Aftermath
By: L'Morgan
Disclaimer: I guess I really do need to remind you all that anything and everything related to Pirates of the Caribbean, their characters and settings are all the property of Disney - Disney - Disney - nobody - but -Disney ---- I-just-borrowing-to-play-with-and-giving-back. Only Disney can make money on anything to do with Pirates of the Caribbean. NOT ME!
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Summary: Port Royal lies in ruins.. The Black Pearl has battled and won.. But is Jack Sparrow at the bottom of the sea or is he not?
Chapter 18: Homeward Bound
Commodore Norrington paused to look up and out the nearby window. The light of first dawn was just now beginning to reveal the features of the familiar landscape beyond. He had been here all night and the tale he had discovered in the files before him was indeed an intriguing one, although it left almost as many new questions as it answered old ones.
Before 1680, there seemed to be no record of Jack Sparrow at all. Not even a hint. The first entries in the Sparrow record began in March of 1680. Even then they were sparse. Whereas nearly every file in the closet contained background information on the person, in this one it was utterly lacking. No birth date, no family details, no background, no education record, no record of military service or minor offenses at all.
It was as if the man had just sprung up out of the waters one fine spring day and decided to go raiding. Aside from that, it was reports of the pirates various raids, actions, kidnappings, hostage takings, lootings, pilferings, impersonations, and a vast number of incidents of miscellaneous mischief and mayhem. Quite a character indeed! Norrington frowned deeply.
Strangely enough, for that matter, if Sparrow had been without his own ship since the Black Pearl was taken from him - why were there no reports of his having stolen this ship or commandeered that one in the Sparrow file?
Obviously the man was on something that floated as he went around taking his prizes every year since. You don't become well known as a pirate by staying on land. And somehow he doubted very much if 'Captain' Jack Sparrow signed on as an able bodied seaman under anyone else's' name. So where were the reports of these ships he had stolen? Or had something happened to 'smooth things over' with their indignant owners?
He turned to the file on Jackson Meriwether Stuart. This one did have the normal details. 'Born September 10, 1640 at his ancestral estate near the port city of Dover. Eldest son of Joshua Meriwether Stuart, of the Dover Mercantile Shipping Company. Educated at the Sorbonne in Paris. Betrothed in childhood to Lady Lianna D'Marlot, of the Parisian mercantile family D'Marlot. Married at age 20,' Norrington raised an eyebrow as he sipped at his cup and turned the page. Stuart was married? To a woman from France? France?!
'J. Stuart began his career on the waters by first working for his father's company in the East Indies and later Ceylon. 1664, served in the taking of New Amsterdam aboard the privateer vessel 'Gray Lady. Returned to the family business in 1665, 1666. Privateer's marque granted by the English Crown in the years: 1667, 1668, 1669, 1670, 1671, 1672, 1673, 1674, 1675.' He read on.
Reported engaging in piracy in 1676, 1677, and 1678. Royal intervention is noted in 1679; however there seems to be no record of the details. Area of latest known activity: Caribbean Ocean, Bahamas, Trinidad, Vera Cruz.'
Norrington's' eyebrows rose hugely again. Royal intervention?
The Commodore sighed to himself, shaking his head. Stuart - or was it Sparrow - had begun as a mercantile shipper? It was common knowledge that the Dover Shipping Company moved goods all around the world for the English Crown. Had for at least the last 50 years if not more. It had been the family business for generations. For 9 years this man had served as a privateer to the Crown? Only to turn pirate in 1676? This just did not sound like Sparrow to him. Not at all. The very idea of Jack Sparrow as a privateer for 9 years just begged laughter. And where was the incident of the man being kidnapped by Corsairs that Reynolds had mentioned. That wasn't even in the file at all?
What was this about Royal Intervention? A privateer for 9 years, who then operates as a pirate for three years, only to then receive Royal Intervention of some sort. Well, perhaps in light of the family business having been so longed connected to the Crown? But Reynolds had said himself the man wasn't that important - yet how many former privateers turned pirate received royal intervention on their behalf? Was Stuart given a royal pardon for his years of piracy? Is that why Reynolds had not even mentioned that Stuart might be known as a pirate?
He couldn't help but wonder what would have happened right there in Port Royal if they had hung Sparrow that two years ago, after all? Would they have incurred the later wrath of some royal personage that they really would prefer not to? When he had had the man in the gaol - never once had Sparrow mentioned that he wanted anyone in England contacted in his behalf before they put him on that gallows with the noose around his neck.
He sighed heavily to himself and sat staring out his window, gently fingering the corner of the page he was about to turn. He had read this next page probably 100 times - and yes, he just had to turn the page now and read it again. The record before 1680 just did not seem to fit the pirate he knew - nor the stories and legends about him. It seemed impossible that Sparrow could be the same person as Stuart - BUT - then came this next passage in the Stuart file. It was what he read on the third page that shocked and stunned him no matter how often he had read through the passage during this night:
'Identifying characteristics and traits: Jackson Stuart wears his hair long, in knotted locks and braids, with coins and other items wound into his hair as well. Is reported to be extremely fond of rum and most often appears to be intoxicated. Caution: this man is perfectly capable of initiating and executing complex escapes even when so intoxicated. Stuart does not look his age and there has been some confusion as to the early records of his activity. May be recognized by overly frequent hand gestures when speaking, as well as two gold teeth, right upper incisor and first molar. Dragon tattoo, upper left shoulder. Pirate brand right forearm. Known associates: Jeremiah Barbossa, Joshamee Gibbs, William Turner.'
The Commodore shook his head as he slumped down in the chair. He sat back and put a hand to his forehead. The last entry in the record was dated October 1680. It was the same reaction he had every time he'd read that one particular last passage. It was just impossible to believe, and equally impossible to dispute. Sparrow certainly did not seem his age if he was supposedly born in 1640? He would be what, 51 years old now? There was no way he could believe that Jack Sparrow was 50 plus years old! But that last passage. that last passage made even what seemed the most impossible fact of all - into apparent truth.
He opened a drawer and pulled out the flyer Reynolds had left with them. 42. It definitely said the man was only 42. Well he couldn't be 42 and be the same man Reynolds was looking for. Or Reynolds had made a mistake on the flyers. He shook his head.
He rose and paced absently back and forth across the room. To read of a recognized privateer that had gone a bit beyond the limits and strayed into piracy was one thing. Produced one sort of gut level reaction. Then to add that the physical description of this man - except for the age - just about had to be Jack Sparrow.. That was just - well - truly stunning.
Then on top of that add Sparrows nearly 40 some odd French ships sunk in the past 4 years - his supposed past as a mercantile shipper and nearly a decade as a privateer? Now it was nearly enough to make one throw up ones hands and swear that nothing in the world could ever be what it seemed again. How could he be so wrong - he had always thought he was rather good at being able to detect the untrustworthy man versus the one that deserved respect?
Oh this was just too confusing. He had originally thought Sparrow rotten to the core, only to have him prove to be magnanimous. Now he is covertly playing the part of an unrecognized privateer? A patriot of unusual sorts? And not for the first time in his life at playing such a role? He sighed heavily, rubbing at the ache behind his forehead. The day ahead was long and just now dawning. The memorial for the lost pirate was this coming afternoon. He stared out his window with a blank look.
No wonder Sparrow had taken the blasted flyers.
No wonder he had a vocabulary that would rival a school masters.
No wonder he thought up grand schemes from history books to use against an enemy.
No wonder he had seemed to be perfectly capable of polite manners and courtesy, albeit it usually was in the course of achieving his own objectives. He sighed again.
Apparently he could also be a man with a sense of honor and compassion and courage not expected to be found in many men, much less in a pirate, or even a privateer.
