Reviewers: Thanks for following along with me to this story, I appreciate
it.
Anyway, I'm not too thrilled with this chapter. Didn't turn out quite how I wanted it but it's been a very stressful week so hopefully things will improve.
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Julianne let out a small yelp of glee while Jack retreated to his earlier seat at the window with a groan.
"Hmm, so many to choose from, how will I ever decide on just one", Julianne thought aloud, and Jack emitted another groan.
"Oh just get on with it ye bloody wench", he mumbled. "Not like you 'aven't got one already picked out."
"Actually I hadn't, but you've just reminded me of one", she retorted in a snotty voice. "One of my favorites it is too. So", she said with a smile turning to the Turners. "how would ye like to hear the story about the woman who put Jack Sparrow in his place?"
"And who would that be anyway", Jack asked before either of them could answer.
"Me of course", she answered with a triumphant grin. Jack rolled his eyes and both Will and Elizabeth allowed a giggle to escape.
"This should be good", Will muttered under his breath to his wife.
"Do you know what she's referring to Jack", Elizabeth asked innocently enough.
"Haven't a clue luv", he answered.
"Must be a common occurrence then", she remarked, causing everyone to laugh even harder, except for Jack.
"Just tell the story if yer goin to", he barked grumpily.
"Oh calm down", Julianne chided him. "Honestly, ye'd think I was about to tell em that yer a eunuch from the way yer actin."
"Jack, you too", Will exclaimed from his seat, then proceeded to double over with laughter. Jack was not amused.
"Alright, alright, before Cap'n Sparrow throws a hissy fit for pokin fun at him, I'll get on with it. It was a coupla years ago. The whole thing started off simple enough, the Pearl, the Renegade, the Noche Negra which Anamaria sailed on at the time, the Chimera, and the Gauntlet, all agreed to go in on this big deal together."
Recognizing which story she was about to tell, Jack groaned again and buried his head in his knees.
"Anywaaaaay", Julianne continued, implying that he shut up. "There's this little island in the Keys called San Domingo, and its claim to fame is that once every year the East India Company holds a big convention type thing there. And merchants from every major company go to show off their stock, buy, sell, and trade. Ships come from all over world to attend this thing and for security the navy comes and stays for the week. The whole event has been nigh untouchable to pirates for years for the simple fact that no one was ever willing to split the difference with anyone else and it can't possibly be taken by any one person. However, after a little corroborating between Jack and I, which led to further persuading a few others, we 'ad quite enough of us to pull of one 'ell of a heist."
~~~
The five pirate captains sat together in the Faithful Bride late that night, going over their battle plan one last time for they set sail the following morning. San Domingo was actually a divided island, a very large bay separating the two halves. The larger of the two was where the merchants would be gathered, while the smaller's only amenity was a murky little town called Devil's Den, seldom visited by anyone but pirates. In all its history, no navy ship had ever dared to enter the threateningly dark waters of its small harbor. All these things, Julianne took into consideration while formulating her strategy. A parchment piece of map in her hand, she reviewed everyone's positioning and docking point with respect to the island, making absolutely sure each ship understood its task.
"Ye gonna go over this again woman", Captain Marco of the Noche Negra asked after takin a sip of his rum.
"Alright, one last time. We're gonna hit the island at 2:00 on Thursday, which means we're gonna 'ave to adjust a bit until we're all synchronized to do it at the same time. They're probably be navy scoutin just within shore range, so we should be alright if we sail far enough from each other. Jack, Marco, and I are pulling straight into the harbor. The Noche and the Renegade will launch the first assault since we can take the most abuse. The Pearl, which should be completely empty except for the basics, is gonna serve as our keep since she's the fastest. Brendon and Galant, you two are takin the far ends harbors. Your job is to make it round the settlement so's we can close in from all 4 sides. We want to get in and get out as fast as possible. Jack's gonna take care o' cleanin out the ships, you two are gonna clear out everything on land, and Marco and I'll rip off the navy ships after we're through with em.
Be sure to keep yer whites up throughout the entire thing, until ye've finished yer bit, then run up yer jolly roger to signal everyone else. Brendon and Galant, you will 'ave to send up a shot to let us know about you since we won't be able to see ye. When we're all done, the Pearl is headin out first, you two follow, and Marco and I'll bring up the rear. We'll rendezvous at Devil's Den and close off the harbor. From there we'll divvy up the loot and everyone's free to be on their way." Here she paused and looked at everyone seated around the table. "All agreed then?"
"Aye aye", the four men chorused in response.
"Alright then mates", she finished raising her mug. "Take what ye can."
"And give nothin back", the responded heartily, and clanked their five mugs together.
Julianne finished the contents of her mug in one last swig then stood up and she slammed it onto the table.
"See ye bright an early", she said with a smile. Following her lead, Jack also stood, a twinkle in his eyes.
"Night mates, can't wait for tomorrow's adventure", and the two made their way from the tavern headed for Julianne's house.
"Ye know", Brendon, the captain of the Chimera spoke a few minutes after they had left.
