With the new vessels, many of the additional crew were transported over to assist in sailing them, giving everyone a little more breathing space.  Rosy imagined they made an impressive sight, the eight sailing together, everyone’s spirits lifting in their growing numbers and firepower.  If they could continue in acquiring more vessels and disabling Spanish forts, they could surprise the armada and have a winning chance in saving Tortuga and Port Royal.  The Sea Raven and Black Crow sailed close together in the cluster of warships, often Rosy and John could be seen together on one of the decks, discussing strategy or just enjoying each other’s company.<br/><br/>They discussed their future together and what it might look like.  With pardons, Rosy and her crew could sail anywhere without censure.  “We could go to the Americas, John, and start our own trading company.”  Rosy commented, “The colonies are expanding and providing a steady flow of merchandise would be very profitable for us but is this something you’d be interested in doing, especially with the diplomas in your cabin?”  Respecting his work in attaining them, she wanted to hear his ideas and knew until this venture was done and they were back in Tortuga nothing was set in stone.<br/><br/>The next fort was taken completely by surprise, surrendering without a single cannon being fired.  Captains used the ploy of Johns, switching flags back to the Spanish flag on the captured galleons and having them sail into the fort’s bay first.  Unsuspecting, no alarms were set off and the Spanish ships being prepared to depart were easily overwhelmed and absorbed by the marauding English and Pirate entourage.  Captains made quick work of the fort, destroying any means that word could be spread to any other ports along their route.