Chapter 10
The clanking of iron-barred doors in the brig was the only sound that had met the ears of Jack, Michael, Jacquelyn and Bootstrap for quite some time. They all sat in a cell wide enough for about four more people from the looks of it, and they all sat against the wall directly across from the iron bars blocking them from the rest of the ship. Bootstrap was trying to pass the time by idly doing different things with his fingers, his face one of solemn boredom. Michael and Jacquelyn were sitting next to each other, rather closely in fact, and they were holding each other's hands while Jack was twisting his three-cornered hat between his fingers in what seemed to be deep contemplation.
Finally, Bootstrap looked over at Jack after dropping his hands to his side. "Jack, I hope you've worked out at least something that vaguely resembles a plan, because if not, we're about to permanently be citizens of Singapore."
Jack stopped twirling his hat. "I think I may have something in mind, but it would require one of Cheng Lo's men to open the cell door."
"And does it involve all of us getting freed?"
"I'm still working on that part, I'm afraid," admitted Jack.
"Well, I'd advise that you speed your thinking process along rather quickly, because I'm sure that what Cheng Lo has in store for us will be worse than rotting away in a brig."
"And make sure that your plan involves my mum, because I don't want her to get hurt by these pirates," Michael piped up in a surprisingly demanding tone. Michael even surprised himself and it wasn't just what he said or how he said it, but the mere fact that he was able to speak to Jack without trepidation or intimidation.
"Hmm, the more time I spend with you, the more you begin to resemble your parents," observed Jack. That comment caused Michael to smile, if only slightly. "Now," continued Jack, his tone of voice switching over dramatically to seriousness, "I think I may have formulated a plan. All it requires is a guard to come waltzing down here."
As if that sentence served as a powerful spell, a crew member of Cheng Lo's descended the stairs which led to the brig, holding a key ring that contrasted greatly with his dirty hands. The crew member, his face immobile, walked silently over to the cell as Jack observed him closely. The crew mate picked out a solitary key on the ring, inserted it into the keyhole and unlocked the cell door.
"I need the boy," he said in English tinged with a trace of his native tongue.
Michael slowly stood up, his hand still grasping Jacquelyn's.
"Might I inquire as to why exactly you need the boy?" asked Jack, taking a step forward.
In response, Cheng Lo's goon placed his hand menacingly on the hilt of his sword. "Step back, Sparrow. Otherwise, I'll permanently cripple you."
Jack grinned. "Well, what are you waiting for? C'mon, then, let's see what you've got."
"Jack…" Bootstrap began in an imploring voice, but was cut off by a wave of the captain's hand.
"I'm curious to discover exactly how someone like him could cripple the great Captain Jack Sparrow."
That last comment was the straw that broke the camel's back, as the Chinese pirate suddenly drew his sword in a fluid motion and advanced just as fast on Jack with the weapon held out at the ready. But the pirate wasn't expecting Jack to swiftly step out of the way, but still keep his right foot outstretched. The pirate tripped over Jack's foot and went tumbling to the floor, the side of his head colliding hard with the edge of the bench prisoners would sit on. This knocked him out instantly, and his body went limp as a result.
Jack looked down at the unconscious brute with a mock-emphatic expression. Jack sighed as he said, "Told him."
Without saying another word, Jack bent down beside the pirate and went about stripping him of the more heavy clothing and throwing them over his own. While Jack did this, Bootstrap stood in front of the open cell door in order to ensure that no one else who happened to come down into the brig saw what was occurring. When Jack was finished, Bootstrap turned back around to face him.
"Alright, I'm going to take young Michael above deck as if everything is completely normal. Then, I'll find a way to penetrate Cheng Lo's inner ranks and put a stop to all this madness before it goes too far."
"And what about Jacquelyn and I?"
Jack glanced over at his daughter, who was staring back at him with inquisitive eyes. "Sorry, mate, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you two to maintain the illusion, as it were. I need you to disguise this bloke sufficiently so that it'll appear to any prying eyes as if I'm still here. Once I've done what needs to be done, I'll come back for you."
"But what if you're accompanying Michael to something even worse than being locked in a cell?"
"You know how I am, Bootstrap. Always good at thinking on my feet. That being said, we're off." He looked back at Jacquelyn, and added in a low voice to Bootstrap, "Take care of her." He then handed his three-cornered hat to Bootstrap. "And guard this with your life."
Bootstrap nodded that he would and Jack and Michael walked out of the cell but before they departed, Jack tossed the keys to Bootstrap. "In case of an emergency," he said.
Then, Jack and Michael walked up the stairs to the upper deck, where they were greeted with the sight of Cheng Lo, Sheng Kai Shek and other assorted crew members grouped around Elizabeth. Elizabeth herself was dressed in an attire best suited for a female pirate of Chinese heritage. As Michael ran over to her and was lovingly scooped up into his mother's arms, Jack pulled the hood of his new cloak down further over his face to obscure it from view. He then walked over to the group, noticing that the ship had made port. Cheng Lo was in the middle of saying something to Elizabeth as he handed over a large, rolled-up piece of parchment.
