Tribunus Angusticlavus Gaius Flavius Aquila
Roman Military Academy, Mutina
Italia, The Roman Republic
Friday 8th May 2020, 1500hrs Local Time
The Roman Military Academy was a place that was close to the heart of the senior officers of the Roman Army. Nestled in the picturesque city of Mutina (Modena) in Po Valley it was the place at which the future leaders of the Legions, Rome’s legendary heavy (now armoured) infantry, came to learn their trade. As one of the world’s foremost military academies, graduates of the Roman Military Academy received a world-class education in military strategy, tactics and logistics, leadership, and administration, that would serve them well in the high command positions. The Roman Army had a long-standing, and very unique way of training it’s officers at the tactical, strategic and staff levels, which the level of entry originally as a result purely of social class, which was still somewhat prevalent due to the fact that the tuition fees for the Roman Military Academy were covered by the students (with some exceptions. The reason for this was simple enough, as far as the Romans were concerned; tactical leadership required a very different skill set when compared to operational and strategic leadership, not only requiring difference experiences but also entirely different temperaments. As far as the Roman Army was concerned, there was no point in losing a potentially talented strategic mind because they were less well-suited for small unit command.
As a result, and a point of pride for the Roman Army, all of it’s tactical leadership was promoted from the ranks, meaning that even the most junior Centurion (a rank equivalent to that of a Captain or Major in the systems used by other nation’s) had at least twelve years of experience ‘under the Eagle’, as the saying went, and as such was a far more capable leader in combat than an a man years his junior who had the benefit of a better education. However, key staff roles, which were essential to the successful administration of the legion, and higher command, where broader strategy was more important than practical tactics, were things that could be taught and this was something that the Roman Military Academy excelled in. At the end of their education, at roughly the age of twenty-two, a graduate of the Royal Military Academy would be posted to a series of posts, starting as a military staff tribute and culminating, some years later, as a Legion Commander, with future political-military posts possible for the most able. In any case, a solid military career remained essential for those wishing to enter Roman politics, or to increase social standards, and as such the Roman Military Academy was a place where the sons of Senators, and other wealthy Romans, rubbed shoulders with the sons of battle-scarred Chief Centurions who attended on the back of their father’s careers in the hope of better prospects for their entire family.
Gaius Flavius Aquila was the former; the son of a Senator from a family (and a gens, the Flavians) with a history that could be traced back to the earliest days of the first Republic. As the eldest son of a Senator, Flavius Aquila was destined for a career in politics and, in Rome, that started in the military.
The Roman Military Academy graduation ceremony was a major occasion for the entire city that it called home, given that it took place in the very heart of the city at it’s central plaza, but also due to the celebratory meals, and in due course partying, that would ensure that the both the restaurants and the bars and clubs would enjoy exceptionally good business to make up for the few hours that the entire city essentially slowed to a crawl as the Roman Army took over. It was a day of pageantry and ceremony, as Rome’s newest officers took to the streets in their iconic dress uniforms for the first time, and marched through the city before being formally commissioned as Military Tribunes (of the Junior Grade, roughly equivalent to the rank of Colonel). It was also the day that they found find out their assignments, with most hoping for a posting to a Legion, which were prestigious, rather than to a provincial military staff or the Basilica Militum in Rome, although the last was the preferred option of the two non-legion options. It was a simple enough process; a graduate’s final grades were entered into the Army’s Personnel System and they were matched up to the positions that suited them best, with higher scores getting the Legion posts and lower scores ending up in the provincial administrations. Both were staff tribune billets, however it was far better to be a staff tribune in the Legions, both for the odds of seeing action and for future career prospects.
Although the graduation ceremony itself had been an amazing experience, one that he would remember for the rest of his life, Flavius Aquila had joined every other newly-commissioned Tribune in flooding into the Academy’s main building and forming a, mostly orderly, queue outside the Administration Office where a Legionary Immune had just dropped off a box of envelopes addressed to each of the new officers. After a fifteen minute wait, Flavius Aquila stepped up to the hatchway and looked expectantly at the civilian member of the Academy’s staff who shook his hand firmly and handed him an envelope with his name on it. Stepping aside with a smile, Flavius Aquilla quickly unsealed the envelope and took out the contents. The first sheet of paper was a letter, signed personally by the Praetor Militum, welcoming him to the Roman Army, wishing him the best of luck in his career and so forth. The second sheet of letter was a formal order from the Basilica Militum, providing the details of where he to report to, which he quickly swept his eyes over to identify his new unit.
The Thirteenth Legion!
The Thirteenth, aside from having one of the most colourful histories of any in the Republic, was one of those that was stationed in Italy itself, which meant that they formed Rome’s strategic reserve. Rather than being responsible for responding to incursions across the frontier, these Legions were responsible for forming the core of any Roman expeditionary force for operations all over the world. As such, they were highly sought after assignments for both officers and troops. Moreover, the Thirteenth Legion was led by another Flavius, a member of Flavius Aquila’s extended family, doubtless a result of the lingering patronage that existed within the Republic. There was no way that Flavius Aquila, or indeed anyone no matter how highly born, would have been given a Legion post if he was not worthy of it, but it was fairly obvious that his posting to the Thirteenth had been specifically requested by his cousin, the Legion Commander. It was not uncommon, as family and extended family were expected to support and look after each other, and doubtless his cousin wanted to make sure he learnt his trade well, under his direct guidance.
