Julianne looked at him questioningly. "Like which?"
"Like that time in Bay Harbor."
Julianne looked thoughtful for a minute, trying to recall what he was referring to.
"Oh don't play daft with me woman", Jack chided. "Ye know what I'm talking about, you and yer little rich boy."
Suddenly, a flash of recognition seemed to wash over her face. "Oh yes, I remember that one", she said casually, brushing off the topic.
"Go on then", Elizabeth urged.
"Actually I think we'll be skippin that one. Not one of me finer moments that's for sure."
"Ah ah ah, I don't think so", Jack said grinning widely, and sauntering over to stand behind Julianne's chair. "Ye aren't getting out o this one", he added putting his hands on her shoulders and bending down to look her in the face.
Julianne groaned while Elizabeth smiled victoriously.
"Just wait til they ask about one of yer embarrassing moments", Julianne moaned at him.
"Yes, but right now we're focusin on yers", he laughed kissing her cheek. "Would you like to tell it, or should I?"
"I will, you'll only make it worse than it really was."
"And how do we know you won't trying and make it better", Will asked.
"I'll make sure of it", Jack reassured cockily.
"Arg, fine", Juli snapped. "Let's see, it was in Bay Harbor, little port town on the mainland. A particular favorite amongst pirates back in the day, the governor practically promoted piracy on account of all the profit he made off it. Anyway, the Renegade used to dock there quite a bit, and we knew quite a few people in the town."
"One in particular that this story concerns", Jack interrupted. Julianne rolled her eyes.
"Aye, one in particular", she grumbled. "His name was Marcus."
~~~
"Jules", the young man said looking up at her. "What's this?"
"Don't call me that."
"Sorry, anyway, what is it", he asked again running his finger over the picture of the small bird on her torso.
"It's a tattoo, what's it look like?"
"Yes, but what does it mean? You know, like you're R is for your ship, does this one stand for anything?" Marcus pushed further.
Julianne did not answer right away, but looked at her tattoo for a minute as though remembering something while a small smile formed on her lips.
["What d'ye say we both go and get tattoos?"
"What?"
"Come on, it'll be fun. We'll do it together."]
Looking back at the boy in front of her, Julianne shook her head as though to forget about whatever thoughts were playing in her mind and answered. "No, its nothing. Just decoration."
"Oh", he answered slightly disappointed, obviously not convinced and hurt that she would lie to him. Laying his head back on her stomach, he was soon fast asleep.
The next morning Julianne awoke to a bright and beautiful day. Lying there, she was mildly aware of the head on the pillow next to her. For several minutes she stay still, staring at him, comparing. Marcus' hair was short, curly, and sandy brown, so unlike the longer, straight dark brown she was used to. His eyes were small and hazel and his fair face was freckled. Nothing like the perfect tan complexion and large chocolate colored eyes that she loved.
Through the open window she could hear the birds chirping and the bustle below of the first sounds of the morning in the little Floridian town. Amidst the noise, the young captain swore she heard a familiar sound floating up to the second story room. Straining to hear, she carefully removed herself from the bed and crossed to the window. The room was along the front of the inn, overlooking the water front, and peering out into the harbor Julianne's hopes were confirmed. Turning and gathering her clothes, Julianne quickly changed from just another young blonde woman to a captain, fully equipped with all the accessories. Tucking her pistol into her belt, she began making her way to the door, only to be stopped by the voice of her bedmate.
"Where are you going?"
"Oh Marcus", she said a little startled, "yer awake."
"Aye. Where are you going so early" he repeated, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Not to worry luv, just some things I need to take care of quick. Just sit tight, I'll be back in no time."
Nodding, Marcus was again filled with the same uneasiness he had felt the night before over the tattoo, but in no position to argue, he dropped his head back onto the pillow and watched her leave.
Moving as fast as her legs could carry her, Julianne made her way from the cozy little inn down to the dock. In front of her, men poured from the ship that had just docked, many of them nodding to her in acknowledgment. Greeting each of them with a nod in return, she quickly made her way to the foot of the Black Pearl's plank. She waited only a minute, before she received what she had come for.
"Captain Amaris", a charming voice greeted her as the ship's captain swaggered down the plank to where she stood.
"Captain Sparrow", she returned the greeting as the man came to stand in front of her.
From back at the inn, Marcus watched from the window with narrowed eyes. The man who now stood in front of his Julianne was tan, with long dark hair. From what he could see, he looked to be about the same age as her.
"And what brings you to Bay Harbor", Julianne asked the other captain with arched eyebrows.
"Oh, you know, in the neighborhood."
"In the neighborhood", she repeated skeptically. "All the way up 'ere?"
"Well ok, I might 'ave 'ad a little incentive to make the trip. It's been a long time Jules", he finished taking one of her hands.
"Perhaps not so long", she replied at the familiarity of his touch, as the two of them walked back up the plank and into the captain's quarters.
***
"So when are you going to give up that tank of yours and come and sail with me?" Jack asked, turning to Julianne beside him an hour or so later.
"A week from never", she answered with a grin, "same as always."
"Right. Well just thought I'd check in case ye changed yer mind recently."
"Oh Jack. Ye didn't honestly thing I had?"
He shrugged.
"Fine, then let me ask you? Would you ever give up the Pearl for me?"
He shook his head no.
"That's what I thought. Well then why on earth."
"I know, I know", he cut her off. "Although I do 'ave another proposal that you might be interested in."
"And what's that?" asked sitting up and cocking her head
"Just sailed by Port Charlotte a few days ago and it looks as though a small fleet of clippers of the East India Company's will be headin by this way in a couple o days. I was thinking the Renegade might want to help me take em out, as it were. We'd split the difference o course."
"Hmm", she said getting out of bed and getting dressed. "I'll think about it."
"Think about it over lunch maybe?"
"I can't. 'Ave some things to do. How bout we put it to the crew to vote tonight instead?"
"Alright, I can live with that."
"Good, I'll see you then."
Walking back to her room in the inn, Julianne smiled to herself at the morning's events.
"Still abed", she asked opening the door to the room and seeing Marcus still lying where he was when she left.
"Aye."
"Well come on then. I've got some things to do in town. I might not be 'ere quite as long as expected."
Obeying, the young man got himself up and dressed then followed her out.
"Where did you go this morning", he asked sullenly, knowing full well the answer.
"I already told ye, I 'ad some things to take care of", she answered in a tone that told him to drop the subject. Entering the local tavern that stood about a block away, Julianne looked around for her first mate and spotted him sitting at a table enjoying his breakfast with a few of the crew.
"Stay 'ere", she instructed Marcus, and left him at the door when she approached the table.
"Mornin Cap'n", Dipst greeted his friend warmly.
"Mornin all", she returned. "Dipst, I need ya to do me a fava. Let everyone know we're 'avin a vote tonight at 8:00 on the ship."
"Aye, aye Cap'n. What about?"
"You'll find out when ye get there. See you then boys", she said turning around to leave. "Alright luv", she greeted Marcus back at the door. "In to town then."
***
"I'm skippin out on dinner tonight luv", Julianne said to Marcus as the two of them approached the tavern after a long day of purchasing things for the Renegade. "I'm meetin the crew at 8:00 and I've got to get all this stuff I just bought loaded before then. I'll see you up in the room after alright."
