Tullius hesitated for a moment and couldn’t help but say again, "I think allowing this rebel army to gain better weaponry through trade will bring some trouble to our suppression forces, so I once wrote to the governor of Brindisi, hoping he could dispatch a navy to blockade the Sarabia Port."
But... but he replied saying that most of Brindisi’s warships have already been sent to Little Asia to assist Lucullus in warfare, and he doesn’t have enough ships and manpower to completely blockade the Sarabia Port, he can only ensure that the rebels do not escape by sea..."
As a Roman Governor, Publius Crassus has jurisdiction over the towns in Italy, yet he seemed oblivious to the matter of Brindisi mentioned by Tullius, making no response and instead asking, "Tullius, it seems you... took office at Metapontum the year before last, didn’t you?"
"Yes." Tullius, pondering the intent behind the Governor’s question, cautiously said, "It was by the recommendation of Lord Cotta."
"Cotta always had a keen eye, but it’s a pity..." Publius Crassus sighed lightly, briefly mourning the recently deceased former Governor, then said, "You are an excellent town governor; while other towns fear the rebels and dare not fight them, you have defeated them twice. After eradicating the rebels, I will report your achievements to the Senate."
Hearing this, Tullius was overjoyed. He strained to suppress the joy rising in his heart and feigned humility, saying, "Thank you for your praise, I am merely fulfilling my duty."
"You are too modest; it’s precisely because many town governors have not fulfilled their duties that the rebel forces have swollen to nearly 200,000!"
With a solemn expression, Publius Crassus pressed one hand tightly on the map before him, saying in a deep voice, "Although they lack weapons and training, the sheer number is a major advantage! Yet, some people in Rome think defeating these rebels is easy, and any slight setback is blameworthy! To satisfy them isn’t easy; how can we more smoothly eradicate these rebels? Tullius, do you have any suggestions?"
Receiving the promise and approval of Publius Crassus, Tullius was extremely excited and immediately shouted, "Esteemed Governor, you need not worry. Although this band of rebels is numerous, they are not united internally.
Before I came, I just received news that the rebel leaders Spartacus and Cross had a conflict. Spartacus, fearing your might, intends to lead his troops northward. However, Cross insists on staying in Great Greece, and they had disputes, nearly fighting. Afterwards, Cross ordered his men not to associate with Spartacus’s people...
Esteemed Governor, you need not rush to advance. Just wait a few more days, and these rebels will surely divide their forces..."
"You mean to defeat them separately..." Publius Crassus’s eyes lit up.
.....................
In the past few days, Sarabia City, which had been peaceful for months, became exceptionally chaotic. Various departments of the Maximus Army stationed in the city were busy packing up, preparing to retreat.
"Acronis, I’ve brought over a dozen carts. The leader has said to prioritize loading your kitchen supplies." The transportation captain, Seksepis, rushed into the kitchen but saw Kitchen Director Acronis sitting dazed on the ground, getting anxious: "Acronis, don’t just sit there blankly, everyone’s waiting for your order to load the carts!"
"I know, I know, stop shouting, it’s annoying!" Acronis snapped back to her senses, grumbled unhappily, stood up, and headed for the door. At the doorway, she couldn’t help but look back at the empty stove, sighed, and said, "Just got used to being here, and now we have to leave again, just like in Pompey, always drifting. When can we finally stay somewhere long-term and have a real home!"
Seksepis was startled but before he could respond, Acronis encouraged herself, saying, "The leader has promised several times that he will provide us with a real home, and he will surely succeed!"
As Acronis spoke, she regained her spirits, put aside her reluctance, and shouted enthusiastically to her subordinates waiting outside the door, "Brothers and sisters, let’s quickly load everything onto the carts together!"
At Sarabia Port, Pigeris hurried to the warehouse and saw Karsipengpas and his group who had just landed. He let out a long breath, "Thank heavens, Karsipengpas, you finally arrived on time!"
"Onomabatis took some time to find me after leaving port last time, to inform me of your desire to meet quickly." Karsipengpas glanced at the other pirate captains behind him, explaining, "I then took some time to gather them, and it also took some time to evade Roman patrol ships, but it seems we are not too late."
Pigeris glanced at Alakosia beside him, stopped the chatter, and spoke directly, "Alakosia has told you, right? We are about to evacuate Sarabia, and there are still many supplies in this warehouse and several nearby warehouses that we can’t take with us. The leader specifically told me to notify you to come and transport these supplies back to your tribe, so their lives can improve a bit."
"We are truly grateful to Leader Maximus!" Karsipengpas said sincerely, "Even in such times, he still thinks of us! Can we meet him and thank him personally?"