Chapter 2 - Troubles

Jack eyed the young woman that stood in front of him. He turned to Will and muttered, "When I invited you on this trip, I wasn't inviting Miss Swan as well!"

"Oh, please Jack." Elizabeth Swan said. "I'm just as good as Will."

"Captain! Captain to you, love." Jack paused. "And I believe you're missing a few necessary parts to be as good as Will. Perhaps with a couple extra parts as well..."

Will cleared his throat. "Come on, Jack! She won't be any trouble. I'll make sure she behaves."

Jack thought for a moment. "Get me some rum and she can stay." He turned to his crew. "All right boys, let's head out. Bring me that horizon."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jack looked up when he heard a knock on his cabin door. "Yes?" He said.

Geofreys peered through a crack in the door. "Captain, we've got a man on a raft."

"Well, bring him aboard. I'd like to see him."

"Yessir." Geofreys rushed off.

Jack walked on deck. Spotting Will, he called to him. "Will! I fancy a bit o' rum. Fetch a pint for me, will yeh? Oh, and tell Miss Swan to prepare an extra place in the galley. We've a guest with us today." He then watched as they lugged a man aboard. He was sputtering and looked very confused. Jack looked at him, eyebrows raised in anticipation. "And you are...?"

"Elmer T. Watson is my name."

"Really, now? And what, pray tell, were you doing on a raft in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean?" Jack asked.

"I was involved in an unfortunate event. Pirates attacked the ship I was on. I'm afraid I'm the only survivor."

Jack shook his head sadly. "That is indeed unfortunate. You are welcome to join us. Is there somewhere you were trying to go?"

"I was on my way to Boston, Massachusetts in America."

"I see." Jack looked at Watson, and turned away, massaging his temples. "WILL! Where's that rum? My head is killing me! I'm acting much too eloquent for my own good."

Will hurried over with a pint of rum and handed to Jack. "There you go, Jack. Sorry, I got held up."

Jack took the pint and surveyed Will's tousled hair and flushed face. "You are forgiven. I bet you've been having more fun than the rest of us."

Will grinned and straightened his shirt.

Jack raised the pint to his lips and took a large gulp. "Much better. Mr. Watson, meet William Turner." He turned to Watson and belched. "What is your occupation?"

"I am a doctor and school teacher."

"Children..." Jack murmured with a look of uncertainty.

"Yes."

"You teach children."

"I do."

"Well, that's bloody fine and nobody's getting married!" Jack cried.

Watson looked surprised. "I'm not sure what you-"

"Except for those two." Jack continued, ignoring Watson's statement, and pointing at Will and Elizabeth, who just emerged on deck. "They have my blessing."

"Yes, well..." Watson looked flustered. He walked over to Will and Elizabeth somewhat unsteadily. "Congratulations. I hear you're getting married."

Will smiled. "Yes we are, thank you."

Jack rolled his eyes.