Marcus nodded solemnly, and the two went their separate ways. Walking into the tavern alone, the young man threw himself dejectedly onto a bar stool. *What is going on*, he wondered to himself. Within the last two days, his comfortable life had suddenly taken a turn for the worst and he couldn't quite understand it. Not that it was a normal life he was grasping to hold on to, no not by any means. In fact, by any standards, it was the most abnormal thing one could expect from a boy like him. The son of one of the richest men in town, Marcus was destined to grow up and take his place in society along side his father, and idea that did not appeal to him in the least. Thankfully, his father was an understanding man and was perfectly content to afford his son certain liberties in hopes that he would outgrow his boyish restlessness in due time. Among these liberties was his ability to disappear into town for days on end, leaving his location to no one's knowledge. On these little excursions he often found himself in what could be considered the vice district of the quaint little town, although in comparison to others it was more of a pirate heaven. It was on one of these many trips that he first met Julianne, or Captain Amaris as she was known to him at the time. A few years older than he, Marcus instantly fell for the lovely pirate captain and was thrilled when she showed an equal interest in him. Well, maybe not so equal.
In the years and months following their first meeting, Marcus found himself at the every whim of the captain, eager to please and so engulfed in his desire for her that it never occurred to him that she might not be so fond of him as he was of her. Julianne and the Renegade came and went, just as the tide upon the shores. And when the great ship pulled into the dock at Bay Harbor, Marcus experienced a happiness that would last the duration of her stay. For those few days everything was perfect, and he could even be content upon her leaving, satisfied with the knowledge that she would return to him again soon. He supposed there were others, other men in other towns, but he put the thought out of his mind and the fact was soon forgotten. Forgotten until today, when the painful truth became perfectly obvious. As far as Julianne was concerned, Marcus was nothing more than a bed partner. And in that moment when he watched the love of his life being led onto the deck of the Black Pearl from his window, he knew that her heart did not belong to him.
Turning this all over in his head again and again, Marcus sat there in the tavern growing angrier and angrier, downing drink after drink. Mildly attuned to his surroundings, he soon became aware that the tavern was quickly beginning to fill an account of the evening's dinner rush. Taking a minute to look around him, Marcus was shocked to see who was sitting next to him; a man he recognized from earlier as the Captain of the Black Pearl.
"Hallo", the young man greeted the captain with overwhelming pretense.
"Allo mate", the captain responded with personality.
"Are you a captain?"
"Aye, Captain Jack Sparrow", he answered holding up his mug and nodding, and giving Marcus the opportunity to notice the particularly familiar sparrow tattoo on his forearm. "And who, might I ask, would like to know?"
"Names Marcus. Marcus Weston."
"Well, pleased to meet you Marcus. You're not a pirate I take it?"
"Am I that obvious?"
"Little well dressed for it I'd say."
"Oh", Marcus replied with an embarrassed smile.
"Local boy then?"
"Yeah, that's right. So which ship is yours", he asked his false question.
"That'd be the Black Pearl."
"The one that just came in this morning?"
"That'd be her."
"Wow", Marcus said fakely, catching in his breath. "It's a beautiful ship", he added.
"Aye, prettiest one out there", Jack answered matter of factly.
"Can I see it?" Marcus now mused, laying on the enthusiasm. Jack looked at him for a minute, considering his inquiry.
"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt just to 'ave a look. Come on then", he answered getting up, always eager to boast. The two men made their way from the tavern down and down to the harbor. Walking the length of the dock Marcus commented while passing the Renegade.
"This is a nice ship too, don't you think?"
"Aye, the Renegade, lovely ship, lovelier captain", Jack said more to himself than Marcus.
"Who captains her?" Marcus asked with surprise.
"That'd be Captain Julianne Amaris."
"A woman, this ship has a woman captain?"
"Aye, and she's a damned good pirate too."
"You know her then?"
"Know her, you could say that. Well, 'ere we are", he continued standing now that they were standing in front of the Pearl. Walking up the plank, Marcus trailing behind, Jack turned around. "Welcome about the Black Pearl Mr. Weston."
Marcus looked around in awe, and this time it was real. He had never been on a pirate ship before. In all the time he had known Julianne she had never allowed him on the Renegade, said it wasn't right for non-pirates to be hangin' round pirate ships.
"Come on, I'll give you the grand tour", Jack said, pleased with the boy's amazement. Following the captain around, Marcus was privy to every nook and cranny on the ship, from the stock hold to the captain's quarters. Standing in the middle of Jack's office, he looked around in wonder at all the things the captain had acquired from around the world on his various missions.
"What's this?" Marcus asked picking up a framed piece of parchment from the captain's desk of a nicely done inked drawing of a ship next to a Jolly Roger and bold R. Examining it further, he found that the ship bore a striking resemblance to the Renegade and the R matched the one that marked Julianne's back.
"That", Jack answered snatching from his reach, "was given to me by a friend."
"Just a friend", the boy inquired throwing him a suspicious gaze. Jack met his gaze with an equally skeptical look.
"What are you gettin at boy?"
"Nothing, nevermind, sorry", Marcus stammered. "Well it's been a jolly good time, thanks for the visit", he added quickly with nervousness making for the door. Heading back to his room in the inn, Marcus saw Julianne coming toward him making for the dock.
"Ello Marcus", she greeted him skeptically, trying to sound happy to see him.
"I was just having a visit with the captain of the Black Pearl", he answered with a boyish grin.
"Oh really?"
"I happened to be sitting next to him in the tavern and since I've never been on a pirate ship before I asked if I could see his."
"And what did you think?"
"It was really quite amazing. Almost makes me want to join a pirate ship even more than I did before. Do you know him?"
"We've met."
"Well he gave me a tour of the entire ship, including his quarters. Told me there wasn't a ship on the Caribbean that could match his Pearl."
"Typical Jack", Julianne muttered to herself.
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing. Anyway, I'm off to me meetin, I'll see ye in a bit", she finished walking by him and boarding the Renegade. Staying where he was for just a minute longer, Marcus watched in fury as all around him crewmen of the Renegade boarded the ship. His rage was fueled further when he saw Captain Sparrow leave his own ship and board Julianne's with the others. Stomping back to his room, Marcus threw himself dejectedly on the bed and thought about what he would say to Julianne when she returned.
As expected, all members of the Renegade voted unanimously to join the Pearl in its efforts on the merchant fleet. Having worked together in the past, the two ships were particularly good at getting along and conducting business together, to the point where it was almost enjoyable to split their pillage with each other. Meeting concluded, Julianne avoided getting involved with Jack for the evening and headed back to her room irritated at Marcus, and with every intention of ending their little 'relationship', if you could even call it that. Entering the room and closing the door behind her, Julianne found Marcus already in bed and waiting for her.
"'Ow was your meeting?"
"Well, looks like I won't be stayin as long as expected after all", she answered trying to sound disappointed. "We're leavin first thing in the mornin."
"Why?"
"Business opportunity luv. You know 'ow it is."
"Yeah, I know. So this is our last night together then?"
"Seems so. Look Marcus, I've 'ad a rough day alright, and tomorrow'll be an early start. I'm just going to go to bed ok."
Anger flashed on the young man's face but again he was in no position to argue. Rolling himself over, his back to her, he lay there awake for hours, enraged and heartbroken.
The next morning Julianne woke earlier than Marcus as usual and set to work getting herself ready to leave. She wanted her departure to go as smoothly as possible and would have been perfectly content to get out before he even woke up. Unfortunately, just as she was getting the last of her things together, Marcus rolled over wide awake.
"Leavin already", he asked sharply, catching her off guard.