In any case, Flavius Aquila had the rest of the evening and all of the weekend to celebrate with his family before he was due to report to the Thirteenth Legion at Neapolis on Monday, and he fully intended to enjoy himself.
Tribunus Angusticlavus Gaius Flavius Aquila
Forum Romanum, Rome
Italia, The Roman Republic
Monday 11th May 2020, 0800hrs Local Time
The Forum of Rome was already bustling, despite the hour. It was the centre of power for the City of Rome, which by extension meant that it was the centre of power for all of the Republic, but like any forum it was also a civil centre. The plaza itself was expansive, and often full of either merchants or politicians plying their trade, but also thousands of Romans going about their business at any of the huge, majestic buildings around the perimeter. These ranged from the Temple of Mars, to the Senate Building to the Basilica Roma and even the great Flavian Bathes, the latter was primarily used by the various high ranking officials who worked in this part of the great sprawling City of Rome, it was all designed to be simply awe-inspiring, and it worked. The majesty of Rome was on full display here, at the very centre of Roman power, just as it had been in ancient times.
Gaius Flavius Aquila was a young man of only twenty-two years, but he had been to the Forum Romanum a few times over his life, his father was a Senator after all which bestowed certain privileges, as well as responsibilities. Indeed, for Gaius Flavius Aquila it was a family tradition even after gaining Senatorial rank, after all they had adopted ‘Aquila’ as their cognomen for a reason. The Flavians were an Equestrian family, they had worked their way up since time immemorial from the plebeian masses, many of their line had served as Consuls, but they lacked the prestige and wealth of the patricians, which was part of the reason that many Flavians, and the Aquila family in particular, choose the Military as a way to raise their status and make their ascent to the highest offices of the Roman Republic possible. Fortunately, the Flavians, recognising the position that their Plebeian roots put them in, were a tight nit group, with the various branches of the gens always willing to help their kin. Marcus Flavius Magnus, the newly appointed Legatus of the Thirteenth Legion, was Flavius Aquila’s cousin and had arranged for him to be appointed to his staff.
“Ave, Gaius Flavius Aquila.”
Aquila turned his head to look at the source of the voice and his face broke into a broad smile as he looked upon his best friend.
“Ave, Marcus Cornelius Favus,” He smiled. “How are you, I did not expect to see you before I left for Neapolis.”
“I am well, my friend,” Favus replied with a smile. “However, I fancy you’ll be seeing more of me.”
“Oh, how so?” Aquila asked, intrigued.
“My orders came through, finally, I’ve been appointed to a Legion Staff,” Favus replied, they had both graduated the RMA together, but Favus’ post had still been pending. “Attached to the Thirteenth Legion.”
“Fantastic! I say that is fantastic news,” Aquila smiled broadly. “It’ll be just like old times, just with an entire Legion at our backs.”
“Indeed! We’ll fuck our way through every servant and whore we can get our hands on,” Favus laughed, Aquila smirked recalling their (mis)spent youth where prostitutes, and more than a few teenaged serving girls, had been the order of the day most days. “Unless you are too high and mighty for us, oh my Tribune.”
“Knock it off,” Aquila laughed. “Even Tribunes need a release, possibly even more than the rest of you fuckers.”
Favus simply smiled.
“You are going to the Temple of Mars I assume?” He enquired, glancing across the forum at the Temple in question, second only in statue only to the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus high on the Capitoline, Aquila nodded in return. “Do you mind if I join you, my friend? Then we can travel to Neapolis together.”
Aquila nodded and the two friends made their way through the bustling crowds and up the steps into the Temple. The main chamber was dominated by a massive, truly massive, statue of Mars, adorned as a Roman Legionary, at the base of his feet many people had left offerings. All around the chamber were various Priests, ready to do their work if it was required. Unlike many other Gods however, the soldiers (and other Military personnel) who tended to visit the Temple of Mars in the Forum of Rome knew exactly what they were doing and, more importantly, that it was a private matter, between one soldier and the God of War. The two friends stopped just before the feet of the great statue and knelt down, each offering a sacrifice to the God. In Aquila’s case it was a golden statuette of an Eagle, for Favus it was a golden statuette of a Horse. They remained on their needs in silent prayer and contemplation for a short time before glancing over at each other and standing up, bowing back at the statue before striding confidently back out into the Forum, the favour of the god hopefully acquired they could now depart.
The two friends acquired a Litter, a fancier version of a taxi cab, and were promptly on their way through the busy streets of Rome, the litter moving them far quicker than walking, and more ‘distinguished’ than the public transport that the plebeians were compelled to use. All told it took them less than an hour to get from the Forum to get to the edge of the metropolis and the seven hills that surrounded it, reaching a train station that would take them southwards. Now that they were outside the sacred boundaries of Rome the two friends could wear the sagum, the distinctive red cloak of a soldier, attaching them around their necks as they climbed aboard the train and were guided to the first class carriages given their social rank and their status as military officers.
