Disclaimer: I don't own POTC or its characters.

International Intelligence Agency, Somewhere hidden

They had laughed at him at first. Laughed and laughed until they realized he was serious. When Director Black sent the message that his best assassin was sent back in time to every intelligence agency there was, he was ridiculed and laughed at. But he eventually convinced the other directors to send their best guys over to help find a solution for their complicated crises.

And now, he was stuck in a boardroom with the some of the most intelligent men and women in the world.

Other people would have been intimidated in the presence of these geniuses, but Director Black could only feel boredom. He was desperately trying to suppress his yawns, but one or two would occasionally escape. He looked up to see the genius from Belgium glare at his rudeness, but he just shrugged. It wasn't as if he wasn't helping. He was, really. He could handle the bomb threats and unreasonable demands from the bad guys, but time travel was not something he understood.

He briefly dropped back into the conversation and discovered they were going on about quantum physics or something like that. He bet his missing agent was having more fun than he was right now.

Under the window, behind some bushes, Clairmont Manor

Aubergine was very pleased with herself right now. Not only had she managed to escape the local authorities, but she had managed to escape with a pirate. A very hot pirate. A very hot pirate whom she had just wiggled against and called 'handsome'. Oh yes, she was very pleased with herself right now.

Jack was in agony beneath the woman. Being in such a depraved position with her and having her flatter him was no help. Normally, Jack would have made a move on her already, but something told him to hold off on this one.

In the meantime, he was repeating a mantra over and over again in his head in hopes of gaining some control over himself.

After what seemed like forever, Jack finally, finally got his urges under control. This left him able to respond to the smirking seductress on top of him.

Aubergine had let her eyes travel over the pirate's features while he lay there dumbstruck. She noted his high forehead, the manly eyebrows, and a pair of the brownest eyes she'd ever seen. They were deliciously captivating. Her eyes roved over his high cheekbones, and silently giggled over his mustache and his braided beard. She had purposely skipped over his lips because she wasn't sure what she might do to him if she had looked at them.

Feeling something that was dangerously close to attraction, Aubergine immediately rolled off of the pirate. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Never get close to a civilian! It only ends in pain… Aubergine had learned long ago that doing what she did, she could never get close to anyone. You never knew who your next hit was.

Frowning at her body's complaint at the lack of a hard body beneath it, Aubergine forced her mind back to important matters, seeing as how the stunned pirate had yet to speak to her.

She had decided that she needed a form of transportation in order to track down Perushka's thugs and to reach the bombs. It was likely that he had already sent his men to plant them, so he had a head start. But… if his men were here in this time period, then they had to get around the old fashioned way. That meant no jet engines and no supersonic speeds. It would take them a while to get from place to place, so all she had to do was find a reasonably fast form of transportation, and find out where Perushka planned to place the bombs.

Aubergine broke away from her planning to turn to the pirate next to her. He had just mumbled something, but she didn't hear what he had said. She opened her mouth to ask him to repeat himself, when he suddenly turned to her and spoke again.

Jack was thinking about what to say to the strumpet, when she just rolled off of him. He actually opened his mouth to protest, but he caught himself before he could blurt out something embarrassing. Closing his mouth, and just enjoying the feel of having a soft female body next his, Jack let his thoughts wander. The first that came to his mind was how he had ended up lying next to an exotic half naked woman. Then it was closely followed by why the woman was still here when he knew she knew that he was a pirate.

For God's sake, the lass hadn't even asked his name yet! Part of him thought that perhaps she was an escaped insane patient at an asylum somewhere, but the fact that she was able to outmaneuver Norrington and save both him and herself, cast that thought into the trash.

Deciding that he should thank her for her help, Jack turned to find 'Xena' staring at him. Smirking a bit, Jack said, "My thanks, fair warrior princess, for your help with the Commodore." He attempted to tip his tri-corner hat in her direction, but only managed to look even more ridiculous.

Aubergine couldn't help it anymore. She burst out laughing after the pirate doffed his beat up hat in her direction. Trying to suppress the laughter, she only managed to snort several times. Finally, after a minute or two of the man both glaring at her and looking confused, Aubergine stopped laughing. Her voice shaky from laughing, she corrected the pirate. "My n-name isn't X-xena…" She paused as more laughter burst out, "It's Aubergine. And who might you be, fair pirate o' mine?" She flashed him a winning smile and mentally kicked herself for flirting again.

