To everyone's great relief, the last three days of the trip from Isla de
Muerta passed much more cheerily now that the two captains had settled
their differences. The night they made up, the two crews gathered together
for a big meal and even bigger night of partying. Walking out of her cabin
onto the main deck of the Renegade to join in the festivities, Julianne was
caught off guard when Jack slid up behind her and grabbed her around the
waist.
"Drink up my dear", he said smoothly holding up a bottle of rum. "Ana's plannin on takin yer stitches out tonight once you've got yerself good and soused."
"Uh", she moaned in response, "I was 'opin she'd just forget bout them."
"And what? You'd walk round with thread in yer arm forever?"
"Don't bother me."
"Well, not something I want to be lookin at for the rest of me life personally, so I guess they'll 'ave to go."
Torn between being annoyed at his making the decision for her and being slightly touched that he had actually alluded to spending the rest of his life with her, Julianne shrugged, nodded that she would do it, and set to work on her bottle.
The evening passed in a haze of joyful ruckus. Some of the sailors had pulled out their harmonicas while others attempted to do a sort of intoxicated dance to their playing. Having started their fun around 7:00, but 10:00 Julianne had drank enough to send any respectable citizen to a terrible death by alcohol poisoning. Happy that she was drunk enough not to notice the pain that was about to be inflicted upon her, Jack silently hoped she would eventually pass out wary of her tendency to become a particularly nasty drunk. From where the two of them sat watching everything going on around them, Jack caught Ana motioning to him from across the deck. Nodding that he understood, he pulled Juli from her seat and led her to the cabin.
"Where're are we goin Jack", she slurred through occasional hiccups, stumbling along beside him.
"To your cabin luv, where else?"
"And why're are we goin Jack?" she asked with as sly a grin as she could manage.
"Ah, ah", he tisked in response. "Not now. Now yer goin to get those stitches out."
"Och, forget bout thems stitches, I can think of more importanter tings I'd rather be doin."
"Yes well so can I", he added pulling her to him. "But its got to be done so we're just gonna get it over with."
"But Jaaaaaaaack."
"No buts. Ye'll just 'ave to suffer. Now come on", he ordered dragging her inside and putting her down on the bed.
Anamaria was already inside and ready to go. A look of concerned washed over her face when she saw Juli thrashing around, clearly with no intentions of cooperating.
"Maybe this isn't such a good idea", the first mate said to her captain.
"Nonsense, let's just get on with it."
"Ye think maybe you should get someone to help ye hold her down?"
"I'll be fine", he answered giving her a firm look. Turning around, he took off Juli's coat and rolled up the sleeve of her left arm, her fighting him all the way.
"I TOLD YE I DIDN'T WANT EM OUT!", she yelled at him. Without answering her, he pulled her back up, slid behind her, then sat back on the bed with her on top, his arms wrapped around hers keeping them in place, and the same with his legs.
"I know ye don't luv", he said soothingly, "but ye can't keep em in neither. Now come on and sit tight so Ana can get 'er work done faster."
This seemed to quiet Julianne down for a little while, and she sat still while Ana cut all of the stitches in half. Pulling out a pair of tweezers next, both she and Jack knew however that it was only the calm before the storm. Carefully grasping the end of the first stitch of many between the tweezers, Anamaria braced herself. Holding Juli's arm with her other hand in case her struggling should prove too much for Jack, she felt her captain tighten his grip around the other woman, and looked up to see him nodded for her to go. Sticking to the theory that faster is better, she pulled hard on the piece of thread which came ripping out of Julianne's arm following by a drop of blood.
For the first one, Juli managed to keep quiet and her indication to the pain was a sharp jerk of her body when it came out. Ana continued, taking out a second, third, and fourth. It wasn't until the fifth that Julianne could no longer contain herself and screamed loudly when it was torn out.
*Only 46 more, Jack thought to himself cynically*. For the remainder of the situation Juli did her best not to scream every time but found it rather difficult. By the time Ana only had 9 left to go, Julianne's eyes were watering and her face was red. The little blood droplets were now beginning to create quiet a mess and Ana had to keep stopping and clean it up, making the last few an absolute hell. Outside the cabin, unaware of what was actually taking place, the crews began to wonder what all the screaming was about. Going to the door to listen and still not completely over what Jack had done to his captain, Dipst had every intention on barging in and finding out exactly what was going on.
Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one; they all came out accompanied by a yelp. All of them finally removed, there was only one thing left to do.
"'Ave to clean it yet", Ana said solemnly.
