Usual disclaimers.

Thanks to A Depp Girl, Chubby Bunny, RandomGal, Mrs Sparrow, SectorLutter, Rose Pearl, beatlechicksteph, slytheringurl, Katrina, joe and Chelsey for your reviews and Hilary for editing.

Most of you prefer two separate chapters a week, so that is what I will do. Here's the first..

…

Chapter five: 'If you promise to behave pirate, I might see fit to release you.'

'Well, goodbye Jenny.' James Norrington stood stiffly in the hallway of his mansion, unsure whether to embrace her or not before deciding against it. 'I hope things turn out well for you back home.'

She merely glared at him and turned her back, leaving the mansion with her head held high, leading the group consisting of herself, Henry Marston and a troop of ever present marines. 'Not yet, be patient,' she warned herself the nearer they got to the harbour. Her heart sank when she saw Boothe and Hall waiting by the gangplank of HMS Sutherland. She had forgotten all about them. The group came to a stop at the foot of the gangplank whilst they waited for Captain Gillette to come and give them permission to board.

A drover went past with a herd of goats taken from one of the smaller boats and one of the creatures leapt up, causing a slight panic amongst the others, distracting everyone as they tried to move out of the way. Jenny siezed her chance and jumped into the water, swimming for a group of dorys huddled together at anchor a short distance away, reasoning if she could hide amongst them for a while, she would have a better chance of escape. She had not reckoned on Thomas Hall being able to swim strongly and jumping in after her. Jenny fought her way through the water, gasping and spluttering as she swallowed water in her panic to get away from the big man but he caught up easily and lunged for her. Her waterlogged dress started to drag her down and Hall grabbed her hand, yanking her back to the surface again but they were too close to one of the small fishing vessels and she looked in horror as a hull loomed large over her and she tried desperately to move away, but Hall's grip on her was too tight and she winced as her head collided with the boat. Then everything went black.

…

'You fool!' Henry Marston exploded as he watched the marines drag his unconcious daughter from the water. 'I want her alive, you blundering idiot.'

Thomas Hall got himself out of the water with some difficulty, frowning broodily at the older man and ignoring the dark look he got from his partner. 'Well I stopped her from escaping didn't I? Don't all thank me at once…'

'Get her on board.'

The men looked around at the speaker and upon seeing that it was the captain, picked Jenny up and carried her onto The Sutherland.

''Jones, show the way to the sick bay.' Captain Gillette looked at Henry Marston and smiled thinly. 'We have a surgeon on board, he will take good care of your daughter.'

'Thank you, Captain. I am much obliged to you.'

'Not at all. Come, I will show you to your quarters personally.' Charles Gillette did not see that it would do any harm to be as charming and courteous as he could to his guest in the hope that Marston would send Governor Norrington a favourable letter. He did not intend being a mere Naval Captain for very long and the more favours he could curry, the more people who thought of him as a good and kind man, the better.

… … … …

Jack cast a critical eye over the main mast and nodded, drawing sighs of relief from the workers, then he strode through his ship, inspecting each repair closely until he was satisfied that The Black Pearl was seaworthy once more. The trademen had been mightily impressed with the payment they received and it showed in their workmanship. Jack had ordered the crew to stop working on the repairs and start getting supplies in some hours ago, and they only had to wait for the last of them to be brought aboard and they would be off, heading straight for Port Royal. He glanced across at a scrawny black man who was hovering around as if in two minds and decided to see what he wanted.

'Is there a problem, mate?' he drawled as he swayed along the deck, drawing a look of alarm from the man.

'Ah… no suh.'

'Then why are you still aboard?' Jack smiled dangerously, showing his mouthful of gold teeth which un-nerved the man even more.

'I… I want to work for you, suh.'

Jack regarded the man for a time, impressed that he held his gaze even though he was clearly uncomfortable. 'You a slave?'

'Yes suh. I was…'

'What happened, and it's Captain, not sir.'

It was Jack's turn to be regarded as the gangly man weighed up whether to trust him or not. 'I… escaped su… Captain.'

