Pirates of the Caribbean, Elsa's Christmas present 2004

Merry Christmas, Elsa. You "demanded" more of Special Delivery so here it is. This is a tale that belongs somewhere after the Kettle of Hawks story line. No angst, no hurt. I've used Theodore as Groves' first name as I've become accustomed to it from many other stories from other writers.

Disclaimer: the usual. Don't own, belongs to the Mouse, no infringement intended, no profit made.

Rating: G

Special Delivery, Part 2

Lat Us Rejoyis and be Blyth

The crew watched in some trepidation as the Black Pearl sailed inexorably closer to the Jamaican coast and the harbour of Port Royal. They knew their captain had a letter signed by both Governor Swann and Commodore Norrington guaranteeing safe passage but they were still uncomfortable entering this seat of naval might so boldly, even after several prior visits. Once they were safely anchored and reassured of their reception, then the crew could relax and begin to enjoy themselves.

As they came in view of the harbour, the massive dark bulk of the Dauntless stood guard, anchored in the deeper water near the entrance. The fort with its heavy cannon lent a menacing air to the approach, the threat tacit but projected all too clearly. The other naval vessels in port merely added to the disquiet felt by the Pearl's crew; they were outnumbered and outgunned no matter how they looked at the situation.

To advertise their benign intent, Gibbs had the largest Jack in the Pearl's stores run up to display its bold colours against the sky, a white parley flag flying jauntily below it. The Pearl's gun ports were conspicuously shut, her hull a uniform glossy black, the figurehead and stern bearing the most colour and gilt. The dark smoke-grey sails were part of her legend and were trimmed to a nicety, proving to any onlooker that her captain and crew knew their business. The neglect and misery that Barbossa had inflicted on the Black Pearl had been made good after his defeat by her rightful captain. The great ship appeared now in her true glory, a power unto herself and one to be treated with the respect due her.

"Jack, are you sure you want to do this? I mean, look at the firepower we're coming in under."

Gibbs wished to make absolutely certain that his mad captain really comprehended the risk he was taking. It was one thing to meet up with the likes of the Governor's daughter and her affianced at other, more discreet locations around the island; this was something quite different. Entering this port in such a manner, letter or no, was like the fox trotting merrily into the hounds' own kennel, the fowl in its clever jaws, and sitting down to enjoy its ill-gotten dinner amidst them.

Gibbs was not the only crew member grumbling, mostly from nerves, truth be told. Jack looked around at his crewmen, and woman, perish the thought he should include Anamaria among the men, observing the signs of unease. He was not all that thrilled his own self but reckoned the Governor and the Commodore would be able to uphold their side of the bargain. The new accord with the Royal Navy was taking some time to become used to, at least when the Pearl ventured in to the squadron's home base. At any rate, there was no advantage in coming in timidly, their tail tucked between their legs; this was a situation that called for the bold assurance as befitted a famous sea captain.

"Look smart now, you scurvy dogs," Jack yelled at his twitching crew. "Stand up there and show them you're the best and finest in the whole of the Caribbees, not just some pack of common fishermen and bumboat men."

His exhortations, made as he prowled along the deck behind their backs as they lined up along the rails to peer into the harbour, must have had some effect. Gibbs went the other direction, barking similar commands at the men as he came around to meet up with Jack amidships; his long service in the Royal Navy standing him in good stead. They both knew perfectly well that many of the sailors aboard had had less than happy encounters with the King's Navy but watched in some satisfaction as the men pulled themselves together, squaring shoulders and standing more proudly.

Under Anamaria's hand, the Black Pearl slowed and glided majestically to the anchorage, dropping her starboard bow anchor just before her forward progress ceased, leaving just enough way on her to set the anchor properly. Gibbs the sailing master had lost neither his touch nor his timing. The sails were furled neatly and the yards aligned as smartly as any Navy ship. For a moment, the entire harbour seemed to hold its collective breath then released it as a long boat left the jetty, heading out to greet the Pearl.