Eyes wide and sobriety beginning to set in, Julianne began to protest but was quieted by Jack. As Ana poured a little bit of rum onto a clean cloth, all three of them prepared for the worst. Taking the cloth to the top of her arm, Ana ran it up and down the length of the cut. At the burn of it, Julianne let out the absolute loudest and most horrible scream any of them had ever heard. From where he stood at the door, Dipst was not going to stand for another minute of whatever was going on inside. Throwing it open, he strode into the cabin to find the three of them where they were sitting, Ana cleaning up the bloody rags and Jack blotting the still bleeding holes in her arm as he rocked Juli slowly, who had thankfully passed out by now.
"What the hell are the three of ye doin", Dipst demanded, though he was now quite calm having figured out the answer already himself.
"Stitches are out", Ana answered matter of factly, then stood up and headed for the door. "And so you are you", she said to Dipst taking him by the arm, leaving the two captains. Back outside, Ana found everyone staring at her in silence.
"Oh ye fucks!" she exclaimed with annoyance and rolling her eyes. "We were takin 'er stitches out." Satisfied with her explanation, everyone went back to what they were doing.
***
Julianne woke up the next morning with a splitting headache. Sitting up rubbing her head, she looked up to see of bottle of rum held out in front of her.
"Thank you doctor Sparrow", she managed to laugh taking it from him.
"Best way to get rid of a hangover."
"Agreed", she replied crawling out of bed and rooting through the pile of clothes that lay on the floor from yesterday.
"'Ow much longer d'ye expect til we hit Santa Criox anyway?"
"Oh, should be gettin there round lunch tomorrow, even if we take a slow go at it today."
"Well, no rush then", he said with a crooked grin, stepping over to her and putting his arms around her waist.
"Ah", she raised a hand. "Not now you over bearing nymph. When the sun is up, we sail."
"And when it's not?"
"Well, that's a different story. But since it's up, and by up I'm referring to the sun and not you, that's besides the point."
"Oh alright", he whined in his best pouty voice. "Hurry up then, I'm hungry."
"Are you?" she asked whipping around and eyeing him curiously.
"Aye, hmm, well what do you think of that, I'm actually hungry. I've done much better this time than the last."
"If you want to exchange a few less days for almost killing me I guess."
"Will you never let me live that down?"
"Hey, I figure I've got at least a good month and a half out of it."
"I swear you'll drive me to drinkin woman", he responded with a laugh.
"Alright, I'm ready. Let's go." Heading out into the bright sunlight, Julianne took a minute before making her way to the galley to take a look around at the beautiful waters that surrounded them.
"Mornin' Cap'n", several of her crew greeted the pair of them. Turning around, Julianne took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, salty air. When she had almost come full circle in her turn, something caught her eye over the starboard side of the ship. Stopping, she walked to the railing and looked out with squinted eyes. Wanting a better look, she reached deep into a pocket on her long jacket, pulled out her telescope, and looked through it. Lowering it slowly, her mouth hung open in awe.
"What is it Jules? What are you looking at?"
"Jack", she said swinging around to face him, her voice full of excitement. "Do you see that?"
"Yeah I see it, it's a ship. What's the big deal?"
"That is not just any ship out there. That is the Royale Majestic."
Now Jack's mouth also dropped open.
"What's so great about that", a voice added itself to their conversation. Turning to see Will and Elizabeth hand in hand, approaching, Juli answered. "The Royale Majestic is the flagship for the British East India Company. It's one of the largest vessels on the seas, and holds more loot than 'alf the regular merchant ships put together."
"Sounds impressive", Will agreed.
"Oh it is Mr. Turna. That there ship's been the jewel of pirates everywhere. Only problem is she's damned near impossible to take by one. But now that there's two o us." she added looking at Jack with a sly grin and a gleam in her eyes. "What d'ye say Cap'n?"
An equally large grin spread on the other captain's face and his eyes lit up with mischief. Swaggering over to where Julianne stood in his signature walk, he took the telescope and looked at the ship himself. Just as he turned back around to give his answer, Dipst, who was standing directly behind the Turners, cut him off.
"I think the two o you're forgettin somethin", he said nodding at the young couple in front of him. Will, unsure of what he was talking about, turned to look over his shoulder at the first mate and understood.
"He means us", he said quietly to his wife, who did not reply.
For the next few minutes, everyone involved in the conversation stood silent, each trying to figure out some solution to the situation.
"Well", Jack said finally, obviously struggling to speak in a cheery voice, "guess we'll just 'ave to let it go this time."
