by Geoff Fabron
On his arrival Demetrius Dalassenus had installed himself in the governor's palace along with some advisors that he had brought with him from the capital. He refused to meet with either members of the provincial bureaucracy or the assembly, and speculation was rife and on the whole pessimistic. On the third day after the governors arrival Sextus was summoned to the palace. He arrived at the gilded gates to find a force of legionaries on guard instead of the usual detachment from the Londinium auxiliary cohorts. After presenting his credentials to the optio on duty he asked the soldier if he knew the reason for the change.
"After what happened to poor old Philokates, this new governor isn't taking any chances," he said, "doesn't go anywhere without at least half a century with him. The entire second cohort has been transferred from Isca just to act as his personal bodyguard!"
"But why replace the auxiliaries?" pressed Sextus, keen to get as much information as possible from the talkative optio.
"Don't really know," he replied shrugging his shoulders, "probably don't trust them, what with them refusing to put down the recent unrest and all that."
‘Well that's a great message to be sending,’ thought Sextus as he headed for the palace buildings. Provincial troops cannot be trusted to protect their own governor! Especially after half a dozen of them had died with Philokates, ostensively at the hands of extremist legionaries.
As he made his way to the governors’ office Sextus noticed more legionaries patrolling the corridors or standing guard. Three times he was stopped by bored soldiers and asked to produce his papers. He took to carrying them in his hand instead of in his briefcase. By the time he got to the ante room that led into the governors’ office Sextus was thoroughly pissed off.
I can understand a person being careful after Philokates assassination, thought Sextus as another armed legionary checked him for hidden weapons, but this Demetrius Dalassenus is paranoid.
The new governor of Britannia was busy with some papers as Sextus entered but rose immediately to greet him.
"You're the fiscal procurator Sextus Capito," he said amicably, "come and sit down. He led Sextus to a couch and offered him a glass of wine.
Sitting down at the other end of the couch, Dalassenus sipped his wine and smiled benevolently at Sextus.
"So sorry to have kept you waiting these last few days," he said, "but I wanted to get settled in and to do some background reading before meeting the 'locals'. I'm sure you understand."
Sextus smiled at him, and waited for the governor to get to the point of the summons. He was sure that it had not been to have a glass of wine or to apologise.
"I've been reading your reports," he said, "and a very fine piece of economic analysis they are too." He gave Sextus a look of approval, "it's good to have competent people around to provide one with the facts."
Sextus acknowledged the complement with a weak grin. This fellow can really lay on the charm he thought.
"It looks like the province is going to be in for a rough time because of these new trade policies," Dalassenus said, shaking his head sadly.
Sextus spoke up for the first time since entering the room. "Governor Philokates was very concerned about the effects of the new trade laws," he said, "Britannia is more dependent on trade for her prosperity than any other province in the Empire."
"Yes, so I believe," said the governor in an almost absent minded way, "but the Empire has a new direction now. Unfortunately it will prove painful for some, but the greater self reliance that it will bring will be for the best in the long term."
"The Free Trade Areas proposed by the assembly," argued Sextus, "would alleviate much of the economic dislocation caused by these new policies."
"I've looked over these proposals," said Dalassenus, "and find that they are really little more than important sounding schemes to avoid paying Imperial taxes." His face, although frozen into a friendly smile, was no longer radiating any warmth.
"I'm seeing the leaders of the provincial assembly tomorrow morning," continued the governor, "and I shall inform them that I will not be approving this Free Trade Area idea of theirs."
Sextus felt a tightness in his stomach "But governor," he struggled to keep his voice under control, "this was their only hope! It has already been agreed in principle by governor Philokates..."
"Who, unfortunately, is dead" said Dalassenus firmly. The friendliness that had greeted Sextus on his arrival had all but gone. "I am the governor now, Sextus Capito, and I answer to the Emperor, not a bunch of money grabbing merchants and shop keepers. The view in Constantinople was that Philokates was too concerned with this little province and not concerned enough with the Empire!" He stopped to take some more wine and finished his glass in one swallow.
"The people will respect strong leadership Sextus," he continued in a more conciliatory tone, trying to win Sextus over to his way of thinking, "don't forget that their 'much beloved' governor Philokates was murdered by his own people."
"The evidence points towards extremists in the Traditionalist party and the army!" exclaimed Sextus. He was upset with Dalassenus as much for his slurs on the people of the province and Philokates as he was for his refusal to approve the Free Trade Areas.
"A plot to discredit the legions by those traitors who would see this province leave the Empire. As a loyal servant of the Emperor I have nothing to fear from the imperial army. It's the local auxiliary forces that I'm concerned about."
There was something in his tone of voice that made Sextus forget how angry he was and to pay attention to what Dalassenus was saying.
"In your analysis of the effects of the new trade policies on the province," said Dalassenus, "you project a significant reduction in tax revenues. Is that correct?"
Sextus kept his eyes on Dalassenus as he muttered an acknowledgement. He damn well knew it was correct.
"Which means that we will have to cut costs, and one of the largest items in the budget are the provincial auxiliaries."