Jack pulled out his spyglass from a pocket in his long waistcoat, opening it and casually putting it to his eye. He was unsurprised to see an officer's blue uniform and several red coats on the men in the boat in addition to the sailors; he cast around the fortifications and the warships to make sure there were no overt signs of hostile intent. Despite his currently amicable arrangement with the British, Jack had learnt to exercise caution until he was assured of his reception. For all they called him mad, he had no desire to take his place swinging in the breeze at Dead Man's Cay as had many of his past associates.

Returning his gaze to the long boat, Jack noticed a familiar form aboard. Will was coming out to meet them, further guarantee that their safe passage would be honoured. He had to smile as his old friend's son began to wave his hat in greeting as they neared the high black side of the Pearl's stout hull.

"Looks like Lizzie hasn't succeeded in burying that hat somewhere yet," Jack mentioned in an aside to Gibbs, waving to Will in turn as he did so.

"At least it makes him recognizable, Jack, even if it is such a bloody peculiar lookin' thing. Maybe that's why he's wearin' it today, eh?" Gibbs attempted to find some good in the hat, though it was a bit of a stretch, even for his knack of invention. He and Jack looked at each other for a moment, grinning broadly at each other at Will's expense; after all, he had not yet boarded and was unable to overhear their comments.

"Might as well let down the ladder for them, Mr. Gibbs. We wouldn't want our guests to muss up their pretty clothes, now would we?"

Jack turned and headed for the great cabin. If he was going to entertain guests, then he would be a good host and offer them refreshments. He supposed he ought to change into something a little more posh, given he was a genuine celebrity in these parts. He did not want his Pearl to be ashamed of him before visitors; he now had a substantial wardrobe of garments suitable for all occasions that a well-to-do pirate captain might find himself in.

Once in his cabin, he raised the lid of his favourite sea chest and contemplated the selection, singing absently to himself all the while. Reaching in, he lifted several items until one caught his eye and he hauled out a fine white shirt trimmed lavishly with delicate Brussels lace. Humming in satisfaction, he dug deeper until he unearthed an equally fine black damask waistcoat, embroidered elegantly with black silk and silver threads, closed with buttons of carved jet.

Laying the garments out on his bed, Jack then rooted around until he uncovered a pair of black breeches and the soft high-topped black calfskin boots he had had made recently. He knew perfectly well the boots were impractical on board but appearances were everything. Changing quickly, he shoved his other clothes under the fancy pillows on his bed to deal with later.

He decided a bit of colour was just what was needed to set off the elegant tone he was attempting to present. Jack hoisted a small iron-bound Spanish trunk up to the heavy mahogany table to peer inside more easily; the crimson silk sash with a heavy rolled fringe at the ends and a matching crimson silk head scarf fit the bill to a nicety. A broad belt in supple black leather and chased silver buckle were secured over the sash.

A quick look in the mirror to freshen the kohl around his dark eyes and, he really could not help himself, an admiring glance at the fine picture he presented. The beads and jinglies in his hair would keep his exotic image alive and well; they were expected of him, part of his persona. To finish his toilette, Jack tucked a fine Spanish dagger in a red Morocco sheath into his sash as well as his silver mounted pistol.

He was fully aware he was playing to the expectations of others but he did so enjoy the luxury of having the means to do so, both to enhance the Pearl's reputation and his own. He also had no hesitation in using the advantage the appearance of wealth and power gave him; sometimes that was enough to achieve his goal without having to fight for it. Hearing the sounds from the deck, the legendary Captain Jack Sparrow went out to greet his visitors.

Will Turner and several Navy men were coming along the deck toward the great cabin when Jack made his entrance. His audience stopped to stare at the bold pirate captain; even Will looked his surprise at the elegant appearance of his friend. The officer with him seemed to be quite taken with the sight of Jack, eyes gleaming with something like admiration. The Marines escorting them were also familiar and Jack nodded politely to the pair, not forgetting the role they had played in the defeat of the undead pirates.

"Welcome aboard, William. Very nice of you to come out to greet us like this, appreciate the gesture, I do." Jack greeted his friend, first shaking his hand then drawing him in closer for a quick hug and a slap on the back.

