Under the management of the Consortium, Nassau prospered, Pirates continued to terrorize the shipping lanes. The loot was brought back to Nassau where the Consortium made it legitimate cargo to be sold in the colonies. For a time, it seemed that the Pirate Republic experiment had succeeded, and the Pirates dream of a free and independent nation was finally realized. They already had connections to other settlements in the Caribbean including Tortuga and Port Royal. Under the tenants of the Consortium, the members of the republic were forbidden from attacking British ships. Caedus hoped that they could gain recognition from Britain and in time build enough power to seize the Caribbean Islands owned by the rival European powers and populate them with the maroons and future escaped slaves.

As Nassau thrived, Caedus began making moves of his own. Inspired by the Flying Gang, Caedus began forming his own band of captains together. Naturally his first members were John Merrick of the Kimera and Charles Johnson of the Manticore.

Joining them was:

William Crest of the Man O' War Cauldron

Joseph Reed of the Man O' War Pilgrim

Douglas Brown of the frigate Reaper

Billy Leach of the frigate Black Swann

Tom Wogen of the frigate Hawk

One-Eyed Willy of the East Indiaman Inferno

Bob Harvey of the brig Speedy

James Hook of the frigate Jolly Roger

Inigo Montoya of the Man O' War Revenge

Christopher Raven of the Man O' War Red Ruin

Emilio Di Roccabruna of the frigate Thunder

Rodney Radcliffe of frigate The Black Hand

Andrew Murray of the Royal James

Together these 16 captains formed a new group called the Red Ribbon Reavers with a red sash across their waist identifying its members. They extended an offer to their fellow pirates to join them including Kenway and Flint but most preferred being left to their own devices. Under Caedus' leadership, the Reavers enjoyed an endless stream of success, wreaking havoc across the Atlantic Triangular Trade. Their ships could be seen in Africa and the Americas looting traders and liberating slaves. The best know tactic of the Reavers was to pose as foreign ships by flying their flags and attack.

Caedus would return to Nassau in 1717, where he took notice of a new barmaid working in the tavern. She was insanely beautiful with long red hair and bright hazel eyes; her name was Anne Bonny. At first Caedus began small talk with her whenever she took a break, but it soon progressed to longer periods of time. Caedus learned that Anne was already married to James Bonny, a lowly sailor with a weasel like appearance. Caedus took note of the man as he eyed his wife with growing resentment, but despite his anger James didn't dare cross Caedus due to his infamous reputation. After a couple of weeks Anne approached him, she looked nervous.

"Are you alright Anne?" Caedus asked concerned taking a swig of rum.

"They say you take women into your crew." She said as the twittled her fingers.

Caedus nodded, "Aye given that they do their part on the ship."

"I-I've always wanted go out to sea but it's just not woman's work."

Caedus waved her off, "Tosh, Anne your gender should not stop you from doing what you wish. I have had many women in my crew, and they fight well as any man."

Anne shook her head and looked away, "I haven't the faintest idea how to sail, an no way to learn in any case."

Caedus set his bottle down, "jus' say the word Anne and we can start."

Anne turned to Caedus her eyes wide with shock. "Y-you would teach me, to wield a cutlass and maybe even a pistol."

Pistol, axe, whip, dagger, musket Whatever you wish. Soon you will be as fierce as any pirate."

Anne smiled and in a surprising move embraced him. "Thank you." She whispered in his ear.

Caedus continued, "It will not be easy Anne, this is bitter work, but I promise you the results will be worth it."

Anne nodded to show she understood, "Meet me at the cliff below the manor tonight," he told her.

As soon as night fell Anne followed Caedus instructions. Together they made their way to the most secluded part of the island. A small patch of land against the cliffside surrounded by crocodile waters. Caedus had setup a small camp here with a straw stuffed dummy. Instead of a cutlass, Caedus pulled out a rapier and handed it to Anne.

Anne looked at him questioningly. "You have a slender form," Caedus explained. "A slender body demands a slender blade."

"This won't stand against those pirate cutlasses," She reasoned.

"Most pirates fight like brutes, hackin and slashin like it's the medieval times. Few people wear armour anymore. It doesn't take much to pierce our flesh." Caedus came up behind her and guided her hand. "Using the rapier focuses on wrists rather than the whole arm. Speed is more important than strength, it won't sever limbs, but it will poke an enemy full of holes if you are quick."

