Merchant Wharf on the Tiber

[Pontifex Maximus]

Praetor Severus Metellus makes his way to the merchant sector to meet with his captains who had been forced to sail back to Rome to seek refuge from the Pirates. The Lictors accompany Severus as he makes his way down the winding streets, out of the forum, and towards the stench of the wharf. Passing plebeians cast looks of disapproval as Severus turned his nose up to the lower classes.

Severus spotted his ships and made his way to speak to Gaius, the captain of his largest ship.

Gaius, I am not pleased that these ships will sit here all year rotting in this river while pirates ravage our trade lanes. You must have seen them, what can you tell me about their numbers and capabilities?

[Magicman2051]

Gaius, clearly as frustrated as Severus, pulls out a crudely drawn chart and lays it out on the table before Severus.

"We haven't been able to determine where they're based, because they seem the based everywhere," he said with a tinge of admiration," and they've kept their raiding parties small and fast. When the majority of the fleet sailed to the Aegean to deal with the Pontic scourge they became significantly more active, I think they have sources in Rome but I can't say for sure. Its odd that no live have been lost, they cut us off, board and fight in short order and then relieve the ship of any valuables without killing anyone and even rendering some aid themselves... which is a smart move."

He points to a few places on the chart where attacks have taken place, they denote the number of ships involved, the time and the direction of their ships after the raid. There are at eight raider ships in the Balearic, which sometimes group up to form larger parties but rarely engage in numbers exceeding three, two in the Tyrrhenian and a larger fleet of three off of Sicily with a further three near Carthage.

[Pontifex Maximus]

I see...I seek appointment to deal with this threat once and for all. Until then keep these ships maintained. We will find where they make their port and return to Rome with the stolen wealth. You did well to evade them, Gaius. With the Consul already away in the east it may fall to others with imperium. I know these matters are above your comprehension, however. The point I am trying to make is not to worry, you shall soon be in work again.

[Magicman2051]

Gaius hid his amusement at the jab and bowed as Severus departed.