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 battle has been waged and won... But - what possible dangers could still lurk nearby?
Chapter 22: Storm Winds Brewing
Elizabeth winced at the volume of the voices heard through the closed doors of the dining room. She couldn't make out anything, but it didn't take a genius so realize that the occupants of the room were rather unhappy with one another - to say the least. Elizabeth realized that she had never before seen Jack Sparrow really angry.. Although she always suspected he might have a temper. She wrung her hands a bit nervously and looked over as Will came in with a raised eyebrow.
"Good Lord - still?" he asked unhappily and she nodded. He scowled as he went to the doors and opened both wide. The pirate stood still clad in his full regalia from the night before, and it was obvious that he was just this side of livid with fury.
". who do you think you are?" they heard Jack practically roar as he nearly slammed a rum bottle down on the table for emphasis. Doctor Cook stood across the table from him, one hand on his hip, scowling blackly at him, also in a temper.
"No I didn't do any of it because someone offered to pay me. Money hasn't seemed as important as it was before that earthquake, Jack. I couldn't care less if you pay me or not! You couldn't breathe, had a horrendous fever and could barely stand up and that is what got my attention!" the doctor exclaimed hotly back at him.
"You sir, are daft if you think you're going to keep me confined in the house for Great Neptune only knows how long. The ground just - 'sits there' - no waves - nothing. I hear these damned noisy bugs at night, instead of the sea. Sometimes you hear things howlin' or growlin' or screechin' up on the hills in the middle of the night. No wonder I have nightmares with all that kinda racket goin' on!" the pirate complained bitterly. The doctor saw William and Elizabeth and looked over with a raised eyebrow.
"You two have been at this for over an hour now. Don't you think its' time you came to some kind of truce?" William asked dryly and the doctor scowled at the pirate, who scowled right back.
"If he would do what I tell him, he'd BE better by now - better than he is anyway! He SHOULD be better than he is by now! I think it's because of all these little 'incidents' that keep happening when he won't do as he's told. Then he comes back and he's right back where he started from! I have other patients Jack. Do you have any idea how much time I've spent with just you - here? All of us have lives to get back to - it's about time you got well." The doctor objected and the pirate froze solidly for a moment as he seemed to escalate to a wordless fury in mere seconds.
"I never asked you for anything - or them. Go back to those other patients - Please do! Listen here mate, the only doctor that could even dream of having the right to tell me what to do would be my own ship's physician - and since I don't have one and haven't had one for years - there isn't anyone that has the right to just be telling me what I can or can't do." The pirate seethed harshly, then spun on his heel and stormed out of the room, across the hallway and out the front door that he slammed solidly behind him with a huge BOOM that rattled the glass in the windows.
Jack stalked across the grounds and into the brush and jungle like environment beyond. He glanced down and was relieved to find that at least he'd brought the rum with him. He was too mad to even think straight at the moment, but he knew that nobody had the right to tell him that he was 'confined to the house until further notice.' - nobody THIS side of heaven or hell anyway. Who would even dare say such a thing! That man was lucky he hadn't taken his head off!
The pirate slowly picked his way down the steep hill all the while imitating the doctor's words under his breath. He really didn't care at the moment if he would be able to get back up the thing on his own or not! As far as he was concerned, he wouldn't need to worry about that anymore.
Within an hour he was wandering along the wharf area, curiously watching the work crews that were still removing rubble and debris. This was the first time he had stepped foot in the town, when it was daylight and you could see the place.. Or rather, what was left of the place.
The devastation was just overwhelming. Almost nothing stood that was not cracked, broken, leaning, crumbled, or just a heap of rubble. It would take months just to cart away the broken bricks and cracked and singed timbers. Ahead of him down the street there was a shout and he saw men scramble in different directions as what had been as a tall standing chimney now rearranged itself into a pile of rubble on the ground. Luckily no one seemed to be hurt - this time.
Finally he came to the temporary dock and stood there just smiling at the large dark ship to one side, before him. He made a study of the ornate gilding around the cabin windows and the carved rear banner. It had taken months and months to restore her when he first got her back, and had cost a pretty penny, but oh it had been worth it. He hadn't been able to see this clearly last night. He walked her length, noticing a repair here or there - but not much considering the battle she had been in with the 'Rover'.
