Titus Claudius Nero stood in front of the Rostra. Hundreds of citizens had gathered knowing that the Consul's closing speech would be given, and they all waited intently to listen:

People of Rome,

I am extremely sorry that I cannot be with you in Rome right now, giving this speech to you myself. But that is a sacrifice I must make in order to protect and serve you.

187 has been a trying time. Old enemies have been vanquished, new have arisen, and some have yet to reveal themselves until next year.

As Consul, I have led the Senate of Rome to the best of my ability, in your interests. Early in the year, we sent a delegation to the east to investigate the bloody war between the Parthians and the Syrians, but we decided that it was not Rome's place to be involved. Also, a bit later in the year then usual, we were blessed with a new Pontifex Maximus, Patricus Curius Hibernicus. Although he was elected as usual by the Augurs, many in the Senate wanted to elect him themselves, something which I was abhorently against.

Many great Romans have done great things this year. I have a few who I feel deserve honorable mentions.

In Hispania Citerior, war raged on between the slaves, the Gallaecians, and our forces there. Praetor Lucius Sempronius Rufus managed to defeat them both, and finish the year off making it so all forces have been defeated before the year is out.

In Narbonensis, Attius Varus dealt with a plague and a slave rebellion of his own, which he dealt with swiftly, earning him a Gold Crown as a sign of our gratitude.

Decimus Claudius Russus, and his collegue Metellus both did amazing jobs as Censors, not only by using their powers to reward and punish Romans accordingly, but by putting men to justice by sending them to court, as is the instance with the incident that happened in Rome a couple of months ago.

Pontifex Maximus Patricus Curius Hibernicus has also done an outstanding job, bring such fervor excitement and activity to his position that I have never seen in my days of public office, even going as far knocking on men's doors for donations. A religious and respectable man indeed.

In regards to the Greek world, I was sent there to restore communications and make a civilized diplomatic stance towards their nations, which I was successful in doing in all but having an actual treaty signed since I was forced to leave early.

On the home front, men like Gaius Aemilius Lepidus have made it so that your cost of living here in Rome, and soon, the whole of Italia is more comfortable by cutting and slashing your taxes.

And finally, your men in arms, your brothers, your fathers, have continued to serve us, and will continue to serve us. Men like Ahala and Lucius Iulius Caesar Albinus Junior have continued to be shining examples of what a Roman Officer should be, and inspire men across our borders.

Going into the next year, I will continue to serve you, not as your Senior Consul, but as Proconsul of the eastern regions of Galatia and Asia. I will make it my utmost important duty to vanquish our foes there, and perhaps add land to our vast nation. I see great things for our future, and would not trade place with any other time.

May the Gods bless you, and I truly hope that I have satisfied you in my service to you. Know that as I wage was in the east, I will hold my gladius in my hand, but Rome in my heart.

Signed,

Publius Claudius Nero, Sr. Consul