Hello! Dark Rose here, for my... er... third, I think, story on this site, and my first in this category. This one will be a little different from my others - done in little mini-chapters called vignettes; I will try to post one a day. Wish me luck:)

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own anyone in this vignette. :(

LET THE WATERS ROAR

Vignette 1

The Chase Begins Again

"Killick! Killick there…"

"Which it wi' be ready when 'tis ready!"

Stephen Maturin suppressed a smile at the reply HMS Surprise's ornery cook as he ruffled through the maps of the Galapagos. Killick, unlike Jack and himself, was not fond of classical music.

"I'll rest easier when I know they've reached shore," Stephen said, setting the maps aside and picking up his cello. "So many wounded…"

Jack glanced up at him, plucking the strings of his violin experimentally to tune the instrument while he waited for his friend to continue.

"…and only that poor, unfortunate Higgins to tend to them." The doctor sighed and reached for his wineglass. "Still, he's better than no doctor at all."

Jack's fingers stilled as he stared at Stephen, his eyes showing confusion. "I met their doctor," he said. "I spoke to him."

Stephen frowned at the captain. "No, he did of fever months ago."

Jack's hands froze on the strings yet again. "Le Vigny?"

Stephen grunted in acknowledgement. Jack's eyes narrowed, and with sudden vigor he slammed his cleaning rag on the table and stood. Stephen pursed him lips. "Ah."

Jack opened the door. "Pass the word for Mr. Mowett."

"Aye, sir," Killick replied. His voice could be heard echoing up through the ship. "Mr. Mowett to the great cabin!"

"Their 'doctor'," Jack said tightly as he made his way back across the cabin, "gave me this sword."

There were footsteps at the door, and Mr. Mowett appeared. "Sir."

"Mr. Mowett, change of course. Southeast by east. We'll intercept the Acheron, and we'll escort them into Valparaiso."

Mr. Mowett blinked, uncertain. "Ah…aye, sir." He nodded, as if confirming the information to himself. "Sou'east by east." He turned to go.

"And William…"

"Sir?"

"Beat to quarters."

"Very good sir." This time, confusion showed plainly on his face as he left the room.

Stephen raised his eyebrows and swallowed meaningfully, picking up the maps again. "'Subject to the requirements of the service'," he said with a small knowing smile, setting the papers back down again. Jack followed his friend's movements with his eyes.

"Ah." Jack raised an eyebrow in the other's direction. "Well, Stephen… the bird's flightless?"

"Yes."

Humor flickered into life behind the captain's solemn face. "It's not going anywhere." His mouth gave in, and he grinned as he picked up his violin and began to strum.

Stephen gave a wry smile and straightened his cello resignedly. Counting the measures, he set bow to string and began to play. In the background, they heard the drums beating to quarters, and rushed footsteps of nearly a hundred men rushing to obey the call. Biting his lip to hide his amusement, Stephen hiked his cello up on his lap and joined Jack's strumming. In turn, the captain reached for his bow, and they switched parts.

So began the chase. Again.

Short, I know. And of course known by everyone already, since I basically just copied the movie. Bear with me!

-Dark Rose