John and I have to share a hammock, because it was assigned by the Captain.

John looked ready to argue when the Captain ordered it, but I elbowed him. I cannot risk my new family finding out. What would they think of me?

'Ray?' John asks quietly.

'Huh?' I am tired. Rogers ran me ragged at today's lesson.

'Why are you so afraid of everyone finding out yer a – ow!'

I elbow him. 'What would they think? I've deceived them. I feel like a traitor. I started this lie and now I must continue it. I cannot stand to lose another family.'

Tentatively, John puts and arm around me and rolls me over so I am facing him.

'Ray, everyone loves ye. Hell, even Dawson likes you, and that's saying something. I know ye can't do this until yer ready but – I think you should at least tell Arnold.'

He rolls me back over. I roll over again to face him and give him a hug. 'Thanks, John.'

We stay like that until we fall asleep.

Apparently, fate didn't give me much choice in the matter, and the ship found out my secret a few days after I talked to John.

The crew is assembled on the deck. Elmer and Amos are seated on barrels, clapping and cheering. James and I stand in the middle, sleeves rolled up, swords crossed, in a fighting stance.

'Fence!'

The swords clash shine in the midday sun.

Sweat rolls down my face, but I hardly notice it, I am too busy telling my feet what to do. Our swords are moving so fast it looks like they are two bands of fire dancing in the air. James stumbles for a second, but regains his position.

I grin. I never stumble. I can do this –

'Rrrip.'

I fall, hard on the deck, sword spinning several meters away. Looking at my shirt, I see one side is split open.

I breathe a sigh of relief, and accept James's hand. I stand up, and my torn breast binding slips out the bottom of my shirt.

I look down, and blush crimson. No use pretending anymore.

'I can explain -'

'Bitch!'

The word is filled with hatred, and before I know what is happening, James is rushing at me, eyes filled with fury like none I have ever seen.

'Lying, Traitorous, Bitch.'

I duck, roll, and grab my sword. The first mate is absolutely furious. I block and jab, trying to find an opening. I see one.

With a flick of my wrist, I catch James behind the ankle. He is sent sprawling. The Captain steps to pick up his sword.

'Take him to the galley.'

John is running to me as fast as he can. He grabs my shoulders. 'Are you alright! I'll fucking kill 'im!'

Captain Arnold peels his fingers off my shoulders. John blushes. 'Sorry, Ray….'

'Miss? Come to my quarters, after you, ah, compose yourself.'

I blush again. I must be a mess.

I go to my hammock, wrap another length of cloth around my chest, and pull my other shirt.

I try to pull my hair into a ponytail, but it is soaked with sweat and salt water, and is an impossible mess. I rinse it off carefully in a bucket of water, and dry it.

I walk to the Captain's quarters. Biting my lip, I push open the door.

He is at a desk covered with papers, maps, and a logbook. A large map hangs on one side of the room, and a porthole is at the other. The room is painted light blue, and is altogether cheery. A small door in a corner must open to the Captain's bunk. He motions for me to take a seat.

'First, tell me your story.'

He bursts out laughing when I tell him who my father is. 'A Commodore's daughter turned pirate? That's the best story I've heard in a while!'

I omit the part about Will Turner being my father. I want that to stay between me and John. It is a piece of the puzzle I have become that I need to find myself.

'Well, Miss Rachel, I admire your bravery. You are an excellent soldier, a good person, and a wonderful swordswoman. I would love it if you remained with my company. I advise, though, that we not tell the rest of the crew who you are – with a father as powerful as yours, he is surely offering rewards.'

'I have been using Smith as an Alias. Perhaps it will serve me well for time yet.'

'Wonderful idea. Tell me, who else knows of your identity?'

'Amos, George, and John.'

'I should've known. Very well. I will require you to sleep in a separate room from the other men, and change in it as well. I believe there is a small broom closet just across the hall from the bunks. I will have Cato fit it with a latch.'

I smile gratefully at him. 'Thank you, sir. I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me.'