He utterly surprised the crew on watch who first objected to the step onto the gangway plank. The man did a strong double take at seeing who it was and instantly bellowed across the deck that the Captain was aboard.
He barely kept from smiling as he ordered the gangway pulled up and the railing restored, and then sauntered over to the helm where AnaMaria met him a narrow eyed look.
"Jack, what the devil are you doin' back here already? I know that doctor didn't just let you go waltzin' off after the fit he was havin' on the wharf this morning!" she told him and he gave her his most malicious and evil smile.
"Well I hope he enjoys talking to himself then, missy." He drawled with an absent wave of one hand. He stepped up to the helm and whistled loudly. That got the attention of the crew quickly.
"Hoist the anchor, lower the mainsail - we're moving out to the entrance of the bay!" he commanded loudly and watched as they virtually leapt into action. He watched the sail come down and felt the anchor disengage from the earth beneath the water. Not everyone could feel that happen - but he could. He spun the wheel and held it, looking up as the gentle wind caught the sail. Just the sight of that alone caused him to heave a sigh of relief, despite the fact that Ana was still glaring at him.
Mr. Gibbs came rushing over to him in a bit of a hurry with a concerned look.
"Jack! What you be doin! We got men on shore still! Ye' didn't tell me we were settin' sail this morning!" he exclaimed and the pirate smiled broadly.
"Bit of a surprise, isn't it? We're just moving out into the bay. I'll give you time to collect all the boys. Just wanted us out in the water." He said and Gibbs frowned at him deeply.
"Musta been one hell of a row between you and that doctor for you to show up here and suddenly have us out in the middle of the bay. You expectin' him to be comin' after ye?" he asked and the pirate thought for a moment then shook his head.
"No, he shouldn't be actually. Not if the man has a half-way sane thought in his mind. He was telling me how he has other patients - which I am certain he does! By now he should be a bit too preoccupied to even notice where we be. Do you know exactly how many men we're missing?" he asked and Gibbs nodded.
"Oh good - good man Gibbs. Here, you take the wheel. I'm going to rest for a bit. Send a boat for them, but make sure the men taking it over have guns, just in case there's any trouble. Aside from them that's one of our crew - nobody else sets foot on this deck - I don't care who they are or what they say." He told him and Gibbs nodded.
"Aye, aye Capt'n. You want us to just sit in the bay? Like before?" he asked and the one thought, then shook his head with a rather sly smile.
"Remember the night I went over to see Marcus?" he asked and Gibbs nodded and the pirate smiled.
"There's that little cove about 5 miles along the ocean-side shore line from here - just follow the shore east. He and the others were going to leave something there for us to pick up when we got a chance.. Tradin' for the stuff we gave them. Lets' go pick it up today. No rush though - make sure we have all the boys back before we do that please." He said and now the older sailor smiled broadly as he nodded.
Ana followed her captain across the deck and entered his cabin behind him. She stood by the door as he deposited the bottle and his hat and bandana on the large table. He saw her when he turned to shed his coat and hang it on a hook beside the door, then set about trying to undo his buckle and various other accessories.
She went over and stood before him, not looking at him as she swat his hands away and got it undone easily. "We ain't heard the last of them Jack - you know it." She said and he sighed as he shook his head slowly and staggered just a bit to one side.
Now she considered his face and frowned at him deeply and automatically led him over to the bed and pushed him to sit down on the edge. He frowned mildly at her gruffness as she helped him remove his boots.
"Why are ye mad at me now?" he asked heavily and she frowned to herself. She couldn't tell him that her feelings were hurt by his apparent mistrust - that would be admitting she had been eves-dropping on him and Norrington.
"I'm not mad at ye' Jack - I'm annoyed. I always get annoyed when my Captain comes back lookin' like death warmed over and with a sudden change in plans. Usually means we have storm winds comin' from someone somewhere," she said as she easily pulled the shirt out of his trousers and then undid his pants and stripped them down. He looked mildly surprised but cooperated, catching the sleep pants she threw at him from the closet next.
"I'm not really all that tired just yet." He told her in supplication and that made her smile mildly.
"Yer way past tired Jack. Now don't argue with me. Here, have a few more swigs of yer rum." She said as she handed him the bottle and he seemed glad to comply with that. They both felt the ship swaying mildly now as she moved out into the deeper water. Ana watched as his features grew heavy and his expression weary. The bottle sat loosely in his hands as he sagged somewhat and seemed to just stare at the floor blankly.