"…the charts which lead to what you're after."
While still holding Michael, Elizabeth took the charts from Cheng Lo's grasp.
Wait, thought Jack, Elizabeth is working with Cheng Lo? What's going on here? Jack also noticed a pure silver sword hilt protruding from the sheath strapped to Elizabeth's waist.
" Now, once you locate and take possession of the Essence, we will meet again for the transaction on this very island." Cheng Lo indicated the island behind him, where an elaborate and foreboding fortress sat a couple of miles into the island. To Jack, it appeared to be a prison of some kind. "Preferably inside the fortress you see."
Elizabeth took in the sight. "It's certainly inviting," she said in a sarcastic drawl.
Cheng Lo smiled, then barked an order to his men in Chinese; his men proceeded to a wooden plank connecting Lo's ship with another of equal majesty, and walked across it. "This is where we part ways, Mrs. Turner. I wish you the best of luck on your quest."
"Just make sure you uphold your end of the bargain." And with that, Elizabeth placed Michael back on his feet beside her and they crossed over to the new ship, Jack following closely on their heels.
It appeared as if his plan was working after all.
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Night had fallen, placing each and every crew member in a solid state of slumber. Members of Calypso's crew were scattered about on the main deck of the ship, snoring loudly and clutching to their chest either a half-empty bottle of rum or one of their weapons. Well, all except for four people: Calypso, Will, Pintel and Ragetti.
The latter two were currently darting from shadow to shadow, making sure to stay out of sight if anyone woke up. The only light was coming from the Captain's Quarters, and it was spilling onto the deck enough so that it gave Pintel and Ragetti enough to be guided by. Before they had come aboard this ship, they had managed to escape the Pearl by sneaking off it and using the rope dragging it behind Calypso's vessel to climb across, because they were in need of a longboat; the Black Pearl currently had none.
Pintel and Ragetti made a quick dash in front of the window of Calypso's quarters, but the fast movement was enough to attract the attention of Will, who instantly drew his sword and straightened himself as he was bent over staring at some charts. He dashed over, threw open the cabin door and stepped outside with Calypso.
"What is it?" inquired the sea goddess.
Will scanned the deck of the ship intently, and was able to catch a glimpse of a lone figure jumping over the rail of the vessel, precisely where the longboats would be. Will then replaced his sword with his pistol and pulled back the hammer. "Someone's trying to escape," he spat venomously. They ran over to the railing and looked over to see a longboat carrying Pintel and Ragetti fleeing in the calm night ocean.
Will aimed and pulled the trigger, but the bullet missed the target by mere inches. The shot rang out in the silence, causing a few crew members to be awoken. Three dashed over to where Will and Calypso were standing.
"Wha's goin' on?" one of them grunted.
"Nothing," replied Calypso. "Even if those two do manage to get to land, they won't be able to do anything because their comrades are more likely imprisoned by now."
"That is, if they aren't killed by anyone under Cheng Lo's employ," added Will.
"Then there's no need to worry about two bumbling idiots."
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Meanwhile, aboard Elizabeth's temporary ship named The Dragoness, Elizabeth was also occupied with examining a set of charts; in this case, the charts that illustrated the way to Shipwreck Cove, where the Essence was secretly being kept. Elizabeth had laid out the charts on the desk in the Captain's Quarters and she was hunched over them, her left arm stretching across to hold down the charts. Sheng Kai Shek stood by her side, closer than Elizabeth normally would have been comfortable with, but she was too absorbed in trying to decipher the charts to notice or care. Michael sat in a chair close by, respectfully keeping quiet to allow his Mom to concentrate.
"Nothing on these charts is clear. It's all written in Chinese," said Elizabeth.
"We aren't concerned with the words so much as the images," replied Shek in almost perfect English. "Simply follow the route illustrated by the green water." He pointed out the trail of light green water that led straight to an image of an island composed entirely of broken ships: Shipwreck Cove. "Now," continued Shek, "we are here." He pointed out the miniature picture of a ship curiously similar in appearance to the one they were on at the moment.
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes curiously. "That's us. But…how is that possible?"
"Like every set of navigational charts made in Singapore, they contain mystical enchantments which allow anyone who reads them to be given a better representation of where they are. So, according to the charts, we should reach Shipwreck Cove by dawn."
Elizabeth straightened up. "Then, if the location of the Essence is in such a close proximity, why didn't Cheng Lo go after it himself?"
"Cheng Lo can't be bothered with such elementary tasks. In addition, he doesn't have time to search the entire area for the Essnce. The search itself could prove to be time-consuming because no one knows the exact location."
Suddenly, a picture ran through Elizabeth's mind. An image from the vision Tia Dalma had planted in her dreams a while ago. The image was of the surroundings of Will and Elizabeth's dream fight. The surroundings were battered and broken, like the wreckage of a ship…mainly the wreckage of a Captain's Quarters. But, more specifically, Elizabeth saw a small vial of neon-green liquid. Could that vial of liquid be the Essence? It was a lead worth pursuing.
"I might."