"Are you mad?", Juli asked with a look of disgust.
"We can't very well go raidin a ship with the two o them on board. Unsafe, that's what it is."
"Jack, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We can't just pass it up. Besides, raidin that ship's gonna be a lot less dangerous than 'alf of what they've already been through."
"Yes, but those instances were unplanned and had to be dealt with. This one we're going after intentionally."
"Who cares? They wanted to come on a pirate trip after all. Might as well see what it's all about."
"Look, it's not like I'm happy about it. I'm just being responsible."
"And when has that ever been one of your virtues?"
Jack gave her a stern look.
"Come on Jaaaack", Julianne now whined. "It's less an 'alf a mile away, just sitting there, unarmed, unprepared..."
A few feet away, Will and Elizabeth stood unnoticed in a conversation that was completely about them. Half listening to the two captains debate, and half discussing the situation themselves, they came to an agreement.
"Jules.", Jack began again in another attempt to dissuade her.
"If you don't mind", Will cut him off, "seeing as how the issue of the situation seems to be about Elizabeth and I, don't you think we might have a say in it."
Both Jack and Julianne exchanged a glance at Will's boldness, but then conceded to what he had to say.
"Go on then", Julianne instructed him.
"Well, while the two of you have been arguing, you could have saved yourself the trouble by just asking us", he continued under the gaze of two skeptical looks. "Anyway, Elizabeth thinks, and I agree, that Juli's right, raids are part of the deal. So as long as we don't have to participate in anything and can just stay below, you can go on ahead. Only, try to not kill anyone if you don't have to", he finished.
After a few more moments of surveying him suspiciously, Julianne turned to Jack for his answer.
"Guess that settles it", he said in an odd tone. Looking out at the Royale Majestic's position he carried on, "I'm faster so I'll take the port, you take the starboard."
"Thank you", Julianne cooed in her sweetest girl voice and gave him a kiss on the cheek in front of everyone.
"They better be loaded", he muttered to himself heading for his own ship.
"ALRIGHT MATES", Julianne yelled now turning to her crew. "YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO."
All enthused with her command, having grown quite tired of sailing around with no apparent interest to them, the crew of the Renegade immediately set to motion. Will and Elizabeth watched in amazement as they all moved around doing their duties like clockwork. In front of them, Julianne strode to helm purposefully, and took the wheel. Beside them, Dipst ran up the black flag displaying the ship's Jolly Roger; and all around them crewmen (and women) scurried past setting the sails, pulling up the anchors, preparing the cannons, and getting ready for battle. Looking across the way, both Turners observed the same excited bustle on the deck of the Pearl, which was now pulling around the Renegade heading for the Royale Majestic.
"This is it kids", a crewmen who went by the name Socks said passing them. "This is what we live for."
Awed by his excitement and motivation, Will and Elizabeth soon found themselves hard pressed to make the trip into their cabin where they would be unable to watch. Though the captain's quarters came with windows, theirs unfortunately did not. Taking this into consideration, Elizabeth quickly left her husband's side and walked up to the helm.
"You still out 'ere", Julianne asked her, eyes completely focused ahead as she steered the great ship.
"It's all just so exciting."
"O course it is. Wouldn't do it if it wasn't."
"Would you mind terribly if Will and I stayed in your cabin while everything is going on?"
"Why?"
"You know, better view."
"Ah, I see", she responded with raised eyebrows. "Yes, I guess that would be ok. Just don't let yerselves been seen or nothin, savvy?"
"Savvy", Elizabeth confirmed then headed back down and pulled Will into Juli's cabin.
It was a formidable sight there in that little section of the Caribbean; two of the most famed and intimidating pirate ships closing in on the most amazing merchant vessel to ever sail. Only days earlier, the ship's normal captain had taken ill and had since spent all of his time in his cabin. In light of this, his new and inexperienced first mate had been left to run the ship, sort of an opportunity to prove himself. Having recently come over from England, the new man was completely unfamiliar with the pirate ships and activity that ruled the Caribbean, including the Renegade's stockhold on Santa Croix. On this particular day, the first mate had stopped the ship to give the crew a day's rest after a long journey of trade stops among the islands, and was completely caught off guard when he looked out and saw the two pirate ships approaching. Sounding the alarm to make ready for battle, it was already too late when the crew of the Majestic realized what was about to happen. While many hurried to man the cannons, the terrified first mate went to the helm just as the first of enemy shots fell blasting huge holes in the deck.
