Tyleerius smiled to himself. He had just payed of the Seeker. that closed a pretty ugly chapter of his term as Praefectus. It was amazing how efficiently everything could work if the Serapians were on your side. Tyleerius put down the grain report he was reading and walked to the balcony that overlooked the garden. He sighed and begn to daydream about his wife, Lydia. He would finally have time for her. He smiled to himself at the thought, but it was interrupted by the sound of Pisistratus, his secretary. "Master, your good friend Publius Piso has arrived from the North. He asks to speak to you." Tyleerius beamed. He missed his old army buddies. "Well show him in. And get him something to drink. I'll meet him downstairs." Pisistratus nodded and left.

5 minutes later Tyleerius greeted his old friend with a hug and ushered him into a room with cold drinks and food set out. Publius was impressed. "Well look at you, he said with a grin, quite a change from the days in Germany, eh?" he cuckled. "Well, this job does have some benefits I guess," Tyleerius said. He had grown used to the ornate surroundings in which he lived. It was far cry from Germany, where Publius served. "So what brings you such a long distance from home?" He asked. Publius seemed to ignore the question, but an odd look appeared on his face. "We must all remember that we got to where we are through making the right choices, yes?" "Of course, loyalty to the Emperor does have its rewards." Publius stood and began pacing across the room. "There is no easy way to say this so I'll just get to the point. The reason I am hear is to inform you of the possibility of regime change." Tyleerius jumped to his feet. "What do you mean, what's going on?"

Publius took a deep breathe and began, "There is an uprising afoot up North. A General named Maximinus the Thrax has been proclaimed emperor by his troops. I have joined him." There was a long silence. "What you speak of is treason," Tyleerius finally said in a harsh whisper. Have you gone mad?" "The time is ripe. Severus is a fool. He is ruled by his mother and is an affront to Roman dignity. His general incompetence is a threat to our way of life. You know that as well as I do!" Publius shot back. "Yes, but-" Publius cut him off. "The entire army is up in arms. Severus is as good as dead. He cannot hold them off." "But the Statores Augusti, they can get him back to Rome." Publius sighed, "Maybe, but that would be disaster. I was sent here to inform you of the possibility of a new ruler that you had better be prepared to swear allegiance to. He does not like traitors!" "HE IS THE TRAITOR AND SO ARE YOU!" thundered Tyleerius. He quickly felt bad for his outburst. "Publius, forgive me my friend. The news is just, overwhelming." "I understand, but you must realize, resistance is futile. The Tetrarch's own brother is among the conspirators. He has the East." Tyleerius thought for a moment. "If the coup is successful, I will support our new Emperor, wholeheartedly. But I will not take part in any rebellion, unless I see fit." Tyleerius answered. Publius smiled. "That is the same answer we get from all of the governors. It is a wise move." I must leave now, goodbye." And with that he left the room.