Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A New Aquisition

Marcus looked at the Centurion. "I am very glad to meet you Centurion. Reporting for duty?" Marcus asked questioningly, "none of my ships are near completion yet. Are you sure that you have the right man?"

"Oh yes sir," said the Centurion, and then lowering his voice to a parade ground whisper, "Just call me Silvius sir. You see sir the lads are getting a bit restless in the fort sir. They need a change of duty, and if you would be so kind, we could watch the shipyard workers like, so the building materials for the ships don't go into some toadie's house in the vicus," Silvius had a conspiratorial look on his face, as he related his wishes and their obvious advantages to Marcus. "The lads are good boys over all sir, but they do need a change of scenery, like," continued the Centurion now warming to his subject.

Marcus had the distinct feeling that he was being led, but he found that he liked this big officer, and he replied." well, how about your Legate? Surely he doesn't want one of his best men out of his sight and beyond his authority. Once he releases you and your men to me, you wil be out of his jurisdiction."

Silvius brightened considerably, and in a confident voice said, "Oh he has already given me permission to seek you out sir, and to ask you about this consideration. He and the fort's Praefectus Castrorum have got to clear some room in the fort for another Legonary Vexalation that is due to soon arrive from the East. Rumor has it that they have lost their Primus Pilus and the Senior Tribune, for whatever reason, is not up to taking command. My commander will have these new troops on his hands for training and straightening out until the new commander is sent out from Rome, sir. I would not suppose that this new vexalation of troops are in any shape to be sent out to the Prvovincias or they would not be sent here." Marcus had to agree will Silvius' logic.

Marcus thought hard for a moment, and then looking up at the eager Silvius, said softly, "Well then, let us go and speak with your commander," The immediate grin that spread over Silvius' face at that announcement, somehow gave Marcus the uneasy feeling that he was moving into uncharted waters. Marcus gestured to the big Centurion, "well my friend, lead on," and as Silvius moved off Marcus wondered what awaited him in the Legate's Office.

Mrcus was soewhat surprised to find the Legate of the II Legion, "Adiutrix" relaxing in his rather spacious and luxurious quarters in the middle of the morning. There was no hint of legion business being conducted, nor were there the expected busy clerks and scrbae of the normal Legion office Outside the fort was carryig on it's normal business, buit here at the supposed hub of the legion all was quiet. The Legate was enjoying a pitcher of wine and a plate of sliced fruit and meat with his senior Tribune when the house slave announced his and Silvus' presence.