27 chapter 27 : Interview with Senators

Spartacus and his still shocked men stood before Orion. He looked at them indifferently and knew they were in shock over what they had just seen but he didn't care. Calmly, he was the first to speak.

 Orion: Hello, and thank you for being here. Initially, I wanted to address Spartacus personally but ultimately it's better that you're here too and I'll get straight to the point. Glaber has already been defeated and I'm sure the news will be in Rome by the end of the week. What do you have planned for the future?!

 Spartacus: I have already talked about it with my men and we have already decided, we are going to expand our ranks and strengthen ourselves, we want to become a real army. Some plans have already been decided for this.

 Gannicus: For now, we need food and water, which you have in abundance?!

 Orion: So what?! I remind you that your men are more numerous than mine, you can go hunting or raid villas to find what you need.

 Gannicus: You dirty-(interrupted)

 Orion: A great piece of advice, avoid insulting me when I'm still being respectful, it would be bad for your lifespan.

 As soon as he finished his sentence, a huge pressure fell on Gannicus and the others. He looked at them coldly before smiling like a child as he continued.

 Orion: We are allies so just this once I can help you on this. My men and I are going to leave here tomorrow for the south and find a city to pass the time.

 Them: ?!!! 

 Crixus: Madness! Are you going to take a city with only fifty men?! How bold are you?!

 Oenomaus: Orion, your business is far too risky.

 Orion: Do you really believe that these fifty men represent my entire forces?! Manage your worries and I will do the same for my part. For food, we will give you some before leaving tomorrow.

 Segovax: Thank you very much for everything. How can we call on you soon?!

 "Send whoever you want to see me in times of dire need and I will come. Preferably, it better be one of you here. Well, if there's nothing else to add then I'm going to step aside and take a bath" he said as he turned to leave.

 Spartacus: Thanks for everything Orion, by the way, Sura has woken up. She is still weak but she is extremely grateful to you, just like me. You've saved her twice now.

 "It was next to nothing, be careful next time!" he left quietly.

 Watching him leave, Spartacus and the others had a rather strange look, none of them could know what Orion was thinking, he had no aura, no particular emotion or expression. Spartacus believed that Orion would have liked to visit Sura and see how she was doing, but he had none of it.

 Spartacus: He's really changed!

 Oenomaus: We have all noticed, he is much stronger but so much less human.

 Segovax: Then you never knew who he really was.

 Others: Huh!?

 Segovax: When I first arrived at Batiatus's house and saw him on the balcony, I knew straight away, I understood who Orion was. He is a demigod or a full god, in appearance, strength and charisma, he is totally above the human race. Druids say that the ancient gods sometimes mixed their blood with that of mortals. 

Crixus : Yes, but that was a long time ago and even I don't believe it. I've listened to these same stories and they're only good for making children dream. 

Segovax : I believe in it, I really believe that Orion is one of them. 

 They all remained in deep thought, what Segovax had just said seemed crazy but it was true for those who were at the ludus with Orion at the time.

 Gannicus: Listening to you, I realize I've been sober for far too long. Let's go, I'm thirsty.

 After leaving them, as he said, Orion went to take a bath. Glaber liked comfort so his tent had what it took to maintain. After cleaning himself up, he ate before returning to Glaber.

 Once in the clearing where the man was tied, he saw the praetor semi-conscious sitting in his droppings and urine.

In front of him, the body of his wife Ilithya, dead and already beginning to give off a certain odor, although slight.

 "How difficult it must be to watch such a loved one slowly die before our eyes and rot without being able to do anything. Now you know how my friend must have felt when you had him and his family killed."

 he said after crouching next to Glaber.

 Orion: I could watch you agonize in your shit and get eaten by worms for days but I have other things to do, the show will go on without me because I must continue to make your people suffer.

 Glaber looked at him with a rather strange look, there was no anger or hatred, there was no longer pride but pleading and exhaustion. He begged Orion to finish him off but that only made Orion scoff even more before leaving.

 Orion knew it could be dangerous to leave Glaber alive but he didn't care, this man was already doomed to a horrible end and he had already made sure of that. 