"Aye, long day ahead o us, can't be waiting round to set sail late in the day."
"So that's it then, you're just going to leave me 'ere, like this?"
"What are you talking about, we've been through this before. I don't know why yer actin like it's the first time or somethin."
"OH DON'T GIVE ME THAT CRAP", he yelled at her jumping out of bed. "YOU KNOW AS WELL AS I THAT THIS ISN'T LIKE EVERY OTHER TIME."
Julianne did not respond to his allegations. Giving him a stern look, she flung her bag over her back and walked to the door. "Goodbye Marcus."
Walking down to the dock, bags in hand, Julianne was relieved to see Jack waiting for her about half way there.
"Mornin", he said cheerily.
"Mornin" she returned with a smile, completely putting the earlier scene out of her mind. Walking side by side with Jack, Julianne heard the stamping of feet as someone came bearing down on the two of them.
"JULES", she heard a voice call from behind. Whirling around to face him, Marcus stopped a few feet in front of her.
"I told you not to call me that", she said sternly, eyes flashing.
"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU TOLD ME", he replied angrily. "What do you think, I'm stupid or something, like I don't know what's going on? I know exactly what's going on. You're leaving, for good, and you're not coming back. Business, that's what you call it, but I know better. It's him", he raged pointing at Jack. "Business my ass, he's why you're leaving. You lead me on for two years to just up and go as if I don't even matter. As if what we had means nothing to you. What kind of cruel and heartless person are you anyway?"
Dropping her bag roughly, Julianne approached Marcus, her eyes narrowed. "What we had", she sneered viciously. "We didn't HAVE ANYTHING Marcus. If you really thought fuckin around with some pirate was anything more than exactly that, then you've got a lot to learn BOY. I told from the beginning not to get attached, not to fool yourself into thinking it was something it wasn't. You knew all along you weren't the only one. Not my fault if you were too stupid to listen."
Behind her, Jack's eyes grew wide at the realization who this young man really was. From where he stood, he could see Julianne's shoulders heaving with fury. Not wanting to see any harm come to the boy, he called to her, "Jules come on. Just forget about it."
Julianne turned to look back at him but made no move to obey. When she did not reproach him for calling her 'Jules', Marcus' rage only grew.
"And what about him", he spat at Jack. "Is he just another of your little toys too then? Just another man to fuck around with for fun, like me. Or is he different, maybe you actually love him."
Her patience worn thin, Julianne grabbed Marcus by the collar so tight she could have strangled him. "THAT, is none of your business CHILD", she seethed condescendingly. Shoving him backwards, so hard that he fell to the ground, Julianne turned sharply, and picked up her earlier discarded bag.
"IF YOU LEAVE WITH HIM."
"WHAT? What are you going to do about it", she asked whipping back around. He did not answer.
"That's what I thought", she added turning back around, and walked down to the dock, never once looking back. For years to come, neither she nor Jack ever mentioned the incident to one another.
***
Three nights later the Pearl and the Renegade sat docked in the small harbor of a little port town called St. Michael's. Established mainly as a shipping settlement, the town offered little in the line of dining, entertainment, and lodging. With the exception of the occasional brothel and tavern, there stood only a solitary inn along the waterfront, forcing the crews of the two ships to remain on board for the short duration of their stay. It was still early in the night when the two ships pulled in, most of the crewmen were still busy tying down the ship and packing up their recently acquired mass of swag. On the Renegade, Julianne sat in her cabin, feet thrown up on her desk, recording the previous days' events in a tattered journal. Chewing on the end of her pencil thoughtfully, she became aware of a disturbance outside. Getting up, she put her book down and grabbed her hat. She walked slowly to the door, and reached out for the door knob, but she as she was about to grab hold of it the door swung open wildly.
Out on the deck of the ship, Dipst supervised as the crew moved about finishing up their work. Those who had already done their tasks made their way merrily down the dock, while everyone else hurried to join them. Watching in amusement as two of the newest sailors Julianne had recently taken on, a young man and woman, happily ran down the plank and onto the dock. His eyes followed them sparkling as a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but just as the two of them had almost reach the end of the wooden dock something else tore his attention from them. Advancing toward the Renegade was a small battalion of soldiers, guns in hand and at the ready. Turning around to give the call for the crew to get ready, he saw one of the navy's ship gliding slowly into the harbor blocking off any attempt to sail away and escape.
"SWORDS AT THE READY MATES!" Dipst yelled out to those around them. "Looks like we're gettin some company." Running across the ship, he threw open the door to the captain's quarters. "Cap'n we're under attack", he yelled finding Julianne directly in front of him.
By now the soldiers had reached the bottom of the plank and began making their way up it. Caught off guard and low in numbers, the crew was in no position to fight and was quickly over taken, each with a bayonet held at their throat.
Striding forward purposefully, the leader of the group stepped up. "I'm looking for your captain", he called out to the pirates.
"I'm right 'ere", Julianne answered stepping out of her cabin. "What seems to be the trouble here Lieutenant Dorset?"
"I have been sent to retrieve and take you back to Bay Harbor face charges brought against you. Come peacefully and your crew will not be harmed", he answered firmly.
Julianne stood there for a minute and surveyed her crew. Realizing that there was no possible way they could defeat the red coats in battle under the circumstances, she agreed to his terms.
"Fine, I'll go", she said, causing a murmur to run throughout her crew. "But I must 'ave a minute with me first mate first."
The lieutenant nodded, and Julianne walked back to where Dipst was still standing by her cabin.
"You can't be serious about this?" he said in disbelief.
"I am perfectly serious", she answered him. "Now then, listen up. Don't try coming after me, they'll be expecting you to, and the ship'll be torn to pieces if you come anywhere near Port Arbor. Tell Jack what's happened, then 'ead for Tortuga. I'll see you there in about a week."
Dipst nodded.
"Oh and Dipst."
"Aye Cap'n?"
"Don't get too used to bein in charge. I'll be seein you again soon", she added with a smile.
"Aye aye Cap'n", he said returning the smile.
"Alright gentlemen", Julianne said aloud turning back around and walking to the center of the ship. "I'm ready."
Beside her, a soldier stepped forward, irons in hand.
"Oh come now", she barked at him irritated. "Is that really necessary? I've agreed to come peacefully after all, and I 'aven't even a weapon. Besides, even if I did I hardly think I'd be able to take on the lot of you all by me onesies."
"Very well Miss Amaris", Lt. Dorset after considering her words. "Now come along."
"CAPTAIN Amaris, if you please!"
"Indeed!" he replied motioning to two men standing on either side of her, who promptly stepped forward and grabbed her by each arm.
"Lead the way gentlemen", Julianne muttered under her breath sarcastically.
Across the way, the crew of the Pearl watched the action taking place on the deck of the Renegade. Among them, Jack stood in shock, both angry and worried.
"Lieutenant Dorset, a word please", Julianne called up to where he was standing on the quarter deck as she ascended the stairs. It was by his good graces that she had not been locked in the brig, as the two had always been on somewhat amicable terms.
"What is it Captain?"
"I'm a bit curious about something and I thought you might clear it up for me."
"Go on."
"It's just that I can't quite figure why I'm 'ere. You know as well as I that Bay Harbor has always been favorable to piracy. Seems a bit strange to be comin after me for it now, and only me come to think of it."
"We aren't after you for piracy Julianne", he answered giving her a serious look.
"Then what am I being charged with Edward?"
"The defilement and ravishing of a youth."
