INTO THE CARIBBEAN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN – Return to De Muerta

&&&&&&

"Elizabeth! Thank heavens you're alright." Governor Swann exclaimed in relief the moment he saw his daughter step foot onto the Dauntless. He pulled her into a tight hug as the rest of the men boarded behind them.

Alex watched quietly nearby, fully aware of the presence of the redcoats behind her. They had not clapped her in irons just yet, but she had a feeling they would think of it sooner or later. Glancing at Jack, who stood directly beside her with more soldiers keeping a cautious eye on him than they were on her, she inwardly chuckled as he idly looked around at his surroundings in bored curiosity.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" Governor Swann asked as he hesitantly broke their embrace, looking over her with concern. "Your hand, what—"

"It's fine, father, please." Elizabeth quickly reassured him with a smile. He looked at her disbelievingly, but accepted his daughter's answer and looked over at Alex, narrowing his eyes for a better look.

"Miss Keller, is that you?" He asked.

"Yep, the one and only." Alex smiled, hoping that would be the end of his sudden attention. But to her surprise, as well Norrington's and half of the entire ship, Governor Swann boldly pulled her into a hug, but not as tight and long as Elizabeth's. She stiffened up, and looking wide-eyed over his shoulder Alex saw Jack raise his brow with a smirk.

Perhaps he had felt the need to hold her since her father wasn't around to comfort her, or maybe he really was happy to see that she was still alive, but either way she was relieved when Governor Swann broke the embrace. He held her by the shoulders with a small smile. "I'm glad you're safe, both of you."

Norrington then loudly cleared his throat, making his presence known. "Governor Swann, the Dauntless is ready to make way. We'll return you and your daughter back to Port Royal immediately."

It didn't take long for Norrington's words to sink in, and Alex quickly realized he had no intention of going after Will at all. Apparently, Elizabeth recognized this too, and they both yelled out their objections simultaneously.

"Wait one bloody minute!"

"But we've got to save Will!"

Elizabeth hastily pursued Governor Swann, with Alex, Jack, and the rest of the soldiers following closely behind.

Governor Swann turned and held up his hands in objection. "No, you're safe now. We will return to Port Royal immediately, not go gallivanting after pirates!"

"So we condemn him to death?" Elizabeth steadfastly questioned in disbelief.

"The boy's fate is regrettable," He sighed sadly in a solemn tone, "but, then, so was his decision to engage in piracy." He glanced up at Alex, and during his brief gaze, thoughts of Elizabeth's earlier words came back to her. Did they really think she had become a pirate? Or was he only saying that as a warning as to what she was getting herself into? Either way, if she and Will had "engaged" in the same crimes and the Governor already thought of him as a pirate, then there was no doubt if they questioned if she had become one, too. But I'm not…I'm not a pirate.

"To rescue me! To prevent anything from happening to me!" Elizabeth explained. Her voice sounded stricken with guilt, and Alex realized that she must have felt that she was to blame for everything.

"Please, Governor Swann," Alex finally spoke, looking pleadingly into his eyes. They finally had an opportunity to save Will, and she wasn't just about to let it pass her by. They had to go after him…they just had to. "We just can't leave him behind! He's our friend, and he means so much to me, to your daughter. Please."

"It cannot be done, Miss Keller." Norrington candidly stated. "The Black Pearl is by now a day away in God knows which direction. Sadly, Mr. Turner is already gone, as far as I'm concerned." Alex clenched her fists and furiously glared at him.

"If I may be so bold as to inject my professional opinion?" Jack spoke up, unknowingly preventing Alex to jump Norrington and create an unwanted scene. Holding up his two index fingers and disregarding the soldiers behind him he approached Norrington, who only gave an irritated half-roll of his eyes.

"The Pearl was listing near to scuppers after the battle. It's very unlikely she'll be able to make good time." He explained with a small nod of his head, but Norrington still looked unconvinced and clearly fed up. Seeing this, Jack continued with an alluring tone. "Think about it…the Black Pearl…the last real pirate threat in the Caribbean, mate. How can you pass that up?" He briefly glanced at Governor Swann with uncertainty a few times before grinning at Norrington, who almost was recoiling in disgust.

"By remembering I serve others, Mr. Sparrow, not only myself." Norrington impatiently replied. Turning his back dismissively on the pirate and the still-glaring Alex, he began taking the steps up to the helm when Elizabeth suddenly stopped him.