He had asked his men to break his arms and blind him forever before take down Ilithya's corpse and put it near Glaber, if the predators will not be attracted by the carrion then the worms will be the ones who will take care of him. The Roman was in trouble in every sense of the word.

 Later, Orion received a second visit to the temple, it was Sura accompanied by her husband and Varro.

Orion wasn't really surprised by this visit although he still wondered why they were there.

 Varro explained to him the reason why he was on Rome's side at their Reunion, Orion honestly didn't care but still listened, he didn't even know why Varro felt the need to come and justify himself to him.

The latter thanked him for freeing his family and swore to him that he was going to make amends, once again, poor Orion wondered what had him involved in all of this but he acquiesced anyway.

 It was Sura's turn to speak to him and she began to apologize in tears for what had happened at Batiatus's house, Orion himself had neglected this matter so much that he hardly even remembered it anymore, he had been busy with "much more important" things and he had no shame in saying so.

 Sura had a disappointed expression that she tried to hide, her separation from him had not affected Orion in any way and she understood that she was not really important in his eyes.

 He and Spartacus talked a little and left, Orion gathered his men and told them they were going to move south.

 He wrote a message which he delivered to Galatae, she attached it to Phobos' claws and it was sent to Orion's ships, precisely to that of Theokoles where Nubia was waiting.

 The orders were simple, she was responsible as acting commander for leading their troops towards the city of Baiae which they were to take in one night.

Nubia knew the tactics to adopt for this, Orion sometimes sent them to carry out this type of mission and went with them, they had learned a good part of his tactics.

 Once Phobos was sent, he asked the celestials to make their preparations because they would be leaving before shortly after dawn, he was in no hurry but Rome would be.

 [in Rome]

 In the building dedicated to the Senate, several of its members were gathered to discuss the various problems facing the Republic and the recent death of one of their members, Senator Albinius as well as the disappearance of his daughter Ilithya.

 Throughout the room, there was hubbub, everyone wanted to impose their opinion at the same time as the others.

However, in this cacophony, some tried to remain calm, whether out of simple coolness, pure intelligence or simply a lack of consideration for the matter.

 Marcus Crassus, whose wife had been killed during the slave revolt led by Spartacus, was murderously calm.

He had wanted to act against Thracian for a long time but the senate, not wanting him to accumulate laurels in addition to his fortune, refused to give him permission to set up an army, which would allow him to gain a personal and significant military force given his means.

 Sen. Metellus: Please remain calm. Spartacus will be crushed by our Republic's strength .

 ??? : Oh yes ?! We sent two praetors on him to sweep him away, Publius Varinius and Caius Claudius Glaber, but since their assault on Vesuvius we had no news of them.

 Sen. Furius: They are slaves, they cannot win against Rome, the praetors may have had a setback and these slave dogs have taken refuge somewhere.

 "The slave who took my wife's life is still not dead and you are just talking as usual. I will gather an army of my own and if by the first snowfall in the coming months you still have not accomplished anything then I will mobilize my troops.

 Never mind that it might make me a threat to you and the republic but I will take the lead of this Thracian and crush anyone who gets in my way, Roman or not. No one will sully the name of the Crassus, especially not a slave."

 He got up and left without even paying attention to the others' expressions. Crassus had to act, not to avenge his wife because he did not really love her but to preserve the honor of his house and support the vengeful gaze of his two sons but as a member of the senate, he was obliged to observe certain rules but now he was going to start acting.

 [At nightfall, at Orion's]

 Sitting in full mediation, Orion was interrupted by one of his men who was accompanied by Saxa.

He knew why she was there and asked the celestial to leave them private.

 As soon as the man left, Orion moved closer to Saxa and before she could say anything, he kissed her on the lips while carrying her to her bed.

 Saxa was happy to have come across someone like Orion, she wasn't really comfortable with words and Orion didn't see why waste time arguing knowing clearly what the other person wanted.

 Surprisingly, the woman's body was much cleaner than the last time they saw each other, she had cleaned and prepared herself for him and he appreciated the gesture.

