The Curia: The Consulship of Marius and Catulus (102 BCE)

"I shall depart for Mutina, then. May Jupiter protect us."

Stated Sertorius, before leaving the Senate House in a hurry.

As the missive was read to the chamber, Crassus felt a tinge of worry go up his spine. Had Lapidus fallen like Marius? No, if there were a battle than outriders, or at least a messenger pigeon would have been sent. Though that did not mean that the worst could not still happen, images of waves of screaming charging warriors flashed in Crasus's mind, clashing steel and pooling of blood. Clearing his addled mind he looked around the chamber. Standing he called out "The consuls words ring true. We have seen army after army swept away in the field, and while I have every hope that Consul Lepidus will prove successful, we cannot leave Rome undefended if fates disfavor continues to linger over us. We must rally the men needed, and form new legions." Turning toward his fellow Aedile. "Strabo, how fare the Republics finances, have you had time to assess our coffers?"

"It seems that Consul Lepidus is dealing with the barbarians handily while Sertorius dithers. Garrison duty has been the correct vocation for him."

Metellus high-handedly replied, with a triumphal smirk.

"But yes, Strabo, what of the treasury? We must raise funds, and soon, or else Sertorius' doom might see the end of our Republic."

"I propose we send a man to the provinces to extract as much wealth as possible. While Rome is under threat, we cannot have our clients and tributaries shirking their duty to us. We need not debase our coinage unless absolutely necessary. "

Metellus grumbled at the prospect of such a loss of face.

"Alternatively, we could put the wealth of our own citizens to good use, and set about borrowing money to pay our legions. Those who lend to us can expect payment from future taxation."

Vitulus raised an eyebrow at Metellus's statements. Was the man wishing for rebellion?

"And for how long does the Praetor think our clients will stay quiet before they bite the hand that feeds them? If we are to squeeze every single denarii out of the provinces, a suitable reward for those who funded Rome's war efforts would not only be appropriate, but also expected. Is the Senate willing to take such a step, or face the consequences?"

The implied 'reward' being Roman citizenship, a divisive topic even among the Populares. Vitulus was sympathetic to their allies in Italia, but was well-aware of the mercurial mood of the mob.

"Perhaps an incentive could be offered to our Italian allies - those who are able to raise the most funds to aid the war, may be rewarded with citizenship?"

"Tribune Vitulus is right, if we raise taxes on the provinces then it is not a bad idea to give them something in return, senator Metellus"

Saturninus hated the insufferable Metelli buffoons

"It would bolster the loyalties of the provinces even more which will be beneficial in the long term if Rome is ever in dire need again"

Saturninus said in support of tribune Vitulus, his ally.

"Must I explain to you, magistrates of our republic, how taxation works?"

Metellus replied, exasperated.

"Sending funds is not a show of loyalty. It is owed. It is our right to demand tribute when under threat. Is it not our legions that guard their borders and protect their cities?"

The Quaestor harrumphed.

"The provinces will shoulder the burden. Once the Cimbri are defeated, we can send the legions to ensure the Publicani go about their duties unmolested. Therefore I propose we levy a new tax on the provinces, amounting to double its usual value."