A single knock at the door alerted Quintus Caecilius Metellus to the presence of his legates and tribunes. Rereading the various dispatches that had arrived in the weekly packet from Rome, he sighed. What had looked to be a fairly profitable war in Numidia for Metellus, looked to be a fairly profitable war in Numidia - for the next guy.

Exiting his small study, he addressed the assembled legates, tribunes, and other functionaries in the atrium.

"I've received official orders from Rome. As expected, they are pulling out our forces to combat the Germans," Metellus announced without preamble. Dismayed, but unsurprised, expressions greeted this. "The four Italian legions are to report back to Rome at once." Now, surprise registered.

"All four?" one voice in the back asked, astonished. Metellus nodded gravely.

"Yes, all four. The Head Count legion will stay behind for defense of the province. My sources indicate that the Senate is going to redirect Marcus Porcius Cato's anti-pirate fleet to Africa immediately, for support and assistance." Murmurs broke out among the small crowd, but Metellus was not done yet. With a halting sign of his hand, he pressed on. "Moving four legions is tough logistical work, to be sure. I had my agents look about for available transport, and between Utica and Hippo Regius, there should be enough to cart the four legions home. Tribunes, notify your troops. Lucius Caecilius, I want that Head Count legion moved to the border post haste, with orders to construct a large fort a few miles from the coast. You are to be in command. Lucius Junius, come with me please. The rest of you are dismissed."

Brutus had a wary look on his face as he entered Metellus' study, and took a seat in the client's chair opposite his commander.

"I'll get to the point, since my relatives inform me that Germans may even now be marching down the length of Italia. I'm sending you back to Rome with the four legions," Metellus stated. A conflicted look crossed Brutus' face, which Metellus chose to ignore. "I have word from my cousin, the Censor. He has been informed of your status here, and has in turn informed me that only Senators may serve as legates. Thus, I cannot give you command of the four legions on this return trip."

A look of outrage, followed quickly by disappointment, from Brutus. Metellus wished it were not so, but Rome was Rome.

"I have no personal issue with you, despite what I hear of your actions in Rome. Of the issue with Lucius Calpurnius - well, I've never much liked the man, is all I will say. If it were up to me, I would have you stay here, and send my good for nothing brother back to Rome. However, things are as they are. I wish you good luck."

Standing, Metellus made it clear that Brutus was dismissed.

~~~~~

The four allied legions are ordered back to Rome, along with Lucius Junius Brutus.

MAC