Conflict of Orders

Posted: **Fri Mar 18, 2022 8:41 pm**

Seated in the Plebian Consul chair was a familiar figure. Albinovanus Fango, Senate proxy of Domitius Corbulo, waited for the Senate chamber to fill and settle down before he rose to his feet and addressed the body.

"Patres Conscripti,

It is with honor I open this session on behalf of Consul Domitius Corbulo to discuss a very pressing matter to our Republic. A short time ago Consul Domitius Corbulo and Consul Claudius Nero were approached by representatives of the Seleucid Empire. These representatives were tasked by King Antiochus III to sign a treaty between the Republic of Rome and the Seleucid Empire. I can report that after much deliberation between representatives from both parties we have come to an agreement. Today, I present a treaty for deliberation containing terms that both parties have found fair. I want to state that this treaty is not yet binding in any way and can be altered by this august assembly. Nothing has been signed nor agreed upon in an official capacity. Preliminary talks were only held to produce a document that could be voted upon by the Senate. Every senator is invited to read the document and begin discussion on its contents."

Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the Republic of Rome and the Seleucid Empire.

The following terms are agreed upon for peace in Greece and Asia Minor:

I. The Seleucid Empire recognises the Republic of Rome's sphere over the Greek Mainland.
II. The Seleucid Empire will withdraw from Thrace in its entirety.
III. The Seleucid Empire will help establish a loyal Greek Kingdom in Thrace to ensure stability in the region.
IV. Rome recognises the Seleucid Empire's control over the majority of Mainland Asia Minor.
V. Both the Roman Republic and the Seleucid Empire recognise the territorial integrity of the following nations in Asia Minor, and agree that they will be excluded from the recognition of Seleucid control of Asia Minor:
Pergamon
Rhodes
Smyrna
Lampsacus
VI. If any of the Polis detailed in Article V declare war on the Seleucid Empire of their own volition, then the Seleucid Empire has the right to annex them as a justified reparation. Rome will also recognise the territory as being under Seleucid control in such an event.
VII. If the Kingdom of Thrace attacks either Rome or her sphere, Rome reserves the right to annex them or establish a loyal Kingdom.
VIII. The Seleucid Empire agrees to hand over Hannibal of Carthage to Rome as a prisoner.

Posted: **Fri Mar 18, 2022 9:08 pm**

The proxy for Caesonius Tacitus would look it over before speaking.

"I'd say section 6 and 7 have the biggest potential for a misunderstanding to potentially spark a war. That said, having Hannibal handed over would be significant collateral for this agreement. I'd like to hear everyone else's thoughts, but I'm inclined to favor this."

Posted: **Sat Mar 19, 2022 6:23 pm**

Albinovanus Fango remained seated throughout the very long and pregnant silence following his announcement of the proposed treaty. He did recall one Senator speak early on but he could not remember who it was. After waiting a long period of time he rose to his feet.

"I would like to clarify that the criminal Hannibal is not being handed over merely as collateral. He is being turned over to us to do with as we please. The Seleucids are fully aware that we will very likely punish him to the full extend of Roman law. It is Consul Domitius Corbulo's opinion that with peace established between Rome and the Seleucid Empire, they will no longer have a purpose to keep him around.

I would ask the esteemed Senator what confusion might develop from Sections six and seven? Section six was put in place to protect our allies in Asia Minor. Section seven allows us to attack and annex Thrace should they attack Rome or our allies.

I will allow a little more time for any questions or concerns. Due to the significance of this treaty I would like to give all Senators ample opportunity to have a voice in its ratification."

Posted: **Sat Mar 19, 2022 9:11 pm**

Tacitus's proxy would speak again, after considering for a while how to word his concerns.

"I'll admit it's more of a gut feeling than something concrete right now with those 2 provisions. Where are the Selecuids planning on going next assuming they are sincere on this? If Hannibal is not collateral but instead they're willing to allow us to kill him for his crimes against Rome, it feels like they're going to want to expand elsewhere since we're mostly recognizing each other's de facto sphere of influence in this treaty but we're also getting Hannibal out of it."

Posted: **Sat Mar 19, 2022 9:33 pm**

The proxy for Consul Claudius Nero rose to speak

Conscript Fathers,

I have been made aware that the talks with the Seleucids involved them admitting that they wanted to annex all of Asia Minor. It was a critical point for why we wanted assurances for our allies and charges along the west coast that they would be left out of this annexation without provocation. So far as I know, the Basilius Megas, Antiochus III currently is fighting in the far east, but his attention appears to soon be directed to our doorstep. Hence the purpose of their talks of recognition of Asia Minor to fall under their direct control.

Posted: **Sat Mar 19, 2022 9:38 pm**

"Ah. So they'd want us to recognize their future gains in Asia minor as well. I see, that makes more sense."

Tacitus's proxy would sit down and look at the rest of the senators to see if anyone else had any questions.

Posted: **Sat Mar 19, 2022 9:56 pm**

Gaius Quinctilius Varus entered the Senate floor, his beard untrimmed and his skin tanned. He held aloft a half dozen scrolls and pointed straight at Decius Belliucs.

Conscript Fathers!

I declare before the Senate that this man, Marcus Decius Bellicus, has violated the laws of the Republic and caused harm to it! Decius Bellicus stands for none but himself, and would harm the very Republic herself to advance his own cause. I have spent tireless weeks collecting verifiable testimony and establishing evidence that he acted in direct violation of the lawful decree of then council Cassius Vecellinus. I order Decius Bellicus to appear before a Judge for a court date to be set, and a trial to be established!

I, Gaius Quinctilius Varus, a man of law and order, do hereby charge Marcus Decius Bellicus with violation of a lawful edict and demand the punishment outlined by it be carried out.

Posted: **Sat Mar 19, 2022 10:08 pm**

The Senate breaks out in murmuring and chatter as the shock of the accusation goes through the room.

Posted: **Sat Mar 19, 2022 10:33 pm**

Albinovanus Fango nearly jumped out of his seat as Quinctilius Varus burst into the Senate chambers. The lack of real debate was almost putting him to sleep.

"I'm sure whatever you have to say is very interesting but we are in the middle of a deliberation on the treaty between Rome and the Seleucid Empire. Have...have you not been present during this session? Take your seat and you will be called upon after we have concluded present business.

Now, I implore anybody who has not had a chance to speak to share their thoughts on this matter before a vote is called. And you, Quinctilius Varus, I implore you to put Senate business first before your own personal grievances."

Posted: **Sun Mar 20, 2022 12:03 pm**

Gaius Quinctilius Varus remained unmoved, standing upon the senate floor like a statue.

Roman law is not required to wait, good Consul Domitius Corbulo. It is within our law and my right to demand Decius Bellicus accompany me to a Judge to set the date for a trial, at the moment of accusation. Should he refuse it is within my right to physically remove him to the court by whatever means I require, and for any law abiding Roman to assist me in this.

However, noting the status of the accused and believing him not to be so lowly of a creature as to flee from the law and make himself an outcast, I willingly recognize the ongoing debate and will retain my seat, held honorably by my proxy Quintius Quietus, until the session is over whereby we may begin legal proceedings.

Gaius Quinctilius Varus would then gesture to the assembled once more, his right hand slowly swung palm up and open gesticulating towards the scrolls n his left hand, still held aloft. He would then take his seat next to Quintius Quietus.

Conflict of Orders

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