by Geoff Fabron
"Yes sir," said Maleric confidently, "I could've made it longer but once the special teams are sent across the border there's no going back."
Godisger looked directly at Maleric, looking for any signs of hesitation or second thoughts. He saw none.
"In other words," said Godisger, "once the special teams leave Saxony we are irrevocably committed to a war with the Empire?"
"Correct Sir," confirmed Maleric, "that's why I kept the time scale to a minimum. The special teams have an objective and a time at which to begin their attack. We won't be able to contact them once they have crossed the border."
Godisger studied the plans for a few more minutes before finally putting them aside, apparently satisfied with what he had read and heard. He then turned his attention to a blue folder that Maleric had been holding.
"What else do you have for me tribune Maleric?" he asked, "We’ve covered all the primary aspects of your plan."
"In my original presentation I highlighted the importance of involving other countries in our conflict and of fermenting internal unrest."
"Yes, I remember," said Godisger, "we have people dealing with that."
Maleric continued, opening the blue folder in front of him. "The recent disturbances and political situation in Britannia could be used to significantly improve the chances of success when we attack across the Rhine."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I believe that the entire province could be provoked into a rebellion. Constantinople will not tolerate such open defiance and will send a large expeditionary force to crush any insurrection. Those troops would most likely come from the Rhine."
The general began to nod his head in comprehension. "The idea is good Maleric, but how do you propose to keep them in Britannia once they've crossed the sea?"
From amongst the papers in the folder Franz Maleric withdrew a large, thick envelope.
"Operation Sea Lance."
16th April 1920
Constantinople
If Cornelius had been depressed after his meeting with the chief minister, by the end of the following week he was feeling even more despondent. Gregory had been unable to get him another appointment with Exanzenus or with any other senior minister in the government. Word had gone out that Cornelius Petronius was on the Exanzenus blacklist and that was enough to close most doors.
Cornelius decided to contact Marcus Metellus to see if he had any suggestions. They met at noon outside the assembly buildings. Marcus introduced Cornelius to Magnus and then they all went off to Attila's Place for lunch.
After a couple of jugs of wine - Magnus refused to discuss any 'business' concerning the chief minister without sufficient alcohol - Cornelius outlined the nobles’ reaction in Saxony. They both listened intently, interjecting occasionally to clarify a point but otherwise allowing Cornelius to explain the situation at his own pace.
"It doesn't surprise me," said Magnus when Cornelius had finished describing his confrontation with Exanzenus," he doesn't give a damn about what anybody outside the Empire thinks."
"He's not that concerned with what those inside think either," added Marcus, "he believes that he knows what's best for the Empire and anyone who disagrees is at best a fool and at worse a traitor."
"What can be done then?" asked Cornelius.
Magnus emptied his glass and seeing that the jug was nearly empty gestured to a serving girl for a refill. He then turned to Cornelius.
"Not a great deal," he said candidly, "the state of emergency allows the Emperor to rule by decree for six months, and with Alexander supporting him Exanzenus can do more or less what he likes."
"It sounds like we have been turned into a dictatorship!" exclaimed Cornelius.
"Just about," agreed Marcus, "don't forget that the Roman Republic invented the principle of a dictator to rule during a crisis."
"They were supposed to solve a crisis, not create one," observed Cornelius wryly.
"It requires a two thirds majority in both the assembly and the senate to remove the chief minister, provided we could find grounds," continued Magnus, "but even if we could get enough votes in the assembly, which is quite possible, Exanzenus controls too many senators."
"I'm surprised nobody has stuck a dagger into him before now," said Cornelius with feeling, "I've only met him once, but within five minutes I felt like strangling him!"
"Quite a common reaction I believe," commented Marcus, "but Cornelius," he put his hand on his friends arm, "please be careful. Exanzenus is vindictive and has no scruples."
"Gregory said much the same thing," said Cornelius, "I'll be watching my back from now on."
A new jug of wine appeared at that moment and Magnus eagerly poured everybody a full glass. They drank in silence, caressing their glasses as they mentally searched for a solution.
"I can't see any legal way to stop the new trade laws from being implemented," said Magnus eventually, shaking his head sadly.
"Well, what about an illegal way?" suggested Cornelius.
"We could kill Exanzenus," said Magnus.
"He's too well protected," countered Marcus, "he has his own bodyguards and since becoming chief minister, the Emperor has assigned a cohort of Praetorians to guard all his private residences."
"Yes," said Magnus with a trace of disappointment, "he hardly ever appears in the assembly or the senate so there is not much chance of doing a 'Brutus' on 'Caesar' Exanzenus".
"Probably just as well," commented Cornelius, "an assassination could plunge the Empire into civil war."
"What about the army?" suggested Marcus.
"A coup?" said Cornelius. "I think we should try and keep the military out of politics. I don’t want to see a return to the 'Military Emperors', do you?"
Marcus and Magnus agreed that they did not.
"Besides, I think quite a large section of the military agree with the new policies," added Cornelius, recalling his conversation with the old tribune on the plane.
