It was 71 BC. when Spartacus had been defeated. He and his army were swiftly put to death along the Apian Way. Yet, his legend had survived all sorts of suppressive actions by the Republic. This did not set well at with all the local inhabitants that surround many towns and cities, within most provinces throughout the empire.
What was more was that Crassus was furious with how many Governors bowed quickly to Spartacus' advances, affording little or no resistance to him. One such governor to curry such disfavor was Ractucus, Governor of Brundisium. Crassus was incensed by the Ractucus' blanket permission of allowing pirate vessels safe harbor for Spartacus' escape.
Now, we have both Crassus and the Senate hounding Ractucus, cutting him off at the knees in both trade and defenses. Crassus knows too well, however, that if Brundisium falls to Pompey's influence, this could mean trouble for Crassus financial dealings with the southern peninsula of Italia.
So, Crassus has struck a bargain with Ractucus and this is where you come in. The Brundu Pass, North of Brundisium is a foot hold area for hostile natives. They tolerate Rome's rule, but only to a point. Crassus wants Ractucus to garrison the Pass for seven years, expensed from his own pocket, of course. After Seven years, Crassus will garrison the Pass with his troops and then move to engage the Pirates directly.
Ractucus understands the importance of both the Pass in Crassus' plans in engaging the pirates, and the face saving he is working with the Senate, and stopping Pompey's financial gains. The Governor will supply you with he has, which isn't much. You will have all the food you can use, however you will have but only 20,000 sestarsis in which to operate and build your garrison with. Do the best you can with what you have. Be extremely careful with your plans, the natives in that region will turn on you if you upset their lives too much. They will also muster an army once they find out you have garrisoned the pass and have restricted movement through it. They will move against you. Defeat them, and Crassus will be satisfied. This is all too set in the makings of a victory for Crassus, either if we vanquish the hordes or are crushed by them.
May the gods be with you, Brundisium and our very lives depend on your success.