Curia Session II - 194 BC

[TerranSteel]

Consul Furius Pavo took his place right beside where his respected and venerable Co-Consul would be seated during their first session of the Senate. He brought no Lictors with him as he feared no assassin or the discussion of the Senate. It would be likely one of his few meetings here in Rome as the ships and legions that would carry him to Greece readied for the coming campaigns. He motioned to the assembled body of Senators.

Conscript Fathers,

This first session is dedicated to the selection of magistrates of the provinces for the year. Given the names supplied at the Rostra, my Co-Consul and I have long been in discussion of who we thought had the merits and plans most appropriate for the respective regions. That being said, we wish to hear the thoughts and advice of the Senate on appointments before we commence to a vote. My personal opinion is as follows:

Sicily - Marcus Silvius Pastor
Sardinia et Corsica - Postumus Caesonius Tacitus
Hispania Ulterior - Proconsul M. Decius Bellicus
Hispania Citerior - Allectus Fabius Maximus

These men have proven themselves in both their efforts in Carthage with myself and in service to the North, either in Colonia establishment or combat itself. The experience of Decius Bellicus, naturally, need not be said, yet should be lauded.

An additional matter, while I am confident in my abilities on the coming Grecian battlefields, I am open to an experienced legate to accompany me on campaign should anyone wish to volunteer for the consideration of such a post.

[Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo Hispanicus]

Domitius Corbulo, for the first time in a couple of years, rose proudly in the Senate and addressed the assembled men.

"Patres Conscripti,

I agree with and support the nominations save for one. I believe Senator Fabius Maximus would better serve Rome as your Legate to Sparta. Given his extensive experience with diplomacy, I believe he would be instrumental in not only bringing about a quick peace but also keeping that peace once the fighting is over. I believe him to be just as skilled on the battlefield as he is at the negotiating table.

For Governor of Hispania Citerior I nominate Senator Quinctilius Varus. Though we have not always agreed on every issue, I believe Quinctilius Varus would make an excellent Governor of that province. Having served in that inhospitable region for two years I know that tenacity and battlefield experience are crucial for a Hispanian Governor, and those are two traits I see in Senator Quinctilius Varus."

[Gaius Cassius Vecellinus]

Consul Cassius Vecellinus sat still as his co-Consul gave the opening address; it was not the first time that he he was Consul and it showed in his calm and serene presence. After Consul Furius Pavo finished his introduction, he rose to address the Curia.

Fellow co-Consul, conscript fathers, Romans!

I do not wish to add much to that which has been stated by my colleague other than I broadly agree with the names he has put forth; these are all worthy men which will serve our Republic proudly. Personally however, I wish to suggest that another Senator, one which has seen the field of battle several times now, take the place of Senator Allectus Fabius Maximus as governor of Hispania Citerior; this I suggest not out of any disapproval of Senator Fabius Maximus, but rather due to Hispania's pressing needs for military experience after the rumors which emanate from that province.

The name I would like to put forth to govern that province, if my fellow co-Consul would allow me, would be Gaius Quinctilius Varus.

To Senator Allectus Fabius Maximus, I would lend my support, if he so desires it, for a military role under Consul Furius Pavo in his soon to begin campaign against the tyrant of Sparta.

I yield the floor to further debate.

[Allectus Fabius Maximus]

Allectus stood to speak once it was his turn to do so

Conscript Fathers,

You honor me with your consideration for a propraetorship in H. Citerior or with an appointment as legate under Consul Furius Pavo. I am a loyal servant of the Rome and live only to serve the Republic and see it prosper. I for one agree with the suggestion to appoint Senator Quinctilius Varus to the propraetorship of H. Citerior. He is a man of valor, honor and respect. His time fighting with the Gauls has provided him with an invaluable experience and he possesses the exact qualities needed to ensure proper Roman governance in Hispania.

I will however defer to the judgement of the Senate on whether they see fit for me to serve as propraetor in H. Citerior or to serve as legate under Consul Furius Pavo during the Spartan campaign.

[Amulius Valerius Marius]

Domitius Corbulo, for the first time in a couple of years, rose proudly in the Senate and addressed the assembled men.