The whole battle, or slaughter, was over within minutes. The Pearl and the Renegade advanced fast, blasting the hell out of the other ship with their cannons. By the time they had pulled close enough to board, the inexperienced first mate had every intention of surrendering. Jumping from their own ships to the Majestic, Jack and Julianne met at mid deck, and bowed to each other.
"Shall we?" Jack asked merrily.
"Let's go", Julianne answered him, and simultaneously they turned together and strode up to the helm where the first mate stood shaking, as their crews poured onto the deck behind them. Everywhere the crewmen of the Majestic stood with arms raised as some pirates held them at sword point while others began pillaging the ship, all slightly disappointed that there had not been any resistance to their attack so there was no need to kill anyone.
"BUCK UP THERE SAILOR", Jack barked, approaching the frightened young man. "That's no way for a captain to look."
"I'm beginning to wonder if this 'ere whelp even is the captain", Julianne added with a charming and condescending grin.
Gaping and wide eyed, the first mate stared at Julianne. "Y.y. you're. but you're a woman", he finally stuttered.
"And you are obviously NOT Captain Wilcox" she replied mockingly, arms crossed.
"N.n.no", he answered shaking his head frantically back and forth. "Captain's been sick for some time", he explained further.
"So you're the first mate then", Jack asked. The man nodded.
"Well lad, I hate to be the bearer of bad news", Jack continued with a grin, "but you're goin ta be in quite a bit of trouble once e's betta."
Again the first mate nodded.
"Unless you just want us to kill him and save ya the trouble", Julianne added with a snicker.
Eyes growing wider, he gulped. "No, no, that's alright."
"'Ave it your way", Jack chimed turning to head back down to the main deck.
Getting ready to follow him, Julianne flashed the man another of her trademark grins. "Not to worry luv, you just stay 'ere and we'll be out o yer hair in no time flat", she mused, then whirled around and made her way down behind Jack.
"So easy I almost feel guilty", she stated aloud.
"Aye, but it'll make for a great story. We'll be a legend after this."
A sly smile spread from ear to ear on Julianne's face at the thought of that.
"Still feel guilty", Jack asked.
"Not at all Captain, not at all."
Twenty minutes later everyone was back on board their respective ship and the Royale Majestic was just a speck in the distance. With Sprat at the wheel, Julianne and Dipst were found on the main deck surrounded by huge chests, barrels, and crates. Emerging from their hiding place in Julianne's cabin, Will and Elizabeth made their way to the center of all of the hubbub to see what was going on.
"Ah ha ha", Julianne exclaimed evilly kicking open a lid to reveal an entire chest full of gold coins and jewels. Picking up and handful and letting it fall back into the chest noisily, Julianne smiled and moved on to the next one. She moved from chest to chest, crate to crate, barrel to barrel, opening each to find gold, jewels, food, supplies, clothing, and of course, alcohol.
"Uck!", she exclaimed happening upon one full of dresses. "Now whatever will I do with these?" she asked aloud holding up a beautiful silver and grey one that caused Elizabeth to catch in her breath. Tossing carelessly to the ground, Julianne continued digging through the large chest, throwing dresses out left and right. Getting to the bottom, she began pulling out pairs of pants and tossed those also until there were no more left.
"All worthless", she commented looking around her. "Although I will take these", she added picking up a pair of white pants and a jacket. "Alright boys, take it below and divvy up the loot", she ordered when she was done inspecting, sending Dipst along to supervise. Turning around to see Elizabeth staring at all the dresses with wide eyes, Julianne snapped her back to reality. "Their just gonna get sold, traded, or given to some o the men's favorite ladies. So if you want any o them, betta take it now", she said. Looking up at her surprised, Elizabeth was unsure of what to say.
"Go on, it's not like you stole it or anything. For all you know, I bought it from a respectable dress maker in Port Royale", she added. "You too Will, if there's anything you like."
"Sure wouldn't mind one of these", he said quietly approaching a chest full of pistols.
"Well like I said, get it now before its not there to be gotten."
Picking one of the guns up carefully, as though it would crack if he was too rough with it, Will turned it over in his hands admiring it. Following his lead, Elizabeth also stepped forward and picked up some of the dresses that had caught her eye earlier.
"Maybe there's something to be said for piracy after all", she joked.
"ELIZABETH!" Will snapped at her.
"I'm only kidding Will. Don't worry", she laughed again.