"Commodore, I beg you, please, do this." She stared innocently into his eyes. "For me...as a wedding gift."

WHAT! Alex sharply turned and stared in bewilderment at her friend, who was staring solemnly up at the startled Commodore. What was she bloody thinking!

"Elizabeth, are you accepting the Commodore's proposal?" Governor Swann slowly questioned with a hopeful smile.

"I am." Elizabeth earnestly answered without breaking her intent gaze.

"A wedding! I love weddings!" Jack happily exclaimed, grinning excitedly at Murtogg and Mullroy behind him. "Drink's all around!" He extended his arms, earning an annoyed glare from Norrington and an exasperated groan from Alex. "What?" He asked, puzzled, and then weakly smiled as he held his outstretched hands together towards Norrington.

"I know, 'clap him in irons', right?"

Norrington stood silent in thought before he slowly sighed. "Mr. Sparrow," He began, taking one step down the stairs and looking at Jack. "You will accompany these fine men to the helm and provide us with the bearing to Isla de Muerta . You will then spend the rest of the voyage contemplating all possible meanings of the phrase 'silent as the grave.' Do I make myself clear?"

"Inescapably clear." Jack replied with an understanding nod and a quick smile.

Norrington gave one last sigh before nodding for his men to escort Jack up towards the quarter deck. Alex caught his gaze as he passed her, and he gave her a reassuring grin and a quick wink before he became blocked from her view.

Alex inwardly gulped, looking towards the quiet Norrington, awaiting her own fate. "Um," She hesitantly started, "What about me?" Norrington only stared down at her, and then silently descended down the stairs towards Elizabeth.

"Come, Miss Keller, you must be hungry." Governor Swann said, and Alex feverishly nodded. He smiled. "Good then. Shall we?"

"I'll join you in a moment, Governor Swann. I'd like to have a word with your daughter, if I may?" Norrington asked, affectionately smiling at Elizabeth, who returned it briefly.

Governor Swann nodded, and Alex watched as Norrington hooked his arm with Elizabeth. Alex quizzically watched the new couple walk away, more confusedly at Elizabeth, but said nothing. Instead she glanced up at the helm, smiling when she saw Jack harassing Murtogg once more, and followed Governor Swann down below.

&&&&&&

It was dark out when Alex again emerged from below once again that day. She had her fill of food and a much needed nap, and when she realized that Elizabeth was busy with her new fiancé and her father, she decided to go take a stroll on deck to get a breath of fresh air.

As she stepped out into the cool night, she smiled when she saw Jack still manning the helm. He had not spotted her but instead was intently concentrating on the horizon ahead, not looking a bit tired at all. He looked so different behind the helm, so mysterious and indefinable. It was something Alex noticed when she stole a quick stare from days before, and it was something Alex only saw then. Not when he was enjoying a talk with the crew or flirting with her, but when he was in control of a ship. She wondered what he looked like behind the helm of the Black Pearl, and it was in this thought that he drew her out of.

"Enjoying the view, luv?" He smugly smiled.

Realizing that she was now the one being watched, she smirked, "Not really. It's rather dull, now that you mention it."

He watched her with a catlike grin as she drew nearer and stood before him in front of the helm. "I'd make it much more interesting for you, but I'm sure the Commodore would object, and we wouldn't want to spoil Miss Swann's innocent mind before her wedding night, would we?"

Rolling her eyes, Alex leaned her hip against the railing behind her. "You're a bigheaded pirate, have I told you that?"

"Among other things." Jack grinned. "So what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be with Elizabeth?"

"She's busy hearing herself being discussed with Governor Swann and Norrington. I still don't understand her." Alex shook her head, and then continued, "So, I figured you'd want some company."

"I want some rum, that's what I want." Jack grumbled.

Alex smiled. "Well…" She pulled out the small bottle she found from the beach from her pocket and watched amusedly as Jack's eyes went wide with glee. "I was hoping to save this for later, but I suppose you need this more me. You'll need your extra boost when we get to Isle de Muerta." She handed it over to Jack, who graciously took it with a wide grin.

Smiling, he uncorked the bottle and took a lengthy sniff of the aroma before contently exhaling. "I could just kiss you breathless right now, luv." He grinned, taking a single large gulp and smiling in satisfaction.

"And we'll keep it at that." Alex smirked, and turned her head to stare out into the black water. "Do you think we'll make it there in time?" She asked hopefully, glancing up into the full sails as the wind lightly ruffled her black hair. When Jack didn't answer, she watched as he studied the horizon with a concentrated narrow of his eyes.