At this, Julianne's eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open in complete disbelief. "WHAT", she screamed after taking a few minutes to let the news sit in.
"Aye, as much as I hate to say it, it's true."
"Marcus, that bloody little bastard", she muttered under her breath.
"You should have never gotten involved with that boy. You knew who his father was."
"Well I certainly didn't ravish him by any stretch of the imagination."
"I know. And if it were up to me you know I wouldn't have come for you. But, Governor's orders."
"The Governor?"
"Aye, it seems the little brat was quite upset after your last visit. Spun some wonderful tale for his old man, who went straight to Governor Tennisen. I'm sure you can guess the rest."
"So what's he pushin for?"
The lieutenant did not answer, but looked at her with sullen eyes.
"I see", Julianne said knowingly, it was the gallows for sure.
"I'm sorry."
"Ah, not your fault. Just doin yer job after all. Besides", she added with a grin and raised eyebrows, "I'm not worryin about it, so don't you either."
***
"It just doesn't make any sense", Bootstrap Bill Turner cut Dipst off. "Why on bloody earth would they be takin Julianne to Bay Harbor to face charges. The place practically makes its existence on piracy."
"I'm guessin it's not piracy they're takin 'er for", Dipst answered his query, receiving several questioning looks.
"What then?" Barbossa spoke up confused.
"The boy", Jack answered him, looking to Dipst for confirmation. It was the first time he spoke since the Renegade's first mate had made his way onto the Pearl 10 minutes earlier.
"Aye, more'an likely I'd be willin to bet" he answered. "His daddy's quite a big shot there."
"Well, then I guess we'll just 'ave to go an get her", Jack replied after a moment's consideration, standing up and walking away from the little group that had convened.
"You think this wise Cap'n", Barbossa's voice sounded as he came up quickly beside Jack, who turned to look at his first mate with surprise.
"What are you sayin mate?"
"Look, going on rescue missions ain't really part o' the job after all. Are we really to put ourselves unnecessarily in 'arms way by going after some woman who couldn't pick her bed partners right? I mean the Renegade's already gotten 'alf our loot from that last raid, I think we've done enough for one go with them."
Jack looked at him dumbfounded. "First of all, without the Renegade we'd never 'ave even been able to take on that fleet and get any of what we did, let alone 'alf of it. And second of all, we aren't just goin after some woman, Julianne is our friend, how could you even say that?"
"It just doesn't seem right the she doesn't want her own ship sailing in there for fear of what might happen, but she's willing to send us."
"Oh yes, I see your point. It's obviously a set up. It couldn't possibly be the case that she knows the navy will be lookin for the Renegade just waitin for it to sail in there after 'er."
"Just not right with the code that's all Jack."
"It's Captain Jack", he replied with narrowed eyes, now growing angry at Barbossa. "And I don't give a damn about the code, they aren't rules anyway, more like guidelines."
"Aye Cap'n", the first mate returned somewhat dejectedly.
"BRING UP THE ANCHOR AND HEAVE TO YOU SCURVY MUTS!" Jack's voice boomed over the ship, sending everyone into an immediate frenzy. Stepping up to the helm, he took the wheel and made ready for Bay Harbor.
***
Later that evening Julianne stood locked in a filthy, cobweb sodden cell in the fort of Bay Harbor. One arm leaning against the bars connecting to the opposite cell, she looked at that ground in thought glancing occasionally at the men in the next cell over who were still sleeping, her hat pushed down over her face. *And if Jack doesn't come, how will you get out of this one?* she wondered to herself. Before she could come up with an answer, she heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs at the opposite end of the hall.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Captain Julianne Amaris", a familiar voice said snidely.
"Aren't you a bit young to be hangin around in lock up with the criminals Marcus", she asked coldly. "I'm sure daddy doesn't want you puttin yerself in 'arms way when you could end up gettin ravished or somethin horrible like that", she added looking at him out of the corner of her eye.
"Let them try, you'll find in the end it will only result in a trip to the gallows for the offender."
In a flash, Julianne's arm shot out between the bars of her cell and grabbed Marcus by the front of her shirt.
"You're pathetic", she seethed.
"I would watch yourself if I were you", he answered unaffected. "Wouldn't want an assault charge added to that rap list now would you?"
"What does it matter if I'm to hang anyway", she asked with a smile. Raising her left leg she retrieved a sharp dagger from her boot. "Hell, I could kill you right now and not face any worse punishment for it. Or did you fail to think of that child?"
"Don't call me child, wench. And you wouldn't dare kill me."
"You're right. Ever so much more fulfilling to damage yer pride instead", she answered. Taking the dagger, she pressed it to his face just along the jaw line and ran it the length of his cheek, leaving a thin trail of blood. Marcus wailed in pain and eventually managed to rip himself from her grip.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT BITCH. THERE'S NOTHING I WANT MORE THAN TO SEE YOU DEAD IN THE NOOSE TOMORROW MORNING."
"Well sorry to disappoint you mate", a new voice added itself to their conversation, "but unfortunately for you, you won't be gettin that pleasure any time soon."
Sauntering meaningfully into the little prison was Jack, followed closely by Twiggy. "Hello again Mr. Weston, fancy runnin into you 'ere." Marcus opened his mouth to scream but was cut off by Jack before he could get anything out. "I wouldn't be doin that mate if I was you", the captain said pulling out his pistol and aiming it at the young man.
At the front of her cell, Twiggy set to work on the lock. Known for his lock picking skills, Jack was smart to have brought him along. Within minutes a loud click was heard, and the door swung open. Stepping out Julianne turned first to Twiggy.
"Thank ye Mister Twiggy, yer talents are greatly appreciated." He smiled and Julianne then turned her attention to Marcus. Walking up to him slowly, her dagger concealed in the sleeve of her right hand, she stepped close to him and put her left hand behind his neck.
"Sorry luv", she whispered into his ear. Pulling him forward, she gave him one last kiss goodbye, then plunged the dagger into his stomach. She watched indifferently as he stumbled backwards clutching the wound in pain, then turned on her heel and made her way out of the prison with the other two pirates. They crept stealthily down to the town's little dock where a small rowboat awaited them. Climbing in carefully, Jack grabbed the oars and waited for Twiggy to push them off. Rowing as quickly as he could, the trio soon made their way out of the harbor undetected, and came upon where the Pearl was docked.
"Well that went pretty smoothly", Jack thought aloud as they pulled themselves up the rigging and onto they ship.
"Aye Cap'n", Twiggy confirmed.
Later that evening when the Pearl came to a stop for the night, Julianne made her way to Jack's cabin where she found him sitting at his table cleaning his sword and pistol.
"I suppose thanks are in order", she said seductively, taking his gun from his hands and sat down facing him straddling his lap.
"Well then", he answered with a smile, "by all means go ahead and thank me luv."
~~~
"The best part of the whole thing is that not only did I 'ave the pleasure of meetin some of Julianne's pleasurable company, but I got to play the hero and save her from almost certain death", Jack smiled proudly from where he still stood behind her chair.
Julianne looked up at him, eyes narrowed and an evil grin on her face. "Oh, did you just ask for it", she said happily taking a long swig from her bottle of rum. "Since Jack's gotten so much enjoyment out of some of my lesser moments in life, perhaps I ought to share some of his."
"Perhaps not", he answered.
"Oh I don't know", Elizabeth interjected into their conversation, "I tend to lean towards Juli's prerogative don't you Will?"
"Aye, let's hear it", he answered looking up at Julianne.
