The Compass Tells All

Chapter One: Mr. Gibbs

SUMMERY: AND ELIZABETH HAVE A TALK.

Elizabeth stood near the railing of the Black Pearl as Gibbs sailed them into the foggy night. Everyone else was asleep, including Jack Sparrow and Will Turner. Jack had left Gibbs in charge and said that if they weren't in sight of Port Royal the next morning, he would be thrown off the ship, along with his monkey, who always stole his hat.

They were returning to Port Royal because Elizabeth did not want to marry Will on a pirate's ship. But as she stood there on the Black Pearl, watching the waves crash into each other and thought about the past few days of watching Jack command his crew and sail his ship, she wasn't sure she wanted to go back to Port Royal.

If she and Will returned to Port Royal, then they could get married. They could give up their life of piracy and live normal lives. But was that what she wanted? No freedom, tied down to the laws of society, having to be a 'proper' young woman? Did she really want that? Would she be able to live like that? Would Will be able to?

She stood at the railing for what seemed like hours until Gibbs finally said something.

"We should be seeing Port Royal in about an hour, Miss. Elizabeth."

Elizabeth needed to make a decision. Stay on the Black Pearl, or return to Port Royal. Sighing, she stepped away from the railing and walked past Gibbs, who gave her a sad smile. Before she reached her cabin, he said something else.

"The crew will sure be missing ye, Miss. Elizabeth. You're like a second captain to us. Just pray that ye be making the right choice."

Elizabeth stopped and looked over her shoulder a bit to show him that she was listening. "I'm sure no one on the Black Pearl will miss me after what I did to Jack."

She heard Gibbs sigh and she turned to face him.

"Aye, the crew was mighty agitated with you, after they found out, but ye proved ye-self to us, Miss. Elizabeth. Ye proved that ye did what ye had to, to save not only ye-self and young William, but the entire crew, save for Jack of course. Ye proved that ye be a pirate, even if ye return to Port Royal. And by choosing to return, ye proved to us, that we will be missing ye. Jack included."

"What if I don't return, Mr. Gibbs?" she asked.

"Ye be welcome on the Black Pearl, Miss. Elizabeth. And if ye return to Port Royal, ye always be welcome on the Black Pearl and ye will always be a second Captain."

"Second captain?"

"Aye. When Jack wasn't here to lead and command the Black Pearl, ye took command and lead us to victory. Ye always be a member of the Black Pearl, Miss. Elizabeth. Now get some sleep. Ye look like ye haven't slept in days."

Elizabeth didn't say anything. She simply nodded, and locked herself in her cabin.