At the sight of the two pirate ships, panic tore through Port Royale, and
was further fueled by the appearance of navy soldiers on every street and
corner. Stepping out of his shop, Will looked around to see what all the
fuss was about. Everywhere, people were running about as though their very
lives depended on it. Seeing no immediate threat present, Will quickly
made his way to a redcoat who was standing nearby.
"Excuse me sir", he greeted the man. "But might I inquire as to what the problem is?"
"See for yourself", the man answered, indicating towards the harbor. "It's pirates."
Looking towards the waterfront Will's eyes widened at the sight he beheld. Thanking the man, he turned and hurried back to his house to tell his wife his news.
"ELIZABETH", Will's voice sounded throughout the entire house. "ELIZABETH!"
"What is it Will", his wife's voice answered in irritation as she descended the stairs. "You know I've gotten Gabrielle down for a nap", she scolded when she reached him.
He ignored her criticism. "It's Jack and Julianne. They're here. The whole town is in a frenzy over it. People running everywhere and officers in position."
"What? Why are they here?"
"I don't know. But they're both docked out in the harbor blocking any passage."
"Do they mean to be hostile?"
"I don't know. I can't imagine they would be. Though it does a little strange that the navy is here guarding the streets and not out manning the Dauntless."
"Do you think we should go find out what they're up to?"
"I don't think we'll be able to. The shoreline is guarded fairly well and we'd never get passed. Besides, if they wanted us to know something was up, they would probably have sent word by now."
Elizabeth agreed, "I guess you're right. So we'll just have to wait and see like everyone else", she concluded.
"It appears so."
At that, the sound of the baby crying upstairs brought their conversation to a halt. Elizabeth returned to her child leaving Will alone in the living room. He knew he should probably get back into the shop and continue to work, just to take his mind of the situation, but going to a chair at the front window that plan of action was soon forgotten.
***
Back out in the water, Jack and Julianne continued to wait. And wait, and wait, and wait. They waited all through the day without a sign of the Massacre anywhere. As night fell, Julianne seriously began to doubt what Restin had told her. Just as she was about to head over to the Pearl to confer with Jack, the Massacre appeared over the quickly fading horizon. Immediately, both captains ordered their crews to make ready for battle. Thankfully, they had the advantage of positioning, as the cove shape at Port Royale hid the both of their ships from view, as well as the cover of night.
It was another half an hour before the Massacre even got close to firing range. Furious at what he saw when he finally reached the harbor, and too arrogant for his own good, Bloodshed refused to back down. If he could not go through with his intended mission, he would at least do a little damage to those who stood in his way. Preparing to fight, he ordered his crew to their respective positions and moved in at full speed. He knew that Jack and Julianne were both the honorable kind of pirates who believed in not firing until fired upon. But in this case, he was very wrong.
Before the Massacre even had a chance to establish its target, uncountable cannons were fired from the Renegade. Huge holes were torn into the opposing ship, and as the Renegade reloaded the Pearl let loose her wrath. Ironically, it was a massacre. Bloodshed managed to get one good round of shots off on his enemies, but it was nearly impossible to impale both the Renegade and the Pearl at the same time. Within minutes it was obvious that the Massacre could not withstand such abuse for much longer, and Bloodshed was forced to retreat.
Upon seeing this, Julianne did not let up. Shouting commands left and right, the Renegade slowly began moving from the harbor. As she passed by the Pearl, Julianne could hear Jack's shouts at her wanting to know what the hell she was doing, but she ignored him. Chasing down Redford, the Renegade continued to fire upon the other ship. She kept it up for almost a half mile, before turning back. Pulling back into the harbor, the Renegade came to a stop in its former position and Julianne shot Jack an award winning smile as he shook his head at her.
"And what exactly was the point of that", he called over to her.
"Well, mostly for show really. I just couldn't resist."
Jack rolled his eyes at her but could not hide an amused smile. "Now what", he asked next.
Julianne shrugged. "I think he's gotten the point. Though I wouldn't put it past him to come back eventually."
