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Post by Royal Joker on Aug 31, 2021 11:43:50 GMT -5
Vitulus arrives at the home of Saturninus around the same time as Sertorius. He looked out of breath and exasperated.
"Salve Consul. Salve, Saturninus."
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 11:45:17 GMT -5
"Salve Consul and Tribune Vitulus"
It was only a few hours ago since the senate session had ended, that session that ended in a complete showdown between the populares and optimates.
"I am afraid things are going to be out of hand very soon, but the conservatives can be still countered if we act swiftly, for otherwise we will lose all that we have worked for"
Saturninus had drafted up legislation that could alter the balance decisively.
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Post by Royal Joker on Aug 31, 2021 11:59:17 GMT -5
Vitulus gritted his teeth.
"More legislation? That is what got us into this mess to begin with! My dear Saturninus, perhaps it is time that we take a step back and think things through before acting."
Things were escalating out of control, and Vitulus hated it. The co-tribune had never considered himself a radical, but the Optimates would brand them both tyrants and would-be kings if given the chance.
"I fear that you and I would only heighten tensions at this point, and that would only lead to bloodshed. Perhaps we need to acquiesce to some of our opponents's demands... even if the very thought makes me gag."
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 31, 2021 12:02:12 GMT -5
"That was a mess. But the veto was necessary."
It had been a well calculated move, and certainly it made them look like grasping villains in front of the entire Senate. The Italian took a seat with his two business associates, holding out a hand for a slave to satisfy his craving for wine.
"Whatever it is, it best be worth it. I fear that with my term soon up, neither of you will be safe in the city without some form of armed protection."
Sertorius frowned. That the other tribune wished to retreat rather than press their advantage was not a good sign. He grasped the man by the shoulder.
"My dear Vitullus, they wish you dead already. We must not buckle at the first sign of resistance, the first lashing out of frightened old men. I fear our only option is to go all-in."
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 12:14:10 GMT -5
"I am afraid it is too late to back out now tribune Vitulus, for the conservatives are out for blood, just like the Gracchi."
Saturninus had become more and more paranoid, seeing daggers at every corner.
"I propose a reform that will bring the support of the legions to our cause, gods forbids we ever need them.
The Lex agraria had already given the military lands and surely that must have gotten their support. Marching on Rome was unthinkable to some but it come to cross the mind of Saturninus more and more.
"Just like the Gracchi, i propose a tax on excessive lands in violation of the Lex Licinia Sextia, the tax will be used to pay for the military clothing of poorest of soldiers"
That would surely bring in the support of the legions, Saturninus had already the people behind him.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 31, 2021 12:22:03 GMT -5
"Remember, they cannot kill you while you have the people. Do nothing to compromise their affections. And for Jupiter's sake, hire some bodyguards. You are not Achilles."
Whether the legions would care or not was debatable, but it would not hurt their popularity with those off duty men in the city. Sertorius waved his hand in indication of assent.
"I suggest that in this bill you include my governorship of Asia. That would grant me sufficient legions to protect us from the Senate, if things truly take a turn for the worse."
Marching on Rome was not something Sertorius intended even as a last resort, but it would make them think twice about declaring him an enemy of the people.
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Post by Royal Joker on Aug 31, 2021 12:37:08 GMT -5
Vitulus sighed in defeat. There was logic in his compatriots's words.
"You speak the truth, I cannot deny it. I'll see about hiring some muscle to protect myself in the streets. Saturninus, you and I cannot leave the city at this point I'm afraid. Our authority as tribunes leave us at the city walls."
Vitulus paed back and forth, his mind at work.
"If we are to rely on the legions, we should leave out Gaul and Hispania - Lepidus and Sulla cannot be allowed to fill their coffers, should they secure governorship."
He sighed once more, unhappy to have to make the next declaration.
"...and we'll have to postpone any further expansions of Roman citizenship, even to our Italian allies. Remember Gaius Gracchus? We'll have to play patriotism and the privilege of being a Roman."
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 12:42:03 GMT -5
"I have send my agents to secure bodyguards just an hour ago, they will not have my life so easily"
Saturninus added, he himself was quite good with the sword too. Of course that did little to help him against any attempts in the dark.
"Indeed i will, and if necessary i shall placate the people more by adding whatever they wish"
The people were their best allies in these dire times.
"Perhaps it might be time to consult the legates that are not yet assigned to Lepidus"
Sweats of droplets appeared on Saturninus' forehead.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 31, 2021 12:47:04 GMT -5
"As much as it might lose me the support of my Italian clients and relations, you are right. The mob is your shield."
Sertorius might lose a few favors for it, but nothing he could not regain through the profitable opportunities in the east.
"Lepidus might be kept busy in Gaul with an extended campaign. His legions would be the closest to the city, so we can only hope his campaigns take him beyond the Alps."
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 13:05:59 GMT -5
"Let us hope so, the other troops closest to Rome is the fifth Legion, assigned to Sicily, it might be worth a shot if he ever dares to march on Rome"
Saturninus added, the fifth legion could be used to delay Lepidus so Sertorius would have time to arrange his forces.
"Very well, the plebeian shall be convened as soon as possible"
Saturninus had also something more personally to arrange still.
"My friend, if anything is to happen to me, i would you want to take care of my wife and ..... her child."
She was now pregnant for some months now. The gods predicted it be a girl.
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Post by Royal Joker on Aug 31, 2021 13:56:20 GMT -5
"My family still has connections in Tusculum, should the need arise we may be able to seek refuge there... or worst comes to worst, send our wives and children there. I pray the gods it won't come to that."
Vitulus loathed the thought of fleeing Rome, but family came before everything.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 31, 2021 14:13:33 GMT -5
"If it comes to it, make for Greece. I shall put you under my personal protection, as long as your feet are in Macedonian soil."
Sertorius appeared relaxed and confident, evidently not convinced that this might come to pass.
"My son will remain in Rome for a few months before departing for Athens. I can delay his stay, if you wish, to ensure you both have an avenue of escape. He has instructions to ensure our family is to be protected, Saturninus."
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 15:45:50 GMT -5
"I will send my wife and her child to Greece as soon as you are assigned to Greece, for safety"
Saturninus added, he did not want his wife and unborn child to be in trouble because of roman politics and bickering.
"But if really necessary i will too have to leave our sacred city for some time, gods have it not come to that"
He loathed the idea, but a dead body wouldn't serve the roman people either.
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Post by sforza on Sept 6, 2021 15:25:25 GMT -5
Metellus is held captive in the villa of Saturninus. Dozens of guards were placed near to Metellus to guard him. The guards were instructed to treat him well, although he is not allowed to leave his room.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 7, 2021 4:45:17 GMT -5
Metellus made himself comfortable, asking for some writing materials so that he could begin to pen out his testimony for events for the Senate. In his mind, the failure of this conspiracy was inevitable, so it was best to prepare himself for what was to come. At least, that was the hope. It was eerie, hearing the sounds of death and bloodshed outside, like one was transported from Rome onto the battlefields of Gaul or Hispania. Writing was one way of keeping the brain occupied from the screams of the dead and dying. Saturninus’ Villa was as safe as anywhere, he supposed, being a stout and well defended complex on the Aventine built from hard brick and guarded by at least a few dozen armed slaves. Immediately, his concern for his own safety ashamed him. It would have been more dignified to die than to be held captive in this manner, subdued and caged by another citizen. But he could not muster the will to improve his fortunes, not with defeat and shame still so close in his mind.
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