"Jack - lay down before ye keel over." She said as she claimed the bottle and pushed him gently. He didn't even so much as breathe a syllable of protest, his eyes already closed even before his head hit the pillow. She considered him for a long moment, not sure if she was mad and should just walk off, or if she was more concerned and should stay for awhile.
She pat him on the shoulder soundly. "Jack!" she called loud and sternly - but he didn't react in the least. She sighed and went to the wardrobe and pulled out an extra blanket and spread it over him, then felt at his forehead and cheek. He didn't feel at all feverish now. Instead he was actually a bit too cool.
She went and got another blanket and tucked it close around him, then spent a few moments putting away the things he'd shed all over the table and making sure everything was secured in the cabin. She ended by claiming the upholstered chair and turning it so it faced the sleeping pirate, then made herself comfortable there in the quiet room.
That didn't mean it was all right that he didn't even trust her enough to tell her his real name - or that he even had one. She was just being - watchful for the moment. - yeah, makin' sure nothin' came and woke him up - yeah that was all - she would swear to anyone that asked, that that was all.
~ * * ~
It was nearly sunset when Doctor Cook, William and Elizabeth all stood in Commodore Norrington's office.
"You have no idea where they've gone? They've just taken Jack and set sail with him?" the doctor demanded unhappily and Norrington sighed at him.
"As I told you doctor - Mr. Gibbs told my man that they were taking a lullaby sail. As for taking him - I doubt very much if Captain Sparrow's crew had to kidnap him to get him aboard that ship - not if he had already left the Governors' residence after his 'discussion' with you and was angry at the time," He told him and the others all frowned.
"What is a lullaby sail anyway?" Will asked and the military man sighed.
"It' a very, very old nautical expression. Generally - when you have a crew that's been extremely worn out, worn down - on the brink of exhaustion, you divide them into 12 hour watches instead of the normal 4 hour ones. You find a safe area, set your sails very low, and just stay in that general area where it's safe and your crew can recover. Since so many of them will be asleep, and that's what you need, all other work is generally forbidden." He said and the doctor frowned.
"For how long though?" he asked unhappily and the military man shrugged.
"Usually such an event can take from 1 to 5 days - depending on what it's been that caused the problem. It can be rather dangerous if something occurs and you have half your crew asleep. Its' not something most Captain's will do if there is an alternative - but sometimes there just isn't. Personally - It is my speculation that Sparrow has finally gone to bed and his crew is making an effort to be considerate with him, now that they've finally gotten him back. They do seem unusually devoted to the man." He observed.
"So we're right back where we started at - and he can just sail away as free as a bird at any moment?" the doctor asked and the Commodore arched an eyebrow at him.
"That's always been the case with Captain Sparrow, dear doctor. I know all of us here feel we have gotten to know him much more personally of late - but you cannot lose the fact that he is a pirate after all - and he has no intentions of giving that up to take up residence in Port Royal with us and become a law abiding citizen. Whether it be today, tomorrow, next week or next month - he will eventually sail out of the bay and it will probably be a while before he is seen in these parts again. Sparrow has never made Jamaica a place he tends to carry out activity around. There was just the one time he came for the Interceptor. Before then I had never met the man, nor had reason to be after him personally." He said and the doctor looked curious.
"I hadn't really thought about that before - but you're right, he didn't come here on a regular basis. Where does he tend to carry out his - activities?" he asked and Norrington looked mildly amused.
"The Bahamas I believe are where he seems to spend a lot of time - the Virgin Islands - the Leeward Isles. He tends to be what we call 'an outer ring' pirate - he most often frequents the trade traffic as its' just approaching the Caribbean or leaving it. He's never been one for the inner seas of the Caribbean. Probably finds them a bit tame perhaps? Oh, and now this does make more sense - I do know that there is a rumor that Marcus Bellamy is believed to have claimed a Cay for himself out in the Virgins Islands someplace. If Jack and he are friends, then it makes even more sense that Sparrow might prefer the waters where he is more inclined to meet his friends. Chances are that if I looked, it would turn out that the others we met that night are also probably 'outer ring' pirates." He said with a thoughtful look and the doctor stared out the window for a very long moment.