"Like that time in Bay Harbor."
Julianne looked thoughtful for a minute, trying to recall what he was referring to.
"Oh don't play daft with me woman", Jack chided. "Ye know what I'm talking about, you and yer little rich boy."
Suddenly, a flash of recognition seemed to wash over her face. "Oh yes, I remember that one", she said casually, brushing off the topic.
"Go on then", Elizabeth urged.
"Actually I think we'll be skippin that one. Not one of me finer moments that's for sure."
"Ah ah ah, I don't think so", Jack said grinning widely, and sauntering over to stand behind Julianne's chair. "Ye aren't getting out o this one", he added putting his hands on her shoulders and bending down to look her in the face.
Julianne groaned while Elizabeth smiled victoriously.
"Just wait til they ask about one of yer embarrassing moments", Julianne moaned at him.
"Yes, but right now we're focusin on yers", he laughed kissing her cheek. "Would you like to tell it, or should I?"
"I will, you'll only make it worse than it really was."
"And how do we know you won't trying and make it better", Will asked.
"I'll make sure of it", Jack reassured cockily.
"Arg, fine", Juli snapped. "Let's see, it was in Bay Harbor, little port town on the mainland. A particular favorite amongst pirates back in the day, the governor practically promoted piracy on account of all the profit he made off it. Anyway, the Renegade used to dock there quite a bit, and we knew quite a few people in the town."
"One in particular that this story concerns", Jack interrupted. Julianne rolled her eyes.
"Aye, one in particular", she grumbled. "His name was Marcus."
~~~
"Jules", the young man said looking up at her. "What's this?"
"Don't call me that."
"Sorry, anyway, what is it", he asked again running his finger over the picture of the small bird on her torso.
"It's a tattoo, what's it look like?"
"Yes, but what does it mean? You know, like you're R is for your ship, does this one stand for anything?" Marcus pushed further.
Julianne did not answer right away, but looked at her tattoo for a minute as though remembering something while a small smile formed on her lips.
["What d'ye say we both go and get tattoos?"
"What?"
"Come on, it'll be fun. We'll do it together."]
Looking back at the boy in front of her, Julianne shook her head as though to forget about whatever thoughts were playing in her mind and answered. "No, its nothing. Just decoration."
"Oh", he answered slightly disappointed, obviously not convinced and hurt that she would lie to him. Laying his head back on her stomach, he was soon fast asleep.
The next morning Julianne awoke to a bright and beautiful day. Lying there, she was mildly aware of the head on the pillow next to her. For several minutes she stay still, staring at him, comparing. Marcus' hair was short, curly, and sandy brown, so unlike the longer, straight dark brown she was used to. His eyes were small and hazel and his fair face was freckled. Nothing like the perfect tan complexion and large chocolate colored eyes that she loved.
Through the open window she could hear the birds chirping and the bustle below of the first sounds of the morning in the little Floridian town. Amidst the noise, the young captain swore she heard a familiar sound floating up to the second story room. Straining to hear, she carefully removed herself from the bed and crossed to the window. The room was along the front of the inn, overlooking the water front, and peering out into the harbor Julianne's hopes were confirmed. Turning and gathering her clothes, Julianne quickly changed from just another young blonde woman to a captain, fully equipped with all the accessories. Tucking her pistol into her belt, she began making her way to the door, only to be stopped by the voice of her bedmate.
"Where are you going?"
"Oh Marcus", she said a little startled, "yer awake."
"Aye. Where are you going so early" he repeated, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Not to worry luv, just some things I need to take care of quick. Just sit tight, I'll be back in no time."
Nodding, Marcus was again filled with the same uneasiness he had felt the night before over the tattoo, but in no position to argue, he dropped his head back onto the pillow and watched her leave.
Moving as fast as her legs could carry her, Julianne made her way from the cozy little inn down to the dock. In front of her, men poured from the ship that had just docked, many of them nodding to her in acknowledgment. Greeting each of them with a nod in return, she quickly made her way to the foot of the Black Pearl's plank. She waited only a minute, before she received what she had come for.
"Captain Amaris", a charming voice greeted her as the ship's captain swaggered down the plank to where she stood.
"Captain Sparrow", she returned the greeting as the man came to stand in front of her.
From back at the inn, Marcus watched from the window with narrowed eyes. The man who now stood in front of his Julianne was tan, with long dark hair. From what he could see, he looked to be about the same age as her.
"And what brings you to Bay Harbor", Julianne asked the other captain with arched eyebrows.
"Oh, you know, in the neighborhood."
"In the neighborhood", she repeated skeptically. "All the way up 'ere?"
"Well ok, I might 'ave 'ad a little incentive to make the trip. It's been a long time Jules", he finished taking one of her hands.
"Perhaps not so long", she replied at the familiarity of his touch, as the two of them walked back up the plank and into the captain's quarters.
***
"So when are you going to give up that tank of yours and come and sail with me?" Jack asked, turning to Julianne beside him an hour or so later.
"A week from never", she answered with a grin, "same as always."
"Right. Well just thought I'd check in case ye changed yer mind recently."
"Oh Jack. Ye didn't honestly thing I had?"
He shrugged.
"Fine, then let me ask you? Would you ever give up the Pearl for me?"
He shook his head no.
"That's what I thought. Well then why on earth."
"I know, I know", he cut her off. "Although I do 'ave another proposal that you might be interested in."
"And what's that?" asked sitting up and cocking her head
"Just sailed by Port Charlotte a few days ago and it looks as though a small fleet of clippers of the East India Company's will be headin by this way in a couple o days. I was thinking the Renegade might want to help me take em out, as it were. We'd split the difference o course."
"Hmm", she said getting out of bed and getting dressed. "I'll think about it."
"Think about it over lunch maybe?"
"I can't. 'Ave some things to do. How bout we put it to the crew to vote tonight instead?"
"Alright, I can live with that."
"Good, I'll see you then."
Walking back to her room in the inn, Julianne smiled to herself at the morning's events.
"Still abed", she asked opening the door to the room and seeing Marcus still lying where he was when she left.
"Aye."
"Well come on then. I've got some things to do in town. I might not be 'ere quite as long as expected."
Obeying, the young man got himself up and dressed then followed her out.
"Where did you go this morning", he asked sullenly, knowing full well the answer.
"I already told ye, I 'ad some things to take care of", she answered in a tone that told him to drop the subject. Entering the local tavern that stood about a block away, Julianne looked around for her first mate and spotted him sitting at a table enjoying his breakfast with a few of the crew.
"Stay 'ere", she instructed Marcus, and left him at the door when she approached the table.
"Mornin Cap'n", Dipst greeted his friend warmly.
"Mornin all", she returned. "Dipst, I need ya to do me a fava. Let everyone know we're 'avin a vote tonight at 8:00 on the ship."
"Aye, aye Cap'n. What about?"
"You'll find out when ye get there. See you then boys", she said turning around to leave. "Alright luv", she greeted Marcus back at the door. "In to town then."
***
"I'm skippin out on dinner tonight luv", Julianne said to Marcus as the two of them approached the tavern after a long day of purchasing things for the Renegade. "I'm meetin the crew at 8:00 and I've got to get all this stuff I just bought loaded before then. I'll see you up in the room after alright."
