Roma Aeterna

The Southern Civili: An Introduction
Lucia Domitia Apanensus, Office of the Governer, Nova Ostia, Nova Britannia
Imp. 1616 A.D.

The Southern Civili are comprised of five distinct tribal groupings, collectively residing in the southeastern portion of Terra Corum bounded by the Fl. Mississippi and the Fl. Tennessee. They first arrived in the area almost one hundred years ago, according to their oral traditions. (None of the tribes keep extensive records, although all are literate to some degree.)

First to arrive were the Muscogi. A confederation of tribes, rather than a single tribe, they are the most numerous of the civili, totaling more than fifty thousand members by current estimates. They inhabit the area from the southern end of the Montes Caligosi to just north of Nova Ostia and from the eastern coast to the headwaters of the Fl. Tennessee.

Next to arrive were the Cheroci, who settled in to the north of the Muscogi, and the Choctau, who settled in the area to the west of the Muscogi and east of the Fl. Mississippi. Both tribes number roughly thirty thousand members, with the Choctau being slightly more numerous.

The next were the Chicasau, who settled in the area between the Choctau and the Fl. Tennessee to the west of the Cheroci.They number some twenty five thousand.

Last to appear were the Seminole, who number roughly fifteen thousand. The Seminole are not a tribe, but rather a mix of immigrants from the other four civili tribes, who settled in the Peninsula Florida starting some fifty years ago. These last have requested and received Roman protection in exchange for technological and other aid.

The civili when they first appeared were nomads, living in bark and pole tents styled chici and subsisting by hunting and gathering. They swiftly settled in thereafter, cultivating maize and other crops and domesticating rabbits, fowl, and dogs. They lacked metal tools or the knowledge to make them, relying on wood, stone, bone, and antler for raw materials. They wore animal skins decorated with polished stones, shells, and feathers, made rope, baskets, and structures from skins and plant fibers. Containers they made from gourds and pottery. They possessed a written language, which they wrote on cured bark, hides, and parchment made from plant fibers with inks made from berry juices and animal secretions.

Their societies are patriarchal; men hold all positions of authority. Women, especially those past their childbearing years, form advisory councils and wield great influence. Marriage is in the late teens and early twenties for both sexes and is for life; widows and widowers do not remarry. Birth rates are higher than in the Imperium, averaging 2.5 children per couple over their lifetime. Average lifespan is slightly shorter: 59 years for males and 61 years for females.

The civili, along with most other natives, have adopted many Roman practices in the intervening period. They wear Roman tunics and other clothing, use rifles for hunting and defense, steel tools and cookware, and plastic containers and other items. They have for the most part foregone the chici for Roman style dwellings of brick and stone. Roman crops such as wheat, barley, olives, and grapes and animals such as sheep and domesticated pigs have entered their culture as well. Many have learned Latin and attend Roman schools as well.

Given another hundred years the civili will be unrecognizable to their ancestors; given two hundred they will be indistinguishable from other citizens of the Imperium. This is a tribute both to their adaptability and to our own culture.

NOTE: Cheroci = Cherokee; Choctau = Choctaw; Chicasau = Chickasaw; Muscogi = Muscogee, also known as Creek; Chici = Chickee, which is as described except that they are semi-permanent in nature rather than temporary. The Roman writer's sense of superiority unfortunately creeps in at the end, but her report is otherwise accurate as far as it goes.
 
 
Office of the Regent, Imperial Palace, Rome, Provincia Italica, Imperium Romanum
May 24th, 1617 A.D.

“So it wasn’t an accident, but a deliberate attempt to murder my son. Do they have any idea who is responsible?”
“Not yet, lady. The perpetrators were killed in the resulting crash, along with the two hundred fifty six people on the two flyers and seventeen others on the ground. Another two hundred eighteen were injured, some quite seriously. The investigation has just begun; they have no definite suspects yet.”
“But they do know how it was done.”
“Yes. The perpetrators placed a spiker on the runway just before the flyer landed; when the flyer rolled over it it destroyed the tires on the right main landing gear, which caused the flyer to swerve off the strip into the path of the second flyer. The resulting collision caused the fuel tanks in the second flyer to explode, destroying both and killing everyone aboard. The perpetrators were immolated along with their vehicle as well.”
“And just what were they doing there in the first place?”
“Ostensibly removing debris from the strip; a common procedure at most airfields.”
“Common until now, you mean. I assume that such personnel are being screened at all airfields now?”
“Yes, lady. And thus far most are above suspicion; those few who have not passed scrutiny have been transferred to less sensitive positions. None have had any connection to the pair who carried out this attack.”