 Saxa was completely in Orion's tastes and he intended to let her know it.

 After playing with Saxa's lips, he attacked her neck, then her breasts and moved down to her vagina. It was the first time she had experienced this pleasure, usually she slept with louts who went straight to penetration and she had gotten used to this process.

 Orion was the only one so far who had tried to take his time with her and appreciate her body in all its details.

 With the help of his fingers and his tongue, he gave her the first orgasm of the evening without even penetrating her.

 He didn't wait long before inserting his penis inside her. However, to Saxa's surprise, Orion was no longer as brutal as last time, he was gentler, more loving and she felt both enormous physical and emotional pleasure.

 For almost half an hour, Orion did not "fuck" Saxa like last time but made love to her as warmly as possible and their Mouths were rarely disconnected from each other.

 As Orion gave her what she had never had in bed, Saxa began to cry not only from pleasure but also because she was falling in love.

 While in this whirlwind of pleasure, Saxa tried to talk to Orion.

 "You... (kisses) you would have done it with someone else like that?! »

 Orion: No.(liar) 

 Saxa: So you like me?!

 Orion: Yes.

 Saxa: Much?!

 Orion: Yes (Pushes his penis deeper)

 Saxa: *huuungh* I don't want you to leave! Take me with you where you're going.

 Orion: I can't.

 Saxa wanted to ask "Why?!" but Orion sealed his mouth with his lips. He enjoyed fucking Saxa immensely but he no longer had any emotion. He wasn't going to bother with a girl he barely met because of a shared pleasure.

 Orion didn't like the weak and although to the rebels Saxa was strong, to the celestials she was very weak. His place was with the rebels where she is important.

 After making love for a long time, they lay there recovering their strength. Saxa felt a little sad but Orion behind her hugged her, feeling the warmth of this particular man behind her, she whispered "I just want to stay with you." before falling asleep.

 The next day, unlike last time, Saxa did not wake up alone in bed. Orion was lying next to her, his eyes open and looking at her germanic beautiful face.

 Pleasantly surprised that he was near her this time when she woke up, Saxa kissed him before asking him why he looked at her like that while she was sleeping.

 Orion: I was considering whether I should really take you with me or not, I enjoy your company and you are an excellent partner but for now, until your troops increase considerably, Spartacus will need his men the most strongest of which you are a part. When the rebel ranks are bigger, I will come for you.

 Saxa: Are you sincere?!

 Orion: You have my word.

 Immediately she kissed him again and got on top of him, Orion let her and they fucked most of the morning.

Saxa returned to the temple and Orion prepared to leave with his men, they had a final meeting with Spartacus hours later where Orion told him that they would see each other again soon.

 During this last interview, Orion and Saxa's eyes met and she seemed very upset to see him leave.

To the pretty blonde's surprise, he got off his horse and came to kiss her on the lips in front of everyone.

 Saxa was surprised at first but responded languorously to the kiss.

 Duro and other probably jealous men were very angry but Orion didn't care under the mocking laughter of several Celestials.

 "The next time we meet, I'll make you mine. For the moment stay with Spartacus and fight together, he needs you." Orion said while caressing the blushing face of the young woman who nodded shyly.

 Several rebels and especially those who knew Saxa well were shocked to see her so docile and gentle in front of someone, she who was usually so strong in character now looked like a tamed and Docile wolf in front of Orion.

 He finally left with his men towards the South, Orion as promised had left many things for Spartacus and his men, food, weapons and tents.

 Spartacus for his part stayed with his men watching his "friend" leave with the celestials, wondering what their next meetings would be like, Sura who was with him began to speak.

 "He has changed in many ways!" She said weakly as she watched him leave.

 Spartacus: I would have been a bit like him if I had lost you. Marius was undoubtedly like a brother to him.

 Sura: It's not just about Marius but also about his wife and their children who were cruelly killed for helping us. He loved this family very much and Rome cruelly killed them.

 Spartacus: We have the same goals but not the same motivations. We will make the republic tremble.

 Sura: You still don't want our friends to know your real name?!

