Titus stood on the balcony viewing the solid mass of men ,his men ,arrayed before him eyes turned to gaze up at him .They had made great progress since they had first arrived ,beating back every army that had been sent against them ,not always easily .More often than not with grave losses of their own but victors nonetheless .And he thought bitterly for the umpteenth time that they all believed he was the reason for their victories .
And he was leaving them ,headed back to take a throne he did not want from a Brother far more capable than him .A Brother who had been taken in his prime by an assassin whose death seemed small revenge for what he had taken from him and the people he would soon rule .
But that was a matter for another time and he put it aside as he stepped forward to speak to the assembled army .
"Men !"He began "Over the last three years it has been my pleasure to serve you ,though I know many if not most of you would say it was you had had served me I do not hold that belief .
Soon I fear I will be bound for the capital to take the throne .I regret that another will soon have the pleasure of commanding this army ,an army which has quite literally performed miracles for me in the face of staggering odds .I wish you good luck in your future pursuits .You will always hold a place very dear and close to my heart !"With that he turned and left feeling as if his brief speech had made very little difference to his men .
The cheering convinced him otherwise .
Ten years later .Vienna .Austria .
The massive Tank shuddered as an enemy shell impacted on its hard frontal armor causing little damage but no doubt making the commander of the vehicle that fired the round feel much better about life in general .Until the 120 MM gun of Titus`s tank fired at the thin forward armor of his tank ,killing it in a large expanding fireball .
"Are you alright your Majesty ?"The pilot asked from the drivers position .
"Very good thank you Bert "was his reply ."Been awhile since I got to experience a battle this close "
Not since second Harding right ?"the pilot replied a moment later .
"Yeah that was the last time "How far until we get to the 51st ?"
"A few more miles sir .They have the General pinned tight right now so getting you to him in one piece will be tricky "
"You wouldnt think so with all the firepower Hoth insisted on sending along "Titus snorted in derision at the mass of Tanks and aircraft which had been assembled for his safety .
"Well begging your pardon your Majesty but you are a little to important to risk loosing in the middle of a warzone" the pilot answered turning his head a few to look at his ruler around the turret base .
"Thanks for the reiminder"Titus replied again snorting .