As the sun had just begun to creep into the sky Quintus Servilius Nerva stepped onto the docks of Utica. The harbor was alive and bustling, but the city above was just beginning to come to life. Perfect. Nerva did not wish to make a large entrance, not yet...

The harbor was completely filled. Hundreds of trading vessels sat dormant in the harbor, the trading season had only just begun. Elements of the African fleet, comprised of 50 liburnae and 150 triremes, lay along the docks while others patrolled outside the harbor. There would be no problems in transporting the legions of Africa...

After giving sacrifice in thanks of a safe voyage Nerva made his way to the governors villa. Those who were awake curiously eyed the procession making its way through the streets of the city. A Proconsul of Rome is not an inconspicuous man. The fasces, the robes, clients, it was clear who the man was. Rumor spread at astounding speed. By the time Nerva had arrived at the villa a large crowd had assembled. It was clear many had just leapt out of bed, but none wanted to not be present at this moment. The lower strata for mere curiosity, the upper in an effort to learn how they might improve their situation with the new governor...

But Nerva had little interest in the well to do of Utica at the moment. There was another, a man of far greater importance, who he was anxious to meet with. He had learned that King Juba of Numidia had accepted his invitation and had arrived in the city not long before he had. There was much to do to prepare for an audience with the man...

Still, it would be a mistake to ignore the crowd,
"Fellow Romans! Africans! All who are assembled here today! I am honored to stand before you as Proconsul of Africa. Alas, my friends, I wish I could come to you and tell you that all is well in the Republic. I wish I could come to you in times of peace, but alas such is not my fate. For Africa is threatened as it has not been since the war against the vile Pola. The false Pharaoh to our East brings instability to the region; his army threatens all of Rome’s holdings on the southern continent. However, in this very city and this very moment we shall lay the roots for his ultimate defeat! I shall strike out and bring to the Uticans the head of those who would challenge Rome! There is much to do, but the honor and rewards shall be great! When we have completed our task, when stability is ensured, we shall build up the city of Utica and hold such games that there will travelers from throughout the Republic and from Rome itself that shall come to marvel!"

Entering the villa Nerva turned to a servant, "Bring all the commanders of the legions here. We shall begin immediately. And find out what you can about King Juba and his entourage. How many did he bring with him? Anything you can find."