Pompey sailed for the Epirote coast in early February, where the 'Republicans' had settled in Appollonia. Greeted with immediate reprimands and accusations of treason from Cato and the Boni, he despaired of upholding the pact he had made with Caesar.

The leaders among the Republicans divided at first on whether to attack Caesar or negotiate. As spring blossomed into a thick summer, the splinters splintered. The men for war argued commands and claimed governorships and rank. The men for negotiation argued whether to send Caesar packing or grant an amnesty.

So far, the eastern provinces and Africa Province had all claimed for the Republicans. Pompey obviously, spoke for Spain. The legions are growing lean and the former Caesarian ones seem anxious. Commanding the seas, the Republic sends them to Egypt under Sextus Pompeius to acquire funds from Ptolemy XIII.

---Meanwhile in Rome---

With the vehement opposition gone, Italia declares for Caesar. The remaining Senate votes him the Dictatorship on, ironically, the same date that Pompey sets sail for Greece.

Caesar accepted his position, passed two laws and stepped down: One prorogued his governorship for ten years and absolved him for crossing into Italia, the other granted him the singular privilege of proposing laws to the Assemblies in perpetuity. Elections were held and Marcus Antonius won the Senior Consul's chair. Caesar 'suggests' that Antony keep a legion in Brundisium to guard against attack and departs for Gaul, where he is planning to Romanize the province.

Before leaving for Gaul, Caesar establishes a messenger company that can keep him abreast of happenings in Rome.