Jack was confused as to why the woman was laughing. Other women had fallen at his feet swooning, but not laughing. Giving her his meanest glare, Jack consoled his wounded pride by calling her ugly in his mind. Unfortunately his traitorous mind had already decided the woman was enchanting when she laughed.

She had a husky voice, one that spoke of untold pleasures when she talked, but when she laughed… lord… Jack had a hard time trying to restrain himself. Finally when her laughter ceased, she spoke in that low, sensual voice, telling him that her name was actually, Aubergine. Once again, the strumpet had managed to trick him.

Jack smiled as Aubergine asked him for his name. It was his turn to shock her. With a cocky smile on his face, Jack responded, " Captain Jack Sparrow, at your service, milady." He watched with smug appreciation as her eyes widened and a small seductive smile form at the corner of her mouth.

"A Captain, you say?" Whispered Aubergine.

"Aye. A Captain. With me own ship an' crew as well." Boasted Jack.

"Have I heard of your ship, Captain?" asked Aubergine.

" 'Course, luv. Who hasn't heard of me and my Black Pearl? I'm the most fearsome pirate in all the Spanish Main, darlin'. And I have the fastest ship in the waters." Seeing her eyes light up at his description of his ship, Jack jumped at the chance to impress her more. "How would ye like to see my beauty yerself?"

Aubergine could have kissed the man. She had been hoping for this opportunity since she'd heard he was a Captain. "You mean you're letting little old me see your ship?" asked a coy Aubergine.

Nearly melting under her look, Jack rasped, " Luv, you can see my ship anytime you want."

Aubergine grinned at the double entendre and gushed, "Oh thank you Captain! I've never seen a real ship before!" Thanking God that her plan had worked, all she would have to do now was make sure Captain Jack Sparrow stayed interested in her enough to let her stay aboard his ship.

Jack watched Aubergine lean in closer and closer to him, soon he could feel her hot breath on his lips. Gulping, Jack asked her, "What are ye doin' luv?"

Her response came in a soft brush of her body against his, and a breathy sigh against his cheek. "Absolutely nothing, Captain."

Christ, this woman is going to be death of me. Jack decided to divert her attention by pointing out that it should be safe by now to go back into the house. She simply nodded and abruptly backed away from him. Before he could react, she was already out of the bushes.

Jesus, Aubergine was glad the pirate had given her an opportunity to back away. She had been dangerously close to losing her composure.

Jack climbed out of their hiding spot and back into Clairmont Manor after Aubergine. He left her to lounge on the sofa while he continued his search of the house. He walked by the painting he had noticed earlier and bent to pick it up.

Out of nowhere, Aubergine appeared behind him and looked over his shoulder at the painting.

"You know, there's a hidden cache in the frame."

"Oh? Is that so?" Jack shook the painting a bit, finding no hidden caches.

Shaking her head at the funny picture he made, Aubergine pushed the painting out of Jack's hands. The painting fell on the floor, and the hidden compartment opened up again.

Bending down to inspect the frame, Jack muttered, "That's interesting." Finding nothing in the frame, Jack looked up at Aubergine who was smiling at him. Giving her a calculating look, he slowly stood up.

"Now, how is it that you came to know about that hidden slot?"

Giving Jack a sly smile, Aubergine replied in a carefree tone, "Oh, you know. It just fell open at my feet." Shrugging a bit, she clasped her hands behind her back and gave him her most angelic smile.

Not believing her for one moment, Jack slowly advanced upon her. "So it just fell open at your feet, huh?" He asked while gesturing with his hands.

Aubergine nodded. She didn't like the dangerous look in the Captain's eyes. They made him look… predatory in a way. Unconsciously, she started to slowly back up as he walked forwards.

Jack grinned when he saw the look of uncertainty in her eyes as she backed into a wall. Walking forward still, Jack steadily pressed his body into hers with each step. He brought his head down to hers and blew softly into her ear. He felt her shudder, and grinned rakishly.

"I'll ask you one more time, Aubergine," He paused and then breathed each word into her ear, "How… did… you… know?

