The majority of the Senate flocked to the Curia Hostillia, assured that they would get to see Tiberius Agrippa mercilessly picked apart as Cato Varro proved his guilt. Rome's politicians separated into their respective politics groups, the Populist faction on the left of, and the Traditionalists on the right side of the Consul's chair. With friends and allies, they bickered and speculated over what was to be expected from the day's events. Murmurs of political corruption within the Urban Cohorts and frivolous accusations of outlandish crimes against the Temple Estate were the subjects of several discussions, while others debated the proper punishment for Tiberius Agrippa and his cronies.

Perphaps far more prevalant and shocking however, was the suicide of Consul Agrippa Adrius Varro just one night before the proceedings. It would likely have repercussions on the traditionalist case, and many were sure that Augustus Varro would lose a strong voice of support within the Senate. The famous Consular's demise also meant that the Imperator would be the only Consul presiding over the hearing.

Helvius Tiberius Vitellius entered the Curia, trailed by Rimilius Ispius and Manus Varro, and approached the Consul's chair. Senators filed into their seats as the Imperator and Rimilius concluded their business, breaking from their discussions. The Senate chamber grew ever more silent as the political groups broke up, and were reduced to only murmuring as Rimilius and Manus quickly turned from Tiberius and went to sit.

"Conscript Fathers, I call today's proceedings to order on a tragic note," Tiberius paused for effect, "My co-Consul, Agrippa Adrius Varro, regrettably took his own life at some point during the night, for reasons unknown."

Murmurs filled the air of the chamber once more, a wind of worry overcoming the traditionalist faction. Though most knew of the night's loss; It was nevertheless a great loss on the eve of such an important hearing.

Consul Vitellius raised a hand for silence, and the Senate slowly adhered, "Amidst any calls to postpone today's hearing, I am insisting that we go on with the day's agenda. Consular Varro's death, though tragic and unexpected, is a matter for another time. Today... We must bear witness to the trial of Senator and Rex Sacrorum Maximus Tiberius Agrippa. At this time, I ask the Magister Officiorum Calidrus Marcus Atellus to read into the record the trial of Sciptorus Lulus..."

As the Princeps sat, the Magister Officiorum stood and read allowed the summary of the previous trial. After the few minutes it took to convey the trial notes, the trial of Tiberius Agrippa began by Cato Varro calling his first witness. Cato Varro, the Advocate for the prosecution, called a handful of menial witnesses from the Urban Cohorts, ending with Castor Crodus Nervae.

Crodus Nervae stood before the Senate, called as yet another witness for the Prosecution, "Glorious Imperator, Most Honorable Senator, I am at your service as a humble officer in the Urban Cohorts."
Consul Vitellius nodded, "The advocate for the prosecution may continue with this witness."

Advocate Cato Varro rose from his seat and looked over to his uncle, the Praefectus Urbanus, before continuing, "Officer, during the process of this investigation did any members of the Temple that were being questioned aside from Tiberius Agrippa and Lulus protest to harsh treatment, or unfairness of the investigation that was being directed on the Temple?"

"No sir, they did not do so in any way. The entire investigation was conducted in an entirely professional manner."

Cato nodded and then proceeded to question the officer while turning his back to the figure and looking over towards the traditionalist members of the Senate, "Could you tell me, officer, did the investigation take a little over a year because the Urban Prefecture was looking for something that did not exist, or was it because you were being thorough in taking evidence?"

"Of course it is because we were being entirely thorough in everything we did."

Cato nodded once again with quite a look of approval, "Were the documents that were collected tampered with in any way?"

"No sir, not at all."

The advocate for the prosecution turned his back to the Senators and looked at the officer giving his testimony, "Then perhaps could you speculate on why incriminating documents were kept by Appus?"

"Probably because he was arrogant and assumed that we would not question him in person."

Cato nodded in agreement, "Do you think he ever suspected that the Urban Cohorts would search through his private quarters?"

"No, he thought that it was out of the question." Crodus had no expression on his face.

"I take a quick moment to inform the Senate that the documents were not found in Appus' office at the Temple, but his personal living quarters which he probably assumed would not be searched. And with that, I conclude my inital questioning," Cato Varro returned to his seat, pleased with the witness.

