Author's Note: Finally another chapter has arrived. Sorry it took so
horribly long, I usually try to be pretty quick with my updates but it's
been a hellish past week for me. Between going home for the holiday and
all the work waiting for me when I got back to school, there really hasn't
been much time. Besides the fact that I was dead stuck with what to do
next and have a whole new story idea festering in my brain. So anyway,
it's a little short but I plan on wrapping it up here soon. Enjoy!
**************************************************************************** ************
Though they achieved the soothing affect Julianne had hoped for, her words of comfort to Jack were a serious over-statement. He had beaten the fever, but by no means was everything alright just yet. His body still remained in shreds from the mauling he received on the Cay, and their severity would take them to take several weeks to heal properly. The doctor was particularly concerned about the gash to his lower calf, which had become badly infected. Having had to drain it quite a few times, Dr. Tocks began to worry that the leg would need amputating. He hoped desperately that this would not be so, as he especially did not wish to have to be the bearer of such news.
Besides that, in just those few short days Jack had managed to lose several pounds and was now looking rather gaunt and gangly. Whenever he was offered food he replied that he was not hungry, though not in a belligerent way. In fact, despite the incredible discomfort of being trapped in the little room, Jack remained fairly cooperative for the first few days he was awake. But eventually, he grew restless and his self-control began to slowly wear away.
"Where're d'ye think yer goin", Julianne asked from the chair where she had been dozing before Jack's rustling had woken her up.
"I want te check up on me ship", he answered making for the door.
"Oh no you don't", she argued cutting off his exit before be could hobble his way over to the door. "Yer to stay put until the doc says it's alright for ye to be out and about."
"Honestly woman I'm fine. Just need a bit of fresh air."
Julianne's eyes narrowed. "What 'ave I told you about callin me woman? And I don't care what ye say or how ye think you are, the doc says ye've got to stay inside so's you don't catch something from someone else and relapse. Yer in no condition to be fightin off anything else at the moment."
Jack huffed in annoyance and threw himself back onto the bed table. "I swear you'd have me die of boredom if that doctor said it's what I needed."
"Actually", she replied lightly, walking over to him. "According to our tally, ye've got one up on me at the moment, so if anyone's gonna be havin a near death experience to be rescued from anytime soon, it'll be me."
is body was still in shreds Thankfully Jack cracked a smile. "You're the only person I know who'd compete in a category like dying."
***
Days went by. Jack's leg began to heal up and assessing the situation Julianne decided it was time to move on from Port Lucaya. Both crews, Jack, the Turners, Norrington, and herself were growing intolerably restless with each passing minute, and staying any longer would surely drive someone insane soon enough. Her mind made up, Julianne waited until Jack was led upstairs by one of the doctor's assistants before breeching the subject with Tocks.
"Ye just keep yer hands to yerself", she smarted at Jack as he followed the girl out of the office and flashed her a grin. "I mean it. Unless ye want to end up unconscious for another four days", she called after him in an amused tone. Turning to Dr. Tocks, she picked up the large bag that Anamaria had brought her earlier that morning. "We're gonna be headin out today", she began.
The doctor looked at her appraisingly but Julianne continued before he had a chance to voice his disapproval.
"Look, I know if ye had it yer way we'd be here another until he was one percent back on his feet. However, other circumstances considered, we've got to be on our way."
"And what may I ask are these other circumstances?"
"Well, how bout the fact that I've got two crews ready to rip this town to pieces, a governor waiting for me to return to him his daughter, son-in- law, and grand daughter, and an entire navy ready to come after me if I don't give them back their dear Commodore. All that in addition to a cranky, restless pirate captain who could possibly be defiling yer lovely assistant's virginity as we speak."
At this the doctor looked horrified.
"Alright, I may 'ave exaggerated a bit on that last one", Julianne laughed. "But either way, we're leavin. Savvy?"
"I suppose you're right."
"O' course I am. Now, is there anything in particular ye need to be tellin me before we shove off?"
The doctor thought for a minute before answering. "No, I think you know everything you need to. Just keep applying the ointment I gave you to his cuts and make sure he doesn't over exert himself for at least another week yet."
"Ointment, and relaxation. I think I can handle that. And now for yer fee", she continued holding up the bag. "I think this should about do it", she plopped the heavy sack onto the counter.
Dr. Tocks opened it slowly, his eyes growing wide at the sight of what was inside. The bag was filled to the top with more gold and jewels than he had ever seen before in his life.