She looked up at him with hazy eyes, and said, "Fine. I confess." She pushed him back a bit and continued. "I was in here looking around when I saw the painting. I noticed it because I recognized it. I was reaching up to get it when…"

"When…?" Jack prompted.

"When… a leprechaun popped in and told me about the hidden slot." Said Aubergine in one breath.

She had just pushed herself away from the wall when she was ruthlessly slammed back into it. Aubergine gave the pirate a venomous glare. She tried pushing him away, but he wouldn't budge.

"Captain, please move aside." Demanded Aubergine. She pushed at him some more, but Jack held fast.

"Don't toy with me lass." Warned Jack.

Aubergine heard the steely tone in his voice as he warned her. "Fine." She replied in much the same manner. "But let go of me first."

"No, you tell me what I want to know first, then I let your bonny self go. Savvy?"

Twisting in the harsh grip of his hands, Aubergine agreed. She told him how she had tried to take it off the wall when she dropped it. Done with her explanation, Aubergine looked pointedly at her arms, which were practically bruised in Jack's firm grip. "Now will you let go?" Asked Aubergine, her tone icy.

Jack immediately released her arms, but he still boxed her in with his body. "Now, Aubergine darlin', tell me what you found in the frame."

Aubergine calculated her odds in her head as she stared Jack on. The way she figured it, she could tell him about the scrap of paper he was so desperate to find, and use it as leverage, or she could just kick his ass and make a run for it. But the problem with the second choice was that she needed his ship.

Deciding that she would use the paper as leverage, Aubergine let a seductive smile slip on her face.

Jack couldn't figure this woman out. Just moments ago, he had threatened her and caused her bodily harm, and now she was smiling at him in a not so innocent manner. By all rights, she should have hit him or slapped him, but here he was with nary a scratch on him. He wondered what she was up to?

He left his thoughts when Aubergine spoke again.

"My dear Captain Sparrow. A woman must never reveal all her secrets to a man, otherwise she would hold no power over him. But, I will tell you this. I found a very important document rolled up inside. I'll let you decide whether or not it is of any importance to you."

Damn. He just couldn't win with this woman. "And if I decide that this 'important document' is of importance to me, then what'?"

"Well, then you treat me to dinner and drinks and we'll see where we'll go from there." Said Aubergine with a wink.

Dark Alleyway, Port Royal

Jack could not believe that they hadn't been caught yet. Nearly all of Port Royal was on alert for him and a female companion, and yet he was still a free man. Amazing.

He looked up and saw Aubergine in front of him carefully picking her way through the muddy streets. Perhaps the infuriating woman ahead of him was good luck? Chuckling a bit, he imagined what Gibbs would say if he kept her aboard the Pearl.

He continued to follow her around the alleyways like a lost little puppy, until she abruptly stopped. Not paying any attention, he very nearly ran into Aubergine.

Shaking her head at the strange pirate captain, she briskly asked him to give her a boost up. But what she got in return was a confused look. Aubergine sighed and pointed up to the open window above the tailor's shop.

Jack, who now understood why she needed a boost up, gladly offered her his hands as a step. But his eyes widened in alarm as Aubergine backed up a good distance from him and started charging at him.

"Uh… Aubergine luv?" He asked rather timidly, while Aubergine continued her charge. "Wait… stop… don't-" But Jack was cut off as she leapt onto his folded hands and rebounded up to the windowpane.

Looking down at the stunned pirate, Aubergine took pity and said, "Wait there, I'll go open the front door for you."

A few minutes later, Jack found himself being let into the tailor's store. He looked around to see bolts of fabric everywhere and all that other stuff they used to alter clothes. In the corner he saw the ever-so-agile Aubergine digging through a stack of men's breeches and shirts. Walking over, he stood to her side with one hip jutted out while holding onto his cutlass with his left hand. This left his right hand free and he held it up to inspect his nails.

Aubergine stopped her hunt for actual clothes long enough to stare at him. My God, what is he doing? Does he not realize how feminine he looks doing that? Raising her eyebrows at him, Aubergine resumed her search for pants her size. Pulling out a pair of black breeches that should be her size, Aubergine went to look for a shirt, all the while ignoring Jack.

