Usual disclaimers. humph!
Starlight8: Wow! Big review! If you can see both sides of the argument think about poor me. I am really stuck in the middle! Perhaps they will reach a compromise. who can tell!
Now for more evilness!
***
Mid December
It was morning in Tortuga and Jack Sparrow was drunk. He was not buzzing drunk, nor merrily drunk - although he did feel happy - but blind, passed out drunk in a quiet booth at the Faithful Bride. The crew had been in port for nearly three weeks now and most seemed determined to spend their money as fast as they could - rum and women on the top of most of their lists. He groaned as a shaft of sunlight found its way into his corner, blearily rubbing his eyes as he staggered to his feet, rolling out of the tavern as he headed down to the docks. Swaying even more than normal he hummed tunelessly to himself as he thought of returning to Port Royal for his wife in a week's time.
"Wha." He staggered, confused as the world suddenly turned dark, before a blow to his head turned the darkness black.
***
Captain Jean Claude Lact stared in disgust at the crumpled figure in his brig. Hands tied behind his back and head covered by a sack, Captain Jack Sparrow was not an imposing figure - pathetic was nearer he thought. How the fool had ever managed to relieve him of the gold he would never know, but revenge could cover more than mere money. A swift boot to his ribs proved he was awake, groaning in pain as he tried to sit up.
"Comfortable Sparrow?" Lact leaned close, whispering against his ear. "Don't worry, we can soon rectify that." Another kick left Jack gasping on the floor.
"What d' yer want Lact?" Jack winced, his ribs hurting as he drew breath. He thought one, if not two, were broken but had the feeling that they were the least of his worries. From the sway of the ship he guessed that wherever he was it was at sea.
"I've already got what I want Sparrow - you! And you will never see your ship again." He laughed. "Or daylight for that matter!"
Jack heard a clang as the brig door shut, the key turning in the lock. Footsteps echoed through the deck as his jailers left him in darkness. Struggling upright he sat, propped against the hull, contemplating his fate.
***
Joshamee Gibbs was not happy. He could not find Jack and had been in every tavern and whorehouse in Tortuga looking. Whenever he came across a crew member he sent them back to the ship, sensing something was up but not knowing what. Running out of places to search he went back to the Black Pearl, calling a crew meeting on deck.
The crew lounged about, many still drunk or extremely hung over. Apart from the odd knife cut from a number of brawls though, few were injured. Oran Booth lounged on the stairs leading to the wheel. "What's up Gibbs?"
"Has anybody seen th' Captain? He didn't come back t' th' Pearl at all yesterday. Last I heard he was asleep at th' Bride two nights ago."
He could see several of the crew muttering to themselves. "And." Oran prompted.
"He isn't in any tavern or whorehouse in Tortuga - did anyone see him yesterday?" Worried stares answered him, but nobody had seen Jack. "Okay, I want every part of Tortuga searched, every alley, every store room. pay to look if you have to! We have to find Jack!"
***
All day the pirates searched, ruffling more than a few feathers as they turned the town upside-down in their search for Jack but to no avail. Wherever Jack Sparrow was, Tortuga was not it. Dejectedly the crew returned to the Black Pearl to report their failure.
One of the last to arrive was Paul Fearnan, who looked more worried than the rest of the crew. He looked about for Joshamee, dashing over to him. "Gibbs!" he shouted. "Gibbs - Lact's been seen in town!"
Joshamee Gibbs went white, realising the possibilities behind the words. "Are all aboard?" he asked, quickly counting heads - relieved to see the last few crew climbing over the ships rail. "Weigh anchor!" he shouted. "Make all speed to Port Royal!" Turning to Paul he muttered "If Jack's been taken then we need Kitty!"
***
Catherine knew Jack was right from the moment she left the Black Pearl. She had spent so long on the sea that the unmoving land felt alien to her. She stood at the end of the jetty, watching until the Black Pearl was out of sight before making her way back to her brother's house.
"Left him then, have you?" her father smiled, obviously having heard about the argument on the ship.
"No Papa, I am merely spending a few weeks ashore." Her eyes narrowed at his evident delight. "It will take more than a mere argument to split Jack and me, whatever you would wish!" Taking her small bag she turned, climbing the stairs to her room. "And Jack will be here for Christmas!"
"Theodore is hosting a dinner tonight - try to wear a dress Catherine!" her father called up at her, looking in despair at her attire.
***
A dinner! Catherine sat at the table feeling very bored. The Commodore sat at the head of the table, Mary Spense at his side. Theodore had also invited Kasia Thiago who was sitting next to him, but it was Mary that eyed him speculatively. Catherine made a note to warn her brother about the oldest Spense daughter, especially now that her brother was rich and very, very eligible. Young James Schott sat opposite her, although Pearl had been banished to the hall, and her father sat at the other end of the table, facing the Commodore. Everyone listened as Theodore recounted their adventures, although he thankfully failed to mention her argument with Jack.
As soon as dessert was finished, Catherine rose. "Excuse me," she smiled, "but I need some air." The men rose politely.
"I will see that someone escorts you." James Norrington offered.
