A/N:  Okay, I'm back at college now.  So there is now plenty of time for me to update.  After today the chapters are going to get a bit longer.  But please review!  Seriously, I want to know this story is being read.

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When Jack came outside early next morning, the ship was alive with movement.  Everybody was up and about and doing his part...

Except for that one man who stood gripping the railing tightly and staring out at the sea....

Jack crept up and slapped him on the back jovially.  "Good morning, Commodore."

Norrington shut his eyes.  "It was a good morning..."

Jack pretended to feel welcome.  "Did a lot of thinking last night, eh?"

In no mood for light banter, Norrington cut straight to the issue.  "Do you realize that you're asking me to give up my whole life - everything I've ever worked for...?"

"Only if you get caught," Jack argued, becoming more animated and excited by the second.  "Which, after all, is half the fun, isn't it?"

"Fun?  Fun to risk hanging?"

Jack lowered his voice.  "In the very unlikely event that we are arrested, I will take the blame for you and say I forced you into it all at swordpoint."

"You know I can't allow that," Norrington snapped.  "In the very unlikely event that I do join you, I will accept the full consequences of my decision."

"We're not asking you to be a pirate, mate.  Only a sailor, only for a little.  The sooner you help us, the sooner we can take you home, savvy?"  He elbowed him.  "Think about it.  Even leaving aside the question of treasure, there's the sun and wind and the open sea...and no responsibilities at all.  It would be fun."

"Stop it!"  Norrington shrugged out of all physical contact.  "How much longer must I endure this?  By my calculations you've only got thirty-six more days and nights, and then you've got to give up and let me go home."

Never slow on the uptake, Jack spun around and spread his hands innocently.  "Do you see a forked tail?  Come on, mate - if you were drowning and I told you to take my hand, would you call that temptation as well?  Or common sense?  Be reasonable."

Jack dimly sensed that the Biblical reference had been a test, and that he had passed.  He might not have much formal education, but he was neither an imbecile nor a heathen, and that apparently mattered deeply to the Commodore.  Norrington nodded.  "Very well: I won't help you rob others and I won't kill anyone.  I will help sail this ship - only sail her - and only until you can find some real pirates to take my place.  In return, you will then take me home.  Without embarrassing me in front of all of Port Royal," he added.

"How about half of Port Royal?"

"Mr. Sparrow!"

"Captain Sparrow, if you don't mind.  Captain."

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TBC.