Following her arrival in the New World, Madame wandered the muddy, underdeveloped streets of New Orleans, feeling distraught and deeply uncertain about her future. Between small, thatched-roof cabins, she came across a merchant stand adorned with fragrant herbs, brightly colored textiles, and large parcels full of the most delicious-smelling coffee beans imaginable. Selling these treasures was a man with a wide, mischievous grin and an unmistakable twinkle in his eye. The colony knew him simply as “Big John.” John poured Madame a steaming cup of dark, rich coffee and told her about the many exciting adventures of his days as a privateer. The incredible treasures he sold had been plundered from distant ports all over the world and were originally intended for royalty and the fabulously wealthy, until Big John came along with his remarkably sticky fingers.
 

Bewitched by the comforting coffee and enchanted by his stories of rebellion, travel, sirens, and alleged sea monsters, Madame concocted a terribly wonderful idea. She proposed that the two procure a ship and travel the world, intercepting treasures from royal merchant vessels and living beyond the reach of kings and empires. Being the rogue that he was, Big John required very little convincing, and by sunrise the daring duo set sail for Santo Domingo in search of the finest coffee to fuel their future escapades. They answered to no flag and sailed under the credo, "Expulsis regium, restituta piritas," or "expel royalty, restore piracy."