Chapter 4

Jack's Back

Twigg sat at the quarter deck, watching Grapple intently. Grapple knew enough about it, but he wasn't the best helmsman. He fumbled in area's, and when he did Twigg would have to take the wheel and do it for him. Although the new Captain seemed like he would have no experience, he proved quite capable. He was firm, sea worthy, excellent in sailing and fighting tactics. None of these skills (other then being firm and rude) had showed through Twigg until now.

"Hullo, Cap'n Twigg." Pintel strolled up the quarter deck, and was given a stern glare from Twigg.

"What do you want, y'clodpate?" Twigg ask grumpily. Pintel stopped and took the unnecessary insult.

"I came to negotiate plans." Pintel said, a bit annoyed.

"What plans? We have no plans." Twigg asked, pushing off the rail towards the wheel. Without warning he pushed Grapple away from the wheel and held it still himself.

"That's exactly my point..." Pintel mumbled.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, I mean, plans to sail perhaps... to Portsmouth." Pintel waited intently for the captains reply. For a moment Twigg stood there like he hadn't heard a word Pintel said.

"Whatever for?" He finally replied.

"Well, I shall tell you straight. It twas a request, from Raggeti." Pintel said.

"Raggeti? Why would he want to go to Portsmouth?" Twigg asked, still keeping his eyes straight ahead.

"He, he wants to visit some un'." Pintel scratched his neck awkwardly, keeping his eyes off Twigg.

"And you expect me to drop him off for a day to have a play date with some un' whilst I sit in the harbor with 'pirate' written all over me." Twigg asked sarcastically, his eyebrows raised. Pintel gave a weak smile.

"Perhaps."

"No." Twigg said sternly, turning back to the wheel. Pintel stood there for a moment. "You may leave now, Mister Pintel."

"Portsmouth is loaded with wonderful taverns, most better then in Tortuga." Pintel finally said, turning to leave. Twigg let go of the wheel and the whole ship lurched to one side. Pintel slammed into the rail of the quarter deck and Twigg landed on top of him.

"Damme, what did y'do tha' for?" Pintel shouted. Twigg stood up and knocked Pintel across the back of his head.

"Shurrup and don' second' guess me. Twas an accident." Twigg gave Pintel a good kick then took back the wheel and returned the ship to it's correct path. Pintel lifted himself off the ground.

"And we'll be head'n straight to Portsmouth, we don' need to be stopp'n at Tortuga anyways. Now turn to." Twigg ordered. Pintel smiled subtly in triumph and waltzed back down the stairs on deck.

.....

Jack sat at a large round table, Commodore Norrington and Vice Admiral Lessont across from him. Norrington had explained basically what was going on, and now they were waiting intently for Jack's decision.

"Will there be any sort of... reward acquired if I accomplish this task?" Jack asked kicking his feet onto the table. Lessont growled and swiped Jack's feet away.

"Yes... We shall discuss that after the pirates are caught." He said.

"You speak as if I'm not a pirate myself." Jack looked curiously at the glances passing between the two noble men.

"I suppose that is it." Norrington finally broke the silence.

"You suppose you don't want me to be a pirate?" Jack questioned. Norrington bit his lower lip. "And don't you dare say you suppose."

"We can discuss that, also after the pirates are caught." Lessont said. "As of now, do you agree to the terms?" Jack gave a nervous-looking nod.

"Aye."

"Alright then." Norrington stood up and Jack followed. They shook hands, but when Jack moved his hand to shake with Lessont, the older man gave him an angry glare.

"Good day, Captain Sparrow." Lessont said sharply. Norrington even looked surprised at Lessont's behavior.

"G'day." Jack replied tipping his hat and without a second glance he stomped out of the room.

.....

Will had finished nearly every job in the shop in record time, basically because of all the pressure. He most certainly didn't want the crew that had taken his beloved Elizabeth away to be free. Still he couldn't do a thing. He could only trust that Norrington would take care of the matter. Although everyone knew that The Aaralyn was as fast as the Interceptor had been. The only way it could be taken is if the Dauntless planned every last detail perfectly.

Now Will was lounging in his shop, trying to fade off to an early sleep. Suddenly he heard a knock on the door. Pushing himself from his chair he headed for the door and peered out a crack.

"Come in, Elizabeth." Will opened the door for her. "Your father won't be liking our secret visits to each other, you know."

"I know, and that's why he doesn't know." Elizabeth grinned like a mischievous child.

"Aye, well, I believe it's almost time for you to have supper back at the lovely estate, is it not?" Will asked, helping Elizabeth down from the high ledge down into the shop.

"Yes. I can make it back on time. I rode my horse here." Elizabeth said proudly.

"You, you rode your horse?" Will started to chuckle. Elizabeth gave a haughty smile.

"I did. Why, do think that so hard for me?" She questioned.

"Not at all." Will answered, still chuckling. He did stop though. "Say, have you heard any news?"

"Yes, as far as I know the Dauntless found Jack, so he should be stopping by Port Royal soon."

"Very good." Will nodded. Elizabeth wandered past Will further into the shop, casting glances around.

"I figure you'll want to go with him." She sighed. Will furrowed his brow curiously.

"Aye... I wish you could too..." Elizabeth turned back to him.

"Yes..." She mumbled. Her eyes started to glow. "I'll see you later, Will. I should get home." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and pulled herself up the ledge, exiting without a backward glance.

.....

Raggeti was ecstatic about the news, if you can imagine him being ecstatic. They would head straight to Portsmouth. But what all of the sailors abroad, aboard The Aaralyn, The Black Pearl, The Dauntless, and even The Raking, didn't know was that the Raking, The Aaralyn and the ship that had been attacking towns were all set upon the same destination. This would certainly make an interesting Ron de vu at Portsmouth. This might get complicated here afterward, so pay attention...

.....