"If they weren't such damned good captains, I might 'ave a real problem listening to two whelps 'alf me age, especially one o' em bein a woman."
"Aye", Galant agreed.
"Lucky for them they are such good captains then, and Julianne's such a good schemer", Marco interjected.
"Aye, got it from her father I reckon", Brendon replied.
"Yeah, old Ash was the brains behind that ship. Mendoza was wise to hold his first mate in such esteem as he did."
"Well", Galant interrupted them, "neither the less, I'd say it's lucky for us Sparrow and her 'ave been so kind as to bring us all on."
"Aye", Brendon agreed again. "Better us then some others I can think of."
"Aye, could'ave been Cordei, that would'ave been a real tragedy for everyone."
"Don't think either of ems stupid enough to go in on any deal with that rat. Besides, I don't think Julianne takes to well to him, nor he to Jack."
At this, all three men raised their eyebrows to each other and chuckled knowingly.
"Youngens these days", Marco laughed aloud, "will they never learn?"
"Bad idea to mix business with pleasure", Galand added.
"Aye", Brendon spoke up. "Bad idea indeed. They'll never last those two, somethin'll come up on one side of things and ruin the whole arrangement. Guaran-damned-teed."
The three veteran captains sat in the tavern for an hour or so before heading off to bed themselves.
***
The brigade of pirate ships set sail early the next morning. It was at least twoand half days to San Domingo, which sat well almost into the Atlantic ocean. The tripped passed as well as anyone could ask for, without a single disturbance along the way. When they reached the point where they would all split up, Julianne checked to make sure everyone had up their flag of truce, ran up her own, then led the way to the island with the Noche Negra beside her and the Pearl behind.
To any scallywag who witnessed the assault on the East India Company's little party, it was a beautiful sight. Five of the most famed and feared pirate ships on the sea, all closing in on the tiny spit of land in perfect unison. Unlike its eastern counterpart, the western half of San Domingo sported a rather large main harbor, easy to enter and exit. Spreading out to cover its distance, the Renegade, Pearl, and Noche Negra began their attack. All three captains were both content and irritated upon seeing only two navy ships docked in front of them. Content because it would be less work for them, irritated because it meant less booty when the time came to pillage them.
None the less, Julianne and Marco pulled straight within firing range of the two ships and let loose. As it was, luck was on their side. Though the navy guarded the island during the convention, being used to having no disturbances, they paid little to no attention to their duties. So, when the pirate ships' cannons began to reign down upon them, not a one on board was prepared. The attack on the harbor went quickly and according to plan. As soon as everyone on shore heard the ruckus, they ran to the waterfront to watch and aid in any way. Exactly what the pirates had wanted, this gave the Chimera and Gauntlet the perfect opportunity to raid the neglected meeting sight.
Taking their responsibility very seriously, the two crews were in and out of the town square faster than anyone could have imagined. In less than a half an hour, they had completely stripped everything bare, leaving not a single trinket in sight, and with very little confrontation.
Back in the main harbor, the Renegade and Noche Negra were ripping the navy ships to shreds. Having taken the smaller of the two, Julianne now turned her attention to the shore line, which she promptly began firing upon to drive back the hoards of onlookers and rivals. After the destruction of a few waterfront establishments, the observers seemed to get the point and began to flee back into the town. Accomplishing her goal, Julianne signaled to Jack to get moving. The Pearl sailed forward under the cover of the other two ships and pulled right up to the now unguarded dock. Running off, weapons in hand, the crew began tearing its way through the several unoccupied ships that were docked there.
Within minutes of the Pearl's going ashore, the two navy ships ran up their flags to surrender, and the two pirate crews out in the harbor quickly swung from their ships onto the others. Deciding in favor of getting done as fast as possible, they allowed the remaining soldiers to live, on terms of helping them unload the ships. Knowing the Pearl would be awhile as there were many ships to go through, Julianne hurried but without any particular urgency to clear out her ship.
Thanks to the extensive planning on the part of all five captains, the entire ordeal was over in just over an hour. As expected, the Pearl was the last to finish its task. As soon as every man was back on board, the white flag that flapped in the air was traded for the black. Upon seeing this, Julianne turned the Renegade around and led the way out of the harbor, just in case any reinforcements had been called. None had. The Pearl followed and passed the other ship, heading for the other half of the island. As planned, the Chimera and Gauntlet fell in behind her, and Julianne and Marco brought up the rear for protection. The five ships made their way for Devil's Den, just a short distance around the eastern island. Looking back, Julianne smiled proudly. They had done the unthinkable, achieved what every pirate had dreamed of for years.
***
Pulling into the harbor at Devil's Den, the five ships were met by cheers of encouragement from a large crowd that had gathered at the waterfront. The people who inhabited the dank little town had heard the commotion taking place on the neighboring island and expected that if it were pirates' doing, they'd soon be on their way over. Deciding to wait until the following morning to divide up their catch, the captain's turned their crews loose.
After his crew had gone, Jack waited patiently at the base of the Renegade's plank for Julianne. When she finally emerged, she had changed out of her long captain's jacket and hat, and into regular unobvious clothing.