"I, I'm sorry Captain, but I don't think I can accept this", he said finally, after the realization that it was clearly stolen money.
"And what is that?"
"Well, because I", he stammered, but again she cut him off.
"If yer worried about breaking some kind of moral code 'ere, ye can put yer mind at ease because this was all obtained completely legitimately."
"Really?"
"Yeah sure", she shrugged indifferently, obviously lying.
The doctor rolled his eyes but eventually conceded just as Jack made his grand reentrance.
"Are we all ready to go then", he asked happily, over-joyed to finally be leaving Port Lucaya.
"Aye, just waitin on you", Julianne answered.
"Well then, let's go", he replied striding over to her and putting an arm around her waist. "Thanks again mate", he said clapping him on the shoulder.
Smiling at Jack, Julianne looked back to the doctor and grabbed his hand. "Thank you doctor. For everything", she said to him, her tone and look showing just how much she truly meant it.
***
A week later Port Royale lay visible on the horizon as Julianne stood at the helm of the Renegade. Truth be told, she had never been so glad to reach a destination in all of her many years at sea. The last days of their trip had been tolerable to say the least. The weather held fair and the crews were happy to be out of Port Lucaya. Keeping tabs on Jack however, had not been as easy a task. As was his usual demeanor, he refused to be fawned over or hold anything back the second he set foot on the Pearl. He had adamantly opposed any ideas that he should just relax and let Ana and Gibbs run things for awhile, and his appetite for a certain strenuous activity had surely not been dampered in anyway save that Julianne would not give in to his requests.
Add to that the fact that Elizabeth, Will, and Norrington were beginning to drive her absolutely crazy. A ship was no place for a baby, especially a baby of good breeding, and everyone knew it. Both parents did their best to keep the child content and out of everyone's hair, but continued to constantly ask how much farther they had to go. For his part, in his new outlook on his cousin, her lifestyle, and her values, the Commodore became incredibly over bearing in his attempts to help out and make himself useful. Though his intentions were good, on several occasions it took all of Julianne's self control not to remind him that they weren't on the Dauntless.
So, with Port Royale growing in the distance, Julianne could not help but feel a little bit relieved. It took them yet another half a day to make the distance across the beautiful waters, but eventually the two ships pulled gently into the harbor and came to rest at the dock. Within minutes, a huge crowd of naval officers, towns people, and even the governor himself were gathered on the dock awaiting the expected descent of their missing loved ones.
"Have no fear dear citizens of Port Royale", Jack announced from where he had jumped up onto the railing of his ship. "We've brought back your darling 'royal' family and your precious Commodore all in one piece."
The crowd looked at him with a mixture of confusion and disgust, but that quickly turned to an eruption of cheers and applause as they saw Norrington and the Turners appear over the edge of the Renegade. As the plank was lowered and the four made their way down, they were quickly engulfed by the onlookers who welcomed them home in adoration. Watching the scene Jack and Julianne exchanged a look, rolled their eyes, then descended down to the dock themselves, crews in tow.
"Well I still say that those Turners got what they deserved for getting themselves a pair of pirates for friends. A bunch of vile and dissolute miscreants the lot of them", Lieutenant Groves said to a lower ranking officer as he watched the reunion taking place.
"Now, now Lieutenant. Don't ye think that's a bit harsh? After all, it was that pair of pirates that rescued them wasn't it?" Julianne cut in. "Besides, I'dave thought ye'dave learned yer lesson by now. No? Well then perhaps ye'd like to swab our decks? I'm sure I can 'ave it arranged."
"Indeed", Groves answered before turning on his heel and stomping away angrily.
"What was that all about", Jack asked her confused.
"Oh nothin. Just another nancie navy boy."
The pair pushed their way through the crowd, attempting to get away from all the hubbub taking place, but ended up getting pushed right towards the governor.
"Captain Sparrow, Captain Amaris", he greeted them in a surprisingly cordial way.
"Governor Swann", they answered in unison.
"I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you both for returning my family and Commodore Norrington to us safely."
"Safely for them anyway", Jack commented. "Some o' us almost got killed in the process", he added, receiving a nudge from Julianne to shut up.
The Governor's eyes widened at the news regardless. "Did you lose anyone", he asked in honest concern.
Jack opened his mouth to answer but his tale was cut short by Julianne. "Nay, not a one. Captain Sparrow sustained some near fatal injuries, but as you can see he's fine as eva."
