The Malagasy Expedition
A/N: Coming up on the end soon. How you like what I do with it. Sorry about the long absence, I was away on vacation and my computer would not let me update the day before I left. I'll have a new chapter up soon.
Chapter Twelve: Madagascar
"Land ho!" the lookout called from the rigging.
Gibbs knocked on Jack's cabin door. "Captain, we've sighted land."
"Great, just a minute." A minute later Jack appeared, barefoot and shirtless, straightening his bandana. He coolly took the telescope Gibbs handed him and looked out across the water.
"Jack, are you two always—," Will began, smirking.
"Not now William," Jack cut him off, focusing on the island they were approaching. "That's it Mr. Gibbs. Navigate around the island. Being a hideout and all it's not wise to have company while searching for treasure. Alert me if you spot anything seaworthy. Welcome to Madagascar Mr. Turner and yes, we are," he said, before returning to his cabin.
"How does he get away with that Gibbs? Would a crew take his behavior from anyone else?" Will asked, still laughing.
"That's Captain Jack Sparrow for you, ain't it lad?"
Jack didn't need to be called if anything seaworthy was spotted; he and Cordelia were up on deck as the Pearl drew close to the island. Monkeys and tropical birds could be heard on shore and the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters were a welcome sight.
"What treasure are we after here Jack?" Cordelia asked.
"Oh, I have various maps. And this is a pirate hideout and raiding base, it's much quieter, what with England and its bloomin' navy in every corner of the globe, but there's bound to be riches of many natures here. There's also Libertatia."
Many eyes around Jack widened at the name. Will and Cordelia looked confused.
"Jack, are you sure this's where Libertatia lies?" Gibbs asked in amazement.
"'Course I'm sure."
"What is Libertatia exactly?" Cordelia asked.
"The pirate kingdom fabled to be found in this part of the world. Full of untold riches from silks and satins to caches of doubloons," Jack replied.
There were excited murmurs among the crew members.
"Aye, all eyes on the shore. We don't want any unwelcome visitors."
No other ships were spotted on the shores of Madagascar. The lifeboats were lowered and the bays were explored too; none yielded anything seaworthy.
"Fantastic. Gibbs, take us back to that bay that was used as a harbor. The one with the ruins of fortifications. It'll be a good place to start."
The harbor surrounded by ruined walls contained docks and out buildings. The strong wood of the docks had not yet rotted but the out buildings were overgrown with vines.
"This harbor will obviously be our base of operations. First order of business gents, I think we're long overdue for a leisure day. The day is yours just stay in the area and report back here in the morning."
This was met by numerous cheers.
"Will, Gibbs, AnaMaria, if you don't mind could you join me in my cabin. We'll be with you ladies in a minute," he said to Cordelia and Elizabeth.
Cordelia and Elizabeth stood at the rail waiting for their respective men to come out of the cabin. They were both looking forward to the treasure and relaxation that waited in this island paradise.
"All done," Jack said as he preceded the others out of his cabin. "Just a little planning before tomorrow."
They were the last of the crew to leave the ship and they headed off in different directions, looking for the perfect spot.
"What would you say, Cordelia my love, if we tried that swimming again?" Jack asked her.
"I'd say that sounds great, Captain Sparrow," she replied smiling. "Lead the way."