"Really? The Bahamas? The Virgin Islands? The Leeward Isles? I've always heard those are some of the prettiest places in the Caribbean. Not really settled yet are they?" he asked and Norrington gave him a glancing smile as he finished writing on a page.
"No, they aren't doctor. I'm afraid that while the British military makes an effort to curb piracy in the interior of the Caribbean, and establish new colonies - for now the policy is along the lines of 'Leave them out there'. You don't have much hopes of establishing a normal decent, profitable colony if the area is controlled by the pirates. And we have those aplenty in the waters of the inner Caribbean. Now please - do try to relax. Chances are high that Sparrow has every intention of returning in a day or two. The man was up all night, despite my suggestions that he go to bed. Chances are that even as we speak, he is sound asleep and going to remain that way for some time." He said, and the doctor nodded with an unhappy and concerned look.
~ * * ~
Reynolds tripped over the roots of a tree on his way through the jungle. He was still rather shocked and stunned by what he had found on his little clandestine visit to the Port Royal marketplace today. Apparently it was no secret at all in the town that Jack Sparrow was indeed alive! In fact, he had been told the story of the man showing up at his own funeral no less than six times over the course of the day!
Apparently though, the pirate had taken ill and was being temporarily sheltered by no less than the Governor himself! He cursed himself silently as he hurried back towards the ocean-side shore line. He had left his schooner anchored just beyond a little cove. If only he hadn't mentioned hanging the pirate last time he was here. From what he gathered today it seemed that the people of Port Royal practically considered the pirate their patron saint!
It was going to be a lot harder now to get the man out of the town without causing a full scale riot. He would manage though - there had to be a way. Perhaps some kind of 'official authorization' to take Sparrow in would do it. He had the materials to produce a reasonably good forgery. He liked to think it was one of his many talents.
He pulled up short and looked around him. Where was he? Had he taken the wrong path someplace? He paused, listening very carefully. Yes, that was the sound of the ocean not far off to his left. From there it would be easy to find the cove. He headed towards the sound, tripping and stumbling alone in the darkening jungles of Jamaica.
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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!
*************************
Summary: Port Royal lies in ruins.. The battle has been waged and won... But - what possible dangers could still lurk nearby?
Chapter 22: Storm Winds Brewing
Elizabeth winced at the volume of the voices heard through the closed doors of the dining room. She couldn't make out anything, but it didn't take a genius so realize that the occupants of the room were rather unhappy with one another - to say the least. Elizabeth realized that she had never before seen Jack Sparrow really angry.. Although she always suspected he might have a temper. She wrung her hands a bit nervously and looked over as Will came in with a raised eyebrow.
"Good Lord - still?" he asked unhappily and she nodded. He scowled as he went to the doors and opened both wide. The pirate stood still clad in his full regalia from the night before, and it was obvious that he was just this side of livid with fury.
". who do you think you are?" they heard Jack practically roar as he nearly slammed a rum bottle down on the table for emphasis. Doctor Cook stood across the table from him, one hand on his hip, scowling blackly at him, also in a temper.
"No I didn't do any of it because someone offered to pay me. Money hasn't seemed as important as it was before that earthquake, Jack. I couldn't care less if you pay me or not! You couldn't breathe, had a horrendous fever and could barely stand up and that is what got my attention!" the doctor exclaimed hotly back at him.
"You sir, are daft if you think you're going to keep me confined in the house for Great Neptune only knows how long. The ground just - 'sits there' - no waves - nothing. I hear these damned noisy bugs at night, instead of the sea. Sometimes you hear things howlin' or growlin' or screechin' up on the hills in the middle of the night. No wonder I have nightmares with all that kinda racket goin' on!" the pirate complained bitterly. The doctor saw William and Elizabeth and looked over with a raised eyebrow.
"You two have been at this for over an hour now. Don't you think its' time you came to some kind of truce?" William asked dryly and the doctor scowled at the pirate, who scowled right back.
"If he would do what I tell him, he'd BE better by now - better than he is anyway! He SHOULD be better than he is by now! I think it's because of all these little 'incidents' that keep happening when he won't do as he's told. Then he comes back and he's right back where he started from! I have other patients Jack. Do you have any idea how much time I've spent with just you - here? All of us have lives to get back to - it's about time you got well." The doctor objected and the pirate froze solidly for a moment as he seemed to escalate to a wordless fury in mere seconds.