"I'm afraid that the only option open to us at the moment is to grit our teeth and hope that something will turn up," said Marcus.
"Yes, I think you're right," said Cornelius sadly, "I only wish you weren't."
Before returning to Minden Cornelius went shopping for a gift for Katherine. After many hours of searching through the markets and shops of the capital he finally settled on a very expensive silk scarf with an elaborate pattern. The shopkeeper told him the name of the pattern and assured Cornelius that it was the latest fashion, but by the time he had walked out the door he had forgotten the name.
Cornelius had decided to stop at the frontier for a few days to visit his uncle and to meet a few of the intelligence officers in the Rhine Army. The trade talks were effectively dead, so he might as well concentrate on his other role at the embassy. He feared that it would become a very important job in the near future.
17th April 1920
Imperial Palace, Constantinople
Exanzenus made his way out onto the terrace that ran along the length of the ball room, discretely leaving several hundred guests milling around inside. He found himself alone on the terrace. He stood looking out over the lights of the city, visible beyond the walls of the Imperial Palace. A few moments later he sensed her presence even before he smelt the fragrance of her expensive perfume.
"You don't like these formal balls do you Exanzenus?" she said.
He continued to look out over the capital. There was a full moon and he could make out the never-ending stream of ships passing from the Black sea to the Mediterranean.
"A lot of mindless people saying what's on their mind," he finally replied.
"Oh, very witty," she said laughing politely, "I must remember to tell Alexander, he would like it."
"And how is our Sovereign?" asked Exanzenus casually.
"I left him talking to that new army general, you know, the one who going to Egypt as military governor."
Exanzenus nodded. Leo Ducas, another of Alexander's obscure cousins, promote
d from some harmless desk job to the command of a border army. He would have to have a discrete word with the Emperor; too many of these appointments could cause unnecessary discontent in the army.
"He seems a lot more relaxed since you took over as chief minister," she said, "he trusts you to take care of things."
He turned to face his companion for the first time and raised his glass to her.
"Partly thanks to you my dear," he said.
Stephanie Dikouros smiled and bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement.
"Just a few, well chosen words when Alexander was, shall we say, the most receptive to suggestion."
"Very expensive words they are too," added Exanzenus.
"I'm sure that you find them good value for money," she replied frostily.
"Absolutely," said Exanzenus, "the latest 'fee' has been paid into your private account."
Stephanie's voice mellowed as she thanked him.
"How's your husband enjoying Germania?" he asked changing the subject.
"Hates the place," she said, "but loves the status and all the parades. He really likes having all the other generals salute him, especially as he knows that they used to look down on him."
They still do, thought Exanzenus to himself. No self respecting soldier would feel happy about being commanded by a pompous ass like Manual Dikouros.
"What's your interest in my absent husband?" Stephanie asked, "I didn't think you cared about him one way or the other."
"I care about him as much as you do," he replied, which they both knew meant not at all. "I just need him to confirm something for me."
Stephanie looked at him expectantly but Exanzenus did not intend to explain anything to her that she did not need to know. He turned away from her to admire the lights of the city again.
"I believe you've set quite a record Stephanie."
"I have?"
"Yes, none of Alexander's other mistresses have lasted anywhere near as long as you have."
She gave Exanzenus a smug smile. "None of the others were anywhere near as good as I am." she stated confidently. "They didn't know how to use their bodies to please him the way I do."
She really is a slut, thought Exanzenus. Expensive, high class and intelligent, but still a slut. No matter he consoled himself, she was serving his purpose and was consequently serving the Empire indirectly as well as its Emperor in a more direct manner.
"There you are Stephanie!"
They both turned to see Alexander walking towards them, a large wine glass in his hand.
She immediately moved towards him. "I was just trying to convince this boring old chief minister of yours to rejoin the party," she said, her voice becoming light and frivolous, "he was looking so lonely out here."
Exanzenus bowed to his Emperor and smiled weakly. "I find the atmosphere in the ballroom rather stuffy your Majesty and came out for some fresh air. The Lady Stephanie saw me leave and came to see if I was feeling well."
"She's so considerate, isn't she Exanzenus," said Alexander, "I must admit that I've been neglecting her tonight, but I think it’s time to change all that!" He gave Stephanie a leery grin which she returned with a look of excited anticipation.
"What an excellent idea," she cooed and took his arm.
Exanzenus smiled benevolently, like a kindly uncle, as he watched them leave. She's a slut and he's a randy spoiled brat he thought behind the smile. They deserve each other.
22nd April 1920
Germania, Rhine Frontier
Cornelius was glad to see Uncle Tiberius again, and he received a warm welcome at the headquarters of the Rhine Armies in Augusta Treverorum. He stayed at Tiberius's villa about halfway between Colonia Agrippina where his uncles’ legion was based and the army headquarters where he spent much of his time. That night Tiberius took Cornelius to a legionary officers club. Cornelius had met a few of them during his time in the army and the conversation, assisted by copious quantities of cheap wine, was lively and uninhibited, but there was an undercurrent of discontent. Later as they walked back to the villa, Cornelius broached the subject with Tiberius.
