Chapter Twenty-Eight

"You've been here before, sir." Drosselmier announced.

Far away from New York, beyond that of the docks, Jack peered through his head to the side of the car and stared. The area where Drosselmier drove him, along with the crew behind him, was on a cliff, where no resident of town would presume a ship would be stored away! As Drosselmier opened the door, he laughed when Jack turned and asked.

"Drosselmier?! A cliff?"

"Where else would Captain Dawson hide his original? In a cave of course!"

"I forgot about that!" Jack answered as he opened the car door. The evening of midnight was apparent and when Jack stepped out, he smelled the sea air. The gulls were in the sky but ignoring them, Jack felt a sea like breeze touch him and the taste of the water touched his lips. He could almost taste the sea when Drosselmier walked over and making his way over towards the edge of the cliff, stared downwards.

"You're not going to tell me you're going to jump off?" Jack asked but Drosselmier shook his head.

In response, he placed his hands on his hips as he replied.

"No. I'm trying to see where the path is. It's hard to see at night."

"That is what we need to keep in mind. Especially since captain here doesn't have his eye." A voice chided.

"Bart." Jack answered and he turning, he met the mate who was the youngest of the crew. The other men, who drove in separate cars, but some on horses, all appeared and when Jack peered over his their heads, some of the men were hiding the animals away and he marveled at this. They reminded him of Albert and he missed his second mate. He called him as such because of how he helped him from the time Rose arrived to the present moment. He was thankful but he missed Albert. He was more like an older brother to him but he remembered instructing him to remain behind with Rose and the boys'. He offered a prayer to Our Blessed Mother for their safety as he returned to Drosselmier.

"Bart? I would suggest you remain silent while we progress with stepping onto the path." Drosselmier answered but his hands were still on his hips. Jack watched and narrowing his good eye, he waited to hear what Drosselmier was going to say next.

"Since captain hasn't been here for a while, I'm going to use this torch to light the way." Drosselmier continued and Jack, as well as the other crew, some of whom were still taking care of their rides, watched as the man reached out and took something from the bush.

"Seems more like my crew is ahead of me in plans." Jack commented but this didn't distract Drosselmier from his movements. The torch, once in hand, was soon light and when it sparked… it made quite a sight when Drosselmier looked at all of them.

"Alright. Once I've found the path, I'll return and tell you all where the cave is. Captain Dawson?"

He turned to Jack and Jack asked.

"Yes?"

"Will you be able to manage to walk down the path? Can you see alright?"

Jack nodded as he answered.

"Yes. I can see thanks to you and prayers."

"And miracles." Drosselmier answered and turning, he gestured for the other men to gather around Jack before they followed him down the path. The wind was blowing and the outskirts of the cliff was challenging. Jack knew of this location but he became busy with the business affairs that he never bothered to remember where the original Dawson ship was until now! He felt his heart thump when Bart, as well as Matthew, walked behind him and making sure he didn't lose his footing, helped him enter the path and with Drosselmier in the lead, followed him down the path.

The rest of the crew spoke amongst themselves as they made their way down.

"Captain? What do you suppose will happen when we set sail and station ourselves Kingston?"

"I'm not sure. All I know is that he's waiting and the ambush on his side will be more than just a simple surprise." Jack answered and one of the mates gestured for him to step over a log.

Jack thanked him and continued his walk as the men talked on. The seagulls in the evening air flew above – as if anticipating something dramatic would take place – but Jack ignored them. He was focused on making sure he saw his ship and to prepare it for battle. The sea breeze brushed past him and he tasted the flavor of the water. It was at this point where Drosselmier paused as he called.

"We're nearing the beach, captain! Best make sure we keep quiet. I have a feeling we could be watched."

Jack narrowed his eye but kept silent. He felt the hairs on his back stick up when sounds from around him sounded. Peering around, he watched as Bart, who stood to his right, took something out from underneath his cloak. It glowed in the light the minute it was in his hands.

"A sword?" Jack asked and Bart nodded.

"Yes, captain. We've been needing these on occasion."

"Some of Kingston's men have encountered us here whenever we've tried to check on the ship but we lured them away whenever they would appear." Matthew answered.