"The number and size of the local auxiliary forces is determined by Constantinople," interjected Sextus forcibly, "the province is responsible for recruitment, training and paying them. We are not allowed to increase or decrease their authorised strength."
The new governor smiled, reminding Sextus of a cat playing with a mouse and Sextus was the mouse. This man is very dangerous, thought Sextus, manipulative and scheming.
"You are, of course, correct," said Dalassenus, who got up and poured himself another glass of wine. "I've already been in contact with Constantinople and they've given their approval for a 50% reduction in the size of the provincial auxiliary forces. They agreed with me that in light of recent 'incidents', it would be prudent to reduce their numbers."
Sextus stood up and faced Dalassenus. "I don't think that would be wise sir. The lack of distrust already felt by the province..."
"I employ you for fiscal skills Capito, not your wisdom!" snapped Dalassenus, cutting Sextus off. "I suggest that you return to your office and assist the commander of the auxiliaries in preparing a demobilisation schedule. You'll need to find the funds to pay them off."
Chapter Ten
2nd June 1920
Constantinople
It was like Tarraco all over again – but worse. It had started the previous day when Georges came charging into Gregory's office red faced and breathing heavily. He was grasping a yellow sheet of paper from the communications centre.
Gregory ignored his assistants’ excited summary, most of which was incoherent, and read the contents of the crumbled piece of paper himself, word for word. The message was in two parts and stated in very simple language that the provincial assembly of Britannia had declared itself economically independent of the empire whilst remaining an otherwise loyal part of it. The second part of the message reported outbreaks of fighting between imperial forces and local auxiliaries across the province.
By the end of the next day more information had reached Constantinople and Gregory was called to an emergency meeting wit
h the chief minister and the heads of the imperial armed forces. Gregory was the last to arrive and Exanzenus asked him to brief the meeting on the situation in Britannia.
After explaining that some facts and details were still incomplete and un-corroborated he began to describe what appeared to have been the sequence of events.
"Four days ago," began Gregory, "the new governor of Britannia, Demetrius Dalassenus informed the leaders of the assembly that he would not approve their legislation to create 'Free Trade Areas'." He glanced up to see if there were any questions, and seeing that there were none he continued.
"The next day, the assembly passed a resolution declaring Britannia economically independent of the Empire. That same evening the provincial senate also approved the resolution."
One of the generals interrupted. "Can they do that?"
"Legally speaking, General Botaniates, no they cannot, "replied Gregory, "all legislation in a province must be approved by the governor."
Gregory continued. "The next morning the governor sent a force of legionaries into both the assembly and the senate and arrested everyone who had voted in favour of the resolution on a charge of treason. He then ordered the remaining members to vote to revoke the resolution. However the Modernist party, who had abstained from the original vote, and were now in a majority, refused to revoke the resolution in protest against the arrests. Governor Dalassenus then had them taken into custody as well."
Gregory paused again. Exanzenus nodded for him to proceed.
"Later that afternoon, the imprisoned senators and assembly members were freed by auxiliaries of the Londinium garrison and escorted back to the assembly buildings. There they reaffirmed the declaration of economic independence and called upon the people of the province to protect 'their lawfully elected representatives'.
"When did the fighting start in earnest?" asked an admiral.
"The next day," replied Gregory, "when the governor sent his men to the assembly buildings once again. This time they were fired upon by auxiliaries, and were forced to retreat." Gregory put down his notes. He had presented the facts fairly and without showing any emotion, but inside he was seething with anger at the stupidity that had allowed this situation to develop. Hadn't they learnt anything since Tarraco!
"Thank you for your introduction Nicerites," said Exanzenus. He then turned to general Botaniates and asked him to give the meeting a summary of the military situation.
The soldier got up and moved over to a map of Britannia.
"The legionaries returned to the assembly with reinforcements, but were attacked by large numbers of auxiliaries and armed civilians. We can only assume that the imperial arsenal in Londinium has been taken by the rebels and that they are arming the populace."
Gregory listened with interest. It was the first time that the word 'rebel' had been used by anyone. The general continued.
"The legionaries suffered heavy casualties in the street fighting and then withdrew to the area around the governors’ palace. That evening the rebels brought up artillery and bombarded the legionary positions. Governor Dalassenus then escaped by river with a few guards. He has reached Dubris and has established himself in the naval base protected by the marines and sailors from the fleet."
"And the rest of the troops in Londinium?" asked another officer.
"They surrendered three hours ago," replied Botaniates.
There was a brief moment of silence, and then the general resumed.
"We have the following units of the imperial army in Britannia. The legio II Augusta at Isca," he pointed to the city on the map."It has been ordered to Londinium to retake the provincial capital from the rebels.
He moved his pointer up to the northern part of the province, "up near the main fleet base at Petuaria, there is an auxilia palatina regiment defending the naval base and providing security for the east coast. The legio XX ‘Valeria Victrix’ at Deva supports the auxiliary units along the wall and guards against raids from Hibernia."
They still call the frontier with Caledonia 'the wall' thought Gregory with amusement. The actual border was some twenty to thirty miles north of the long abandoned fortification built by Hadrian.