Anne smiled as she began to attack the dummy. Over the next year, Caedus continued training Anne in fighting and freerunning. Two months into her training, Caedus took her aboard the Aegaeon, where he and the crew taught her the workings of a ship. Caedus even let her take the helm from time to time. Joshua didn't seem to care much, as he seemed to drift apart from his captain these days, instead spending his time helping 'James Kidd' to attack Templar targets. By 1718 Anne Bonny became an expert fencer, a crack shot and a decent sailor. Anne managed to find a way to shift between her job at the tavern and pirating, eventually the two became lovers. Anne Bonny found herself drawn to Edward Kenway and even Jack Rackham. While Caedus didn't mind Kenway, Rackham reeked snake. Nevertheless, he let Anne have her fun. After all even women have freedom in Nassau and she was not his property.

In late January, Caedus and Kenway were discussing a new venture when they heard a ruckus between Vane, Hornigold and Thatch. Heading on over they saw Vane was practically red faced. "I'm telling you, it's a bag of bloody shite" Vane declared red faced. "It's a ruse, to keep us soft before they attack Nassau. Mark my words."

"It's no ruse," Thatch insisted. "I heard it straight from a Bermudan captain. A pardon for anyone that wants it."

"Ruse of no it is clear that the British mean to return to Nassau with arms-" Hornigold glared at Caedus, "And with greater numbers no doubt. We need a plan."

Caedus shrugged, "aye, if they do mean to return then we best make preparations. We'll leave Nassau with nothing for the british to take. I suggest we strip the fort and our beached ship and start movin' our weapons, and loot to someplace else."

"You mean to abandon Nassau." Thatch asked in disbelief. After everything we and the Consortium have done to make this place thrive?"

Caedus spread his arms apart. "Let's face it, the British would never let us live quietly. no matter what eventually they would come for us." Caedus turned and walked away.

Hornigold turned to Thatch, "the boy has a point you know."

Thatch shook his head, "if there is still a chance to save this place, I'll take it."

Caedus decided to seek council from Jennings. Jennings had decided to take the pardon if it proved to be real, He intended to live his life without interference from the king. Caedus went to the manor to inform the Guthrie of the situation, Eleanor agreed that it would not be long before Nassau fell and agreed to help Caedus make preparations. Richard however wanted to take the pardon and after a heated argument between father and daughter, Eleanor stormed out of the rom fuming. Caedus informed the other pirate captains and their crews, most of whom had grown tired of pirating and accepted. But a few refused to surrender something that has worked out so well for them for so long. Caedus recruited these men into the Reavers while those who had taken the pardon offered to work in Caedus' plantation on Black Island or become part of the Consortium. He striped the fort of its guns as well as the those of the captured Man o' War. These guns were transported to Black Island and used to further fortify it.

Caedus' fears of Nassau's fall came true when in July 1718. He was sitting next to Kenway was focused on writing a letter. Caedus smiled, "still writing to your li'l crumpet back in England?" He asked knowingly.

"Aye," Kenway confirmed. He stared at the letter for a bit. "Do you think she still reads them?"

Caedus shrugged, "never know, but ye might as well."

Anne came by holding a goblet of ale and sat down facing them with a smile. Kenway shook his head and crumpled up the letter. "I reckon she's past caring in any case." He reasoned.

Anne shook her head. "Ahh you're a hard heart that should be softer." She half scolded.

"Or soft in parts that should be hard," a voice called from above. The three looked up and saw Rackham sitting on the railing before jumping onto the table.

"And you would know all about his hard parts Mr. Rackham?" Anne wondered with a mischievous smile.

Rackham grinned, "would you like to know my secret?"

Anne raised her eyebrows. "Aye give me a small hint, or a large one if you're an upright gentleman." Rackham took her hand and handed her a freshly made pistol which surprised her. Suddenly gunfire could be heard, everyone turned towards the harbor and saw a fleet of british ships blockading the harbor.

Caedus growled under his breath "fuck my shite," Govenor Woodes Rogers had arrived with a british fleet to deal with the pirates. By now, Caedus had completed stripping Nassau, all arms equipment and loot had been moved to either Great Inagua or Black Island. Joshua had taken the Aegaeon to Kenway's hideout, leaving Caedus alone in Nassau. Alongside Rogers was a rigid Commodore that had bad blood with Caedus in the past. Caedus, Kenway and Rackham headed for a nearby stone wall to get a better look.

Rackham took a swig of rum before speaking to Caedus. "Well, I'll be hanged Caedus, when you're right, you're right. The King's finally had enough of our shinanigans."

Rogers stepped onto the beach along with the commodore. "We demand a parley with the ones who call themselves governors of this island. Ed Thatch, Ben Hornigold, Charles Vane, Joseph Flint and Captain Caedus."