Marcus nodded solemnly, and the two went their separate ways. Walking into the tavern alone, the young man threw himself dejectedly onto a bar stool. *What is going on*, he wondered to himself. Within the last two days, his comfortable life had suddenly taken a turn for the worst and he couldn't quite understand it. Not that it was a normal life he was grasping to hold on to, no not by any means. In fact, by any standards, it was the most abnormal thing one could expect from a boy like him. The son of one of the richest men in town, Marcus was destined to grow up and take his place in society along side his father, and idea that did not appeal to him in the least. Thankfully, his father was an understanding man and was perfectly content to afford his son certain liberties in hopes that he would outgrow his boyish restlessness in due time. Among these liberties was his ability to disappear into town for days on end, leaving his location to no one's knowledge. On these little excursions he often found himself in what could be considered the vice district of the quaint little town, although in comparison to others it was more of a pirate heaven. It was on one of these many trips that he first met Julianne, or Captain Amaris as she was known to him at the time. A few years older than he, Marcus instantly fell for the lovely pirate captain and was thrilled when she showed an equal interest in him. Well, maybe not so equal.
In the years and months following their first meeting, Marcus found himself at the every whim of the captain, eager to please and so engulfed in his desire for her that it never occurred to him that she might not be so fond of him as he was of her. Julianne and the Renegade came and went, just as the tide upon the shores. And when the great ship pulled into the dock at Bay Harbor, Marcus experienced a happiness that would last the duration of her stay. For those few days everything was perfect, and he could even be content upon her leaving, satisfied with the knowledge that she would return to him again soon. He supposed there were others, other men in other towns, but he put the thought out of his mind and the fact was soon forgotten. Forgotten until today, when the painful truth became perfectly obvious. As far as Julianne was concerned, Marcus was nothing more than a bed partner. And in that moment when he watched the love of his life being led onto the deck of the Black Pearl from his window, he knew that her heart did not belong to him.
Turning this all over in his head again and again, Marcus sat there in the tavern growing angrier and angrier, downing drink after drink. Mildly attuned to his surroundings, he soon became aware that the tavern was quickly beginning to fill an account of the evening's dinner rush. Taking a minute to look around him, Marcus was shocked to see who was sitting next to him; a man he recognized from earlier as the Captain of the Black Pearl.
"Hallo", the young man greeted the captain with overwhelming pretense.
"Allo mate", the captain responded with personality.
"Are you a captain?"
"Aye, Captain Jack Sparrow", he answered holding up his mug and nodding, and giving Marcus the opportunity to notice the particularly familiar sparrow tattoo on his forearm. "And who, might I ask, would like to know?"
"Names Marcus. Marcus Weston."
"Well, pleased to meet you Marcus. You're not a pirate I take it?"
"Am I that obvious?"
"Little well dressed for it I'd say."
"Oh", Marcus replied with an embarrassed smile.
"Local boy then?"
"Yeah, that's right. So which ship is yours", he asked his false question.
"That'd be the Black Pearl."
"The one that just came in this morning?"
"That'd be her."
"Wow", Marcus said fakely, catching in his breath. "It's a beautiful ship", he added.
"Aye, prettiest one out there", Jack answered matter of factly.
"Can I see it?" Marcus now mused, laying on the enthusiasm. Jack looked at him for a minute, considering his inquiry.
"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt just to 'ave a look. Come on then", he answered getting up, always eager to boast. The two men made their way from the tavern down and down to the harbor. Walking the length of the dock Marcus commented while passing the Renegade.
"This is a nice ship too, don't you think?"
"Aye, the Renegade, lovely ship, lovelier captain", Jack said more to himself than Marcus.
"Who captains her?" Marcus asked with surprise.
"That'd be Captain Julianne Amaris."
"A woman, this ship has a woman captain?"
"Aye, and she's a damned good pirate too."
"You know her then?"
"Know her, you could say that. Well, 'ere we are", he continued standing now that they were standing in front of the Pearl. Walking up the plank, Marcus trailing behind, Jack turned around. "Welcome about the Black Pearl Mr. Weston."
Marcus looked around in awe, and this time it was real. He had never been on a pirate ship before. In all the time he had known Julianne she had never allowed him on the Renegade, said it wasn't right for non-pirates to be hangin' round pirate ships.
"Come on, I'll give you the grand tour", Jack said, pleased with the boy's amazement. Following the captain around, Marcus was privy to every nook and cranny on the ship, from the stock hold to the captain's quarters. Standing in the middle of Jack's office, he looked around in wonder at all the things the captain had acquired from around the world on his various missions.
"What's this?" Marcus asked picking up a framed piece of parchment from the captain's desk of a nicely done inked drawing of a ship next to a Jolly Roger and bold R. Examining it further, he found that the ship bore a striking resemblance to the Renegade and the R matched the one that marked Julianne's back.
"That", Jack answered snatching from his reach, "was given to me by a friend."
"Just a friend", the boy inquired throwing him a suspicious gaze. Jack met his gaze with an equally skeptical look.
"What are you gettin at boy?"
"Nothing, nevermind, sorry", Marcus stammered. "Well it's been a jolly good time, thanks for the visit", he added quickly with nervousness making for the door. Heading back to his room in the inn, Marcus saw Julianne coming toward him making for the dock.
"Ello Marcus", she greeted him skeptically, trying to sound happy to see him.
"I was just having a visit with the captain of the Black Pearl", he answered with a boyish grin.
"Oh really?"
"I happened to be sitting next to him in the tavern and since I've never been on a pirate ship before I asked if I could see his."
"And what did you think?"
"It was really quite amazing. Almost makes me want to join a pirate ship even more than I did before. Do you know him?"
"We've met."
"Well he gave me a tour of the entire ship, including his quarters. Told me there wasn't a ship on the Caribbean that could match his Pearl."
"Typical Jack", Julianne muttered to herself.
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing. Anyway, I'm off to me meetin, I'll see ye in a bit", she finished walking by him and boarding the Renegade. Staying where he was for just a minute longer, Marcus watched in fury as all around him crewmen of the Renegade boarded the ship. His rage was fueled further when he saw Captain Sparrow leave his own ship and board Julianne's with the others. Stomping back to his room, Marcus threw himself dejectedly on the bed and thought about what he would say to Julianne when she returned.
As expected, all members of the Renegade voted unanimously to join the Pearl in its efforts on the merchant fleet. Having worked together in the past, the two ships were particularly good at getting along and conducting business together, to the point where it was almost enjoyable to split their pillage with each other. Meeting concluded, Julianne avoided getting involved with Jack for the evening and headed back to her room irritated at Marcus, and with every intention of ending their little 'relationship', if you could even call it that. Entering the room and closing the door behind her, Julianne found Marcus already in bed and waiting for her.
"'Ow was your meeting?"
"Well, looks like I won't be stayin as long as expected after all", she answered trying to sound disappointed. "We're leavin first thing in the mornin."
"Why?"
"Business opportunity luv. You know 'ow it is."
"Yeah, I know. So this is our last night together then?"
"Seems so. Look Marcus, I've 'ad a rough day alright, and tomorrow'll be an early start. I'm just going to go to bed ok."
Anger flashed on the young man's face but again he was in no position to argue. Rolling himself over, his back to her, he lay there awake for hours, enraged and heartbroken.
The next morning Julianne woke earlier than Marcus as usual and set to work getting herself ready to leave. She wanted her departure to go as smoothly as possible and would have been perfectly content to get out before he even woke up. Unfortunately, just as she was getting the last of her things together, Marcus rolled over wide awake.
"Leavin already", he asked sharply, catching her off guard.