He was behind Jack and but the crew were beginning to form a protective circle around their captain. As Jack watched, Bart, as well as Matthew, bounced their eyes around their surrounding area. The beach, which they were approaching, was below the cliff but Jack sensed that the men didn't want to take any chances. Knowing Kingston, Jack knew he wouldn't remain in hiding and or at least – send spies to ambush them.

Then Drosselmier's voice whispered.

"Captain? Do you see that light in the lighthouse?"

Raising his head, Jack narrowed his eye as he tried to see where Drosselmier was pointing to. The lighthouse, which was across the shore, was one Jack knew about and it was a fair distance from New York as well as the Statue of Liberty. The beach too was also an unknown location but Jack knew of it. Though it long ago slipped his memory. But when he spotted the flicker, he answered.

"Yes, Drosselmier. I do. Why?"

"That's one of the mates, captain. He's signaling to us that the coast is clear for us to make our way into the cave." Drosselmier replied and there were sighs' of relief from the mates.

"Thank goodness! I thought for a moment Kingston was in the building!" The first mate answered for the men. He was Ginger's brother and turning, Jack agreed.

"Ambush attacks but we still need to be on the guard." Drosselmier answered.

He waved the torch and did a few other movements to signal to the man in the lighthouse he replied and thanked him. It was a form of communication for them and Jack knew this. But he never bothered to follow through with the signals, like Native Americans' using smoke signals with his men as Drosselmier added.

"Alright. I told him thank you and we should be moving along. The cave's not far from here, captain."

"Lead on." Jack replied but he glanced over his shoulder when a sea gull cried in the sky.

"To avoid any of Kingston's men, I'm going to toss the torch into the ocean." Drosselmier said and Jack watched as the man threw it and it went flying across and soon landed against the waves and died out.

"I know the way from here." Drosselmier continued and he gestured for the men to continue walking forward. Jack was glad knowing Drosselmier knew the way but he was also in charge, too. But here, he guessed Drosselmier would only lead him to the cave and the other mates would surround him. Like a king surrounded by an army of soldiers, Jack's men circled around and soon… they were marching across the sand. The breeze brushed up against them but Jack paid little attention. He wanted to make sure he had his ship ready and his men prepared for the battle. He knew too Kingston was in waiting and the exact spot where he was would be by the Statue of Liberty.

"And in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." Rose finished.

Making the Sign of the Cross, she finished the Rosary with John and William. The boys' were tired and after dinner, Rose expressed her wish to pray Our Blessed Mother's prayer with them and John and William accepted. But to her amazement… it was William who wanted to take a blessing to lead one of the mysteries. It was Friday and the Sorrowful Mysteries were being recited. Rose, though she didn't want to alarm John, wanted to pray for Jack's protection that night when he went into battle and thankful they agreed – they all recited Our Blessed Mother's Rosary. In the end, when John yawned, Rose Rose and gently taking him in her arms, whispered.

"William? You tired, too?"

"Yes, mama." Her eldest stepson answered.

John was already asleep as she approached his bed. William followed behind and once he was on the cushions, William surprised her by helping remove his brother's slippers. The boys' were already in their night attire so that gave Rose room to breathe. And she thanked Our Blessed Lady and Emma for that.

"Mama?" William asked.

"Yes?" Rose answered, turning to him as she titled her head to one side.

"Do you suppose… papa's… alright?"

"I'm sure he is." Rose answered softly.

She reached out and brushed her hand against his cheek and he leaned his head against her palm. This reminded her of their father and Rose prayed Jack was fairing alright when William asked.

"I don't want to lose him, either. Richard told me his papa is very mean and he knows how to use weapons and other things to hurt someone."

"And yet he's your uncle." Rose answered.

But here a thought entered. Perhaps she could pry some information out of William about his cousin. And where the whereabouts to where they were hiding could be learned. Maybe if she knew more she could send help if Jack needed it.

"Do you know where your uncle and cousin are?" Rose asked gently.

When Willian answered, his response startled her.

"In the Statue of Liberty's lighthouse. They're going to ambush papa's ship with their own the minute they pull out the treasure, mama. They have a few hideouts where they have gotten away with more gruesome acts than being a police officer and his son could act on."

"William? However did you know all of this? From Richard? And school?"

William nodded.

"Richard swore me in to secrecy about the treasure and told me that my dream of never becoming a horseback rider wouldn't be accomplished if I didn't listen to him and bully my brother John. My cousin was mean and told me that he would get me a horse if I didn't tell anyone about the treasure. Or how my uncle was going to obtain it. So, I agreed and bullied John to keep out of trouble with my uncle."