"I never asked you for anything - or them. Go back to those other patients - Please do! Listen here mate, the only doctor that could even dream of having the right to tell me what to do would be my own ship's physician - and since I don't have one and haven't had one for years - there isn't anyone that has the right to just be telling me what I can or can't do." The pirate seethed harshly, then spun on his heel and stormed out of the room, across the hallway and out the front door that he slammed solidly behind him with a huge BOOM that rattled the glass in the windows.
Jack stalked across the grounds and into the brush and jungle like environment beyond. He glanced down and was relieved to find that at least he'd brought the rum with him. He was too mad to even think straight at the moment, but he knew that nobody had the right to tell him that he was 'confined to the house until further notice.' - nobody THIS side of heaven or hell anyway. Who would even dare say such a thing! That man was lucky he hadn't taken his head off!
The pirate slowly picked his way down the steep hill all the while imitating the doctor's words under his breath. He really didn't care at the moment if he would be able to get back up the thing on his own or not! As far as he was concerned, he wouldn't need to worry about that anymore.
Within an hour he was wandering along the wharf area, curiously watching the work crews that were still removing rubble and debris. This was the first time he had stepped foot in the town, when it was daylight and you could see the place.. Or rather, what was left of the place.
The devastation was just overwhelming. Almost nothing stood that was not cracked, broken, leaning, crumbled, or just a heap of rubble. It would take months just to cart away the broken bricks and cracked and singed timbers. Ahead of him down the street there was a shout and he saw men scramble in different directions as what had been as a tall standing chimney now rearranged itself into a pile of rubble on the ground. Luckily no one seemed to be hurt - this time.
Finally he came to the temporary dock and stood there just smiling at the large dark ship to one side, before him. He made a study of the ornate gilding around the cabin windows and the carved rear banner. It had taken months and months to restore her when he first got her back, and had cost a pretty penny, but oh it had been worth it. He hadn't been able to see this clearly last night. He walked her length, noticing a repair here or there - but not much considering the battle she had been in with the 'Rover'.
He utterly surprised the crew on watch who first objected to the step onto the gangway plank. The man did a strong double take at seeing who it was and instantly bellowed across the deck that the Captain was aboard.
He barely kept from smiling as he ordered the gangway pulled up and the railing restored, and then sauntered over to the helm where AnaMaria met him a narrow eyed look.
"Jack, what the devil are you doin' back here already? I know that doctor didn't just let you go waltzin' off after the fit he was havin' on the wharf this morning!" she told him and he gave her his most malicious and evil smile.
"Well I hope he enjoys talking to himself then, missy." He drawled with an absent wave of one hand. He stepped up to the helm and whistled loudly. That got the attention of the crew quickly.
"Hoist the anchor, lower the mainsail - we're moving out to the entrance of the bay!" he commanded loudly and watched as they virtually leapt into action. He watched the sail come down and felt the anchor disengage from the earth beneath the water. Not everyone could feel that happen - but he could. He spun the wheel and held it, looking up as the gentle wind caught the sail. Just the sight of that alone caused him to heave a sigh of relief, despite the fact that Ana was still glaring at him.
Mr. Gibbs came rushing over to him in a bit of a hurry with a concerned look.
"Jack! What you be doin! We got men on shore still! Ye' didn't tell me we were settin' sail this morning!" he exclaimed and the pirate smiled broadly.
"Bit of a surprise, isn't it? We're just moving out into the bay. I'll give you time to collect all the boys. Just wanted us out in the water." He said and Gibbs frowned at him deeply.
"Musta been one hell of a row between you and that doctor for you to show up here and suddenly have us out in the middle of the bay. You expectin' him to be comin' after ye?" he asked and the pirate thought for a moment then shook his head.
"No, he shouldn't be actually. Not if the man has a half-way sane thought in his mind. He was telling me how he has other patients - which I am certain he does! By now he should be a bit too preoccupied to even notice where we be. Do you know exactly how many men we're missing?" he asked and Gibbs nodded.
"Oh good - good man Gibbs. Here, you take the wheel. I'm going to rest for a bit. Send a boat for them, but make sure the men taking it over have guns, just in case there's any trouble. Aside from them that's one of our crew - nobody else sets foot on this deck - I don't care who they are or what they say." He told him and Gibbs nodded.