"Aye, long day ahead o us, can't be waiting round to set sail late in the day."
"So that's it then, you're just going to leave me 'ere, like this?"
"What are you talking about, we've been through this before. I don't know why yer actin like it's the first time or somethin."
"OH DON'T GIVE ME THAT CRAP", he yelled at her jumping out of bed. "YOU KNOW AS WELL AS I THAT THIS ISN'T LIKE EVERY OTHER TIME."
Julianne did not respond to his allegations. Giving him a stern look, she flung her bag over her back and walked to the door. "Goodbye Marcus."
Walking down to the dock, bags in hand, Julianne was relieved to see Jack waiting for her about half way there.
"Mornin", he said cheerily.
"Mornin" she returned with a smile, completely putting the earlier scene out of her mind. Walking side by side with Jack, Julianne heard the stamping of feet as someone came bearing down on the two of them.
"JULES", she heard a voice call from behind. Whirling around to face him, Marcus stopped a few feet in front of her.
"I told you not to call me that", she said sternly, eyes flashing.
"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU TOLD ME", he replied angrily. "What do you think, I'm stupid or something, like I don't know what's going on? I know exactly what's going on. You're leaving, for good, and you're not coming back. Business, that's what you call it, but I know better. It's him", he raged pointing at Jack. "Business my ass, he's why you're leaving. You lead me on for two years to just up and go as if I don't even matter. As if what we had means nothing to you. What kind of cruel and heartless person are you anyway?"
Dropping her bag roughly, Julianne approached Marcus, her eyes narrowed. "What we had", she sneered viciously. "We didn't HAVE ANYTHING Marcus. If you really thought fuckin around with some pirate was anything more than exactly that, then you've got a lot to learn BOY. I told from the beginning not to get attached, not to fool yourself into thinking it was something it wasn't. You knew all along you weren't the only one. Not my fault if you were too stupid to listen."
Behind her, Jack's eyes grew wide at the realization who this young man really was. From where he stood, he could see Julianne's shoulders heaving with fury. Not wanting to see any harm come to the boy, he called to her, "Jules come on. Just forget about it."
Julianne turned to look back at him but made no move to obey. When she did not reproach him for calling her 'Jules', Marcus' rage only grew.
"And what about him", he spat at Jack. "Is he just another of your little toys too then? Just another man to fuck around with for fun, like me. Or is he different, maybe you actually love him."
Her patience worn thin, Julianne grabbed Marcus by the collar so tight she could have strangled him. "THAT, is none of your business CHILD", she seethed condescendingly. Shoving him backwards, so hard that he fell to the ground, Julianne turned sharply, and picked up her earlier discarded bag.
"IF YOU LEAVE WITH HIM."
"WHAT? What are you going to do about it", she asked whipping back around. He did not answer.
"That's what I thought", she added turning back around, and walked down to the dock, never once looking back. For years to come, neither she nor Jack ever mentioned the incident to one another.
***
Three nights later the Pearl and the Renegade sat docked in the small harbor of a little port town called St. Michael's. Established mainly as a shipping settlement, the town offered little in the line of dining, entertainment, and lodging. With the exception of the occasional brothel and tavern, there stood only a solitary inn along the waterfront, forcing the crews of the two ships to remain on board for the short duration of their stay. It was still early in the night when the two ships pulled in, most of the crewmen were still busy tying down the ship and packing up their recently acquired mass of swag. On the Renegade, Julianne sat in her cabin, feet thrown up on her desk, recording the previous days' events in a tattered journal. Chewing on the end of her pencil thoughtfully, she became aware of a disturbance outside. Getting up, she put her book down and grabbed her hat. She walked slowly to the door, and reached out for the door knob, but she as she was about to grab hold of it the door swung open wildly.
Out on the deck of the ship, Dipst supervised as the crew moved about finishing up their work. Those who had already done their tasks made their way merrily down the dock, while everyone else hurried to join them. Watching in amusement as two of the newest sailors Julianne had recently taken on, a young man and woman, happily ran down the plank and onto the dock. His eyes followed them sparkling as a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but just as the two of them had almost reach the end of the wooden dock something else tore his attention from them. Advancing toward the Renegade was a small battalion of soldiers, guns in hand and at the ready. Turning around to give the call for the crew to get ready, he saw one of the navy's ship gliding slowly into the harbor blocking off any attempt to sail away and escape.
"SWORDS AT THE READY MATES!" Dipst yelled out to those around them. "Looks like we're gettin some company." Running across the ship, he threw open the door to the captain's quarters. "Cap'n we're under attack", he yelled finding Julianne directly in front of him.
By now the soldiers had reached the bottom of the plank and began making their way up it. Caught off guard and low in numbers, the crew was in no position to fight and was quickly over taken, each with a bayonet held at their throat.
Striding forward purposefully, the leader of the group stepped up. "I'm looking for your captain", he called out to the pirates.
"I'm right 'ere", Julianne answered stepping out of her cabin. "What seems to be the trouble here Lieutenant Dorset?"
"I have been sent to retrieve and take you back to Bay Harbor face charges brought against you. Come peacefully and your crew will not be harmed", he answered firmly.
Julianne stood there for a minute and surveyed her crew. Realizing that there was no possible way they could defeat the red coats in battle under the circumstances, she agreed to his terms.
"Fine, I'll go", she said, causing a murmur to run throughout her crew. "But I must 'ave a minute with me first mate first."
The lieutenant nodded, and Julianne walked back to where Dipst was still standing by her cabin.
"You can't be serious about this?" he said in disbelief.
"I am perfectly serious", she answered him. "Now then, listen up. Don't try coming after me, they'll be expecting you to, and the ship'll be torn to pieces if you come anywhere near Port Arbor. Tell Jack what's happened, then 'ead for Tortuga. I'll see you there in about a week."
Dipst nodded.
"Oh and Dipst."
"Aye Cap'n?"
"Don't get too used to bein in charge. I'll be seein you again soon", she added with a smile.
"Aye aye Cap'n", he said returning the smile.
"Alright gentlemen", Julianne said aloud turning back around and walking to the center of the ship. "I'm ready."
Beside her, a soldier stepped forward, irons in hand.
"Oh come now", she barked at him irritated. "Is that really necessary? I've agreed to come peacefully after all, and I 'aven't even a weapon. Besides, even if I did I hardly think I'd be able to take on the lot of you all by me onesies."
"Very well Miss Amaris", Lt. Dorset after considering her words. "Now come along."
"CAPTAIN Amaris, if you please!"
"Indeed!" he replied motioning to two men standing on either side of her, who promptly stepped forward and grabbed her by each arm.
"Lead the way gentlemen", Julianne muttered under her breath sarcastically.
Across the way, the crew of the Pearl watched the action taking place on the deck of the Renegade. Among them, Jack stood in shock, both angry and worried.
"Lieutenant Dorset, a word please", Julianne called up to where he was standing on the quarter deck as she ascended the stairs. It was by his good graces that she had not been locked in the brig, as the two had always been on somewhat amicable terms.
"What is it Captain?"
"I'm a bit curious about something and I thought you might clear it up for me."
"Go on."
"It's just that I can't quite figure why I'm 'ere. You know as well as I that Bay Harbor has always been favorable to piracy. Seems a bit strange to be comin after me for it now, and only me come to think of it."
"We aren't after you for piracy Julianne", he answered giving her a serious look.
"Then what am I being charged with Edward?"
"The defilement and ravishing of a youth."