"Honestly woman", he said tugging at her shirt. "I don't know why you still keep this up. If I was you I'd want to whole world to know I who I was."
"Well, ye aren't a woman are you? So you wouldn't understand why it's not the best idea for me to go trotting off as though I ought to just hold a big sign that says 'Look, I captain the Renegade'. Besides, all adds to the ship's mystery."
"I think most everyone knows by now", he retorted as the made their way down the dock.
"Not so", she replied. "Most every captain knows, and a few crewmen, but for the most part, everyone else just thinks I'm Captain J. And I'd like to keep it that way at least for now."
"And when exactly do you plan on revealing your identity to the world?"
"When I've made a name for myself. And don't 'ave to go round worryin that some bastard is gonna try screwin me over just cause I'm a woman. When the name Captain Amaris instills such a fear in people that no one will fuck with me regardless of my gender."
"Well luv", Jack said with a smile, throwing one arm around her shoulders. "After today, I think yer well on yer way."
Reaching the shore, the two captains wove their way through the crowd towards, where else, the tavern. Along the way, Jack basked in the admiration lavished upon him by all.
Among the admirers, a voice stuck out. "Jack Sparrow", the high pitched voice of a woman sounded as a figure stepped in front of the two of them. Obviously a prostitute, the woman eyed Julianne distastefully before turning her full attention back to Jack. "We 'aven't seen you round 'ere in a long time Cap'n."
"Well, you know how business is", Jack mused, searching her face for a clue that might spark his memory so he could think of her name.
"Yes business is business", the woman replied. "And speaking of business", she continued in a low voice, taking a step forward and putting a hand on his shoulder. Next to him Julianne snorted and rolled her eyes, immediately drawing the other woman's attention back to her.
"Or perhaps you've already found yerself a business partner for the evening", she taunted without taking her eyes off of Julianne
At this Julianne let out a laugh. "I don't think so WENCH", Julianne sneered in response returning her glare.
"Alright, that's enough ladies", Jack interjected removing the woman's hand from him. "Not interested luv", he told her before continuing on his way leaving the woman looking all together very annoyed.
They were about half way to the tavern when two more scantily dressed woman walked up to them smiling at Jack. "Captain Sparrow, what a pleasure to 'ave you 'ere in Devil's Den again", the first cooed as they both draped themselves around him.
*What am I, invisible* Julianne thought to herself as she sighed in irritation and looked away from the scene next to her, one hand on her forehead.
Jack cleared his throat loudly, a little unsure of himself. "I'm a little busy at the moment ladies", he spoke firmly. The women took the hint and promptly removed themselves from his body. Without waiting to see if he was following, Julianne marched on, and made her way to the tavern without once glancing in his direction. She grabbed the door harshly, then upon realizing the magnitude of her actions, took a second to regain her self control. Holding the door open calmly for Jack, she gracefully wove her way between the bar's tables, chairs, and customers. Jack watched the back of her with a little smile as she moved, then followed her to a little table along the wall at which she had planted herself.
As soon as they had both taken a seat, two huge mugs were slammed onto the table in front of them. Julianne grabbed one and downed half of its contents on the first swig. Jack watched her from behind her own mug, hoping she would slow down after the first sip. When she didn't, he grimaced. It was only when she was angry that she drank like that. Neither of them had said a word to each other since their first run in with one of Jack's acquaintances, and Jack now planned to start a conversation in hopes of lightening the mood. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, one of the bar wenches came by to refill their mugs.
"Jack", she cried with a smile after filling Julianne's.
He nodded and regarded her with mild interest, "Angelica".
"How are ye luv?"
"I'm fine", he answered, looking straight into his mug.
"Hey Ronnie", Angelica now yelled to another woman a couple tables away. "Look who it is", she continued as the woman made her way over."
"Captain Jack Sparrow", the new woman exclaimed with a smile. "What a pleasant surprise."
"Hello Veronica", Jack replied looking up briefly.
"Now ye know Jack", the first woman began again bending over to put her face right up to his. "We're on til 10:00 tonight, but after that we'll be back at the house if ye catch my meaning", she finished. Jack looked back up at her but did not answer. He knew what she meant by the house, it was the large brothel behind the tavern where all the women who worked for the tavern owner stayed in between bar shifts and to carry out their other business.
"You really ought to stop by Sparrow", Veronica added with a crooked grin and raised eyebrows.
"OH THAT'S IT!" Julianne exclaimed jumping out of her seat and slamming her mug down. Her movement was forceful that the chair she had been sitting in fell over backwards and the little bit of rum that remained in her mug went flying all over Jack and the two women.
Reaching into her pants pockets she retrieved a small bag loaded with gold coins.
"Here", she seethed throwing it onto Veronica's serving tray. "Spare yerself the indignity of yer profession for one night, as a favor, to all women." Eyes blazing with fury, she whipped around and stalked angrily out of the tavern.
"What's her problem?" Angelica asked with a laugh, still bent over with her head against Jack's. He looked at her with annoyance then stood up himself. He rummaged in a jacket pocket and pulled out some coins. Throwing them onto the table, he ran out after Julianne.