'How?' Jack settled himself against the port rail and folded his arms. He had a feeling this conversation could take a while.

The black man shoved his hands into the pockets of very worn breeches and looked to the deck before slowly bringing his gaze upwards to meet Jack's. 'I was workin' aboard a blackbirder, an' the captain was… he was rapin' a child. I stopped him.'

'Ya killed him?'

'Yes, I killed him. We had just left Port of Spain so I jumped overboard and swam for shore.'

Jack looked at him sceptically. 'C'mon mate, let's hear th'whole story.'

He sighed then shrugged, realising he had nothing to lose. 'I was a fisherman in Africa. Not in a small boat but a large one with two masts and I was taken and forced into slavery. The blackbirder I was on hit a storm and the was a lot of damage and some of the crew lost their lives. They found out that I could sail so I was pressed into working for them. When we reached our destination, the captain arranged that I stayed on board and that I was bonded to him. We sailed back to Africa and picked up more slaves, then headed back to the Caribbean. We dropped some of the slaves off at Port of Spain and as we weighed anchor and left the port, I found the captain raping a child in his cabin. She was no more than eleven.' He stopped and stared into space as the memories took hold and Jack allowed him the time to remember before gently prompting him once more.

'I wrapped my manacles around his neck and strangled him then went back on deck as if nothing had happened and jumped overboard, making for some trees that were growing in the water beyond the wharf. The crew tried shooting at me but I got away.'

'How'd ya get th'manacles off?' Jack was curious as to how he had managed it. He always found it a problem unless the keys were handy.

'I waited until dark then went to the smithy and threatened the smith's wife. Then I stole a boat and sailed away, ending up on this land where I have been working and hiding ever since.'

'Why d'ya want ter join this ship?'

'It is a pirate ship. I have heard pirates only see the man's abilities, not the colour of his skin.'

'Mr. Gibbs,' Jack called as the quartermaster appeared over the side of the ship. 'It appears we have a new crewman.' He turned back to the black man. 'What's yer name mate?'

'John.'

'What's yer given name?'

He stared at the strange looking white man before him in amazement. No-one had ever asked him for his given name before. 'Olabisi Ba, su… Captain.'

'Welcome to th'Black Pearl, Olabisi.' Jack held out his hand, smiling as the former slave grasped and shook it. 'Davy here will show yer where everything is.' Jack released his grip and shot his arm out, grabbing Davy Phillips as he walked by, and pulled him back. 'Won't ya mate.'

'Aye Cap'n. This way,' he replied with a grin, jerking his head towards the hatch then carried on his way with an extra shadow.

'Make sail,' Jack ordered, closing his eyes with relief that they were finally on their way.

… … … …

Jenny knew she was at sea even before she was fully concious. The movement and noise were too familiar to her now. She gradually opened her eyes, peering through the gloom to try and make out something, then groaned as pain shot through her head.

'It is all right, just lay still,' came a gentle, reassuring voice.

She looked around at a bespectacled man leaning over her and tried to shift away from him, stopping as the pain increased tenfold. 'W-who are you,' she whispered. 'Where am I?'

'I am Luke Martin, surgeon on HMS Sutherland.'

'Oh God,' she groaned as the memory came flooding back to her. 'Where are we?'

'On board…'

'I know we're on board,' she snapped contemptuously. 'Whereabouts? How long have I been unconcious?'

'We are just about to clear the Caribbean islands. You have been unconscious for nearly two days.'

'I must…' Jenny tried to sit up but found that her hands and feet were bound, anchoring her to the bed. 'What?' she burst out, straining against the bonds.

'I-I am sorry, it was not my idea,' he apologised, having the good grace to look embarrassed.

'No, I'll bet it wasn't,' she snarled, blinking away tears of frustration and anger. 'Am I to be chained the whole voyage?'

'That all depends,' came another voice, beyond the bunk she was in. 'If you promise to behave pirate, I might see fit to release you.'