"I know that", Jack sighed. "I mean now what do we do at the moment."
"Oh", Julianne looked thoughtful. "Well, seeing as how we just saved the day, I'd say we all deserve a nice little trip into town, don't you?"
That was exactly what Jack wanted to hear, and without answering Julianne he turned and gave his crew the good news. As soon as he had spoken, both crews got their ships moving, getting from blocking off the harbor. Docking properly, they quickly unloaded themselves and stormed the town. It wasn't everyday they got to party in Port Royale.
Walking down the dock together, Jack turned left upon reaching the end while Julianne turned right.
"Where're ye goin?" he asked her confused.
"I want to speak to John about some things."
Jack opened his mouth to argue but was cut off.
"Go on, I'll meet up with you at Will and Lizzie's lata", Julianne finished before turning and continuing on her way.
"Bloody Norrington", Jack muttered under his breath as he too continued in the opposite direction.
Reaching the fort, Julianne was not pleased with the reception she got.
"Pirate", the guard at the door yelled out, and immediately three more joined him in grabbing Julianne by both arms.
"You know, for being the person who just saved yer precious little town, one might expect a little more gratitude", she barked angrily at them. Unsure of what to do, the men did not release her, but rather dragged her into the fort and to Commodore Norrington's office.
"Excuse me Commodore", the man who had first stopped her spoke up to get his attention.
"What is it? Oh", he stopped short. "Unhand the captain at once", he ordered. "Did you not see with your own eyes her ship defending our harbor."
"Of course Commodore", he answered and Julianne was released.
"Good, now be off with you. One second thought. I want the four of you to run into town and tell Lieutenant Gillete to recall all of our men, and that no pirate seen in Port Royale today is to be bothered. That's all."
The men all nodded vigorously and hurried away.
"Now Captain Amaris", the Commodore continued turning to his cousin. "I believe thanks are in order", he said in his most formal tone hand extended. She took it unsurely, a little off that he was acting so high toned. As their hands clasped, Norrington pulled her towards him and gave her a big hug. "Thank you."
They both pulled back, revealing Julianne's display of a huge and satisfied grin. "So, you want to tell me what exactly that was all about", he asked taking a seat behind his desk.
"I don't know exactly", she answered him flopping herself down on top of his desk.
"What do you know?"
"Not much to be honest. I was in the Bride last night when he arrived in Tortuga. Made a big show when he entered the tavern, so I had the barkeep keep an eye on him and an ear out. Just happened that this mornin' I found out he was headed 'ere with a mind to do ye in. So Jack and I headed him off and that's that."
"And that's that. You risk your ships, your crews, your very lives, and that's that is all you have to say about it?"
"Well, what would you have me say then?"
"I just wouldn't have expected you to be so humble about it is all", he replied
"You are my cousin after all. Ye think I'm just gonna let some seedy bastard sail in and lob yer 'ead off?"
"I suppose not. But how did you manage to get Sparrow to join you. I'm not exactly among his favorite people all things considered."
"You know very well how. Besides, he was worried about Will, Elizabeth, and Gabrielle as well. Which reminds me, bout time ye got yerself married doncha think? I mean you are a godfather now after all, and I have heard rumors."
"What rumors?"
"About you and a certain governor of Port Arbor's daughter. That would make you and Jack relations ye know", she chided playfully.
Unexpectedly denying the bait, Norrington shrugged indifferently. "I would have thought I'd be related to him via another route by now", he quipped.
"Ha ha", Julianne replied sardonically, rolling her eyes in the process.
"Well, why not. If it's time for me to be getting married, then I would say the same for you."
"Except that I am a pirate, and therefore will not be gettin married now or eva."
"You might as well be."
"Exactly, so who needs a slip of paper to make it official?"
"You are too much!"
"It's a talent to be sure. But at any rate, I must be goin. Want to go see the babe and her mummy and daddy before we make ready to set sail again."
"Leaving so soon."
"Yes, Jack and I will lay low for awhile. I doubt Bloodshed would show his face around 'ere so soon, but he will be lookin for us."
