Early the next morning Jack and Julianne awoke to the sound of Elizabeth
screaming. Exchanging a look, both quickly tore themselves out of bed and
threw on their clothes, just as they heard the pounding of Will's feet
cross in front of their door.
"Elizabeth, what is it", the young man called to his wife.
"Gabrielle. She's not here", Elizabeth answered him, beginning to sob.
The two captains entered the room just in time to hear her answer and see Will's mouth drop open in horror. "Oh no", Julianne gasped under her breath as Jack turned to her.
"Well, looks like ye don't have much of a choice bout goin after him now."
Julianne nodded.
"You think this is Bloodshed's work", Will asked somberly.
"Aye, I'd bet me life on it", Jack answered.
"Oh God please just let her be alive", Elizabeth said aloud, not really to anyone in particular.
"She's alive", Julianne confirmed.
"How do you know", Will asked incredulously.
"He's got no leverage if she's not", she answered.
"Leverage?" Elizabeth said with irritation, Julianne turned to look at her trying to find the proper words to explain it. Thankfully, Jack came to her aid.
"He knows we'll only go after her if we think she's alive", he explained.
Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak again but was cut off by the sounds of sirens going off at the fort. All four people in the Turner household looked at each other in confusion then Julianne and Jack bolted for the door.
The two pirates ran toward the fort at full speed, leaving the Turners hard- pressed to keep up with them. When they arrived at the gates, they were met by a frenzy of soldiers running about frantically.
"You", Jack said grabbing on of them. "What's going on?"
"It's the Commodore, he's gone missing", the man explained before running off.
"Well at least she's with her god-father", Will commented softly to his wife. Watching the soldier go for a minute, Jack next turned around to Julianne to see what she wanted to do, but she was already a step ahead of him.
"Go round up the crews", she ordered he and Will. "You, get yer stuff and get down to the ships", she said to Elizabeth, then thought of something else for Jack. "And Jack, check the harbormaster's log and find out if he's got any fishin boats or merchants marked for leaving last night or this morning." Jack nodded and soon all three were off. For her part, Julianne pushed open the gates of the fort and walked inside. Distracted by their own troubles, no one bothered to stop her as she made her way through the hallways to Lieutenant Gillete's office.
"Gillete", she called opening the door. "Gillete, you in 'ere?"
Stepping inside she found the lieutenant convening with Captain Groves and a few others, discussing their rescue plan. None of them noticed her entrance.
"Ahem", she cleared her throat. "Excuse me gentlemen." At once, they all turned and looked at her.
"How did you get in here pirate", one of the lower ranking officers sneered at her, but was silenced with a look from Gillete.
"Thank you lieutenant", she said with a smile, walking over and sitting down in one of the chairs in front of the desk as if she owned the place.
"Tell us you've come here with good news Captain", Gillete greeted her.
"Good and bad. Which would ye like first?"
"Might as well the bad", he answered.
"Right then. In addition to the good Commodore, Gabrielle Turner has also gone missing."
At this news, a wave of terror flashed across everyone's face. "And the good", Gillete prompted amidst the silence.
"The good news is, you fine gentlemen need not concern yerselves with their rescue."
"And why is that?"
"Because as soon as ye 'ave yer men stock me and Captain Sparrow's ships, we're off on a rescue mission to retrieve them."
Behind Gillete, the officer who had spoken earlier was clearly outraged by Julianne's suggestion, but for himself, the lieutenant grew silent considering her proposal.
"What do you think Groves", the lieutenant asked turning to his colleague. Before Groves had a chance to speak though, the young officer piped up.
"Pardon the interruption sir, but you can't seriously be considering allowing two pirates to go gallivanting off into the Caribbean under the pretense that they intend to rescue the Commodore and the young Turner."
Gillete opened his mouth to answer him but Julianne beat him to it. Getting up from her seat in a flash, she grabbed the officer by his collar and pulled his face up close to hers.