"Patres Conscripti,

I agree with and support the nominations save for one. I believe Senator Fabius Maximus would better serve Rome as your Legate to Sparta. Given his extensive experience with diplomacy, I believe he would be instrumental in not only bringing about a quick peace but also keeping that peace once the fighting is over. I believe him to be just as skilled on the battlefield as he is at the negotiating table.

For Governor of Hispania Citerior I nominate Senator Quinctilius Varus. Though we have not always agreed on every issue, I believe Quinctilius Varus would make an excellent Governor of that province. Having served in that inhospitable region for two years I know that tenacity and battlefield experience are crucial for a Hispanian Governor, and those are two traits I see in Senator Quinctilius Varus."

I second this and the nominations as presented, but I would go further.

Allectus Fabius Maximus has shown a talent in Carthage under the tutelage of Consul Pavo in recent times, this skill I would think, would be immeasurable in keeping the Hispanian tribes in line. Although if forced to defend the province, I have no doubts that he will likewise do well. That is also not to say that I have any ill to speak of former consul Decius Bellicus, in fact, I believe him to be quite the capable commander and surely he would serve Roma well as governor. I will support either candidate for the position full heartily, in a vote - but I propose;

Hispania Ulterior - Allectus Fabius Maximus
Hispania Citerior - Gaius Quinctilius Varus

[Marcus Decius Bellicus]

Decius Bellicus rises

"Perhaps the good Valerius Marius could explain why, on the heels of a great conquest against the barbarians of Hispania Ulterior, a campaign that is not over, he would be the one to now lead the Senate into *yet again* depriving the territory of adequate military support. Shall we rob them of troops one year and then rob them of a commander the next?

"I mean no ill will towards my friend Fabius Maximus, but he let his intentions be known of wanting to support Hispania Ulterior should it be needed as the Propraetor of Hispania Citerior, something his predecessor refused to do. He did not state a want or willingness to lead the forces of Ulterior into battle and I commend him for having the vision and courage to state as such.

"I suppose that, once again, Valerius Marius wants to throw a stick into the wheels of compromise here in the Senate, for no other reason than to decry that nothing is being done as he wished it would be."

[Postumus Caesonius Tacitus]

Conscript Fathers,

I am honored to be considered for Sardinia et Corsica. I do have one request, should I be confirmed for this. I would like to request a Socii legion be raised for the province to protect against further barbarian raids in case other tribes were emboldened by how long it took to push them back last year.

[Gaius Cassius Vecellinus]

Consul Cassius Vecellinus rose to face Senator Decius Bellicus.

Conscript father,

I would request you in particular, as a former Consul, and everyone at large to maintain a level of courteousness when addressing other members of the Curia; we have seen too many insults and ad hominem attacks which have only resulted in these sessions becoming remarkably unproductive. It is my wish, one no doubt shared by fellow co-Consul, that the present Consular year be one where ideas and their merit, not individuals and their idiosyncrasies, take the center stage in our Senate.

Also, I would highlight that Senator Valerius Marius, a former Consul himself, also expressed his willingness to support your candidature should it be present in the final motion though, legitimately, presenting his own preferred choice. This is hardly worth the heavy criticism made on his character.

Turning to Caesonius Tacitus.

The point you raise is a valid one and one I have discussed to some extent with my fellow co-Consul; I would deem any definite answer at this stage premature however before we even have a nominated governor.

To the Curia at large.

Are there others who wish to intervene?

I yield the floor.

[Marcus Aurelius Cotta]

Senator Aurelius Cotta looks completely unsurprised by the continued unhinged nature of the man who was his co-consul.

[Gaius Quinctilius Varus]

Conscript Fathers,

I am honored and humbled by my nomination. To have the most dignified men in Rome support me for candidacy of a governorship is confidence in my skills that I will strive to live up to. If granted the propraetorship of Hispania Citerior I will seek to continue the good works of its previous esteemed governors.

Quinctilius Varus turned to look at Decius Bellicus

Good Decius Bellicus, the Turdetani were defeated and the revolt crushed by good Domitius Corbulo, what ongoing campaign do you speak of?