Pompeius explained his strategy without hesitation.
Already in his head, he drew precisely the plan to eradicate the pirates.
There was only silence in the barracks after the rough explanation.
A legate raised his hand carefully.
"Excuse me... I'm sorry, I don't doubt it, but is it really a possible strategy? Theoretically, it seems possible, but I don't know what to say...…."
"Ah, I know what you mean. But don't worry. I just gave a rough outline, but I also planned all the specific ways to implement it."
Pompeius drew a line without hesitation on the wide map on the table.
He continued explaining the area, which was divided into 13 zones.
"We divided the waters we will subdue into 13 like this. Let's divide the duration of the operation into the first and second half, and focus on the western part of the Mediterranean and the second half on the southern and eastern parts. Do you have any questions at this stage?"
As soon as the horse fell, the legate of the 4th Legion raised his hand.
"Can you tell me the criteria for dividing the sea area and the reason for dividing the operation period?"
"Based on the routes of the pirates we spotted, we sorted out an area where their base might be located, and based on that, we divided the sea area. And in the West, which is far away from Cilicia, the home of pirates, their forces are weak. I decided that it would be more efficient to tighten slowly, starting with the weak side."
Pompeius's answer was not interrupted for a moment.
In fact, the commander-in-chief of the legions has no obligation to explain the operation to the legates.
However, Pompeius is willing to go through such trouble because the battlefield for this operation is too wide.
Even if it is limited to the western Mediterranean, it includes Hispania to North Africa and Sicily and Sardinia.
The efficient operation was possible only when the legates acted as Pompeius's hands and feet.
To do so, the legates must clearly understand Pompeius's ideas.
"One more thing to keep in mind is that we should not be obsessed with wiping out pirates in front of us. Keep in mind that the goal of this operation is to root out the pirates, not just execute a few pirates."
"What? But shouldn't you fight and defeat them in the end to wipe it out?"
"There's no need to fight pirates in this operation."
"Yes?"
Isn't it sophistry to say that there is no need to fight while carrying out a sweeping operation?
If it weren't Pompeius who brought it up, everyone would laugh.
Pompeius calmly continued his explanation until all the legates understood his idea.
"Abandon the stereotype that the pirates are the opponent and must be eliminated in a naval battle. Are you going to intercept the pirates spread all over the Mediterranean? How long do you think it will take to wipe them all out?"
"Oh, I see."
"...?"
A few of the legates understood Pompeius's meaning, but many more still looked puzzled.
In the end, it took more than a day for the legates and centurions to understand and master Pompeius's strategy.
This is because Pompeius asked the legates questions assuming the situation and did not let them go unless they got an appropriate answer.
When it convinced him that the legates understood the strategy satisfactorily, Pompeius handed out the order.
"The legates in charge of each sea should act according to this order. I must reiterate that personal judgment should never be given priority. Follow my orders thoroughly, and use your improvisation only when unexpected situations arise. And even if that happens, you have to follow the policy I ordered thoroughly."
The legates constantly exclaimed when they read the orders issued to them.
Pompeius's order gave surprisingly detailed instructions.
To put a little exaggeration, it seemed that the operation could be carried out even if anyone sat in the legates' seats.
Judging that all preparations were finally completed, Pompeius decided to start the action.
He rallied the legions and began a speech announcing the advance.
Originally Pompeius was not a very good orator.
His speech to the public was not good enough to say empty words.
However, he was born with the talent to boost the morale of the legions.
There was no way a large army could hear the commander-in-chief's voice of 120,000.
So Pompeius rode his horse through the legion, raising his voice so that as many soldiers as possible could hear him.
"Listen, valiant legions of Rome! You have had the greatest fortune in obtaining glory and riches. Remember the damage pirates have done so far. Your families and neighbors, and even Rome and the entire Mediterranean world, have been plagued by those wicked pirates. They will now be trampled under our feet. You will be the saviors of Rome and the Mediterranean! Imagine how many people will praise and praise our achievements."
It gradually colored the faces of the legionnaires listening to Pompeius's speech with anticipation and joy.
None of the soldiers here knew how serious the damage the pirates had caused.
When they wiped out the pirates, they naturally imagined the honor they would receive.
"Of course, there may be soldiers who feel uneasy because they are not used to naval battles. But there is no need to be afraid. This war, no, I wouldn't describe this operation as war. This is our Rome's punishment for pirates! Follow my orders faithfully. Then you will see pirates trampled under our feet like bugs! The blessing of the great god Mars is with us!"
"Oooooh! Imperator!"
The war was not over yet, but the soldiers stamped their feet, shouting Imperator.
The commander's confidence and conviction are naturally passed on to soldiers.
The morale legions formed a rank and boarded the warship.
Marcus boarded a flagship that oversees the front line with Pompeius.
"That's incredible."
He was amazed when he came up to the top of the deck.
It was different in size from the ship he boarded on his way to Sicily.
It might feel that way more because it is a warship that will lead a large fleet of over 500 ships.
The presence alone seemed to exude overwhelming power as even soldiers with full military discipline were on board.
Pompeius was giving instructions to the soldiers with a dignified appearance as a player.
Soon after, a large sail came down and swelled up under the wind, and a huge flagship began to move slowly.
In line with the oars moving in perfect order, the warships cutting through the sea surface created a thrilling wave.
The scenery of hundreds of warships backing inland was spectacular in itself.
Marcus did not take his eyes off Pompeius, who was still giving instructions here and there.
'I should take this opportunity to learn everything I can.'
The main reason for participating in this war was to build the promised glory and military service.
On top of that, there was nothing more to hope for if he could learn even a little bit of Pompeius's genius strategy-making ability.
Marcus, who read the entire Commentarii de Bello Gallico, concluded that Caesar's method was not very helpful.
Caesar's way of fighting was too dependent on the commander-in-chief's sense of timing and field.
In other words, there were too many battles that he could not imitate unless the commander were Caesar.
However, Pompeius was a different type of general than Caesar.
The proof is that he thoroughly instilled a plan into the legates even before the start of the war.
He preferred to draw a big picture in advance and lead the war according to its flow.
Marcus thought he could learn this part enough.
Of course, if there was a war in the future, detailed tactics were planned to be left to excellent subordinates.
You don't have to do everything alone to be at the peak like Caesar.
Unlike Caesar, Octavianus, who later became the first emperor of Rome, had a low military talent.
Nevertheless, he succeeded in holding all of Rome's power by placing excellent men in the right place.
From the leader's point of view, this method may be ideal.
Marcus had already completed the search for excellent candidates to command the legions.
However, some people were not born yet, so there was too much time left until they grew up.
'Let's do our best to learn. Even if it's not to fall down in the most important phase.'
There is still more than a decade left, but now the turning point of fate is slowly approaching.
Until then, everything must be ready.
Marcus' eyes were extending beyond the Mediterranean Sea in front of him to the far east.
* * *