"Listen 'ere you seedy little bastard. The Turners are very dears friends of mine, and believe it or not yer Commodore and I 'appen to be relations. Therefore, pirate or not, it is very important to me that they are found and returned home safe and sound. Now, seeing as how they were kidnapped by a pirate, and as we've already established, I am a pirate, then I think it's safe to say that I've quite a betta idea as to their whereabouts and wherewithal. All things considered, I'd say lettin me and Jack go find em, is a much betta idea then leavin it up to the likes of someone like you."
Still in her grip, the man attempted to sputter a response but Gillete spared him the opportunity. "I tend to agree Captain", he said addressing Julianne. "Not only with your logic, but I think it is what John would have decided in the same situation. That said, if you'd like to return to your ship, I will have my men down momentarily to see that you have everything you need."
"Thank ye Lieutenant. It's nice to see that at least some people 'ave a little sense to go along with those lovely little wigs. Good day gentlemen. I shall return to Port Royale shortly with that which you seek", she added heading for the door. "Oh and Lieutenant, do tell Governor Swann that his daughter and son-in-law will be gone for a time, but not to worry."
Satisfied with the results of her meeting with the navy officers, Julianne trod back down to the harbor where she found Jack, Will, and Elizabeth all standing on the dock waiting for her, and both crews present and accounted for on board their respective ships.
"Make ready to set sail within the hour", she greeted everyone cheerily. "Some mates from the navy will be down momentarily to load us up."
"And how did ye manage to weasel yer way into that might I ask", Jack asked stepping up close to her side and resting his hand on the back of her neck. "Or am I betta off not knowin."
Shooting him a cheeky grin, Julianne leaned forward and touched her nose to his. "Just a little gentle persuasion. Nothing you need to worry bout luv."
"Good", he said happily giving her a quick kiss. "Though I hardly believe the gentle part."
"You know, if you two are done over there, my daughter is out there somewhere in the hands of some despicable bastard who wants to kill her", Elizabeth yelled at them angrily.
Will turned to calm her but she would have none of it.
"Lizzie dear, we can't go anywhere until we got the proper supplies. And as I've already assured you, Bloodshed means yer darling Gabrielle no harm at the present moment", Julianne replied calmly.
"Oh, at present. So he doesn't want to kill her just yet and that's supposed to make me feel better", she shouted back.
"No luv", Jack said softly walking over to her. "But worrying over it isn't goin to make any difference in the matta, so best set yer mind at ease that in the time it takes us to find them, nothing is going to happen to Gabby."
The young women huffed at this, sniffling a little, but said no more about the matter. Turning back into her husband's arms Elizabeth saw behind them a large group of soldiers headed their way, led by her father and the young man who had given Julianne trouble earlier.
"Oh look", Juli commented, "my little friend from earlier."
"Elizabeth, Will, what is going on", the governor shouted as he ran down to meet them.
"Oh father, it's terrible. That awful pirate who tried to attack the town yesterday has taken Gabby along with the Commodore", Elizabeth sobbed to him.
Pulling his daughter close, he looked to Will for confirmation. The young man only shook his head sadly.
"You", the governor turned on Jack and Julianne. "This Bloodshed, do you know what he's up to?"
The captains looked at each other, unsure of how to answer.
"Captain Redford has been after the Commodore for some time", Julianne answered. "I'm sure yer aware of their history, considering John's parents and all that. He's also not entirely thrilled with Captain Sparrow and myself, after yesterday's events I'm sure. I'm betting that's why he's taken Gabrielle, as a means to lure us after him to retrieve her."
The governor nodded solemnly, and Julianne was surprised that he did not lash out and blame her and Jack for Gabrielle's kidnapping.
"Very well", he said after a moment's consideration. "I trust that you will return the two of them safely. As well as keep my daughter and son-in- law out of harm's way throughout. I know better than to argue that they should remain here."
"Ye 'ave our word Governor", Julianne said with a little bow from both her and Jack.
Releasing Elizabeth, he pushed her in Will's direction, who took her into his arms again.
