Embracing Katrina – Version II
Disclaimer: No, I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean (characters, plot, dialogue, etc.). Any other tid-bits of creativity, however, are mine… in which I hope you will enjoy. Please be sure to read and review!
Author's Note: I know it's been forever… no thanks to writer's block and all that comes with it… but… I'm working what I can… hope this is alright… will be finishing this as best I can tonight… please be sure to review! Thank you!
Chapter 50
The Final Battle
"But Bootstrap's gone under with the Dutchman," Gibbs pointed out again as he followed Sparrow out of the cabin onto the main deck. "And the armada is still out there. The Endeavour is comin' upon the starboard and I think it's time we embrace the oldest and noblest of pirate traditions."
"I've never actually been one for tradition," Jack said simply as his eyes narrowed on the approaching Endeavour from where he and Gibbs stood by the railing.
"What?" Norrington asked surprised from Gibbs' side. "But your son…"
"But in there," Will spoke up with agreement as took a stand next to Jack, "you just followed a tradition in naming your son-"
Jack shook his head, ignoring the contradiction.
"Bring about full canvas to turn her around!" came Barbossa's booming voice. "Get her aligned with the others!"
"No!" Jack yelled out before turning away from the railing. He then called up to a pirate among the main mast. "Clotora! Lock up the sails and lay on hands!"
"Belay that!" Barbossa immediately objected. "We're goin' to be a sittin' duck."
Jack ignored the man and yelled back up to the pirate among the sail. "Belay that 'belay that'!"
"But captain…" Gibbs began at the same time Will managed, "Jack you can't be serious…"
"Belay! Belay! Belay!" Jack shouted at the three men, not letting them speak. "No! No! No! Now, shut it!"
As Jack made his way up to the helm followed by Barbossa, the Flying Dutchman surfaced. And there at the wheel, to Will's great surprise, was Bootstrap Bill.
"Full canvas!" Jack yelled cheerfully to the crew of the Black Pearl after he and Bill exchanged a wave to each other. Jack then eagerly hurried down from the helm to help his crew.
"Aye, full canvas!" Barbossa agreed just as cheerful before taking hold of the wheel, knowing what Bootstrap had in mind to do.
In no time at all, as the Endeavour continued her course straight onward, the Pearl and Dutchman turned about and came along either side of her.
"Captain?" Gibbs called to Jack at the railing as all three ships came into alignment.
Jack smirked as he turned to his first mate. "Fire!"
Gibbs gladly passed along the order. "Fire All!"
As Will and Norrington repeated this order from the other side of the ship, Jack ran from the railing to his cabin.
"What on earth is happening?" Elizabeth cried out from where she sat on the bed beside Katrina the moment she saw Jack.
"You alright, love?" Jack ignored Elizabeth as he looked at his wife.
"I… I… I don't know," Katrina breathed nervously as she held the newborn tightly against her body. "What's happening out there?"
"Bootstrap and I've got ol' Beckett cornered. Shouldn't take long now. Just hold on for the ride, love, 'til it's all over. I'll return."
"But Jack…" Katrina shook.
Forcing himself to turn from his wife, Jack then finally looked to Elizabeth. "This'll be a few minutes at most, Lizzie. Keep 'er safe 'til I get back."
With that said, Jack went back out the double doors, a bold expression on his face as he took his post among those firing toward the Endeavour, trying to focus back on the winning battle rather than the mother-of-his-child that needed to be held for comfort.
"They're not even tryin' t' make a stand, captain," Gibbs laughed as he came to his side, bringing Jack out of his thoughts.
"Rather remarkable," Norrington admitted from behind them.
Jack grinned. "Makes ye glad ye joined our side, eh, admiral?"
Norrington solely gave a sheepish smile in reply.
The three looked onward from where they stood near the rail, fully enjoying the view of the Endeavour getting blown to bits.
"Seems to be working, doesn't it Jack?" Will asked as came to the pirate's side. "The frontline of the armada already appear to be turning their ships around."
Jack turned away from the Endeavour to look out at what Will was pointing to.
"Ah, yes," Jack grinned all the more. "The battle has indeed become our's, gents."