"Jaaaack", both women protested.
"What she said", he yelled back over his shoulder just before the doors slammed shut behind him.
Outside, people were still congregated, talking wildly about the earlier events. Jack struggled to keep up with Julianne, who was barely visible among hundreds of bodies. Keeping his eyes locked on the back of her head, he slipped in between the townsfolk, moving as fast as his legs would carry him. He was making good progress when someone complicated his efforts.
"Jack dear", he heard the voice before he saw the woman. Snatching his hat from atop his head, he quickly ducked into a small group of people and re- emerged unnoticed on the other side.
A wave of relief washed over him, and he immediately turned his attention back to the task at hand. Looking around, he strained to find Julianne again in the crowd. He began to panic, and frantically scanned the faces of everyone in front of him. Much to his luck, by this point he had almost made it to the inn that stood just off the harbor. Light from the front porch cast a glow on everything within relative distance to it, and he ran forward as he saw Julianne's silhouette step into its brightness.
Julianne stepped inside the inn, completely unaware that Jack had finally caught up with her. Reaching the front desk of the place, she waited for the innkeeper to finish what he was doing.
"One room or two", he asked looking up at her finally.
Unsure of what he meant, Julianne turned to see Jack standing right behind her. He opened his mouth as if to answer, but before he could she turned back around.
"Two", she said coldly.
The innkeeper nodded and called a young boy over to him. "The lad here'll show ye to yer rooms", he said to the two pirates. "Take em up to 205 and 206", he instructed the boy, who nodded in response. Julianne sighed at the close proximity of their rooms.
When the trio stopped in front of room 205, the boy unlocked the door and handed her the key. Without a word, she took it from him, went in, and shut the door behind her.
Looking down at the young boy, Jack found him staring up at him. "What", the pirate asked.
"You musta really messed up sir", he replied before unlocking the next door. Jack snatched the key from him in irritation and went inside where he threw himself on the bed.
He waited a good twenty minutes before making his second attempt. Putting his ear to the wall between the two rooms, he decided all was safe and left his room. He raised his hand to knock, but then thought better of it and opened the door just a crack instead. Peering in, he found Julianne sitting at the room's small table smoking her pipe.
"Jules", he called quietly to her across the room.
"WHAT?" came her harsh response.
"Can I come in?"
"I got two rooms for a reason", she answered angrily without looking over at him.
He took that as a yes and let himself into the room. Crossing to her, he sat down on the corner of the bed facing her.
"What do you want anyway", she snapped at him. "Cause if yer lookin for some pleasurable company, ye ain't gonna find it 'ere."
Jack opened his mouth to answer.
"Though I'm sure ye won't 'ave any trouble findin it elsewhere", she added under her breath.
"Is that what this is all about?" he now asked slightly surprised, Julianne stared at him in disbelief.
"That's it? 'Is that what this is all about?' That's all you 'ave to say for yerself?"
"Well Jules, I mean," Jack stammered. "Fine", he continued, anger touching his voice, "what should I 'ave said then?"
"WHAT SHOULD YOU 'AVE SAID. GEE I DON'T KNOW JACK, IT WOULDN'T 'AVE KILLED YOU TO SHOW A LITTLE SHAME! I mean for God's sake, what the hell is wrong with you?"
"THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME!"
"Fine, then look at it this way. How would you 'ave felt if it was the other way around. Hmm? How would you 'ave felt if we 'ad stepped onto some piddley little island and run into 6 o' my fuck buddies huh? Not that I'd even 'ave 6 in the same place, let alone a place like this, but HONESTLY JACK."
"I'm a pirate, what do ye expect."
"A lot o' crap that is. As if bein a pirate is entitlement to be a slut yerself."
At this Jack's mouth gaped. "I just don't understand why yer so upset", he managed to get out between clenched teeth.
"No, of course you wouldn't", Julianne said getting up with narrowed eyes. "Well then, let me enlighten you. When you are sleepin with multiple women, it's a good idea to make sure they don't happen to run into one another. Makes for a very bad situation, especially when one or more of those women is NOT a prostitute. So, in order to make yer life a little easier, I'm going to help alleviate this problem for ye. From now on it's strictly business between us, and nothing more. Savvy?"
"Jules, you're bein absolutely rid."
"Savvy", she asked again stepping up to him and grabbing him by the shirt.
"Savvy", he mumbled after a minute of undecided silence.
"Good, then good night", Julianne continued, pushing him toward the door.
The next morning, Julianne awoke bright and early and headed down to the dock. After sorting out what all belonged to who on each of the ships, she called the crews together, and the Renegade set sail from San Domingo.
~~~
"You just left?" Will asked, looking up in surprise.
"Yer damn right I did", Julianne answered proudly.
"She's quite good at that really", Jack answered smartly from where he still sat moping in his window sill.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just sayin it wasn't the first time ye did it that's all", he answered.
Julianne looked at him with furrowed brows.
"Would you care to expand on that a bit", Will asked before she could remark again.
"Actually I would", Jack said sitting up with a grin. Shooting a look at Julianne, it was apparent that this conversation was not heading in a good direction.
