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Post by sforza on Sept 11, 2021 3:31:27 GMT -5
Saturninus comes to visit Metellus. He wishes to talk politics.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 11, 2021 4:56:57 GMT -5
Being held captive, he has little choice but to oblige
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Post by sforza on Sept 11, 2021 12:25:10 GMT -5
"Metellus"
Saturninus addressed his co-tribune as he entered the room where he is held captive.
"It seems you tried to escape"
Luckily the guards were competent enough to prevent that.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 11, 2021 13:01:18 GMT -5
Metellus refused to answer, simply pretending Saturninus was not present
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Post by sforza on Sept 12, 2021 11:56:26 GMT -5
"Fine then, I will make it short"
Saturninus said to this stubborn man. Why is he always so difficult? He is a pain in the ass Saturn us wanted to mumble.
"I wish you no harm and therefore you shall be send away from Rome for some time"
Maybe one of the smaller Pontine islands would suffice
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 12, 2021 12:04:41 GMT -5
”As Tribune of the Plebs I am legally barred from leaving Rome.” Pius replied, as if inspecting the dirt under his fingernails; with a tone of utter disinterest. ”Not that the law has ever concerned you. I should like to retire to the countryside for a time. I suspect this aligns with your desires.”
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Post by sforza on Sept 12, 2021 12:11:48 GMT -5
"Neither does the senate has any interest in what is lawful or not, but I have no interest in debating"
Saturninus said, looking down upon this man.
"You shall be send to one of the Pontine islands, once order has restored you will be allowed to leave for the countryside"
Saturninus said, he'd like plot his revenge there but murder was not an alternative.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 12, 2021 12:17:59 GMT -5
”Good. I have no interest in being part of your ramshackle cabal of senators. I shall return to Rome once the Consuls have restored order to the city.”
Perhaps a country retirement would have its uses. Besides, there were many things that could happen between now and the Pontine islands. Pius remained defiant, refusing to either yield or feel shame.
”I suspect I shall not see you alive again. You will see the Tarpeian Rock, Saturninus. They shall make sure of it.”
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Post by sforza on Sept 12, 2021 12:25:03 GMT -5
"I expect no less, Tribune"
Saturninus said, with Metellus gone for some time things would hopefully go easier for Saturninus.
"Perhaps I should done things otherwise, but it is too late to turn it back now.
Saturninus wondered if he had walked a different path where he would now. Perhaps he should have cooperated more with the senate, but that would likely led nowhere for his intended reforms.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 12, 2021 12:32:55 GMT -5
”I suspect my wife and kin have left the city. I shall send them a letter informing them that I still hold my life, if not my liberty.”
Metellus privately wondered how Saturninus hoped to negotiate his way around this botched rebellion. Never before had such a thing been done, never before had the traditions of the Republic been so crudely violated. Perhaps he was expecting support, but from as far as he knew Sertorius was still out in the east, exercising his mandate as governor.
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Post by sforza on Sept 12, 2021 15:07:13 GMT -5
"You may, Tribune"
Saturninus replied, of course the letter would be checked for its content. Some hours later Metellus would be escorted to Ostia with 8 agents of Saturninus. If Metellus would prove to be bothersome, he will be chained. The guards were instructed not to talk with Metellus and if he tried to bribe them then Saturninus would pay them twice as much. Once Metellus arrives at the Pontine islands two agents are left behind to ensure he does not escape.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 12, 2021 15:45:32 GMT -5
”Good gentlemen, see I am delivered to Naples and I shall each give you a hundred denarii.”
Metellus broached to his captors as they approached the ship that would bear him to a life of miserable exile.
”You can make yourself scarce and leave my sight as rich men. You might never have to return to Rome again.”
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Sept 12, 2021 16:33:25 GMT -5
The bribe did catch the attention of the captors. The eight in total looked at each other. There was a murmur among them, a couple sounded like they liked the deal, but the majority weren't so sure. One turned to Metellus.
I could wipe my ass with a hundred denarii.
A few snickers were heard from among the eight.
Is that your final offer?
The male asks, looking at Metellus. They'd might accept for more money, but it'd have to be enough. Otherwise, off to Ostia with the captured enemy of their employer.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 12, 2021 16:51:01 GMT -5
”Two hundred. And my solemn vow that I will not pursue you when this business is over. Laying your hands on the Tribune carries a death penalty, if you remember.”
This is what it had come to, bargaining for his sanctity in the harbour. Saturninus had much to answer for.
”But with your co-operation, I might remember this as a stroll with my rescuers down to a ship waiting to take me to Naples”
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Sept 13, 2021 12:06:07 GMT -5
One of the eight spoke up to their leader.
Hey, he is right. Tribunes are a sacred office... do we really want to be killed?
The extra denarii had helped, but there was that risk of the death penalty. What if Metellus returned and his wrath fell upon them? He'd have every legal right to have these eight executed. Their leader took a moment before nodding his head.
Two hundred denarii and we will see that a ship takes you to Napoli.
He restates as he turns to his men.
Make this look good till we get to Ostia.
The other seven nod their head and proceed to 'perform' their orders, leading Metellus out of Rome and to Ostia. Along the way, the eight planned their escape to ensure their employer didn't find them.
Metellus loses two hundred denarii and gains his freedom.
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