None of those men were keen on approaching the british, except for one. Caedus and Kenway looked in disbelief as Hornigold came onto the beach giving Rogers an all too warm welcome.

"Lilly-livered punk!" Rackham called out.

"A two-faced bastard greetin a two-faced gov'na, how fittin." Caedus snarled as he went to meet with the British emissaries. The Commodore demanded that Caedus remove his mask. Caedus responded by offering him a shave. Rogers stepped in between them and allowed Caedus to keep the mask.

Caedus, Vane, Rackham, and Flint largely ignored the shite Rogers was telling them. They had absolutely no intention on surrendering to these sprites. But Hornigold, Burgess and Cockram seemed to be keener to listen. Out of the corner of his eyes, Caedus noticed Kenway snooping around and took care to keep Rogers attention. They headed to the cleared-out fort now occupied by british soldiers. There in the command barrack they finished the talks. Once they were finished, everyone came out.

"I pray you take the prudent course gentlemen and accept the king's pardon." Rogers told the pirates. "Until that happens, all of you shall be confined to Nassau. I am sorry for this, but aside from a public trial, this pardon is your only hope."

The Commodore scoffed, "the governor puts it too lightly maggots," he warned. "Accept the king's pardon or we will raze this pathetic town and stretch your bloody necks."

Caedus gave a short laugh, "I'd like to see you try, bastard." He snarled, "and I promise you, by the time my neck stretches, your neck will be as bloody as mine."

"How dare you threaten me!" the commodore roared.

"That was not a threat 'commodore'," Caedus replied. "That was a promise."

Rogers once again stepped between them. "Peace gents," he begged before turning to the Commodore. "We are messengers not executioners, not yet anyway," he added with a smirk. He led the commodore back into the barracks for further discussion, closing the door behind him.

"Oh, thank you sir," Vane said mockingly waving his hand usually done in a bow.

"God save the king," Caedus added with a deep mocking bow. "Wish I could say the same for you."

"We should look on this as a stroke of fortune lads," Hornigold suggested. "We should accept the pardon and salvage the remnants of our dignity."

"Peace?" Vane demanded enraged. "I'll be hanged before I surrender to that Bobbin."

"The good gov'na is holding us captive in all but name," Caedus quipped. "He's aimed a pistol at our heads sayin sign or die. How is that reasonable Hornigold?"

"Caedus is right," Flint spoke up. "These terms are shaky at best and what's to stop them from wiping us out after we accept?"

"That outcome is more than likely than you think Flint," Caedus replied. "The Commodore may wipe us out now and say we attacked him, who do you think Rogers'll believe?"

"Check your heads," Hornigold said angrily. "We had a rare opportunity, a chance to make something decent. But in two years we pissed it all away, I won't make that mistake again."

"It's truth he's tellin," John Cockram agreed, "you whelps just can't handle it." He turned to follow Hornigold.

Josiah Burgess stood by him. "Adieu ye fiddle-headed fuddlers see you at the gallows." He soon followed Cockram

"You first," Caedus quipped, "perhaps I'll turn you into a fiddle."

"Bastards," Vane called after them. "You'll all be dead men, you hear me, DEAD!"

Later Caedus and the others sat around a table at the Tavern to discuss what to do. Vane's attention was focused on Hornigold and Richard who were walking with Rogers along the village center.

"Look at those three," Vane mumbled. "Talking like old friends, conniving bastard. To think I put up with their self-righteous shite for years."

Caedus nodded, "Hornigold has been turned that is plain to see and I always thought Richard was soft. It wouldn't surprise me if Cockram and Burgess end up taking to privateerin' themselves." He shrugged, "ah well no big loss anyways, but the moment they start huntin down our brethren, I'll have their livers for lunch."

Flint nodded, "I think we've outstayed our welcome in Nassau. We need to leave this place before the brits bear down on us."

"Agreed," Kenway replied with a nod. "We have a chance to survive this with our pride intact."

Everyone turned to Kenway, "that's confidence," Vane remarked. "You got a plan in mind?"

Kenway pulled out a map of the island and set it on the table. "The brits brought their supplies ashore, if we nick some gunpowder and pitch, we can make a fireship. We'll use it to punch a hole in the blockade allowing us to escape."

Vane gave a curt nod. "We'll use Rackham's ship, he ain't a capable captain anyway." Rackham was too drunk to take any offense.