Pouting at her lack of response to him, Jack followed her to a stack of shirts. He stood there, towering over her, silently demanding that she acknowledge him.

Aubergine felt Jack's stare and looked up at him. Seeing the look on his face, she sighed and put the pants in his arms. Startled to see pants in his arms, he looked at her when she said, "Here. Hold these for me."

Narrowing his eyes in annoyance, Jack simply placed the pants on the pile of shirts. "Honestly, I like you without pants on. I don't know why you're so intent on covering up all this loveliness." He said while running his hands up and down her bare arms.

Jack stopped when she gave him the meanest stare he'd ever received.

"Well, Captain. I can't just waltz into a restaurant with nothing but a towel on. I must be at least somewhat decently dressed." Explained Aubergine as if she were talking to a very slow child.

"Restaurant? What's a restaurant? I'm afraid ye lost me with that one." He wasn't sure if he'd ever heard of such a word. That and he weren't sure where to place her accent. It wasn't anything he'd heard during his travels, and he had been to a lot of places.

Aubergine gave him a reassuring smile while she was freaking out on the inside. "Oh, it's just something I heard the kids say in town. It means a place to eat." She let out her breath as Jack seemed to believe her. "Now, help me find a shirt and we can get going."

Together they eventually found a small boys shirt that worked for her. Looking in the mirror, Aubergine thought she could almost pass as a young boy… well almost. It was hard to miss the two round things on her chest, seeing as how one could almost see them right through the shirt. Trust the man to pick out a shirt that's see- through. Really. Was it so hard for a man to think with his head for once?

Frowning at her shirt, she looked around for something to cover her assets. Spotting a long slip of some kind, she walked over and took a pair of scissors to it. Cutting it around the middle, Aubergine was able to make an undershirt out of it. Hiding behind the changing curtain, Aubergine slipped off the see-through shirt and slid the silky undershirt over her head. She closed her eyes in pleasure as the glossy silk material covered her body. God, she'd missed the fine quality of French silks.

Finally emerging from behind the curtain properly dressed and disguised, Aubergine met Jack at the door. He seemed bored out of his mind. I guess men hate clothes hunting no matter what century. Aubergine silently mused over this fact, and smiled when he twitched his mustache. "Shall we get going Captain?"

Jack, who had been leaning against the door- frame with one foot crossed over the other, had come up with a plan. Not a detailed plan, mind you, but an outline of sorts. He knew what he wanted and he knew he was going to get it, but he just had to figure out how he was going to get it. Perhaps he would just wait for the opportune moment.

Jack looked up to see a now different looking Aubergine. She was dressed like a man, and strangely… she looked a bit like one too. He thought it might have been hard for her pass as a man, but here there she was, looking like a rather pretty young lad.

No doubt about it, Jack definitely liked Aubergine better half naked and in a towel.

Jack avoided looking at her further and led them both out of the tailor's… only to find about half the army pointing their bayonets at them.

In front of the Tailor's shop, Port Royal

Bloody amazing. Absolutely bloody amazing. He, Commodore James Norrington, had managed to catch the infamous Jack Sparrow, twice! He chose to ignore the fact that Sparrow had escaped the first time, simply because it wasn't Sparrow himself that staged the escape, it was that woman. The very same woman who was… not… currently… standing next to him.

Sensing the Commodore's confusion, Jack decided to help by giving him a hint.

"You remember this hellcat from our earlier encounter don't you Commodore?"

Staring in wonder at the young man in front of him, he asked, "Are you telling me that that is the same woman from this afternoon?"

"The one and only." Jack smiled largely.

James' mind was stunned. Clearly, the woman was every bit as debauched as the pirate. Why, she was wearing breeches! Having enough of the scandalousness of this situation, Commodore Norrington walked up to the two and placed shackles on them.

Giving the pair one last damning glare, he turned and sharply ordered them to be taken to the fort.

Jail cell in the far left corner, Port Royal Fort

Aubergine was mad. Mad as in steam coming out of her ears mad. She needed to be chasing down some Russian thugs with nuclear weapons, not rotting away in a little cell somewhere in Port Royal. Where the hell was Port Royal anyway? This was all that pirate's fault. He had sold her out! And to the Commodore of all people!

