Disclaimer: I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean, thus giving people no reason to sue.
Anyways… on with Chapter 4!
International Intelligence Agency, Someplace unknown
Director Thomas Black, once a highly valued agent at the IIA, was currently in a boardroom with some of the brightest people in the world trying to figure a way out of their current crisis.
Approximately 72 hours ago, one of the IIA's 'special agents' had disappeared in Paris. Agent Aubergine DeLuca, one of the IIA's best kept secrets, was nowhere to be found.
The tech guys had used the chip embedded in her shoulder to trace her location to Port Royal, Jamaica, but when the pick up team arrived, there was no Agent present to pick up. All systems indicated that the team had the agent surrounded, but the report was that there was no one there.
This itself was a small crisis, but just hours ago, Don Victor Perushka II of the Russian Mafia issued an ultimatum that was broadcast simultaneously worldwide. Either the IIA release all their intel to them, or they would blow the world apart, city by city. The phone lines had been tied up for an entire day, with calls from governments around the world. It seemed that their small crisis had now led to a worldwide quandary.
What's more, his missing assassin was caught in the middle of all this. In his private video message for Director Black, the Don revealed that he was only doing this to punish the woman who had ended his son's life. He was not interested in anything else.
Had Victor Perushka ended the message there, the IIA would not have known what happened to their missing agent. But, like the mobster that he was, he could not help but gloat about how he had sent her to a fate worse than death; about how she was now prehistoric.
No one could believe it at first, but then… everything seemed to fit. It explained how she was there, but not really there. Their rogue agent was back in time…
Kitchen, Clairmont Manor
The small fire in the kitchen hearth was currently dancing around merrily. Its orange and yellow flames flickered back and forth while releasing grayish smoke through the chimney.
The one who started said fire was upstairs, bundled up in a musty coverlet, unaware that the smoke was giving away her position.
Another large mansion, Next to Clairmont Manor
Lady Miles, a resident of a neighboring mansion, was looking out the bay window when she spotted smoke. She squinted her eyes, and noticed the smoke was coming from the abandoned Clairmont Manor. Baffled at first, but then she recalled that a friend of hers had recently had her house broken into by burglars. Lady Miles, absolutely shocked by the realization, began to beat her fan rapidly. She rang for the butler and demanded that he send a footman to the fort to report a burglary.
She believed that it was her duty to report such things, seeing as how her house might be the next target. Feeling proud of herself, Lady Miles called for her maid and treated herself to a shopping trip.
The Docks, Port Royal
Commodore Norrington, flanked on each side by his two lieutenants, was walking down the docks when a messenger from the fort came to a grinding halt before him.
The boy gave a hasty salute, and made to deliver his message out of breath.
Commodore Norrington held up a hand to stop him before saying, "Stop and catch your breath before continuing."
Grateful, the young boy sucked down a huge lungful of air before starting over.
"Urgent news Commodore! A break in at the abandoned Clairmont Manor has been reported sir!"
"When?" questioned Norrington.
"A few minutes ago sir! A footman was sent by one of the residents surrounding the manor." recited the messenger.
Turning sharply to his right side, Commodore Norrington ordered, "Gillette, gather you men and head for Clairmont manor. Search the perimeters and the inside. Arrest anyone you find. I shall join you there."
A deserted beach, Port Royal
Jack had just finished beaching and hiding his rowboat when he heard yells coming from the distance. It seems somethin's got the commodore all worked up. A crooked grin graced Jack's face at that thought.
Might as well check it out. Thought Jack. Can't have old Norrington have all the fun.
And with that, Jack sashayed into town, keeping just out of sight of the running redcoats.
Smallest Bedroom, Clairmont Manor
Aubergine had been asleep (had being a key word), until something woke her up. It was this weird feeling she had in her gut that someone was coming. Lifting the coverlet off of her, Aubergine tied the towel covering her body tight against her chest.
Slowly and quietly, Aubergine made her way to the window and looked out.
She silently cursed, as the sight of a dozen soldiers met her eyes. Moving to the door of her room, she slowly opened it a crack. Aubergine peeked out and saw that the coast was clear. She slinked her way out of the room, keeping to the wall. Once she reached the top of the stairs, Aubergine cautiously looked around. Spying the redcoats at the front door, she made her way to a corner that gave her a clear view of the downstairs.
Rushing through the door in a sloppy manner, the redcoats spread out and searched for their burglar(s). Aubergine counted another five soldiers with the dozen she had already marked.
No good, I'm outnumbered.