"Until I came." Rose answered and Willian said yes.

"But when you got me my horse, I knew I was wrong in treating John like that and believing my cousin, mama. When I didn't return to school, I knew Richard told his papa about it and that's when he vanished from the station."

"Seems to me you and Richard were close." Rose answered.

Tucking John under the covers, she was gaining more information about Morgan Kingston as well as his son from a trustful source. But it pained her to know it was from William! After she gave John a kiss, she moved her attention to William. The boy was height was close to hers but he only made it up to her ribcage. Rose was thankful William wasn't too tall as she gestured for him to follow her to his own chamber.

"I don't want to get in trouble with papa because I was talking with Richard, mama." William announced and he pressed his lips together. When the two entered the second floor, Rose let William out first before she closed the door.

"And you never told your papa about this?" Rose asked and William nodded.

"I was scared that if I did… Richard would hang me by the throat." William answered and hearing this, Rose placed her hand on his shoulder, and gently turning him around, narrowed her eyes as she asked.

"Hang you by the throat?"

"Yes." William answered and he started to tremble.

"Richard took me somewhere where he showed me a man my uncle actually hung and the sight was gruesome. Richard told me that if I told my papa anything… he would do the same to me. And that scared me, mama!"

Then he stepped forward and wrapped his hands around Rose's waist. But he was careful of the baby and here, Rose realized why William acted the way he'd done. Richard Morgan was following the example of his father and she only guessed that the man used the other as a warning to William to send to Jack.

"Disastrous results would take place if they didn't comply with the demands of the blackmailer." Rose remembered the first letter spoke about.

"No doubt, Kingston sent that to truly threaten us." Rose thought and she held protectively onto William. Remembering how pirates would treat others… hanging was one of them and was never a pleasant experience to witness.

"Thank you for telling me, William." Rose answered.

"Can you stay by my bedside until I'm asleep, mama? I'm scared." William whispered.

Feeling her heart warm, Rose softly replied.

"Yes, William."

Then they two left and walked in the direction where his room was. John was fast asleep and Rose was thankful the Rosary soothed them. She prayed Jack would be alright when she opened the door to William's room and after tucking him into bed, she kissed him before she drew out a chair and waited patiently for him to fall asleep.

They entered the cave and Jack heard Drosselmier call.

"All bats are here, I suppose?" His voice echoed and some of the mates smirked. Others laughed when Jack glanced up and to his amazement… there were the evening creatures. They actually started to circle around the men but Jack knew they were nighttime creatures. Always hunting for their meal in the evening and slept during the day.

"I don't believe that helps with the ship." Matthew answered and stepped through the small entrance. The men, after walking across the beach with no disturbances, walked up another path and under Drosselmier's direction, came underground dough out and entered. One of the men helped him in and Jack thought he spotted something.

Shooing him away, Jack walked over to yet another cliff but his attention was on what was drawing him in. When he made it to the side, Jack gasped when he realized he was staring at his ship!

"She's lovely!" he exclaimed as the figure of the boat stood before him.

The ship towered above him as he took a step to the left. He didn't have cane or anything but pointing towards it, Jack felt something take over him as he asked.

"Get me on that ship so we can meet Kingston. I have a feeling he's waiting for us and time is no longer on our side."

"Right away, captain." Some of the crew answered.

"Good."

Words weren't needed when Jack followed Drosselmier around and soon stepped onto another path and this led to another beach. It was within the cavern and the bats were making their way out. Time for the usual feeding, Jack thought.

By the time he was on the shore, Jack noticed a huge vines which was concealing the entrance to the cave. He didn't need both of his eyes to know that this was a curtain, so to speak, which kept the boat hidden from outsiders.

"The original Dawson pirate did a splendid job keeping his boat hidden." Jack spoke when saw the vines.

"That he did, captain. Now it's your turn to take over and rightfully claim what was yours." Drosselmier commented and Jack merely narrowed his eyes. He didn't want to talk about anything but getting his ship ready for battle. Turning, he watched as the crew did their jobs.

One of the mates, who managed to enter the ship from a nearby plank, which was located on a part of the cliff, called.

"Captain? Do you want us to use the cannon to break away the last of the cave's rocks? The ship hasn't been out to port for some time."

