The Military Camp of Titus Flavius Vespasianus, Judea

"Indeed, for they hold a pivotal position in this crisis"

Traianus commented to the Egyptian prefect, nodding his head. Traianus surmised that Egypt could very well give them the keys of victory.

"I would propose that you begin negotiations for their loyalty, if approved of course."

Traianus looked over the water as well, staring at the same distant object.

"If allowed Asia Minor should be approached too"

"It might be perhaps a good option if we sway Asia Minor to our cause, as well as Greece and the legions in Thrace to gain a first foothold in Europe. I feel Africa is too distant to count on for now"

Traianus replied, likely the provinces of Egypt, Asia Minor and Greece would make them so rich that they could bribe every single legion in the republic.

"Very well, then i suggest that Tiberius, our Egyptian prefect negotiates with the Egyptian legions and that I shall negotiate with Asia Minor and the legions in Thrace, if you approve."

Traianus said.

"See to it." he replied. "Should any of the leading prefects object, send them to me for judgment. I owe no allegiance to any of these usurpers, nor do any of my men. the Senate has not confirmed any of them, and even if they had, why should we care? The conscript fathers in Rome are little more than a fictitious stamp of approval, no? We shall not abide, we shall not!"

"You will remain with me, I cannot manage all of this madness by myself." Titus gave a laugh before taking a glass offered, downing the wine. "The Jews are still rebellious as ever, we cannot abandon that front regardless of what idiocy is afoot in Rome. Besides, we must gauge the mood of the Germanic legions. They may cut through as if through butter, any rivals. My legions are tried, and they are resourceful - yet...this is a risk, one that would mortgage our very lives if not the lives of the men. We must be prudent. I have considered raising a fleet in Alexandria to counter Otho and Vitellius' revolution."

Agricola, a young but seasoned soldier, finally could reach Vespasian in Judaea. Otho had killed Galba and Agricola knew Vitellius was no man that he could follow, else one he could call Caesar. And worse, the soldiery of the Etruscan, pillaging and plundering after old Galba's demise, had razed Agricola's manse in the outskirts of Rome: his own mother fell to a nameless blade. That brought him over the edge. He knew that the only men who were good enough were subduing the Jews, including Nerva, Vespasian and a cadre of old and experienced senators. Those he sought when he arrived to the orderly camp. Gnaeus Julius Agricola offered his sword and loyalties to the generals in the East, troubled by the turmoil in the West.

A messenger arrives at Vespasian's residence in Judea, delivering news from Alexandria. The Prefect of Egypt informs the legate that the III and XXII have declared that, with the current instability in the empire, that their duty is to continue garrisoning the vital province to the West. Prefect Tiberius Alexander further states that, if Legate Vespasian deems the strength of the two legions vital for his future military campaigns, then his personal presence is required in Alexandria. Otherwise, the resources of Egypt stand at his disposal.