Julia did not appear mollified by this answer. “They cannot have been acting alone. Someone provided them with the spiker and told them which flyer to target.”
“Yes, lady. Their families, friends, and coworkers are all being investigated. Honorius himself is directing the quaestores in this; their associates will be discovered and brought to justice.”
“The sooner, the better. Before they have a chance to strike again.”
“Yes, lady. I am sure Honorius will deal with them promptly and decisively.”

“Very well. Now to the next matter. Gnaeus reports that Novgorod has occupied some of the frontier settlements in the disputed border area. Their response to our enquiry is that they are only protecting their own territory, the implication being that the settlements lie within their territory. Orel is rumored to be considering similar action. Now, what action do we take, if any?”
“Have there been any incidents of violence?”
“None yet. Is there any prospect of getting them to peacefully withdraw from the area?”
“From what I understand, no. Our possession of the Baltic coast is a longstanding grievance with Novgorod, and the same is true for Orel concerning the border districts of Germania Orientalis. Neither took their loss with good grace; both seek to recover them.”
“But why would they attempt to do so now? They have to know that we will repel any attack; if not immediately, then soon afterward.”

Flavius shrugged. “That I do not know. Perhaps they think we will be distracted by this business in Mesopotamia? Perhaps they have some understanding with the Japanese? Perhaps they are doing so to resolve some internal difficulty? Perhaps they are merely deceiving themselves concerning their chances? We do not really know.”
“What we do know is that Orel is planning something themselves. Their latest line is that our mobilization is a prelude to invasion; they have begun to mobilize themselves.”
“Hmmph. We haven’t called up a single reservist yet; sounds like a flimsy excuse to do what they already decided on anyway. The question remains: why now? What does Honorius say about it?”
“That they are planning an attack, but with what objective he does not know. Nor is their motive clear, although there does seem to be some sort of political infighting going on between the Prince and his nobles. We know that he does not favor such a course of action, preferring diplomacy; probably the nobles have forced his hand.”
“The more fools they, then. If he makes it clear that they are responsible for it then when it fails he cans discredit them.”
“Give them some credit; they will force him to initiate the attack, then blame him for its failure. Whether that will work is open to question, but it is clear that both will allow the attack to proceed as a means toward their end of discrediting the other.”

Julia shook her head. “Are they really that cynical? Will they really slaughter thousands just for political advantage?”
“Apparently so. Though that is probably oversimplified; some are probably sincere in their desire to recover their territory, as they see it.” Flavius shrugged. “As for Novgorod, they are apparently operating in concert with Orel for their own ends. What exactly they hope to achieve is not clear, but they apparently are occupying the disputed border area now; they may be content with that, or may try for more.”
“And Moscow? Are they in on this?”
“According to Boris, no, but they may not have let him in on their plans. There is certainly no move as yet on their part.”
“Kiev?”
“They maintain their neutrality for the moment, and have not mobilized.”

“One last thing; we have reports of Persian troops maneuvering near their border. Have we heard anything from or about them?”
“Not a peep. Perhaps Honorius can enquire about them, since he’s there anyway.”
“I’ll take care of that. Now, is there anything else we need to discuss?”
“One minor detail; the Varangian heirs will be in Vadum Francorum next week, ostensibly on vacation. Will you have Hestia meet them there?”
Julia nodded. “She will be finished with school until the next semester, so yes, we’ll send her. All right, gentlemen, that will do for today. Flavius, I’d like a word with you before you go.”