Realizing this, Aubergine came up with a plan to get out of there. But first she needed her things. She made her way back to the bathroom and grabbed her coat, while stuffing the letter, her tube of scented oil, and the scrap of paper she discovered in the painting, in her pocket.
Sticking her head out the bathroom window, Aubergine found a small ledge connecting the two windows. Ignoring the fact she was in a towel, she tied the sleeves of her jacket around her waist and climbed out to the ledge. Just as she straightened up, a soldier appeared in both the windows. Aubergine didn't dare breathe, for fear of being discovered. So, she stayed absolutely still until she saw them pull back into the house.
Sighing with relief, Aubergine looked down to see how far she had to jump. Oh good, another 30 feet or so… just great. If you couldn't already tell, Aubergine loved being sarcastic when in a tight spot.
Looking down again, Aubergine realized there was nothing else she could do, except to wait things out.
The Bushes, Clairmont Manor
Jack had followed the soldiers discretely, hoping they would lead him to some fun and excitement, but instead he found himself in the richest neighborhood in Port Royal. Jack was ready to turn around and leave when something caught his attention. The house the soldiers were currently raiding was labeled Clairmont Manor.
Herman had said the old man's name was Clairmont, so maybe he should start looking for the clues here first. Having deliberated his plans with himself, Jack decided to approach the house with some caution. He stealthily made his way to some of the bushes clustered up against the house. There, he would wait and go in when he felt that it was safe. After all, there were only a dozen or so soldiers around, no worries.
The Parlor, Clairmont Manor
Commodore Norrington, along with the help of Gillette and fifteen other men, combed through the large mansion in an attempt to find the thieves. So far, they had not found anyone, or any signs of theft. The only things his men had found were a heap of strange clothing and a tub of used water.
Dismayed and a wee bit ticked off, Norrington called his men back. He needed to get back to the fort. This futile search was a waste of time.
But just as he was about to leave, the Commodore noted a large painting thrown across a chair. He looked around to find a possible place it could have been hanging, and noticed a position above the fireplace. There was something about the way the painting was placed on the chair that made Commodore Norrington believe that the thief or thieves might return.
He swiftly turned around and delivered new orders to his troops. "Men, I believe I have an idea on how to catch our thief."
Small ledge, Clairmont Manor
Having spent the last 4 hours or so out on a small ledge in nothing but a towel had not improved Aubergine's mood much. Her calves were cramping up from being in the same position for too long, and her nerves were still frazzled from the letter. She desperately hoped the soldiers were gone because she was slipping form her precarious position on the wall.
She edged over to the closest window and crawled back into the house. She stopped to listen for any sounds indicating that she was not alone in the house. After hearing none, she left the room and walked down the stairs. Letting out a sigh, she plopped down on the sofa and tried to un-cramp her muscles.
Small hall closet, Behind the banister
Of all the scenarios Commodore James Norrington had come up with, this one was the most unexpected. There was a woman clad in only a towel, sitting on the sofa with her head leaned back, massaging her leg.
The image burned itself onto his mind and he felt his jaw actually dropping. This was easily the most erotic image he'd ever seen. Behind him, James could feel the lustful stares of his men, all directed at the woman in front. No, no, this is not right. We're here for the thief, not a…a… half-naked woman!
Just as the commodore was about to step out into the open, a swaggering figure made its through the door that led to the gardens. The entrance caused both the woman and the commodore to freeze, while the unaware figure continued its unsteady course.
Large reception room, Clairmont manor
Jack had sat in the prickly bushes for almost 4 bloody hours, waiting for the redcoats to clear out. And when they finally did, he fell out of the bush trying to get out. After dusting off himself and his precious hat, Jack made his way into the main room of the large mansion.
Now, if I were and old rich man, trying to hide the clues to my buried fortune, where would I put them? Jack asked himself. He was trying to put himself in the old geezers shoes to help him find the clues, but he was getting nowhere. Oblivious to the two other parties in the same room, Jack continued to turn over candlesticks and the like, searching for his clues.
Aubergine was working out the kinks in her legs when she heard a door open. She froze and immediately ducked behind the armrest of the sofa. She watched in fascination as a queerly dressed drunk swayed into the room. She followed his movements with her eyes, as the drunk moved about, apparently searching for something.
Aubergine noted that beads and other baubles were braided into his hair, along with dreads that made his head look big. His swaying motions and wriggling fingers intrigued her, as did the dark kohl that lined his eyes. What was this guy thinking when he got dressed?