"Aye, aye Capt'n. You want us to just sit in the bay? Like before?" he asked and the one thought, then shook his head with a rather sly smile.
"Remember the night I went over to see Marcus?" he asked and Gibbs nodded and the pirate smiled.
"There's that little cove about 5 miles along the ocean-side shore line from here - just follow the shore east. He and the others were going to leave something there for us to pick up when we got a chance.. Tradin' for the stuff we gave them. Lets' go pick it up today. No rush though - make sure we have all the boys back before we do that please." He said and now the older sailor smiled broadly as he nodded.
Ana followed her captain across the deck and entered his cabin behind him. She stood by the door as he deposited the bottle and his hat and bandana on the large table. He saw her when he turned to shed his coat and hang it on a hook beside the door, then set about trying to undo his buckle and various other accessories.
She went over and stood before him, not looking at him as she swat his hands away and got it undone easily. "We ain't heard the last of them Jack - you know it." She said and he sighed as he shook his head slowly and staggered just a bit to one side.
Now she considered his face and frowned at him deeply and automatically led him over to the bed and pushed him to sit down on the edge. He frowned mildly at her gruffness as she helped him remove his boots.
"Why are ye mad at me now?" he asked heavily and she frowned to herself. She couldn't tell him that her feelings were hurt by his apparent mistrust - that would be admitting she had been eves-dropping on him and Norrington.
"I'm not mad at ye' Jack - I'm annoyed. I always get annoyed when my Captain comes back lookin' like death warmed over and with a sudden change in plans. Usually means we have storm winds comin' from someone somewhere," she said as she easily pulled the shirt out of his trousers and then undid his pants and stripped them down. He looked mildly surprised but cooperated, catching the sleep pants she threw at him from the closet next.
"I'm not really all that tired just yet." He told her in supplication and that made her smile mildly.
"Yer way past tired Jack. Now don't argue with me. Here, have a few more swigs of yer rum." She said as she handed him the bottle and he seemed glad to comply with that. They both felt the ship swaying mildly now as she moved out into the deeper water. Ana watched as his features grew heavy and his expression weary. The bottle sat loosely in his hands as he sagged somewhat and seemed to just stare at the floor blankly.
"Jack - lay down before ye keel over." She said as she claimed the bottle and pushed him gently. He didn't even so much as breathe a syllable of protest, his eyes already closed even before his head hit the pillow. She considered him for a long moment, not sure if she was mad and should just walk off, or if she was more concerned and should stay for awhile.
She pat him on the shoulder soundly. "Jack!" she called loud and sternly - but he didn't react in the least. She sighed and went to the wardrobe and pulled out an extra blanket and spread it over him, then felt at his forehead and cheek. He didn't feel at all feverish now. Instead he was actually a bit too cool.
She went and got another blanket and tucked it close around him, then spent a few moments putting away the things he'd shed all over the table and making sure everything was secured in the cabin. She ended by claiming the upholstered chair and turning it so it faced the sleeping pirate, then made herself comfortable there in the quiet room.
That didn't mean it was all right that he didn't even trust her enough to tell her his real name - or that he even had one. She was just being - watchful for the moment. - yeah, makin' sure nothin' came and woke him up - yeah that was all - she would swear to anyone that asked, that that was all.
~ * * ~
It was nearly sunset when Doctor Cook, William and Elizabeth all stood in Commodore Norrington's office.
"You have no idea where they've gone? They've just taken Jack and set sail with him?" the doctor demanded unhappily and Norrington sighed at him.
"As I told you doctor - Mr. Gibbs told my man that they were taking a lullaby sail. As for taking him - I doubt very much if Captain Sparrow's crew had to kidnap him to get him aboard that ship - not if he had already left the Governors' residence after his 'discussion' with you and was angry at the time," He told him and the others all frowned.
"What is a lullaby sail anyway?" Will asked and the military man sighed.
"It' a very, very old nautical expression. Generally - when you have a crew that's been extremely worn out, worn down - on the brink of exhaustion, you divide them into 12 hour watches instead of the normal 4 hour ones. You find a safe area, set your sails very low, and just stay in that general area where it's safe and your crew can recover. Since so many of them will be asleep, and that's what you need, all other work is generally forbidden." He said and the doctor frowned.
