OK people, here's your update! I hope you like it.
OK, thanks to:
Wuemsel – Thanks for the review babes, I hope you like this chapter. I'll be posting the next chapter of FLY very soon! I promise! Nah, couldn't have gone to sixty lashes! Just couldn't do it to Jack!
Ping*pong5 – Yep, I met Johnny Depp! I went to the BAFTAs on Feb 15th, waited around all day and got in the grandstand. I managed to get an autograph and some pics. It was sooo amazing! And he is even better looking in the flesh! Anyway, thanks for another great review, Im really glad you are enjoying the story. Let me know what you think of this update!
Greenleafslover – Sorry I stopped! Enjoy this update!
Ailene – Thanks for the review, I know, Ive been a bit, erm, easy with military law there, but im glad you enjoyed it anyway!
Amy – Thanks for the reviews. Enjoy! Can't wait to hear what you think!
Chapter 4.
Admiral Morris was sat in his impressive office, a big smile on his face. Life was being so good to him at the moment. He had achieved the top rank at a relatively young age, surprising and agitating many people. He had shown those doubters, those idiots. He was God in these parts and he knew it. He could control men's lives with a snap of his finger. No one would dare challenge him, no one disagree with him. And that's the way he liked it.
But of course, he did have a challenge now. That damn pirate. He wondered if Sparrow was dead yet. He couldn't believe that even THAT man could survive twenty floggings, let only sixty. He also wondered if his men would show the dog any mercy. 'No,' he decided, 'they would not dare to disobey, no one did.' He leant back in his chair, content. He grasped his glass of wine and had a quick swig. Wait until he told that pompous fool Norrington that he had not only captured the famous Captain Jack Sparrow but also broken and killed him too. He pictured the Commodores face and laughed softly.
Morris and Norrington had been enemies for a long time, since they had both been midshipmen on the Lady Alice together. It had been a case of instant mutual dislike. He knew that him achieving the Admiralty ahead of Norrington would have peeved his old shipmate no end and this extra kick in the teeth will finally prove his success over Norrington. He pondered what he should do with Sparrow's body? "Perhaps," Morris said to himself, "I should cut of the filthy rogues head and send it to old James in a box, as a gift." He chuckled at his own sick joke, stood and walked over to the window. He gazed down at his kingdom, the beautiful Port Mary. It was now nearly dark and there was a lovely sunset to behold.
He was drinking down some more rum, still thinking happy thoughts, when there was a knock at the door.
"Enter," he snapped.
A soldier walked into the room, nodded to the Admiral and then said shakily, "Captain Dawson wishes to speak to you, Admiral."
Morris sighed. Dawson was his one problem in an otherwise perfect situation. The man just refused to lie down and take orders. Well, he would surrender in the end, they all did.
"Very well, show him in, Matthews." The Admiral said with a wave of his hand.
"Aye Sir," Matthews said and hurried out of the room, pleased to have been dismissed.
A few moments passed and then Dawson strode into the room and stood politely to attention, as the Admiral fiddled with papers on his desk.
"Yes Captain Dawson, what can I do for you?" Morris said, finally looking up.
Dawson cleared his throat and then said, "I wish to speak to you Admiral, about a prisoner."
Morris raised an eyebrow. "Oh yes?"
Dawson nodded, trying to keep his calm. "Yes Sir, the pirate Sparrow."
Morris chuckled. "Right, our friend Jack! What about him?" He added with an air of annoyance, which Dawson noticed.
"I would like to know Admiral, is it true that you ordered your men to flog the man to death and then throw him into the Hole?"
Morris got to his feet slowly. "I would like to know, Captain, what any of that has to do with you?"
Dawson shifted uneasily but his face remained firm.
"I mean no disrespect Sir but the man was being tortured to death and –."
Morris moved quickly around his desk and stood in front of Dawson, eyeing him dangerously.
"Once again Dawson, I fail to see why this matter is of your concern. Jack Sparrow is MY responsibility. The man cheeked me and therefore was given punishment. I assume that punishment is now over."
Dawson swallowed. "Then you also assume Sir that Sparrow is dead?" he asked.
Morris smiled. "I believe that would be the result of sixty floggings Dawson, yes."
Dawson stood at his full height. "I ordered the men to stop the punishment and demanded Sparrow was returned to his cell for treatment. That is where I assume he is now, Sir."
Morris froze. He gaped at Dawson in absolute astonishment. He stepped closer to his Captain and was annoyed to see the other man didn't flinch.
"You realise you are facing Court Marshall, Captain?"
Dawson shrugged. "Yes Sir, I do realise that. I couldn't allow any more cruelty Admiral and if I have to report you, I shall. Such brutality had to end. It was inhuman."
Morris couldn't believe what he was hearing and was turning an angry shade of red. Then suddenly, he smiled. This unnerved the Captain more than anything else.