He swallowed dryly. Nothing could be done to change the past. It didn't matter now what was in either of these files. Both of them belonged in the 'dead pirates' box. It was too late to ever talk to the man - ask about the apparent age difference and previous activities. Why he went from all those years as a mercantile shipper to privateer to pirate - if he was even that considering his fondness as a 'pirate' for ships from whatever nation they happened to be at war with that particular year.
Not a declared privateer these days - but still performing the duties of one none the less. And in a way so that no one would easily recognize it? Perhaps he just preferred to do as he saw fit and not have to worry about having a piece of paper saying he could? That he could believe of Sparrow.
Norrington sat back in his chair and considered the two files resting on his desk. If they hadn't been put in alphabetical order, he never would have opened the one on Stuart and found this. If the proper procedures had been followed in disposing of old records, he never would have found it at all. But that didn't mean that Reynolds didn't have this information as well.
He would wager a good sum of money that Reynolds had been provided with a copy of Stuart's file before he left England. But was it complete? Or did Reynolds have a version of the file that somehow cleared up the questions? Why hadn't the man told them that this Stuart was of the Dover Shipping Company family? That did carry some weight just in and of itself. People who are not important rarely receive royal intervention, - another fact Reynolds had conveniently forgotten to mention? Reynolds information definitely was more current than 12 years ago at least. He apparently had some kind of records regarding purchases this man Stuart had made after the year 1680. But he had failed to tell them the entire story, obviously.
Perhaps he hadn't read the file well, as unlikely as that seemed. Surely the man would take greater care with his facts if he actually intended to find this gentleman. Reynolds had also apparently never thought to ask what this pirate Sparrow looked like. Anyone describing Jack would have inadvertently provided Reynolds with the linking clues that seemed to prove the two were the same man, despite the question of age.
In a very, very, vague backhand way, Norrington was glad Sparrow wasn't around to be drug back to England by whatever threat was carried in that letter from the royalty. He would easily wager that it was a threat of some sort. No king was going to write and just ask if Sparrow would please grace him with his presence. God only knew that if there was ever a man that didn't belong tied to an estate or a business, it was Jack Sparrow.
The man had made his choices in life and had lived by them - and died by them. There was nothing to be gained by bringing up his background now when he wasn't even around to answer the questions that would arise. If Jack had wanted anyone to know he would have told them.
There was a chance not even his crew knew this about their Captain's past - and that would have been by Sparrow's choice. Let Reynolds spend his time chasing a man who had managed to disappear into another name over 12 years ago. Captain Jack Sparrow was a unique legend in the Caribbean - and Commodore Norrington now choose to let him stay that way.
The Commodore rose and took both of the files to the fireplace and knelt. He opened each and scattered the pages, then took up a candle and touched it to them. He watched carefully as each one in time, turned black and curled. With a sure touch he smashed each ashen form to bits, making sure not so much as one word could be detected. 2 less 'dead pirate' files now for the adjacent to clean out - that was all.
When it was done, he collected the ashes all in the ash bucket at the side, then mixed it with the others in there to begin with, and took it outside. Carefully he spread it between the garden rose bushes and tromped it down into the moist earth until the ashes had disappeared.
"Rest in Peace, Captain Sparrow. It won't be from Port Royal that it will ever be found out. That's the least I can give you." He said to himself in a whisper.
~ * * ~
AnaMaria's first sensation was of a heavy, heavy weight across her chest.. And a soft gentle breeze on her cheek. It was so hard to get her hands to move even. She heard birds, but no other noises or motion around her. Finally she managed to crack her eyes open. Something very heavy was holding her down. She tried to push it off. Whatever it was gave a weak cough and then a familiar toned mutter and moved closer to her face.
Her eyes shot open, to find Jack Sparrow nearly curled up into the crook of her neck! She looked around and realized they were outside, not anyplace she recognized. The cave was no where in sight. She lifted her head to find that someone had left a folded blanket under her head, left her lying on her back, and then had laid Jack up against her and on his side, using her for his pillow. At least someone had thought to put a blanket over him. And cleaned off the mud that crazy fool had smeared all over him!
She sighed deeply as the realization that they seemed to be alone and he was right there with her sunk in now. Actually that part wasn't so bad. It was kind of considerate of them to have left him right where she couldn't possibly think he was missing somehow when she first woke up.
Woke up? She growled lowly in her throat remembering the effect that drink had had on her. God only knew what it had done to Jack considering how much of it they'd given him! She felt at his cheek and then at his chest and smiled. Well he was still warm, but nothing like he had been the night he thought he was talking to Bootstrap.
She supposed she should get up - see where they were - make sure no dangerous animals were about to leap out and have them for breakfast. The problem was that she really didn't care all that much at the minute. If it wasn't standin' there growliln' at them, it could wait a bit. She smiled, realizing that lazy attitude probably had a lot to do with the drug she'd been given. Well, it was better than the hangover too much rum gave you - she had to admit that.
She brought a hand up and gently rubbed the back of the man who seemed to think she was a fine bed pillow. He finally shifted some, rolling fully onto his stomach and further up over her, one arm over her middle. He gave only a soft sigh as he nestled into her shoulder.
She played with his hair for long moment, watching his face to see if he reacted at all. Nope he didn't seem to mind. She felt for the bump on the back of his head and found it much smaller. He frowned mildly at that and murmured something she couldn't make out.
"Jack? Are you waking up maybe? Might be a good idea." She said as she pat him gently on the back. She picked up his limp hand and rubbed up and down his forearm, remembering her own numbness at first coming awake.
"I think its mid morning is my guess. We're not by the lean-to or by the cave. But I can smell the ocean pretty close by." She said, but he seemed to have gone soundly back to sleep and was utterly limp. She could sit up and just roll him off - settle him on the ground - or just scoot out from under him sideways.. But it really was nice just having him so close.
She studied his slack features for a long moment, remembering her alarm when that man had held him up in the air between his hands as if he were no more than a boneless rag doll. She had been mad - but really she had been scared to death that they would hurt him. She ran a fingertip gently over his cheek and down over his beard, and earned a faint suggestion of a smile coming to his features.
A strong surge of emotions welled up and made her swallow dryly. She would SO gladly kill anyone who tried to hurt him right now.. But was it limited to just now?
No, probably not she had to admit. She didn't want to see him hurt period.
Or upset...
Or sick...
Or discouraged.
What she would rather see was having him up, well, and yes, being his normal annoying self.
Oh all right - so he wasn't really THAT annoying. No, hardly annoying at all most of the time.
Oh, well since no one was going to read her mind anytime soon - she would admit (silently only) that he was much more entertaining than annoying - at times.
She lifted her head to kiss him on the forehead, then sighed again and just let one hand rest on his head and the other rest on his back and closed her eyes for just a few more minutes. He didn't seem about to wake up anytime soon anyway. The day could wait.
~ * * ~
A soft coughing woke her. She opened her eyes, to find Jack still rather snuggled in her arms, with the most surprised look to his eyes that she could ever hope to see.
"Yer not gonna hit me, are ya Ana?" he asked rather thickly and she smiled mischievously.
"Only if you show up with another fish. Then you'd deserve it." She said and he looked rather uneasy as he nodded and tried to push himself up. She resisted his move and he coughed softly.
"Ummm - are you gonna let me up?" he asked and she grinned teasingly.
"No." she said simply and he looked puzzled, and then seemed inclined to stay where he was as he rubbed at his eyes. Even when she released her hold now he didn't make any attempt to move away.
"What all do you remember Jack?" she asked and he relaxed and seemed to think.
"Not really sure. Not much. Last I really remember was wandering around with a couple of fish, wondering it I'd turned left somewhere when I shoulda turned right. A really horrid taste. Burning in my chest. seems mostly gone now. VERY strange dreams. Couldn't breathe. Oh - a big butterfly! Did you see it? And the very nice lady? Wonder wha' her name was." he asked, his head coming up to see her face and she frowned darkly.