"It's good to see you again, Jack, it's been far too long since we saw you. Elizabeth's all in a frenzy making preparations for the New Year's ball; she has her father's household staff beside themselves trying to keep up with her."

Will shared a knowing smile with Jack, both men quite happy to be safely away from the uproar at the Governor's mansion and its women for the moment. The Governor was a politician and a diplomat by the nature of his position and he was far better equipped than lesser mortals to deal with a houseful of womenfolk in full cry. Neither Will nor Jack had any intention of admitting their mutual cowardice, preferring to obfuscate around that fact. The officer who had accompanied Will out to the Black Pearl had a grin of commiseration on his face whilst closely peering all around. Jack turned to face the officer, retaining a comradely grasp on Will's shoulder.

"Well, Master Turner, are you not going to introduce me to this fine fellow with you? He looks like he's quite enjoying himself, ogling my Pearl."

At the remark, Will grinned and performed the requested service.

"Captain Jack Sparrow, this is First Lieutenant Theodore Groves. Lieutenant Groves, this is Captain Jack Sparrow of the Black Pearl. It seems that the lieutenant has wanted to meet you ever since we, ah…borrowed… the Interceptor."

The handsome officer had a look of contained delight on his face as he took Jack's hand when it was offered to him, grasping it firmly then releasing it, much to its owner's relief. Jack was still not completely certain that the Navy had forgiven that little episode; after all, he had been responsible for the borrowing, though not the sinking, of their pretty boat. A generous share from Barbossa's hoard had eased matters considerably with the powers in London; fortunately those jackals had no idea how much treasure the cavern had actually held and Jack had no intention that they should ever learn otherwise. After all, his hard-earned treasure was no business of the grasping thieves in Whitehall, worse pirates than any in the Caribbean.

"That entire manoeuvre was worthy of the captain who took Nassau without firing a shot. As I told the Commodore, at the time, you had to be the best pirate I'd ever seen."

Jack stared at the man for a moment, keeping his thoughts off his face whilst processing the nuances of the last sentence. He would have given a good deal to have been on board the Dauntless and witnessed the scene the lieutenant mentioned. He could just imagine the look then on Norrington's face; after all, the Commodore had had a very trying time of it, what with Barbossa's men overrunning the town, Elizabeth's abduction and then the brazen theft of his pretty little boat. Jack sensibly chose not to pursue the issue of the Interceptor but saw no reason not to play up to his admirer. One never knew when a friendly face in the Navy would come in handy.

"Thank you kindly for that endorsement, Mr. Groves. At least we can meet now under more pleasant circumstances. May I offer you gentlemen some refreshments? If you have the time, perhaps a look around the Black Pearl might be in order, if you are interested, that is?"

"Actually, Jack, we are under direct orders to bring the guests back with us and to not dawdle about it. Oh, and be prepared to stay over for several nights. Do you, Gibbs and Anamaria need time to pack or are you ready to leave?"

"We're nearly ready to go, William. I'll be over at the Commodore's house as planned. Have you decided where Joshamee and Ana will be staying?"

"They have a choice, Jack, as our house isn't quite ready for occupation yet, so they can choose either to stay at my quarters at the forge or up at the mansion with Elizabeth She's very eager to see everyone, even with all the preparations. I expect she'll come out to the Pearl to catch up with the crew in a couple of days. Your visit is all she's been talking about for the last fortnight. From the mutterings, I believe she desires a few pirates to put the fear of God into some of the tradesmen she's had to deal with of late." Will said this with a very bland and innocent look on his face, knowing his beloved had her own share of pirate in her nature but was hampered by her social position to exercise it to its fullest extent.

"Why am I not surprised at that, eh? Well, if that's what she wants, then that can be arranged, can it not?"

"Jack. Do not. I repeat. Do not encourage her or offer to deal with those tradesmen on her behalf. It will be difficult enough without you stirring things up."