"Then why not stay here?"
"Predictable, and we don't want to pose any unnecessary risk to ye neither."
"Where will you go?"
At this Julianne shook her head. "What you don't know can't hurt ye. We'll 'ead somewhere comfortable and out o' the way. In the meantime, I do hope I won't have to be bailin any o' me men or women out in the mornin."
"You heard me give the order yourself."
"Aye, so I did. Alright then", she walked over to him and gave him a quick hug. "Until next time."
"I do hope that under happier circumstances, you might stop in and visit for more than a day", Norrington said returning the affection.
"We'll see", Julianne replied in a sing-song voice and headed out the door.
***
When Julianne reached the Turners' home, she let herself in the front door to find everyone gathered in the front room, Jack with Gabrielle in his lap bouncing her gently up and down. Entering the room, Julianne was greeted by both Will and Elizabeth with a hug, and Jack walked over to her and handed her the little pink bundle he was holding.
"Ello my little darling", Julianne cooed holding up the little girl with a smile. Her grin was returned with a giggle and a hiccup as Gabrielle grabbed for her long hair as she pulled her close in a hug. "Still dressin her in pink Lizzie", the captain asked lightly. Turning back to Gabrielle Julianne continued in a baby voice, "How ever do mummy and daddy expect you to go out and conquer the ocean all dressed up like a little princess luvvy?"
"A question I was just contemplating meself", Jack answered taking the baby from her.
"Hey, I just got 'ere. You've 'ad her all this time", Julianne protested.
"She likes me betta", he responded.
"Oh, and you can tell?"
"I do think she favors Jack", Elizabeth confirmed. "More beads in his hair for her to play with", she added with a laugh.
"Woman", Julianne muttered taking a seat next to Jack and receiving a mug from Will.
"So", Will began when he had once again taken his seat. "We've been waiting to hear about this Bloodshed fool for some time, but Jack wouldn't indulge us until he had you here to fill in all the gaps."
"Actually, I wanted her 'ere because I'm too lazy to tell the story meself", Jack corrected him smugly, receiving a wry look from Julianne.
"So ye want to hear about Bloodshed", she asked turning back to the other two. "Well, let me see. Where to begin?"
"Excuse me sir", he greeted the man. "But might I inquire as to what the problem is?"
"See for yourself", the man answered, indicating towards the harbor. "It's pirates."
Looking towards the waterfront Will's eyes widened at the sight he beheld. Thanking the man, he turned and hurried back to his house to tell his wife his news.
"ELIZABETH", Will's voice sounded throughout the entire house. "ELIZABETH!"
"What is it Will", his wife's voice answered in irritation as she descended the stairs. "You know I've gotten Gabrielle down for a nap", she scolded when she reached him.
He ignored her criticism. "It's Jack and Julianne. They're here. The whole town is in a frenzy over it. People running everywhere and officers in position."
"What? Why are they here?"
"I don't know. But they're both docked out in the harbor blocking any passage."
"Do they mean to be hostile?"
"I don't know. I can't imagine they would be. Though it does a little strange that the navy is here guarding the streets and not out manning the Dauntless."
"Do you think we should go find out what they're up to?"
"I don't think we'll be able to. The shoreline is guarded fairly well and we'd never get passed. Besides, if they wanted us to know something was up, they would probably have sent word by now."
Elizabeth agreed, "I guess you're right. So we'll just have to wait and see like everyone else", she concluded.
"It appears so."
At that, the sound of the baby crying upstairs brought their conversation to a halt. Elizabeth returned to her child leaving Will alone in the living room. He knew he should probably get back into the shop and continue to work, just to take his mind of the situation, but going to a chair at the front window that plan of action was soon forgotten.
***
Back out in the water, Jack and Julianne continued to wait. And wait, and wait, and wait. They waited all through the day without a sign of the Massacre anywhere. As night fell, Julianne seriously began to doubt what Restin had told her. Just as she was about to head over to the Pearl to confer with Jack, the Massacre appeared over the quickly fading horizon. Immediately, both captains ordered their crews to make ready for battle. Thankfully, they had the advantage of positioning, as the cove shape at Port Royale hid the both of their ships from view, as well as the cover of night.