"The butterfly I saw. Still think it was some kind of evil thing. Butterflies do not come out at night." She said and he nodded as he scooted over enough so he could lie on his side beside her, propped up on one elbow as he considered her.
"Swallowtail. It was a swallowtail butterfly. They have some of the biggest ones in the world here - but they live up in the Blue Mountains mostly." He said and she considered him and grinned.
"Do I want to ask how you just happen t' be a butterfly expert Capt'n?" she asked and he smiled mildly.
"I used to collect bugs when I was a little one. My father would bring them back from all over the world - wherever his ships went. He brought me one. It made all the other ones look teeny." He said and she chuckled.
"Why am I not surprised you would collect bugs? Bet a few of 'em weren't exactly dead either?" she said and he grinned and shrugged and put his arm down to lay his head on it. She quickly looked concerned and put a hand to his cheek and he looked a bit surprised but didn't object.
"What lady was it you saw Jack? I didn't see a single soul but us and those men." She said and he looked uneasy and deeply uncertain.
"I don't remember. Somebody kept tapping on my cheek and wanting me to suck on something and I just wanted to go to sleep. I think anyway." He said and she frowned.
"There was no lady there when I was awake." She said and he shook his head with a mild frown.
"Maybe it was just a dream. Had to have been I guess. She was - um - I don' know.. I was almost asleep and she kept talking to me in a language I don't know, rubbing my shoulders like trying to wake me up and then there'd be something soft in my mouth and liquid and if I didn't swallow I'd choke. That's why I remember at all I think, I choked at first and somebody sat me up and pounded on my back. The man from my nightmares. With all the wild hair. You were sleeping in a bedroll by the front part of the cave. I was too dizzy to see straight. I was just too tired." He said and she considered him and then smiled mildly at his worried look.
"How are you feelin' Jack - really?" she asked and he hesitated a long moment. At first a glint came to his eyes and she thought sure he was going to give her some glib retort, but then he took a deep breath and gave a soft cough into his fist. The glint died and he seemed utterly earnest and unguarded.
"Not sure really. Like I've been wandering around in a daze for awhile and didn't know it?" He said with a rub at the center of his chest, and then passed the back of his hand over his forehead as if aware that he felt warmer than he should.
"Maybe we should just stay here for a day then. Wouldn't hurt you." She said and he sighed as he propped himself up again on one elbow, and then leaned forward suddenly and kissed her on the cheek.
"Now that's sweet of you darlin' - but this sleepin' outside isn't the best way to go. I don't need any more nightmares about dark giants doin' god only knows what to me when I can't get my arms or legs t'move." he said as he carefully sat up and crossed his legs and took a testing breath.
She watched him carefully with a hopeful look as she sat up as well. She took the blanket that had been under her head and unfolded it and quickly draped it over his shoulders. He gave her a surprised look, but used his hands to hold it close and gather it around him and then gave her a pleased look. "I hear the ocean?" he asked and she nodded as she rose, dusting off her hands as she followed the sound and went a little ways into the trees, only to hurry back with a large grin, to find him very carefully getting to his knees.
"We're nearly there Jack! Its' only a few miles from here to the town!" she told him and he frowned doubtfully.
"It can't be. Nobody could walk that far that fast, carrying us," He said and she frowned mildly.
"I don't think I like that thought much myself - but I sure am glad to see that town!" she said as she took his hand to help him stand. She noticed that the pirate seemed to go a little pale and was breathing harder even as he made his way to the nearest tree to lean on. He turned around to rest his back against the tree.
"If it's really close Ana - you should go ahead. I can just lounge around on the beach and wait for ye' to come back." He said with narrowed eyes and a dismissing gesture of one hand.
AnaMaria crossed her arms over her chest and arched an eyebrow at him.
"If you think I be leavin' ye behind Jack, ye better think again! I want to get back yes, but there's no hurry. We'll take whatever time it takes - it ain't like Port Royal is goin' anywhere on us," she said very sternly and he gave her a surprised look.
~ * * ~
Finally Jack and AnaMaria stumbled out onto the first streets of the city of Port Royal. It had been some trek, that last little distance. Over a hill and around a ravine, past a huge waterfall and skirting a boggy section. Ana would have fallen to her feet and kissed the ground, except Jack distracted her by staggering to the closest wall and greeting it with arms open, only to turn and slowly slide down it to end up on the ground. She went over to kneel by him as he slowly caught his breath.
Ana Maria looked around for somebody to help them - anyone. But the street was deserted. The houses all looked closed and empty too. Where was everybody? It couldn't be any later than 3:00! The streets should be full of people still! AnaMaria helped the pirate up, then kept a tight hold of Jack's hand as they slowly made their way through what appeared to be an utterly deserted town.
"It doesn't look any worse than it did before. Where could everyone have gone to? The whole entire town is just up and gone?" he asked uneasily as he tightened his grip on her hand and she shrugged, as mystified and uncomfortable as he was.
Suddenly they heard a faint distant noise and looked up. There, up on the top of the hillside fort they could see the British flag flying and what seemed to be people standing watch.
"By the Spirits of the Seven Seas! I never thought I'd be glad to see soldiers!" Jack reacted with and she grinned and nodded.
It didn't take all that long before they were standing at the base of the last hill up to the fort. Jack stared at it with dismay. It looked as steep if not more so than any hillside they had climbed the last few days. Ana noticed his look.
He turned to her with an uncertain frown.
"Maybe you should go ahead. Find out what's going on. I'll wait here - make sure no one is trying to sneak up on us." He offered and she shook her head.
"Not without you Jack." She stated, then led him slowly to the first of many stairs.
It took them a lot longer than it normally would have. Every 10 stairs the pirate had to stop, huffing and puffing and out of breath. But finally they reached the fortress and hesitated at finding the doors hanging wide open. Inside they could hear voices.
They carefully ventured forward, both extremely wary of what could be going on. Jack pulled Ana off into a side alcove first thing. The interior courtyard seemed absolutely filled with people - packed full of them. Many of the women held handkerchiefs and seemed to be in tears. Nearly all were dressed in black.
"Ut oh. Jack I don't want to go waltzing in there if the Governor has died or something. This looks to be somebody important's funeral!" she whispered and he nodded and they drew away to a dark and sheltered alcove where he was only to happy to sit and catch his breath for a few moments as she snuck forward to consider the scene beyond.
"You 'bout ready Jack? Looks like the whole entire town is up here. Let's go this way." she whispered, and they carefully snuck along through the side arches to round the crowd and came to a spot where they could see the speakers' area. It was indeed a funeral, judging by the one simple coffin sitting there. But it seemed awfully small. Almost miniature in size. Something sat upon its top, with something else beside it.
Ana's eyes widened and she clapped her hand over Jack's mouth and pulled him back just as he too realized what was sitting on top of the coffin. As they reached the back wall he jerked her hand away.
"That be my hat!!! What are they planning on doing with my hat?" he blustered, eyes wide and she quickly drug him further away.
"Yes its' your hat, and that's my comb! Its' us Jack. they think we're dead!" she told him and he stepped back and eyed her skeptically, and then looked down at himself and rubbed a hand on one cheek, his head tilted to one side and other hand parked on his hip.
"Well I'll admit that I've been having a little bit of a problem - but I think that's a bit premature lass!" he said indignantly and she grinned at him. The pirate turned back to watch the crowd curiously.
"Well if you ever wanted to drop off the face of the earth, assume another name and start over Jack - now is the 'opportune moment' as you like to say. Its' not everyone who gets to attend their own funeral." She said and he whirled around abruptly, one finger raised as he gave her the strangest of looks.
"What?" she asked of him and he arched an eyebrow at her.
"Now there would be startin' a lot more trouble than you can imagine love - it isn't quite that simple." He said and she gave him a puzzled look as he peeked back at the scene. He turned to her suddenly.
"Do I get the Pearl back?" he asked and she frowned at his even apparently considering the idea.