Flavius waited while the others filed out, the last closing the door behind him. Julia looked him in the eye. “I am certain she was behind the attempt on Honorius.”
“Julia, you are letting your feelings toward her get the better of your judgment. Do you really think she or Julius would do anything so blatant? Give them some credit; if they were to make an attempt on his life they’d be a lot more subtle about it.”
“Hmph. Even if she didn’t instigate it I’m sure she had something to do with it.”
“At most one of her associates may have taken it upon himself to do it, which will not sit well with her. She knows Julius is being considered for Emperor and wouldn’t do anything which might adversely affect his chances, which this certainly might. I don’t think for a moment that she authorized it, or even knew about it; it is probably as much of a shock to her as it is to you.”
“Even then, if one of her underlings is the perpetrator she is still responsible for his actions.”
“Julia, even if it is true that one of her associates is responsible, which is not a given, that does not mean she had anything to do with it. She has an informal network of allies and informers, not a Legion. Can you prove that she was involved?”
“Not yet.”
“Then accusing her, even privately, will do nothing except give her ammunition to use against you. You would do best just to let the matter rest and let Honorius handle the investigation. If he turns up evidence of her involvement then you can act, but if not you cannot gain by accusing her; you would make her the martyr and yourself the villain.”
Flavius paused and studied her; her expression reminded him of a volcano, rumbling and smoking, ready to erupt.
“Fine. I’ll wait, as you say, until Honorius finishes his investigation; it wouldn’t help him to start a public row with her, no matter the cause. Besides, we still need to persuade her to let Honorius or Gnaeus succeed Julius as Emperor.”

Flavius visibly relaxed. “Just so. Antagonizing her will not help him with that either. Might we make use of your chapel? I feel the need to unburden myself to Him.”
Julia smiled. “Certainly.” She rose and quietly left. Flavius murmured a silent prayer of thanks, then followed her out.

NOTE: Spiker = OTL spike strip, used by law enforcement to puncture tires of vehicles being used by suspects to flee from the police.
 
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What level of technology has this TL achieved? For some reason i'm thinking late 1920's or early 1930's.

That was addressed. Problem was, it got buried in the initial discussion. ;)

they are presently at an OTL USA 1960s tech level, with one exception: no nukes. Neither nuclear power nor nuclear weapons have been developed, even though both the Roman Empire and the Empire of Japan have the requisite knowledge. Neither sees the need to pay huge development costs for a marginally useful technology.
 
What level of technology has this TL achieved? For some reason i'm thinking late 1920's or early 1930's.

USA 1960s, roughly, with the exception that there are no nuclear reactors or nuclear weapons. Both the Imperium and the Japanese Empire have the requisite knowledge and technology but neither has seen the need to expend massive amounts of money on a marginally useful technology.

EDIT: Ninja'd. Oh well, better twice than no times.
 
First, an apology to the readers who were left hanging for several months. My silence was due to the intrusion of real life concerns; now that I have sorted things out a bit I'll take up where I left off.
 
St. Paul’s Chancellery, Rome, Provincia Italica, Imperium Romanum
May 24th, 1617 A.D.

“You asked to see me, Your Grace?”
“Yes, Ursula, I did.” Flavius indicated the other man, who bowed slightly to her. “Do you know Cardinal Crassus of Ostia?”
“Yes, Your Grace; he has been to the Palace on several occasions.”
“Please be seated. Wine?”
“Yes, thank you.” Faustia seated herself; Flavius poured for the three of them, then handed out the glasses. He waited for her to sample it before continuing.

“I’ve asked you here to help us with a delicate and difficult matter; a matter requiring considerable discretion.”
“Go on, Your Grace.”
“Very well. This concerns the Empress herself. Specifically her current emotional state.”
“And why should that be of concern?”
“I have observed certain indications of severe strain, and I worry that she may not be able to handle the responsibilities placed on her. If that leads to irrational behavior on her part the results could be detrimental to her and to the Imperium.”
“And you wish me to alert you if I observe such behavior? Assuming that occurs, what action do you intend to take?”

“We would call upon the council of ministers to choose a new Regent.”
“And if she does not agree to that? If she wishes to continue in office?”
“If the council of ministers chooses a new Regent she is honor bound to step aside.”
“But not legally bound to do so; she is only legally bound to step aside when a new Emperor is crowned, when her office officially ends.” Faustia looked him in the eye. “If you truly wish to avoid this problem, direct your efforts toward choosing a new Emperor. The sooner you have one, the sooner the burden is lifted from her shoulders and the stress on her is relieved.”

“Believe me, we are working toward that end as best we may. An Emperor is not chosen in quite the same manner as one would choose a new tunic in a shop; we must persuade all parties involved to support our choice, or at least not oppose it. That is not done in one day, as you know.”
“I am well aware of that, yes; as her assistant I am privy to all her affairs. Your Grace, I must say it; some of those on the council seem more anxious to improve their own positions than to fulfill their duties in this matter. Such behavior can only prolong the process and make more likely the result you fear. You would do well to remind them of this.”
Flavius nodded. “True; the ministers are human beings, not angels. We must work with what we have. Chiding the ministers as if they were unruly children is unlikely to do anything other than antagonize them, though; we must be more subtle than that. And you will do well to remember this.”