 Spartacus: No, "Spartacus" even though it is not my name has become a symbol. For our friends, he will be a symbol of our freedom and for the Romans soon , an infinite terror.

 She kissed him and he asked his men to go carry the things Orion left for them. Soon, they would start freeing more and more slaves to expand their army.

 Orion arrived much later in Baiae with his fifty men and the city was in a strange atmosphere. There were celestials in the streets who recognized and warmly welcomed Orion and their brothers.

 However, the celestials were not the only ones in the streets, there were also slaves who had been freed by the celestials, they were carrying the bodies of several dead Romans.

 A few minutes after arriving in the city, Orion received the report of Nubia who came to meet him.

The capture of the city had not been difficult and they had no losses, just a few slight injuries and Romans present, at least 60% of them were killed, the rest were chained.

 Orion congratulated the great warrior who showed him the residence she had reserved for him, it was the largest villa in the city and Orion appreciated her efforts.

He left leaving her to kiss her lover Theokoles, apparently they suffered mentally from being so far away from each other, especially Theokoles who had never had as much affection as with Nubia and her deceased mother.

 The city of Baiae was extremely prosperous and Orion's men knew it quite well because the celestials regularly delivered products here or helped the rich merchants.

 The days passed and the news of the capture of this city spread like wildfire.

 Of course, Orion had everything planned, he was going to attract the attention of Rome to distract them from Spartacus who continued to gain men.

 Rome, upon learning that the celestials had taken a city, was in a certain fear, the senate knew roughly what the celestials were capable of and wondered why these same celestials had carried out such a maneuver against them.

 They were known to act only after being Provoked, and members of the Senate wondered how or when they had offended these demons.

 Opinions were mixed, on the one hand, there was the group of senators wanting to start talks with the celestials to find out the reasons for their actions and begin negotiations.

 On the other side, there was the other group whose opinion was to retake Baiae by force. They were those who did not really know the celestials and their methods.

 Starting a war against these monsters was too risky especially since Rome did not have all its forces available, the problem was extremely delicate in addition to the rebellion of the slaves led by Spartacus.

 Days turned into weeks and finally Rome had sent senators to Baiae under escort to negotiate with the celestials and their leader whom they had never seen.

 Upon their arrival, the senators were shocked by what they saw. Slaves built a wall around the city and construction was very advanced.

 This speed of construction had shocked them but what they didn't know was that the slave builders were Romans captured by the celestials and when the latter shouted to them to help them, they understood everything.

 Anger, frustration and hatred were visible on the senators' faces.

 Baiae wasn't a large city although rich, building the wall wasn't really difficult especially since the "slaves" took turns working day and night under close surveillance.

 Orion made the Romans work hard but did not mistreat them, although coldly ruthless he was not a mad tyrant.

He wanted to give these fools a taste of their own medicine so that they would understand what they had done to others.

 The celestials knew that the senators were coming so they welcomed them and guided them to Orion, to the main square of the city where a rare event was going to take place, Orion was going to execute freed slaves.

 They arrived to find a handsome young man with long wavy hair and tan skin in an all-black tunic speaking in front of a crowd.

 In front of Orion, thirteen men were kneeling on the ground and behind them, celestials stood there with swords. It was the titans, Theokoles' special unit made up of very imposing celestials like their commander.

 Orion: Today you are forcing me to act in an extremely brutal way to make you understand certain rules that you must not break under any circumstances. When we freed you from the Roman yoke, I established a certain number of rules including the formal prohibition of rape of Romans or any other person under penalty of death. We offered you freedom, food and shelter in exchange for a few rules but apparently some of you think we are jokers. I hate rapist and I will not let any insect defile the celestials with these atrocious acts, today you poor shits are going to die.

 Orion's gaze was icy as the culprits tried to beg for their lives but to no avail, he nodded and the titans decapitated the rapists in full view of everyone.

 Orion: Let this be a warning to all of you, we are not savages here and we are not about to become savages. Any other conduct of this kind will have the same outcome. 