Shek regarded her with an air of the slightest surprise. "And how would you know that?"
"That's not important. Just keep in mind that when we reach Shipwreck Cove, we should try looking in a Captain's cabin." Elizabeth looked up at Shek, who seemed doubtful. "I'm fully aware this is a hunch. Just trust me."
Shek regarded Elizabeth with his doubt for a few more seconds before finally nodding. "Very well." He waited a while before adding, with a hint of disdain, "Captain."
"Now, if you don't mind, I'd like some time alone with my son."
Shek looked from Elizabeth, to Michael and back again. "Of course, Captain." He turned swiftly on his heel and exited the cabin.
Outside, before the door could swing fully closed behind Shek, Jack quickly emerged from the shadows of the ship and caught the door. He opened it wider and slipped inside the cabin, closing the door quietly.
"Excuse me –…" Elizabeth began, but stopped when she saw who it was. "Jack!"
"Ssssssh!" said Jack. "Do you want to announce my presence to the entire ship?" He glanced out the window to make sure no one was looking in. "I can't let these stupid buggers know that I'm onboard until the opportune moment." He pulled the covers over the window shut to further ensure their privacy. "Now, I need you to fill me in on exactly what the bloody hell is going on. Are you working with Cheng Lo?"
Elizabeth hesitated for a while before answering. "Yes."
"Why?"
"Amnesty," Elizabeth answered. "Cheng Lo came to me, offering freedom for Will, Michael and I if I agreed to carry out a certain task for him."
"With that task being…?" asked Jack as he stepped closer to Elizabeth.
"To retrieve something known as The Essence of The Dragon Lady…something he claims can free Will from Calypso's hold."
"Ah, he only claims it can free William. I'd bet you anything he's lying to you."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Jack, not everyone is a liar, contrary to what you may think."
"So, let me get this straight…you made your own deal with Cheng Lo in order to secure your own avenue to freedom. Where would that have left me? Forever imprisoned?"
"I had to do what I thought was right."
"And that was betraying me? How bloody thoughtful of you, luv. Tell me, what's to stop me from going out there and making a bargain of my own? One that would place you in my position?"
"Because you think there's a chance whatever deal I've struck with Cheng Lo might just benefit you in some way, and you want to see how it all plays out."
Jack and Elizabeth stared each other down for a few moments before Jack finally smirked roguishly. "Luv, do I look like someone with a plan?" This caused Elizabeth to give Jack a quizzical look. "But you know me all too well. Of course I have a plan. Although, you owe me one because any way you slice it, you still betrayed me. Even if that betrayal was never completed."
"Fine. But what are you going to do for now?"
"What else? Remain incognito until the opportune moment."
"Then, in that case, you'd better get out of here and find a good place to hide, otherwise I don't know what they'll do to you if you're discovered."
"Right."
Jack waltzed over to the cabin door and pulled it open, only to be met with many gun barrels pointed directly at him. "Uh…Elizabeth, I think it may be too late for that."
Elizabeth walked over behind Jack in order to properly see what he was talking about and spotted the weapons. She pushed Jack out of the way. "What's the meaning of this?" she demanded of the pirates.
Just then, Sheng Kai Shek stepped forward, his own pistol clutched in his hand. "There's been a change of command. As of now, I'm Captain and in charge of this voyage."
"Under whose authority?"
Shek shrugged. "My own."
"Well, that certainly didn't take long," said Jack.
Shek turned to Jack and smiled widely. "Jack Sparrow."
"Captain! Captain Jack Sparrow! Honestly, is that so hard?"
"Well, seeing as you're so adamant that you're the Captain, we should start with you, then." Shek produced a hilt from his belt, and a silver blade popped up out of it. To this, Jack responded by giving a quick smile and pointed toward Elizabeth.
"Actually, she'd be the Captain, seeing as we're not on the Pearl. So, start with her."
Elizabeth glared daggers at Jack while she put her arms around Michael.
"You're Captain for less than an hour and already your crew commits mutiny. No offense, luv, but you need to work on your captain skills."
"Shut up!" spat Shek.
"Alright," replied Jack meekly.
"Here's how everything will happen from now on: I'm in control of the ship and everyone answers to me. You three," he indicated Jack, Elizabeth and Michael, "will remain unharmed so long as you cooperate. If you do not or if you refuse, we will throw you overboard."
"If I may say so, your timing makes no sense," said Elizabeth. "Why are you even doing this?"
"I've grown weary of Cheng Lo. He thinks he's indestructible, when he's nothing more than mortal…and a misguided one at that. He spends too much time attempting to accomplish his own ends. And when I keep the Essence and use it as leverage over Calypso, I'll be the most powerful man sailing the seven seas. Why simply kill a goddess when you have the opportunity to control her? That is Cheng Lo's greatest mistake, and I intend to rectify that." He turned to his men. "Take them below."
Shek's goon grabbed the trio and dragged them out of the cabin.
"You know, I'm starting to get really tired of being somebody's prisoner. It all gets repetitive after a while."
At that moment, they arrived at the brig.
"Hmmm…not as spacious as the last one I occupied."
