This is for the two people who have reviewed so far. Thank you very much.
In the bustling commotion of preparing for battle, Kiley was pushed to the back of the ship, where Captain Jack stood, watching his men run around like chickens with their heads cut off.
"Captain?" Kiley asked shyly.
Jack jumped before he realized who was speaking. "Love, I'm sort of busy right now," he replied and started down the stairs that lead to the main deck.
"Jack," insisted the girl, "why are we fighting the Navigator? What have they done to you?"
The captain sighed and reluctantly turned to face his cousin. "The Navigator is the pride of the royal navy and therefore must be the ship they sent forth the catch the Black Pearl and hang us all for participating in piracy. There. Are you happy now?"
"And what about the Phoenix? Why did you attack us?"
"Because "us" was on the way to inform Lord Beckett of the East India Tea Company of our exact whereabouts. And we wouldn't want that happening, now would we, love? Stand your ground men, and prepare to fight!"
A tremendous roar rose from the pirates to match that of the soldiers, who leaned over the front rail of the Navigator, each hoping to be the first to catch a pirate. Then, with a lurch, the two ships crashed together, sending Kiley once again to her knees.
"You got to get your sea legs, love," said Jack and rushed off to be in front of his men.
Kiley rose slowly, not wishing to see the swordplay she was sure the pirates we inducing upon the soldiers. How selfish pirates were! Killing dozens of people just because they themselves were in danger.
"It is shocking at first isn't it?" commented Elizabeth, who was at Kiley's side. She was watching Will send a gun into the sea with a single flick of his sword.
"If you consider "horrible" to be "shocking," then yes," answered Kiley, an obvious note of disgust in her voice.
"All Jack wants is freedom," Elizabeth said, staring blankly at the mob of fighting men. Then she turned to face Kiley. "You do realize that if they don't succeed, we will all be killed?"
"But I haven't done anything wrong!"
"You have associated with pirates."
"Because they attacked my ship!"
"And you allowed yourself to be put upon the Black Pearl," answered Elizabeth bitterly. "You see, "honorable" men can be just as cruel as my shipmates."
Kiley watched as all the British men were captured by the swashbuckling buccaneers, and stared as Jack called for their commander. A short man stepped forward.
"Ah, Lord Beckett, how wonderful to see you again," said Jack, a smile creeping across his face.
A pirate named Cotton's parrot, who had trained be speak for Cotton, said loudly, "Walk the plank!"
The pirates began chanting that awful statement. Kiley saw the fear creep into the eyes of the soldiers, but Beckett's eyes stayed solid and icy as he awaited Jack's decision. "Throw him overboard." Jack's last few words, "He's caused me to much trouble for his own good," were lost to the roar of the pirates as a few stepped forward and roughly shoved him over the rail. There was not a land anywhere near.
Jack turned to the soldiers. "Lock 'em in the brig," he said and abruptly pulled out a compass as the pirates pushed past him, each taking their captive soldier to the bottom level of the ship.
"What direction are we headed?" asked Kiley curiously.
"I don't know," replied the captain absently.
"You don't know where we're going?" admonished the girl.
"Love," said Jack looking up. "You are becoming very annoying."
Kiley just stood there frowning.
"We are going to the long lost headquarters of Commodore Fredrick Korgen and his captains."
"Why?" inquired Kiley, stepping quickly after the captain, who was headed towards Elizabeth.
"Because I'm the captain and I said so," answered Jack without turning around. She could tell he was becoming frustrated with her, but she was equally frustrated with him.
"I'm not a child!" she said. "Tell me!" Kiley was tired of being treated like harsh things would damage her "fragile" soul.
"Lizzie," Jack whispered. "Get her away from me."