Rome Must Fall

Chapter 68: The Nucerians Request

“These Nucerians are willing to help us attack Pompeii,” Spartacus said. “They only ask that we kill a few nobles in Pompeii, especially Vettius, who they say is the main culprit behind the seizure of their lands. If we agree, these Nucerians will join our ranks and fully support us against the Roman army.”

“How many of these Nucerians want to join us?” Crixus asked.

“About 50 or so.”

“Only 50?!” Crixus laughed. “We have over 500 people coming to join us every day. Do we really need these 50?”

“Most of these 50 were once centurions of the Roman legions. Leading them was a legion’s primus pilus. He told us they have many comrades in Italy who are in similar situations. He’s willing to mobilize them to join our cause,” Hamilcar emphasized.

Another centurion, and a primus pilus one at that… Maximus’s expression changed slightly.

“A few days ago, we just annihilated a Roman legion. Haven’t we killed enough of their centurions? Plenty of people hate Rome and want to join our cause. These Roman soldiers, under the command of Roman senators, had at least once invaded other lands and slaughtered their people. They are not worth recruiting!” Crixus said, somewhat upset.

“Even though our ranks have grown to over 10,000, the influx of new recruits has left our forces disorganized and poorly trained. They are not ready for combat,” Artorix said cautiously. “Moreover, our forces lack experience in siege warfare and the necessary equipment. Because of our presence, the surrounding towns have strengthened their defenses. Pompeii may be small, but its walls are four to five meters high. If we attack, our casualties will be high. Failing to capture it would hurt our morale and reputation.”

“I’m interested in a siege, but not at the Romans’ behest,” Oenomaus said bluntly.

Artemus added, “I have no objections to field battles, but sieging a city… count me out.”

“I think we should attack Pompeii,” Maximus said, immediately drawing everyone’s attention. He calmly continued, “Not for the Nucerians, but for ourselves! Our numbers are growing rapidly. We have enough food for now, as it’s harvest season and our soldiers are out reaping wheat daily. But we are critically short on some supplies—earthen pots, linen, tents, copper pots… We’ve already scoured the farms around Vesuvius. There may be a few more farms beyond, but not many. We need large quantities of supplies. Capturing a busy coastal town like Pompeii will not only meet our needs but also provide us with more resources, like blacksmiths!”

“You think attacking a town is as easy as making dinner?” Crixus gave him a scornful look. “You speak lightly, but many people will die!”

Maximus replied seriously, “We rose up against the Romans, knowing it was a life-threatening endeavor. If we don’t try, we’ll never know if we can take a city. Besides, the Nucerians are offering their help.”

“The Nucerians?” Crixus sneered. “Who knows if they’re trying to trick us into a death trap!”

“Enough talk, let’s vote,” Spartacus said. Crixus immediately stated firmly, “I oppose attacking Pompeii!”

“So do I,” Artorix followed.

“I can’t agree to the Nucerians’ request,” Oenomaus shook his head.

Hamilcar looked at Spartacus, then at Maximus, and said softly, “I think we should try to attack Pompeii.”

Maximus perked up. “I also agree to attack Pompeii.”

Crixus grew tense. In the past meetings, Spartacus and Hamilcar usually sided together, which meant a three-to-three tie again this time. Such a stalemate would leave the issue unresolved, making him feel that Maximus was laughing at him. Just as Crixus was feeling frustrated, Spartacus said, “I also oppose attacking Pompeii. We must refuse the Nucerians’ request.”

Crixus was overjoyed. “Then it’s decided. Send those Nucerians away!”

He glanced at Maximus, but Maximus looked calm, showing no disappointment.

Crixus rolled his eyes. “Spartacus, I have a suggestion.”

“Go ahead.”

“Artemus, as the leader of the Fifth Cohort, has earned the soldiers’ affection and considerable respect. In the recent battle against the Roman legion, his troops performed exceptionally well. I think it’s time to make him one of us, a true military commander!”

Crixus wasn’t typically considerate of others. He brought this up because he realized: Spartacus, close with Hamilcar and Artorix, plus Maximus who was at odds with him, had a strong advantage in votes. Adding Artemus, who was neutral and not too close to Spartacus, could help swing future votes in Crixus’ favor.

Artemus gave Crixus a grateful look.

“I was planning to bring this up myself, but Crixus beat me to it. This shows that Artemus’ performance has won everyone’s approval. So, let’s vote on whether he should gain voting rights in the Military Commanders’ Assembly,” Spartacus said seriously.

The vote was unanimously in favor, increasing the number of the rebel leaders to seven.

While everyone was congratulating Artemus, Crixus spoke again, “I have another suggestion——”

Crixus turned to Maximus and said solemnly, “Recently, we incorporated nearly 500 newly joined slaves into the Logistics Battalion as a temporary measure. Currently, the Logistics Battalion’s guard unit has over 700 soldiers. I believe that since the Logistics Battalion only provides food and treats the wounded and doesn’t fight on the front lines, assigning so many soldiers to it is a waste. We should redistribute half of these soldiers to other units. What do you all think?”

The atmosphere of the meeting, which had been light, suddenly became tense.

Since the rebel army was formed, it had undergone reorganization, but its structure remained relatively loose. Each cohort and the Logistics Battalion leader wielded significant power, akin to regional lords, and even Spartacus couldn’t interfere in their internal affairs without their consent. Crixus’ proposal to take soldiers from the Logistics Battalion was a blatant attempt to undermine Maximus’ authority as its leader.

Such a direct challenge had never happened before in the military meetings. It seemed Crixus still harbored resentment over an incident two months prior when his soldiers were publicly flogged for insulting the medical team’s women. He was using this recent victory as a chance for revenge.

“While you were out fighting, Naples sent several spies to our camp. If they hadn’t seen the Logistics Battalion’s hundreds of soldiers training in front of the camp, the Campanians would have looted all our supplies before you returned victorious. This demonstrates the importance of having a sufficient guard. If you want to take my soldiers, Crixus, then from now on, the Second Cohort should always remain in camp when we go on a campaign!” Maximus retorted coldly, then added, “I have a suggestion too! The soldiers of the Second Cohort often say they don’t eat much and that the food provided is too much. I propose we halve their rations from now on!”