"Very well Ben. You made a decision on the spot and I will over look it this time." He moved closer, now almost touching Dawson with his nose. "But only due to your Father, a man I have long respected, and of course your sister, whom I have respected for almost the same amount of time."
Dawson bristled, trying to stay clam. "What has Lucy got to do with this?" he asked, swallowing hard.
Morris leered in his face and then turned and walked towards the door. "You may go, Ben." He said and stepped away to allow the Captain past.
Dawson hesitated for a moment and then began to move past the Admiral. Just as he reached the door, Morris jumped forward and threw him viciously against the wall. He held him tightly as Dawson struggled.
"Now, you listen to me you piece of scum!" Morris hissed. "I am your superior, never forget that. You will do as I say, when I say it. Ever go against my orders again and I will have the skin flayed from your back, do you understand me?"
Dawson moaned in pain as the Admiral tightened his grip. "You can't touch me, I am an officer," he stammered.
Morris laughed cruelly. "Your rank won't protect you from me, boy. I'm the power here, remember that." He then spun Dawson around and grabbed him round the throat.
"And just so you know," he spat, "You haven't saved Sparrow from anything, you've merely prolonged his suffering. Be assured that I will make HIM pay for your behaviour today and it will be on your shoulders." He flung the Captain towards the door. "Now get out!"
Dawson massaged his neck for a moment, eyeing the Admiral with hatred. Then, with all the pride he could muster, he turned and walked to the door. Just as he was about to reach for the handle, Morris called after him. "Give my regards to your sister." Dawson stood for a moment, anger coursing through him and then he pulled the door open and walked through.
Morris stared after him for a moment and then bellowed, "Matthews!"
The young soldier raced into the room and saluted the Admiral. "Are sir," he said breathlessly.
Morris returned to his desk and sat down, pulling out some paper and ink. "I want you to send a message for me boy, to Port Royal." Morris smiled as he began to write. It was about time he sent a message to his old friend Norrington. And after that, he thought he'd visit Captain Jack. He chuckled at the thought.
~*~
Will arrived at his home still fuming and flung open the door. He had ignored Elizabeth's calls to him as she had pursued him across Port Royal. He just couldn't bring himself to speak to her. Not only was he furious, he was also ashamed. He had promised her he would watch his temper and had failed miserably.
He stormed to a table and sat down, reaching for a bottle of rum and pouring himself a drink. He knocked it back in one and then poured another.
"Will that help?" A soft voice said from behind him.
"It may," he replied but he didn't drink, he just toyed with the tankard in his hand.
Elizabeth sighed as she sat down beside him. "I'm sorry Will. Father should not have said those things to you."
Will shrugged. "Its fine Elizabeth, forget it."
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, I can't."
Will turned and looked at the love of his life, realising for the first time how upset she was. He reached out and took her hand. She smiled with relief.
"What are we going to do Elizabeth?" He asked her.
"Don't want to get hopelessly drunk on rum anymore then?" Elizabeth asked him. He grinned. "Good idea," she continued, "after all, it would only make you a complete scoundrel". She stopped and laughed, an old memory returning to her.
"What?" Will asked her.
"Nothing," she replied and then stood up. "Maybe we should just go to bed Will."
He nodded, stood and kissed her. He then pulled away and watched her for a moment. "Maybe we should leave." He whispered.
Elizabeth let out a small laugh. "What, leave Port Royal? And go where?"
Will gestured with his hands. "I don't know, who cares? Anywhere is better than here."
Elizabeth eyed him and decided he was serious. "But this is our home."
Will shook his head. "No Elizabeth, it was our home. But we could start over, head out to new places.
Elizabeth's smile had disappeared. "And chase after a certain Pirate we both know I suppose?"
Will frowned. "Elizabeth, this has nothing to do with Jack."
"Its always about Jack," she shouted back, surprising him by her anger. "That's why you were so upset with my Father tonight, because he insulted Jack!"
Will glared at her. "He's my friend, Elizabeth. Our friend."
Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief. "And what have we heard from him? Nothing. It's the past Will, Jacks gone. This is our home; we have to make the most of it. And you need to get your head out of the clouds and start living in the real world!"
She turned and marched towards their bedroom. She opened the door but then paused and turned to look back at him. "If you want to go after him and live like a pirate, I can't stop you. But if you do, you're on your own Will, because I cant live like that."
"Live like what?" He called after her. "What would be so wrong with a life like that?"
"The fear that you'll get caught," she whispered, "and that I'll lose you." And with that, she walked into the bedroom and slammed the door behind her.
Will stared after her for a second and then wiped his eyes. He began to pace the small room. He understood Elizabeth's fear, he really did, but he couldn't stay on Port Royal. He knew her Father would never truly believe he was good enough for Elizabeth and he didn't want to put up with that.
He went back over to the table and picked up his tankard and quickly drank the contents down. He again picked up the bottle of rum and poured himself yet another drink.
