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=== Rome, Junius 136 AD ===

‘This is madness, dot hey seriously propose a woman to have these powers?’ Senator Aemilianus thought to himself.

“I assume we will oppose this?” The ever observant Senator Honorius Julianus leaned close and asked his younger friend.

Hostilius smiled, “You could tell I did not like that last statute?”
“You need to learn to put on a game face, Hostilius.”

‘I find these reasonable’ were the words next uttered in the debate over the treaty bring offered to the Goths and Hispania.

Hostilius, shook his head, than motioned to have the floor, after a nod by Consul Rimilius Ispius, the young Senator spoke: “I have a few problems with this- the Gothic section. One, a this bill stipulates that we allow a WOMAN to VOTE in CONSULAR elections. This goes against every grain and tradition and custom within the Romans system, and I cannot support that. Second, I must object to an idea that a Roman wronged by a German will have to plead his case before Romans AND Germans. I can promise you that the German will not go against his own kind for that of a Roman,” Hostilius kept standing, waiting to see if anyone would reply, and much to his dislike, the person who first rise to debate him was none other than Lucius Cassius Vitellius, the famous son of Quinus Lucius Vitellius Venerablis- of whom a statue within the curia they were in stood watching over the senate- and two time Consular; Hostilius was a first term Senator with no significant achievement… this was going to be a very hard debate indeed.

“It states this; ‘Any redress will be formally brought by the Freigoth Wittan Council to the Proconsul, Senate of Rome or Emperor of Rome.' By that there is recourse to seek alternative judgment for both Freigoth and Roman alike. As for the vote that you protest, it is through her responsibilities as peacekeeper and cultural monarch that she possess the right to vote; the same right would be passed to her children, ideally male- unfortunately she is currently a woman, and I am unsure you have within your capabilities to change that, Senator Aemilianus,” Consular Vitellius responded.

Hostilius became apprehensive and thought of backing down, clear the Consular was not in the mood to debate this as was plain to see due to his sarcastic statement. “With respect Consul, I was referring to the following line: 'Crimes committed by a Freigoth against a Roman citizen will be handled jointly by Roman authority and the Freigoths.' This is a great worry of mine. Second, no I do not have the power to change the fact that the Gothic monarch is a woman, but where will this end? Why is it that we can make this woman have powers that only male Roman citizens have been able to use throughout the whole history of our people?” Hostilius continued. “I do not mean that the fact that she is GOTHIC should bar her, for I am not such a traditionalist as to say only the oldest richest men in Rome should be able to do so. On the contrary, those living within the whole our Empire who are capable of great things should be given the opportunity to do so. However, if we give these powers to one woman why not another? Or if we give them to one client monarch, why not another? By this reasoning, the Pharaoh of Egypt should have the same power; for they have the same status- this would still apply even in the pharaoh is a woman.”

Hostilius braced himself for the inevitable return from Consular Vitellius, but was taken aback when Senator Castus requested the floor. “Your lack of traditionalist methods has been apparent in recent discussions within the curia Senator Aemilianus, not that I am saying this is a bad thing but I'm sure the senate can be adaptable in this case. While I do not understand fully what is meant by 'Crimes committed by a Freigoth against a Roman citizen will be handled jointly by Roman authority and the Freigoths.' and I would like this explained further before agreeing or disagreeing with this treatise I see little problem with allowing a woman to hold the position she seeks. While it is not exactly the norm to allow it, she is a leader of a people, a title that is not bestowed lightly upon a person, perhaps she is worthy of the right to vote.” Castus paused for a brief moment, then said, “Do you fear the return of women to politics senator? They play politics enough already, why not allow it? Or perhaps you do not like women? I admit the thought of women within this chamber is a confronting thought but perhaps you should be more open minded."
Hostilius immediately shook his head, what we was saying was not being properly received, and he feared that he has blown his chance at having the clause removed. “No Senator, what I mean to say is this: If we can allow a female tribal monarch to have these powers, why can we not let respectable Roman women have it also? In short, why is THIS woman the ONLY one being allowed? Perhaps, the drafters of this proposal would like to place a bill before this body allowing women to enter politics... and if they feel that is a bad thing, explain why, that is all."

