soldiers! For now, it is simply too dangerous to grant him a command. Put him in one of the provinces, Illyria or transalpine Gallia, and let him prove his loyalty there, if he so wishes.

Also, I second Edict 6.7.