"Imperial forces in Britannia have been ordered to treat all local forces as potentially hostile and to disarm any units in their vicinity."
"I believe that there has been some other fighting?" Said Exanzenus.
"Yes, chief minister," said general Botaniates, "around Deva and Isca, auxiliary units resisted being disarmed but were eventually overcome."
"And how much of the province is currently under our control?" asked Exanzenus.
"We can only be certain of those areas around our bases or occupied by our forces. Every auxiliary unit on the island has either refused to communicate with the provincial commander or has announced its support for the rebel assembly."
"So general," continued the chief minister, "what are our chances of recovering the island with the imperial troops in the province?"
"Not good," replied Botaniates candidly."We have doubts whether the second Augusta can retake Londinium on its own. In the north," again he pointed to the map, "any attempt to move against rebel forces either along The Wall or in the middle of the island will leave the bases at Deva and Petuaria open to attack. The arsenals in both those locations contain a vast amount of equipment which we cannot allow to fall into rebel hands."
Chief Minister Exanzenus sat silently for a few moments studying the faces of the men around the table. His eyes came to rest on Gregory.
"Suggestions?" he asked. Gregory was unsure whether the question was an open one or directed specifically at him, but he had something he wanted to say so he grabbed the chance.
"The provincial assembly," he said, carefully avoiding the use of 'rebel', "still proclaims its loyalty to the empire. I believe that we should order the imperial forces to hold their positions and send a team of officials to meet the leaders of the provincial assembly and senate. They can negotiate a peaceful ..."
"No" interrupted Exanzenus firmly. "We will not negotiate!"
"...a peaceful resolution to this crisis," continued Gregory, ignoring the chief ministers outburst. "The alternative will be a bloody civil war that will devastate the province and possibly spread to other parts of the Empire."
"I say again," said Exanzenus looking directly at Gregory, "there will be no negotiation with rebels." He turned his attention back to the rest of the people around the table. "If we don't deal firmly with this insolent flouting of imperial authority, then it will spread like a disease. General Botaniates," Exanzenus addressed the officer who was still standing by the map of Britannia, "how long will it take you to organise an expedition to reinforce the imperial troops on the island?"
Botaniates signalled to his chief of staff, general Maniaces, who began to speak. "We could put an expedition together from the Rhine armies and have them in Dubris within two weeks. However it would weaken our forces facing the Saxons."
Exanzenus dismissed the generals’ reservations. "The commander of the Rhine army assures me that he has more than enough men to guarantee the defence of the frontier with the Saxons. I'm sure that he can spare sufficient troops to put down a threat that is real instead of one that is purely hypothetical."
The chief of staff looked unconvinced but said nothing. Gregory made another attempt to promote a peaceful approach.
"A war will be expensive and will poison relations with the province for generations," Gregory argued with a calm he did not feel, "we've nothing to lose by trying to settle this problem peacefully."
Exanzenus gave him a look which told Gregory that the chief minister's patience was wearing thin. "The Empire will lose its credibility if it allows a province to flout its authority Nicerites," he said slowly and deliberately. Turning again to general Botaniates he gave him his orders. "The Rhine army will detach a force adequate to crush this rebellion. See to it immediately."
The chief minister stood up indicating that t
he meeting was at an end, and turned to Gregory. "If the rebels wish for a peaceful resolution," he said without emotion, "then they can lay down their arms and throw themselves on the mercy of the Emperor. That's the extent to which I'm prepared to negotiate."
24th June 1920
Field headquarters, legio XX Augusta, Britannia
Titus returned the sentry's salute outside the legates’ tent as he went in to join the morning conference. He felt better than he had done for weeks mainly due to finding the time to bathe in a nearby river the previous evening. He had washed off the accumulated dirt, grime and sweat from his tired body and then simply wallowed in the river despite the cold water.
The legio II Augusta had been fighting its way towards Londinium ever since the governor had been forced out of the capital. The suppression of the auxiliary units around Isca and the relief of the naval base at Abonae had been bloody but the legion had made swift progress towards the capital before encountering fierce resistance outside Spinis, a town about seven miles outside Calleva Atrebatum. After that the advance had slowed to a snails pace, taking three days to clear the auxiliaries and armed civilians out of Spinis, reducing the town to rubble in the process.
Before the legion could continue its advance, rebel forces from the midlands had launched an attack on Glevum near the legions base at Isca. The legion had had to turn back to deal with this threat, suspending the advance on Londinium for more than a week. It had only been three days ago that enough of the legion had once again been able to concentrate on renewing the offensive.
Titus removed his helmet and placed it on the table just inside the tent flap. In the centre of the tent was a table and the other officers of the legions were gathered around it. A small scale map of the area currently disputed by the legion and the rebels was laid out on the table. The conversation was light and Titus was about to go over and greet Virius Primus when the legate entered un-announced.
"At ease everyone," he said as the occupants of the tent came to attention, "no need to stand on ceremony here. We have plenty of work to do - for a change!" That caused some laughter from his officers. The legion had barely stopped marching and fighting since the governor had ordered them to retake his capital. "So gentlemen," he continued, "let’s get to work. First status reports."