Slumping against the metal bars, Aubergine took to swearing quite inventive curses under her breath. She momentarily stopped when a rich laughter filled the cell. The sound of the dark yet sensuous voice distracted Aubergine. She looked over at the pirate who actually looked quite at home. He was lying on his back with his hat over his eyes, and positively shaking with laughter.

"What's so funny?" spat Aubergine.

"Nothin', jus' humored by your vivid descriptions of what I should go do to myself. But honestly, I don't think what you described could be done. I'm too big darlin'."

Aubergine could practically sense the lecherous smile on his face. Disgusted she turned away from him and lay back against the bars again. She had stopped cursing Jack, and had taken to plotting her revenge against him.

Jack took a peek at Aubergine when she didn't respond. He noticed she was laid back against the bars, looking quite pensive. He sauntered over to her and sat down next to her. She turned to him and for a moment Jack was scared. The look in her eyes could be described as nothing else but scary. They had a steely glint to them and shined maliciously.

The look disappeared in a flash though. Quirking a finely shaped eyebrow at him, Aubergine regarded him cautiously.

Jack almost felt as if her wary look was being misdirected. It was he who should be wary of her. It was quite possible that this diminutive woman was more dangerous than any pirate he had ever met.

Turning to her, Jack suggested, "Ye know lass, it'd be okay for ye to rest a bit. I swear on pain o' death that I won't touch nary a hair on that lovely head of yers while ye sleep. "Besides, I like me women aware and responsive." He gave her a saucy wink and opened his arms as if he expected her to fall into them at any moment.

Honestly, Jack had not expected her to do anything (maybe slap him a bit), but once again she had surprised the pirate.

After giving him another cautious glare, Aubergine decided to simply take the man's word for it and slowly lowered her head onto his welcoming lap. As soon as she did, she felt his warmth surround her and she let it gently lure her to sleep.

Jack— staring in wonder at the woman who was resting in her head in his lap— was oddly pleased. A huge grin fought its way to the surface and he sat there petting her hair. Suddenly, Jack felt a surge of protectiveness concerning the woman in his lap. A little crease formed between his eyebrows as he contemplated his odd reaction to her. He couldn't come up with an explanation besides the fact that she most likely had the clues to get to Clairmont's fortune. Yes. That must be it. He didn't have feelings for this woman. No. He just wanted the map safe.

Speaking of the map, where did the little strumpet hide it? He looked down at her slightly transparent shirt and silky undershirt and doubted she kept it in there. It would be too uncomfortable. Letting his gaze go lower, he noted her rather form-fitting breeches. Gulping at the sight of her deliciously rounded bottom, Jack had to reign in his urges forcefully. How embarrassing would it be for her to wake up and find me groping her? She'd probably think I was some kind of lecher.

Continuing his search for the hidden clues, Jack noticed her boots. They weren't like anything he'd encountered in the female fashions. They ran up to her calves and had a rather tall heel. Perhaps the vixen had hidden them in her boots? That was a possibility. But before Jack could continue his search any further, a familiar voice caught his attention.

"Well, well, well, Captain Jack Sparrow. Fancy meeting you in these cells again. And you've brought a lovely young woman with you as well?" The speaker allowed a bit of surprise to enter his voice. "My, you sure do work fast. What was the name of that poor girl you seduced last time?" The sarcasm in the speaker's voice was evident. "The whole town is in an uproar about this latest scandal of yours. They say the infamous Captain Sparrow is in an alliance with a woman just as wicked and devilish as himself."

Jack, upon hearing that voice, looked up at the person speaking to him with his trademark smirk in place. He said nothing and just listened as the person continued their banter. But it wasn't until the last sentence that Jack actually took interest. He raised one eyebrow at the speaker and smirked a bit more.

"I see that you make no claim to disprove the gossip. Could it be that the pirate has finally met someone?" asked the intrigued speaker. But one look at the pirate dispelled all the gossip he had heard. "Well then, shall I extricate the two of you from this drafty cell? I'm sure my darling wife would be delighted to see the two of you."

And with that, William Turner, pirate blacksmith extraordinaire, broke the legendary Captain Sparrow and his newest conquest out of the little cell in the far left corner.

Review my darlings, for your lovely comments inspire me to write and update as quickly as possible.