"Does she still work?" He shouted back and his voice bounced through the tavern.

"Yes." The comrade called back.

The other men were starting to prepare the ship as Jack called out.

"She hasn't been in port for some time? Are you sure she's cable of sailing tonight?"

"Yes, captain!" The man barked.

"Would you like us to test her, captain?" Drosselmier asked.

Jack answered.

"Yes and get me on that!"

"Yes, captain." Drosselmier's answer was.

Gesturing with his hand, Jack felt all the power of being the captain as he followed Drosselmier from the beach, onto a small path, and then stepped on a plank. It was the same to enter the ship and the backend of the galleon was open. Torches were within the ship as the crew started to assemble her for sail. Or at least… for a cannon fire test. The details of the galleon ship were spectacular as Jack spoke to the men about what he wanted to have happen.

"The sails need to be brought down as I felt the wind earlier. It will work for us to speed to the statue and prepare the cannons for any attack from Kingston's ship. I know where the machine is which will be used we'll use to fish out that chest! I have the map with the coordinates here," he patted his pocket, "and I want to have this ready by the time we reach the statue! Make sure that she's working and keep a sharp eye for Kingston!"

"Yes, captain!"

Once a few more of his orders were directed, Jack turned to Drosselmier as he asked.

"Can you take charge of the wheel? I want to be at the front with a telescope. I know there's one in the captain's quarters."

"You're acting just like the original pirate, Dawson. I can see his features in you now. Even against all those injuries… you're no longer the Jack Dawson of the business world now… you're the pirate's descendant!"

"That's not important, Drosselmier!" Jack replied and he stomped his foot.

If he had a cane, he would have waved it in his face as he asked.

"Do you agree to steer the ship?"

"Yes." Drosselmier answered and Jack nodded.

"Thank you. Now," he gestured behind him as the other men started to prepare her for the test try fire, "are you going to help with the sails or do I have to force you to?"

"No need to force it, captain. I'm on my way." Drosselmier answered.

Jack sighed as he was relieved. Once Drosselmier was gone, he made his way through the ship and inhaled the fragrance. Making his way into the captain's quarters, Jack closed the door behind him and he was thankful the room was lit.

"Alright. Where is that telescope?" he asked aloud and he made his way over to a table in the center. After he placed the map down, Jack walked over to the closet and upon opening it, the golden item lay before him. As if it dared him, Jack reached out and but then another item flickered next to him. Turning to it, he knew this wasn't another telescope.

"The captain's sword." Jack thought as he used the other and took hold of the handle. Returning to the table, Jack set aside the telescope before he took hold of his ancestor's famous sword.

"It's the Cutlass." Jack remembered as he gently drew her out.

He felt the power take hold of him when he placed his hand on the handle and dropping the covering, held out as the blade glowed in the light. He ignored the sling but then he thought…

"If my ancestor ever was injured… he wouldn't let something like a sling bother him."

And with a movement which surprised him, Jack tore away the sling and felt his jaw loosen. But he ignored this as he returned his attention to the famous sword. Inhaling, he blinked when he pretended to station himself for a fight but he wasn't play acting. He knew Kingston was strong and remembering how he'd attacked him more than once, Jack wanted to prepare himself for any physical fight. He prayed he would have the strength despite his injuries and lack of his left eye but he knew he was doing this for several reasons.

He wanted to make sure no one of his family would be injured by Kingston or his descendants' and knowing how William used to play with his cousin, Richard, made his determination to capture his brother in law all the more a reality. And Rachel… Jack shuddered… keeping the secret of their history from the world… letting Kingston have his way when he married her…

"And now… after the Titanic put her mark on the world… this needs to be cleared up and taken care of once and for all!" He exclaimed aloud and raising the sword, gave it a hard swing to the right. As he did this, Jack's blade cut through the table and the pieces of wood went flying across. Though small, the impact was enough to startle him but Jack actually felt better when he did this. He was feeling the strength of being captain take over and he was sure his ancestor was inside him. Or his image.

"Whatever it is… someone needs a little practice before he goes into battle."

A voice spoke from the doorway.

"Bless it, Drosselmier. How often do you have to sneak up on me on unexpected times?" Jack asked as he turned and held the sword up to the man's throat.

"Don't let the power of that sword get to your head, captain." Drosselmier warned and Jack raised a brow.