Will thought it wisest to nip this notion in the bud. Jack and Elizabeth were two of a kind and on their own each was a handful. The notion of putting the pair together and then turning them loose to terrorize an unsuspecting Port Royal gave him shivers, although there were some potential victims that appealed to his baser nature. He made a mental note to himself to keep an eye on both his fiancée and his father's best friend for as long as the Pearl remained in port.

While the friends had been chatting, the Pearl's crew was being told in explicit terms by Gibbs and Anamaria what behaviour was expected of them, what they were allowed to do, and most importantly, what they were forbidden to do. Their faces were somewhat surly until the announcement that shore parties would be permitted, in limited groups, so that the crew could visit selected establishments and make merry as it was a special visit. They were not, under any circumstances, to misbehave or they would regret their actions for the foreseeable future or the rest of their natural lives, whichever came first.

Groves heard the loud voices behind him and turned to observe how discipline was handled on a pirate ship. He really tried to think of the Black Pearl as a privateer nowadays but it was a difficult habit to break. He was quite fascinated by the whole crew, their appearance, and behaviour toward their officers and captain. It was a system wholly unlike that in the King's Navy yet he had to admit it appeared to work well enough aboard the Black Pearl. It was clear that Sparrow had spent lavishly to restore the ship and Groves wondered if he would be able to have a tour of her at some time while the ship was in port.

Jack turned to Groves and offered an invitation for the officer to come out to the Pearl for a look around at some point during their visit to Port Royal. They were out of time now as the first shore party would be disembarking very soon; Gibbs and Anamaria were scurrying up from their quarters with their duffle bags and oddments of gear. Jack noticed that they had each managed a fast change of clothes and were now dressed in their better outfits as befitted the occasion. He left the party on deck and walked back to his cabin, retrieving his own things and the presents. He thought to himself, I'm becoming a regular Father Christmas. Just so long as they don't think this pirate is a tame pirate.

Jack rejoined the group on deck and they made their departure, leaving Marty in charge while they were away. Anamaria gave one last scowl, double-checking that the crew were sufficiently compliant as she met their eyes. Satisfied for the moment, she made her way over the side and down to the long boat, taking the seat that had been left for her between Gibbs and Groves. With all passengers and their effects now on board, the lieutenant gave the command to return to the dock.

Upon reaching the dock and securing the long boat, the Christmas guests disembarked, taking their gear along to the carriage Groves indicated they were to use. Courteously, Groves inquired for the destination each visitor wished. He was already aware that Captain Sparrow would be guesting with the Commodore but was not sure where Gibbs and Anamaria were going to stay for the duration of their visit.

Gibbs and Will looked at each other and nodded, the living quarters at the forge would do fine for Gibbs and it was closer to the harbour and the Pearl if he was needed. Rather surprisingly Anamaria chose to stay with Elizabeth at the mansion. The others looked askance when she announced her choice and then grinned wickedly when her response was that she would be able to lend assistance to Elizabeth when dealing with the troublesome tradesmen.

Lieutenant Groves appreciated the sly humour of the choice; he had been watching Anamaria since he had first realized that one of the Pearl's senior officers was a woman. His observations gave him to believe that the town's tradesmen would be in for a trying time until the Black Pearl left port again. It was certainly no hardship to observe Anamaria, she was a handsome woman, pirate, privateer or whatever she wished to be called. It bid fair to be a most entertaining Yule this year, a definite improvement over the usual run of parties with their predatory husband-hunting women. In that light, he caught her eye and smiled widely, letting his admiration show on his handsome face.

Ana had not given the lieutenant a close look until that smile. She blinked in some surprise; first the Commodore when he had raced his sloop out to meet the Pearl, now this man. She had never really thought about the men who wore those stiff uniforms; just perceived them as dangers to be avoided or foes to be fought. This entire trip into Port Royal looked to be more interesting than she had at first believed.

Gibbs and Jack had caught the byplay between Anamaria and Groves. They glanced at each other, Gibbs grinning slyly behind the cover of his hand and bushy whiskers, Jack looking quickly out the window of the carriage lest he attract Ana's ire. She might appear to have her attention elsewhere but he had felt her slap before and knew how hard and fast she could strike; he did not particularly wish to arrive at the Commodore's and have to explain the red handprint on his face if she got a slap in. On further thought, he didn't want the sarcasm at his expense either as he was quite certain Norrington would not believe he hadn't earned the slap. After all, he had been slapped by women (mostly) from one side of the Caribbean to the other and a good few places beyond as well.