"If the wind stays as it is, which is most likely, then we should be there soon. But we can only hope for the best." He confidently answered, and then took another drink of his rum before passing it to Alex.

"Yeah, I know." Alex distractedly replied, taking a small sip of the rum before passing it back. She was becoming anxious. Will was hopefully still alive and probably thrown into the brig with the rest of the crew. She knew it would only be temporary until Barbossa was through with him, but that brought up another thought entirely when it came to Barbossa and his men. Clearing her throat, she quietly said, "You know, you haven't told Norrington about the curse yet…"

Jack lifted his brow at her. "I noticed neither did you. For the same reason, I imagine."

"The mangy blighter wouldn't have risked it." Alex admitted.

"We could have gotten him drunk?" He suggested with a smile, clearly entertained at the idea, but Alex subtly rolled her eyes at him in exasperation.

"Yeah, I'm sure that would have gone really well with Elizabeth."

"Who's to say she would find out?" He grinned, but Alex only raised her brow at him. "Don't get me wrong, luv, I admire a person who's willing to do whatever is necessary."

"You're a smart man, Jack," Alex half-grinned. "But after all you've put me through, it's a bloody miracle I still trust that I'll stay alive if I stick close to you."

"Ah, it's because you're beginning to warm up to me." He triumphantly grinned, his head slightly tilting back in a smug manner.

Alex laughed with a roll of her eyes. "You'd like that, wouldn't you, Sparrow?"

"I'm sure you're dying to know the answer to that one, luv." He countered with a deep chuckle. She closed her eyes with a shake of her head and widely smiled. When she opened her eyes she saw Jack watching her with a small grin.

"There it is," He smiled warmly.

"…what?" She hesitantly asked.

"I was beginning to think you've forgotten how to smile, but nay, its still there." He chuckled, turning the helm slightly under his hold. "That's the first time I've actually seen you smile since we were in the brig on the Pearl…you've looked a little glum since then."

"Oh," She replied, slightly taken back at his words. Was he really noticing that?

"It's a pretty smile, luv. You should do it more often."

Alex slowly began to smile, but tried her hardest to bite it back. She settled for a small shake of her head and a gentle chuckle. "Whatever," She smirked. She gave into the smile as he winked at her from the top of the bottle near his lips. Soon, silence fell over them with the exception of the murmuring soldiers nearby and the creaking of the ship underneath them.

Her thoughts eventually wandered back to the crew. She had grown to become close friends with Gibbs and Anamaria after they accepted she could pull her own weight. In fact, the rest of the crew had accepted her as well, despite the fact she wasn't a pirate amongst pirates. She hoped they were okay, and hoped for the best that they were still alive and well along with Will.

Her silent prayers were interrupted when two pairs of footsteps were heard coming up the stairs towards them. Curious to see who it was, Alex glanced over towards the stairs to see the footsteps belonged to Norrington and Gillette, both who didn't bother to use polite and formal greetings.

"How much farther, Sparrow?" Norrington demanded. His back was posed and his hands were clasped together behind his back as he briefly glanced at Alex to acknowledge her presence, in which she returned with a cheeky half-grin.

"Captain Sparrow!" Jack corrected exasperatedly. "Really now, is it that hard to remember? Tell me, luv, is it?"

"I'm sorry, were you saying something?" She smirked.

"Captain Sparrow," Norrington interrupted in annoyance. His furrowed brow hinted of an oncoming headache as he tried to keep his patience. "I am a very busy man, and would really rather you answered the question.

"Well, since you asked somewhat decently this time…" Jack nodded his head towards the bow of the ship. Alex, along with Norrington and Gillette, turned to see Isle de Muerta emerge through the fog, almost having the appearance a haunted island. Haunted with undead pirates and a hoard of treasure. Alex thought.

"Gillette, rouse the men immediately. Prepare the boats and armory." Norrington ordered.

"Right away, Commodore." Gillette nodded and quickly headed down towards the main deck.

"We'll anchor here." Jack announced, taking one last swig of the rum before handing it to Alex. It's bloody empty! She thought disappointedly before glaring at Jack.

"Will Miss Keller be accompanying us?" Norrington asked with a raise of his brow, eyeing Alex uncertainly. She nodded confidently and opened her mouth to speak, but Jack quickly beat her to it.

