While the Senators were considering their response to the words of Flavillus, Hortensius - who did not have the frame constantly to be rising up at every opportunity - decided to squeeze another piece of busines in.

"Oh, and while you are considering this matter, Conscript Fathers, I would also like to formally open the debate on the award for Appius Terentius, our most dashing Quaestor in Illyricum." There was a pause of several seconds, during which Hortensius licked his lips, and some of the Senators in the Consular benches believed they saw the Junior Consul salivating while he wallowed in his thoughts for a moment.

"Thus, dear boys, I am going to assume that Fictitious's proposal here was put in the form of a Senatus Consultum. Fictitious has proposed that Appius Terentius be recognised for his brave stand at the bridge on the River Drilon, where he personally led his men on foot against the charging enemy. Such a man!" This time, when he paused, it was obvious that there was dribble coming down from the corner of Hortensius's mouth, while his eyes took on a glazed look.

"Yes! While Fictitious did not specify an award, but the highest award for actions of the kind displayed by Terentius would be the gold torque. Since this is a simple yes or no matter, I shall put this to the vote immediately. Vote aye to the Senatus Consultum Fictitia Veneratia if you wish to award him this honour, nay if you do not think he is worthy."

Finally, the Junior Consul was able to sit down once more, and during the next few speeches that followed his words, he did not appear to be paying attention to a single word - perhaps instead imagining a muscled Roman warrior single-handledly defeating a horde of bare-chested rebel warriors.

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OOC - Voting on the Senatus Consultum Fictitia Veneratia shall begin immediately, and last until 23:59 AW time 27 July 2008.