**************************************************************************** *****************
And now for the bad news. Up until this point I've had this entire thing already written out, and just added updates along the way. However, we have now reached the point where I stopped writing before and have to finish the story. Sooooooo, unfortunately for those that care, updates aren't going to be so frequent. But hopefully I'll get enough inspiration and have enough free time to finish the last little bit and get it posted.
"Drink up my dear", he said smoothly holding up a bottle of rum. "Ana's plannin on takin yer stitches out tonight once you've got yerself good and soused."
"Uh", she moaned in response, "I was 'opin she'd just forget bout them."
"And what? You'd walk round with thread in yer arm forever?"
"Don't bother me."
"Well, not something I want to be lookin at for the rest of me life personally, so I guess they'll 'ave to go."
Torn between being annoyed at his making the decision for her and being slightly touched that he had actually alluded to spending the rest of his life with her, Julianne shrugged, nodded that she would do it, and set to work on her bottle.
The evening passed in a haze of joyful ruckus. Some of the sailors had pulled out their harmonicas while others attempted to do a sort of intoxicated dance to their playing. Having started their fun around 7:00, but 10:00 Julianne had drank enough to send any respectable citizen to a terrible death by alcohol poisoning. Happy that she was drunk enough not to notice the pain that was about to be inflicted upon her, Jack silently hoped she would eventually pass out wary of her tendency to become a particularly nasty drunk. From where the two of them sat watching everything going on around them, Jack caught Ana motioning to him from across the deck. Nodding that he understood, he pulled Juli from her seat and led her to the cabin.
"Where're are we goin Jack", she slurred through occasional hiccups, stumbling along beside him.
"To your cabin luv, where else?"
"And why're are we goin Jack?" she asked with as sly a grin as she could manage.
"Ah, ah", he tisked in response. "Not now. Now yer goin to get those stitches out."
"Och, forget bout thems stitches, I can think of more importanter tings I'd rather be doin."
"Yes well so can I", he added pulling her to him. "But its got to be done so we're just gonna get it over with."
"But Jaaaaaaaack."
"No buts. Ye'll just 'ave to suffer. Now come on", he ordered dragging her inside and putting her down on the bed.
Anamaria was already inside and ready to go. A look of concerned washed over her face when she saw Juli thrashing around, clearly with no intentions of cooperating.
"Maybe this isn't such a good idea", the first mate said to her captain.
"Nonsense, let's just get on with it."
"Ye think maybe you should get someone to help ye hold her down?"
"I'll be fine", he answered giving her a firm look. Turning around, he took off Juli's coat and rolled up the sleeve of her left arm, her fighting him all the way.
"I TOLD YE I DIDN'T WANT EM OUT!", she yelled at him. Without answering her, he pulled her back up, slid behind her, then sat back on the bed with her on top, his arms wrapped around hers keeping them in place, and the same with his legs.
"I know ye don't luv", he said soothingly, "but ye can't keep em in neither. Now come on and sit tight so Ana can get 'er work done faster."
This seemed to quiet Julianne down for a little while, and she sat still while Ana cut all of the stitches in half. Pulling out a pair of tweezers next, both she and Jack knew however that it was only the calm before the storm. Carefully grasping the end of the first stitch of many between the tweezers, Anamaria braced herself. Holding Juli's arm with her other hand in case her struggling should prove too much for Jack, she felt her captain tighten his grip around the other woman, and looked up to see him nodded for her to go. Sticking to the theory that faster is better, she pulled hard on the piece of thread which came ripping out of Julianne's arm following by a drop of blood.
For the first one, Juli managed to keep quiet and her indication to the pain was a sharp jerk of her body when it came out. Ana continued, taking out a second, third, and fourth. It wasn't until the fifth that Julianne could no longer contain herself and screamed loudly when it was torn out.
*Only 46 more, Jack thought to himself cynically*. For the remainder of the situation Juli did her best not to scream every time but found it rather difficult. By the time Ana only had 9 left to go, Julianne's eyes were watering and her face was red. The little blood droplets were now beginning to create quiet a mess and Ana had to keep stopping and clean it up, making the last few an absolute hell. Outside the cabin, unaware of what was actually taking place, the crews began to wonder what all the screaming was about. Going to the door to listen and still not completely over what Jack had done to his captain, Dipst had every intention on barging in and finding out exactly what was going on.
Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one; they all came out accompanied by a yelp. All of them finally removed, there was only one thing left to do.
"'Ave to clean it yet", Ana said solemnly.
