Aboard the Dauntless, the group of rescuers, so to speak, stayed on deck as the King's finest sailors did their worst, in sailing terms, of course. Actually, they were doing fine, but you see it's an expression…oh, never mind…
Anyhow, Michelle was looking longingly at Will, who was doing the same to Elizabeth, who was looking questioningly at Commodore Norrington who was pleading with Governor Swann to annul Elizabeth's marriage. In fact, the only person not connected in this twisted chain was Murtogg, who was completely absorbed in his miniature painting of Sarah, his betrothed. It was a very odd time indeed. Finally, Will tore his gaze from Elizabeth and strode forward to join Norrington and the Governor further down on the deck.
"I'm telling you, he's an imposter!" Norrington whispered fiercely.
"Commodore!" the Governor laughed uneasily. "Don't be silly! I'm sure there's nothing wrong with Mr. Turner, except for his somewhat regrettable heritage."
"Oho! That's what he wants you to think! He's messing with your mind, man! Look at his arm! That weird design on his wrist? You think that's a harmless symbol of comradeship with a bunch of actors he met in New Zealand? No! It's witchcraft!"
"Don't be absurd! There hasn't been a witch in these parts for more than a hundred years!"
Their conversation was halted by the approach of Will. Norrington stiffened, his expression hardened, and was turning to leave when Governor Swann addressed him.
"Commodore Norrington," he said. "I respect your judgment, but perhaps now would not be the time to create animosity amongst us."
Once Norrington had left them, Governor Swann turned to Will.
"Do you require my attention, Mr. Turner?"
"Dad, how many time's must I asked you to call me Will?"
"Ah…Will then…did you need something?"
"Yes, actually. This afternoon, you referred to an old gang which you were calling in. Who were they?"
"Well, as a youth in London, I was a rather popular lad. At one time, I had a rather close knit group of chums, six of us I believe there were, including myself. We were a jovial bunch, always keen to some amusement or to solve small mysterious." The Governor's eyes misted a moment. "I hadn't realized how much I missed them until now."
"So you called them in to help?"
"Yes. I thought they could be of assistance in this little dilemma."
"You called them in from England?"
"Well, yes! Where else would they come from?"
"And you expect them to arrive soon?"
"Ah…yes, that bit…I guess I should have given it a tad more thought."
As the sun set began to set, they looked ahead to the horizon, curious as to what awaited them in the night. And, in the case of Governor Swann, how in the world the plan would succeed if he couldn't provide reliable backup.