"The ships are stocked and ready to go", the nasty little officer from earlier stated approaching the group.
"Thanks luv", Julianne said clapping him on the back. "I'm sure it was mighty difficult on yer pride to 'ave to be the one to do this. I'll be sure to thank Lieutenant Gillete for teachin ye a lesson on our return."
Turning to Jack, Julianne nodded, and watched as he raised his hands dramatically and announced, "All hands on deck mates. Pull up the anchors and let's get to it."
As soon as the words left his mouth, both crews scurried to their places and carried out his orders. Boarding the ships, the captains set themselves behind the helm, ready to glide out of the harbor. Aboard the Renegade again, Will and Elizabeth waved to Governor Swann as he grew smaller and smaller in the distance.
"What's our course of action", Will asked Julianne, turning away from the scene that was fading from sight. "Are we stopping in Tortuga?"
"No need, we've got everythin enough to last us."
"How do you know where you're going?"
"Every ship has a hold on some island somewhere Will."
"And you know where Bloodshed's is?"
"Aye, me along with every other pirate out there. Redford isn't one to keep quiet about things he's proud of, including the little set up he's got himself just off Hispanola. Little spit of land he calls Red Cay. Impenetrable fortress is what it is. Used to be some kinda military encampment the Spanish set up when they first headed over 'ere to protect themselves against native attacks."
"So what", Elizabeth added herself to the conversation. "We're just going to sail right in and attack?"
"I just said it's impenetrable. An assault wouldn't do us much good", the captain answered her.
"Then how are we to get Gabrielle and Commodore Norrington out?"
"Only one way into Red Cay. Be taken in as a prisoner."
"YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS", Elizabeth began to protest, but Julianne cut her off.
"Look, it's like I said before. No sense in worryin yer pretty little head over it. We'll do what we 'ave to do to get them back safe, and yer just gonna 'ave to trust Jack n' me to know what that is. Savvy?"
Elizabeth nodded and Julianne continued.
"Good, then get yerselves all situated in yer cabin and do yer best to try an relax. It's gonna be almost a week til we reach the Cay, and that's countin on fair weather and sailin straight through."
"Elizabeth, what is it", the young man called to his wife.
"Gabrielle. She's not here", Elizabeth answered him, beginning to sob.
The two captains entered the room just in time to hear her answer and see Will's mouth drop open in horror. "Oh no", Julianne gasped under her breath as Jack turned to her.
"Well, looks like ye don't have much of a choice bout goin after him now."
Julianne nodded.
"You think this is Bloodshed's work", Will asked somberly.
"Aye, I'd bet me life on it", Jack answered.
"Oh God please just let her be alive", Elizabeth said aloud, not really to anyone in particular.
"She's alive", Julianne confirmed.
"How do you know", Will asked incredulously.
"He's got no leverage if she's not", she answered.
"Leverage?" Elizabeth said with irritation, Julianne turned to look at her trying to find the proper words to explain it. Thankfully, Jack came to her aid.
"He knows we'll only go after her if we think she's alive", he explained.
Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak again but was cut off by the sounds of sirens going off at the fort. All four people in the Turner household looked at each other in confusion then Julianne and Jack bolted for the door.
The two pirates ran toward the fort at full speed, leaving the Turners hard- pressed to keep up with them. When they arrived at the gates, they were met by a frenzy of soldiers running about frantically.
"You", Jack said grabbing on of them. "What's going on?"
"It's the Commodore, he's gone missing", the man explained before running off.
"Well at least she's with her god-father", Will commented softly to his wife. Watching the soldier go for a minute, Jack next turned around to Julianne to see what she wanted to do, but she was already a step ahead of him.
"Go round up the crews", she ordered he and Will. "You, get yer stuff and get down to the ships", she said to Elizabeth, then thought of something else for Jack. "And Jack, check the harbormaster's log and find out if he's got any fishin boats or merchants marked for leaving last night or this morning." Jack nodded and soon all three were off. For her part, Julianne pushed open the gates of the fort and walked inside. Distracted by their own troubles, no one bothered to stop her as she made her way through the hallways to Lieutenant Gillete's office.