Anyway, I'm not too thrilled with this chapter. Didn't turn out quite how I wanted it but it's been a very stressful week so hopefully things will improve.
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Julianne let out a small yelp of glee while Jack retreated to his earlier seat at the window with a groan.
"Hmm, so many to choose from, how will I ever decide on just one", Julianne thought aloud, and Jack emitted another groan.
"Oh just get on with it ye bloody wench", he mumbled. "Not like you 'aven't got one already picked out."
"Actually I hadn't, but you've just reminded me of one", she retorted in a snotty voice. "One of my favorites it is too. So", she said with a smile turning to the Turners. "how would ye like to hear the story about the woman who put Jack Sparrow in his place?"
"And who would that be anyway", Jack asked before either of them could answer.
"Me of course", she answered with a triumphant grin. Jack rolled his eyes and both Will and Elizabeth allowed a giggle to escape.
"This should be good", Will muttered under his breath to his wife.
"Do you know what she's referring to Jack", Elizabeth asked innocently enough.
"Haven't a clue luv", he answered.
"Must be a common occurrence then", she remarked, causing everyone to laugh even harder, except for Jack.
"Just tell the story if yer goin to", he barked grumpily.
"Oh calm down", Julianne chided him. "Honestly, ye'd think I was about to tell em that yer a eunuch from the way yer actin."
"Jack, you too", Will exclaimed from his seat, then proceeded to double over with laughter. Jack was not amused.
"Alright, alright, before Cap'n Sparrow throws a hissy fit for pokin fun at him, I'll get on with it. It was a coupla years ago. The whole thing started off simple enough, the Pearl, the Renegade, the Noche Negra which Anamaria sailed on at the time, the Chimera, and the Gauntlet, all agreed to go in on this big deal together."
Recognizing which story she was about to tell, Jack groaned again and buried his head in his knees.
"Anywaaaaay", Julianne continued, implying that he shut up. "There's this little island in the Keys called San Domingo, and its claim to fame is that once every year the East India Company holds a big convention type thing there. And merchants from every major company go to show off their stock, buy, sell, and trade. Ships come from all over world to attend this thing and for security the navy comes and stays for the week. The whole event has been nigh untouchable to pirates for years for the simple fact that no one was ever willing to split the difference with anyone else and it can't possibly be taken by any one person. However, after a little corroborating between Jack and I, which led to further persuading a few others, we 'ad quite enough of us to pull of one 'ell of a heist."
~~~
The five pirate captains sat together in the Faithful Bride late that night, going over their battle plan one last time for they set sail the following morning. San Domingo was actually a divided island, a very large bay separating the two halves. The larger of the two was where the merchants would be gathered, while the smaller's only amenity was a murky little town called Devil's Den, seldom visited by anyone but pirates. In all its history, no navy ship had ever dared to enter the threateningly dark waters of its small harbor. All these things, Julianne took into consideration while formulating her strategy. A parchment piece of map in her hand, she reviewed everyone's positioning and docking point with respect to the island, making absolutely sure each ship understood its task.
"Ye gonna go over this again woman", Captain Marco of the Noche Negra asked after takin a sip of his rum.
"Alright, one last time. We're gonna hit the island at 2:00 on Thursday, which means we're gonna 'ave to adjust a bit until we're all synchronized to do it at the same time. They're probably be navy scoutin just within shore range, so we should be alright if we sail far enough from each other. Jack, Marco, and I are pulling straight into the harbor. The Noche and the Renegade will launch the first assault since we can take the most abuse. The Pearl, which should be completely empty except for the basics, is gonna serve as our keep since she's the fastest. Brendon and Galant, you two are takin the far ends harbors. Your job is to make it round the settlement so's we can close in from all 4 sides. We want to get in and get out as fast as possible. Jack's gonna take care o' cleanin out the ships, you two are gonna clear out everything on land, and Marco and I'll rip off the navy ships after we're through with em.
Be sure to keep yer whites up throughout the entire thing, until ye've finished yer bit, then run up yer jolly roger to signal everyone else. Brendon and Galant, you will 'ave to send up a shot to let us know about you since we won't be able to see ye. When we're all done, the Pearl is headin out first, you two follow, and Marco and I'll bring up the rear. We'll rendezvous at Devil's Den and close off the harbor. From there we'll divvy up the loot and everyone's free to be on their way." Here she paused and looked at everyone seated around the table. "All agreed then?"
"Aye aye", the four men chorused in response.
"Alright then mates", she finished raising her mug. "Take what ye can."
"And give nothin back", the responded heartily, and clanked their five mugs together.
Julianne finished the contents of her mug in one last swig then stood up and she slammed it onto the table.
"See ye bright an early", she said with a smile. Following her lead, Jack also stood, a twinkle in his eyes.
"Night mates, can't wait for tomorrow's adventure", and the two made their way from the tavern headed for Julianne's house.
"Ye know", Brendon, the captain of the Chimera spoke a few minutes after they had left.
"If they weren't such damned good captains, I might 'ave a real problem listening to two whelps 'alf me age, especially one o' em bein a woman."