It was another half an hour before the Massacre even got close to firing range. Furious at what he saw when he finally reached the harbor, and too arrogant for his own good, Bloodshed refused to back down. If he could not go through with his intended mission, he would at least do a little damage to those who stood in his way. Preparing to fight, he ordered his crew to their respective positions and moved in at full speed. He knew that Jack and Julianne were both the honorable kind of pirates who believed in not firing until fired upon. But in this case, he was very wrong.
Before the Massacre even had a chance to establish its target, uncountable cannons were fired from the Renegade. Huge holes were torn into the opposing ship, and as the Renegade reloaded the Pearl let loose her wrath. Ironically, it was a massacre. Bloodshed managed to get one good round of shots off on his enemies, but it was nearly impossible to impale both the Renegade and the Pearl at the same time. Within minutes it was obvious that the Massacre could not withstand such abuse for much longer, and Bloodshed was forced to retreat.
Upon seeing this, Julianne did not let up. Shouting commands left and right, the Renegade slowly began moving from the harbor. As she passed by the Pearl, Julianne could hear Jack's shouts at her wanting to know what the hell she was doing, but she ignored him. Chasing down Redford, the Renegade continued to fire upon the other ship. She kept it up for almost a half mile, before turning back. Pulling back into the harbor, the Renegade came to a stop in its former position and Julianne shot Jack an award winning smile as he shook his head at her.
"And what exactly was the point of that", he called over to her.
"Well, mostly for show really. I just couldn't resist."
Jack rolled his eyes at her but could not hide an amused smile. "Now what", he asked next.
Julianne shrugged. "I think he's gotten the point. Though I wouldn't put it past him to come back eventually."
"I know that", Jack sighed. "I mean now what do we do at the moment."
"Oh", Julianne looked thoughtful. "Well, seeing as how we just saved the day, I'd say we all deserve a nice little trip into town, don't you?"
That was exactly what Jack wanted to hear, and without answering Julianne he turned and gave his crew the good news. As soon as he had spoken, both crews got their ships moving, getting from blocking off the harbor. Docking properly, they quickly unloaded themselves and stormed the town. It wasn't everyday they got to party in Port Royale.
Walking down the dock together, Jack turned left upon reaching the end while Julianne turned right.
"Where're ye goin?" he asked her confused.
"I want to speak to John about some things."
Jack opened his mouth to argue but was cut off.
"Go on, I'll meet up with you at Will and Lizzie's lata", Julianne finished before turning and continuing on her way.
"Bloody Norrington", Jack muttered under his breath as he too continued in the opposite direction.
Reaching the fort, Julianne was not pleased with the reception she got.
"Pirate", the guard at the door yelled out, and immediately three more joined him in grabbing Julianne by both arms.
"You know, for being the person who just saved yer precious little town, one might expect a little more gratitude", she barked angrily at them. Unsure of what to do, the men did not release her, but rather dragged her into the fort and to Commodore Norrington's office.
"Excuse me Commodore", the man who had first stopped her spoke up to get his attention.
"What is it? Oh", he stopped short. "Unhand the captain at once", he ordered. "Did you not see with your own eyes her ship defending our harbor."
"Of course Commodore", he answered and Julianne was released.
"Good, now be off with you. One second thought. I want the four of you to run into town and tell Lieutenant Gillete to recall all of our men, and that no pirate seen in Port Royale today is to be bothered. That's all."
The men all nodded vigorously and hurried away.
"Now Captain Amaris", the Commodore continued turning to his cousin. "I believe thanks are in order", he said in his most formal tone hand extended. She took it unsurely, a little off that he was acting so high toned. As their hands clasped, Norrington pulled her towards him and gave her a big hug. "Thank you."
They both pulled back, revealing Julianne's display of a huge and satisfied grin. "So, you want to tell me what exactly that was all about", he asked taking a seat behind his desk.
