The senate meeting at the temple of Bellona had only one meaning. Something radical was going to take place, and it certainly would not be in the best interests for many of Verres' constituents. Verres called together all his supporters, clients, friends, and indeed a large gathering of shady types from all over, just interested in the excitement of when things get out of hand. They were all very angry, spurred on by a keen hate for having so little while those in the senate had so much and tried their best to get more. They were riding the wave of the words Verres spoke, of the optimates taking control, the Consul Flaccus stealing from the treasury, Flaccus becoming dictator, misadministration by some new Praetor or Proconsul in the rich eastern provinces, which means less money for the equites. All that, and the good old pleb hatred for being told what to do by senators.

Verres honestly hoped that it would NOT get out of hand. He didn't want to use his veto, and he didn't want to be the center of attention or get killed like this, but his duties demanded a showing. Too many important things counted on the senate remaining a just body.

Eventually his throng made it to the temple, and did what he could to keep them under control. He walked forward with his people the moment he saw Calenus trying to get in. Verres thought: 'Good, he's taking the first move, and I will throw my weight behind that. Either way someone else takes the fall. Bah, why can't Flaccus just amend his bills?'