 He turned to look in the direction of the Senators and gave them a smile innocent enough to make a newborn look like a bastard. He came closer to them and spoke to them

 "Senators of the Republic, I thank you for your trip. If you would like to follow me, we'll go to my personal residence where we'll be more comfortable to discuss, far from this macabre atmosphere. »

 There were exactly three senators present, Rufus Decimus (purely invented name), Titus Clivius Octavius ​​(same here) and Senator Quintus Metellus.

Of the three, Metellus was the most curious to know who the leader of the celestials was and when he saw Orion, his shock was great because he knew him.

 At the time when Orion was the champion of House Batiatus and it had reached the height of its fame, several great Roman nobles paid dearly to attend his fights, including Metellus who came a few times.

 Batiatus wanted to make connections to also access the senate but it was wasted effort at the time because all these people were only interested in Orion and not in him.

 As they walked towards Orion's villa, Metellus couldn't help but stare intently at their host, Orion had even more presence than the last time he saw him and yet, his presence was difficult to ignore even then.

 Once settled in the comfort of the villa, Orion asked to be served a platter of figs which he began to nibble with a small golden fork, even smaller than a fork these days and he started the discussion.

 Orion: Gentlemen, before starting, I would like this entire interview to take place in a calm climate and mutual respect. I will not disrespect any of you and most importantly, you will owe me respect as guests in my home.

 S. Metellus: Of course.

 S. Octavius: We will see.

 Senator Rufus Decimus was the youngest of the three but also the most inexperienced and arrogant. He looked at Orion who was peacefully smiling with disdain and responded with enormous contempt.

Rufus : His house !! A miserable barbarian, a dirty foreign dog who comes to plunder Roman nobles and claim what does not belong to him. You dare to challenge the Roman Republic and we'll crush you for it, you will end up on a cross where a fool like you belongs.

 In the room, there were more than 10 Roman soldiers to protect the senators and two celestials who assisted Orion, they were quietly sitting in a corner eating and drinking wine.

 They were guards but Orion allowed them to do whatever they wanted as long as they did their job, plus he had almost nothing to fear personally.

 Both started laughing listening to the young senator's speech while Orion sighed with fatigue and disappointment, it was the first time they had witnessed this kind of scene.

 Orion: Why does it always have to be that when I can argue with my enemies, they always send me an idiot in the group?! (looks at Rufus) it's quite amusing that you're talking about crucifixion young senator, you'll be able to test the thing. Guys, beat the crap out of me!

 As soon as the celestials stood up the Roman soldiers drew their swords but the fight only lasted a few seconds before all the soldiers were dead, it wasn't even a fun fight for the celestials as the Roman soldiers were too weak for them.

 The senators after witnessing this mini massacre began seriously afraid, especially Rufus who had just realized that he had offended the wrong person.

 The celestials grabbed him, he wanted to resist but an extremely brutal elbow from one of the celestials on his face immediately calmed him down.

 S. Octavius: YOU DARE ?! 

 S. Metellus: Orion, you don't have to do this, you don't seem to understand what you are about to cause.

 Orion: No, I know very well who I'm dealing with, on the other hand, it's you who hasn't yet realized what type of individual you're dealing with. You remember my name Senator Metellus, that's good, now I hope you remember the attitude one should adopt when I remain polite and open to discussion.

 S. Metellus: Yes we'll remember it and especially this idiot Rufus but if you attack a Senator of the republic now then you will have all the Roman forces against you! Release Rufus now Orion, you are smarter than that!

 S. Octavius: Metellus, do you know this madman?!

 S. Metellus: It would take a long time to explain, all I can tell you is that he is the strongest man I know, he was a prodigious gladiator and a god among his people.

 S. Octavius: A POOR GLADIATOR DARE TO STAND FACE THE REPUBLIC AND ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO CHALLENGE THEM?!

 Orion: Aaaaaaah, poor me! I did not challenge you in any way, the negotiations had not even started yet, dear senators, you had already disrespected me.

 S. Metellus: Octavius, you must calm down immediately!

 Orion: Exactly, you should listen to your counterpart. (looks at Metellus) You're right Senator Metellus, I am a fairly intelligent person and therefore I know that not all of Rome's forces are available.