Jenny looked at the sneering face of Captain Gillette and sank back into the pillow, despair threatening to wash over her. 'I am hardly likely to jump overboard in the middle of the ocean now, am I?'

'No, which is why you shall remain bound until we are well clear of the islands. Then and only then, you will be released, so long as I have your word.'

'But I am a pirate, surely my word means nothing?'

'Are you trying to talk yourself out of being free?' he mocked, his cold blue eyes looking closely at Jenny. 'To think, I actually thought you quite a catch once.'

'Well the feeling was not reciprocated, I can assure you,' she replied scornfully, smiling to herself as the captain turned on his heel and stormed off.

'Here,' Luke Martin had made himself scarse when the captain arrived, but returned with a bowl of broth which he placed on a nearby table while he helped Jenny to sit up a little. 'It would be best to keep on the right side of the captain, you know. He does not suffer fools.'

'He must be very hard on himself then,' she quipped, enjoying watching Martin trying not to smile. She fell silent as the surgeon spooned the broth into her mouth then lay back down as the ties were digging into her wrists and beginning to hurt. 'Do you know why I am here?'

'No, it is none of my business.'

'I fell in love,' she whispered, tears springing to her eyes once more.

'I-I…' Luke Martin picked the bowl up and went to go back to his work, but her hand strained against the tie and grabbed him, preventing him from moving. He shifted uncomfortably. Injured men he could deal with but crying women were another matter altogether.

'I fell in love with Jack Sparrow. Have you heard of him?'

Martin spluttered in shock. He most certainly had heard of the infamous pirate and could scarcely believe that this woman would be involved with him.

'Who are they to judge me, to judge Jack? Yes he is a pirate, but he is a good and fair man. Do that not count for anything?' The tears were flowing freely now and Luke Martin shifted uncomfortably in the chair. 'How dare James Norrington think he knows what is best for me. How dare they try and force me to live how they want me to. I am a widowed woman, not a child,' she sobbed, feeling as if her heart was truly breaking. 'Oh Jack…'

Martin felt her grip loosen slightly and snatched his hand away, hurrying back to his small cabin just off the sick bay and shutting the door on the woman's sobs.

… … … …

'Cap'n, we crossed the equator a while back,' Joshamee Gibbs worried, looking about anxiously.

'So?' came the bored reply.

'So we never gave an offering to Neptune, did we?'

'You an' your bloody superstitions Gibbs. Go an' offer him somethin' now.'

'It is too late. You have to do it as you cross the equator.'

'Well we're never sure exactly where the bloody equator is, so go an' do it now or it will be you I'll offer ter Neptune.'

'Aye Cap'n.' Gibbs hurried below to fetch some coins to throw overboard, leaving Jack standing at the helm shaking his head.

'Olabisi, can ya steer?'

'Yes Captain Sparrow, I used to steer the fishing boat back home.'

'Good man, come here an' let's see what yer like.' He stood and watched as the lanky man took the wheel and steered the course, handling the helm expertly. 'Looks like I've got meself another helmsman,' he mused then glanced up at the sails, a look of horror spreading across his face. 'Loose all sails,' he yelled, making those closest to him jump in alarm. 'Do it now!'

The crew scurried up the rigging and let loose the sails, but it was soon apparent why their captain was so troubled as the wind dropped and one by one, the sails hung limply from their masts and yards. The doldrums.

…

A collective groan sounded about The Black Pearl only punctuated by a cry of anguish from her master.

'Why?' pleaded Jack looking skywards then covering his face with his hands in despair. 'Why?' 'Run out th'sweeps, we'll go as far as we can an' hopefully get past it.'

'Aye Cap'n.' Gibbs ran below to organise teams of men to take over the rowing, using the strongest first, hoping that they would indeed get past the doldrums soon.

… … … …

Jenny looked insolently at her father as he entered the sick bay and turned her face away from him.

'Look at me, you wretch,' he ordered, grasping her face with his hand and turning her head back round, his fingers digging painfully into her cheeks. 'What is this?' He took the beaded braid in his hand and looked at it scornfully then dug into his pocket and pulled out a small pen knife.

