Once his initial report had been dispatched to Cato, Gallus set about to coming up with the other contingencies which would be required. After all, why on earth should the pirates oblige Rome by remaining at anchor right where they were, now that their location had been compromised?

Still, if the fleet could be mustered quickly enough, they still might be able to catch the bulk of the pirates before they had a chance to disperse, even if they still weren't packed neatly together at anchorage...

TBC