Eyes wide and sobriety beginning to set in, Julianne began to protest but was quieted by Jack. As Ana poured a little bit of rum onto a clean cloth, all three of them prepared for the worst. Taking the cloth to the top of her arm, Ana ran it up and down the length of the cut. At the burn of it, Julianne let out the absolute loudest and most horrible scream any of them had ever heard. From where he stood at the door, Dipst was not going to stand for another minute of whatever was going on inside. Throwing it open, he strode into the cabin to find the three of them where they were sitting, Ana cleaning up the bloody rags and Jack blotting the still bleeding holes in her arm as he rocked Juli slowly, who had thankfully passed out by now.
"What the hell are the three of ye doin", Dipst demanded, though he was now quite calm having figured out the answer already himself.
"Stitches are out", Ana answered matter of factly, then stood up and headed for the door. "And so you are you", she said to Dipst taking him by the arm, leaving the two captains. Back outside, Ana found everyone staring at her in silence.
"Oh ye fucks!" she exclaimed with annoyance and rolling her eyes. "We were takin 'er stitches out." Satisfied with her explanation, everyone went back to what they were doing.
***
Julianne woke up the next morning with a splitting headache. Sitting up rubbing her head, she looked up to see of bottle of rum held out in front of her.
"Thank you doctor Sparrow", she managed to laugh taking it from him.
"Best way to get rid of a hangover."
"Agreed", she replied crawling out of bed and rooting through the pile of clothes that lay on the floor from yesterday.
"'Ow much longer d'ye expect til we hit Santa Criox anyway?"
"Oh, should be gettin there round lunch tomorrow, even if we take a slow go at it today."
"Well, no rush then", he said with a crooked grin, stepping over to her and putting his arms around her waist.
"Ah", she raised a hand. "Not now you over bearing nymph. When the sun is up, we sail."
"And when it's not?"
"Well, that's a different story. But since it's up, and by up I'm referring to the sun and not you, that's besides the point."
"Oh alright", he whined in his best pouty voice. "Hurry up then, I'm hungry."
"Are you?" she asked whipping around and eyeing him curiously.
"Aye, hmm, well what do you think of that, I'm actually hungry. I've done much better this time than the last."
"If you want to exchange a few less days for almost killing me I guess."
"Will you never let me live that down?"
"Hey, I figure I've got at least a good month and a half out of it."
"I swear you'll drive me to drinkin woman", he responded with a laugh.
"Alright, I'm ready. Let's go." Heading out into the bright sunlight, Julianne took a minute before making her way to the galley to take a look around at the beautiful waters that surrounded them.
"Mornin' Cap'n", several of her crew greeted the pair of them. Turning around, Julianne took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, salty air. When she had almost come full circle in her turn, something caught her eye over the starboard side of the ship. Stopping, she walked to the railing and looked out with squinted eyes. Wanting a better look, she reached deep into a pocket on her long jacket, pulled out her telescope, and looked through it. Lowering it slowly, her mouth hung open in awe.
"What is it Jules? What are you looking at?"
"Jack", she said swinging around to face him, her voice full of excitement. "Do you see that?"
"Yeah I see it, it's a ship. What's the big deal?"
"That is not just any ship out there. That is the Royale Majestic."
Now Jack's mouth also dropped open.
"What's so great about that", a voice added itself to their conversation. Turning to see Will and Elizabeth hand in hand, approaching, Juli answered. "The Royale Majestic is the flagship for the British East India Company. It's one of the largest vessels on the seas, and holds more loot than 'alf the regular merchant ships put together."
"Sounds impressive", Will agreed.
"Oh it is Mr. Turna. That there ship's been the jewel of pirates everywhere. Only problem is she's damned near impossible to take by one. But now that there's two o us." she added looking at Jack with a sly grin and a gleam in her eyes. "What d'ye say Cap'n?"
An equally large grin spread on the other captain's face and his eyes lit up with mischief. Swaggering over to where Julianne stood in his signature walk, he took the telescope and looked at the ship himself. Just as he turned back around to give his answer, Dipst, who was standing directly behind the Turners, cut him off.
"I think the two o you're forgettin somethin", he said nodding at the young couple in front of him. Will, unsure of what he was talking about, turned to look over his shoulder at the first mate and understood.
"He means us", he said quietly to his wife, who did not reply.
For the next few minutes, everyone involved in the conversation stood silent, each trying to figure out some solution to the situation.
"Well", Jack said finally, obviously struggling to speak in a cheery voice, "guess we'll just 'ave to let it go this time."
"Are you mad?", Juli asked with a look of disgust.
"We can't very well go raidin a ship with the two o them on board. Unsafe, that's what it is."