"Excuse me? Am I not captain?"

"Yes. But he needs to know how to brandish that weapon before he goes into battle. And with your injuries… as well as that missing eye… you're going to need it." Drosselmier answered.

"Here. The mates are preparing the canon for the fire but I see that our captain needs some sword practice before we set sail. If we encounter Kingston and he lands on the ship, he will have his own sword, Jack and he plans on battling you with his. He's much stronger than you; that's reason why I'm here. I want to practice with you while the men finish outside. As you can probably tell," they both felt the boat move a little, "they're still assembling her. The canons in the back are being prepared and the balls are within the tavern. And the ship's well prepared for cannon fire but some of it needs to be whipped down a bit. While they're doing that," Drosselmier reached over and took hold of one of the swords on the wall, "let's get you ready."

Stationing himself, Jack braced himself for Drosselmier's instructions. As he listened, he followed through with every movement and guide of Drosselmier. When the swords clashed, Jack felt the power of attacking his enemy but Drosselmier informed him that he would have to tire him first before he ever attempted an attack.

"It's wise to wear him out first and before the final blow comes." Drosselmier informed and Jack nodded.

He wasn't feeling the bit tired as he and his teacher commenced in sword fighting or fencing as the crew members prepared the ship for the first cannon fire. Outside, if Jack was watching, his crew were whipping away at the metal at the back of the ship, while others were placing each cannon with a ball. The cannon's fire was also being put in place and ropes, as well as pulling down the sails were being taken care of. Jack was in the captain's quarters, still practicing, when one of the mates entered as he called.

"Captain? Are you ready for the first fire? We're all ready."

Jack held the sword and clashed it against Drosselmier's and both men were out of breath. They'd been practicing for a goodness knew how long and when Jack drew back, he turned and wiping his brow, against the broken jaw, replied.

"Yes. Is she waiting?"

"Yes, captain. She is."

"Then I'll be there. Drosselmier?" Jack approached and holding his hand out, once the doctor took it, he thanked him.

"Thank you for the lesson."

"You're welcome. You're going to be needing it." Drosselmier responded.

"I don't doubt that." Jack's rely was before he placed the sword back in the covering and then followed the other mate up to the upper deck. When he was there, he walked over to the right and spotted some of the mates with cannon separate from the ship. She was targeted towards the remaining rocks that hid the cave's entrance. When the mates heard the man beside Jack whistle, they glanced up and one of them, waving, called.

"You ready for fire, captain?"

"Yes." Jack called.

"Then here she goes!" He replied and Jack watched as he took out a match and lit it.

Once the flame was on the area where the fire would meet the cannon's dust, one of the mate shouted.

"Here she blows! Hold your ears!"

But it was too late for Jack cover his own. With an ear piecing cry, the cannon fired and the ball soared across and with a breaking sound… the rocks of the cave gave way with a moan and the evening light glowed within the tavern.

The remains of the rocks fell into the water as the sea water entered but it was brief. The tavern was already filled with water but Jack knew that the impact of the fire was causing the water from the beach to enter. He turned and ignoring the ringing in his ears, he called.

"Get on board, mates! She's going to set sail!"

"On it, Captain!" One of them called and Jack knew it was Bart.

"He's one to listen to orders perfectly, captain." The mate to his left spoke.

At that moment, Drosselmier appeared and he took hold of the wheel. The shouts of the other men were heard as Drosselmier turned and nodding to Jack, he said.

"Once the water fills the beach, she'll sail through the entrance and we'll soon make our way out to sea, captain. Not to the Atlantic."

"No. But to the Statue of Liberty." Jack responded.

"All hands on deck now!" The mate beside Jack shouted.

Then Jack made his way back to the captain's quarters, where he took the telescope, the sword, and the map up where he would direct Drosselmier to guide the ship. In the meantime, he asked one of the mates to prepare the machine that would fish out the chest when they reached their destiny. And all the while – his heart pounded against his chest.

"From the widower of a business man to the Dawson Captain I am," Jack thought as his ship crashed through the last pit of the cave, splintering a few of the rocks below and the vines parted against the sides, "I never assumed this would be me!"

Then his ship entered the waves and soon set sail towards the State of Liberty.

She appeared after an hour and thirty minutes.

"Never in all my life have I ever been so tense!" Jack exclaimed as he lowered the telescope.

