Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jan 8, 2023 2:05:02 GMT
January 1st, 1916
Councilor Titus Theris passed off the plane requisition form to his secretary, mumbling a thanks as he tugged a cloak over his shoulders. The rest of the council had been a pain in his rear when trying to secure funds for the new military equipment. The myopic views on warfare would have to end. They’d see the usefulness of new technologies when they finally acquired these modern marvels, he was sure.
Stepping out onto the street, Theris shivered. All these months later and the late afternoon sun was still little more than orange haze over St. Helena. The city was somehow more crowded and emptier than ever. The well to do had long stopped going on outings in the city, while disgruntled plebeians formed throngs in front of Aediles to partake in the Cura. A waste of men. He nodded at a soldier as he passed by the crowd, and received a salute in return.
“Sir.” Titus turned about on the cobbles, looking for the source of the call. It was easy enough to spot the Praetorian in his (ridiculous) white and purple uniform.
“Legatus Scorpius. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“The Emperor sent me to fetch you, Sir. If you please?” He offered a hand, which Theris ignored as he headed toward the car. He was a cripple, not a maiden. The summons wasn’t necessarily a surprise, though the location of the meeting was. The Archducal residence hasn’t been used in years. There wasn’t much need to meet there when the city was under direct military command from the Palace.
In the study, Florin stood staring at a rather large pile of schematics and maps. Theris felt loyalty to the boy of course, but he was a boy still. Strong, but increasingly pallid in recent months. The council had, of course, given him the idea to appease the people with his facade of strength, but that was a difficult task for a grown man, let alone someone like Florin. The Emperor offered a raised eyebrow at his councilors silence, but Theris simply shook his head and walked forward toward the table.
“I want to expand the army. I think we need to summon at least… six more legions. Better make it seven actually.”
“Hmm? With the famine can we afford to feed the men? Let alone pay them. Finances are tight and we’re-“ the Emperor cut in, pleading.
“Phrixos said we can manage. Some of the internal forts can be decommissioned. They’re not necessary any more. And with the senators scattered, the church tax will pass too. I just need to know if it’s possible to get enough men for units to be at full strength.”
Theris looked at the tables. Whatever the greedy Helenite was up to, he had a better mind for money than Theris did. He shrugged. “There are more than enough unemployed men to get enlistments. They’d sign up just for the food I think. They’ll need more training to be standing units, but militia training has been notable in a few of the outer provinces. But I don’t think they’re necessary, Your Majesty.”
Florin ran a finger across the map, West of the heartland. “We might well need replacements. I intend to try and reincorporate the Solicii. And yes I know. The strategic value is limited. But we have to do something. These men need something to do. Preferably something that keeps them out of the streets.”
“Ah. I see. Careful you don’t bite off more than you can chew. The Latin Consuls lost their mettle when they started incorporating outsiders into the legions. But I can call up the local Legions to prepare for initial incursions. They’ll have to head south, past the mountains. Use Chalphysian and Marcan troops. The Divinians can be held in reserve I think.”
“Make it so. Salve, Councilor.”
“Ave, Imperator.”
Councilor Titus Theris passed off the plane requisition form to his secretary, mumbling a thanks as he tugged a cloak over his shoulders. The rest of the council had been a pain in his rear when trying to secure funds for the new military equipment. The myopic views on warfare would have to end. They’d see the usefulness of new technologies when they finally acquired these modern marvels, he was sure.
Stepping out onto the street, Theris shivered. All these months later and the late afternoon sun was still little more than orange haze over St. Helena. The city was somehow more crowded and emptier than ever. The well to do had long stopped going on outings in the city, while disgruntled plebeians formed throngs in front of Aediles to partake in the Cura. A waste of men. He nodded at a soldier as he passed by the crowd, and received a salute in return.
“Sir.” Titus turned about on the cobbles, looking for the source of the call. It was easy enough to spot the Praetorian in his (ridiculous) white and purple uniform.
“Legatus Scorpius. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“The Emperor sent me to fetch you, Sir. If you please?” He offered a hand, which Theris ignored as he headed toward the car. He was a cripple, not a maiden. The summons wasn’t necessarily a surprise, though the location of the meeting was. The Archducal residence hasn’t been used in years. There wasn’t much need to meet there when the city was under direct military command from the Palace.
In the study, Florin stood staring at a rather large pile of schematics and maps. Theris felt loyalty to the boy of course, but he was a boy still. Strong, but increasingly pallid in recent months. The council had, of course, given him the idea to appease the people with his facade of strength, but that was a difficult task for a grown man, let alone someone like Florin. The Emperor offered a raised eyebrow at his councilors silence, but Theris simply shook his head and walked forward toward the table.
“I want to expand the army. I think we need to summon at least… six more legions. Better make it seven actually.”
“Hmm? With the famine can we afford to feed the men? Let alone pay them. Finances are tight and we’re-“ the Emperor cut in, pleading.
“Phrixos said we can manage. Some of the internal forts can be decommissioned. They’re not necessary any more. And with the senators scattered, the church tax will pass too. I just need to know if it’s possible to get enough men for units to be at full strength.”
Theris looked at the tables. Whatever the greedy Helenite was up to, he had a better mind for money than Theris did. He shrugged. “There are more than enough unemployed men to get enlistments. They’d sign up just for the food I think. They’ll need more training to be standing units, but militia training has been notable in a few of the outer provinces. But I don’t think they’re necessary, Your Majesty.”
Florin ran a finger across the map, West of the heartland. “We might well need replacements. I intend to try and reincorporate the Solicii. And yes I know. The strategic value is limited. But we have to do something. These men need something to do. Preferably something that keeps them out of the streets.”
“Ah. I see. Careful you don’t bite off more than you can chew. The Latin Consuls lost their mettle when they started incorporating outsiders into the legions. But I can call up the local Legions to prepare for initial incursions. They’ll have to head south, past the mountains. Use Chalphysian and Marcan troops. The Divinians can be held in reserve I think.”
“Make it so. Salve, Councilor.”
“Ave, Imperator.”
