===Germania Superior===

Proconsular Legate Sillius Flavus sat at his desk reading overa scroll from his father announcing his abdication of the throne. He sat in utter disappointment and began to ponder his morality. He supported his father and now that he had stepped down and Tiberius Vitellius was the new emperor, Sillius was unsure how long he would be alive.

Sejanus Aulus the head of the Proconsular Legate’s guard entered the command tent and and saluted

“What is it Sejanus I told you I want to be alone” Sillius said.

“I know sir but I thought I should be the one to tell you there are Praetorians at the camp gates” the officer proclaimed.

Sillius’s head dropped and he took a deep sigh, “Ready my guards Sejanus and send my aide to have them let in.”

The legate hesitated for moment then saluted and left. Sillius stood up and grabbed his cuirass of its stand and pulled it over his black tunic. He picked his sword off the desk and strapped it around his waist. Sillius walked out of his tent briskly towards Sejanus who was standing in the forum with his guards. The praetorians trotted to the forum and dismounted from their horses. The Praetorian officer pulled a scroll out and handed it to the Proconsular Legate.

Sillius noticed the seal of Helvius Tiberius Vetillius, the new emperor of Rome, on the scroll. He broke the seal and read the letter. His eyes rolled up to the officer and he looked around to the other praetorians with their eyes fixed on him.

“And when does your master wish my return” Sillius said with a smile

“Now” The praetorian confidently said.

As Sejanus reached for his sword Sillius put his hand in the air “HOLD...hold old friend it will not come to that”.

Sejanus lowered his hands from his sword and angrily eyed the praetorian.

Sillius drew his sword and handed it to the praetorian, “Give these men some water then escort them back to the gates. Tell your emperor thanks, but I don’t need an escort to Rome, I can find my own way home, but give him my sword from one soldier to another he’ll understand.”

The Praetorian began to say something but then Sillius’ guards closed in around him and his men. Sillius turned around and walked away back to his tent. A moment later Sejanus stormed into the tent and staired at Sillius.

“You look like you have something to say friend” Sillius said coolly.

“Sir...”

“Speak plan Sejanus there’s no one here but me and you.”

“I can’t believe that you’re handing over your command, you earned this command. You’ve been a loyal man of the VIIth for the last 17 years. You worked your way up from tribune to Proconsular Legate, and now you just hand it over? And for what cause a pretender to the throne...”

“What would you have me do? Spear his praetorian? Refuse to return to Rome and how would that change things? I don’t go home he’ll put a motion before the senate to have me arrested. I guarantee I’d be found guilty at my trail and executed, right alongside my father and cousin,” Sillius proclaimed.

Sillius walked over to his desk and unfastened his cuirass and threw it on his desk. He grabbed a clay cup and poured some honey water out of the pitcher on his desk. He turned around leaning against his desk and looked at his old friend.

“You and I have been friends for longer then I can remember, come to Rome with me and protect my family.” Sillius enduringly said.

Sejanus sighed “You’re my best friend how can I tell you no. The men in your guard won’t serve under anyone but you. They are the most loyal men of the VIIth I assume they are coming as well.”

Sillius pushed off his desk and hugged Sejanus “of course, if they didn’t, I’d be dead before I reached Rome”.

==Castra Regina, at the same time ==

Sia walked along the road, on her way to the market square of the town where the most exotic of merchant stalls were to be found. Maecius was making preparations to leave at the end of the market day, and she wanted to peruse the goods on display one last time before she left. As she walked, she came upon Maximus Dio, sitting upon a bench staring at what looked like a message scroll. Off to the side his horse munched upon the grass.

“Proconsular Legate, are you well?” Sia asked him. Maximus looked up with a start, and then smiled.

“Dear Sia, fancy meeting you here. No… no, I am fine,” he assured her.

“Are you certain? Your face betrays your thoughts. You do seem troubled,” she said.

“Well, yes I do admit I have come upon a problem, but it’s nothing that you should concern yourself with even if you had the capability of understanding it,” Maximus said, waving her off with his hand. Normally this would cause her to go about her way and leave the man alone, however the official looking seal on the scroll pulled at her curiosity.

“Perhaps,” Sia admitted, “but then it is always good to talk about your problems to someone, for even though they might not know an answer that would help you, the act of simply voicing one’s problem out loud can bring a new clarity to one’s thoughts.”

