Another address to the Roman Legions

To Rome's stalwart defenders, I salute you!

It must be discouraging, brave soldiers, that you find yourself once again face-to-face with Civil War. But do not loose heart, soldiers, for I stand with you, just as I stood with you at Apollonia. I am here because I owe you nothing less.

Who is our enemy? Perhaps Civil War's greatest crime against a people is that it clouds one's enemies, forcing men to attack the shadows of what they believe are their foes. The enemy of the Senate is Marcus Aemilius Lepidus—former consul, praetor, and trusted deputy of our father, Gaius Julius Caesar. Many of you served under his generalship against Pompey in the East, and you know he is an experienced military mind and determined commander. Some of you, understandably, may still feel as though you owe your loyalty to him, for his treatment of you. I know many of you are angry at the Senate's condemnation of your former-General, but it must be understood, it was no easy decision to make.

I too looked up to Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, but I will not relent in my defense of Rome in this most critical moment. With that, I have expanded the military payroll using my own assets in addition to what is normally afforded military command. We are in a dire scenario—every Roman must make sacrifices, but I will not ask for you soldiers to make sacrifices before I do so myself. Soldiers here, as you know, will be well-fed, well-equipped and well-trained, so long as I have anything to say about it!

In the coming days, the Senate may decide to assemble legions under the consul, Publius Cornelius Dolabella. These legions may include you as well. I fear for your safety, in that this is a death sentence and a painful request that you fight your former brothers, and will do everything I can to assist you in the meantime, even if the Senate ignores my requests to be allowed to lead you personally in defense of our country. Most important is where we stand: Rome is in peril—I know you men, and I know you will come to her rescue!