"Does the defense wish to cross-examine the witness?" Consul Vitellius inquired, looking to Cassius Ispius.

"Yes, Princeps, we do," Cassius replied, standing.

"Proceed."
"First of all, esteemed colleagues, it is completely absurd that all the temple staff believe that the investigation was unbiased. It was clearly a political device aimed at discrediting the Rex Sacrorum," Cassius turned to the witness slowly while murmers from the Populist group of Senators floated up. "Crodus- Did you lie to the Senate when you claimed that every temple staff member believed that it was an unbiased investigation?"

"No, to the best of my knowledge that is the truth."

The advocate for the defense nodded, "Later testimony shall suggest otherwise... Did your investigation take as long as it did because at first there was no evidence of corruption? Obviously after a year more than a few temple staff would find the investigation to be brutish and unnecessary."

Cato Varro stood, "I believe the officer already answered this question, since I said the exact same thing, Consul I must protest."

"Silence," Tiberius motioned for the witness to continue, "Let the advocate for the defense continue, without interuption. Answer the question."

"No, we were simply being thorough."

"Ok. I ask then, How long was it before you 'found' the 'evidence' used in these trials?" Cassius looked to both halves of the senate.

"We found the evidence at a later point in the investigation. This is because we hesitated to investigate private residences," Crodus paused, "We waited until we had gathered enough material to suggest that the move was necessary."

"What material was that? Nothing but scrolls with disputed authenticity were produced as evidence."

"That is a lie, the previous court deemed the stamps authentic," Cato interupted, jumping from his seat yet again, "The advocate should not overturn evidence cleared by the court of law."

"I wasn't asking you, Cato.” Cassius responded defensively. “Crodus?"

"The material is clearly authentic and indeed damning evidence. There is little surprise that the defense seeks to call such solid material into question," Cato looked to the Consul, unhampered by Cassius’s disdain for his outbursts.

Rimilius Ispius leaned over to the Consul's ear, whispering something before pulling away, ‘It should be noted that while the stamps were deemed to be authentic, this does not clearly mean that the documents were authentic.’
"The Urban Prefecture agreed and still agrees to this finding. Signatures are hard to validate, official seals are not," Cato sat again.

Cassius smiled weakly, annoyed. "Consul, since the witness has avoided the question itself, I have no further questions. Later testimony will do."

Tiberius nodded, "You may return to your seat, Crodus."

The witness nodded, saluted the Imperator, and left the floor in silence.

The Princeps gradually arose from his chair, "If there are no objections from the prosecution, I will allow the defense to call upon a witness,” he paused for effect, “...if they can produce one."

Rimilius Ispius spoke up, "There do not appear to be any objections. More witnesses may be called by the prosecution at a later time... does the defense have any witnesses?"

"Yes, we have witnesses," Cassius Ispius repied.

"Who do you wish to call upon?" Tiberius inquired.

"I would like to call Sillius Flavus to testify," Cassius looked to the Imperator as Sillius Flavus stood from his place and made his way to the Senate floor.

Tiberius raised an eyebrow before sitting down once more, "That is... Highly irregular, but you may proceed."

Several Senators leaned forward in their seats with interest, the unusual witness had clearly caught the attention of every man within the chamber, and all were eager to hear his testimony. Cato Varro looked especially confused, as did the Praefectus Urbanus.

Cassius cleared his throat and turned to the Curator Fiscus. He hesitated before speaking, but his eventual words were loud and clear. "Sillius, Do you have any information that the evidence provided by the Urban Prefects advocate is false is any way?"

Sillius Flavus, with a drop of sweat running down his temple only visible to Cassius, looked to the Senate without hesitation, "Yes, Consular Ispius... I don't know how else to say this, as this is more than a testimony on the behalf of Tiberius..."

Senator Flavus paused briefly, and looked at Tiberius Agrippa specifically as his words came out fast and clear, "The documents Consular Varro has presented as evidence are forged. I gave him the seal of Tiberius Agrippa after careful planning by Consular Maximus Dio, Tiberius Agrippa and myself. Maximus and Tiberius can corroborate."

