(This is a short chapter, but it is needed to move along with the rest of the story)

Chap. 19 Goodbye

The next day was the third day in Port Royal. Jack told himself that he needed to go down to the Pearl to talk with Gibbs.

It was early in the morning, there were only few people of Port Royal on the roads, but he knew his crew and he knew they would be awake. He walked across the small town, to the inlet, where the Pearl was hidden. He walked onto the ship.

'Well, Captain Sparrow, haven't seen you in quite some time, ye done having fun with the rich people?' asked Anamaria smiling, 'but don't worry, been taken good care of your ship.'

'Thanks. Where's Gibbs?' Jack asked.

'He's over polishing the helm.' she replied.

Jack walked to the helm, finding Gibbs.

'Well, 'ello, Jack.' he said, setting aside his polish.

'Aye, I ye are workin' early, even without me 'ere... ye are a good first mate, yes indeed.' Jack said smiling.

'Are ye finally coming back to us, Jack?' asked Gibbs, hopeful.

'Thats what i've come to talk to ye about. I won't be leaving with ye, I will be staying 'ere with Kaillyn, 'til the baby's 'ere.' Jack said, trying to act proud and hold his head up, but it hurt him inside to leave the crew.

'So, ye've made up your mind have ye?' Gibbs said, half-heartedly.

'Aye, 'fraid it's not the answer ye wanted to 'ear, but I think it me duty to stay and take care of her.'

'Your duty is being Captain of the Pearl and leadin' your crew.' Gibbs said boldly.

Jack didn't speak.

Gibbs continued, 'But it's the first lass i've seen ye act so weird around, which must mean something, so go and take care of her. I hope you'll return to us eventually, however.'

'Aye, without doubt, Gibbs, I wouldn't abandon ye for good, just enough to let ye 'ave a go at runnin' the place.' he smiled, ' And there is somethin' about that girl that makes me do foolish things sometimes. But I will return, savvy?'

'I believe ye, Captain.' Gibbs said, smiling, extending his hand in a farewell.

Jack received it willingly, then turned to bid goodbye to the rest of his crew.

'If I could 'ave me crew up on the deck!' he called aloud.

The crew made it up eventually, even the cabin boys.

'Well, ye 'ave been the best bunch of scurvy seadogs, i've had the pleasure of pillaging and plundering with. But I 'ave another responsibility I 'ave to take care of for awhile, so i'm leaving ye all under the leadership of me first mate, Joshamee Gibbs, yer new Captain, 'til me return. And when I return and I hear that any of ye have even thought about mutiny, i'll 'ave yer heads, savvy?'

'Aye, Captain.' they all said.

'Well, i'll be off then.' he said turning to leave.

The ship started to clap for him, acknowledging his leadership. Jack smiled hugely, but changed his face to a neutral one before turning around and raising his hat to them in salute.