Rose squinted at the ship against the slowly lightening sky; she could just barely make out the name, The Fog Rider. It was a fairly large ship, with a large crew also, from what Rose could tell.
"So," said Jack coming up next to her, "The Fog Rider. Figured we'd run into her again one of these days."
Rose looked up at him, "You know who's on that ship?" She again tried to make out who was aboard the pursuing ship.
"Aye," Jack yawned, "Captain Adam Skinner."
Rose's stomach jolted, had she heard that name before? Her mind swam, trying to work her memories out... Captain Skinner...Skinner...


She had been eleven, and had gone with Amos to his store in town. He warned her to stay inside while he checked some merchandise in the back,
"Tell any customers that they can find me in the back if they need me," he had told her solemnly.
Rose had nodded and proceeded to look around the store for any items of interest.
Customers came and went, not many of them buying anything, but one customer in particular caught Rose's attention. He wore a splendid coat of black silk with gold trim, a three cornered hat, fine leather boots, and best of all a sword, a fine sword with a gold inlaid handle.
Rose had followed him around the store trying to get another glimpse of his sword, when he turned around and smiled at her, "Afternoon miss," his gold tooth glinted in the light.
Remembering her manners, Rose curtsied and replied, "Good afternoon Sir."
"I noticed you've been followin' me all 'round the store, can I help you with somethin'?"
Rose had grinned sheepishly and said, "Well Sir, I only wanted a better look at your sword."
The man had laughed and let her hold it; she tried a few tricks and handed it back to him, satisfied.
"Thank you Sir," she had said wide-eyed, and breathless at having been able to hold a real sword.
"Oh, think nothing of it miss," he had chuckled, good-naturedly, "Now I really must be off."
At that moment, Amos came back, "Mr. Skinner!" he exclaimed happily, "What a surprise that you would drop by..."

Rose's memory snapped back to the ship, when a cannon's fire whistled through the air, coming straight for The Black Pearl.
She ducked, and was showered with splinters, there was a cut beneath her left eye, and she could feel the blood on her cheek.
Jack grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet, "Careful now love, or you won't live to see the actual battle. FIRE ALL!" He bellowed to the crew.
A loud 'boom' shook the deck, and three of their own cannonballs were sent hurtling towards the other ship, Rose could smell smoke; she coughed and vomited over the rail.
Jack put a hand on her back, "Are you sure you can deal with it?"
She pushed his hand away, "Of course I can." She straightened her shirt and bandana, and drawing her sword and pistol, faced the enemy ship once more.
The Fog Rider was close now, close enough that Rose could see the crew, jeering and shouting insults at them.
Rose's temper flared, and her hands quivered on her weapons. They will not take us over, she decided, squeezing her throat closed, so as not to vomit again.
Their adversary was very close now, close enough to touch with an oar, but they ceased fire.
"What are they doing?" she wondered aloud, but was not answered.
The crew of The Fog Rider stopped jeering as an elegant figure stepped up to the rail closest to 'The Pearl'.
"Good mornin'," the Captain said, tipping his hat towards them, "I expect you all know who I am, but nonetheless, I'll introduce me self. I be Captain Adam Skinner," He scanned the faces of his audience, then his eyes fell on Rose, and his words trailed off.
"I know who you are," she said boldly, amazed to hear herself speak. "I met you when I was young, you did business with my step-father."
"Did I now?" he pondered, "And what might your name be miss?"
"Rose Sparrow," she said loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"Right," he said smoothing his pointed beard, "Well then, back to business. Jack!"
"Yes?" Jack asked, a bit annoyed at Skinner's distraction with Rose.
"I come with a proposition for ye."
"Well," said Jack, "what is it?"
"I have a bargain," Skinner replied.
"On what conditions?" Jack asked cautiously
"Well, first thing's first," Skinner drummed his fingers on the rail, "I b'lieve these belong to you." He motioned toward two struggling prisoners being dragged up on deck.
Jack stroked his beard, "Who are they? I can't see their faces under those gags and blindfolds."
"Ah, well, we thought it best if we came aboard yer ship to do the bargaining."
"Alright, but only five of you can come."
"On the condition that five of your men come onto our ship and we'll treat you as well as you treat us, so if any harm comes to our five, my crew has permission to do what they want with the captives."
"Agreed," said Jack, and ordered some of his crew to put a gangplank across.
Five men volunteered to go as captives, and walked solemnly across to The Fog Rider, then Skinner's crew brought the prisoners, last of all, Skinner himself. He smiled and winked at Rose as he passed her, getting a very annoyed reaction from Jack.
"Keep away from my daughter," Jack warned him, "She's not part of our negotiations."
Skinner shrugged and walked on.