"All the senior officers are disgruntled," he admitted, "it’s bad enough not having the money to train with new equipment, but to spend weeks preparing for fancy parades really pisses everyone off!"
Cornelius was taken aback. "Drill and parades are part of army life uncle. Since when have you objected to them?"
"Ever since our commander has taken to showing off the legions like they were a collection of toys!"
"You mean Manual Dikouros," said Cornelius.
"Yes, I mean General of the Army, Manual Dikouros," said Tiberius, spitting out the name like a piece of rotten fruit.
"Last month," Tiberius began, "he had the entire legion, including motor carriages and landships, march past in full ceremonial dress uniform, just because some friends of his came for a visit from the capital!"
Cornelius could tell that his uncle was getting worked up.
"And on top of all that," Tiberius continued getting more agitated, "he had all the air squadrons of my legion and from the air cohorts do a fly past at the same time!"
His voice had risen several octaves by this time and they were getting looks from the few people out at that hour.
"We used over an entire months fuel budget preparing for that parade. I can't schedule any more training that needs fuel until next month!"
They walked along in silence for a while as Tiberius calmed down. As they got to the villa, he turned to Cornelius.
"I'm getting very worried about the morale in this army Cornelius," he said, "the troops have no confidence in their commander and you know what happens when troops sit around with too much time on their hands. The number of punishments given out by my provost has doubled since Christmas."
"And if the Saxons cross the Rhine?" asked Cornelius.
Tiberius answered without hesitation. "We can hold them, even in our current state. We will contain them and then push them back."
The confidence in his voice wavered. "But our sword is losing its edge Cornelius, which means that if it does come to a war the butchers’ bill will be high."
The next day Tiberius took Cornelius to meet the intelligence section at army head quarters, headed by tribune Silvanus Anemas, with whom Cornelius had corresponded whilst at the embassy but had never met in person.
After the introductions they sat down and Cornelius explained why he was there.
"The new policies from Constantinople have significantly increased the risk of war along this frontier," he began. The three officers from the intelligence section, Anemas and two senior centurions, nodded grimly. Cornelius continued.
"As there's an increased probability of a Saxon attack in the near future, I would like to know how I can best help you."
Anemas answered. "The usual warning is the mobilisation of the Saxon army. As you know the bulk of their military manpower is drawn from the civilian population in time of war. The first signal of any trouble will probably come in the capital."
Cornelius made a note on a pad of paper in front of him. "I'll get word to you immediately if I hear even a rumour that the army is being mobilised. What else?"
"News of troop movements from other parts of Saxony to the Rhine," said one of the centurions, "especially from their borders with the Ottomans and the Rus."
"They may try to build up their forces along the Rhine without mobilising by stripping other regions of their troops," added the other centurion.
More items were mentioned and Cornelius noted them down. When he had finished, the tribune asked what they could do for Cornelius.
"My sources are concentrated mainly around the capital," said Cornelius. "I have very little direct data coming in from the frontier region. Any information you get - troop movements, any type of unusual activity- will help me to produce a better analysis of the situation."
The intelligence officers looked at each other. "We'll give you what we can," said the trib
une guardedly, "but we're not getting that much information at the moment."
"Our budget has been severely curtailed," explained one of the centurions bitterly, "and if we can't pay for information, we don't get it!"
Cornelius looked over at his uncle who had been sitting quietly during the meeting. He nodded his head knowingly.
"Do you have any new information?" asked Cornelius hopefully.
"There are more manoeuvres than usual," said the other centurion.
"At least they don't have a budget constraint!" interjected Tiberius.
"And the security at their bases and training areas has increased," he continued.
Useful to know thought Cornelius, but given the sudden change in relations between the two states it was neither unexpected nor unreasonable. He was about to ask another question when the door to the conference room burst open and a legionary in dress uniform marched in.
"General officer present!" he announced.
Everyone, including Cornelius, got to their feet as Manual Dikouros strode into the room. His uncle and the intelligence offices saluted, whilst Cornelius gave him a respectful nod of his head.
Dikouros looked at each man in the room before his eyes came to rest directly on Cornelius.
"Are you are Cornelius Petronius?"
"Yes sir," replied Cornelius, wondering what this was all about.
"Why are you here?"
"I'm the military analyst at the Minden embassy and I am meeting with my counterparts here...."
Dikouros cut him off. "You send them regular reports, don't you?"
"Yes general, and due to the current situation I have requested that they keep me up to date with any information..."
"YOU provide US with information Petronius!" snapped Dikouros, "not the other way around. Leave here immediately and don't return!" He turned to Tiberius.
"Legate Petronius, if I find this relative of yours in my head quarters again I'll hold you personally responsible. Is that clear?"
"Yes general," said Tiberius, still at attention, his face devoid of any emotion.