"I don't know exactly", she answered him flopping herself down on top of his desk.
"What do you know?"
"Not much to be honest. I was in the Bride last night when he arrived in Tortuga. Made a big show when he entered the tavern, so I had the barkeep keep an eye on him and an ear out. Just happened that this mornin' I found out he was headed 'ere with a mind to do ye in. So Jack and I headed him off and that's that."
"And that's that. You risk your ships, your crews, your very lives, and that's that is all you have to say about it?"
"Well, what would you have me say then?"
"I just wouldn't have expected you to be so humble about it is all", he replied
"You are my cousin after all. Ye think I'm just gonna let some seedy bastard sail in and lob yer 'ead off?"
"I suppose not. But how did you manage to get Sparrow to join you. I'm not exactly among his favorite people all things considered."
"You know very well how. Besides, he was worried about Will, Elizabeth, and Gabrielle as well. Which reminds me, bout time ye got yerself married doncha think? I mean you are a godfather now after all, and I have heard rumors."
"What rumors?"
"About you and a certain governor of Port Arbor's daughter. That would make you and Jack relations ye know", she chided playfully.
Unexpectedly denying the bait, Norrington shrugged indifferently. "I would have thought I'd be related to him via another route by now", he quipped.
"Ha ha", Julianne replied sardonically, rolling her eyes in the process.
"Well, why not. If it's time for me to be getting married, then I would say the same for you."
"Except that I am a pirate, and therefore will not be gettin married now or eva."
"You might as well be."
"Exactly, so who needs a slip of paper to make it official?"
"You are too much!"
"It's a talent to be sure. But at any rate, I must be goin. Want to go see the babe and her mummy and daddy before we make ready to set sail again."
"Leaving so soon."
"Yes, Jack and I will lay low for awhile. I doubt Bloodshed would show his face around 'ere so soon, but he will be lookin for us."
"Then why not stay here?"
"Predictable, and we don't want to pose any unnecessary risk to ye neither."
"Where will you go?"
At this Julianne shook her head. "What you don't know can't hurt ye. We'll 'ead somewhere comfortable and out o' the way. In the meantime, I do hope I won't have to be bailin any o' me men or women out in the mornin."
"You heard me give the order yourself."
"Aye, so I did. Alright then", she walked over to him and gave him a quick hug. "Until next time."
"I do hope that under happier circumstances, you might stop in and visit for more than a day", Norrington said returning the affection.
"We'll see", Julianne replied in a sing-song voice and headed out the door.
***
When Julianne reached the Turners' home, she let herself in the front door to find everyone gathered in the front room, Jack with Gabrielle in his lap bouncing her gently up and down. Entering the room, Julianne was greeted by both Will and Elizabeth with a hug, and Jack walked over to her and handed her the little pink bundle he was holding.
"Ello my little darling", Julianne cooed holding up the little girl with a smile. Her grin was returned with a giggle and a hiccup as Gabrielle grabbed for her long hair as she pulled her close in a hug. "Still dressin her in pink Lizzie", the captain asked lightly. Turning back to Gabrielle Julianne continued in a baby voice, "How ever do mummy and daddy expect you to go out and conquer the ocean all dressed up like a little princess luvvy?"
"A question I was just contemplating meself", Jack answered taking the baby from her.
"Hey, I just got 'ere. You've 'ad her all this time", Julianne protested.
"She likes me betta", he responded.
"Oh, and you can tell?"
"I do think she favors Jack", Elizabeth confirmed. "More beads in his hair for her to play with", she added with a laugh.
"Woman", Julianne muttered taking a seat next to Jack and receiving a mug from Will.
"So", Will began when he had once again taken his seat. "We've been waiting to hear about this Bloodshed fool for some time, but Jack wouldn't indulge us until he had you here to fill in all the gaps."
"Actually, I wanted her 'ere because I'm too lazy to tell the story meself", Jack corrected him smugly, receiving a wry look from Julianne.
"So ye want to hear about Bloodshed", she asked turning back to the other two. "Well, let me see. Where to begin?"