"100 Liburniae, 105 Biremes, 245 Triremes, 45 Quadremes, 15 Quinquiremes, these sir, are the final numbers of all ships in the port of Puteoli, including those just constructed, and we do not believe any more are coming sir. Rather than any fleets from Africa and Cyrenaica provinces, Numedia, and Mauretania we have received only messages informing us that they cannot leave their coasts with the current pirate threat. Our allies in the East tell us they too are unwilling to leave their home waters."
Quintus frowned. He had been a fool to think Rome's allies would think beyond the issues of their own shores with such a large pirate threat in existence. He had only what the western Provinces of Rome could muster for him and nothing more. Very well, it would have to be enough.
"Prepare the ships. We set sail as soon as we are provisioned. Quickly. We are far behind our enemies already. I will make my flagship the Haliaeetos, not the largest ship, but a true beauty. Twenty liburnae are to set sail immediately and sail half a day ahead of us, reporting into the main fleet what is ahead. They will engage no enemies and if confronted with any large force will retreat to join the main force. They are among the fastest ships in the Mare Internum, I should not think running should be a problem. All other ships will sail centered on my flagship. Go now."
The aide ran off, face beaming. No doubt anxious to be off. The word spread like fire through Puteoli and before the order even arrived to many commanders they were already preparing their ships for sea. Where to though? Quintus still wrestled with the issue. He told no one of the destination but one commander of the twenty scouting liburnae until the fleet was at sea and Puteoli out of sight. Then, on the deck of the Haliaeetos Quintus revealed his plan to his commanders.
"We sail south. For Africa province. At all speed. We have no time to waste. We will seek to rendevous with the recently completed fleet there and the fleets of Cyrenaica, Numidia, and Mauretania and drive off the pirates. But as I said. Quickly. This is not going to be a long drawn out pirate hunting expedition. How a fleet of 200 pirates has managed to stay gathered this long this far from their homebase in Cilcia is beyond me. Normally these guys dash off after gathering enough goods. I intend to create further arguments for their swift departure from the region, a few hundred arguments, with a few hundred armed men each. Send fast messengers to Numidia and Mauretania instructing them to send their fleets to meet with Catalus' Africa fleet. Tell them they are needed to help drive off the pirates threatening their shores. Tell the same to the Cyrenaican province fleet. And send another to Catalus in Africa telling him of our quick arrival."
And 500 ships sailed south.

(an OOC note to anyone who might have been following my posts: I have made mention of the the fleet of Cyrenaica being present at Puteoli. I have been informed that I was incorrect to assume this and that this fleet is still at its home province. I have edited all my previous posts so that references to this fleet are now as the fleet of Sicilia and Praefectus Classis Tiberius Tullius Tricostus is the commander of this Sicilian fleet, not of that of Cyrenaica. I apologize if this causes any confusion.)