"No, you can't have the Pearl back if you're gonna be dead, you fool." She hissed and he frowned, stubbornly putting one hand to his hip.
"Oh well then lets' forget it love. It's not worth it then. I definitely want my ship back." He said quickly and she smiled as if pleased by his choice.
"Now what then? We can't let them just go on - having us dead up there." She said and he pulled her over to another place where they could observe the happenings.
They watched as now Commodore Norrington came up to the speaker's table. She and Jack stared at each other in surprise, both shrinking back a bit at seeing the man in his full official regalia.
"We come here today to offer final remembrance to a man and a woman.. Who we all owe much too. I - I will be the first to say that I never understood Captain Jack Sparrow.. Due to my own shortsightedness, and perhaps a blind obedience to duty that was not always in the interests of justice. Justice - a strange word. Not that long ago I would have gladly hung Captain Sparrow as a pirate. and yet today I mourn his loss with you. and most genuinely. I wish now that I had taken the time to see past the brand on the man's arm, earlier in time. Some of you did however - and now I envy you that. I am not the best at public speaking, and there are others who knew him far better than I. I only wish now that I had been privileged to be one of them." The Commodore said gravely.
Jack suddenly grabbed Ana by the hand and hurried them back along the alcoves to the center.
"What are you doing Jack? I want to hear the man out. Did you hear what he was sayin' about you?" she hissed and he nodded with a mild frown.
"We can't let them all get up there and say how wonderful we were Ana. That's not honest." He said and she frowned.
"Since when are you so concerned about what's honest Jack Sparrow?" she hissed as he pulled her out into the open among the others.
She abruptly fell silent and moved up close next to him - but nobody seemed to notice them at all. All of them were facing forward and engrossed in the words being said. Jack put his hand on one's man shoulder with a polite 'excuse me please' and drug the woman forward with a hand on her waist. Still no one seemed to react to them and she gave him a surprised look. He shrugged.
"Stay with me," he whispered to her, and with his hand around her waist began politely making his way through the crowd and heading directly for the front. Ana grabbed onto his arm tightly as now finally murmurs started to rise behind them, slowly growing louder.
"Excuse me, thank you.. Excuse me if you please... yes thank you... excuse me for a bit.." Jack said low and quietly, not breaking the mood as he slid them forward. Finally they came to the last bit where they could see rows of chairs set up directly in front of the speaker.
Elizabeth and Will sat there beside Mr. Gibbs and the doctor, and many, many more of the Pearl's crew. All looked utterly sad and grief-stricken, Elizabeth having her handkerchief to her eyes and Wills' arm around her. AnaMaria clutched at Jack's arm as she saw them as well.
"Excuse me please, coming through" Jack said a little more firmly to the last of the crowd as he tried to pull her through with him. Ana let go of his arm, seriously wishing she could just be swallowed up by the earth beneath her.
Jack gave her hand a quick squeeze, and then stepped forward once, twice, then right up to the coffin itself where he cleared his throat rather loud and noticeably. Everyone looked up, including Commodore Norrington, whose eyes widened as much as humanly possible as his voice suddenly faded into silence.
The pirate looked rather wary as he steepled his fingers together and gave his customary brief bow of thanks first.
"Ummm - Commodore - If you would'n mind - I'll be having me hat back now." He said as he reached for it and brought it to his chest, snatching Ana's comb as well. He turned quickly to press it into her hands ... And all of a sudden the stunned silence erupted into cries of astonishment.
"Jack! Oh dear lord Jack! Ana! Oh my!" Elizabeth reacted with as she leapt up and was instantly hugging the pirate as tight as she could around the neck. Ana laughed at the look of surprise on Jack's face and then found herself being similarly crushed in a hug from Mr. Gibbs and looked equally surprised.
"'Lizabeth, I can't breathe love," Jack managed in a strangled tone and she let go, to suddenly kiss him several times on the cheek. Now she was crying tears again but for an entirely different reason. Then it was Will who hugged him severely and long.
"Jack - I thought we'd lost you." Will breathed unevenly, and at the sound of the boy's emotions, the pirate felt himself hug the lad back. He finally held the lad back a bit by the arms and cocked his head at him, giving his most winning gold toned smile.
"No, you can't lose me that easily lad, you forget boy, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow!" he said in his usual tone for that particular phase, and Will grinned wildly and laughed and hugged him again briefly. When the lad finally let go, many more hands suddenly appeared and Jack found himself hugged by people he didn't even know until it was hard to remember who all he'd hugged or been hugged by, but it had been far too many of them.
Mr. Gibbs appeared to suddenly embrace him in a huge hug as well, automatically separating the pirate from all others just by size alone. At that moment it struck Jack that his crew hadn't left him behind. His eyes suddenly misted over and it was difficult to talk and he felt suddenly short of breath for no reason. Here it was days later and they hadn't gone and left them behind after all.
He could barely see Ana being hugged by Elizabeth not far away. Gibbs let go to clap him on the back soundly several times in happiness. That was enough to loosen something in his chest though, and he started coughing long and hard. Damn, he hadn't done this all day at all, he chastised himself with, grabbing at Gibbs arm as his own emotions now complicated it all.
Somebody turned him around and he recognized the doctor directly in front of him now.
Doctor Cook scowled at the pallor and fever he found in the pirate. Gibbs quickly drew his Captain back and into one of the front vacated chairs where he knelt before him. Jack had finally stopped the choking coughing, but he still looked extremely pale as he leaned forward in the chair with his elbows on his knees and his head held down in his hands, very breathless and gasping still quite hard.
AnaMaria managed to reach him as well. Unfortunately the episode had caused a swarm of people to gather closely around him as well, offering assistance and advice as well as thrust forward helping hands. The noise around them was growing rather loud and excited sounding. No one seemed willing to even give them room to move, in their curiosity to see the 'resurrected pair'. The pirate was starting to look rather confused and alarmed by the flood of well meant attention.
"Jack, can you walk?" the doctor bent and asked quietly and the pirate shook his head, still too breathless to answer.
"All right, don't worry, we'll think of something." He tried to reassure with a light hand on the man's back and felt him trembling all over for a moment.
"Doctor - bring them this way - lets get him out of this crowd immediately." He heard and looked up to see Norrington at hand with a concerned look.
"Take him to my office. Its' closest," he added and looked over to where now his soldiers where clearing a path through the throng for them.
Quickly the doctor grabbed the pirates' one arm and Gibbs his other and each held on firmly as the pirate seemed to quickly sag between them as they stood him up.
"Marines, clear the way, coming through!" Norrington commanded sternly and they followed him through and into the fort itself.
~ * * ~
Jack opened his eyes to find the world turned upside down at first and frowned mildly. The face above him smiled and he recognized AnaMaria apparently sitting just above his head.
"What -" he started vaguely. A very cold hand came to his forehead and the sensation startled him into silence. He looked to his side and frowned mildly as he realized someone had hold of his hand and arm as well as the hand on his forehead. He recognized the doctor there on a chair beside what ever he was lying on. A couch it seemed to be.
'Shhh - take it easy Jack. Just relax. You're feeling pretty hot there." The doctor told him and the one tried to take a deep breath and ended up coughing for a long moment. He found himself lifted up with the doctor's arm behind his shoulders. That helped him stop coughing, but he wasn't comfortable finding the Governor, Elizabeth, Will, Mr. Gibbs, Commodore Norrington and Mr. Gillette, all there and staring at him very intently.
That alone was enough to make him wish they were back in the jungle - on the beach, at the cave, anyplace but here - and here looked suspiciously like it was probably Norrington's office.
Now he really felt worse - most definitely worse, he thought as he leaned back and away from them somewhat. "Wher - where's my ship? How come I'm not on my ship?" he breathed, not quite managing to sound as forceful as he had hoped. Not judging by the 'good doctor's amused smile anyway.
