Cal… what an unexpected surprise! You like Angel too?! It was one of my all-time favorites until Cordy left… :( I agree 150 percent that Angel and Cordy were the real thing. Shame on Joss for what he's done… unless it's only a trick to get viewers off the scent of Cordy coming back… and then bam she's suddenly back again. I wouldn't mind that much. But the 100th only proved that their feelings are still there and still strong and that Angel really is lost without her. Anyways, I could go on and on all day about that… But just so you know, I do have an Angel/Cordy piece in the works… called Purgatory (shameless plug bad SpecialEd) if you want to take a look at it. It's my take on all the crap that took place in season 4… an alternate season 5, if you will… I'd be interested to see what you think! As for this piece, I love Norrington. I believe he really is a good guy… just a bit misunderstood for all his charm and propriety. As for 'The Devil' and Norry… there's a back story there that I haven't even BEGUN to touch on yet. So there's plenty more to come, trust me!

J.L. Dexter… The Dext-meister's left another review! At least, that's the thought that goes through my head when I see your name… You are too sweet... and a box, I may need. I haven't done an ounce of packing and I have to move on the 21st! Yikes! Maybe your monkey will help me do that rather than write. The writing seems to be doing okay for the moment. You can add packing to the plot monkey's repertoire. It'll be a good sell, trust me. Multi-talented plot monkey… just three easy payments of 99.99… might as well get your money's worth, right? And patience is a virtue? Now where puts hands on hips have you heard that? I always thought it was a curse… truly… stupid patience… :P And no, no, no… you take care… :)

Port Antonio, Jamaica…

The crew clamored around the deck of the Zephyr as the ship pulled slowly into the harbor surrounding a lively Port Antonio. Ana stood on the starboard side, hanging slightly off the ship as she gripped a sail line and let the breeze glide over her. The salty waters below her were as calm as she, herself, wasn't. Ana's stomach danced around inside her as she tried to curb the nervousness. What she was going to encounter in the port town, she had no clue. Had she been there before? Did she know anyone there? Did anyone know her? The questions were beginning to give her a headache and she resisted the urge to rub her aching temples. The bruises over her face were no longer swollen, but the ugly colors they'd turned as they healed told of the tenderness they still held. With that thought, Ana laid a soft hand over her stomach. Jonesy had plied her with enough grog to be able to remove the stitches without receiving bruises in return. It was healing nicely, but it still hurt every now and then when she would turn the wrong way or if she were up in the rigging too long. With a heavy sigh, she jumped down from where she'd perched on the railing. As she watched the port loom in the not-so-far distance, Ana felt a presence next to her. She didn't need to look to know who it was. There was only one person on the ship that ever approached her… that ever dared to step within reach of her.

"You look lovely standing in the wind like that, Marie… much more a woman than a sailor," the captain commented, his arms crossed behind his back. Ana turned her dark eyes to him, no expression on her face even though the temporary name had her insides twisting.

"Thank you," she said of the compliment before she turned back to watch the approaching settlement.

"Do you plan to stay ashore, or aboard the Zephyr?" he inquired. Ana smiled, but didn't look at him.

"As much as I love being at sea, it'll be good for me to set foot on land… and stay there for a bit. How long do you plan to stay in port?" she asked. Damien contemplated as he, too, looked over their rapidly approaching destination.

"A few days at least. I have business to attend to," he said in a way that piqued Ana's curiosity.

"Really? What type of business?" she asked, finally turning to him and resting her hip against the rail. His eyes stayed on the landscape as he smiled.

"I dabble in the trade industry occasionally," he said evasively. Ana frowned.

"What kind of trade?" she asked. The captain looked over to her, a friendly smile on his face.

"Nothing for you to worry about," he answered. Ana crossed her arms gingerly, careful not to scratch her healing wound.

"If I'm to be aboard this ship, Captain Deverill, then it's in your best interest that I be apprised of your doings," she warned sternly. Again, he smiled, anticipating this reaction.

"Marie, my dear, you've just given me an opportunity to breach a subject I wish to discuss with you," he said. Ana's heart almost stopped as her words and his processed in her mind.

"You don't want me on the ship anymore…" she said hoarsely and full of a pain she didn't expect. Thoughts rushed through her head as to what she would do now that she might not have a place to belong. The panic rose in her chest…

"No, no, no… I'm sorry if that is what I made it sound like," Damien reassured. "Truth of the matter is, I've been watching you closely the past few days and I couldn't help but notice that you've done quite a bit of questioning of my men's methods and work ethic. In fact, I've seen you with my own eyes, correcting a lot of their work," he remarked. Ana stood up straighter, lifted her chin higher. If she were to go out, she'd go with dignity…

"I apologize if I've overstepped me bounds, Captain," she said with as much sincerity as she could put in her voice. "… but those scurvy swabs couldn't tie off a rope to save their miserable lives or patch a sail good enough to catch a hurricane…" After the words escaped her mouth she winced. Or she'd go out with as much dignity as her pride would let her… Instead of being insulted, Damien gave her a winning smile.