Maximus regarded the woman for a moment, as if to give her a reproach, but then let out a sigh, and spoke, “Alright woman, it is like this. There is one Proconsular Legate, Sillius Flavus, still out roaming Germania, and the new Imperator will need him to return to Rome. However he has yet to respond to the Imperator’s orders, and we do not know whether this is due to him not getting the message yet, or whether he is still fiercely loyal to Julius Flavus, the previous Imperator of which he is related, and is preparing to defect. I have received orders from Imperator Vitellius to track Flavus down and ensure that he submits to the new Imperator’s orders. Hopefully I can do this diplomatically, however if I approach him with my palms open, there is a danger that I might get them sliced off before I can draw this sword. I also do not want to come across as hostile, as I would very much like to avoid bloodshed. There, woman, that is my problem.”

Sia and Maximus stood there in silence for a good many moments, staring at each other. One could tell that the gears were turning inside of Sia’s mind, while Maximus’s stare was much more stern, as if to dare her to try and come up with a solution.

“Well…” Sia finally spoke, breaking the silence, “It’s all in how you approach it.” Maximus raised a skeptical eyebrow, but Sia continued.

She said, “First off, you need a way for your legion to approach his without him suspecting a threat, correct? Well, I know that it is always downright rude not to stop and say hello to someone you know when you pass them on a street, so why don’t you be direct? Walk your legion right up to him and say hello? It would be rude for a fellow legion of Rome not to stop and say its customary greetings to a passing legion, would it not?”

Maximus’s eyebrow slowly dropped back down to its original position. He said, “No, you are right. It is customary for one legion to great another if they come within a certain range of each other.”

“Exactly!” Sia said excitedly. “So, send a messenger out to Sillius. Tell him that you just happen to be in the area and would like to say your greetings and invite him to dinner. Oh! And why not bring Chryseis along with you?”

“What? My wife? Out in such danger? I would never!” Maximus exclaimed, angered.

Sia raised her hands in defense, “Forgive me Legate, but that’s exactly what I mean. You would never bring your wife with you if you were preparing to actually battle. Therefore Sillius couldn’t possibly believe you were there to arrest him or battle his army if you brought your wife along.”

A dawning understanding came across Maximus’s face. “You have a point there,” he said cautiously, “however still, I do not want to put Chryseis in such danger.”

“Has Sillius seen your wife before? Perhaps you can have one of the prettier slaves dress up to act like her, maybe someone who has a better understanding of proper civilized etiquette? Plus there’s not a better way to calm a hostile man than introducing him to a smiling beautiful woman.”

This time Maximus let out a hearty laugh, “My dear, that’s brilliant! Now I just need to figure out a good way to word my orders from Imperator Vitellius.”

“Well, I keep overhearing talk about the troubles with raids in the region from barbarians. Perhaps you could use that as an excuse? Perhaps the Imperator didn’t trust a simple messenger to survive the trek to Sillius, and so he sent word with one of the legions that just happens to be traveling up that way?”

“Ah good,” Maximus said, nodding slowly in agreement. “I think that might just work, I could have Octavia come with me, she’s pretty enough…”

Sia turned and left Maximus to his thoughts, continuing on to the market place.

===A Week Later===

The Proconsular Legate’s aid ran into the camp head quarters, disturbing a meeting between the Proconsular Legate and his legates and prefects. He gasped for air and almost fell over as he tried to catch his breath.

“Sir the scouts report they’ve stopped an armed group a mile away from camp at the checkpoint.” He gasped hard.

“And you couldn’t make that report to a tribune?”

“No sir there’s a woman in the party she’s demanding to see you and she said she’s your wife”.

Sillius’s eyes shot up and he stared hard at the aide, “ Make sense man my wife is in Africa”

“Sir thats what the scouts report they detained the party and are waiting for orders.”

Sillius dismissed his officers and ran out his tent towards the stables. He grabbed the first horse he saw and rode hard for the camp gates. He wiped his hand back beating the horse to go faster as galloped towards the checkpoint.

As he approached the checkpoint he saw a wagon with 7 men guarding it flanked by a cavalry turmae. He jumped off his horse and ran to the back of the wagon pulling the wagon cover to one side. There was a beautiful woman with brown hair in plain cloths sitting with a clock pulled over her head.