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Disclaimer: I guess I really do need to remind you all that anything and everything related to Pirates of the Caribbean, their characters and settings are all the property of Disney - Disney - Disney - nobody - but -Disney ---- I-just-borrowing-to-play-with-and-giving-back. Only Disney can make money on anything to do with Pirates of the Caribbean. NOT ME!
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Summary: Port Royal lies in ruins.. The Black Pearl has battled and won.. But is Jack Sparrow at the bottom of the sea or is he not?
Chapter 18: Homeward Bound
Commodore Norrington paused to look up and out the nearby window. The light of first dawn was just now beginning to reveal the features of the familiar landscape beyond. He had been here all night and the tale he had discovered in the files before him was indeed an intriguing one, although it left almost as many new questions as it answered old ones.
Before 1680, there seemed to be no record of Jack Sparrow at all. Not even a hint. The first entries in the Sparrow record began in March of 1680. Even then they were sparse. Whereas nearly every file in the closet contained background information on the person, in this one it was utterly lacking. No birth date, no family details, no background, no education record, no record of military service or minor offenses at all.
It was as if the man had just sprung up out of the waters one fine spring day and decided to go raiding. Aside from that, it was reports of the pirates various raids, actions, kidnappings, hostage takings, lootings, pilferings, impersonations, and a vast number of incidents of miscellaneous mischief and mayhem. Quite a character indeed! Norrington frowned deeply.
Strangely enough, for that matter, if Sparrow had been without his own ship since the Black Pearl was taken from him - why were there no reports of his having stolen this ship or commandeered that one in the Sparrow file?
Obviously the man was on something that floated as he went around taking his prizes every year since. You don't become well known as a pirate by staying on land. And somehow he doubted very much if 'Captain' Jack Sparrow signed on as an able bodied seaman under anyone else's' name. So where were the reports of these ships he had stolen? Or had something happened to 'smooth things over' with their indignant owners?
He turned to the file on Jackson Meriwether Stuart. This one did have the normal details. 'Born September 10, 1640 at his ancestral estate near the port city of Dover. Eldest son of Joshua Meriwether Stuart, of the Dover Mercantile Shipping Company. Educated at the Sorbonne in Paris. Betrothed in childhood to Lady Lianna D'Marlot, of the Parisian mercantile family D'Marlot. Married at age 20,' Norrington raised an eyebrow as he sipped at his cup and turned the page. Stuart was married? To a woman from France? France?!
'J. Stuart began his career on the waters by first working for his father's company in the East Indies and later Ceylon. 1664, served in the taking of New Amsterdam aboard the privateer vessel 'Gray Lady. Returned to the family business in 1665, 1666. Privateer's marque granted by the English Crown in the years: 1667, 1668, 1669, 1670, 1671, 1672, 1673, 1674, 1675.' He read on.
Reported engaging in piracy in 1676, 1677, and 1678. Royal intervention is noted in 1679; however there seems to be no record of the details. Area of latest known activity: Caribbean Ocean, Bahamas, Trinidad, Vera Cruz.'
Norrington's' eyebrows rose hugely again. Royal intervention?
The Commodore sighed to himself, shaking his head. Stuart - or was it Sparrow - had begun as a mercantile shipper? It was common knowledge that the Dover Shipping Company moved goods all around the world for the English Crown. Had for at least the last 50 years if not more. It had been the family business for generations. For 9 years this man had served as a privateer to the Crown? Only to turn pirate in 1676? This just did not sound like Sparrow to him. Not at all. The very idea of Jack Sparrow as a privateer for 9 years just begged laughter. And where was the incident of the man being kidnapped by Corsairs that Reynolds had mentioned. That wasn't even in the file at all?
What was this about Royal Intervention? A privateer for 9 years, who then operates as a pirate for three years, only to then receive Royal Intervention of some sort. Well, perhaps in light of the family business having been so longed connected to the Crown? But Reynolds had said himself the man wasn't that important - yet how many former privateers turned pirate received royal intervention on their behalf? Was Stuart given a royal pardon for his years of piracy? Is that why Reynolds had not even mentioned that Stuart might be known as a pirate?
He couldn't help but wonder what would have happened right there in Port Royal if they had hung Sparrow that two years ago, after all? Would they have incurred the later wrath of some royal personage that they really would prefer not to? When he had had the man in the gaol - never once had Sparrow mentioned that he wanted anyone in England contacted in his behalf before they put him on that gallows with the noose around his neck.
He sighed heavily to himself and sat staring out his window, gently fingering the corner of the page he was about to turn. He had read this next page probably 100 times - and yes, he just had to turn the page now and read it again. The record before 1680 just did not seem to fit the pirate he knew - nor the stories and legends about him. It seemed impossible that Sparrow could be the same person as Stuart - BUT - then came this next passage in the Stuart file. It was what he read on the third page that shocked and stunned him no matter how often he had read through the passage during this night:
'Identifying characteristics and traits: Jackson Stuart wears his hair long, in knotted locks and braids, with coins and other items wound into his hair as well. Is reported to be extremely fond of rum and most often appears to be intoxicated. Caution: this man is perfectly capable of initiating and executing complex escapes even when so intoxicated. Stuart does not look his age and there has been some confusion as to the early records of his activity. May be recognized by overly frequent hand gestures when speaking, as well as two gold teeth, right upper incisor and first molar. Dragon tattoo, upper left shoulder. Pirate brand right forearm. Known associates: Jeremiah Barbossa, Joshamee Gibbs, William Turner.'
The Commodore shook his head as he slumped down in the chair. He sat back and put a hand to his forehead. The last entry in the record was dated October 1680. It was the same reaction he had every time he'd read that one particular last passage. It was just impossible to believe, and equally impossible to dispute. Sparrow certainly did not seem his age if he was supposedly born in 1640? He would be what, 51 years old now? There was no way he could believe that Jack Sparrow was 50 plus years old! But that last passage. that last passage made even what seemed the most impossible fact of all - into apparent truth.
He opened a drawer and pulled out the flyer Reynolds had left with them. 42. It definitely said the man was only 42. Well he couldn't be 42 and be the same man Reynolds was looking for. Or Reynolds had made a mistake on the flyers. He shook his head.
He rose and paced absently back and forth across the room. To read of a recognized privateer that had gone a bit beyond the limits and strayed into piracy was one thing. Produced one sort of gut level reaction. Then to add that the physical description of this man - except for the age - just about had to be Jack Sparrow.. That was just - well - truly stunning.
Then on top of that add Sparrows nearly 40 some odd French ships sunk in the past 4 years - his supposed past as a mercantile shipper and nearly a decade as a privateer? Now it was nearly enough to make one throw up ones hands and swear that nothing in the world could ever be what it seemed again. How could he be so wrong - he had always thought he was rather good at being able to detect the untrustworthy man versus the one that deserved respect?
Oh this was just too confusing. He had originally thought Sparrow rotten to the core, only to have him prove to be magnanimous. Now he is covertly playing the part of an unrecognized privateer? A patriot of unusual sorts? And not for the first time in his life at playing such a role? He sighed heavily, rubbing at the ache behind his forehead. The day ahead was long and just now dawning. The memorial for the lost pirate was this coming afternoon. He stared out his window with a blank look.
No wonder Sparrow had taken the blasted flyers.
No wonder he had a vocabulary that would rival a school masters.
No wonder he thought up grand schemes from history books to use against an enemy.
No wonder he had seemed to be perfectly capable of polite manners and courtesy, albeit it usually was in the course of achieving his own objectives. He sighed again.
Apparently he could also be a man with a sense of honor and compassion and courage not expected to be found in many men, much less in a pirate, or even a privateer.