She bristled at that; Flavius calmly looked her in the eye. A few moments later she subsided. “You are right, of course. It’s just so … frustrating. To see them sit and talk and do nothing, while the stress on her increases by the day. Can they not see what the result of their intransigence will be? What it is doing to her?”
Flavius smiled at her. “I, at least, do see it; we would not be talking here otherwise. I’m sure they see it as well; they did not become ministers by being oblivious. Do remember, though, that they have other duties as well and are not free from stress themselves. We will choose an heir as soon as we can, trust me, but that will not be today, or tomorrow either.”
She twisted her scarf in her hands. “The sooner the better, for all our sakes.”
“Of course.” He handed her a glass of wine; after a moment she took it and drank a long swallow.
“Thank you.” She took another swallow, then set it down.
“Better?”
“Yes, thank you.” She straightened. “Is there anything else?”
Flavius smiled. “That will be all for today. I will see you at late mass tonight?”
“Thank you, Your Grace. I will be there.” She rose and quietly walked out.

Flavius turned to the other. “Well?”
“I fear she is close to the edge. Let us hope she does not break down either.”
“Marinus, that is why we exist; to succor those in need.”
“Let us hope, then, that our help will suffice in this case. And in that of the Empress as well. When He takes Gaius, that will be the supreme test; let us pray that she passes it.”
“Amen. Come, my friend; we have much to do.” The two of them rose and left the room, chatting quietly.
 
Municipal Airfield, Nova Brindisium, Nova Africa, Imperium Romanum
May 25th, 1617

“Welcome back, sir. And welcome to Nova Africa, my lady. We have a car waiting; if you’ll follow me?”
“Thank you, Horatius; lead on.” Caius extended his arm and guided Aemilia toward the car.
She nodded toward the man in front. “He’s your servant?”
“My aide, in fact. Handles all the trivial stuff that would otherwise eat up all my time. Without him I’d never get anything done.”
“Quite the charmer, isn’t he?”
Caius gave her a searching glance. “He can be when he wishes, yes. He’s happily married and has five children, so I doubt you’ll get anywhere with him, though.”

“Caius! Do you really think I would be so indiscreet as to take up with your personal aide? Give me some credit; if I were to do such a thing it would be with someone outside your circle and it would be done quietly and privately. The situation is difficult enough without making it worse with a public scandal.”
He put his hand on hers. “True, dear. I apologize for my insinuation.” He smiled at her. “Besides, your father would have our heads for that. I prefer to keep on his good side, thank you.”

His aide ushered them into the back seat; then got in the front passenger’s seat himself. The driver smoothly pulled out and accelerated away. Caius settled back to enjoy the ride; she looked quizzically at him. “Chilly out, isn’t it?”
“Normal for this time of year; we don’t get snow here, because the ocean currents keep the seashore warm, but it’s usually chilly and rainy during the winter here.”
Her look of puzzlement was replaced by sudden comprehension. “Ah, I forgot; we’re south of the equator, so the seasons are backwards.”
He chuckled. “Backwards to you, maybe, but normal to us. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”

The car rounded a corner. “Ah, there it is. The palace; see it there?” She nodded. “Your father’s may be bigger, but I’ve got a better view.”
“Say that to him and you won’t.”
Another chuckle. “Your turn to give me some credit; I would never brag about anything in front of your father. He takes a dim view of people who are, shall we say, self-laudatory.”
She snorted. “You’re right about that. The last person who tried that is currently serving on the staff of the governor of Nova Illyria as a minor functionary; he’s lucky to have a job at all. Father has no tolerance for fools.”

As the car pulled up in front of the palace she admitted to herself that he was right; he did have a better view. The palace sat on the hillside on the east side of the bay overlooking it; she could see the entirety of the bay from here. The day was clear, slightly windy; the bay was covered with whitecaps. Ships moved in and out of the harbor; more sat at the docks being loaded or unloaded. The city spread out along the shore, grey-roofed factories and warehouses along the seafront giving way to red tile house roofs inland. Birds circled overhead; trees grew everywhere, interspersed with the buildings and clustered in green parks.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” She turned from the view to his smile. “I never tire of it.”
“I can see why; you do have the million denarii view, at that.”
“Hungry?”
“Starved. That flight took forever.”
“It did seem to, didn’t it?” He held out his hand; she took it and let him guide her inside.