Gasps came from Senators of all political factions, while the Ispii and Manus Varro looked quite unsuprised. The Imperator leaned forward slightly in his chair and looked at Maximus Dio, "Senator Dio, is this true?"

Cato Varro shot from his seat with a red face anger. "Objection! Consul, these men are all members of the Populares, the opposition party of the Urban Prefect. They are biased, and lying."

Maximus Dio rose from his seat and locked eyes with Cato while responding to the Emperor, "Yes, it is true. the whole trial is a sham of corruption."

"Sit down, Cato!" Tiberius stood, "Senator Dio, Senator Flavus... Please come to the Consul's chair for a moment, I would like a word with you both."

As the two Senators started to approach the floor, Tiberius held up a hand, "One moment..."

Praefectus Praetorio Raeus Vitellius entered the chamber for the first time and crossed to the consular chairs himself, standing behind the Emperor.

The Princeps put his hand forward, signaling for silence in the halls, then motioned for Raeus to quietly continue with what he had to say. After a short exchange of words and several nods between the Emperor and the Prefect, Tiberius quietly thanked Raeus who then took a step back.

Consul Vitellius sighed, turning to the body of Senators that were now in utter shock- some in panic- by the happenings of the trial. "Conscript Fathers... The Praetorian Prefecture has just reported to me some rather interesting finds...,” he paused again for effect, "... In a counter-investigation conducted by the Praetorian Guard, Praetorians discovered what is believed to be the seal of Tiberius Agrippa in the custody of the Urban Cohorts... Furthermore, the Praetorian Prefect informs me that two Urban Cohort guardsmen who have allegedly been part of this investigation have stepped forward to testify against the prosecution."

Senators gasped in disbelief and quiet murmurs turned into a roar of whispering in the chamber.

"Imperator, that it is quite enough,” Consular Praefectus Urbanus Augustus Varro stood from his seat and waved for Cato to be still. He looked a bit flush, but his words did not quiver. “Allow me to finish speaking for myself. I shall make my confessions known.”

"I shall excuse your impudence for now, Consular... And give you time to explain yourself," Tiberius remained standing and continued to look to the Urban Prefect as did every other man.

"The words of Sillius are true. It seems I have been finished in my struggles to gain more power," Augustus chuckled and nodded to Senator Flavus, "I have been bested at my own sphere of influence. When I began the investigation of Senator Tiberius, very little turned up to my disappointment. After a very vocal display of infighting between Senator Tiberius and Senator Sillius, the latter approached me with the opportunity that I could not resist. He offered me the seal of Tiberius to forge documents with. It would have rid the Senate of Tiberius- which was something I thought the both of us had wanted. The entire investigation was a fabrication. Procurator Lulus, Senator Tiberius, and Temple Official Appus are all quite innocent. I must applaud Consular Dio for orchestrating such a cunning move. He is most deserving of the throne after you, Tiberius."

To the utter horror of his political allies and the long list of witnesses assembled on his behalf in the Senate, Augustus continued, "If I may continue in this line of confessions..."

"That is quite enough," Tiberius motioned to Raeus, "Prefect, please see to it that Consular Varro is escorted to the Castra and placed under proper watch."

Augustus continued on, as if showing off his horrific accomplishments, "It is not Tiberius who robbed from the Temple Treasury funds, it is I, the former Rex Sacrorum, who stole 500,000c from the Estate..."

After he trailed off for a moment, Augustus snapped back with a dazed look on his face. He looked to the nearest guard, temporarily forgetting the sacred law of no weapons in the curia, “Allow me to take my own life, for I am finished. A guard here to lend me a sword?”

Raeus, coming out of his own moment of disbelief at the Consular's confessions, motioned to the Praetorians within the hall, "Praetorians - seize the Urban Prefect at once."

"I also orchestrated the attempt of the former Populare Senator's life," Augustus chuckled as he continued on, "What was his name, it wasn't worth remembering."

The Praetorians in the public gallery moved to cut off the rambling Prefect, taking him from his seat in the Curia and escorting him out of the halls. His bouts of confession ceased as soon as he was touched by the guard and his final departure from the Senate hall was for the first time a quiet one.