He swallowed dryly. Nothing could be done to change the past. It didn't matter now what was in either of these files. Both of them belonged in the 'dead pirates' box. It was too late to ever talk to the man - ask about the apparent age difference and previous activities. Why he went from all those years as a mercantile shipper to privateer to pirate - if he was even that considering his fondness as a 'pirate' for ships from whatever nation they happened to be at war with that particular year.
Not a declared privateer these days - but still performing the duties of one none the less. And in a way so that no one would easily recognize it? Perhaps he just preferred to do as he saw fit and not have to worry about having a piece of paper saying he could? That he could believe of Sparrow.
Norrington sat back in his chair and considered the two files resting on his desk. If they hadn't been put in alphabetical order, he never would have opened the one on Stuart and found this. If the proper procedures had been followed in disposing of old records, he never would have found it at all. But that didn't mean that Reynolds didn't have this information as well.
He would wager a good sum of money that Reynolds had been provided with a copy of Stuart's file before he left England. But was it complete? Or did Reynolds have a version of the file that somehow cleared up the questions? Why hadn't the man told them that this Stuart was of the Dover Shipping Company family? That did carry some weight just in and of itself. People who are not important rarely receive royal intervention, - another fact Reynolds had conveniently forgotten to mention? Reynolds information definitely was more current than 12 years ago at least. He apparently had some kind of records regarding purchases this man Stuart had made after the year 1680. But he had failed to tell them the entire story, obviously.
Perhaps he hadn't read the file well, as unlikely as that seemed. Surely the man would take greater care with his facts if he actually intended to find this gentleman. Reynolds had also apparently never thought to ask what this pirate Sparrow looked like. Anyone describing Jack would have inadvertently provided Reynolds with the linking clues that seemed to prove the two were the same man, despite the question of age.
In a very, very, vague backhand way, Norrington was glad Sparrow wasn't around to be drug back to England by whatever threat was carried in that letter from the royalty. He would easily wager that it was a threat of some sort. No king was going to write and just ask if Sparrow would please grace him with his presence. God only knew that if there was ever a man that didn't belong tied to an estate or a business, it was Jack Sparrow.
The man had made his choices in life and had lived by them - and died by them. There was nothing to be gained by bringing up his background now when he wasn't even around to answer the questions that would arise. If Jack had wanted anyone to know he would have told them.
There was a chance not even his crew knew this about their Captain's past - and that would have been by Sparrow's choice. Let Reynolds spend his time chasing a man who had managed to disappear into another name over 12 years ago. Captain Jack Sparrow was a unique legend in the Caribbean - and Commodore Norrington now choose to let him stay that way.
The Commodore rose and took both of the files to the fireplace and knelt. He opened each and scattered the pages, then took up a candle and touched it to them. He watched carefully as each one in time, turned black and curled. With a sure touch he smashed each ashen form to bits, making sure not so much as one word could be detected. 2 less 'dead pirate' files now for the adjacent to clean out - that was all.
When it was done, he collected the ashes all in the ash bucket at the side, then mixed it with the others in there to begin with, and took it outside. Carefully he spread it between the garden rose bushes and tromped it down into the moist earth until the ashes had disappeared.
"Rest in Peace, Captain Sparrow. It won't be from Port Royal that it will ever be found out. That's the least I can give you." He said to himself in a whisper.
~ * * ~
AnaMaria's first sensation was of a heavy, heavy weight across her chest.. And a soft gentle breeze on her cheek. It was so hard to get her hands to move even. She heard birds, but no other noises or motion around her. Finally she managed to crack her eyes open. Something very heavy was holding her down. She tried to push it off. Whatever it was gave a weak cough and then a familiar toned mutter and moved closer to her face.
Her eyes shot open, to find Jack Sparrow nearly curled up into the crook of her neck! She looked around and realized they were outside, not anyplace she recognized. The cave was no where in sight. She lifted her head to find that someone had left a folded blanket under her head, left her lying on her back, and then had laid Jack up against her and on his side, using her for his pillow. At least someone had thought to put a blanket over him. And cleaned off the mud that crazy fool had smeared all over him!
She sighed deeply as the realization that they seemed to be alone and he was right there with her sunk in now. Actually that part wasn't so bad. It was kind of considerate of them to have left him right where she couldn't possibly think he was missing somehow when she first woke up.
Woke up? She growled lowly in her throat remembering the effect that drink had had on her. God only knew what it had done to Jack considering how much of it they'd given him! She felt at his cheek and then at his chest and smiled. Well he was still warm, but nothing like he had been the night he thought he was talking to Bootstrap.
She supposed she should get up - see where they were - make sure no dangerous animals were about to leap out and have them for breakfast. The problem was that she really didn't care all that much at the minute. If it wasn't standin' there growliln' at them, it could wait a bit. She smiled, realizing that lazy attitude probably had a lot to do with the drug she'd been given. Well, it was better than the hangover too much rum gave you - she had to admit that.
She brought a hand up and gently rubbed the back of the man who seemed to think she was a fine bed pillow. He finally shifted some, rolling fully onto his stomach and further up over her, one arm over her middle. He gave only a soft sigh as he nestled into her shoulder.
She played with his hair for long moment, watching his face to see if he reacted at all. Nope he didn't seem to mind. She felt for the bump on the back of his head and found it much smaller. He frowned mildly at that and murmured something she couldn't make out.
"Jack? Are you waking up maybe? Might be a good idea." She said as she pat him gently on the back. She picked up his limp hand and rubbed up and down his forearm, remembering her own numbness at first coming awake.
"I think its mid morning is my guess. We're not by the lean-to or by the cave. But I can smell the ocean pretty close by." She said, but he seemed to have gone soundly back to sleep and was utterly limp. She could sit up and just roll him off - settle him on the ground - or just scoot out from under him sideways.. But it really was nice just having him so close.
She studied his slack features for a long moment, remembering her alarm when that man had held him up in the air between his hands as if he were no more than a boneless rag doll. She had been mad - but really she had been scared to death that they would hurt him. She ran a fingertip gently over his cheek and down over his beard, and earned a faint suggestion of a smile coming to his features.
A strong surge of emotions welled up and made her swallow dryly. She would SO gladly kill anyone who tried to hurt him right now.. But was it limited to just now?
No, probably not she had to admit. She didn't want to see him hurt period.
Or upset...
Or sick...
Or discouraged.
What she would rather see was having him up, well, and yes, being his normal annoying self.
Oh all right - so he wasn't really THAT annoying. No, hardly annoying at all most of the time.
Oh, well since no one was going to read her mind anytime soon - she would admit (silently only) that he was much more entertaining than annoying - at times.
She lifted her head to kiss him on the forehead, then sighed again and just let one hand rest on his head and the other rest on his back and closed her eyes for just a few more minutes. He didn't seem about to wake up anytime soon anyway. The day could wait.
~ * * ~
A soft coughing woke her. She opened her eyes, to find Jack still rather snuggled in her arms, with the most surprised look to his eyes that she could ever hope to see.
"Yer not gonna hit me, are ya Ana?" he asked rather thickly and she smiled mischievously.
"Only if you show up with another fish. Then you'd deserve it." She said and he looked rather uneasy as he nodded and tried to push himself up. She resisted his move and he coughed softly.
"Ummm - are you gonna let me up?" he asked and she grinned teasingly.
"No." she said simply and he looked puzzled, and then seemed inclined to stay where he was as he rubbed at his eyes. Even when she released her hold now he didn't make any attempt to move away.
"What all do you remember Jack?" she asked and he relaxed and seemed to think.
"Not really sure. Not much. Last I really remember was wandering around with a couple of fish, wondering it I'd turned left somewhere when I shoulda turned right. A really horrid taste. Burning in my chest. seems mostly gone now. VERY strange dreams. Couldn't breathe. Oh - a big butterfly! Did you see it? And the very nice lady? Wonder wha' her name was." he asked, his head coming up to see her face and she frowned darkly.