"Aye", Galant agreed.
"Lucky for them they are such good captains then, and Julianne's such a good schemer", Marco interjected.
"Aye, got it from her father I reckon", Brendon replied.
"Yeah, old Ash was the brains behind that ship. Mendoza was wise to hold his first mate in such esteem as he did."
"Well", Galant interrupted them, "neither the less, I'd say it's lucky for us Sparrow and her 'ave been so kind as to bring us all on."
"Aye", Brendon agreed again. "Better us then some others I can think of."
"Aye, could'ave been Cordei, that would'ave been a real tragedy for everyone."
"Don't think either of ems stupid enough to go in on any deal with that rat. Besides, I don't think Julianne takes to well to him, nor he to Jack."
At this, all three men raised their eyebrows to each other and chuckled knowingly.
"Youngens these days", Marco laughed aloud, "will they never learn?"
"Bad idea to mix business with pleasure", Galand added.
"Aye", Brendon spoke up. "Bad idea indeed. They'll never last those two, somethin'll come up on one side of things and ruin the whole arrangement. Guaran-damned-teed."
The three veteran captains sat in the tavern for an hour or so before heading off to bed themselves.
***
The brigade of pirate ships set sail early the next morning. It was at least twoand half days to San Domingo, which sat well almost into the Atlantic ocean. The tripped passed as well as anyone could ask for, without a single disturbance along the way. When they reached the point where they would all split up, Julianne checked to make sure everyone had up their flag of truce, ran up her own, then led the way to the island with the Noche Negra beside her and the Pearl behind.
To any scallywag who witnessed the assault on the East India Company's little party, it was a beautiful sight. Five of the most famed and feared pirate ships on the sea, all closing in on the tiny spit of land in perfect unison. Unlike its eastern counterpart, the western half of San Domingo sported a rather large main harbor, easy to enter and exit. Spreading out to cover its distance, the Renegade, Pearl, and Noche Negra began their attack. All three captains were both content and irritated upon seeing only two navy ships docked in front of them. Content because it would be less work for them, irritated because it meant less booty when the time came to pillage them.
None the less, Julianne and Marco pulled straight within firing range of the two ships and let loose. As it was, luck was on their side. Though the navy guarded the island during the convention, being used to having no disturbances, they paid little to no attention to their duties. So, when the pirate ships' cannons began to reign down upon them, not a one on board was prepared. The attack on the harbor went quickly and according to plan. As soon as everyone on shore heard the ruckus, they ran to the waterfront to watch and aid in any way. Exactly what the pirates had wanted, this gave the Chimera and Gauntlet the perfect opportunity to raid the neglected meeting sight.
Taking their responsibility very seriously, the two crews were in and out of the town square faster than anyone could have imagined. In less than a half an hour, they had completely stripped everything bare, leaving not a single trinket in sight, and with very little confrontation.
Back in the main harbor, the Renegade and Noche Negra were ripping the navy ships to shreds. Having taken the smaller of the two, Julianne now turned her attention to the shore line, which she promptly began firing upon to drive back the hoards of onlookers and rivals. After the destruction of a few waterfront establishments, the observers seemed to get the point and began to flee back into the town. Accomplishing her goal, Julianne signaled to Jack to get moving. The Pearl sailed forward under the cover of the other two ships and pulled right up to the now unguarded dock. Running off, weapons in hand, the crew began tearing its way through the several unoccupied ships that were docked there.
Within minutes of the Pearl's going ashore, the two navy ships ran up their flags to surrender, and the two pirate crews out in the harbor quickly swung from their ships onto the others. Deciding in favor of getting done as fast as possible, they allowed the remaining soldiers to live, on terms of helping them unload the ships. Knowing the Pearl would be awhile as there were many ships to go through, Julianne hurried but without any particular urgency to clear out her ship.
Thanks to the extensive planning on the part of all five captains, the entire ordeal was over in just over an hour. As expected, the Pearl was the last to finish its task. As soon as every man was back on board, the white flag that flapped in the air was traded for the black. Upon seeing this, Julianne turned the Renegade around and led the way out of the harbor, just in case any reinforcements had been called. None had. The Pearl followed and passed the other ship, heading for the other half of the island. As planned, the Chimera and Gauntlet fell in behind her, and Julianne and Marco brought up the rear for protection. The five ships made their way for Devil's Den, just a short distance around the eastern island. Looking back, Julianne smiled proudly. They had done the unthinkable, achieved what every pirate had dreamed of for years.
***
Pulling into the harbor at Devil's Den, the five ships were met by cheers of encouragement from a large crowd that had gathered at the waterfront. The people who inhabited the dank little town had heard the commotion taking place on the neighboring island and expected that if it were pirates' doing, they'd soon be on their way over. Deciding to wait until the following morning to divide up their catch, the captain's turned their crews loose.
After his crew had gone, Jack waited patiently at the base of the Renegade's plank for Julianne. When she finally emerged, she had changed out of her long captain's jacket and hat, and into regular unobvious clothing.