The Senate collectively exhaled as the Urban Prefect was taken away; Some happy to have a traitor out of their midst, and some happy to avoid further political condemnation.

"I believe Consular Varro has condemned himself... Nonetheless, I believe we have all seen the true extent of corruption today. At this time, I invite any man who wishes to speak on this matter to do so, before we vote to formally condemn Consular Varro," Tiberius looked to Manus Varro, who was already standing.

"Proceed, Manus."

Manus waisted no time, "The actions of Dominus Augustus Varro are absolutely appalling. Treachery of such a scale has not been seen since the last armed uprising against the state!"

His pause met with some applause, and he continued, "... In the past, certain men have turned against Rome with force of arms. The gods inflicted defeat upon them. What is the honorable action for men in such a position?"

Murmers responded to his question as he continued, "... I will tell you, Conscript Fathers. If these men have any trace of honor left in their souls, they will... fall... on... their... swords! Augustus Varro has at least confessed his crimes and offered to do just that. But I doubt that the guilt is limited to him alone!

Manus gestured dramatically for effect, then wheels about to face the traditionalist faction of the Senate, "They fall on their swords! Yes, this is the fate of Romans who defy Rome.” Manus wheeled around to face the Princeps, “Long live the Princeps, and may Domina Justitia triumph!"

A great number of Senators broke into applause as Manus sat once more. Rimilius Ispius stood and awaited for the Imperator's recognition.

"Proceed, Rimilius."

Cato, who still stood on the floor looked rather shocked, and his body trembled. It seemed the fate of his entire family was now at stake. He quietly sat down, thinking to himself about what would happen.

Aedile Terpus stood abruptly, cutting off Rimilius, "For a man who prostituted the city cohorts to do his dirty deeds, let him rot in a cell.. for the sword is to noble for this man!"

Rimilius glanced over at the Aedile as he was about to speak, shrugging him off and clearing his throat. Tiberius raised his hand to Aedile Terpus, "Please allow for Senator Ispius to continue."

Rimilius nodded, "Conscript Fathers, The exposed crimes of Consular Dominus Augustus Varro shock and appall me. We absolutely cannot tolerate such a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the central precepts of Roman citizenship... The Consular has confessed his crimes and shall be punished. But will our inquiries end with him? They shall not. We must root out and expose the enemies of the state who have threatened the security of Rome's legal and ethical foundations."

“... For this reason,” he continued, “I propose that the Senate pass an extraordinary measure granting full authority over the Urban Prefecture to Imperator Helvius Tiberius Vitellius and the Honorable Praetorian Prefect Raeus Vitellius. We must root out and expose the enemies of the state who have threatened the security of Rome’s legal and ethical foundations.”

He turned to face the traditionalists, “They shall be charged with purging the Prefecture of all corrupt elements linked to Augustus Varro. This special grant shall last until the Senate appoints a new Praefectus Urbanus."
He then turned to face the rest of the Senate, “Does the nefarious influence of Dominus Augustus Varro end with the Urban Cohorts and subsidiary agencies of the Prefecture? Unfortunately, we must conclude that the answer is no. The Consular's reach has been extensive. Over the past years, several notable members of this august body have consistently aligned themselves with Augustus Varro on matters of policy and preference. I hope, indeed, I pray to the gods, that they share my utter surprise at the revelation of his treachery."

“...I am certain that our noble Princeps shall allow for the presumption of innocence in the case of the Consular Senator's personal allies. However, in order to secure this presumption, we shall watch for signs that these individuals are clearly differentiating themselves from their patron," He glanced at the known allies, "Of course, those who were directly involved in this horrid conspiracy against Roman citizens... shall be punished in due course."

"Today is a sad day for Rome.” He shook his head and looked at the floor before lifting it to continue, “We may rejoice that treachery was discovered, but mourn that it ever came to pass. Nevertheless, the Senate and the Princeps have led Rome through crises in the past. With the help of the gods, we shall once again triumph and rise to ever greater heights."

