Conflict of Orders

The Consul Amulius Valerius Marius convenes the Senate to discuss the recent news from Carthage and whether a diplomatic delegation should be sent there to assert Roman interests. If yes, then the senate will determine who should lead it.

The floor is open.

To quote Senator Porcius Cato:

Carthago delenda est.

I nominate one of our most deft diplomatic minds to head up the delegation as diplomatic legatus.


Postumous Caesonius Tacitus.

Caesonius Tacitus was surprised to be recommended but spoke shortly.

"I am certainly honored to be recommended for this. That said, I do wish for some more information of what exactly we're aiming for on this diplomatic delegation should it be approved. Is this a fact finding mission on whether Hannibal is rearming and preparing to move against our interests? Are we going to insist that he leaves Carthage in exile and attempt to put someone more pliable to our interests is in charge? Or do we have another goal in mind?"

Albinovanus Fango, proxy to Propraetor Domitius Corbulo, rises.

"I agree that our most skilled diplomats should be sent as a delegation to Carthage. I nominate Propraetor Furius Pavo to lead the delegation to Carthage once his term as Governor is completed. I also nominate Senator Flavius Gallus to join the delegation. These men are well skilled in the art of diplomacy."

The proxy for Propraetor Furius Pavo rises when motioned to.

Conscript Fathers, it is common knowledge that Furius Pavo is known for his contacts within major powers of the world. He is well travelled and experienced. He has also completed a successful term, honorably served, as Governor of Sardinia et Corsica.

I have said before on his behalf that Carthage is currently paying its indemnity to Rome and our Republic treasury is better for it. Furius Pavo believed that a diplomatic fact-finding mission is necessary. Beyond that, we know the current government of Carthage is amenable to status quo. Hannibal, however, is a man who laid waste to the Roman countryside and put our very civilization in danger. Do we think such a man could turn a new leaf?

Nay, I believe we should demand he be taken captive as a measure of Carthage’s disarmament agreement.

Allectus raises to speak once given the opportunity to do so from the Princeps Senatus

“Conscript Fathers,

I would like to thank Propraetor Domitius Corbulo for the suggestion to join this diplomatic mission to Carthage. If it is the option of this august body to appoint myself and Propraetor Furius Pavo to this role, I will humbly accept and bring honor to Rome, this Senate and it’s people. I will put my knowledge of Carthage and my contacts in the region to some good use for the betterment of Rome.

With that said, the aims of this diplomatic mission to Carthage should be obvious. Hannibal, is a name that still strikes fear in the hearts of many Romans when uttered out loud. How many Latins and our allies in southern italia suffered for more than 15 years of Carthaginian occupation? Are we to believe the same man who waged war against Rome for nearly two decades has anything except the worst of intentions against this Republic, this Senate and it’s people? Unless we want to find ourselves in a renewed conflict against Carthage so soon after one of the most devastating wars of this Republic’s history, we must bring Hannibal Barca in chains back to Rome to ensure he can no longer be a threat to our Republic ever again. We will ask the Carthaginian officials to hand this man over to us peacefully to prevent any undue bloodshed. From there, our delegation should conduct a fact finding mission to ascertain the extent of his actions and how much of a threat they pose to Rome’s security.”

Allectus would then sit back down

Gaius Quinctilius Varus, fresh from campaign raises his hand to speak in turn.

Conscript Fathers,

We hasten to nominate whom would be sent for such a diplomatic mission, but first we must decide if such a mission is to be made, per our noble Consul's directive. While both honorable Caesonius Tacitus and Furius Pavo would be excellent men to represent noble Rome, one seemingly more likely as they are currently present in the city, let us not tarry in decision to approve the mission before further discussion of potential diplomats continues.

I strongly favor a diplomatic mission to Carthage, we must understand their intentions and insure they still hold to our recent peace.

The senatorial fathers of the other factions broadly support an inquisition to gather more facts on the situation. The specific individuals who go, they do not have a particular opinion on.

Conscript fathers,

The news of Hannibal returning to Carthage and beginning to stir, what will no doubt become, anti-Roman feelings is of grave importance for us to discuss. We have only begun to truly recover from the devastation of the last war. Now is not the time to take a passive stance and allow him to rebuild a force that can challenge Rome.

As such, Lucretius Tricipitinus supports fully the measure to send envoys to Carthage. To nip this brewing crisis in the bud. We support Propraetor Furius Pavo, known for having contacts throughout the region, for the task of envoy.

Conscript Fathers,

If we're to do a fact-finding mission or inquisition then perhaps all three of us should go? It worked well in the censor's committee and it'd allow us to get informed and act as quickly and prudently as possible.