The wind helped so much when he and his men journeyed. It was rewarding when the boat sailed through the waters and under Drosselmier's guidance, which was smooth, Jack's ship made herself known and Jack never felt the captain pirate he was! He prayed glory wasn't getting to his head when Drosselmier called.

"Captain? The coordinates?"

"Yes. Follow through with them!" Jack shouted. He'd already spoken with Drosselmier about where the spot of the chest was and the ship was making her way there. What seemed to amaze Jack was the residents around were away and remembering the statue would sometimes have tours, it made sense no one would notice a pirate's ship making her way towards the statue.

Using the telescope, Jack thought.

"Or at least… having men stand guard as a hiding place." He'd spotted someone jump from the bottom of the statue before they rushed inside. He knew without who they could have been. Lowering the telescope, Jack finished.

"A spy. And Kingston's inside probably. Or he's waiting to ambush us from the side."

"Best make sure you all have the cannon's ready for an attack." He shouted as he took a step back but he raised the telescope a second time. He wanted to make sure there weren't any more of those filthy scum who would tell Kingston about his appearance. Knowing Kingston: he was waiting for Jack to fish out the treasure before he would attack them. Bart, who was standing on the first mask, called from above.

"Captain? We're nearly the spot! When do you want the machine lowered?"

"As soon as she stops at the spot!" Jack barked back.

He was still using the telescope. As he was doing this, he heard Drosselmier ask.

"Do you spot any spies?"

"Yes. I saw one enter the statue." Jack answered.

"I'm trying to see if there's anymore."

Drosselmier was silent as Jack continued to scan. This was an eventful night, indeed, his mind informed him and it was better than sitting in an office! Business and the call of adventure appeared! As Jack continued searching, he felt the Cutlass sword on his belt. He prayed he was ready to meet Kingston in battle. Hopefully, for the final time so as to put a stop to all the harms and pains he'd caused in the family.

"Don't see any now." He called.

"But that doesn't mean Kingston's' got a surprise."

"No, captain." Drosselmier answered and the ship, along with help of the wind, turned to the side and Bart called.

"Over there, Drosselmier! Keep her steady!"

"Don't need to listen to him when I know where it is!" Drosselmier replied but he made sure he didn't voice this in Bart's direction. The mate was standing above the sails as the wind blew through his hair. Wanting to capture the sight, as if he were in a novel, Jack watched as the young man stared down towards the location where the treasure was hidden. He felt more as if he were looking at his own son, William, as Bart called.

"Over yonder! Yes! She's nearing the spot! Do you have the machine ready?"

"Yes!" A few of the other crew members shouted.

"Captain? Go and help them." Drosselmier replied.

The wind was beginning to pick up and Jack nodded. He knew how to use the machine and his heart pounded. The legendary treasure of the pirates of long ago was would soon be his but he kept in mind what he knew of greed. But he was exited as he made his way down after he thanked Drosselmier. He prayed a Hail Mary as he made his way down. When he was on deck, he saw the machine which was suspended by ropes to his left. Bart, who flew down by a rope, landed on the wood as he announced.

"Captain? She's ready the minute Drosselmier lowers the anchor where the location is."

"Thank you, Bart." Jack replied and he placed a hand on the young man's shoulder. But the features of Bart weren't that of a young man… no! He knew he was speaking to a man far beyond his years and Jack added.

"Splendid job, son. You will make a wonderful mate one of these days."

"Thank you, sir." Bart answered and he clicked his heels.

Remembering William, Jack shook his head and laughed a bit as he answered.

"No need for that, Bart. All I now need to do is once we've reached the spot, is to prepare the ship for the fishing but have some men stationed for Kingston's boat. I know he's not far from here."

"Yes, sir." Bart answered and he turned and signaled with his hand, called for some of the others to leave their posts so as to help Jack with the machine. He prayed a silent Hail Mary for strength and guidance when he heard Drosselmier call.

"We're there! Lower the anchor!"

Then when one of the mates responded… Jack heard a loud noise of gears moving… and when the ship appeared where the treasure was… with a loud cry… she stopped and the anchor was lowered. The boat of the Dawson pirate paused over the location and Jack felt his heart beat when he walked over to the side and watched as the anchor made her way to the bottom of the water. He heard Drosselmier call.

"She's anchored!"

"Captain?" Bart's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Turning, Jack narrowed his eye as he asked.