Rimilius sat to the thundering sound of great applause, the Emperor himself applauding the well-worded speech. As the applause died down, Tiberius rose from his seat. "Fellow Countrymen, we have seen the lack of ethical standards that plague even the upper echelons of our society. I can only stand before you and reiterate the words of my colleagues, and assure you that every guilty man will suffer for his crimes,"

Tiberius looked to Cato. "The process of law shall extend to every man who lied to this Senate... To every man who falsely testified against the innocent accused," he paused, "Senators, I formally move that we not only clear every single one of the accused, but we condemn Augustus Varro to death by his own hand, or by execution if he has not the honor to take his own life."

Tiberius waited for the awkward, tentative applause to subside and continued, "With that said... I can only hope that Senator Varro's death shall stand as a sign to corrupt men."

Tiberius sat to more applause for his short words, and then Senator Actius Decius Dia rose to await acknowledgment.

"Senator Dia, you may speak," Tiberius waved him on.

"I am both surprised and disgusted at this revelation to the senate. Augustus Varro should be ashamed to have used the cohorts for his own gain. I believe there is no doubt to the guilt of the consular in this matter. No man under this man’s influence can reliably be trusted. However, it is not just to condemn a whole grouping of the senate or whole of the offices under this man's former power. Let the traditionalists show their worth to Rome. Let them stand the test of fire and inquisition that they have put upon Rome.” Decius looked to as many Senators as possible and continued.

"If they are truly for Rome they will vote along with all others for the condemnation of Consular Varro and thorough investigation of those involved. Augusutus Varro lived his life in dishonor, why should this august body allow him to leave in honor? I would move for execution without option as a sign to all would-be traitors," Senator Daia took his seat to the applause of most of the Senate.

Senator Sanius Piso rose from his seat, and as he did so Aedile Antonius Terpus rose up to speak, yet again cutting off a senior Senator. "My voice my not be pure enough to vote amongst this noble body, but Augustus Varro deserves punishment... Not honor for admitting to the orchestrating of a murder.. that of a Senator!"

Tiberius, looking less annoyed than Rimilius Ispius, said, "Your wise words are noted, Aedile. I'm sure you would vote justly if you held the sacred right to do so.. Senator Piso, please proceed."

Antonius nodded and then sat down. "Thank you, Venerable Princeps."

Sanius looked to the Imperator, "First, may I begin my expressing my disbelief and horror at the extent of corruption that Dominus Augustus Varro has managed to spread on Rome. His influence was vast, for he was charismatic with his words and quick to lead in the front...

"... However, as an independent traditionalist, I must express extreme concern at the words uttered by previous members in the Senate. A single man has been convicted of crimes against the state today; it does not mean that all the allies of Dominus Augustus Varro in the Senate had any knowledge of these actions. I for one frequently sided with Augustus Varro but had nothing to do with the wide spread corruption he wreaked throughout the Empire. I thank the wise Princeps for pledging that only the guilty shall be penalized." Sanius continued speaking directly to the Emperor.

"I must also note that it is customary in Rome for a convicted man who takes his own life to clear his family's name of his sins. The wife of Consular Varro is the Emperor's sister, and the children of the Senate are the Emperor's nephews. We must be careful not to mass convict the brothers of Consular Varro who may not have known the schemes of their brethren. We must not take this cleansing so far, that we begin a witch hunt. Let us remind ourselves that it is this sort of mentality that lead to the trial of Senator Tiberius Agrippa in the first place... that now-infamous trial,” he paused to take a breath, "Thank you Princeps, and Conscript Fathers, for your wisdom and leadership during this time of crisis," After making his point, Sanius returned to his seat.

Emperor Vitellius rose from his seat and addressed the room, "What Senator Piso said is true... Which is why Raeus Vitellius and myself will be personally leading the investigations into these terrible crimes, if the Senate so deems us worthy."
"I now call for a vote, first to grant Raeus Vitellius and myself temporary authority over the Urban Cohorts."

The entirety of the Senate, without a single man to vote ‘no’ or abstain from voting on the measure, voted for the measure's passage. If not out of support for the measure, they did so out of fear. Despite the promises of the Imperator and his allies, there was an air of fear amongst the traditionalists who were now without the protection of Adrius Varro or his equally powerful protégé.

