Accepting this will be a stressful day is a good idea. Maybe the quest employer, or the backers, didn't get the memo about Vice. Magical and fighting power is non-existent in Vice. Someone found out Vice can't do magic? Ah that might be it, and he's being sent to have his mage card revoked. Sitting on the deck of a coastal boat, Vice is far from pleased. Grimacing, he's wondering if he has to forfeit his life heroically, just to attack some third-rate pirates. Trying hard will have to bring Vice success this time. Unreasonably thinking back, Vice thinks he should have found literally anybody for help. Positive thoughts, positive thoughts. Plotting out a plan of action is key. Time is not a luxury, as Vice has been notified of an escape, rather than a prevention. Evidently, Vice who's wanting to deal with pirates, must first intercept them and secure everything relevant about them.
Still residing on a borrowed coastal boat, Vice can promptly dig into the mindset of the engagement. Reservations are present from top to bottom. There's no structured force to deal with the pirates, but it's also beneath stronger mages to deal with them, to conclusively waste time. The methods of the pirate operation, as Vice contemplates, are overall amusing. Guaranteed or repetitive escape routes, and no backing that Vice has been informed of. Sooner or later, the pirates in Hargeon will have offended someone they can't offend, as they're non-discriminatory. Luckily for Vice he's only facing a smaller cell of the pirate force. Thinking about how the quest is to just show appearances won't help how Vice will engage, and only brings his morale down. Estimating the level of strength is what's important. Vice doesn't really care to elaborate his mindset toward the goods stolen, casualties provoked.