“You have made your point clearer Senator Aemilianus, it seems I misunderstood your meaning. I would invite Senator Cassius Vitellius to share his views on this matter as he is the Roman voice in the drafting of these treatise. While not exactly the original purpose of the treatise I would like to hear what he would propose to justify this action to the people, not just because the Freigoth queen is a leader.” Senator Castus responded, much to Hostilius’ amusement. Hostilius had not intended to turn this into a debate about Roman women entering politics, for he opposed the idea out of hand, but he knew most the other men in the curia probably felt the same way, he could use this to his advantage.

Aedile Constantinus Aemilianus, the twenty one-year-old younger brother of Hostilius looked at his brother, as if asking if he could respond. Hostilius shook his head as a way of saying ‘NO.’

The debate dragged one for some time, Consular Vitellius was unrelenting in his will to have the clause of the Gothic Queen having these powers. But slowly the mood of the assembled men began to change- many started to show signs of dislike at having a woman hold such power, and it culminated in Hostilius’ closing argument; “My concern over the statue that allows for joint Roman-Gothic authorities to hear out cases concerning a violation of the law by a german unto a Roman has not been answered. And as for this issue of letting her vote, can a law be considered just if it cannot be applied to all? Why is this woman given the honor of voting for a Consul when millions of Roman women sweat, bleed and die for this city and yet are not given that right? Forget the masses even, a wife of a past Emperor is not even given this privilage. Are the women who birthed or wed Divius Pompeius Varro, Persicus, Brutus or Veno of any lower stature than these woman? The answer cannot be anything but no.” Hostilius took a breath. “I am sorry, I really am- for I have long wanted peace and am glad it is happening. But I cannot support this proposal with this stipulation in it, I simply cannot. Further, no only can I not support it, but I feel I must oppose it.” That was it for Hostilius, if the Consular continued to insist on the clause, he would have left the Curia and addressed the people of Rome directly in the forum.

But then, a murmur of agreement arose from the men in the Curia, and Consular Vitellius seeing he was defeated turned rosey in the cheek, but only a for a moment. He rose to respond: “I will withdraw the special amendment of the vote for Amalafrida. As for the other issue, perhaps my wording is wrong, but the point is to keep the massive populace living within Roman boundaries docile. Allowing them the joint authority to handle lesser disputes involving Roman citizens lets them feel that they have some level of autonomy. We allow the same system for Jews in Carthage and Judea; it's no different.”

Hostilius beamed, he had won his first major Senatorial debate, and he had won it over one of the most prestigious men to sit in the halls. It was a major victory, and it spurred the young Senator’s confidence to new heights, perhaps he too could become a ‘great man of the Senate’. When the debate was over, Hostilius Aemilianus ran to catch up to Consular Lucius Cassius Vitellius as he exited the Curia. "Consular! Consular! May I have a word for a moment?"

"You were very persistent," Lucius Cassius said to Hostilius. He stood before him, taller, much older and slightly grumpier. "You heard the collective voice of the Senate and ran with it... I can't argue more. I am heading home to leave for Greece soon. You might accompany me, if you need more time to talk." Cassius said.

Hostilius nodded, "I would like that very much. I wanted to tell you, I hope you do not think anything back there was personal- I think the overall work is very good, only, I could not agree to that stipulation."

"I despise that woman deeply, Senator. My argument wasn't for the inclusion of women into politics, but rather to make her feel more important than she is." Cassius walked briskly, with his century of guard flanking both he and Hostilius. The sun was dimming behind them as they headed North-East from the Capitoline hill toward the Quirinal. Cassius looked over to Hostilius. "Already there are plans enacted to undermine her authority. Rome doesn't allow foreign monarchs to settle in Roman lands; Rome settles on the lands of foreign monarchs and let's them stay."