"I assure you that you've only impressed me more by speaking your mind as such," he said. This time, Ana's frown was one of confusion.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. He reached out and gently took one of her hands.

"My dear Marie," he said, causing her to wince again. If he noticed, he didn't say anything. "Part of my business this evening will include awaiting the arrival of my dearly departed brother's ship… His first mate took over the command and I've instructed him to meet us here in Port Antonio." Ana left her hand in his as she thought over his words and then looked up at him.

"What has this got to do with me?" she asked. He dropped her hand and turned to look out at the water again.

"The Renegade is without a captain… and after observing you, it would be an honor if you would take over command of the ship," he said. If Ana could have been any more shocked, she would have been dead. Her eyes were wide as they stared at him and her jaw hung slightly open.

"You… you want me to be captain of a ship?" she asked, her voice steadier than she actually felt. Damien smiled again.

"Precisely, Captain Marie… if you so choose," he said with a slight bow. Ana's eyes warmed significantly as she continued to watch him and process his seriousness.

"If I so choose," she murmured as she brought a finger up to tap against her lips. "Captain… I like the sound of that… Captain…" Then, suddenly, she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a fierce hug as she let out a squeal of delight. Then, as quickly as she was in his arms, she was out of them and pacing in a furious manner in front of him, thinking.

"… where would I go? What would I do? Oh… who cares! A ship! I'll have me a ship!" she said excitedly to herself. Damien stepped into her path, suitably stopping her mid-stride.

"Yes, you'll have a ship… and a crew of your own. All I ask is that you sail in allegiance with me," he said, grasping her shoulders in his hands. Ana looked up at him, the wind blowing her hair in her face. Reaching up, she swept it back with her hands as she thought over his proposition. Then, she smiled.

"I'll do it," she said, the excitement of running her own ship shining in her dark eyes.

"Wonderful…" Damien said as he reached up and brushed a stray hair from her cheek. "Now, let's go get you set up at an inn so that I can search you out later… after my business has concluded."

"I can get myself set up, thank you," she said in her defense. Damien smiled at the spark in her eye.

"I know you are capable of taking care of yourself. But we know not the disposition of those who wander about town. You must take care," Damien said as he let his hands drop from her shoulders. An amused look crossed Ana's face as one side of her mouth twitched up slightly.

"My… you've become a proper git all of quick," she commented. Damien gave her another quick bow and a polite smile.

"I'm to deal with some important people this evening. It calls for the highest decorum and a modicum of propriety… I'm only trying on the fit," he said of the faux airs. Ana smiled back.

"I'll say you're doing well," she complimented. Damien took her hand and gave it a charming kiss.

"I'll thank you for the accolade, my lady," he said, oozing out his exaggerated charm. Ana laughed as she pulled her hand back.

"I'm to be a captain, Captain," she said, turning to watch the ship make preparations to dock. Damien watched her with a smile that was both assessing and wicked.

"Aye… you're to be a captain…" he said.

Later that evening…

"… a pirate's life for me…" Ana hummed to herself as she locked the room she'd rented at the inn behind her. A quick frown came and went over her face as she tried to place where she'd learned such a song. But with a shrug, she pocketed the key and headed for the stairs. It didn't matter where she'd learned it. If she was going to live a normal life, as a sea captain… she couldn't help the grin that crossed her face at the words. A captain! Anyways, if she were to live a normal life, she'd have to stop questioning everything she did or said. It would drive her mad otherwise… With that thought in mind, Ana pulled the hat she'd placed over her upswept dark hair down a little further over her pretty features. It would be just her luck to have all the drunken louts in the tavern discover she was actually a she and not the cabin boy she'd come off as. A man had already tried to grab her on the way in to have her take part in their filthy womanizing ways. Thankfully, Ana's quick tongue had gotten her out of the situation… but not without a few parting shots at the drunken men. Parting shots that meant nothing to sloshed minds such as theirs, but made her feel better all the same.

Now, she was to meet Damien on the docks to watch the arrival of her new ship. Again, a smirk crossed over her face. It was a heady thing to be given such a responsibility as a ship. But Ana didn't mind… it gave her purpose. She walked out of the inn and into the colorful night. As she walked, she took in the lively metropolis that was Port Antonio. There seemed to be a variety of people inhabiting the Jamaican town… a tapestry of culture. As the population went about its evening, Ana could hear snatches of lilting French, a passable Portuguese, different dialects of Spanish, and the distinctive drawl of Jamaican speech. She observed the shopkeepers and the local wenches, each trying to peddle their wares to sailor and townsfolk alike. With each scene, she wracked her beleaguered mind to try and find snatches of memory of such a notable location. But there was nothing. Ana let out a resigned sigh as she continued walking through the streets. Suddenly, two hands grabbed her, interrupting her inner musings, and pulled her into the dark alley. A low voice whispered harshly to her but by no means sounded villainous. Rather, it sounded rather helpless.