"Thank you, but I'd rather be alone." She felt Theodore's eyes watching her thoughtfully as she left. He knew she was already feeling out of place here, knowing where her walk would take her before she'd even gone.
***
Catherine sat at the end of the jetty, shoes off and feet dangling over the water, watching the stars in the night sky. The slap of the waves against the hulls of the ships at anchor, the breeze in the rigging, sounds that calmed her soul. Hearing footsteps behind her she turned, surprised to see two of the marines that had gone south with them.
"Mistress Kitty! I thought it was you!" Murtogg smiled, turning to his companion. "I told you it was her!" He paused. "You shouldn't be out here all alone." Obviously off duty, they sat next to her, watching the waves in the moonlight.
"Did my brother send you? Or the Commodore?"
"No, we were on our way to the tavern." Mullroy, although eager for a pint, did not want to leave Catherine on her own at the docks. "Um. you could join us if you like?"
"You can't take Mistress Kitty to a tavern!" Murtogg argued, shocked at the suggestion.
"Yes I can."
"But it isn't proper."
"Yes I can!" Mullroy sighed. "We can't leave her here, but I want a pint!" he argued, oblivious to Catherine hearing their argument.
"You can't take her!" Murtogg insisted.
"Gentlemen! Gentlemen!" Catherine rose, stalling their argument. "I'd be delighted to go with you, although I have no money on me."
"Well, thanks to Captain Jack we do!" Mullroy smiled. "And I'd be delighted to buy you a, err, pint - or whatever ladies drink."
She laughed at him. "Ale is fine with me!"
***
Theodore was worried. The dinner party was over, the guests gone, but still Catherine had not returned. Picking up his jacket and strapping on his sword, he went to look for her, heading for the docks but she was not there. Only after he questioned two patrolling marines did he manage to track her down. to the Goat's Head Tavern, a favoured drinking hole of the lower-rank marines. Carefully he pushed open the door, stepping into the smoke-filled room.
The noise ceased immediately as all the occupants turned to face him. Ignoring the stares he walked across to where his sister was sitting with two marines, drinking what looked like a pint of ale. Her fine dress looked out of place in such a dive, but she did not seem to notice or care. "Theo! Join us!"
"I hardly think this is a suitable establishment Cat," he scolded, staring at the two marines who suddenly looked as if they wished they were elsewhere. He sighed, at least she was not drunk. "Come on, I'll walk you home!"
Shrugging ruefully, Catherine downed the last of her ale. "Thanks!" she smiled at Murtogg and Mullroy before following her brother.
Starlight8: Wow! Big review! If you can see both sides of the argument think about poor me. I am really stuck in the middle! Perhaps they will reach a compromise. who can tell!
Now for more evilness!
***
Mid December
It was morning in Tortuga and Jack Sparrow was drunk. He was not buzzing drunk, nor merrily drunk - although he did feel happy - but blind, passed out drunk in a quiet booth at the Faithful Bride. The crew had been in port for nearly three weeks now and most seemed determined to spend their money as fast as they could - rum and women on the top of most of their lists. He groaned as a shaft of sunlight found its way into his corner, blearily rubbing his eyes as he staggered to his feet, rolling out of the tavern as he headed down to the docks. Swaying even more than normal he hummed tunelessly to himself as he thought of returning to Port Royal for his wife in a week's time.
"Wha." He staggered, confused as the world suddenly turned dark, before a blow to his head turned the darkness black.
***
Captain Jean Claude Lact stared in disgust at the crumpled figure in his brig. Hands tied behind his back and head covered by a sack, Captain Jack Sparrow was not an imposing figure - pathetic was nearer he thought. How the fool had ever managed to relieve him of the gold he would never know, but revenge could cover more than mere money. A swift boot to his ribs proved he was awake, groaning in pain as he tried to sit up.
"Comfortable Sparrow?" Lact leaned close, whispering against his ear. "Don't worry, we can soon rectify that." Another kick left Jack gasping on the floor.
"What d' yer want Lact?" Jack winced, his ribs hurting as he drew breath. He thought one, if not two, were broken but had the feeling that they were the least of his worries. From the sway of the ship he guessed that wherever he was it was at sea.
"I've already got what I want Sparrow - you! And you will never see your ship again." He laughed. "Or daylight for that matter!"
Jack heard a clang as the brig door shut, the key turning in the lock. Footsteps echoed through the deck as his jailers left him in darkness. Struggling upright he sat, propped against the hull, contemplating his fate.
***
Joshamee Gibbs was not happy. He could not find Jack and had been in every tavern and whorehouse in Tortuga looking. Whenever he came across a crew member he sent them back to the ship, sensing something was up but not knowing what. Running out of places to search he went back to the Black Pearl, calling a crew meeting on deck.
The crew lounged about, many still drunk or extremely hung over. Apart from the odd knife cut from a number of brawls though, few were injured. Oran Booth lounged on the stairs leading to the wheel. "What's up Gibbs?"
"Has anybody seen th' Captain? He didn't come back t' th' Pearl at all yesterday. Last I heard he was asleep at th' Bride two nights ago."