"For how long though?" he asked unhappily and the military man shrugged.
"Usually such an event can take from 1 to 5 days - depending on what it's been that caused the problem. It can be rather dangerous if something occurs and you have half your crew asleep. Its' not something most Captain's will do if there is an alternative - but sometimes there just isn't. Personally - It is my speculation that Sparrow has finally gone to bed and his crew is making an effort to be considerate with him, now that they've finally gotten him back. They do seem unusually devoted to the man." He observed.
"So we're right back where we started at - and he can just sail away as free as a bird at any moment?" the doctor asked and the Commodore arched an eyebrow at him.
"That's always been the case with Captain Sparrow, dear doctor. I know all of us here feel we have gotten to know him much more personally of late - but you cannot lose the fact that he is a pirate after all - and he has no intentions of giving that up to take up residence in Port Royal with us and become a law abiding citizen. Whether it be today, tomorrow, next week or next month - he will eventually sail out of the bay and it will probably be a while before he is seen in these parts again. Sparrow has never made Jamaica a place he tends to carry out activity around. There was just the one time he came for the Interceptor. Before then I had never met the man, nor had reason to be after him personally." He said and the doctor looked curious.
"I hadn't really thought about that before - but you're right, he didn't come here on a regular basis. Where does he tend to carry out his - activities?" he asked and Norrington looked mildly amused.
"The Bahamas I believe are where he seems to spend a lot of time - the Virgin Islands - the Leeward Isles. He tends to be what we call 'an outer ring' pirate - he most often frequents the trade traffic as its' just approaching the Caribbean or leaving it. He's never been one for the inner seas of the Caribbean. Probably finds them a bit tame perhaps? Oh, and now this does make more sense - I do know that there is a rumor that Marcus Bellamy is believed to have claimed a Cay for himself out in the Virgins Islands someplace. If Jack and he are friends, then it makes even more sense that Sparrow might prefer the waters where he is more inclined to meet his friends. Chances are that if I looked, it would turn out that the others we met that night are also probably 'outer ring' pirates." He said with a thoughtful look and the doctor stared out the window for a very long moment.
"Really? The Bahamas? The Virgin Islands? The Leeward Isles? I've always heard those are some of the prettiest places in the Caribbean. Not really settled yet are they?" he asked and Norrington gave him a glancing smile as he finished writing on a page.
"No, they aren't doctor. I'm afraid that while the British military makes an effort to curb piracy in the interior of the Caribbean, and establish new colonies - for now the policy is along the lines of 'Leave them out there'. You don't have much hopes of establishing a normal decent, profitable colony if the area is controlled by the pirates. And we have those aplenty in the waters of the inner Caribbean. Now please - do try to relax. Chances are high that Sparrow has every intention of returning in a day or two. The man was up all night, despite my suggestions that he go to bed. Chances are that even as we speak, he is sound asleep and going to remain that way for some time." He said, and the doctor nodded with an unhappy and concerned look.
~ * * ~
Reynolds tripped over the roots of a tree on his way through the jungle. He was still rather shocked and stunned by what he had found on his little clandestine visit to the Port Royal marketplace today. Apparently it was no secret at all in the town that Jack Sparrow was indeed alive! In fact, he had been told the story of the man showing up at his own funeral no less than six times over the course of the day!
Apparently though, the pirate had taken ill and was being temporarily sheltered by no less than the Governor himself! He cursed himself silently as he hurried back towards the ocean-side shore line. He had left his schooner anchored just beyond a little cove. If only he hadn't mentioned hanging the pirate last time he was here. From what he gathered today it seemed that the people of Port Royal practically considered the pirate their patron saint!
It was going to be a lot harder now to get the man out of the town without causing a full scale riot. He would manage though - there had to be a way. Perhaps some kind of 'official authorization' to take Sparrow in would do it. He had the materials to produce a reasonably good forgery. He liked to think it was one of his many talents.
He pulled up short and looked around him. Where was he? Had he taken the wrong path someplace? He paused, listening very carefully. Yes, that was the sound of the ocean not far off to his left. From there it would be easy to find the cove. He headed towards the sound, tripping and stumbling alone in the darkening jungles of Jamaica.
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