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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 3, 2021 15:37:11 GMT -5
Lepidus was visibly annoyed with Drusus, even as he dared to walk off. He grabbed him by the upper arm and reeled him back in. Startling the centurions near Lepidus even. Drusus was now close, very close to Lepidus, who was staring Drusus deep in the eyes. Lepidus with an angry tone but remarkably silent said "What would you have me do?" Lepidus asked with a bit of disparity. "I see each and everyman here today as my family. What do you think they will do when I sound the retreat? How do you think they feel about their fallen brethren?" Lepidus asked, seeing the faces of all who had died under his command pass him. He barely slept anymore. The burden of command wasn't as easy on Lepidus as some thought. Often he would wake after a few hours sleep and recount those fallen. "Do you think I forgot about those who passed?!" Lepidus snared at Drusus, the young man's suggestions were really moving Lepidus his emotions around. "We are here to end this and acquire lands so that these brave man may one day call it their home at the end of their service." Lepidus now let go of Drusus his hand. Calming down a little before continuing. "Do you remember when you first came for aid?" Lepidus asked but not waiting for a response he continued. "Money is what makes the world tick. I spend all coin I acquired here on the legions, a large colony for the legions and the construction of a great sewer system in Rome. For the betterment of the republic and those who live in it. The wealth and land we gain here directly goes back into the well being of those who took it." Lepidus tried to get through to Drusus. Yes the violence had been much and hefty but the benefits were large as well. "Come with me" Lepidus dictated to Drusus. Lepidus had been working on something in secret for the past few weeks. As the men walk up and over the nearby hill, looking out on a natural bay out of sight of everyone, most importantly of the Aquitani. As the bay came in sight, a great fleet of ships dawned on the horizon. Men could be seen pushing the last ships into the water as the tide was now correct for it. In secret Lepidus his best engineers had been working on some 40 ships to blockade the enemy port. Lepidus turned to Drusus after he had a moment to take in what he saw. "You see Drusus, I don't intend on wasting many lives here. I will strangle the life out of these Aquitani so that our men don't have to die in veign." Lepidus said, rather proud.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 3, 2021 15:37:51 GMT -5
Publius is summoned to join Lepidus for breakfast.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 3, 2021 16:31:23 GMT -5
Publius did as he was bid, the young tribune interrupting his usual routine of frolicking with the camp followers to attend on the Imperator. He ensured he was outfitted in his usual military garb before presenting himself at the tent of Lepidus for entry, silently wondering what it was that the commander would ask of him this time. By Jupiter, he hoped that it was nothing to do with those whores in the wagon train…
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 3, 2021 17:16:24 GMT -5
"Enjoyed the whores did you Publius?" Lepidus asked as he put aside his cup of water and got up. "Relax" Lepidus was quick to add, he liked himself some hookers as well. "I have a question for you Publius. What do you think of Drusus." Lepidus needed to know if he had a serious problem or just a young man losing heart.
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Post by rhapture on Oct 3, 2021 17:25:26 GMT -5
Lepidus was visibly annoyed with Drusus, even as he dared to walk off. He grabbed him by the upper arm and reeled him back in. Startling the centurions near Lepidus even. Drusus was now close, very close to Lepidus, who was staring Drusus deep in the eyes. Lepidus with an angry tone but remarkably silent said "What would you have me do?" Lepidus asked with a bit of disparity. "I see each and everyman here today as my family. What do you think they will do when I sound the retreat? How do you think they feel about their fallen brethren?" Lepidus asked, seeing the faces of all who had died under his command pass him. He barely slept anymore. The burden of command wasn't as easy on Lepidus as some thought. Often he would wake after a few hours sleep and recount those fallen. "Do you think I forgot about those who passed?!" Lepidus snared at Drusus, the young man's suggestions were really moving Lepidus his emotions around. "We are here to end this and acquire lands so that these brave man may one day call it their home at the end of their service." Lepidus now let go of Drusus his hand. Calming down a little before continuing. "Do you remember when you first came for aid?" Lepidus asked but not waiting for a response he continued. "Money is what makes the world tick. I spend all coin I acquired here on the legions, a large colony for the legions and the construction of a great sewer system in Rome. For the betterment of the republic and those who live in it. The wealth and land we gain here directly goes back into the well being of those who took it." Lepidus tried to get through to Drusus. Yes the violence had been much and hefty but the benefits were large as well. "Come with me" Lepidus dictated to Drusus. Lepidus had been working on something in secret for the past few weeks. As the men walk up and over the nearby hill, looking out on a natural bay out of sight of everyone, most importantly of the Aquitani. As the bay came in sight, a great fleet of ships dawned on the horizon. Men could be seen pushing the last ships into the water as the tide was now correct for it. In secret Lepidus his best engineers had been working on some 40 ships to blockade the enemy port. Lepidus turned to Drusus after he had a moment to take in what he saw. "You see Drusus, I don't intend on wasting many lives here. I will strangle the life out of these Aquitani so that our men don't have to die in veign." Lepidus said, rather proud.
