Disclaimer: PoTC belongs to the Mouse. I'm just borrowing it to play and I promise to return it in good condition.

The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Heir of Cortez

Chapter 2

The command cabin of the Diamond was smaller than that of the Pearl but in much better condition, clean and modestly furnished in expensive taste.

Jack slowly placed his booted feet on the polished oak table, smiling languidly at the three prisoners standing before him. Gibbs stood slightly to the side, while Anamaria and Bates waited near the doorway, ready to contain any escape attempts.

The Diamond's captain was an older man, his strong features creasing with slight concern as he took in his situation and surreptitiously tried to free his hands from their bonds behind his back. Alandra's head was bowed, her unbound hands clenched at her sides, while Dominic stood behind his mistress, following her example and examining the wood of the floor.

'So,' Jack began, 'I hear you lot have been looking for me. What can I do for you?' he asked, directing the question to Alandra.

The captain of the Diamond started to reply. 'Senor,' he said, drawing himself up proudly, 'I am Captain Diego Banderes of the Blue Diamond, sent by -'

Jack cut him off with a wave of his hand. 'Firstly, the name is Sparrow – Captain Sparrow,' he said with emphasis. 'Secondly, you're not captain of anything anymore – the Diamond surrendered fair and square, which means she's mine now.'

Alandra frowned but said nothing. Diego, on the other hand, looked panicked. 'But…but, Captain, we -'

'"We" nothing, Captain,' Jack replied breezily. 'And if you don't want to be swimming back home, I'd be real nice to me and me crew and we might give you a lift to the nearest port. Savvy?'

Diego paled further. 'Of course, but -'

'Thirdly, I wasn't talking to you – I was talking to me baby sister, though she don't seem to be a baby anymore,' he added, winking in Alandra's direction. She was unmoved by his comment, maintaining her silence. Jack continued nonetheless. 'So be quiet and let her speak,' he declared, looking at Alandra expectantly. She raised her eyes, regarding him curiously for a moment, allowing Diego to interrupt once more.

'But Captain!' he blustered, 'Senorita Alandra is not here as an official envoy! She is merely -'

Jack shot him a dark look and Diego faltered, once again conscious of his precarious position.

'Maybe you didn't hear the first time, Senor,' Jack said very slowly, pulling his feet off the table and standing. 'So let me make it very clear for you – I want to hear what me little sister has to say. Savvy?' he asked in a dangerous tone.

Diego swallowed nervously, nodding very quickly.

Jack nodded, sauntering in front of the table and leaning against it. He cocked his head to the side, meeting Alandra's eyes. 'Well?' he prompted.

Alandra shot a quick sideways glance towards Diego, who swallowed nervously, before facing her brother's gaze once more.

'We were sent to find you,' she said shortly, raising her chin as Jack stepped closer.

'Really now,' Jack said slowly. 'And why would you be sent to find me?'

Alandra seemed to consider her response carefully. Behind her, Dominic shifted uncomfortably on his feet.

'Father sent Captain Banderes to find you,' she said finally. 'I insisted on coming.'

Jack frowned. 'And why's that?'

Alandra pursed her lips, her gaze darting warily towards Diego. Jack got the message.

'Right then; we'll talk in private. Everybody out,' Jack ordered.

Anamaria, Gibbs and Bates immediately moved to comply but Diego protested. 'Captain, Senorita Alandra is under my protection. I will not allow you…'

He was still objecting as Bates and Gibbs dragged him from the cabin. Anamaria moved to take Dominic in hand, however Alandra moved between them, looking to Jack.

'Not Dominic,' she stated, a hint of pleading in her tone.

'Alandra,' came Dominic's gravely voice from behind her, 'this is time for you and your brother. I will go.'

He moved around her as she opened her mouth to argue but closed it again without a word, bowing her head in a reluctant nod.

'Him too,' Jack said to Anamaria. 'Take him to the Captain's quarters but mind you treat him well.'

'Aye, Captain,' Anamaria replied, leading Dominic from the room.

The door shut and the brother and sister were left alone. Alandra looked up at Jack and instinctively backed away.

Jack arched an eyebrow. 'You afraid of me now, Landra?'

Alandra snorted. 'I'm not afraid of any man,' she said haughtily. 'And don't call me that,' she added.

Jack grinned. 'I'm not allowed to call me own sister by her name? That's a bit harsh, Landra,' he said, emphasising the nickname.

Her eyes flashed angrily. 'Perhaps my brother was entitled to the intimacy of that name,' she retorted, 'but you, Pirate, are not.'

Jack's grin fell away at her furious words. 'Alright then, Senorita,' he said sharply. 'What can I do for you?'

'To start with, you can get me a drink,' she responded tartly. 'There should be something suitable in the liquor cabinet on the right. The key is underneath that disgusting figurine,' she added, pointing to a small bronze bust of a middle-aged woman.

Jack rolled his eyes. 'I'm not in the habit of playing servant for prisoners,' he replied, all the while wondering at the quality of Captain Banderes' rum. 'And you're too young to be taking drink,' he added.

'What I do and don't do is not your concern, Captain,' she sneered. 'And weren't you a little young to steal that bunch of rotting planks you call a ship?'

'Right, that's it,' Jack declared, feeling his temper slip. 'No more games, no more requests for drinks and definitely no more insulting my ship. What do you want?' he demanded

Alandra stared back at him impassively. 'For you to come home and see our father before he dies,' she replied matter-of-factly.

A stunned silence ensued before Jack finally responded.

'Under the figurine, you said?'