Hostilius smiled, "I could not agree more Consular. You will forgive me, for I am but a newcomer to the Senate. But if that is what you felt in the first place, why even bother? Why try to enhance her current influence when you could do the opposite and attempt to lessen it?" It seemed Hostilius was eager to hear the words of his superior.

"You people always underestimate the Goths. 'Just tell them how it is' you say, but that cannot be how it is. She has at her disposal upward of fifty thousand men capable of uniting as an army." Cassius stated cooly. "Florianus wouldn't turn against her if asked. He would stop her from taking more of Hispania, but he wouldn't stop her from defending her sovereignty. I was able to negotiate away her expectation of sovereignty while in her company, in exchange for the two Senators you saw today. I over thought the situation when suggesting giving her the right to vote, assuming she would be flattered and be put off guard. We shall see though."

Hostilius was silent, as if he seriously took the former Consuls' words to heart. "Well, Consular, I will let you be off, it was an honor to debate with you and hopefully I will work with you again, on the same side perhaps?"

Cassius smiled, happy to have company for the few feet they strolled together. "Perhaps. I wont see Rome for at least a year, but I wish you luck. The term has started well for you. Must you be off?"

"I am sorry but I must, I must meet with Senator Tacitus Honorius Julianus shortly."

"Of course," Cassius nodded. "Good luck with him."

"Thank you, may the god's bless your travels!"


=== Africa, Carthage; The Same Day ===

Vespius Antillius Aemilianus, brother of Aedile Constantinus Aemilianus and Senator Hostilius Aemilianus entered the Proconsular offices of Proconsul Publius Tacitus Julianus. “Thank you for seeing me Proconsul- I promise not to take up too much of your time.”

“That would be good. As of late my time has been rather rare.” Tacitus smiled weakly and then waved the young man in, closing the door behind him. “I am not without manners however; How are you?”

"I am well, thank you. I am here with two requests, one is verbal the other is written, both are from my brother, Hostilius. First, he instructs me to ask you if you would be willing to head a new political faction. The Factio Africana, it would contain your son Honorius, Hostilius, and our brother Constininus. We plan on making overtures to the young Daia to join as well. The faction would be devoted to legislating for the betterment of the region you presently govern."

Tacitus thought for a second, looking away toward his desk. After a moment he said, "Informally for now; yes. That would work for me. Now that I know the Senatorial Regions budget may be going to Hispania, I could use some other sources of funding... something to lobby for. What is written?"

Antillius handed the Proconsul a letter written by Senator Aemilianus:

"Dear Proconsul, I hope this letter finds you in good order. I would like to thank you very much to helping me get my start in Rome. I am sure that my brother has told you my plan for an African Faction, which I hope you are favorably disposed to. However, I do have one other request, this is more of a personal matter. My father, Vespius Aemilianus has been a leading man in Trioplitana for quite some time, he has the respect of the people and has held several of the local civic posts within the cities' government. I would like to formally request of you, if you could, appoint me the Procurator of Northern Tripolitana- he has extensive administrative and financial management exp and I am sure you perform the job very well. If there is anything I can do in return, please instruct my brother to inform me and it will be done. Oh, and your son Honorius requested I send you his love."

"What a kind letter," Tacitus mused, smiling a bit mockingly. He looked Antillius over briefly, then continued. "I cannot replace Quiricus Maximinus; his father has done too much financially to ensure his success as Procurator. However, I have been contemplating the replacement of Gnaeus Pompeius Gracchus of Numidia... the man is a wonder with the people, but a terrible administrator. If your father will consider Numidia, so will I."

Antillius nodded his head in genuine thanks: "I am sure my father would be more than happy, Proconsul. If that matter is decided upon, then I am to ask you the following: What do you need from the Senate? I am assuming funds, but what for? I am sure my brother and your son would work extremely hard to attain whatever it is you may need."

"The matter is yet to be settled officially, so I ask you not send for your father as soon as we are finished here." Tacitus smiled, almost condescendingly. He stood quiet for a moment and then felt a breeze through the room, and thought of the outdoors. "Let's get some air."

