OUSTED KING CAMILLO SPEAKS IN SENATE
Exiled King pleads case for independent Almeria; Optimates move to block his speech voted down.
JULIUM
Ousted King of Almeria Camillo was invited to the Senate of Eurasia today by the Populares, hoping to lay out a framework for the independence of Almeria from Imperial hegemony. The situation in Almeria has grown tense, with Camillo's forced abdication in favor of a federation. Camillo, who recognized the authority and legitimacy of the new President, is now putting the case for an independent Almeria to the Senate. According to the Writs, the independence of Almeria requires the abrogation of the Compromise of Granada, which constituted then-Granada as a Superior Province of the Empire.
The Ministry of Justice released a statement recognizing the de facto reality of Almerian independence but holding that de jure Almeria is still a Superior Province, and that the referendum on the federation was illegal. The future of Almeria hinges on the decision, if it will be made at all, by the Senate, who holds ultimate authority in constitutional matters. Camillo, whose family remains in the hands of the federation, is desperately seeking the legal permission of the Senate to formally dissolve the Granadan Compromise and sever Almeria from Imperial rule.
The future of the Senatorial decision is far from certain. The Populares, who remain out of power, generally support the independence of Almeria. Sen. Marcus Antonius Creticus, of Casinum, spoke at length on the issue in the Senate yesterday, saying, "
it is a disservice to our Empire to allow such an undemocratic and illiberal regime as exists in Almeria to remain a part of our sphere of influence. It must be amputated to save the body." His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Justinius, reportedly told the Consul, "
[r]epublicanism is a frightful plague. Cleave them from the herd; we shall soon see how they like the wilderness."
The Optimates, however, have been far more critical. Sen. Quintus Baebius Tamphilus, of Falcrine, had harsh words for Camillo and Almeria.
"This is the threat we faced millennia ago when we granted them self-rule. Repeal the Granadan Compromise, absolutely. In its place revoke their self-rule, and place them once more under the guiding hand of the Empire. The legions will restore them to serenity in short order."
It is worthy of note that, as Eurasian law still recognizes him as the King of Almeria, Camillo is still technically a Eurasian Senator, by way of being a Proconsul, and has the right to address the chamber whenever he chooses. He was previously unable to do so because a majority of Optimates blocked his speech with procedural moves.
UPDATE
Sen. Bjotag Far-Tamer, who introduced Camillo. King Camillo delivered his speech to a packed Senate, at times heckled by jeers and boos from the Optimates side of the chamber. The ornate Senate House was festooned with armed police, and those filling the spectators' balconies were thoroughly screened for weapons before entering. The Consul, Pro. Quintus Mucius Scaevola, of Genevevia, was barely able to maintain order in the normally reserved chamber. King Camillo was introduced by Sen. Bjotag Far-Tamer, of Cortoriacum, of the Optimates, one of the conservative Senators who crossed the aisle to allow Camillo to speak.
Camillo's speech ended with a plea. "
This is not the first time this mighty body gave one of its provinces their independence. Whether or not it is the last is well-beyond my control. But I beg you, do not force Almeria to remain in the Imperial fold. Its people have spoken, and at last, fully-grown and matured, it is time for the Empire's oldest child to leave the nest. Thank you." One unidentified Senator shouted after Camillo concluded, "
We should throw you out of the nest, see how well you fly!"
UPDATE
Sen. Quintus Baebius Tamphilus shouts during Camillo's speech. In a shocking turn of events, Sen. Quintus Baebius Tamphilus left his seat after the King concluded and approached him, challenging him to a duel. Camillo, reportedly taken aback, at first declined, but after shouts of "
coward!" and "
pathice!" (Eurasian: Pathicus; the submissive in an age-differentiated male homosexual relationship) were hurled from the Optimates, Camillo wearily accepted. Two policemen attempted to intervene, but were ordered to stand down by the Consul. Sen. Marcus Antonius Creticus reportedly shouted, "
This is medieval!Upon exiting the Senate building, the group, which had swelled to include almost half the Senators present, with more racing from the building, Pro. Gaius Ateius Capito, of Garulata, produced a set of loaded dueling pistols. More police began to arrive, as well as a contingent of Praetorian Guards, hurriedly detached from the Imperial Palace, the Centurion of whom captained the duel. Camillo, at this point appearing calm, engaged in a hushed discussion with Sen. Bjotag Far-Tamer. As of the writing of this update to the Julium Time's original article, the duel has not yet taken place, and it appears the Senators are currently arguing amongst themselves.
BREAKING UPDATE
Uniformed Praetorian Guards watch as Sen. Baebius Tamphilus and King Camillo take their pistols. King Camillo of Almeria, ousted by republicans in that troubled country, is dead in Julium on the grass outside the Senate building. According to witness reports, Sen. Quintus Baebius Tamphilus, of Falcrine, stabbed and killed the embattled Almerian King before the duel could commence. In possession of his loaded pistol, King Camillo turned to an aide, handing him his reading glasses, and reportedly saying to her, "
I never thought I would die in this gleaming hell." On hearing the comment, Sen. Baebius Tamphilus, in a pique of rage, dropped his pistol and produced a knife, which he plunged into the turned back of Camillo.
The King, crying out in pain, twisted to see the face of his attacker, who stabbed him again, causing the King to fall to his side. Stabbing him a third time, the knife buried in Camillo's stomach, Sen. Baebius Tamphilus wrenched the knife free and threw it aside, where it smeared royal blood on the shirt of Pro. Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus, of Civitius, who barely reacted. Camillo, now on his back on the Senate lawn, looked at Sen. Baebius Tamphilus and Sen. Bjotag Far-Tamer, reportedly said, "
You think this has solved anything?" Sen. Baebius Tamphilus, pointing a blood-soaked finger at Camillo, replied, "
Hurry on and die for your people; show them how much you love them."
King Camillo died outside the Senate building in Julium, Eurasia, at 2:34 PM, on August 9th, 2773.
BREAKING UPDATE
In a somber, practically silent session, Consul Mucius Scaevola ordered the Senators to return to the Senate chamber immediately. Using an arcane procedural motion, Consul Mucius Scaevola declared the session was now a session "On the Determination of the Writs." The measure to address the Granadan Compromise was put to a vote. In a vote of 589-11, the Senate approved the Granadan Compromise was now stricken from the Writs of the Setertiamillenniary. Pro. Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus, still blood-soaked and grim, rose to vote aye on the measure, thereafter returning to his seat and putting his head in his hands.
Sen. Baebius Tamphilus was briefly detained by the Praetorian Guard, but was ordered released immediately; Eurasian law still permits dueling amongst Senators if Imperial consent is given. His Imperial Majesty did not decide in the affirmative nor negative on the matter, merely releasing a statement saying, "
We grieve for the family of the late King Camillo. Almeria must now steer its own course; I pray that it not suffer unduly for its want of an Emperor."
Reportedly, the King's last words were plainly audible for the entirely silent gathering of Senators, Proconsuls, policemen, and reporters. In Almerian-accented Eurasian, the King whispered, "
Vivat Res Publica;" "Long Live the Republic."