"Jack, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We can't just pass it up. Besides, raidin that ship's gonna be a lot less dangerous than 'alf of what they've already been through."
"Yes, but those instances were unplanned and had to be dealt with. This one we're going after intentionally."
"Who cares? They wanted to come on a pirate trip after all. Might as well see what it's all about."
"Look, it's not like I'm happy about it. I'm just being responsible."
"And when has that ever been one of your virtues?"
Jack gave her a stern look.
"Come on Jaaaack", Julianne now whined. "It's less an 'alf a mile away, just sitting there, unarmed, unprepared..."
A few feet away, Will and Elizabeth stood unnoticed in a conversation that was completely about them. Half listening to the two captains debate, and half discussing the situation themselves, they came to an agreement.
"Jules.", Jack began again in another attempt to dissuade her.
"If you don't mind", Will cut him off, "seeing as how the issue of the situation seems to be about Elizabeth and I, don't you think we might have a say in it."
Both Jack and Julianne exchanged a glance at Will's boldness, but then conceded to what he had to say.
"Go on then", Julianne instructed him.
"Well, while the two of you have been arguing, you could have saved yourself the trouble by just asking us", he continued under the gaze of two skeptical looks. "Anyway, Elizabeth thinks, and I agree, that Juli's right, raids are part of the deal. So as long as we don't have to participate in anything and can just stay below, you can go on ahead. Only, try to not kill anyone if you don't have to", he finished.
After a few more moments of surveying him suspiciously, Julianne turned to Jack for his answer.
"Guess that settles it", he said in an odd tone. Looking out at the Royale Majestic's position he carried on, "I'm faster so I'll take the port, you take the starboard."
"Thank you", Julianne cooed in her sweetest girl voice and gave him a kiss on the cheek in front of everyone.
"They better be loaded", he muttered to himself heading for his own ship.
"ALRIGHT MATES", Julianne yelled now turning to her crew. "YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO."
All enthused with her command, having grown quite tired of sailing around with no apparent interest to them, the crew of the Renegade immediately set to motion. Will and Elizabeth watched in amazement as they all moved around doing their duties like clockwork. In front of them, Julianne strode to helm purposefully, and took the wheel. Beside them, Dipst ran up the black flag displaying the ship's Jolly Roger; and all around them crewmen (and women) scurried past setting the sails, pulling up the anchors, preparing the cannons, and getting ready for battle. Looking across the way, both Turners observed the same excited bustle on the deck of the Pearl, which was now pulling around the Renegade heading for the Royale Majestic.
"This is it kids", a crewmen who went by the name Socks said passing them. "This is what we live for."
Awed by his excitement and motivation, Will and Elizabeth soon found themselves hard pressed to make the trip into their cabin where they would be unable to watch. Though the captain's quarters came with windows, theirs unfortunately did not. Taking this into consideration, Elizabeth quickly left her husband's side and walked up to the helm.
"You still out 'ere", Julianne asked her, eyes completely focused ahead as she steered the great ship.
"It's all just so exciting."
"O course it is. Wouldn't do it if it wasn't."
"Would you mind terribly if Will and I stayed in your cabin while everything is going on?"
"Why?"
"You know, better view."
"Ah, I see", she responded with raised eyebrows. "Yes, I guess that would be ok. Just don't let yerselves been seen or nothin, savvy?"
"Savvy", Elizabeth confirmed then headed back down and pulled Will into Juli's cabin.
It was a formidable sight there in that little section of the Caribbean; two of the most famed and intimidating pirate ships closing in on the most amazing merchant vessel to ever sail. Only days earlier, the ship's normal captain had taken ill and had since spent all of his time in his cabin. In light of this, his new and inexperienced first mate had been left to run the ship, sort of an opportunity to prove himself. Having recently come over from England, the new man was completely unfamiliar with the pirate ships and activity that ruled the Caribbean, including the Renegade's stockhold on Santa Croix. On this particular day, the first mate had stopped the ship to give the crew a day's rest after a long journey of trade stops among the islands, and was completely caught off guard when he looked out and saw the two pirate ships approaching. Sounding the alarm to make ready for battle, it was already too late when the crew of the Majestic realized what was about to happen. While many hurried to man the cannons, the terrified first mate went to the helm just as the first of enemy shots fell blasting huge holes in the deck.
The whole battle, or slaughter, was over within minutes. The Pearl and the Renegade advanced fast, blasting the hell out of the other ship with their cannons. By the time they had pulled close enough to board, the inexperienced first mate had every intention of surrendering. Jumping from their own ships to the Majestic, Jack and Julianne met at mid deck, and bowed to each other.