'No!' She tried turning her head again, but it was held fast and she cried out as her father cut the braid from her head, slinging it to the floor. 'You have no right to do this to me, you bastard.'

'You had better learn some manners before we get home. And yes, I can do this to you. You are still my daughter.'

'Not any more. As far as I am concerned, I am an orphan and what you are doing is kidnap,' she hissed vehemously, launching a mouthful of spittle at him.

'Y-you little…' Henry Marston went to throw himself on to his daughter but found himself held back.

'Please Mr. Marston, this is a sick bay. Not the place for this sort of behaviour.' Luke Martin held the older man with a strength that belied his slight frame and mild manner.

'Do you know what she has just done,' he shouted, fishing a handerchief from his pocket and wiping the spit from his face.'

'Yes, and I also know you violated her by cutting her hair against her wishes,' he replied placidly. 'Now I would really rather you left please.'

Henry Marston looked at the surgeon, debating whether to argue the point but then noticed one or two marines watching from the doorway and decided that discretion was the better part of valour and left.

'Thank you,' Jenny whispered, straining against her bonds to look at the braid on the floor.

'Here, I will keep it safe until they release you,' he picked the braid off the floor and held it in his hand.

'You are very kind,' she smiled, tearfully.

'Just because I am part of the Kings Navy, it does not mean I always agree with their methods. Get some rest, we should be past the islands soon and hopefully Captain Gillette will release you.'

…

Jenny eased her stiff limbs gingerly and tottered across the deck floor of the sick bay under the watchful gaze of the surgeon and the captain. 'I should like a wash please,' she asked of Charles Gillette, ignoring his sneer. 'I may be a pirate, Captain, but I am still a human being and I would appreciate it if you would treat me as such. Tell me,' she smiled sweetly, secretly fingering the braid in her pocket that Luke had given her just before Gillette appeared to set her free. 'Would you despise me as much if I were any other pirate's woman, than Jack's?' Her smiled broadened as her remark hit home and Gillette's face reddened with anger.

' I despise all pirates. You are all scum!' he spat, leaning in so his face was mere inches from hers. 'I will treat you civilly, that is what my station requires of me, but do not think for one moment I am doing it out of the goodness of my heart.'

'You have goodness in your heart? There is a surprise,' came the riposte and Jenny had to turn away to hide the smirk spreading across her face.

'Perhap I can arrange for a bath tub to be sent to Mrs. Samuels' quarters for you captain? I know that you are a busy man.' Luke Martin had served under many captains and had the role of soothsayer perfected.

'Thank you Mr. Martin, I would appreciate that.' With a cold look at Jenny, Charles Gillette strode from the sick bay, slamming the door shut behind him.

'It would be better if you did not antagonise everyone, you know,' he chided, shaking his head ruefully.

'What? You think I should be the dutiful woman and let everyone else decide my life for me? I think not, Mr. Martin. Now if I can go to my cabin?'

'Of course, I will show you where it is.' The surgeon led the way along the corridor and down a flight of steep steps and a little way along another corridor until they came to a small cabin. 'Your father's cabin is next door and Boothe and Hall's is just along there.'

'I feel greatly reassured,' she replied sarcastically, but was immediately contrite. 'I am sorry Luke, I just do not know what to do.'

'There is nothing you can do until you reach England. Perhap you would like to help me in sick bay? I am always grateful for a helping hand.'

She smiled gratefully, 'Thank you Luke, I would love to help.'

'Right, I shall see you in the morning then.' Luke Martin smiled warmly at her then retreated from the cabin, leaving her truly alone for the first time since she had been aboard The Black Pearl.

She went and looked out of the stern windows, tears rolling down her cheeks as the islands of the Caribbean got smaller on the horizon then she sank down onto the window seat and buried her face in her hands, sobbing openly and wailing Jack's name over and over.

…

A blackbirder was the name given to ships that transported slaves.