Dinner was an informal affair, just the two of them; the servants were discreet and efficient. The cooking was different from what she was used to, with spices she could not identify; tasty but strange. She signaled to the waiter, who approached her. “The meat has an unusual flavor; what animal is it from?”
“Gazelle, lady; similar to your venison in flavor. Roasted with honey and peppers.”
“Ah. We don’t get much venison; deer are scarce in Italica. The flavor is strong, but not unpleasant, and the honey and spices complement it well. My compliments to the chef.”
“I will tell him you approve. Are there dishes from home that you prefer? I can have him prepare them if you like.”
“Occasionally, yes. I would like to have what the locals eat as well, though; if I am to help my husband properly I must become well informed on conditions here.”
“Wise, lady. I am sure he will see to your edification; he is quite thorough.”
“No doubt. Thank you.” The waiter bowed slightly and departed.

Caius smiled at her. “The first taste of your new home; there will be many more. Nova Africa may be part of the Empire, but there is no mistaking it for Italica or any other province. Not when you see lions and rhinoceros with your own eyes.”
“You have lions here?”
“Some; not as many as the eastern plains, but we do have them, yes. Also some of the deadliest snakes in the Empire; we will be cautious when traveling in the wild.”
Aemilia shivered; “Snakes are not my favorite creatures.”
“Mine either, but they have their place. I avoid them and they avoid me; an acceptable modus vivendi.”

I will follow your example in that.” Another shiver; she finished her wine, waving away the waiter with the bottle. “Caius, I fear that trip has worn me out. If you could lead the way to our rooms …?”
“Of course.” He rose and came around the table to her; pulled out her chair, and extended his hand. She took it and rose, following him out.

She slid into the bed under the covers. Caius turned to her, his reluctant wife; a questioning glance. She steeled herself and nodded, yes. The result was not unpleasant; Caius’ touch was firm, gentle, slow, and sure. She responded readily; the time flowed by. Finally they lay quiet in each other’s arms.

He smiled at her. “I had thought you might be reluctant, my dear. I would have waited, had you wished.”
She sighed. “Caius, you are my husband, whether I will it or not. To abandon your bed could only strain our already difficult relationship. I would not lay that burden on you; you have troubles enough as is.” She smiled. “And I am honoring a request in doing so.”
Caius raised an eyebrow. “He asked that of you? That you do your duty by me?”
“His last request of me, yes.”
Caius thought that over. “I see. One more thing to thank him for.” He smiled again. “And I too am honoring a request in taking you as my wife. Gaius‘, of course, but your mother’s as well.”
“Oh? And what did she request?”
“That I keep you safe and secure. It will be difficult, but I will do my best.”
Now she raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Why would that be difficult?”

Caius sighed and lay back on the bed, then met her gaze. “You know they have not decided who will be Gaius’ successor, do you not?”
“Of course.”
“And that his time is near?”
She nodded; her expression was answer enough.
“It is likely that he may die before they have decided. In that case Julia would reign as Regent until a successor is chosen; a potentially catastrophic situation.”
A puzzled look. “Why would that be catastrophic?”
“Think about it. If a choice is quickly made the one not chosen will claim foul, that they did not devote enough time to properly evaluate their options. If the choice is not made quickly then both Gnaeus and Julius will claim that they are stalling in order to maneuver Honorius onto the throne. The resulting mess could tear the Empire apart; a situation which our enemies would be only too happy to take advantage of.”

She frowned. “You may well be right in that. What will you do if that comes to pass?”
“Me personally, or Nova Africa?”
“It amounts to the same thing, Caius.”
“I have no idea; it depends on how matters develop. If one has a clear advantage I will support him in the hopes the other will accede before violence erupts. If not then I may declare neutrality until such time as a choice is forced on me. That would not make the winner happy, of course, and I might well lose my position or even my life over it, but I am willing to make that sacrifice if need be to keep my people safe. My people including you, of course.”
“Thank you for that thought, but it is unlikely to come to that.”
“Let us hope not. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a very long day.”
She took his hand in hers and kissed him. “Good night, Caius.”
“Good night, my dear.”
 
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