"Gillete", she called opening the door. "Gillete, you in 'ere?"
Stepping inside she found the lieutenant convening with Captain Groves and a few others, discussing their rescue plan. None of them noticed her entrance.
"Ahem", she cleared her throat. "Excuse me gentlemen." At once, they all turned and looked at her.
"How did you get in here pirate", one of the lower ranking officers sneered at her, but was silenced with a look from Gillete.
"Thank you lieutenant", she said with a smile, walking over and sitting down in one of the chairs in front of the desk as if she owned the place.
"Tell us you've come here with good news Captain", Gillete greeted her.
"Good and bad. Which would ye like first?"
"Might as well the bad", he answered.
"Right then. In addition to the good Commodore, Gabrielle Turner has also gone missing."
At this news, a wave of terror flashed across everyone's face. "And the good", Gillete prompted amidst the silence.
"The good news is, you fine gentlemen need not concern yerselves with their rescue."
"And why is that?"
"Because as soon as ye 'ave yer men stock me and Captain Sparrow's ships, we're off on a rescue mission to retrieve them."
Behind Gillete, the officer who had spoken earlier was clearly outraged by Julianne's suggestion, but for himself, the lieutenant grew silent considering her proposal.
"What do you think Groves", the lieutenant asked turning to his colleague. Before Groves had a chance to speak though, the young officer piped up.
"Pardon the interruption sir, but you can't seriously be considering allowing two pirates to go gallivanting off into the Caribbean under the pretense that they intend to rescue the Commodore and the young Turner."
Gillete opened his mouth to answer him but Julianne beat him to it. Getting up from her seat in a flash, she grabbed the officer by his collar and pulled his face up close to hers.
"Listen 'ere you seedy little bastard. The Turners are very dears friends of mine, and believe it or not yer Commodore and I 'appen to be relations. Therefore, pirate or not, it is very important to me that they are found and returned home safe and sound. Now, seeing as how they were kidnapped by a pirate, and as we've already established, I am a pirate, then I think it's safe to say that I've quite a betta idea as to their whereabouts and wherewithal. All things considered, I'd say lettin me and Jack go find em, is a much betta idea then leavin it up to the likes of someone like you."
Still in her grip, the man attempted to sputter a response but Gillete spared him the opportunity. "I tend to agree Captain", he said addressing Julianne. "Not only with your logic, but I think it is what John would have decided in the same situation. That said, if you'd like to return to your ship, I will have my men down momentarily to see that you have everything you need."
"Thank ye Lieutenant. It's nice to see that at least some people 'ave a little sense to go along with those lovely little wigs. Good day gentlemen. I shall return to Port Royale shortly with that which you seek", she added heading for the door. "Oh and Lieutenant, do tell Governor Swann that his daughter and son-in-law will be gone for a time, but not to worry."
Satisfied with the results of her meeting with the navy officers, Julianne trod back down to the harbor where she found Jack, Will, and Elizabeth all standing on the dock waiting for her, and both crews present and accounted for on board their respective ships.
"Make ready to set sail within the hour", she greeted everyone cheerily. "Some mates from the navy will be down momentarily to load us up."
"And how did ye manage to weasel yer way into that might I ask", Jack asked stepping up close to her side and resting his hand on the back of her neck. "Or am I betta off not knowin."
Shooting him a cheeky grin, Julianne leaned forward and touched her nose to his. "Just a little gentle persuasion. Nothing you need to worry bout luv."
"Good", he said happily giving her a quick kiss. "Though I hardly believe the gentle part."
"You know, if you two are done over there, my daughter is out there somewhere in the hands of some despicable bastard who wants to kill her", Elizabeth yelled at them angrily.
Will turned to calm her but she would have none of it.
"Lizzie dear, we can't go anywhere until we got the proper supplies. And as I've already assured you, Bloodshed means yer darling Gabrielle no harm at the present moment", Julianne replied calmly.