" Marcus, you don't get it all. You are wasting lives and resources, time and money, all for what? To force some people who already hate you to hate you more? To die from hunger? " Drusus asks disgustingly. "These people don't care about sewers in Rome, and most likely the soldiers we have don't either, they will retire to work on farms , either in Italy or in some province." He continued.
"Accept their surrender now, and be a magnanimous victor, instead of a vengeful tyrant." He implored, the pain in his eyes plainly visible.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 3, 2021 17:27:02 GMT -5
For a moment, Publius paled. It took him a moment or two to realise that Lepidus was joking, allowing himself a nervous chuckle as well as a mental note to keep his cavorting with the less than savoury camp followers to a minimum in front of the men.
”The camp has a good supply, Imperator.”
Retorted the young officer, indulging in some wine passed by a slave as he pondered the question. It appeared that Drusus’ doubts had been aired publicly over the last few days. Typical aristocrats. Their arrogance bred a typical lack of tact.
”Tribune Drusus is a fine officer, sir. The men think highly of him, as do the other officers.”
Publius paused to whet his lips.
”But if I may sir, I feel that the Tribune is disillusioned with the current campaign. He lost a lot of comrades in battle, from what I have heard.”
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 4, 2021 9:17:26 GMT -5
Lepidus was visibly annoyed with Drusus, even as he dared to walk off. He grabbed him by the upper arm and reeled him back in. Startling the centurions near Lepidus even. Drusus was now close, very close to Lepidus, who was staring Drusus deep in the eyes. Lepidus with an angry tone but remarkably silent said "What would you have me do?" Lepidus asked with a bit of disparity. "I see each and everyman here today as my family. What do you think they will do when I sound the retreat? How do you think they feel about their fallen brethren?" Lepidus asked, seeing the faces of all who had died under his command pass him. He barely slept anymore. The burden of command wasn't as easy on Lepidus as some thought. Often he would wake after a few hours sleep and recount those fallen. "Do you think I forgot about those who passed?!" Lepidus snared at Drusus, the young man's suggestions were really moving Lepidus his emotions around. "We are here to end this and acquire lands so that these brave man may one day call it their home at the end of their service." Lepidus now let go of Drusus his hand. Calming down a little before continuing. "Do you remember when you first came for aid?" Lepidus asked but not waiting for a response he continued. "Money is what makes the world tick. I spend all coin I acquired here on the legions, a large colony for the legions and the construction of a great sewer system in Rome. For the betterment of the republic and those who live in it. The wealth and land we gain here directly goes back into the well being of those who took it." Lepidus tried to get through to Drusus. Yes the violence had been much and hefty but the benefits were large as well. "Come with me" Lepidus dictated to Drusus. Lepidus had been working on something in secret for the past few weeks. As the men walk up and over the nearby hill, looking out on a natural bay out of sight of everyone, most importantly of the Aquitani. As the bay came in sight, a great fleet of ships dawned on the horizon. Men could be seen pushing the last ships into the water as the tide was now correct for it. In secret Lepidus his best engineers had been working on some 40 ships to blockade the enemy port. Lepidus turned to Drusus after he had a moment to take in what he saw. "You see Drusus, I don't intend on wasting many lives here. I will strangle the life out of these Aquitani so that our men don't have to die in veign." Lepidus said, rather proud.
" Marcus, you don't get it all. You are wasting lives and resources, time and money, all for what? To force some people who already hate you to hate you more? To die from hunger? " Drusus asks disgustingly. "These people don't care about sewers in Rome, and most likely the soldiers we have don't either, they will retire to work on farms , either in Italy or in some province." He continued.
"Accept their surrender now, and be a magnanimous victor, instead of a vengeful tyrant." He implored, the pain in his eyes plainly visible.
Lepidus barked back at Drusus. "We are sent with a mandate of Rome. To work for the glory of Rome, not some peasants at the outskirts of the known world. Lepidus spoke with passion and anger. "By jupiter's cock, was this not what you wanted? To reinstall your families honor and be the man you want to be?!" Lepidus asked. The yelling brought some men of the guard closer than they probably ought to be. Lepidus would leave them for now. Not even seeing them as he was so enraged. For a moment, Publius paled. It took him a moment or two to realise that Lepidus was joking, allowing himself a nervous chuckle as well as a mental note to keep his cavorting with the less than savoury camp followers to a minimum in front of the men. ”The camp has a good supply, Imperator.”Retorted the young officer, indulging in some wine passed by a slave as he pondered the question. It appeared that Drusus’ doubts had been aired publicly over the last few days. Typical aristocrats. Their arrogance bred a typical lack of tact. ”Tribune Drusus is a fine officer, sir. The men think highly of him, as do the other officers.” Publius paused to whet his lips. ”But if I may sir, I feel that the Tribune is disillusioned with the current campaign. He lost a lot of comrades in battle, from what I have heard.”