As they walked, heading toward the outer courtyard of the administration building in Carthage, Tacitus answered the other queries Antillius had. "Funds would go toward further expansion of ports; roads into south-western Maurentania, specifically to link up with Mogador; highway defense bases or mansiones for communications; colonies in the southern reaches of the African region; ideally two new aqueducts to divert seasonal rivers toward existing infrastructure for better use."

Antillius had no experience dealing with men of rank, so he himself showed no offense to the body language and tone of the Proconsul, "I hear that Hostilius plans to put a bill before the Senate dealing you five million sesterces to build up this region. Perhaps you can have an aid send him some things you would do with that money? The Senate likes specifics..."

"That I know. I have long encouraged detailed accounts of where Senate funds go when called upon. Too often in our history men have championed a vague cause to gain vast sums of money, and then used the money for ulterior intentions." Tacitus mused a bit uncomfortably. "Five million would be a good sum of money, and be enough to have roads built between Septem, Tingis and Mogador, as well as linking the road to Mogador to the main highway to Carthage. The Aqueducts would be more, as would the other items. I have estimates in my head for cost... and frankly would rather not find private sources for their construction. If you wish to send them to your brother, I wont suggest otherwise."

"I will do so, Proconsul. My brother has long asked me to contact you to seek a list of the projects you would like done. Naturally all could not be accomplished, but I am sure would do his best to see what he could through."

Tacitus chuckled, acknowledging the truth in Antillius's words. He was optimistic though. "With Roman authority over the entire mediterranean now that the Ptolemies are no longer, and with control once again over Aegyptus, Rome should be seeing a heavy flow of gold to the Temple of Saturn. I wouldn't let the Senate say money was tight."

Antillius nodded, "If you have no objections, Proconsul, I will take my leave. I have addressed to you all that I have been instructed too. And may I add, should you ever need anything, the Aemilianus family is here to help and support however we can." Antillius bowed, then, as if he had forgotten to mention it earlier, "oh, and your great-nephew Atilus Agrippa has arrived in Tripoli, he is going to be working for my family now. I thought you would have liked to know," Antillius added, in a matter-of-fact tone.

Tacitus nodded. "If you see him soon, tell him I expect a visit when he finds himself in Carthage. I suppose I have said all I needed... Thank you for your helpfulness, Antillius."

Antillius bowed again than took his leave.


=== Rome; One week later ===

Ave Senator Vitellius, may I come in?" Senator Aemilianus asked, as he entered Senator Claudius Sextus Vitellius' office.

"Announce yourself first. I don't engage strangers very kindly," Sextus commanded. He remained focused on a scroll held open on his desk by his two hands.

Hostilius smiled to himself; "Senator Vespius Hostilius Aemilianus." He said in a stern tone.

"Never heard of you... oh wait, Yes. The Aedile who spent his term in Africa. I voted for you," Sextus looked up, but kept his hands on the document. With a smile of mixed emotion, he said, "Take a seat, I’m just reading a letter. Almost finished."

Hostilius sat and waited for Sextus to finish the letter. "I have a question for you, Senator. One pertaining to my Amnesty Proposal…”

Sextus ignored his comment for a few moments, then let go of the scroll. It rolled up instantly, making a slapping noise at the end. Sextus pushed it to the side and looked into the eyes of Hostilius. "It was from Marcus Vitellius, son of Consular Cassius Vitellius. Apparently things are going very well in Gaul... Oh the amnesty proposal, yes. Go ahead."

"I would like to know if you would support it; if would free two of your cousins and an Uncle."

"Technically how? We haven't heard from Magister Militum Sabaco regarding prisoners from Alexandria yet." Sextus mused, then knocked his right hand knuckled on the tabletop. "I will support it. I liked what Germanus Disius said though; it rings of traditionalism that's lacking at the moment. Have you seen the barbarians sitting amongst us? Grouped together like heathens waiting to sack the city."

It was known that Hostilius was a provincialist, a moderate one albeit, but still a provincialist. "Yes... there should be some sort of regulation on who is admitted. It’s one thing for a roman citizen from a long standing family to come here, but former Hispanic warriors? I am not of that mind." Hostilius was silent for a moment, then spoke it a quieter voice. "You are a scion of one of the most well known families in the Empire. Perhaps your voice could add renewed vigor to the city." Hostilius ended, clearly alluding to something he had not said.