"Honestly woman", he said tugging at her shirt. "I don't know why you still keep this up. If I was you I'd want to whole world to know I who I was."
"Well, ye aren't a woman are you? So you wouldn't understand why it's not the best idea for me to go trotting off as though I ought to just hold a big sign that says 'Look, I captain the Renegade'. Besides, all adds to the ship's mystery."
"I think most everyone knows by now", he retorted as the made their way down the dock.
"Not so", she replied. "Most every captain knows, and a few crewmen, but for the most part, everyone else just thinks I'm Captain J. And I'd like to keep it that way at least for now."
"And when exactly do you plan on revealing your identity to the world?"
"When I've made a name for myself. And don't 'ave to go round worryin that some bastard is gonna try screwin me over just cause I'm a woman. When the name Captain Amaris instills such a fear in people that no one will fuck with me regardless of my gender."
"Well luv", Jack said with a smile, throwing one arm around her shoulders. "After today, I think yer well on yer way."
Reaching the shore, the two captains wove their way through the crowd towards, where else, the tavern. Along the way, Jack basked in the admiration lavished upon him by all.
Among the admirers, a voice stuck out. "Jack Sparrow", the high pitched voice of a woman sounded as a figure stepped in front of the two of them. Obviously a prostitute, the woman eyed Julianne distastefully before turning her full attention back to Jack. "We 'aven't seen you round 'ere in a long time Cap'n."
"Well, you know how business is", Jack mused, searching her face for a clue that might spark his memory so he could think of her name.
"Yes business is business", the woman replied. "And speaking of business", she continued in a low voice, taking a step forward and putting a hand on his shoulder. Next to him Julianne snorted and rolled her eyes, immediately drawing the other woman's attention back to her.
"Or perhaps you've already found yerself a business partner for the evening", she taunted without taking her eyes off of Julianne
At this Julianne let out a laugh. "I don't think so WENCH", Julianne sneered in response returning her glare.
"Alright, that's enough ladies", Jack interjected removing the woman's hand from him. "Not interested luv", he told her before continuing on his way leaving the woman looking all together very annoyed.
They were about half way to the tavern when two more scantily dressed woman walked up to them smiling at Jack. "Captain Sparrow, what a pleasure to 'ave you 'ere in Devil's Den again", the first cooed as they both draped themselves around him.
*What am I, invisible* Julianne thought to herself as she sighed in irritation and looked away from the scene next to her, one hand on her forehead.
Jack cleared his throat loudly, a little unsure of himself. "I'm a little busy at the moment ladies", he spoke firmly. The women took the hint and promptly removed themselves from his body. Without waiting to see if he was following, Julianne marched on, and made her way to the tavern without once glancing in his direction. She grabbed the door harshly, then upon realizing the magnitude of her actions, took a second to regain her self control. Holding the door open calmly for Jack, she gracefully wove her way between the bar's tables, chairs, and customers. Jack watched the back of her with a little smile as she moved, then followed her to a little table along the wall at which she had planted herself.
As soon as they had both taken a seat, two huge mugs were slammed onto the table in front of them. Julianne grabbed one and downed half of its contents on the first swig. Jack watched her from behind her own mug, hoping she would slow down after the first sip. When she didn't, he grimaced. It was only when she was angry that she drank like that. Neither of them had said a word to each other since their first run in with one of Jack's acquaintances, and Jack now planned to start a conversation in hopes of lightening the mood. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, one of the bar wenches came by to refill their mugs.
"Jack", she cried with a smile after filling Julianne's.
He nodded and regarded her with mild interest, "Angelica".
"How are ye luv?"
"I'm fine", he answered, looking straight into his mug.
"Hey Ronnie", Angelica now yelled to another woman a couple tables away. "Look who it is", she continued as the woman made her way over."
"Captain Jack Sparrow", the new woman exclaimed with a smile. "What a pleasant surprise."
"Hello Veronica", Jack replied looking up briefly.
"Now ye know Jack", the first woman began again bending over to put her face right up to his. "We're on til 10:00 tonight, but after that we'll be back at the house if ye catch my meaning", she finished. Jack looked back up at her but did not answer. He knew what she meant by the house, it was the large brothel behind the tavern where all the women who worked for the tavern owner stayed in between bar shifts and to carry out their other business.
"You really ought to stop by Sparrow", Veronica added with a crooked grin and raised eyebrows.
"OH THAT'S IT!" Julianne exclaimed jumping out of her seat and slamming her mug down. Her movement was forceful that the chair she had been sitting in fell over backwards and the little bit of rum that remained in her mug went flying all over Jack and the two women.
Reaching into her pants pockets she retrieved a small bag loaded with gold coins.
"Here", she seethed throwing it onto Veronica's serving tray. "Spare yerself the indignity of yer profession for one night, as a favor, to all women." Eyes blazing with fury, she whipped around and stalked angrily out of the tavern.
"What's her problem?" Angelica asked with a laugh, still bent over with her head against Jack's. He looked at her with annoyance then stood up himself. He rummaged in a jacket pocket and pulled out some coins. Throwing them onto the table, he ran out after Julianne.
"Jaaaack", both women protested.