They reached Neapolis in good time and were soon making their way into the Castrum Neapolis.
It was with more than a little excitement that Aquila buckled the last part of his ceremonial armour, into place. It was required that an officer reporting to their posts for the first time do so in full ceremonial dress; just like the duty officer on any given day. As a Tribune his breastplate was ornately decorated with an eagle, and upon the top of his helmet was a crest of red horsehair running from front to back, marking him out as a senior officer, as opposed to the centurions who wore it side to side. It would look archaic perhaps to an outsider, but it was steeped in history and tradition, and even if he had a gladius on his belt he also had a modern pistol as well.
Aquila and Favus had arrived only a short time ago and had been directed to the Officer’s accommodation within the Fort, which he had found very much to his liking. Looking in the mirror he was satisfied that he looked the part and turned and headed back outside, the Legatus was waiting for him and it was not smart to keep a Legion Legatus waiting. He met Favus outside the Officer’s Accommodation and they made their way together over to the Praetorium, the Legion Headquarters.
They got a few amused glances from the various Legionaries they passed, Aquila had been told to expect this by his father, who had risen to the rank of Prefect (the highest rank a Plebeian could achieve, gaining him entry into the Equestrian Order upon retirement). The vast majority of Legionaries, and all of their Centurions, were career soldiers, the Tribunes gained their high positions through their education, made possible by their wealth, social rank, and connections, as a result they had to prove themselves. No soldier who valued his life dared disrespect a Tribune openly, and if they ever did Aquila had been advised to assert his authority immediately, but a young Tribune was viewed as ‘playing soldier’, a view that remained until they proved themselves. Regardless, the two Legionaries standing guard outside of the Praetorium stood to attention and saluted crisply
They were shown through to the Legatus’ office and stood before his desk until the man, like them in ceremonial armour which was even more ornately designed than Aquila’s own. The two young friends stood to attention and saluted.
“Gaius Flavius Aquila, reporting for duty, Sir.”
“Marcus Cornelius Favus, reporting for duty, Sir.”
The Legatus fixed the two young men in front of him with a stern expression, as he looked them over. Both had removed their helmets upon entering the Praetorium and held them under their arms. They were both muscular and athletic, clearly having made the appropriate preparations for their assignments here. Both stood straight-backed, expressions totally serious. The Legatus had seen enough young noblemen joining the Army to further their own careers, often to the detriment of the unit (resulting in everyone else having to pick up their slack), but if their bearing was anything to go by that wasn’t going to be a problem here.
“I am Marcus Flavius Magnus, Legatus of the Thirteenth Legion,” He said after a short time. “It is good to meet you, Cousin, last time you were a mere babe in arms.”
“Yes sir, my Mater mentioned something like that,” Aquila nodded, remaining straight backed and looking forward.
“Relax man! You are a Staff Tribune of a Legion, not some rookie Legionary straight out of basic,” Magnus chided as he signalled for three servings of wine to be brought in. “And you, young Favus, you hardly have to look like you’ve just enlisted as well.”
The two friends relaxed significantly and took the wine, soon understanding why it fetched a high price in Rome, for it was exquisite to say the least.
“Good, that’s much better, you and I are going to be working closely Aquila, so you need to be able to relax around me and not think I’m going to bite your head off,” Magnus said dryly. “You’ve got ten years of service ahead of you, although I fear that only some of it will be under me, I suspect that my enemies in the Senate will endeavour to place another officer in command of the Thirteenth before long.”
“I sincerely hope not, Sir, and if there is anything that I can do to help, I will,” Aquila said earnestly and the older man smiled.
Magnus had joined the army much the same way that Aquila had, but whereas Aquila intended to continue pushing, aiming as high as a Consul, Magnus had been more content to be commanding Legions, and the Senate had been more than willing to oblige. Unfortunately, in his time he had made enemies, and those same enemies now sought to strip him of the prestigious command he held.
“Loyalty is a trait that I appreciate more than anything, especially to one’s kin,” Magnus said meaningfully, then turned to Favus. “And what about you, will you be staying with me as a career officer? Or will you be taking up some Procurator post somewhere sooner rather than later.”
“Probably stay with the Legions, Sir,” Favus admitted. “I never had much interest in politics.”
“That makes too of us,” Magnus agreed dryly. “Well, we’ll let you gain some experience for a couple of years, then we’ll have you as a prefect in no time.”
The Legatus sat down behind his desk and leant back in the chair. It was obvious that he was working on something rather important; there was evidence of it all across his desk. Clearly the man clocked onto what they were looking at and smiled slightly.
“Don’t worry lads, you’ve arrived just in time to join us on our march southwards; you’re not going to miss our deployment, but I'll fill you in on the details later,” Magnus commented with a wry smile as he leant back in his chair. “For now, you’ll both need to report to the quartermaster in order to get prepared!”