"Yes?"

"She's ready to be used. Would you like to do the honors?"

He gestured towards the machine and feeling his heart speed, Jack answered.

"Yes. Are the men ready?"

"Yes. All are stationed and some have their hands on the cannons."

Directing his attention over to the machine, Jack drew his shoulders back as he replied.

"Then bring her over. It's time the Dawson pirate treasure be fished out once and for all."

As the machine started to move, along with Jack's guiding hands, the sea gull above circled as the famous ship started a legendary move to fish out the long ago treasure. Jack prayed for strength when the machine towered over the spot where the treasure rested. As if he were digging out treasure in his backyard, Jack kept his focus on the spot as he pushed a few levels here and there. Bart, as well as the other mates, kept in line with his orders when he heard a few men call.

"No sign of Kingston yet."

"Don't let that bother you." Drosselmier called.

He was still by the wheel but Jack knew Kingston would probably attack. A few times he glanced over his shoulder for a ship but he didn't see anything. Instead he kept his attention on what he was doing. The machine, which indeed had a hook to fish out the treasure gently but slowly lowered itself the water. This was all under Jack's guiding hand and he felt his breath catch in his throat when it plunged into the water.

Pressing his lips together, Jack used the feeling of the levers to maneuver through the sand to locate the chest. There was no mirror for him to look through to use as his guide so Jack remembered the map's coordinates.

"And with Rachel's help… this also helps." He thought and he actually prayed for her. Not only that… he found himself praying for her soul… as he pushed another gear forward, he thought he heard one of the men shout.

"Sir? I thought I saw something!"

"Keep your eye on whatever you saw!" Drosselmier answered and Jack was thankful Drosselmier took the place of Albert, as second mate. If the butler were here… he would have helped the men below but Jack wasn't paying attention this. He was using the level to guide the hook to catch the chest. His heart pounded and he held his breath as he continued to pray. Then suddenly…

"I have it!" he whispered to Bart.

"Bring her up then, captain!" Bart praised and Jack nodded.

The machine held a magnet and from what Nathen knew of the treasure chest, they two would contact each other and lowering his hand, Jack reached down and used another part of the machine to raise the chest up. The wind blew around them as the creatures above soared and Jack forgot all about his injuries as well as his missing eye. He ignored the eyepatch and didn't even feel how the skin moved when he blinked as he worked. As he moved here and there, the machine groaned a bit and peering up, Jack hoped she wouldn't snap but thankfully… she didn't when the crew watched as the hook resurfaced. Then gasps were heard when the legendary chest appeared and gently guiding her over, Jack lowered her down, and before long, the chest was on deck. When Jack pulled away from the machine, his hands were shaking as he approached the legendary treasure chest. When he went to his knees, he heard the men exclaim.

"Captain! You did it! Here she is! After all these years!"

"She's huge! I've never seen such a chest like that!"

"Ugh! Not to mentions she's covered in seaweed!"

Reaching out, ignoring the seaweed, Jack pushed aside the plant and feeling the scum, ignored this too as he asked.

"However do you open it?"

Then suddenly… before he could have a reply… a loud cry was heard and the ship's end exploded. The impact caused Jack and the other mates to fall forward and one of the men from below shouted.

"Kingston! He's here!"

Drosselmier, who slid to the left, caught himself as he shouted.

"Get ready! I knew he would ambush us from behind! Get those swords out!"

"He's on his way now!" One of the men barked from below.

"A few of them are injured! Captain! Orders!"

Jack managed to avoid slamming his face against the chest. Against his broken jaw and missing eye, he Rose as he answered.

"Prepare yourselves for battle with the Mouse King! Raise the anchor and prepare those cannons!"

"Yes, Captain!"

The men, who weren't injured from the explosion, rushed around and started to prepare the ship to turn around and face her enemy. Jack's heart pounded when he turned away from the chest and focused his attention on the approaching ship. He could see her sails as shouts from the other men were heard. Then a hand was placed on his shoulder and meeting Drosselmier's eyes, he heard the man say.

"Use that sword, Jack Dawson. She saved your ancestor… she will do the same for you."

When the man released his shoulder, Jack reached down and placing his hand on the sword's handle, pressed his lips together as he nodded. Then he unsheathed her when he heard another cannon fire. This time… it wasn't from Kingston's ship… but his own.