"The butterfly I saw. Still think it was some kind of evil thing. Butterflies do not come out at night." She said and he nodded as he scooted over enough so he could lie on his side beside her, propped up on one elbow as he considered her.
"Swallowtail. It was a swallowtail butterfly. They have some of the biggest ones in the world here - but they live up in the Blue Mountains mostly." He said and she considered him and grinned.
"Do I want to ask how you just happen t' be a butterfly expert Capt'n?" she asked and he smiled mildly.
"I used to collect bugs when I was a little one. My father would bring them back from all over the world - wherever his ships went. He brought me one. It made all the other ones look teeny." He said and she chuckled.
"Why am I not surprised you would collect bugs? Bet a few of 'em weren't exactly dead either?" she said and he grinned and shrugged and put his arm down to lay his head on it. She quickly looked concerned and put a hand to his cheek and he looked a bit surprised but didn't object.
"What lady was it you saw Jack? I didn't see a single soul but us and those men." She said and he looked uneasy and deeply uncertain.
"I don't remember. Somebody kept tapping on my cheek and wanting me to suck on something and I just wanted to go to sleep. I think anyway." He said and she frowned.
"There was no lady there when I was awake." She said and he shook his head with a mild frown.
"Maybe it was just a dream. Had to have been I guess. She was - um - I don' know.. I was almost asleep and she kept talking to me in a language I don't know, rubbing my shoulders like trying to wake me up and then there'd be something soft in my mouth and liquid and if I didn't swallow I'd choke. That's why I remember at all I think, I choked at first and somebody sat me up and pounded on my back. The man from my nightmares. With all the wild hair. You were sleeping in a bedroll by the front part of the cave. I was too dizzy to see straight. I was just too tired." He said and she considered him and then smiled mildly at his worried look.
"How are you feelin' Jack - really?" she asked and he hesitated a long moment. At first a glint came to his eyes and she thought sure he was going to give her some glib retort, but then he took a deep breath and gave a soft cough into his fist. The glint died and he seemed utterly earnest and unguarded.
"Not sure really. Like I've been wandering around in a daze for awhile and didn't know it?" He said with a rub at the center of his chest, and then passed the back of his hand over his forehead as if aware that he felt warmer than he should.
"Maybe we should just stay here for a day then. Wouldn't hurt you." She said and he sighed as he propped himself up again on one elbow, and then leaned forward suddenly and kissed her on the cheek.
"Now that's sweet of you darlin' - but this sleepin' outside isn't the best way to go. I don't need any more nightmares about dark giants doin' god only knows what to me when I can't get my arms or legs t'move." he said as he carefully sat up and crossed his legs and took a testing breath.
She watched him carefully with a hopeful look as she sat up as well. She took the blanket that had been under her head and unfolded it and quickly draped it over his shoulders. He gave her a surprised look, but used his hands to hold it close and gather it around him and then gave her a pleased look. "I hear the ocean?" he asked and she nodded as she rose, dusting off her hands as she followed the sound and went a little ways into the trees, only to hurry back with a large grin, to find him very carefully getting to his knees.
"We're nearly there Jack! Its' only a few miles from here to the town!" she told him and he frowned doubtfully.
"It can't be. Nobody could walk that far that fast, carrying us," He said and she frowned mildly.
"I don't think I like that thought much myself - but I sure am glad to see that town!" she said as she took his hand to help him stand. She noticed that the pirate seemed to go a little pale and was breathing harder even as he made his way to the nearest tree to lean on. He turned around to rest his back against the tree.
"If it's really close Ana - you should go ahead. I can just lounge around on the beach and wait for ye' to come back." He said with narrowed eyes and a dismissing gesture of one hand.
AnaMaria crossed her arms over her chest and arched an eyebrow at him.
"If you think I be leavin' ye behind Jack, ye better think again! I want to get back yes, but there's no hurry. We'll take whatever time it takes - it ain't like Port Royal is goin' anywhere on us," she said very sternly and he gave her a surprised look.
~ * * ~
Finally Jack and AnaMaria stumbled out onto the first streets of the city of Port Royal. It had been some trek, that last little distance. Over a hill and around a ravine, past a huge waterfall and skirting a boggy section. Ana would have fallen to her feet and kissed the ground, except Jack distracted her by staggering to the closest wall and greeting it with arms open, only to turn and slowly slide down it to end up on the ground. She went over to kneel by him as he slowly caught his breath.
Ana Maria looked around for somebody to help them - anyone. But the street was deserted. The houses all looked closed and empty too. Where was everybody? It couldn't be any later than 3:00! The streets should be full of people still! AnaMaria helped the pirate up, then kept a tight hold of Jack's hand as they slowly made their way through what appeared to be an utterly deserted town.
"It doesn't look any worse than it did before. Where could everyone have gone to? The whole entire town is just up and gone?" he asked uneasily as he tightened his grip on her hand and she shrugged, as mystified and uncomfortable as he was.
Suddenly they heard a faint distant noise and looked up. There, up on the top of the hillside fort they could see the British flag flying and what seemed to be people standing watch.
"By the Spirits of the Seven Seas! I never thought I'd be glad to see soldiers!" Jack reacted with and she grinned and nodded.
It didn't take all that long before they were standing at the base of the last hill up to the fort. Jack stared at it with dismay. It looked as steep if not more so than any hillside they had climbed the last few days. Ana noticed his look.
He turned to her with an uncertain frown.
"Maybe you should go ahead. Find out what's going on. I'll wait here - make sure no one is trying to sneak up on us." He offered and she shook her head.
"Not without you Jack." She stated, then led him slowly to the first of many stairs.
It took them a lot longer than it normally would have. Every 10 stairs the pirate had to stop, huffing and puffing and out of breath. But finally they reached the fortress and hesitated at finding the doors hanging wide open. Inside they could hear voices.
They carefully ventured forward, both extremely wary of what could be going on. Jack pulled Ana off into a side alcove first thing. The interior courtyard seemed absolutely filled with people - packed full of them. Many of the women held handkerchiefs and seemed to be in tears. Nearly all were dressed in black.
"Ut oh. Jack I don't want to go waltzing in there if the Governor has died or something. This looks to be somebody important's funeral!" she whispered and he nodded and they drew away to a dark and sheltered alcove where he was only to happy to sit and catch his breath for a few moments as she snuck forward to consider the scene beyond.
"You 'bout ready Jack? Looks like the whole entire town is up here. Let's go this way." she whispered, and they carefully snuck along through the side arches to round the crowd and came to a spot where they could see the speakers' area. It was indeed a funeral, judging by the one simple coffin sitting there. But it seemed awfully small. Almost miniature in size. Something sat upon its top, with something else beside it.
Ana's eyes widened and she clapped her hand over Jack's mouth and pulled him back just as he too realized what was sitting on top of the coffin. As they reached the back wall he jerked her hand away.
"That be my hat!!! What are they planning on doing with my hat?" he blustered, eyes wide and she quickly drug him further away.
"Yes its' your hat, and that's my comb! Its' us Jack. they think we're dead!" she told him and he stepped back and eyed her skeptically, and then looked down at himself and rubbed a hand on one cheek, his head tilted to one side and other hand parked on his hip.
"Well I'll admit that I've been having a little bit of a problem - but I think that's a bit premature lass!" he said indignantly and she grinned at him. The pirate turned back to watch the crowd curiously.
"Well if you ever wanted to drop off the face of the earth, assume another name and start over Jack - now is the 'opportune moment' as you like to say. Its' not everyone who gets to attend their own funeral." She said and he whirled around abruptly, one finger raised as he gave her the strangest of looks.
"What?" she asked of him and he arched an eyebrow at her.
"Now there would be startin' a lot more trouble than you can imagine love - it isn't quite that simple." He said and she gave him a puzzled look as he peeked back at the scene. He turned to her suddenly.
"Do I get the Pearl back?" he asked and she frowned at his even apparently considering the idea.