"Renewed vigor, huh?" Sextus asked. He kept talking. "I am the last grandson of Imperator Actius Sarius Vitellius. I have been for the last two years regaining my influence and prestige through my other cousins, who... run the city, it seems. I support the amnesty, and I too am somewhat provincialist... but, what are you driving at?"

"I am saying that you are the last grandson of Sarius Vitellius, your Uncle was declared the Defensor Populi Romani by the Senate and People of Rome, your father was with the Army that liberated Rome from the Justian Rebels... I think that, if you wanted to, you could create a new force within this city. You say that your cousins run this city; yes that is true, but for how long? That family was ripped apart by the civil war, and once Cassius dies, will it still be a untied force? Perhaps you can create a new branch of a Populares faction- one that looks out for the common plebs not just of Rome but of the Empire." Hostilius finished, unsure how his thought would be taken.

"I can do that with the Tullians," Sextus stated bluntly. "I haven't the means to do such a thing. Neither do you, I suspect. You speak of near treason, but through what means? You know all but one of the rebellions this time were linked to the Tullians. Not cause, I clarify, but by relation to the leaders. If you're looking for change... I would court their youngers, as I am doing," he held up the scroll an inch or so off the table and let it drop, "so that when this current Emperor fails as the others have, there will be allies for recourse. Who do you know that inspires you to speak in such a manner?"

"I was educated at the Ludus-Terpum Vitellius... they tend to inspire such Lepidan teachings. I myself am not a populist; I am a provincialist whose main focus is on my homeland in Africa. However, I grew up with stories my grandfather would tell me about what it was like to serve under your uncle Lepidus. My family was once a client of yours- and I have watched with sadness it’s decline. What I want is to see the Sarii great again and I will help how I can."

"The Sarii will be great again, I assure you. Your help will be appreciated and rewarded," Sextus stated slowly, leaning a little more closely to the young Senator. "I will not allow any Sarian of Vitellian or Agrippan blood to rise up in defiance or revolt again. I will not let the mistakes of the very great men you speak of repeat themselves. This time around, I will see to it than any such events are only just supported by us, and not led by. Too few are left, Hostilius. Too few, and in declining fortune."

Sextus furthered his thoughts after a moment of silence, waiting for Hostilius to respond. He stood up and began to pace. "You know why those Tullians, spread out across the empire, have remained in power this long? Almost ninety years consecutively they've been meddling and changing things, only getting larger and stronger. They've done so by remaining beneath the desires of true leadership. Backing lesser men for great position is their trick, so i've seen. Never has a Tullian man thought himself best for the empire to turn against the Emperor- not since Quinus Brutus Vitellius anyway, but that was isolated; a single incident. They have the power to place, and remove whomever they see fit... So where I have gone in thought, Hostilius, is that we Sarian few who are left will follow their footsteps- but in support of them. Encourage them to greater things, suggest alternative steps and more radical acts to increase their own grip on power. If they fail, it furthers our cause. If they succeed, then we take their place as the most powerful gens."

Hostilius nodded to himself, then quickly went on to another subject: "Postumus; Marcus Atilus Agrippa is very concerned that his 'brother' will be left to the wolves so to speak. And has asked me to request your assistance in protecting him." Hostilius did not mention that Postumus' being alive made Sextus' claim to be the last grandson of Sarius Vitellius false.

"I don't understand," Sextus said, waiting for clarification.

"You cousin, Lepidus Postumus Vitellius. he was a Legate in the Northern Imperial Army... and he is not going to be covered by this amnesty proposal. We are worried about what will happen to him. And would like to gain his safety in either Africa, Gaul or Britannia."

"So find him and get him South. I had no idea he was alive, so I am certain nobody who would do him harm knows either." Sextus grumbled, realizing that Postumus alive could mean trouble later on. He felt kinship to the man, but had reached a point where some people weren't as important as some ideals. "Have you been in contact with the man? Does he have an agenda? There was no fighting in the North, so no Roman soldier could identify him. I could facilitate his travel if you are without means."

