There was another chorus of rumbling from the senators as they acknowledged Maximus’ questions.
“If this Republic is to prevail and endure the years to come, we must cast off our traditional ways — our aged system and beliefs, and embrace a new doctrine that will usher in a new era for Rome. I have already set plans in motion that will, within the coming year, restore our legions to fighting strength. No more will our armies be filled with the social elite and those privileged few to own land. I am inviting all Italians, not just Roman born, to join our ranks regardless of property. Even the lowest peasant and beggar have the right to defend his country.”
The Senate began to rumble disapprovingly, but Maximus ignored them and continued on with his speech.
“All personal debts will be wavered for those that choose to serve in the army.”
More rumbling followed that statement.
“I will issue orders for able-bodied slaves to be freed and drafted into the legions. And no longer will these new legions be led solely by the wealthy elite, but by those men who have already proven that they have the experience and strength to fight and win battles, regardless of class or upbringing. And no more will our soldiers be made up of children and old men, draftees or seasonal soldiers. Our armies will be comprised of professionals, experienced officers and men of fighting age. Terms of service will be twenty years, with reward upon retirement with land and citizenship.”
Gaius glanced over his shoulder at the gathering officers who stood with him. They all looked at each other with the same amused expressions on their faces as the senators, all whom had thrown their support behind Maximus, now seemed troubled by his words. While they expected military reform, they hadn’t expected this. In a single speech, the dictator had thrown-away hundreds of years of social edict.
“Rome can no longer look only to her own benefits. We, the whole of Italy and our holdings beyond these boarders are at risk. We must become a singular nation and not just an individual city among many nations. Those cities around us have been loyal during this war despite Hannibal’s calls that they should rise up against us, yet despite what they are threatened with few have sided with him. It is because of these brave Italians whom we are still here today. I will no longer ignore these facts as my predecessors chose to do. Any that joins our legions will be granted Roman citizenship, including a movement that will soon include all the central Italy!”
A loud chorus of jeers and boo's roses to his last statement. Maximus smiled at those who were openly trying to rebuke him, but he had more supporters among the Senate that forced the most outspoken to sit down and be silent.
“We will no longer try to battle Hannibal openly. Our armies have faced him four times, and each time they have met with utter disaster. Alternatively, we will, as I have suggested in the past, will avoid conflict with his army and instead focus all of our attentions on breaking his overstretched supply lines, his support from his barbarian allies, and his native country. Under the leadership of Scipio the Younger, he will lead our legions to Spain and crush Hannibal’s means of supplying his armies here in Italy. I have already recalled four legions from Greece to aid in this effort, and with the new legions, we will be raising in the coming year, Hannibal will have no means to carry out his campaign against the people of Rome and the Republic. He will be trapped here in Italy, too weak to fight, but still too strong for us to meet head-on.”
“It is cowardice!” Gaius heard one senator yell at the top of his lungs.
“And it is foolish to send more of our sons out to be slaughtered in meaningless campaigns that will accomplish nothing!” Maximus rebuked. “I will no longer see our brave soldiers used for your political gains, and shortsighted ambitions." Maximus’ words grew harsher as he seemed to be speaking directly to the man who had cried out moments ago and those like him.
“We are fighting for our very survival. It is this Senate that only a month ago abandoned its post — leaving our people to the vices of our enemies. However, it is the brave officers and men of our legions, such as the Sixth,” Gaius felt a sudden sense of pride that Maximus had just mentioned his men, “that stood upon our city walls, waiting for Hannibal and his army. And while that army never came, I know that they would have stayed and fought to the last man — not for you, senator — not to protect your wealth or even to save this house, but to safeguard their families, this city and its legacy. It is they that I will turn towards — it is they that will carry the Republic out of these dark times, not you, senator, nor even I.”
The murmurs within the collection of senators seemed to diminish. Some of the men who were most outspoken about Maximus’ new policies glanced nervously towards Gaius and the other standing officers in attendance. Gaius realized that Maximus more than likely wanted them here so that they may hear his words personally, and of course, side with his renewed strategies. If he had the full support of the army, no one would dare to challenge his new doctrine for the Republic.
“We are at a crossroad, gentlemen. We have stood against the storm — not always united, but still we share the same resolve. Rome will not surrender, not to Hannibal or his ilk, now or ever. I do not promise you a quick victory or that there will not be bloodier battles to come. However, I do promise you victory in the end. And when we have attained that victory, not just over Carthage, but the whole world will know of the power that is Rome and our beloved Republic.”
Maximus’ last words got the reaction he was hoping for. His supporters, the majority of the Senate stood to their feet and applauded him, cheering his name as if he had already delivered on his promises.
The Senate chambers would not be quiet for several long and loud minutes, when it finally did Claudia stepped next to Gaius and spoke into his ear.
“Gaius, the consul would like you to stay. He wishes to speak with you once everyone has left the chambers.”
Gaius looked at her, seeing her nervousness as she relayed Paullus’ message to him, and nodded his understanding.
She stepped back as he turned his gaze toward Paullus, who was standing like many of his colleagues, applauding Maximus’ speech, yet his eyes were on Gaius as he stared at him for a long while.
Sometime later Gaius stood alone near one of the large support columns. The last of the senators, aids and officers had left moments ago, leaving just him and Claudia, who stood in the far corner near the front entrance, and Paullus, who was still seated in his consular chair. He wasn’t looking directly at Gaius, not yet as he seemed to be deep in thought.
Gaius, despite the uncomfortable silence stood poised waiting for Paullus to say what it was he had to say. When it seemed that Paullus had made his mind up, he stood uncomfortably out of his chair, still aching from his wounds that slowly were healing day-by-day, and started over towards Gaius, who stood taller, at attention, ready for whatever Paullus was going to say to him.
He could not read Paullus’ face as he neared him, walking with a heavy limp, but still making the effort to look strong. He did not know what to expect or what he might do if Paullus demanded that he should keep Julia and planned to marry her. He would not let that happen. Not now. Not after everything he had lived through. He knew without a doubt that if those were Paullus’ words that he would take her away from Rome — somewhere far from this place beyond the reach of Senate and Hannibal. He just didn’t want it to come to that.
And then Paullus spoke, not with anger, but still stern and direct.
“I did not agree to marry Julia because I desired political favor from her father, or to further my own career. I agreed to marry her because I loved her. I always have, since I first laid eyes on her years ago when she was still a child.”