"Yes, it would seem so", Swann replied after appraising Jack thoughtfully. "Well", he continued, "it would seem that we here in Port Royale are greatly indebted to you both. As such, it would be an honor if the two of you and your crews would join us tomorrow night at the fort for a banquet on your behalf."
At this both Jack and Julianne's expressions turned to disbelief.
**************************************************************************** ************
Though they achieved the soothing affect Julianne had hoped for, her words of comfort to Jack were a serious over-statement. He had beaten the fever, but by no means was everything alright just yet. His body still remained in shreds from the mauling he received on the Cay, and their severity would take them to take several weeks to heal properly. The doctor was particularly concerned about the gash to his lower calf, which had become badly infected. Having had to drain it quite a few times, Dr. Tocks began to worry that the leg would need amputating. He hoped desperately that this would not be so, as he especially did not wish to have to be the bearer of such news.
Besides that, in just those few short days Jack had managed to lose several pounds and was now looking rather gaunt and gangly. Whenever he was offered food he replied that he was not hungry, though not in a belligerent way. In fact, despite the incredible discomfort of being trapped in the little room, Jack remained fairly cooperative for the first few days he was awake. But eventually, he grew restless and his self-control began to slowly wear away.
"Where're d'ye think yer goin", Julianne asked from the chair where she had been dozing before Jack's rustling had woken her up.
"I want te check up on me ship", he answered making for the door.
"Oh no you don't", she argued cutting off his exit before be could hobble his way over to the door. "Yer to stay put until the doc says it's alright for ye to be out and about."
"Honestly woman I'm fine. Just need a bit of fresh air."
Julianne's eyes narrowed. "What 'ave I told you about callin me woman? And I don't care what ye say or how ye think you are, the doc says ye've got to stay inside so's you don't catch something from someone else and relapse. Yer in no condition to be fightin off anything else at the moment."
Jack huffed in annoyance and threw himself back onto the bed table. "I swear you'd have me die of boredom if that doctor said it's what I needed."
"Actually", she replied lightly, walking over to him. "According to our tally, ye've got one up on me at the moment, so if anyone's gonna be havin a near death experience to be rescued from anytime soon, it'll be me."
is body was still in shreds Thankfully Jack cracked a smile. "You're the only person I know who'd compete in a category like dying."
***
Days went by. Jack's leg began to heal up and assessing the situation Julianne decided it was time to move on from Port Lucaya. Both crews, Jack, the Turners, Norrington, and herself were growing intolerably restless with each passing minute, and staying any longer would surely drive someone insane soon enough. Her mind made up, Julianne waited until Jack was led upstairs by one of the doctor's assistants before breeching the subject with Tocks.
"Ye just keep yer hands to yerself", she smarted at Jack as he followed the girl out of the office and flashed her a grin. "I mean it. Unless ye want to end up unconscious for another four days", she called after him in an amused tone. Turning to Dr. Tocks, she picked up the large bag that Anamaria had brought her earlier that morning. "We're gonna be headin out today", she began.
The doctor looked at her appraisingly but Julianne continued before he had a chance to voice his disapproval.
"Look, I know if ye had it yer way we'd be here another until he was one percent back on his feet. However, other circumstances considered, we've got to be on our way."
"And what may I ask are these other circumstances?"
"Well, how bout the fact that I've got two crews ready to rip this town to pieces, a governor waiting for me to return to him his daughter, son-in- law, and grand daughter, and an entire navy ready to come after me if I don't give them back their dear Commodore. All that in addition to a cranky, restless pirate captain who could possibly be defiling yer lovely assistant's virginity as we speak."
At this the doctor looked horrified.
"Alright, I may 'ave exaggerated a bit on that last one", Julianne laughed. "But either way, we're leavin. Savvy?"
"I suppose you're right."
"O' course I am. Now, is there anything in particular ye need to be tellin me before we shove off?"
The doctor thought for a minute before answering. "No, I think you know everything you need to. Just keep applying the ointment I gave you to his cuts and make sure he doesn't over exert himself for at least another week yet."
"Ointment, and relaxation. I think I can handle that. And now for yer fee", she continued holding up the bag. "I think this should about do it", she plopped the heavy sack onto the counter.
Dr. Tocks opened it slowly, his eyes growing wide at the sight of what was inside. The bag was filled to the top with more gold and jewels than he had ever seen before in his life.
"I, I'm sorry Captain, but I don't think I can accept this", he said finally, after the realization that it was clearly stolen money.
"And what is that?"
"Well, because I", he stammered, but again she cut him off.
