Bill called Jack and his first mate, Johnny, into his cabin.
"I asked for you to come here because I have a request. My son has taken ill and I would like to go see him. I should only be gone a month, just long enough to make sure he feels alright. Then I shall return. In that time I need someone to run the ship. Johnny since you are first mate you will be captain in my leave. Is that alright with you?"
"Of course it would be an honor sir."
"Good. That leaves who would be first mate. I would like to give that position to Jack."
"Really? Capta…" Jack was cut off.
"Don't you think Jack's a little young Captain? He is barely 14."
"I think if Jack says he's ready he should be givin the chance. He has been on this ship far longer than some, including you; he knows what he is doing. What do you say Jack, are ye up for it?"
"Of course…I'll do my best."
"Good, that will be all."
3 days later
The Pearl dropped Bill off at the next port so he could go back on a merchant ship. He told them to return in a month.
Johnny was at the helm of the ship when Jack came up behind him.
"Where we headin?"
It was no secret that Johnny didn't like Jack. He saw Jack as a cabin boy, not a normal crewmember. The crew knew this but never said anything. The rest liked Jack and didn't have a problem with him. They all got equal share and were treated fairly. No one could figure out what Johnny's problem was. They were a little less than happy when he became the temporary captain.
"Where we headin…Captain."
"You're not the captain."
"I am till Bill gets back."
"Until Captain Turner gets back, I am first mate and I would like to know where we're goin."
"Well first mate Jack, we are headin to where ever I want."
"Where would that be…Captain?"
"I don't know yet."
"You know, the crew deserves to know. If you don't tell them they just might mutiny against you. Leave you on an island or something. Then you know what will happen…I will be captain. It does have a ring to it…don't ya think. Captain Jack Sparrow."
"You know its bad luck to talk of mutiny."
"It's also bad luck to make your crew work without a promise of anything."
"Well, thank you for your help little lad but if you would be on your way. I will tell the crew what is goin on when I know."
Jack wasn't about to leave yet.
"For someone who really has no position, you sure are takin it quite seriously. I'm impressed; I thought you were just a coward never really fighting for yourself. Always taking the easy way out of anything, you probably won't ever be a real captain. Captains need a back bone to…"
Jack wasn't able to finish as he was backhanded by Johnny. "Remember your place boy, you have no rank here."
"Neither do you mate." Jack said then walked off.