At this, Julianne's eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open in complete disbelief. "WHAT", she screamed after taking a few minutes to let the news sit in.
"Aye, as much as I hate to say it, it's true."
"Marcus, that bloody little bastard", she muttered under her breath.
"You should have never gotten involved with that boy. You knew who his father was."
"Well I certainly didn't ravish him by any stretch of the imagination."
"I know. And if it were up to me you know I wouldn't have come for you. But, Governor's orders."
"The Governor?"
"Aye, it seems the little brat was quite upset after your last visit. Spun some wonderful tale for his old man, who went straight to Governor Tennisen. I'm sure you can guess the rest."
"So what's he pushin for?"
The lieutenant did not answer, but looked at her with sullen eyes.
"I see", Julianne said knowingly, it was the gallows for sure.
"I'm sorry."
"Ah, not your fault. Just doin yer job after all. Besides", she added with a grin and raised eyebrows, "I'm not worryin about it, so don't you either."
***
"It just doesn't make any sense", Bootstrap Bill Turner cut Dipst off. "Why on bloody earth would they be takin Julianne to Bay Harbor to face charges. The place practically makes its existence on piracy."
"I'm guessin it's not piracy they're takin 'er for", Dipst answered his query, receiving several questioning looks.
"What then?" Barbossa spoke up confused.
"The boy", Jack answered him, looking to Dipst for confirmation. It was the first time he spoke since the Renegade's first mate had made his way onto the Pearl 10 minutes earlier.
"Aye, more'an likely I'd be willin to bet" he answered. "His daddy's quite a big shot there."
"Well, then I guess we'll just 'ave to go an get her", Jack replied after a moment's consideration, standing up and walking away from the little group that had convened.
"You think this wise Cap'n", Barbossa's voice sounded as he came up quickly beside Jack, who turned to look at his first mate with surprise.
"What are you sayin mate?"
"Look, going on rescue missions ain't really part o' the job after all. Are we really to put ourselves unnecessarily in 'arms way by going after some woman who couldn't pick her bed partners right? I mean the Renegade's already gotten 'alf our loot from that last raid, I think we've done enough for one go with them."
Jack looked at him dumbfounded. "First of all, without the Renegade we'd never 'ave even been able to take on that fleet and get any of what we did, let alone 'alf of it. And second of all, we aren't just goin after some woman, Julianne is our friend, how could you even say that?"
"It just doesn't seem right the she doesn't want her own ship sailing in there for fear of what might happen, but she's willing to send us."
"Oh yes, I see your point. It's obviously a set up. It couldn't possibly be the case that she knows the navy will be lookin for the Renegade just waitin for it to sail in there after 'er."
"Just not right with the code that's all Jack."
"It's Captain Jack", he replied with narrowed eyes, now growing angry at Barbossa. "And I don't give a damn about the code, they aren't rules anyway, more like guidelines."
"Aye Cap'n", the first mate returned somewhat dejectedly.
"BRING UP THE ANCHOR AND HEAVE TO YOU SCURVY MUTS!" Jack's voice boomed over the ship, sending everyone into an immediate frenzy. Stepping up to the helm, he took the wheel and made ready for Bay Harbor.
***
Later that evening Julianne stood locked in a filthy, cobweb sodden cell in the fort of Bay Harbor. One arm leaning against the bars connecting to the opposite cell, she looked at that ground in thought glancing occasionally at the men in the next cell over who were still sleeping, her hat pushed down over her face. *And if Jack doesn't come, how will you get out of this one?* she wondered to herself. Before she could come up with an answer, she heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs at the opposite end of the hall.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Captain Julianne Amaris", a familiar voice said snidely.
"Aren't you a bit young to be hangin around in lock up with the criminals Marcus", she asked coldly. "I'm sure daddy doesn't want you puttin yerself in 'arms way when you could end up gettin ravished or somethin horrible like that", she added looking at him out of the corner of her eye.
"Let them try, you'll find in the end it will only result in a trip to the gallows for the offender."
In a flash, Julianne's arm shot out between the bars of her cell and grabbed Marcus by the front of her shirt.
"You're pathetic", she seethed.
"I would watch yourself if I were you", he answered unaffected. "Wouldn't want an assault charge added to that rap list now would you?"
"What does it matter if I'm to hang anyway", she asked with a smile. Raising her left leg she retrieved a sharp dagger from her boot. "Hell, I could kill you right now and not face any worse punishment for it. Or did you fail to think of that child?"
"Don't call me child, wench. And you wouldn't dare kill me."
"You're right. Ever so much more fulfilling to damage yer pride instead", she answered. Taking the dagger, she pressed it to his face just along the jaw line and ran it the length of his cheek, leaving a thin trail of blood. Marcus wailed in pain and eventually managed to rip himself from her grip.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT BITCH. THERE'S NOTHING I WANT MORE THAN TO SEE YOU DEAD IN THE NOOSE TOMORROW MORNING."
"Well sorry to disappoint you mate", a new voice added itself to their conversation, "but unfortunately for you, you won't be gettin that pleasure any time soon."
Sauntering meaningfully into the little prison was Jack, followed closely by Twiggy. "Hello again Mr. Weston, fancy runnin into you 'ere." Marcus opened his mouth to scream but was cut off by Jack before he could get anything out. "I wouldn't be doin that mate if I was you", the captain said pulling out his pistol and aiming it at the young man.
At the front of her cell, Twiggy set to work on the lock. Known for his lock picking skills, Jack was smart to have brought him along. Within minutes a loud click was heard, and the door swung open. Stepping out Julianne turned first to Twiggy.
"Thank ye Mister Twiggy, yer talents are greatly appreciated." He smiled and Julianne then turned her attention to Marcus. Walking up to him slowly, her dagger concealed in the sleeve of her right hand, she stepped close to him and put her left hand behind his neck.
"Sorry luv", she whispered into his ear. Pulling him forward, she gave him one last kiss goodbye, then plunged the dagger into his stomach. She watched indifferently as he stumbled backwards clutching the wound in pain, then turned on her heel and made her way out of the prison with the other two pirates. They crept stealthily down to the town's little dock where a small rowboat awaited them. Climbing in carefully, Jack grabbed the oars and waited for Twiggy to push them off. Rowing as quickly as he could, the trio soon made their way out of the harbor undetected, and came upon where the Pearl was docked.
"Well that went pretty smoothly", Jack thought aloud as they pulled themselves up the rigging and onto they ship.
"Aye Cap'n", Twiggy confirmed.
Later that evening when the Pearl came to a stop for the night, Julianne made her way to Jack's cabin where she found him sitting at his table cleaning his sword and pistol.
"I suppose thanks are in order", she said seductively, taking his gun from his hands and sat down facing him straddling his lap.
"Well then", he answered with a smile, "by all means go ahead and thank me luv."
~~~
"The best part of the whole thing is that not only did I 'ave the pleasure of meetin some of Julianne's pleasurable company, but I got to play the hero and save her from almost certain death", Jack smiled proudly from where he still stood behind her chair.
Julianne looked up at him, eyes narrowed and an evil grin on her face. "Oh, did you just ask for it", she said happily taking a long swig from her bottle of rum. "Since Jack's gotten so much enjoyment out of some of my lesser moments in life, perhaps I ought to share some of his."
"Perhaps not", he answered.
"Oh I don't know", Elizabeth interjected into their conversation, "I tend to lean towards Juli's prerogative don't you Will?"
"Aye, let's hear it", he answered looking up at Julianne.