As to the point made by our newest candidate for Megas Logothetes that our forces should be evaluated, I would ask the senate to make note of the fact that a number of our ships float not far from the coast of Venice with an assortment of leaderless and depleted troop units. I would propose these vessels be directed to sail at once for Ragusa and the troops placed under the care of a most loyal servant of our empire, Senator Markos ek Sinopis.