Caedus shook his head, "let's use a ship from a captain who's taken the pardon." Vane nodded and Rackham thanked him for sparing his ship. Caedus studied the map closely. "There's a British Man o War grounded on the far beach. I think I'll use it to take out any other ship that may cause us problems."

"You got the crew to man such a vessel?" Flint asked.

"I got enough," Caedus replied with a smile. "I think I'll also slit that conniving commodore's throat as a bonus." The other pirates nodded to the plan, and they set to work.

The plan worked out beautifully. Using an unnamed schooner, they launched a fireship at Roger's fleet. causing it to panic and scatter. Kenway and the others broke through the blockade while Caedus used the Man o' War to sink several warships including a couple of frigates and man o war that was bombarding the pirates with mortar fire. After sinking the vessel, Anne had joined Caedus and together they joined the other pirates gathering at Great Inagua. In another act of defiance, the Reavers also seized the ships of Pirates who had accepted the pardon. Crewed by those still determined to fight these ships, were fully armed with cannons in from the beached Man o' War and broke out along with the other pirates.

Jack Rackham and his frigate, Colonial Dawn

Linus Harcourt and his frigate, Goliath

James Bridge and his brig, Demeter

Elisabet Ramsey and her frigate, Defiant

Katerine De Leon and her frigate, Eagle

Blaise Legros and his brig, Jacobite

Ferreira De Ortega and his east Indiamen, Emperor

Richard Grey and his east indiamen, Hefastus

Parry Crowther and his schooner, Royal Phoenix

Manuel Mendoza and his frigate, Royal Lion

Kumi Berko and his schooner, Maroom

The siblings Blaze and Beatrice Sharpe with their sloops Medusa and Buccaneer

It came as no surprise to his crew that Caedus had refused the King's Pardon. Despite Joshua's pleas for Caedus and the rest of the crew to accept the generous terms, his efforts were in vain. While a few men did accept tiring of this way of life, most stayed with Caedus. By the time of the Pardon, Caedus had amassed a massive fleet numbering 61 ships. But after the pardon was declared many of those captains in the fleet had taken it greatly reducing his once powerful force. By the time Caedus fled Nassau, only a handful remained with Caedus including the Red Ribbon Reavers. By this time, all that remained of the Flying Gang was Edward Thatch, Joseph Flint, Edward Kenway, Charles Vane, Jack Rackham and Edward England. Hornigold was a traitor and Jennings had taken the pardon and Olivier Levasseur had left to work independently.

A month later, Caedus received disturbing news. Hornigold had taken Eleanor captive after she tried to flee and handing her over to the Rogers. Rogers had decided that Eleanor would be taken back to England for trial. Richard was executed by one of Roger's Lieutenants, Captain Barringer. Mr. Scott was able to flee Nassau with the escaped slaves residing there but was injured in the process.

Caedus and Flint were enraged by this and set off to rescue her. Several sunken ships and a few plucked eyeballs later, they finally tracked and caught up with the ship holding Eleanor. The ship holding her was a simple frigate. It managed to evade the two pirates for two days before they manage to trap it on a reef. With the ship disabled. Caedus and Flint led a boarding party on rowboats. The frigate couldn't fight back since the reef had tilted the ship leaving the cannons at the wrong angle. Caedus and his men swarmed the ship slaughtered the crew and found Eleanor beaten and malnourished. After stripping the frigate, the Aegaeon finished it off while Eleanor would go with Flint to Great Inagua. That was when they learned that the one who had betrayed Eleanor was her own former lover Max. Flint would continue pirating while Eleanor became the manager of the profits for not only Great Inagua but also Black Island.

With Eleanor Guthrie's arrest, the Consortium was forced to lie low. Milo Van Der Graff decided to donate his ships, the man o' war Hollander and the Frigate San Lorenzo to the Red Ribbon Reavers. Milo retained command of the Hollander, while Captain Thomas Red was given command of the San Lorenzo. With Nassau taken, the Reavers set themselves on Pinos Isle making it their new base of operations.

Fortunately, with fewer pirates to deal with, the Consortium was able to keep the operation small but now more efficient. Caedus would add the plantation he owned in Kingston as a front for the Consortium's operations. Wearing a mask proved to be very beneficial for Caedus, namely because nobody knew what the pirate looked like. This allowed Caedus to roam the streets of Havana and Kingston without drawing any eyes. Whenever he entered one of those port cities Caedus used the Kimera, since the Aegaeon's black hull was too widely known. Caedus would dress in formal clothing knee high boots with black trousers and a black shirt under a green overcoat. Under the guise of a pirate hunter, he was able to gather information about convoys and naval actions and any pirate prisoners brought in.