"Ayudame, por favor! Un hombre malo! Por favor!! Socorro!!" a quick, accented, panicked voice called to her. Ana struggled to get herself free from her assailant, and when she did she pulled the dirk from her waist and held it on the person. A quick assessment told Ana that the boy was no older than her… He wore only a pair of ratty pants. His feet were scraped bare and there were multiple cuts and bruises all over his torso. His wrists were rubbed raw, as if he'd escaped from rough bonds.

"Stay still or I'll gullet you like a trout," she warned him. The boy watched the knife with a steady gaze. It took him a second or two, but he finally pieced broken English together.

"Please… help… bad man… kill me…" he pleaded, holding his hands out to her. There were tears running down his frightened face. Ana lowered her weapon only slightly.

"Who is this bad man?" she asked. The boy shook head.

"No se…" he said in Spanish, but Ana knew enough to gather from his body language that he had no inclination whatsoever. She nodded.

"Why are they after you?" she asked slowly. The boy's dark eyes searched the dim alley suspiciously, frightened that whoever was following was there.

"No se…" he said in an agitated response as his eyes continued to dart around. "Quedan mas prisioneros… como yo…" Ana watched his hand gestures closely as he gestured to his wrists and then pointed to himself. A spattering knowledge of the Spanish language told Ana that he was trying to tell her that there were more like him. Her heart skipped a beat as she tried to imagine more people that looked as badly beaten as he did.

"Where?" she asked, putting her dirk back where it came from. The boy's eyes relaxed with hope and relief as he reached and took her hand.

"At… boat…" he said as he pulled her after him, out into the streets of Port Antonio. "Come… rapidamente…" Ana let the boy drag her along after him for quite a while. Realizing they were heading to her present destination, she stopped them both to release herself from his grip. When the boy turned to look at her, he focused on something over her shoulder. The fear that came over his face shocked her, but his shove backwards surprised her more. She reached out to him in order to steady herself, but he struggled out of her grip and let out a cry.

"Vamanos! Run…" he said as he turned to run. Ana stumbled to her knees just as a shot rang out from behind her. She watched in horror as the boy fell to the ground, shot in the back. With a cry of her own, she rose and ran to the fallen lad. Without a thought, she flipped him over and heard him choke on the blood that was now filling his lungs. He looked up at her quickly.

"Lo siento…" he rasped to her just before death cooled his eyes. She would be no more help to the boy… but as her eyes roamed over his scarred, bare torso she couldn't help but think that maybe death could be. A hand on her shoulder startled her.

"Marie…" Damien's voice broke in. Ana rushed to her feet and turned to him. One of his hands lay on her shoulder… in the other, a still-smoking pistol. Her eyes stayed on it for a second and watched him tuck it into the waist of his pants.

"You shot him…" she said as she stepped out of his reach. Her eyes met his. "Why?" Damien stepped forward, but not to approach her. He looked down at the fallen body.

"He looked to be harming you… this man is an escaped prisoner. The authorities have been searching for him the better part of the evening," he answered. Ana's gaze strayed between the man standing next to her and the body of the boy.

"Escaped prisoner? From where?" she asked. Damien turned to her.

"From a prison ship that docked early this morning. He is being transferred," he said smoothly. Ana looked again at the scars that bespoke of what the boy had endured while he was alive.

"Those be recent wounds… what kind of action deserved such punishment?" she asked, feeling the fresh sting of her own wounds crying out in testament to the young victim's. Damien turned away from her to greet the coming authorities. He didn't answer her until he'd handed the newly-arrived, self-appointed Port Antonio 'law' a pouch of coins.

"That young man was a crew member of a murderous Spanish pirate vessel. The Espada sunk four Royal carriers… one of them giving passage to several English subjects. The men were all killed instantly. The women and children… they were used for games and torture. That man's end was coming… I just relieved him of the wait…" Damien said as he steered Ana away from the spectacle that had now formed in the middle of the street.

"How do you know all of this?" she asked as they continued the rest of the way to the docks. Damien smiled handsomely.

"I am more than a mere trader… I am also a bounty hunter," he said. Ana frowned.

"You sail for the Crown?" she asked. At this, Damien chuckled.

"I sail for who hires me. Should it be the Crown, then yes, I do… occasionally. I used to be a member of the Royal Navy. After I was relieved of duty, I went into business for myself. Why let the skills I'd learned at sea go to waste?" he asked. Ana smiled.

"Intelligent," she commented as they made their way over the docks. The captain smiled back at the compliment.

"I thought so," he said. Ana ceased walking when Damien stopped. Looking at him in question, she saw him sweep his arm wide to indicate the ship in front of them. When Ana looked up, her eyes went wide. There sat her ship.

"My lady, may I present to you… the Renegade," the captain introduced. But Ana didn't hear anything save the whispering of the water against her ship and the call of the sea… it was calling her home. Wherever that was…

A/N: So, that was the next part. What did you think?? If you didn't understand what the Spanish boy was indicating, let me know. I didn't want to have to translate literally, so I tried to incorporate it's meaning into gestures and Ana's understanding. Let me know if it didn't work, 'kay? Anyways, please review!!