Only In The Movies

Chapter 21: Aftermath

"I'm sorry, Jack."

Elizabeth's voice rang out over the melancholy group, and her words settled in the misty air. I thought perhaps Jack wouldn't reply, but sure enough, he did, without turning his head or moving an ounce from his position at the front.

"They done what's right by them. Can't expect more than that," he drawled.

Will turned around and his eyes fell on Jack's back, then accidentally caught Rica's eye, who was sitting dead in the centre, looking slightly uncomfortable. Bridget and I were on either side of her, and had taken it upon ourselves to row the little boat towards the Dauntless. This was obviously a terrible idea, since I was decidedly not the athletic type, whilst Bridget would only do any work if it was reciprocated by me.

We rowed for a further few minutes, steadily heading to the ship looming at least a couple of hundred metres away. I sighed heavily, putting down the oar momentarily to air out my shirt. I had no idea how pirates, or the Navy for that matter, could survive in the Caribbean with all those clothes on.

Bridget, seeing I wasn't moving, reached over Rica and poked me in the side. "Come on, the Dauntless is just over there. If we keep on going, we'll get there quicker."

I rolled my eyes, nudging Rica beside me. "Want to take over?"

She smirked at me then crossed her arms, and in the least apologetic tone said, "Sorry mate."

I sighed again, and looked around at the Dauntless, which still seemed far away. I was a bit sceptical about heading towards the Navy, whom I'd become wary of after taking on a semi-pirate's life. Though I'd much rather be with the rest of Jack's crew, I couldn't complain. Ah, if only Gibbs, Ana-Maria and the rest hadn't strictly adhered to the code…

They're more guidelines than rules anyway.

"Bloody… Pirates code," I muttered, picking the oar back up again.

---

"You do it!"

"No, you!"

"I don't even know the guy's name!"

"I thought you did!"

"Well… I forgot!"

"Uh… so did I?"

"Come on, of course you know it."

"Hey, weren't you the one who talked to the guy?"

"… Uh…"

"I'll do it!" declared Bridget, interrupting Rica and I.

Before the two of us had time to comprehend that, she stalked over to Governor Swann's position near the helm, whose wig looked intact, albeit a little dishevelled. After sharing a look, we scrambled after her, wanting to hear the Governor's decision.

"Excuse me, Governor Swann," started Bridget politely.

He looked up from talking to Norrington, mild puzzlement washing over his features. Norrington also looked up, scrutinising us with the same look.

"I – well, we were wondering whether your offer still stands."

I was a little confused, but guessed (correctly) that Rica and Bridget talked to the Governor previously.

Seeing his further confusion, Rica added, "A couple of days ago you told us we could stay at your house – er, manor – for a while until we, um, leave."

He nodded in recognition. "Oh yes. Well, my offer remains. I believe a few days should suffice?"

"Yeah, that's great!"

There was a pause.

"Well, thanks!" I dragged the other two away before it could get any more awkward.

Once we were out of earshot, I turned to them. "Well, that gives us enough time to plan what will happen at and after Jack's 'execution'."

---

Rica skipped happily down the dock, and took a running leap onto the ground. "Sweet, sweet civilisation!"

I snorted, and followed her down lightly, Bridget slightly ahead. The small journey from Isla de Muerta let our sea legs take over, so it was a little disorienting to suddenly walk on steady ground. For some reason, Rica felt no effect, save for relief.

"Woah," Bridget stopped in front of me to ensure she didn't fall over, causing me to almost crash into her.

"Oh, er, excuse me…"

We turned simultaneously to see a soldier looking not unkindly down at us.

"Um, yes?"

"Er…" He motioned down the dock politely, and I almost smacked myself in the head for not realising. Behind him, more soldiers started lining up behind him, some leaning around to see what the holdup was.

"Oh, sorry!" I jumped aside and elbowed Bridget to do so as well.

They started shuffling past, their swords and rifles chinking and glinting as they walked in a semi-organised line down the dock. As we stared, Jack was marched down the dock, wrists in iron shackles. He caught eyes with each of us, and I was somewhat surprised by how unworried he looked. I'm not sure what I had been expecting, but it was most certainly not a calm, unconcerned expression.

Once he was out of sight, I addressed Bridget beside me.

"Did you see that?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows.

Rica had been walking back to us without our noticing and stopped beside Bridget, nodding. "It was almost as if he knows he's not actually going to die."

At that, I smirked as I thought of something, Bridget voicing my exact thoughts a second later.

"Well, he is Captain Jack Sparrow."