The carriage stopped to let Will and Gibbs off at the forge, and then proceeded to the Governor's mansion to disembark Anamaria and the lieutenant. Groves insisted that he accompany Anamaria to the door and saw to it that a footman was sent to inform Mrs. Turner of her guest's arrival. It was a courteous gesture on his part, to ease the way for a young woman who was most likely unfamiliar with the English gentry class and its customs. It also kept him in Anamaria's company just that little bit longer.

Jack was driven to Norrington's house along the cliffs. He had been there before and enjoyed the comfortable house and the company of its owner, not to mention his host's library and wine cellar. The Commodore's house was not large but was elegantly designed and furnished, rather like the man himself, but had enough personal touches to make it a home rather than merely a residence. The gardens were pleasant and best of all, there was a grand view out to sea and a path down to a very nice stretch of beach. Jack preferred the guest room that had the finest view out to sea; from there he would be able to see any ships that entered or departed the port and would even be able to keep an eye on the Black Pearl at her anchorage.

Norrington was still at the fort or somewhere about, attending to his Commodorial duties, so Jack trotted along to visit with Mrs. Bloom, the housekeeper. She was a most excellent cook and had a kindness for wayward pirates or, at least, one pirate in particular. Jack knew she was expecting him so there would be fresh baking and culinary delights that were just for him. He had a Christmas present for her that he had acquired on one of their adventures and wanted to see her face when she opened it. James had accused him of cooing at Mrs. Bloom but Jack did not mind, it was perfectly true, after all. He would visit with his favourite housekeeper, allowing her to spoil him with goodies, until either James came home or James' library and wine cellar called to him.

At the forge, Gibbs was settling into his billet and regaling Will with some of the most recent goings-on aboard the Black Pearl. Will listened with his habitual politeness, interjecting the occasional question or commenting on a detail; the former Navy man's talent for tall tales never ceased to entertain and Will enjoyed the latest offerings. He always waited to hear when the sea turtles appeared in one of the stories; Gibbs had made it a custom for Will's benefit to include mention of the creatures in some fantastical manner. Both men quite enjoyed the yarning and looked forward to a good session whenever they were able to meet.

"Do you have any plans for the morning and early afternoon, Joshamee? It'll be a while before the supper begins. There will be a number of guests to arrive so there will be a chance to meet people. It isn't to be a large affair, just an opportunity to visit with friends and family rather than the society nobs. Elizabeth says she has enough of all the fuss and fury acting as hostess for her father and this is one time that she would like to enjoy herself as she wishes. The Governor acquiesced as there are more than enough balls and parties in the season to satisfy anyone."

"Aye, Will, I do have plans. There are some old friends I intend to meet up with, including a few from my time in the Navy. Under the circumstances I can move about the town without having to keep a weather eye out for the Watch or the marines out to catch poor sailors."

"I seem to recall hearing how Joshamee Gibbs had found a nice widow woman to visit in Port Royal after the last time you had a chance to come here. I believe she keeps several fine pigs, does she not?" Will raised an eyebrow over a straight face; he was not above teasing his older friend, recollecting the first time he had seen him slumbering with his porcine sty-mates back in Tortuga. At least now the smell was vastly improved.

Gibbs gave Will a look of mild reproof. "Now you've no call to be insulting, Will. There's nothing wrong with pigs. Better company than many men I've met."

"Not to mention their owner?"

"You just be quiet and mind yer own business, Master Blacksmith."

Will laughed at Gibbs, enjoying teasing the man and the suspicious flush that now gave his weathered cheeks a ruddier colour. He left off tormenting him; there would be other opportunities during their visit. It was going to be a very different Yule this year than any he had had before. Will wished his parents could have seen how well his life was turning out after all.

TBC…

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