"I'm afraid not, she'll be staying here." He answered hurriedly.

"Oh, no!" Alex grabbed his arm and politely grinned at Norrington. "Excuse us, mate, we'll only be a minute." She raised a single finger, and then dragged Jack far enough out of earshot from the puzzled Commodore.

"I don't know, luv. A minute…that's going to be tricky, but I'm sure I can do it if you think you can handle it…"

"Shut up!" Alex snapped, harshly pulling him aside and then glaring up at him. "You are not leaving me here again, Sparrow. I am coming with you." She firmly stated while poking his chest.

"Bloody hell, woman, do you have to be so stubborn all the time?" Jack groaned.

"I've been in there with you before, Jack! And you know that if you leave me stranded here I'm just going to find a way off like I did last time you decided to leave me behind." Ignoring his rolling eyes, she defiantly crossed her arms and boldly stared him in the eye. "You need me this time, Jack. You know you do."

Jack closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose while Alex impatiently waited for an answer. "You sure you don't want to reconsider? I mean, it might get a little–"

"Jack…" Alex glared.

"Fine, fine. I suppose there's no point in arguing with you." He moaned. Clasping a hand on her shoulder, he led her back towards the impatient Norrington.

"Well?" He questioned edgily.

"She'll be coming along after all." Jack answered, and Alex smugly nodded. "You know how women are these days…they have to always get their own way or it's a living hell for the pirate."

"I'm sure." Norrington dryly replied. "Now if you'd please…" He motioned towards the boats that were waiting to be lowered.

"Don't get your knickers in a bunch, Jamesie, we're coming." Alex smirked, brushing past him and towards the boats with an amused chuckle.

"I don't care for the situation." Norrington finally spoke after several quiet moments, resting his telescope at his side. "Any attempt to storm the caves could turn to an ambush."

They were hidden behind the large rocks in a few boats filled with redcoats, all waiting for any orders as they gazed out towards the black ship that anchored in the cove before them. Alex was quietly sitting beside Jack, squeezed in between Murtogg and Mullroy, and impatiently waiting to carry out something or do whatever Jack had up his sleeve. And she knew he had something up there. He was never one to get himself into something without a plan.

"Not if you're the one doing the ambushing!" Jack pointed out. "I go in, I convince Barbossa to send his men out with their little boats. You and your mates return to the Dauntless and blast the bejeezus outta them with your little cannons, eh?" Jack suggested as he casually rested his arm on Norrington's shoulder. "What do you have to lose?"

Norrington pushed Jack's arm away with his telescope in distaste. "Nothing I'd lament being rid of." He commented coldly. Alex smirked; the poor blighter, in his entire naval career, probably never thought he would be co-operating with a pirate. That, along with his irritated and fed-up behavior that he always openly showed towards Jack, amused her greatly.

"Now, to be quite honest with you," Jack started, not feeling a bit discouraged by Norrington's unfriendly words. "There's still a slight risk for those aboard the Dauntless…which includes the future Mrs. Commodore."

Alex grinned knowingly as she watched Norrington turn his head and give it a concerned thought, but she also remembered Elizabeth. Alex hoped she wouldn't be angry when she found out that she had been left behind…but she would understand…I hope.

"Very well, you and Miss Keller will go ahead." Norrington finally said.

"Splendid," Jack grinned. "But before we go, I want my effects back first, if you please, Commodore. I'll need to protect Miss Keller in there. You understand." Jack stated, glancing at Norrington and his men expectantly while Alex rolled her eyes.

"Mr. Sparrow, I don't think that's such a good id–"

"Look, it's either you're going to give them back, or I'm going to steal them from you. It's up to you, savvy?" Alex spoke up irritably. Norrington was wasting valuable time. "What, are you afraid we're going to shoot you?" She smirked.

Norrington eyed her crossly before nodding for his men to pass up Jack's weapons. "I'll be looking forward to dealing with you when we return to Port Royal, Keller."

"And I'll be looking forward to what you have in store, you naughty man." She winked.

&&&&&&
&&&&&&

A/N: Sorry for such the long wait! Since school started I've been really busy, but now I've finally found the time to get this stuff out here. Thanks for all the reviews and e-mails everybody, they are very much apprieciated.

Oh yes, I hope you all have seen the new trailer for POTC: Dead Man's Chest...mmm Jack...

Review and let me know you're not mad and you all still love Jack? Because he missed you as much as I'm sure you all missed him!