Sillius spoke with a soft voice “Siana”

The woman quickly looked up, as she knew her husbands voice. She cut the rope to let the back wagon door fall and leapt out of the wagon into her husbands waiting arms. The two hugged tightly as they hadn’t seen each other in six years. Unlike many marriages in Rome there’s wasn’t a political one or one of convenience but of love. As they embraced each other Sillius heard a noise from the wagon.

Sillius turned to his wife “who else is in the wagon?”

She smiled then reached into the wagon and pulled back a blanket to reveal his son Tiberius asleep. Sillius moved in close and put his hand on his sons leg careful not to wake him. With his other hand he took his wife’s hand held it firmly.

“What are you doing out here my love your suppose to be in Africa,” Sillius questioned.

Siana squeezed tighter on her husband’s hand “ I was, but more and more your father started talking about surrendering to Helvius Tiberius Vitellius. There’s no telling what will happen if he does”.

A grim look washed over Sillius face “My father’s already surrendered I got word last month. Tiberius Vitillius is the new emperor and I’ve been recalled to Rome.”

Siana shook her head “So the traitor rules Rome.”

Sillius kissed his wife, “Lets get you back to the camp.”

Sillius mounted his horse and rode at the head of his cavalry turmae as they escorted the wagon to the VII’s fortified camp. Along the way Siana woke up Sillius’s son Tiberius and dressed him in his miniature Legionaries outfit. Once the wagon entered the camp Siana and the young Tiberius Flavus got out and escorted by his father Sillius made there way to his tent. The sight of young Tiberius roused men, cheered loudly as they walked through the camp.

Sillius held the tend flap open allowing his wife and son to enter his tent. Young Tiberius ran and jumped on the couch as his wife took a seat at the long table in the middle of the room. Sillius sat next to his wife and called for his aid and ordered him to have wine and food brought to his tent. He poured some honey water into two cups that were on the table and gave them to his wife and son.

Siana took a sip of the water, “What are we going to do Sillius?”

“Simple, go home and serve Rome but first Proconsular Legate Augustus Maximus Dio has invited me to dinner when he reaches Germaina. We’ll attend your presence should do much to show him my desire to be friends.” Sillius said coolly.

“I don’t see why you want to sit at the same table with that man. He’s a coward he called himself loyal but wouldn’t fight for his emperor and instead of challenging you out right he used seditious men to take one of your legions.”

“SIANA” Sillius yelled, “ I will have no more talk about traitors or cowards. The house of Flavus has been out maneuvered, now is time to make friends. I can’t make friends and allies while my wife is verbally attacking people. You will not speak of your feeling in public and when we go to dinner you will smile and make appropriate conversation”.

Siana sucked her teeth, “Fine you know I only want to protect you.”

Sillius leaned over and kissed her on the forehead, “I know my love.”

===A week later===

Sillius entered the tent of Proconsular Legate Maximus Dio accompanied by his wife Siana. He put his hand out and shook Dio’s hand.

"Ave Dio let me introduce my wife Siana."

"Good to see you again my friend, I am pleased to make your acquaintance Siana. May I introduce my wife Chryseis?"

Octavia, Maximus’s slave stepped forward, without hesitation as she undertook her deception.

“It is a pleasure to meet the wife of my noble friend Dio. Now that we have brought our families together I hope this will be the beginning of a strong bond between our houses.”

Maximus smiled, and nodded his head in agreement as he replied, "I too wish to build a relationship for the good of our families and the Empires. I will support your return to Rome with a scroll to inform the Imperator of your work here in the region and the fact that you relinquished your command..." Maximus paused looking for the right choice of word, "as you knew, it was in the interests of the Empire to do so. The second time, that I know of, where you have recently put the Empire before your own ambitions."

Sillius smiled "I will always serve Rome no matter who sits on the throne."

Dio nodded "I have no doubt as to your loyalty to the empire, I have seen it twice at close quarters my friend."

“I wish all in the empire could see what you see friend but let’s eat we'll talk more over dinner,” Sillius gestured towards the table.

The group retired to the table and sat as servants brought in a feast for them to eat.

Sillius looked at Dio "I’m a little worried about going back to Rome and leaving my men.”