Tiberius smiled at the clear success. "I now call for a vote to condemn Consular Augustus Varro for crimes against the Majestatis, corruption of a high office, and each of the crimes he admitted to, of which the sentence is clearly death... For this purpose, I shall allow Consular Varro to take his own life if he so wishes. All other men later convicted shall be punished as decorum demands on a case-by-case situation."

Again, the Senate blatantly approved the measure. Traditionalists were among the first to show their approval, and no man among the faction dared show their continual loyalty to the Urban Prefect. With incredible ease, the measure passed.

"I shall let the Senate adjourn for now. We have much to sort through during these times, but we may all rest assured that every guilty man shall receive his punishment... And that no innocent man will suffer," Tiberius paused, "I thank the Praetorian Prefect, Maximus Dio, and Sillius Flavus for their patriotic work in this investigation and exposure of the corrupt deeds of Consular Varro. Countrymen, I can hope that these halls shall never again suffer through what they did today."

There was great applause among the Senate, continuing on for quite some time. As Tiberius shook the hands of Cassius Ispius and several other men who came to the floor, the Praetorian Prefect saw to it that the prosecution's witnesses were taken into custody.

As the Senate emptied, only the Imperator, Praetorian Prefect, and a few Senators remaining. Seeing the hectic pace of the room wither away around him, Raeus Vitellius let the vaguest trace of a smile cross his face. He stood in the entrance to the Senate chamber. He dismissed a passing Praetorian Centurion escorting one of the Urban Cohorts guardsmen, and turned to the rapidly emptying Senate chamber. The Emperor was leaving, but Raeus caught him on the threshold of the chamber.

He, in an obvious show of friendship and closeness with the Princeps, rested his hand on Tiberius’s shoulder. "I thank you for your assistance today, Tiberius. I'm not sure if that could have gone any better."

"Frankly, it may be I that should be thanking you," Tiberius chuckled a bit, "I was not quite expecting the outpour of guilt from Augustus."

Raeus frowned. "Nor I. He seemed to have given up all hope once any knowledge of it became clear. It is strange to have two such prominent figures depart the political scene at once."

"The gods must have had it in for Augustus... It is the only explanation for Adrius's abrupt death," Tiberius sighed, "Though I'm sure rumors will end up circulating that it was more than suicide."

"Undoubtedly. The day the Praetorian Guard seizes the Varro Palace he decides to take his life. Still, I do not think we need to worry about such things now - we have some work to do. I'm going to go and question the prosecution's witnesses - see how many lies they have told and their involvement in this whole sordid affair." He smiled slightly. "I'll keep the Urban Cohorts under the eyes of the Praetorians for now. I can report to you first thing in the morning and discuss what must be done for the Cohorts in the future?"

Tiberius gave a tired nod, "I'm sure every one of the rats are guilty of some sordid treachery, even if it is simply wishing to testify against the Rex Sacrorum out of spite. But I trust you shall know more on that tomorrow. I must get some sleep, my friend. Tomorrow will be a day of immense groveling and political chaos. So, as you say, we can discuss the Urban Cohorts in the morning."

"Very well," The noise of the crowds gathered outside was growing. Raeus smiled ruefully. "I believe the masses await you, Emperor."

"Perhaps," Tiberius turned, brushing his toga and putting on a big smile, "I should have been a performer..."

Raeus motioned for the Emperor to go first, and the men emerged into the sunlight and the roaring approval of the crowds. As their eyes adjusted to the white light of the sun and the animated mass became clearer before them, Tiberius and Raeus smiled with honest happiness. The last light of the old Varro’s had been extinguished; The age of the Vitellii was reaching it’s zenith.


Written By: GMs/Helvius Tiberius Vitellius with special thanks to all involved in the process: Helvius Tiberius Vitellius, Calidus Raeus Vitellius, Dominus Augustus Varro, Gaius Sillius Flavus, Augustus Maximus Dio, Maximus Tiberius Agrippa, Daratius Antonius Terpus, Actius Decius Daia, Lepidus Tetricus Vitellius and others.

Edited By: GMs

123 AD