Hostilius swallowed hard; "Atilus Agrippa has informed us of the secret organization known as the Factii Providii that once operated in both Gaul and Sicilia, started by your Uncle. We also know, from Honorius Julianus who helped Tetricus regain control of it, that you were a local leader of it, in Hadria I believe... but you gave that up to Tetricus. If men are still in this organization, they could help. If you can arrange for them to get Postumus or Massilia, my family can have one of our merchant ships pick him up- we frequently trade in southern Gaul through that port."

"You know much," Sextus smiled menacingly. "I still know people in Gaul, of course. Make no mistake though, the Factio Providii is dead. At least in Gaul. Perhaps some semblance is left in Sicilia, but I’ve maintained no contact with them. I will get Postumus to Massilia, if you will do the rest."

Hostilius was apprehensive- he knew that Postumus could rival Sextus as the heir to the Sarians, but he did not let it show. "That would be very helpful, I thank you. I will arrange for a few vessels to be there in three weeks. Is that enough time?"

"It is, yes." Sextus said, smiling a little.


=== Lepcis Magna, Northern Tripolitana; Four Weeks Later, Sextilis ===

It was the first time the Aemilianii family had been together as one in nearly three years, and the family had grown. Rather than the usual five male members, there were now thirteen men present, each one respected by the others, even if some did overshadow most in autocratis. The twelve men gathered at the Estate of Antillius Vespius Aemilianus which was located in Lepcis Magna; the estate recently was renovated to be far larger than before… now that the whole of the Empire was more or less at peace, the commercial Aemilianii were able to profit greatly from the higher levels of trade that was going to Africa, and Lepcis Magna specifically; Lepcis Magna being arguably the second most vital port in the entire region.

The men met in a very pleasant garden with Antillius Vespius Aemilianus and Antillius Carolus Aemilianus presiding; each being fifty-nine and fifty-four respectively. Vespius’ three sons were present also: Hostilius, Antillius and Constantinus; as was Senator Tacitus Honorius Julianus, who accompanied Hostilius and Constantinus in their journey from Rome. The boy Fortunus who the family had taken in during Hostilius’ tour of Africa was there as well. Then, there were the Agrippi…

Two weeks before, Hostilius’ proposal granting amnesty to the prisoners of war who were captured during the civil war had passed. Along with all but one of Hostilius’ proposal. And upon being freed, Marcus Atilus Agrippa, an ally of Hostilius’ invited his newly freed kin to join him in Africa under the protection of the rising Aemilianii family. The last ‘Son of Lepidus’ Lepidus Postumus Vitellius Britannicus Agrippa had traveled south along with his loyal Britannic ‘honor guard’ from the North; Vitellius Sarius Agrippa, the infamous Moesian general was present along with his young brother Vitellius Atilus. Finally, Tavius Percelus Marcellus, a former unit commander in the Sicilian revolt joined the group as well.

Carolus placed a hand on his brother Vespius’ shoulder as the older brother stood to address the men who had gathered from all over the Empire to his modest abode. He took he deep breath, he never wanted to get into politics, he’d remember stories that his father had told him of his adventures in Gaul, and they hardly impressed him. Vespius and Carolus’ father had been a soldier in the army of Sarius Lepidus Vitellius ever since the first Britannic incursion, and Vespius had hoped that when the family moved to Africa after the famous Proconsul’s fall they would be done with politics… but look at what his son had done to change all that. ‘Better to control it than to fight it,’ Vespius told himself.

“My family…” Vespius began, in almost a somber tone of voice, “I am very glad that you all could be here today. I asked for you all to come because I wanted to talk about the incorporation of the Sarii Agrippi into the Aemiliani family. I hope you understand…” he said, addressing the Agrippi, “…that your being here makes it a liability for my family. To be seen taking in so many prominent ‘rebels’ will cause many to worry and to suspect. And I have invited you here under one condition: You WILL all take my lead, the last thing I want is to have my family name, which up to this point as been clean, be tarnished by the antics of the few.”