"If yer worried about breaking some kind of moral code 'ere, ye can put yer mind at ease because this was all obtained completely legitimately."
"Really?"
"Yeah sure", she shrugged indifferently, obviously lying.
The doctor rolled his eyes but eventually conceded just as Jack made his grand reentrance.
"Are we all ready to go then", he asked happily, over-joyed to finally be leaving Port Lucaya.
"Aye, just waitin on you", Julianne answered.
"Well then, let's go", he replied striding over to her and putting an arm around her waist. "Thanks again mate", he said clapping him on the shoulder.
Smiling at Jack, Julianne looked back to the doctor and grabbed his hand. "Thank you doctor. For everything", she said to him, her tone and look showing just how much she truly meant it.
***
A week later Port Royale lay visible on the horizon as Julianne stood at the helm of the Renegade. Truth be told, she had never been so glad to reach a destination in all of her many years at sea. The last days of their trip had been tolerable to say the least. The weather held fair and the crews were happy to be out of Port Lucaya. Keeping tabs on Jack however, had not been as easy a task. As was his usual demeanor, he refused to be fawned over or hold anything back the second he set foot on the Pearl. He had adamantly opposed any ideas that he should just relax and let Ana and Gibbs run things for awhile, and his appetite for a certain strenuous activity had surely not been dampered in anyway save that Julianne would not give in to his requests.
Add to that the fact that Elizabeth, Will, and Norrington were beginning to drive her absolutely crazy. A ship was no place for a baby, especially a baby of good breeding, and everyone knew it. Both parents did their best to keep the child content and out of everyone's hair, but continued to constantly ask how much farther they had to go. For his part, in his new outlook on his cousin, her lifestyle, and her values, the Commodore became incredibly over bearing in his attempts to help out and make himself useful. Though his intentions were good, on several occasions it took all of Julianne's self control not to remind him that they weren't on the Dauntless.
So, with Port Royale growing in the distance, Julianne could not help but feel a little bit relieved. It took them yet another half a day to make the distance across the beautiful waters, but eventually the two ships pulled gently into the harbor and came to rest at the dock. Within minutes, a huge crowd of naval officers, towns people, and even the governor himself were gathered on the dock awaiting the expected descent of their missing loved ones.
"Have no fear dear citizens of Port Royale", Jack announced from where he had jumped up onto the railing of his ship. "We've brought back your darling 'royal' family and your precious Commodore all in one piece."
The crowd looked at him with a mixture of confusion and disgust, but that quickly turned to an eruption of cheers and applause as they saw Norrington and the Turners appear over the edge of the Renegade. As the plank was lowered and the four made their way down, they were quickly engulfed by the onlookers who welcomed them home in adoration. Watching the scene Jack and Julianne exchanged a look, rolled their eyes, then descended down to the dock themselves, crews in tow.
"Well I still say that those Turners got what they deserved for getting themselves a pair of pirates for friends. A bunch of vile and dissolute miscreants the lot of them", Lieutenant Groves said to a lower ranking officer as he watched the reunion taking place.
"Now, now Lieutenant. Don't ye think that's a bit harsh? After all, it was that pair of pirates that rescued them wasn't it?" Julianne cut in. "Besides, I'dave thought ye'dave learned yer lesson by now. No? Well then perhaps ye'd like to swab our decks? I'm sure I can 'ave it arranged."
"Indeed", Groves answered before turning on his heel and stomping away angrily.
"What was that all about", Jack asked her confused.
"Oh nothin. Just another nancie navy boy."
The pair pushed their way through the crowd, attempting to get away from all the hubbub taking place, but ended up getting pushed right towards the governor.
"Captain Sparrow, Captain Amaris", he greeted them in a surprisingly cordial way.
"Governor Swann", they answered in unison.
"I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you both for returning my family and Commodore Norrington to us safely."
"Safely for them anyway", Jack commented. "Some o' us almost got killed in the process", he added, receiving a nudge from Julianne to shut up.
The Governor's eyes widened at the news regardless. "Did you lose anyone", he asked in honest concern.
Jack opened his mouth to answer but his tale was cut short by Julianne. "Nay, not a one. Captain Sparrow sustained some near fatal injuries, but as you can see he's fine as eva."
"Yes, it would seem so", Swann replied after appraising Jack thoughtfully. "Well", he continued, "it would seem that we here in Port Royale are greatly indebted to you both. As such, it would be an honor if the two of you and your crews would join us tomorrow night at the fort for a banquet on your behalf."
At this both Jack and Julianne's expressions turned to disbelief.