 First, General Buculus is occupied by Mitridates the ruler of the bridge near the Black Sea. Then, Pompey is in the middle of a war against good Sertorius in Hispania thanks to that imbecile Sulla, poor idiot dictator and finally, Antonius is busy… Ah yes, I have a pretty good surprise for you on this subject. Imagine that during these last few weeks, we haven't just built a wall ahahah!

 S. Metellus: Come to the point!

 Orion: I think you will find out very soon Senator, when you return to Rome I am sure you will like the news.

 S. Octavius: YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PLAYING WITH, YOU MISERABLE DOG!

 Orion: By the gods!! So these people never learn?!

 He stood up and before the senator could even react, Orion kneed him hard in the liver. Curling up in pain on the ground like a shrimp, Octavius ​​couldn't even speak or think straight.

 Orion: He's going to stay here to serve as my hostage...no, a longer-term guest!!

 S. Metellus: GIVE YOUR CONDITIONS AND LET'S END IT. WHY DID YOU ATTACK THE REPUBLIC ORION ?

 Orion: Glaber, whom you sent after the rebellion of Spartacus, killed a dear friend, a brother to me to whom I even owed my life because the latter had helped men who wanted to become free again.

 S. Metellus: Is that why?! All this for one man?!

 Orion: No, you see, Glaber didn't just kill my brother but also his wife and two young children, children I loved dearly.

 S. Metellus: This is a terrible story!! We can sort this out properly, tell us what you want and we'll stop there!

 Orion: Huh?! All right !! So, I already want to keep Baiae but I also want Sicily!

 S. Metellus: MADNESS!! YOU ARE CRAZY !!

 Orion: warning Senator, stay polite!!

 S. Metellus: You seek war Orion but if that is what you want then the republic will gladly respond. I will forward your requests to the Senate anyway.

 Orion: Very well, do so! And don't forget, I have a hostage. (looks at Octavius ​​on the ground) Isn't that right Senator Octavius?!

 Metellus: Hmph!

 He sniffed before leaving, Orion accompanied him dragging Octavius ​​by the leg but they found a rather unusual sight outside. Almost all the Roman soldiers were dead, there were more than forty left waiting outside but only five remained alive.

 Metellus: (Looks at Orion) This is how your men treat your guests, Barbarians!!!

 Orion: Hey, don't look at me like that, celestials don't kill for no reason! (looks at his men) hurry up and explain to me what happened here, quickly.

 One of the celestials stepped forward and began to speak.

"When Eltonar and Ourdanos came out with the Roman you asked to be crucified, the Roman soldiers attacked, we only defended ourselves lord. »

 Galatea also came to Orion, "He speaks true big brother! ". Orion looked at Metellus, shrugging his shoulders helplessly and mockingly.

 The Senator was practically green with rage but could only leave with his tail between his legs with the rest of the soldiers still alive.

 Leaving the city, he saw near the entrance some celestials crucifying Rufus who was screaming and crying in pain. Metellus swallowed his anger and simply left, of course he intended to make Orion pay for his insolence.

 Orion meanwhile remained with a rather satisfied expression, Ajax came near him with a smile .

 Ajax : He looked angry, they're going to send their légions ?! 

 Orion: They'll try! You've done a good job these past two weeks.

 Ajax: Antonius was quite difficult to find but it went pretty well. Killing him wasn't very difficult plus I like assassination missions.

 Orion: And for the rest?!

 Ajax: Our infiltrators had no trouble poisoning their meals and the bodies were either burned or thrown into the sea. As for their ships and resources, it's all ours!! Why ask me that when I reported to you days ago?!

 Orion: Out of pure satisfaction my friend, pure satisfaction.

 Vayline: Why did you do all that?! It was perfectly possible to kill Antonius without completely exterminating his army with poison?!

 Orion had the same innocent smile and spoke calmly as usual

Orion : Let's just say it was just a little appetizer for our Roman friends, they are very difficult to understand. Now they know who they are dealing with! Besides, a direct confrontation could have put a few lives in danger and I will not let any of you risk your lives if there are other ways to win, you are my family.