"They will be in good hands, I am to take charge here temporarily at least. You should concern yourself with your own position now. The men will not blame you for that. I will not ...defame your character with them."

"I worry more that they will suffer for my personal battles with the new emperor. They are good men they fight hard and there the best scouts and cavalry men in any legion"

Sillius sighed, “Its going to be hard to leave them, most of them are like family I’ve known most of them for 15 years now.”

"I am sorry my friend, I wish there were some way I could help, the only consolation I can offer you is that I will treat them well and reward their loyalty. The Emperor will not look on the as anything but loyal Romans I am sure." Maximus took a piece of the stuffed egg, Chryseis merely looked on intrigued by the to and fro of the conversation. "I certainly will regard them as such, we have two provinces here with a million defiant Germans. I need all the men I can get. I will look to you to help restore the peace here through Senate proposals, that way you can effectively help your men. How does that sound?"

Sillius took a sip of wine, “Of course I have spent much time in this region I know the troubles the people here face. I will do everything in my power to get you what ever you need. I have a few allies in the senate they wish to remain...secretive about there alliance with me and my family but you can understand that?”

"I do, yes."

“There are other ways I can help you Dio.”

"I would be appreciative of any help."

“I conducted a meeting with the chiefs of the tribes that are in Germania. This was with the full understanding and blessing of my father while he was emperor. I heard many of their issues and opened a dialog with them. There is a man you should seek out while you’re here his name is Boiorix. He is a well respected chief in these parts, publicly he is no friend to Rome but privately feed his greed and he will help keep the peace.”

Dio listened intensely as Sillius spoke, “Also Dio a lot of people’s unrest stems from Rome’s neglect of this region. Camillus Titus Julianus made a lot of promises here that he didn’t keep. That was 12 years ago I’ve made promises as well but since I’m no longer governor here I must now get them done via the Senate.”

“I believe with us working together we can get that accomplished. I’m out here on the front and your aid in the senate would be most helpful Sillius.”

Siana looked up at Dio’s wife “ So Chryseis how long have you and Dio been married?”

Chryseis looked rather nervous and hesitated as she looked at her husband “Wife have I bored you all these years that you forget?” Dio said while laughing and poured Siana some more wine.

“So Sillius what of the Goths to the north east.”

“They are silent not a peep, no raids, no people migrating across, no kidnappings, nothing.”

“That sounds good.”

“No that’s very bad I think they’re up to something they’re too quiet and with all the trouble with the barbarian queen caused. I think there are bloody days ahead.”

“Rome is well suited to defend her borders from what ever may come I only wish that if war does come you will come back out here and join me in arms.”

Sillius smiled “I would like that very much”

The group enjoyed the rest of their dinner talking about friends, family and the future. After dinner Sillius and his wife embraced their counterparts and left for the VII’s camp.


=== The next morning ==

The men of the VII Hadriana had been called to general assembly in the camp forum. All the legates, prefects and tribunes of the Germanic army had been called to the assembly. On the right of the large podium stood Sejanus head of Sillius’s personal guard, on the right stood his wife and son. They awaited the arrival of the Proconsular Legate Sillius from his tent to deliver his final orders. Sillius exited his tent and made his way to the forum where he stepped on the podium and looked at his troops. He looked down the ranks of his men and saw the faces of men he had known for years and spent more time with than he had his own wife. He stood dignified and proud as he began to speak:

“There are no finer men that I have known or served with then you men here today. We have bled together, marched in sand and mud together. It has been my honor and glory to serve with men such as you. When men speak of the VII they will say compared to other legions they were lions among men. A general could not have asked for better men to lead than you. You were honored when you slaughtered Goths, you were honored when you saved Rome and now I honor you all as my brothers.”

Sillius pulled his dagger and stepped off the podium he walked over to the Aquila holding the legions standards. He cut his hand then smeared his blood on the eagle standard “Now where you go I will always be with you.”

The men let out a cheer as a salutation to their commander. Amongst cheers Sillius packed his family on to a wagon and mounted his horse. Along with his private guard, family, and wagons, he began to move out of the camp.

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By: Gaius Sillius Flavus, Augustus Maximus Dio, Meara Sia Agrippa
Editted By: Jupiter Optimus Maximus (GM)

AD 116