"What she said", he yelled back over his shoulder just before the doors slammed shut behind him.
Outside, people were still congregated, talking wildly about the earlier events. Jack struggled to keep up with Julianne, who was barely visible among hundreds of bodies. Keeping his eyes locked on the back of her head, he slipped in between the townsfolk, moving as fast as his legs would carry him. He was making good progress when someone complicated his efforts.
"Jack dear", he heard the voice before he saw the woman. Snatching his hat from atop his head, he quickly ducked into a small group of people and re- emerged unnoticed on the other side.
A wave of relief washed over him, and he immediately turned his attention back to the task at hand. Looking around, he strained to find Julianne again in the crowd. He began to panic, and frantically scanned the faces of everyone in front of him. Much to his luck, by this point he had almost made it to the inn that stood just off the harbor. Light from the front porch cast a glow on everything within relative distance to it, and he ran forward as he saw Julianne's silhouette step into its brightness.
Julianne stepped inside the inn, completely unaware that Jack had finally caught up with her. Reaching the front desk of the place, she waited for the innkeeper to finish what he was doing.
"One room or two", he asked looking up at her finally.
Unsure of what he meant, Julianne turned to see Jack standing right behind her. He opened his mouth as if to answer, but before he could she turned back around.
"Two", she said coldly.
The innkeeper nodded and called a young boy over to him. "The lad here'll show ye to yer rooms", he said to the two pirates. "Take em up to 205 and 206", he instructed the boy, who nodded in response. Julianne sighed at the close proximity of their rooms.
When the trio stopped in front of room 205, the boy unlocked the door and handed her the key. Without a word, she took it from him, went in, and shut the door behind her.
Looking down at the young boy, Jack found him staring up at him. "What", the pirate asked.
"You musta really messed up sir", he replied before unlocking the next door. Jack snatched the key from him in irritation and went inside where he threw himself on the bed.
He waited a good twenty minutes before making his second attempt. Putting his ear to the wall between the two rooms, he decided all was safe and left his room. He raised his hand to knock, but then thought better of it and opened the door just a crack instead. Peering in, he found Julianne sitting at the room's small table smoking her pipe.
"Jules", he called quietly to her across the room.
"WHAT?" came her harsh response.
"Can I come in?"
"I got two rooms for a reason", she answered angrily without looking over at him.
He took that as a yes and let himself into the room. Crossing to her, he sat down on the corner of the bed facing her.
"What do you want anyway", she snapped at him. "Cause if yer lookin for some pleasurable company, ye ain't gonna find it 'ere."
Jack opened his mouth to answer.
"Though I'm sure ye won't 'ave any trouble findin it elsewhere", she added under her breath.
"Is that what this is all about?" he now asked slightly surprised, Julianne stared at him in disbelief.
"That's it? 'Is that what this is all about?' That's all you 'ave to say for yerself?"
"Well Jules, I mean," Jack stammered. "Fine", he continued, anger touching his voice, "what should I 'ave said then?"
"WHAT SHOULD YOU 'AVE SAID. GEE I DON'T KNOW JACK, IT WOULDN'T 'AVE KILLED YOU TO SHOW A LITTLE SHAME! I mean for God's sake, what the hell is wrong with you?"
"THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME!"
"Fine, then look at it this way. How would you 'ave felt if it was the other way around. Hmm? How would you 'ave felt if we 'ad stepped onto some piddley little island and run into 6 o' my fuck buddies huh? Not that I'd even 'ave 6 in the same place, let alone a place like this, but HONESTLY JACK."
"I'm a pirate, what do ye expect."
"A lot o' crap that is. As if bein a pirate is entitlement to be a slut yerself."
At this Jack's mouth gaped. "I just don't understand why yer so upset", he managed to get out between clenched teeth.
"No, of course you wouldn't", Julianne said getting up with narrowed eyes. "Well then, let me enlighten you. When you are sleepin with multiple women, it's a good idea to make sure they don't happen to run into one another. Makes for a very bad situation, especially when one or more of those women is NOT a prostitute. So, in order to make yer life a little easier, I'm going to help alleviate this problem for ye. From now on it's strictly business between us, and nothing more. Savvy?"
"Jules, you're bein absolutely rid."
"Savvy", she asked again stepping up to him and grabbing him by the shirt.
"Savvy", he mumbled after a minute of undecided silence.
"Good, then good night", Julianne continued, pushing him toward the door.
The next morning, Julianne awoke bright and early and headed down to the dock. After sorting out what all belonged to who on each of the ships, she called the crews together, and the Renegade set sail from San Domingo.
~~~
"You just left?" Will asked, looking up in surprise.
"Yer damn right I did", Julianne answered proudly.
"She's quite good at that really", Jack answered smartly from where he still sat moping in his window sill.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just sayin it wasn't the first time ye did it that's all", he answered.
Julianne looked at him with furrowed brows.
"Would you care to expand on that a bit", Will asked before she could remark again.
"Actually I would", Jack said sitting up with a grin. Shooting a look at Julianne, it was apparent that this conversation was not heading in a good direction.