He could see several of the crew muttering to themselves. "And." Oran prompted.
"He isn't in any tavern or whorehouse in Tortuga - did anyone see him yesterday?" Worried stares answered him, but nobody had seen Jack. "Okay, I want every part of Tortuga searched, every alley, every store room. pay to look if you have to! We have to find Jack!"
***
All day the pirates searched, ruffling more than a few feathers as they turned the town upside-down in their search for Jack but to no avail. Wherever Jack Sparrow was, Tortuga was not it. Dejectedly the crew returned to the Black Pearl to report their failure.
One of the last to arrive was Paul Fearnan, who looked more worried than the rest of the crew. He looked about for Joshamee, dashing over to him. "Gibbs!" he shouted. "Gibbs - Lact's been seen in town!"
Joshamee Gibbs went white, realising the possibilities behind the words. "Are all aboard?" he asked, quickly counting heads - relieved to see the last few crew climbing over the ships rail. "Weigh anchor!" he shouted. "Make all speed to Port Royal!" Turning to Paul he muttered "If Jack's been taken then we need Kitty!"
***
Catherine knew Jack was right from the moment she left the Black Pearl. She had spent so long on the sea that the unmoving land felt alien to her. She stood at the end of the jetty, watching until the Black Pearl was out of sight before making her way back to her brother's house.
"Left him then, have you?" her father smiled, obviously having heard about the argument on the ship.
"No Papa, I am merely spending a few weeks ashore." Her eyes narrowed at his evident delight. "It will take more than a mere argument to split Jack and me, whatever you would wish!" Taking her small bag she turned, climbing the stairs to her room. "And Jack will be here for Christmas!"
"Theodore is hosting a dinner tonight - try to wear a dress Catherine!" her father called up at her, looking in despair at her attire.
***
A dinner! Catherine sat at the table feeling very bored. The Commodore sat at the head of the table, Mary Spense at his side. Theodore had also invited Kasia Thiago who was sitting next to him, but it was Mary that eyed him speculatively. Catherine made a note to warn her brother about the oldest Spense daughter, especially now that her brother was rich and very, very eligible. Young James Schott sat opposite her, although Pearl had been banished to the hall, and her father sat at the other end of the table, facing the Commodore. Everyone listened as Theodore recounted their adventures, although he thankfully failed to mention her argument with Jack.
As soon as dessert was finished, Catherine rose. "Excuse me," she smiled, "but I need some air." The men rose politely.
"I will see that someone escorts you." James Norrington offered.
"Thank you, but I'd rather be alone." She felt Theodore's eyes watching her thoughtfully as she left. He knew she was already feeling out of place here, knowing where her walk would take her before she'd even gone.
***
Catherine sat at the end of the jetty, shoes off and feet dangling over the water, watching the stars in the night sky. The slap of the waves against the hulls of the ships at anchor, the breeze in the rigging, sounds that calmed her soul. Hearing footsteps behind her she turned, surprised to see two of the marines that had gone south with them.
"Mistress Kitty! I thought it was you!" Murtogg smiled, turning to his companion. "I told you it was her!" He paused. "You shouldn't be out here all alone." Obviously off duty, they sat next to her, watching the waves in the moonlight.
"Did my brother send you? Or the Commodore?"
"No, we were on our way to the tavern." Mullroy, although eager for a pint, did not want to leave Catherine on her own at the docks. "Um. you could join us if you like?"
"You can't take Mistress Kitty to a tavern!" Murtogg argued, shocked at the suggestion.
"Yes I can."
"But it isn't proper."
"Yes I can!" Mullroy sighed. "We can't leave her here, but I want a pint!" he argued, oblivious to Catherine hearing their argument.
"You can't take her!" Murtogg insisted.
"Gentlemen! Gentlemen!" Catherine rose, stalling their argument. "I'd be delighted to go with you, although I have no money on me."
"Well, thanks to Captain Jack we do!" Mullroy smiled. "And I'd be delighted to buy you a, err, pint - or whatever ladies drink."
She laughed at him. "Ale is fine with me!"
***
Theodore was worried. The dinner party was over, the guests gone, but still Catherine had not returned. Picking up his jacket and strapping on his sword, he went to look for her, heading for the docks but she was not there. Only after he questioned two patrolling marines did he manage to track her down. to the Goat's Head Tavern, a favoured drinking hole of the lower-rank marines. Carefully he pushed open the door, stepping into the smoke-filled room.
The noise ceased immediately as all the occupants turned to face him. Ignoring the stares he walked across to where his sister was sitting with two marines, drinking what looked like a pint of ale. Her fine dress looked out of place in such a dive, but she did not seem to notice or care. "Theo! Join us!"
"I hardly think this is a suitable establishment Cat," he scolded, staring at the two marines who suddenly looked as if they wished they were elsewhere. He sighed, at least she was not drunk. "Come on, I'll walk you home!"
Shrugging ruefully, Catherine downed the last of her ale. "Thanks!" she smiled at Murtogg and Mullroy before following her brother.