Estrella couldn't help but think that of all the men she had to deal with in her life, British Naval Officers were certainly the most rude. Any captain, pirate or not, deserved some modicum of respect, and yet she found herself being manhandled up onto a Royal ship deck. She'd recognized the ship as soon as it had made port, and had been trying to get her own ship up and ready to go, not wanting to deal with the confrontation. She hadn't quite been that lucky, instead finding herself detained as well as her crew. As the two guards shoved her into the Captain's Quarters, she turned to glare at them, straightening her coat. Their commander stood at the window with his back to her, and she rolled his eyes at his dramatics.
"Have a seat." His voice was commanding, though she remained standing. Reaching down, she scooped up a teacup nearby and took a sip. Royal Naval ships always had the best tea, but she'd never attempted to take one of their ships for fear of losing her own. The Commodore turned, halting in his tracks as shock took over his features. With a smirk, Estrella took another sip. "Estrela?"
"Capitán Estrella Varela." He seemed to pull himself together a bit, tucking his hands back behind him. "You would think after all this time, you would at least say my name correctly, James." She could see his jaw tick and she set the cup down. "What is it you want?"
"We're looking for a particular ship. You're going to help us." He moved to stand across the desk from her, and Estrella turned a bit to face him properly.
"Why would I help you?" It was clear she was getting under his skin, and it gave her a bit of satisfaction.
"The governor's daughter has been kidnapped. If you help us locate her, there will likely be a reward for you." Her eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms in front of her.
"What, the mercy of a quick execution?" He looked down and she sighed, thinking over her options. It wouldn't be the first time she'd had to escape capture, but it would be a first for openly defying the Royal Navy. Worst case, she would need to make sure her men were in position for a rescue. After a time of silence, she spoke again, her voice softer now. "You said the governor's daughter. You mean Elizabeth, yes?" James looked up, nodding minutely. Estrella sighed, shaking her head. "Who took her?"
"Pirates, obviously." Her gaze hardened, and he gave his own eye roll. "Oh, don't give me that."
"Fine, pirates. No description of ship, crew, captain?" Arching a brow, she reached for the tea again, intent to enjoy the quality drink before she would have to leave. James' hand shot out to stop her, holding onto hers with a fierceness she hadn't expected that caused her heart to race. Only hesitating for a moment, she pulled her hand back and settled them on her hips, working to get her heart back to normal. Old feelings tended to die hard, it would seem, and she was a bit angry at herself for having the distraction.
"Witnesses reported the crew were...undead." All emotion but shock faded as she stared at him, instantly knowing what ship and crew were at fault. "The ship is called-"
"The Black Pearl." James' arched a brow, setting down the paper he had been reading from.
"Yes. I take it you're familiar with her and her crew?" She nodded numbly, mind racing. If the crew truly were undead like the rumours had been saying, it meant that they had actually located Cortes' gold. Estrella had been wary enough when Sparrow had approached her to help with her crew, and now she was grateful she'd declined. "Good. Then we have an agreement."
"You expect me to chase after a crew which cannot be killed for the sake of Elizabeth Swann?" She leaned on the desk, getting as close to in his face as she dared. "Why not risk your own men, hm?"
"I am!" He snapped, leaning forward as well. She could see it then, his real motivation for chasing down this wretched ship: he was still smitten with Elizabeth. It caused a tightness in her chest even as he sighed and dropped his head. "I am risking them. But there are rules for me, ones I absolutely must follow." Estrella nodded, though he didn't see, and thought for a bit. A plan formed in her head, and she straightened.
"Locate Captain Jack Sparrow." He looked up, giving her a tentatively hopeful look. "Make him an offer he can't refuse, and he'll help you find out where his ship is hiding."
"He's no longer captain. How exactly will he help?" She took advantage of his focus on the topic, grabbing the tea and sipping with a small smile.
"If he doesn't currently have the Pearl, he'll be hunting for her. Pirates are sentimental that way." She finished the tea, setting the cup and saucer in front of him. He seemed to have gotten himself together, giving her a pointed look. "I'll go after the Pearl. Hopefully, they aren't full sail and I have a chance of catching them."
"Of course. Your men will be returned to your ship and you'll leave as soon as possible." He escorted her to the door, closer than she was used to anyone being, and she turned before leaving to look up at him.
"Remember this favor, Commodore. I expect repayment." His lips pressed into a thin line even as he nodded, and she exited of her own volition, getting her hat from one of his guards and going to give her men their orders. They'd find the Pearl; she only hoped they had returned the gold by the time they did.