"Oh, at present. So he doesn't want to kill her just yet and that's supposed to make me feel better", she shouted back.
"No luv", Jack said softly walking over to her. "But worrying over it isn't goin to make any difference in the matta, so best set yer mind at ease that in the time it takes us to find them, nothing is going to happen to Gabby."
The young women huffed at this, sniffling a little, but said no more about the matter. Turning back into her husband's arms Elizabeth saw behind them a large group of soldiers headed their way, led by her father and the young man who had given Julianne trouble earlier.
"Oh look", Juli commented, "my little friend from earlier."
"Elizabeth, Will, what is going on", the governor shouted as he ran down to meet them.
"Oh father, it's terrible. That awful pirate who tried to attack the town yesterday has taken Gabby along with the Commodore", Elizabeth sobbed to him.
Pulling his daughter close, he looked to Will for confirmation. The young man only shook his head sadly.
"You", the governor turned on Jack and Julianne. "This Bloodshed, do you know what he's up to?"
The captains looked at each other, unsure of how to answer.
"Captain Redford has been after the Commodore for some time", Julianne answered. "I'm sure yer aware of their history, considering John's parents and all that. He's also not entirely thrilled with Captain Sparrow and myself, after yesterday's events I'm sure. I'm betting that's why he's taken Gabrielle, as a means to lure us after him to retrieve her."
The governor nodded solemnly, and Julianne was surprised that he did not lash out and blame her and Jack for Gabrielle's kidnapping.
"Very well", he said after a moment's consideration. "I trust that you will return the two of them safely. As well as keep my daughter and son-in- law out of harm's way throughout. I know better than to argue that they should remain here."
"Ye 'ave our word Governor", Julianne said with a little bow from both her and Jack.
Releasing Elizabeth, he pushed her in Will's direction, who took her into his arms again.
"The ships are stocked and ready to go", the nasty little officer from earlier stated approaching the group.
"Thanks luv", Julianne said clapping him on the back. "I'm sure it was mighty difficult on yer pride to 'ave to be the one to do this. I'll be sure to thank Lieutenant Gillete for teachin ye a lesson on our return."
Turning to Jack, Julianne nodded, and watched as he raised his hands dramatically and announced, "All hands on deck mates. Pull up the anchors and let's get to it."
As soon as the words left his mouth, both crews scurried to their places and carried out his orders. Boarding the ships, the captains set themselves behind the helm, ready to glide out of the harbor. Aboard the Renegade again, Will and Elizabeth waved to Governor Swann as he grew smaller and smaller in the distance.
"What's our course of action", Will asked Julianne, turning away from the scene that was fading from sight. "Are we stopping in Tortuga?"
"No need, we've got everythin enough to last us."
"How do you know where you're going?"
"Every ship has a hold on some island somewhere Will."
"And you know where Bloodshed's is?"
"Aye, me along with every other pirate out there. Redford isn't one to keep quiet about things he's proud of, including the little set up he's got himself just off Hispanola. Little spit of land he calls Red Cay. Impenetrable fortress is what it is. Used to be some kinda military encampment the Spanish set up when they first headed over 'ere to protect themselves against native attacks."
"So what", Elizabeth added herself to the conversation. "We're just going to sail right in and attack?"
"I just said it's impenetrable. An assault wouldn't do us much good", the captain answered her.
"Then how are we to get Gabrielle and Commodore Norrington out?"
"Only one way into Red Cay. Be taken in as a prisoner."
"YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS", Elizabeth began to protest, but Julianne cut her off.
"Look, it's like I said before. No sense in worryin yer pretty little head over it. We'll do what we 'ave to do to get them back safe, and yer just gonna 'ave to trust Jack n' me to know what that is. Savvy?"
Elizabeth nodded and Julianne continued.
"Good, then get yerselves all situated in yer cabin and do yer best to try an relax. It's gonna be almost a week til we reach the Cay, and that's countin on fair weather and sailin straight through."