This story took place during the time of Peter I, when colonial policy was actively developing. European powers had long divided the Caribbean, parts of Africa, and South America among themselves, while Russia had only recently broken through to the Baltic. However, in the early 18th century, there remained one relatively free place, Madagascar. The island was effectively controlled by pirates who attacked ships traveling from India to Europe. England and France had repeatedly tried to oust them, but without success. It seemed that the island would remain a pirate republic until the Swedish defector Daniel Vilster proposed an interesting idea to Peter the Great.

He heard this idea at the Swedish royal court. Vilster suggested that the Russian emperor form an alliance with the pirates to establish a naval base there and then take control of the entire island and trade routes. If successful, this promised enormous profits. The idea was risky, but Peter decided to give it a try. The operation was prepared in strict secrecy, even the Collegium of Foreign Affairs was not informed.

According to the plan, Vilster was to meet with the pirate leader, deliver a letter from Peter I, discuss trade relations, and invite the pirate leadership to Petersburg. A military squadron was sent to Madagascar disguised as a trading caravan, and to prevent the English from suspecting anything, the ships were forbidden to pass through the English Channel, ordered to take a longer route.

In December 1723, the ships set sail from Revel, heading south. However, to Peter's great disappointment, they returned a few weeks later due to a severe leak. They began preparing a new expedition, but soon the emperor fell seriously ill and passed away. The era of Palace coups began, and the new leadership of the country no longer had time for Madagascar. It is unknown how the history of Russia might have changed if Vilster had managed to reach the pirates!