Quintus Fabius Maximus addresses his troops for the last time at the end of his year in command.

"Men of Rome,

"I thank you for the courage you have shown in service of Rome. It has been a true honour to serve as your commander, as commander of the best soldiers in the world. The Xth and XIIth, the provincial troops from both Spains, our Callaecian allies, have all performed outstandingly.

I am saddened that this year so full of action and success ended in a defeat to relieve our comrades besieged in Bergidum. Some might accuse me of rashness in my hurry to safe them, but I am sure all of you were in a similar anxiety. We Romans don´t leave our boys in a lurch.

Instead let us remember the battle of Bergidum Plain, the taking of that town, the two engagements of Iturissa Wood. In honour of those fallen there the province of Hither Spain constructed a temple to Juppiter. The taking of the great fortress of Aracilium and reaching of the northern Ocean.

In one year we did what other men could not finish in a decade. I salute you, Rome salutes you. I hope you the best of fortune in the oncoming year under the command of Lucius Valerius Flaccus. I wish that all of you will be spending the next Saturnalia at home. This is no long a rash fantasy - thanks to the work done this year.

Rome does not forget her men, that you will find out when you end your service. And I do not forget my soldiers, as my small donation will hopefully show.

I thank you comrades for the honour of your trust."


Actions:

- The army will await further orders from my successor in its present camp. Scouting will continue at all times.

- I award Basieno of the Narbasi and his descendants the citizenship in honour of his singular service for the Republic. I hope he will accept to become my client.

- After saying my farewells to my staff, officers and ranks I leave for Tarraco and Ostia.