"No, you can't have the Pearl back if you're gonna be dead, you fool." She hissed and he frowned, stubbornly putting one hand to his hip.
"Oh well then lets' forget it love. It's not worth it then. I definitely want my ship back." He said quickly and she smiled as if pleased by his choice.
"Now what then? We can't let them just go on - having us dead up there." She said and he pulled her over to another place where they could observe the happenings.
They watched as now Commodore Norrington came up to the speaker's table. She and Jack stared at each other in surprise, both shrinking back a bit at seeing the man in his full official regalia.
"We come here today to offer final remembrance to a man and a woman.. Who we all owe much too. I - I will be the first to say that I never understood Captain Jack Sparrow.. Due to my own shortsightedness, and perhaps a blind obedience to duty that was not always in the interests of justice. Justice - a strange word. Not that long ago I would have gladly hung Captain Sparrow as a pirate. and yet today I mourn his loss with you. and most genuinely. I wish now that I had taken the time to see past the brand on the man's arm, earlier in time. Some of you did however - and now I envy you that. I am not the best at public speaking, and there are others who knew him far better than I. I only wish now that I had been privileged to be one of them." The Commodore said gravely.
Jack suddenly grabbed Ana by the hand and hurried them back along the alcoves to the center.
"What are you doing Jack? I want to hear the man out. Did you hear what he was sayin' about you?" she hissed and he nodded with a mild frown.
"We can't let them all get up there and say how wonderful we were Ana. That's not honest." He said and she frowned.
"Since when are you so concerned about what's honest Jack Sparrow?" she hissed as he pulled her out into the open among the others.
She abruptly fell silent and moved up close next to him - but nobody seemed to notice them at all. All of them were facing forward and engrossed in the words being said. Jack put his hand on one's man shoulder with a polite 'excuse me please' and drug the woman forward with a hand on her waist. Still no one seemed to react to them and she gave him a surprised look. He shrugged.
"Stay with me," he whispered to her, and with his hand around her waist began politely making his way through the crowd and heading directly for the front. Ana grabbed onto his arm tightly as now finally murmurs started to rise behind them, slowly growing louder.
"Excuse me, thank you.. Excuse me if you please... yes thank you... excuse me for a bit.." Jack said low and quietly, not breaking the mood as he slid them forward. Finally they came to the last bit where they could see rows of chairs set up directly in front of the speaker.
Elizabeth and Will sat there beside Mr. Gibbs and the doctor, and many, many more of the Pearl's crew. All looked utterly sad and grief-stricken, Elizabeth having her handkerchief to her eyes and Wills' arm around her. AnaMaria clutched at Jack's arm as she saw them as well.
"Excuse me please, coming through" Jack said a little more firmly to the last of the crowd as he tried to pull her through with him. Ana let go of his arm, seriously wishing she could just be swallowed up by the earth beneath her.
Jack gave her hand a quick squeeze, and then stepped forward once, twice, then right up to the coffin itself where he cleared his throat rather loud and noticeably. Everyone looked up, including Commodore Norrington, whose eyes widened as much as humanly possible as his voice suddenly faded into silence.
The pirate looked rather wary as he steepled his fingers together and gave his customary brief bow of thanks first.
"Ummm - Commodore - If you would'n mind - I'll be having me hat back now." He said as he reached for it and brought it to his chest, snatching Ana's comb as well. He turned quickly to press it into her hands ... And all of a sudden the stunned silence erupted into cries of astonishment.
"Jack! Oh dear lord Jack! Ana! Oh my!" Elizabeth reacted with as she leapt up and was instantly hugging the pirate as tight as she could around the neck. Ana laughed at the look of surprise on Jack's face and then found herself being similarly crushed in a hug from Mr. Gibbs and looked equally surprised.
"'Lizabeth, I can't breathe love," Jack managed in a strangled tone and she let go, to suddenly kiss him several times on the cheek. Now she was crying tears again but for an entirely different reason. Then it was Will who hugged him severely and long.
"Jack - I thought we'd lost you." Will breathed unevenly, and at the sound of the boy's emotions, the pirate felt himself hug the lad back. He finally held the lad back a bit by the arms and cocked his head at him, giving his most winning gold toned smile.
"No, you can't lose me that easily lad, you forget boy, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow!" he said in his usual tone for that particular phase, and Will grinned wildly and laughed and hugged him again briefly. When the lad finally let go, many more hands suddenly appeared and Jack found himself hugged by people he didn't even know until it was hard to remember who all he'd hugged or been hugged by, but it had been far too many of them.
Mr. Gibbs appeared to suddenly embrace him in a huge hug as well, automatically separating the pirate from all others just by size alone. At that moment it struck Jack that his crew hadn't left him behind. His eyes suddenly misted over and it was difficult to talk and he felt suddenly short of breath for no reason. Here it was days later and they hadn't gone and left them behind after all.
He could barely see Ana being hugged by Elizabeth not far away. Gibbs let go to clap him on the back soundly several times in happiness. That was enough to loosen something in his chest though, and he started coughing long and hard. Damn, he hadn't done this all day at all, he chastised himself with, grabbing at Gibbs arm as his own emotions now complicated it all.
Somebody turned him around and he recognized the doctor directly in front of him now.
Doctor Cook scowled at the pallor and fever he found in the pirate. Gibbs quickly drew his Captain back and into one of the front vacated chairs where he knelt before him. Jack had finally stopped the choking coughing, but he still looked extremely pale as he leaned forward in the chair with his elbows on his knees and his head held down in his hands, very breathless and gasping still quite hard.
AnaMaria managed to reach him as well. Unfortunately the episode had caused a swarm of people to gather closely around him as well, offering assistance and advice as well as thrust forward helping hands. The noise around them was growing rather loud and excited sounding. No one seemed willing to even give them room to move, in their curiosity to see the 'resurrected pair'. The pirate was starting to look rather confused and alarmed by the flood of well meant attention.
"Jack, can you walk?" the doctor bent and asked quietly and the pirate shook his head, still too breathless to answer.
"All right, don't worry, we'll think of something." He tried to reassure with a light hand on the man's back and felt him trembling all over for a moment.
"Doctor - bring them this way - lets get him out of this crowd immediately." He heard and looked up to see Norrington at hand with a concerned look.
"Take him to my office. Its' closest," he added and looked over to where now his soldiers where clearing a path through the throng for them.
Quickly the doctor grabbed the pirates' one arm and Gibbs his other and each held on firmly as the pirate seemed to quickly sag between them as they stood him up.
"Marines, clear the way, coming through!" Norrington commanded sternly and they followed him through and into the fort itself.
~ * * ~
Jack opened his eyes to find the world turned upside down at first and frowned mildly. The face above him smiled and he recognized AnaMaria apparently sitting just above his head.
"What -" he started vaguely. A very cold hand came to his forehead and the sensation startled him into silence. He looked to his side and frowned mildly as he realized someone had hold of his hand and arm as well as the hand on his forehead. He recognized the doctor there on a chair beside what ever he was lying on. A couch it seemed to be.
'Shhh - take it easy Jack. Just relax. You're feeling pretty hot there." The doctor told him and the one tried to take a deep breath and ended up coughing for a long moment. He found himself lifted up with the doctor's arm behind his shoulders. That helped him stop coughing, but he wasn't comfortable finding the Governor, Elizabeth, Will, Mr. Gibbs, Commodore Norrington and Mr. Gillette, all there and staring at him very intently.
That alone was enough to make him wish they were back in the jungle - on the beach, at the cave, anyplace but here - and here looked suspiciously like it was probably Norrington's office.
Now he really felt worse - most definitely worse, he thought as he leaned back and away from them somewhat. "Wher - where's my ship? How come I'm not on my ship?" he breathed, not quite managing to sound as forceful as he had hoped. Not judging by the 'good doctor's amused smile anyway.
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