After he had met with Appius Claudius Caecus, the commander of his naval escort, Flavius Fabricius sat in deep thought. Gnaeus Cornelius Cossus, the Navarch of Classis Syriaca, had sent a very large contingent to escort the "AGGAMEMNON" to Alexandria. He had also sent a 1000 marines in response to Fabricius's request for naval troops. Now that the naval escort had arrived it was time to board ship and begin the long journey to Alexandria. Fabricius opened the door to his office and requested the centurion who was the watch commander to summon Lucius his factotum. When Lucius appeared he ordered him to get the household members, his personal items, and his Nubian guard on board the "AGGAMEMNON" they were leaving with the tide in 6 hours......