After meeting with the propraetor, Ursus returned to his quarters. Among the dispatches and letters, he found one from the Senate. His recommendation that Antonius Marcus be awarded the Corona Civica had passed. Sending word to the propraetor, Ursus issued orders that all the fleet, soldiers and sailors, were to assemble the following morning in full dress on the parade ground. Having made his arrangements, Ursus then retired for the rest of the day.

The following morning dawned bright and sunny with barely a cloud in the sky. Ursus, accompanied by Propraetor Marsius Cornelius and their escorts, arrived at the parade ground. Assembled before them in shining armor and spears, stood the soldiers and sailors of the fleet. Forming a semi-circle to the sides and rear, stood the rest of the legion.

"Men of the Transalpina Gallia Fleet! I have you gathered here to show that Rome recognizes the valuable work you have done and to honor one of our own. Recently we have won a small, but significant, victory against a plague that has been harrassing our great Republic. We have again made the waters of the great sea safer against the depredations of the pirates. In this engagement, we lost some good men. Their memory is honored here today by us. They are among the heroes of our fleet.

"We are also gathered today to present one of our commanders with recognition for a service to Rome and to our fleet.

"Antonius Marcus, Commander of the GLAUCUS! Front and Center!"

Marcus, resplendant in his dress uniform, scarlet cape swirling about his legs with each step, marched forward and stood before his commander and his propraetor.

"Antonius Marcus," began Propraetor Cornelius. "The Senate of Rome, at the request of myself and Ursus Longinus, ha granted you recognition for an act of bravery beyond the normal call of a soldier to his mate. I refer to the time you saved Centurion Aeneas Cornelius' life during the battle with the pirates. You risked your life in saving him. Under fire from the pirates, and with your ship damaged and engaged in a deadly battle, you pulled him from the certain fate of death. In recognition of this, I am pleased and proud to present you with the Corona Civica and to call you Senator Antonius Marcus!"

With this, Ursus Longinus stepped forward and ordered Marcus to remove his helmet. In its place, he set a wreath of oak leaves. The assembled military raised a cheer that shook the skies. Smiling, Ursus and Marsius saluted Marcus and granted him a month's leave of absence.

After dismissing the gathered soldiers and sailors, Ursus and Marsius headed back. Marsius was departing for Rome that very day and only stayed long enough to make the presentation. Ursus was also going to Rome and planned on setting sail on the TETHYS as soon as her crew was back on board. The two men made their fare wells and parted.