Curia Session I 194 BC

[TerranSteel]

It should not be surprising to anyone here that the detractors for the necessary work in Hispania all share a common motive: Jealousy.

It is no secret, public record in fact, that Consul Aurelius Cotta bent the levers of state as far as they could go in a self-vain attempt to be handed legions without any oversight or stated objective and march on whoever he wished. Is this not the same accusations he piles on good, honest, and honorable Romans? We cannot take anything he says in good faith - not after all he has threatened against our Republic.

Magistrate Domitius Corbulo has been nothing but dedicated in his efforts in the provinces. Alongside other Hispanian Magistrates these past two years, who have committed forces to the same defense of those newly acquired lands just as he did. During the first year, I did recommend a four year term for the Hispanian governors - given the extent of the crisis I still feel vindicated of that recommendation. But I bowed to the traditions of our government and this Senate elected him for a second term! Is this not a literal vote of confidence for his successes?

Conscript Fathers, banish these accusations from your minds. Losses in combat against endless hordes of barbarians is tragic, but not all of us have the luxury of battling runaway slaves.

[Proculus Lucius Regulus]

Good consul Bellicus,

The topic at hand presently is your ovation, and Domitius Corbulo's possible Triumph. Matters in Sardinia have been discussed in the previous senate session. The Governor of Sardinia et Corsica is not concerned in the matter at hand.

[Marcus Aurelius Cotta]

Conscript Fathers, we hear not a denial! Not from Consul Decius Bellicus! Not from Furius Pavo!

All we hear is deflection from the accusation. Aurelius Cotta did this! Sardinia that.

Where is the denial that Domitius Corbulo stoked the fires of rebellion so he could ransack the Hispanian countryside for his own personal gain?

Even they don’t dare lie in their deflections, because they’re terrified of what might happen if they’re caught.

Where there is smoke, there is fire, and there’s enough smoke to account for half the Valerian insulae!

[Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo Hispanicus]

Albinovanus Fango stood once again and leaned in the direction of Aurelius Cotta.

"Consul, I will say this again very slowly and I would like you to pay attention. The province was already enflamed when Propraetor Domitius Corbulo arrived. It is true that he began a campaign to quell the Tudetani, which you applauded while it was happening, but this agitation amongst the tribesmen started a very long time ago. Indeed, it is thought that neighboring tribes worked to agitate the Turdetani into a revolt. These neighboring tribes have since been shocked back in line and have sent tribute to Rome through the Propraetor that currently flows into our treasury."

[Allectus Fabius Maximus]

Allectus gets up to speak when called upon by the Princeps Senatus

Good Consul A. Cotta and Esteemed Conscript Fathers,

I call for some calm and measured responses to these deliberations. The news of Hispania U. is unlike that from Sardinia and we must be sure not to confuse the two issues. We must not throw around unfounded and unsubstantiated claims or accusations until we have all the facts. As already mentioned by the Honorable Consul A. Cotta, given the limited time left on their consulships this work will fall upon the new incoming consuls to investigate and pursue justice if necessary.

The matter at hand is the ovation for Consul D. Bellicus and triumph for Propraetor D. Corbulo. As for me, their actions speak for themselves and the result of said actions has led to a more secure situation along our borders. With that said, I continue to give it my support.

[Marcus Decius Bellicus]

M. Decius Bellicus

The follow matter is to be voted upon.

1. An ovatio is approved for Consul M. Decius Bellicus
2. A medium triumph is approved for Propraetor Domitius Corbulo

Commence division!

[Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo Hispanicus]

AYE.

[TerranSteel]

Aye.

[Amulius Valerius Marius]

1. Aye
2. Nay

[Allectus Fabius Maximus]

Aye to both