Lepidus smiled for a moment. Having caught Publius off his guard but turned stern as the tribune mentioned Drusus. Lepidus countered "and what do you think Drusus? Do you think I've lost my mind and am over reacting?" Lepidus hoped Publius would know to tread carefully at this moment. He could make or break Publius further life. Lepidus hoped he'd finally have someone on his side. Crassus, Cinna and now Drusus all departed. Lepidus was alone and felt so on the edge of the world.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 4, 2021 9:52:46 GMT -5
”I think that it might be best to send him home, commander.” Publius tactfully replied, wary of offending his powerful benefactor. The long haired youngster took another sip of wine to steel himself. ”A well respected but but divisive subordinate is bad for morale. Many of the men listen to him and wonder why they are here.”
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 4, 2021 9:59:40 GMT -5
Lepidus countered sharply "You did not answer the question. Have I lost my mind?" Lepidus needed an answer and not some political correct one. He was agreeing with Publius though that Drusus had to be excused.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 4, 2021 10:02:23 GMT -5
”No, commander.” Replied Publius quickly, nearly choking on his wine as he did so.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 4, 2021 10:18:02 GMT -5
Lepidus rose and neared the man from very up close. Eyeballing him, hoping to look into his soul. "I'll send Drusus home and then we'll take the city and you'll lead the first wave" Lepidus said drily, still looking the man into his eyes. "and after that I have a job for you, if you want it" Lepidus said equally dry but with a flush of hope, hope this Sulla would be as good as the other one and that this one would remain with him.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 4, 2021 10:54:53 GMT -5
Publius seemed deflated, unsure if it was Lepidus’ intent to reward or punish him. Certainly, the general’s obvious desire to get into his personal space was intimidating. Stories of Lepidus’ deviancy were well known, and Sulla had no intention of being the older man’s bed slave.
But he supposed he would worry about that after the battle. Being among the first those over the ramparts was a near death sentence, or so it seemed to the young Tribune. The walls of Burdigala loomed large over them all.
”Of course, Imperator. As you command.”
Sulla saluted, putting on his best attempt at enthusiasm.
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Post by rhapture on Oct 4, 2021 11:34:16 GMT -5
Drusus retreats to his own command tent, after the Proconsul's outburst, more convinced than ever that what ever Lepidus was planing was the wrong path.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 4, 2021 12:02:00 GMT -5
Publius seemed deflated, unsure if it was Lepidus’ intent to reward or punish him. Certainly, the general’s obvious desire to get into his personal space was intimidating. Stories of Lepidus’ deviancy were well known, and Sulla had no intention of being the older man’s bed slave. But he supposed he would worry about that after the battle. Being among the first those over the ramparts was a near death sentence, or so it seemed to the young Tribune. The walls of Burdigala loomed large over them all. ”Of course, Imperator. As you command.”Sulla saluted, putting on his best attempt at enthusiasm.
Lepidus retreated back to his seat. Rubbing his forehead. Was this Sulla boy truly so thick headed or was he one of the boy lovers? It worried Lepidus. Having to send out his trusted commander Drusus and not knowing if he could count on this Sulla man. Perhaps Drusus was right about needing to conclude this campaign. Nonetheless Lepidus looked at Sulla once more and decided to give it to him. "Sulla, You don't need to go over the wall as the first man. I count on you to command from up close, not in the first line perse. What I do expect is loyalty. Can I count on you?!" Lepidus was calm to his final sentence, he put some strengthen behind it. "You see we will take this town but it's not said we take the surrounding lands. Since your tactics were sound before, I intend to give you one of my legions to pillage burn and aquire coins for us until they bow before us." Lepidus hoped the man could finally say something of sense.. otherwise the final months of the campaign would truly be long and lonely.
Drusus retreats to his own command tent, after the Proconsul's outburst, more convinced than ever that what ever Lepidus was planing was the wrong path.
Drusus was informed he was discharged of his duties. Two horses were provided by the pro Consul to arrange Drusus his travel back to Rome.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 4, 2021 12:08:47 GMT -5
Sulla appeared confused, then concerned. It appeared that Lepidus could read his very darkest thoughts, and was jumping at every shadow. The general had spent too much time in the forests of Gaul, so much so that it had addled his mind. To say that the famed commander was behaving erratically was an understatement.
”I shall do whatever you command, Imperator. The walls of Burdigala shall fall before you.” Stated Sulla, rather obsequiously. ”Worry not about Drusus. The men shall die for you, if you command it. They will see Aquitainia pacified.”
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