Putting his mannerisms and apparel aside, Aubergine noticed a gun- no, a pistol- tucked into a scarf around his waist. Along with the pistol, she also noted a sword. Oh no, an armed drunk, just what I needed.
Jack was making his way around the large, open room when he felt eyes on him. He paused for a moment, but refused to turn around and look because that would give him away. No, he would act as if nothing was wrong.
Jack continued his way to the other side of the room and allowed himself a few looks around the surrounding area. When he noticed nothing out of the ordinary, he was about to dismiss the idea of somebody else being in there with him. Shrugging he turned to the center of the room, where he spotted a large painting on a chair. About half way there, Jack heard a soft whooshing sound. He paused and listened intently, but whatever made the sound had paused along with Jack.
Aubergine was watching the strange fellow carefully, in case he posed a threat to her. She moved when he moved, just managing to stay out of sight of the stranger. She eventually made her way around the couch, and was now near enough to the fireplace to grab one of the log pokers.
Unfortunately, the drunk had heard the slight swooshing sound that the poker made when Aubergine whipped it out. She froze when the strange man paused in his track. Slowly she lifted the poker to shoulder level, poised to attack.
Seconds passed and neither moved a muscle, until the drunk made to continue his walk to the chair. But not a moment later, the drunk spun around with his sword drawn and made to attack Aubergine.
Jack was now positive that there was someone behind him. He intended to find out who it was and why he or she was trailing him. Jack stepped forward at first, but then turning at the last moment; he drew his cutlass and turned around ready to confront his stalker.
But to his surprise, his 'stalker', turned out to be a woman wrapped in a towel, holding a log poker in her hands.
He let his gaze run over her lithe body, admiring the smoothness of her skin. Short, dark hair fell an inch or so above feminine shoulders while equally dark eyebrows were drawn together in an indecipherable emotion. He let his gaze wander further south and delighted in the wondrous assets hidden beneath the terry cloth.
Abruptly, Jack was torn from his observations when the woman attacked him with her poker. He had no choice but to react. Seconds later, the clashing sounds of metal on metal filled the room and two figures danced across the room engaged in a test of skill and strength.
Aubergine had made a huge mistake in assuming the man was a drunk. His reaction time was impeccable and his form was flawless. Matching her each and every parry and block, Aubergine soon found herself fighting one of the best swordsmen she had ever encountered. But then again, fencing was never her forte.
She watched as the sleeves of his overcoat stretches taut whenever he moved his arms. Silently she pondered just how fit her fake drunk was under all those layers. Slightly distracted by her thoughts, she unintentionally left herself open to an attack. Her fake drunk took advantage and disarmed her.
Aubergine found herself at the end of his sword, and cursed herself for ever thinking he was an inebriate (and for her 'other' thoughts about him). The man walked closer and closer until his sword tip pressed into her neck, centimeters from her jugular. Up close, Aubergine noticed that his dark brown eyes were perfectly lucid, and twinkling at her with interest.
The two stood there for what seemed like an eternity, staring at each other. Silence reigned until Jack's slightly slurred words broke through.
"Who are ye luv?" He asked while still holding the sword to her throat.
The woman continued to stare up at him as if she hadn't heard his question. Jack stared into her eyes and glimpsed… annoyance, anger, and possibly surprise? He opened his mouth to repeat the question when the woman suddenly spoke.
"My name is Xena. I am the warrior princess from Greece." Said Aubergine. She couldn't help herself. She had always wanted to say that, but now she was trying hard not to laugh. It took a Herculean effort, but she managed. Unfortunately, the laughter still showed in her eyes.
Jack watched her face intently while she introduced herself, and saw her laughing eyes when she said her name. Naughty little minx, she's trying to lie to Jack Sparrow! And Jack Sparrow is the king of all deceptions! Honestly, Jack had no idea why he was referring to himself in third person. But now was not a good time to ponder on that, he had a smug little woman to take care of.
Aubergine allowed herself a little smile, when the funny looking man spoke again.
"Xena, eh?" He muttered while circling her. "And ye say yer a… warrior princess?"
Aubergine only nodded her head in answer.
"Well then, what's a fine…" he stopped to look her up and down, "warrior princess, such as yerself, doing here in boring ol' Port Royal? And all by yer onesies at that?"