This drew a huff from Vitellius Sarius Agrippa, who had always been hot-headed and impulsive. “Tarnish? My actions have been nothing but for the defense of this Empire… I…” The now twenty-eight year old former general was cut off.

“SIT DOWN NOW!” Percelus bellowed, standing halfway up in a threatening demeanor.

Sarius quickly obliged the order of his late grandfather’s friend. “You see Vespius; even the most vibrant of young men know their place. I assure you that Postumus, Atilus and Sarius will remain docile if only because I told them to.” Percelus was confident in his words, as he should have been; it was well known the kind of stern and absolute rule Sarii paterfamilias’ had over their lessers, and Percelus emulated it well.

Carolus stood now, “Vespius and I have thought long about this, and Sarius and Postumus are going to remain here in Lepcis with myself watching over them; while Atilus is going to travel of Numidia to aid Vespius in his new role as Procurator of the province. Is this acceptable to all?”

This time it was Postumus, with his heavy Britannic accent who responded, “How long must we wait here and not take part in public life?”

Vespius quickly jumped from his seat “The proposal Hostilius had passed stated what? Ten years?”

Sarius’ mouth dropped, “I will not!” He began, but stopped under the eye of Percelus.

Now it was Hostilius who stood, the twenty five-year-old Senator had done a lot of work to get all the Agrippi there and he did not want to see the most militarily gifted one up and leave, “It will not be the full ten years… but you and Postumus must be patient. Before you can do anything we are going to need to get permission from the Emperor and other higher-ups, so that you won’t be seen as being a treasonous bunch.”

Senator Tacitus Honorius Julianus now stood, the thirty-five year old Senator was a blood cousin to the Agrippi and felt a stronger bond to them than the Aemilianii did. “We, that is, Carolus, Vespius, Hostilius and myself have made plans for you all. Each one of you has specific talents and abilities that you will use to help advance the Aemilianii in exchange for their helping you be free again. Atilus, with all his administrative skill earned from being chief of staff of the Sicilian army, is going to help Vespius administer Numidia. Sarius, we are going to try and get you and appointment in the African Consular Fleet. You are a superb combat leader, and lets face it, you have not shown yourself to be master tactician so a switch from land to sea wont be hard.” That drew a snort from Sarius. “Finally, Postumus… you are going to enter politics once it’s feasible for you to do so. Your father came from the Senate and its time you followed in his footsteps.”

The three ‘brothers’ nodded in agreement, they did not like being on a leash, but it was better than being imprisoned. Percelus now added, “With that being settled, I would like to announce, along with Carolus, that he as agreed with me on a more formal union of the families: His only daughter, Amelia, is to marry Postumus.”


=== Hostilius’ chambers, Later That Night ===

“May I enter Hostilius?” Honorius Julianus asked.

“Of course, what is troubling you?” Asked the Aemilianii, placed a hand on Honorius’ upper-arm.

“Can you tell? This is not good…” Honorius trailed for a moment. “That boy, Fortunus- his’ mother’s name is Helena correct?”

Hostilius seemed puzzled, “Why yes. But how would you know?”

“I started out in politics as Lepidus Tetricus Vitellius’ chief political advisor, I was involved in all his major decisions; but what he did in public and… in private.”

“Out with it man! I don’t know what you are saying.”

“That child is Tetricus’s! I remember his mother was a nobody from Sicilia, and we thought it best to make sure Lepidus’ bloodline stayed within noble Romans. That is the only son of Lepidus Tetricus Vitellius.”

Hostilius was beside himself, “Are you sure?”

Honorius nodded vigorously.

“Does Postumus know?”

“I doubt it, he does not seem to have the tact to keep something like this to himself.”

Hostilius smiled, “Than that means we have the grandson of Minerva at our disposal.”



Written By: Vespius Hostilius Agrippa with RP from Ferus Juventas
Edited By: Ferus Juventas
136 AD (edited 137...)