"Shall we?" Jack asked merrily.
"Let's go", Julianne answered him, and simultaneously they turned together and strode up to the helm where the first mate stood shaking, as their crews poured onto the deck behind them. Everywhere the crewmen of the Majestic stood with arms raised as some pirates held them at sword point while others began pillaging the ship, all slightly disappointed that there had not been any resistance to their attack so there was no need to kill anyone.
"BUCK UP THERE SAILOR", Jack barked, approaching the frightened young man. "That's no way for a captain to look."
"I'm beginning to wonder if this 'ere whelp even is the captain", Julianne added with a charming and condescending grin.
Gaping and wide eyed, the first mate stared at Julianne. "Y.y. you're. but you're a woman", he finally stuttered.
"And you are obviously NOT Captain Wilcox" she replied mockingly, arms crossed.
"N.n.no", he answered shaking his head frantically back and forth. "Captain's been sick for some time", he explained further.
"So you're the first mate then", Jack asked. The man nodded.
"Well lad, I hate to be the bearer of bad news", Jack continued with a grin, "but you're goin ta be in quite a bit of trouble once e's betta."
Again the first mate nodded.
"Unless you just want us to kill him and save ya the trouble", Julianne added with a snicker.
Eyes growing wider, he gulped. "No, no, that's alright."
"'Ave it your way", Jack chimed turning to head back down to the main deck.
Getting ready to follow him, Julianne flashed the man another of her trademark grins. "Not to worry luv, you just stay 'ere and we'll be out o yer hair in no time flat", she mused, then whirled around and made her way down behind Jack.
"So easy I almost feel guilty", she stated aloud.
"Aye, but it'll make for a great story. We'll be a legend after this."
A sly smile spread from ear to ear on Julianne's face at the thought of that.
"Still feel guilty", Jack asked.
"Not at all Captain, not at all."
Twenty minutes later everyone was back on board their respective ship and the Royale Majestic was just a speck in the distance. With Sprat at the wheel, Julianne and Dipst were found on the main deck surrounded by huge chests, barrels, and crates. Emerging from their hiding place in Julianne's cabin, Will and Elizabeth made their way to the center of all of the hubbub to see what was going on.
"Ah ha ha", Julianne exclaimed evilly kicking open a lid to reveal an entire chest full of gold coins and jewels. Picking up and handful and letting it fall back into the chest noisily, Julianne smiled and moved on to the next one. She moved from chest to chest, crate to crate, barrel to barrel, opening each to find gold, jewels, food, supplies, clothing, and of course, alcohol.
"Uck!", she exclaimed happening upon one full of dresses. "Now whatever will I do with these?" she asked aloud holding up a beautiful silver and grey one that caused Elizabeth to catch in her breath. Tossing carelessly to the ground, Julianne continued digging through the large chest, throwing dresses out left and right. Getting to the bottom, she began pulling out pairs of pants and tossed those also until there were no more left.
"All worthless", she commented looking around her. "Although I will take these", she added picking up a pair of white pants and a jacket. "Alright boys, take it below and divvy up the loot", she ordered when she was done inspecting, sending Dipst along to supervise. Turning around to see Elizabeth staring at all the dresses with wide eyes, Julianne snapped her back to reality. "Their just gonna get sold, traded, or given to some o the men's favorite ladies. So if you want any o them, betta take it now", she said. Looking up at her surprised, Elizabeth was unsure of what to say.
"Go on, it's not like you stole it or anything. For all you know, I bought it from a respectable dress maker in Port Royale", she added. "You too Will, if there's anything you like."
"Sure wouldn't mind one of these", he said quietly approaching a chest full of pistols.
"Well like I said, get it now before its not there to be gotten."
Picking one of the guns up carefully, as though it would crack if he was too rough with it, Will turned it over in his hands admiring it. Following his lead, Elizabeth also stepped forward and picked up some of the dresses that had caught her eye earlier.
"Maybe there's something to be said for piracy after all", she joked.
"ELIZABETH!" Will snapped at her.
"I'm only kidding Will. Don't worry", she laughed again.
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And now for the bad news. Up until this point I've had this entire thing already written out, and just added updates along the way. However, we have now reached the point where I stopped writing before and have to finish the story. Sooooooo, unfortunately for those that care, updates aren't going to be so frequent. But hopefully I'll get enough inspiration and have enough free time to finish the last little bit and get it posted.