Jack had expected her to start sputtering out ridiculous lies, but Aubergine wasn't called the best assassin for nothing. She was able to come up with a fake identity and backup story in seconds. So, she schooled her features into a perfect mask and sold the odd man a very believable story about how she got stranded here when her ship sank just a mile off the coast of this port. She embellished her lie by saying she had taken refuge here in this abandoned manor when she was turned away by the townspeople. To add the final touch, she forced tears into her eyes, and said in a broken voice, "I fear I am all alone and absolutely terrified sir." She even bit her bottom lip and made her chin tremble a bit.
Jack was taken aback. He didn't think she was actually telling the truth, but the tears and the heartbroken voice made him doubt himself. He looked into her shining eyes and saw pain and fear. My God, no wonder she's only wearing a towel… she has no other clothes! Cursing himself for having scared the woman even further, he dropped his sword and immediately regretted it.
As soon as he let his guard down, Norrington and a gaggle of troops burst out from a hall closet. He turned to 'Xena', thinking she was part of all this, only to find her looking as shocked as he felt.
Commodore James Norrington had stayed put in the hall closet long enough. He had sat through the curious cat and mouse game the two had played, the short-lived swordfight, and he had even sat through the heart-wrenching tale of this 'warrior princess' from Greece. But as soon as he saw Sparrow lower his weapon, he had ordered his men to charge through the door. There was no way Sparrow was going to escape this time.
James was still undecided as to what he was going to do with the girl, but he would figure something out. There was something odd about her, and he had a feeling that she had been the 'thief' all along. He had his troops surround the two and himself. He would get to the bottom of this before the night was out.
Aubergine couldn't believe she had misjudged another situation again. First the kitchen fire, then the faux drunk, and now the troops hiding in the hall closet! Had she been on a mission, she would have been dead by now. No self-respecting assassin would allow themselves to screw up so badly. And, as usual, Aubergine found herself in another impossible situation.
I seriously starting to think the Big Guy upstairs hates me. Why else would he put me through all this!
Done being hysterical for the moment, Aubergine let out a huge sigh and started executing her escape plan.
Jack had heard 'Xena' let out a huge sigh, right before he found himself on his knees and in a death grip. The woman had kicked the back of his knees and wrapped her elbow around his neck while placing a firm hand against his head. In his degrading position, he saw Norrington and his men freeze and stare at them. The woman could snap his neck in just a quick move of her hand.
Once Aubergine made sure she had everyone's attention, she turned to the man she recognized as the Commodore and issued her demands.
"Commodore Norrington, if you'll please order your men to move away from us? I should hate to break this man's neck because your soldiers are too close to me." She said sweetly and added a little smile at the end.
Too shocked to think clearly, James Norrington replied, "Madam, move away from this dangerous criminal. He is a pirate and would have no qualms about killing you!"
Letting out a un-lady like snort, Aubergine sarcastically told the Commodore, "Dear sir, I am afraid you are mistaken. It is I who would have no qualms about killing him. Now if you'd be so kind as to move the hell out of my way, I'll let you have your dangerous criminal in one piece."
Jack, not about to have people talk about him as if he weren't there, gasped out a thought of his own. "Ah… Commodore, perhaps you should listen to the little lady and move. I think I should like to stay in one piece."
Totally ignoring Sparrow's comment, he focused his gaze upon the girl—woman— no, gir— female. It's just that the sight of her trim ankles, and trim everything else made James lose his concentration. He had to visibly shake his head to clear his thoughts.
Aubergine, taking his shaking head to mean that he wouldn't move, frowned dangerously at the Commodore. "Really now Commodore, I thought you might have wanted to take this pirate in yourself. But, since you care so little, I guess I'll just have to kill him…" She let her sentence trail off there, and watched the Commodore lose his cool.
James immediately ordered his men to move away, and glared at the grinning female. She slowly pulled Sparrow back onto his feet and dragged the two of them to an open window. "Thank you, Commodore, I couldn't have done this without your help!" And with that, she and Sparrow fell through the window. The bloody woman had tricked him!
Underneath the window, behind some bushes, Clairmont Manor
Jack was absolutely certain he had ticked off God or some other deity, because no man deserved this kind of torture. First, it was having the lass's toned thighs pressed against his sides when she held him in that death grip, then it was her tantalizing little foot rubbing up and down his calves while she was talking, and now… oh God…
After she had pulled the two of them out the window, Aubergine made sure to roll them both underneath the window so the Commodore and his men couldn't see them. Then, once under the window, she rolled them again behind some conveniently placed shrubbery.
Once she made sure they were safe, Aubergine looked down at the man underneath her. She had ended up straddling him after the last roll. Smirking down at him, Aubergine wriggled a little and deadpanned, "Hello handsome."
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