Chapter 5
Britannicus looked at Vespasianus, while the two had known each other well before Britannicus could remember since his birth, and was close freinds with his son Titus, he could only recall having talked to Vespasianus a handful of times over the years, though having spent lots of time in the same rooms in councils and family dinners. The past week he had begun to like the senator, an experienced veteran soldier, with a commanding personality when needed, and on the other hand Witty and good humored, with amiable manners.
"Vespasianus, ever since Pallas whispered into my father's ear before the senate, and my father declared this expedition, I've been wondering why? While I don't doubt that this is a critical situation, even at this pace we've been marching, nearly time and half, we will only reach the Rhine in maybe a month to month and a half. This rebellion will most likely be dealt with by then or suitable reinforcements from the Rhine sent in to control the situation. If anything we will be a hinderance?"
Vespasianus nodded. "You are right, I know Suetonius Paulinus well, just as me and your betrothed's father Corbulo are close acquaintances, if not freinds. Paulinus by the time we have reached Britannia will have turned his troops around and struck hard and fast. I don't know if he will have defeated the rebels it will depend on many factors. But a battle will be fought well before we are arrive. What is important is that you show up and are able to do the campaign of retribution before the fall arrives. It'll do much for your reputation even if it is just burning a few huts that are barely occupied." Vespasianus stopped, looked at the Caesar. "I've known Antonius Pallas ever since I first started my career, and hes done extremely well for himself and has on occasion helped my family, and I believe that he has other reasons for getting you out of Rome."
Britannicus inquisitively looked at Vespasianus. "Your talking about trying to get me away from events Pallas can't control." Vespasianus looked straight forward and gave a small nod of his head. "Then if Pallas believes there is a plot or coup about to happen, why not convince my father of that, he must have some evidence."
Vespasianus sighed. "Unfortunately he does not have suitable evidence for it. He told me as much himself. Whatever small evidence he can find is not enough to incriminate those who whish your father ill, it is enough to show there is a plot, but if he was to rip the blanket of it to quickly many may be able to escape the consequences and try again. He believes the rebellion in Britannia is apart of the ploters plan, and that they will strike soon, after all the legions in the north will now be to occupied to march south and prevent anything. By sending us north, he only hopes that you can lead those legions south and gain retribution."
Britannicus nodded, "then I will do my best to do that."
Germania
The govenors of Germania Inferior Lucius Duvius Avitus, and Superior Titus Curtilius Mancius where both awaiting Caesar upon reaching Bonna on June 13th, around 43 days after they had left Rome, a fairly quick march by most standards. Amongst them where there legates and Lactivlavian Tribunes, or legionary second commands, one of which Britannicus was happy to see as Titus, only recently having been ordered to the position for the XVI Gallica.
The meeting was about the rebellion in Britannia. Which news had just arrived a week before that Suetonius Paulinus had crushingly defeated the army of Boudicca somewhere along the route of the road Via Britannia (Watling Street).
During the course of the meeting it was decided that while Britannicus would still lead troops to Britannia some small cavalry forces having already crossed, he would take half of the I Germanica, half the XVI Gallica and half the V Auladae, all lead by their Primi Pili and their Leading Tribunes. While this force would take approximately 2 weeks to gather at the coast, they would then cross and move to Londinium which was razed by the Iceni rebels and their allies, meet up with Paulinus and march upon the tribes homeland.
Britannia
In the end the retribution campaign would take only a matter of 2 months, by which time, Britannicus would take his troops back to the Rhine. During his time in Britannia, Britannicus would lead the combined forces of his and Paulinus men, and razed much of the Iceni homeland, and ravaged any of their allies in the area. While most of the action at this time was just plundering settlements and skirmishing, Britannicus is said to have gained the love of his men, and those of Britannia for coming to their aid as fast as possible. He would begin the rebuilding of Camulodunom and Londinium and sent for supplies and aid from Gaul. The reputation that the young Caesar made in Britannia was that of a serious young man, who took rebellion seriously and delivered it's justice rapidly and without mercy. For his own people they cheered him, he proved the image of a caring princeps who gave much financial aid when needed and put the people first. Upon his return in the September of 60 however he would be greeted by terrible news from Rome.
Rome
June 15th
The Senate gathered as news spread around the City. Claudius was dead, having died shortly after having his dinner, having been in the company of his daughters and son in laws Fausts Cornelius Sulla and Lucius Junius Silanus, with his Wife having died the year before due to a short illness. Titus Flavius Sabinus, Prefect of Rome watched nervously as the senators filed in. Pallas had already told him of what to expect for the day which is why his son who had only just returned from commanding the XXII Primegenia on the Rhine had already taken his and Vespasianus family out of Rome, with Pallas and several other senators who didn't wish to be apart of what followed, and where on their way to the Rhine.
Soon Lucius Junius Silanus walked into the senate hall, being the last to arrive, having just left the Emperors Palace. He marched with purpose onto the center floor, and before either Consul spoke, he began his speech, which Sabinus guessed had been made months ago.
"Conscript Fathers, it is with greif in my heart and that of every Roman that I must announce, The Augustus is dead." While some senators had known what the emergency meeting was about many didn't and a shocked gasp rolled through the crowd. "While I say this isn't suprising considering that his health had been on the decline it is still a terrible loss for the Empire, and we must look forward for Romes sake." Silanus raised his hand from within his Toga, producing a scroll. "This is the will of Tiberius Claudius Germanicus Caesar Augustus. Inside of it he asks us to reconfirm his son in his roles and grant him the name Augustus, finishing the succession to his only son." Here Silanus face contorted in rage and he ripped the will into pieces, leaving the senate in shock. "Britannicus however is not in Rome, he is away in the provinces! Which I believe gives us the senate the power to change the course of history!
Ever since the death of Augustus, Rome has been ruled by the descendants of Livia and Tiberius Claudius Nero. For that we got the madness and disgraceful reign of Tiberius, who went mad while he sat on an island and let his praetorians rule for him. Then came Caligula, we all seen the excess and depravity that followed that man, who was not even a decade older than the man who we are now asked to reconfirm as Augustus of Rome, the only other male of that family a spoiled man who cant even bring himself to honor our traditions by joining the cursus honorum, and instead sings and dances like a stage hand. So I ask you father's of Rome, do we bring back someone who may be another Caligula, and is not even directly related to Augustus, or do we find someone who truly has the blood of Augustus in his veigns, someone who will have the continuity of blood from Augustus, and with ties to Claudius. I ask you father's will you do what is right for Rome and declare me Augustus of Rome!"
Everyone was quite and shocked by this sudden power grab. And while some cheered, some were equally silent. Some debate even started to begin. However lacking the support that he thought he might gain from his eloquent speech, Silanus looked at the doors the Julia Curia and waved someone in. In marched the Praetorian Guard. Dozens off soldiers formed an orbis formation around Silanus, and more lined the outside of the room while dozens held the entrance to the room. "Senators, I gave you a chance to take the fate of Rome and change it from what the Claudians are leading us towards. It looks like you are wavering in seizing the moment. So I demand you now to name me Augustus so I can make right the fate of Rome!"
Without hesitation the senate loudly began to proclaim Lucius Silanus as Emperor of Rome