He then heard a commotion coming from outside. He walked to the door and opened it, stepping out into the warm air. He jumped aside just in time as a group of Soldiers rushed past him. He looked over to where the noise was coming from and cursed. The Dauntless had arrived in the dock. That meant only one thing: Commodore Norrington was home. 'That's all I need,' Will thought to himself and turned away in disgust.
~*~
OK, thanks to:
Wuemsel – Thanks for the review babes, I hope you like this chapter. I'll be posting the next chapter of FLY very soon! I promise! Nah, couldn't have gone to sixty lashes! Just couldn't do it to Jack!
Ping*pong5 – Yep, I met Johnny Depp! I went to the BAFTAs on Feb 15th, waited around all day and got in the grandstand. I managed to get an autograph and some pics. It was sooo amazing! And he is even better looking in the flesh! Anyway, thanks for another great review, Im really glad you are enjoying the story. Let me know what you think of this update!
Greenleafslover – Sorry I stopped! Enjoy this update!
Ailene – Thanks for the review, I know, Ive been a bit, erm, easy with military law there, but im glad you enjoyed it anyway!
Amy – Thanks for the reviews. Enjoy! Can't wait to hear what you think!
Chapter 4.
Admiral Morris was sat in his impressive office, a big smile on his face. Life was being so good to him at the moment. He had achieved the top rank at a relatively young age, surprising and agitating many people. He had shown those doubters, those idiots. He was God in these parts and he knew it. He could control men's lives with a snap of his finger. No one would dare challenge him, no one disagree with him. And that's the way he liked it.
But of course, he did have a challenge now. That damn pirate. He wondered if Sparrow was dead yet. He couldn't believe that even THAT man could survive twenty floggings, let only sixty. He also wondered if his men would show the dog any mercy. 'No,' he decided, 'they would not dare to disobey, no one did.' He leant back in his chair, content. He grasped his glass of wine and had a quick swig. Wait until he told that pompous fool Norrington that he had not only captured the famous Captain Jack Sparrow but also broken and killed him too. He pictured the Commodores face and laughed softly.
Morris and Norrington had been enemies for a long time, since they had both been midshipmen on the Lady Alice together. It had been a case of instant mutual dislike. He knew that him achieving the Admiralty ahead of Norrington would have peeved his old shipmate no end and this extra kick in the teeth will finally prove his success over Norrington. He pondered what he should do with Sparrow's body? "Perhaps," Morris said to himself, "I should cut of the filthy rogues head and send it to old James in a box, as a gift." He chuckled at his own sick joke, stood and walked over to the window. He gazed down at his kingdom, the beautiful Port Mary. It was now nearly dark and there was a lovely sunset to behold.
He was drinking down some more rum, still thinking happy thoughts, when there was a knock at the door.
"Enter," he snapped.
A soldier walked into the room, nodded to the Admiral and then said shakily, "Captain Dawson wishes to speak to you, Admiral."
Morris sighed. Dawson was his one problem in an otherwise perfect situation. The man just refused to lie down and take orders. Well, he would surrender in the end, they all did.
"Very well, show him in, Matthews." The Admiral said with a wave of his hand.
"Aye Sir," Matthews said and hurried out of the room, pleased to have been dismissed.
A few moments passed and then Dawson strode into the room and stood politely to attention, as the Admiral fiddled with papers on his desk.
"Yes Captain Dawson, what can I do for you?" Morris said, finally looking up.
Dawson cleared his throat and then said, "I wish to speak to you Admiral, about a prisoner."
Morris raised an eyebrow. "Oh yes?"
Dawson nodded, trying to keep his calm. "Yes Sir, the pirate Sparrow."
Morris chuckled. "Right, our friend Jack! What about him?" He added with an air of annoyance, which Dawson noticed.
"I would like to know Admiral, is it true that you ordered your men to flog the man to death and then throw him into the Hole?"
Morris got to his feet slowly. "I would like to know, Captain, what any of that has to do with you?"
Dawson shifted uneasily but his face remained firm.
"I mean no disrespect Sir but the man was being tortured to death and –."
Morris moved quickly around his desk and stood in front of Dawson, eyeing him dangerously.
"Once again Dawson, I fail to see why this matter is of your concern. Jack Sparrow is MY responsibility. The man cheeked me and therefore was given punishment. I assume that punishment is now over."
Dawson swallowed. "Then you also assume Sir that Sparrow is dead?" he asked.
Morris smiled. "I believe that would be the result of sixty floggings Dawson, yes."
Dawson stood at his full height. "I ordered the men to stop the punishment and demanded Sparrow was returned to his cell for treatment. That is where I assume he is now, Sir."
Morris froze. He gaped at Dawson in absolute astonishment. He stepped closer to his Captain and was annoyed to see the other man didn't flinch.
"You realise you are facing Court Marshall, Captain?"
Dawson shrugged. "Yes Sir, I do realise that. I couldn't allow any more cruelty Admiral and if I have to report you, I shall. Such brutality had to end. It was inhuman."
Morris couldn't believe what he was hearing and was turning an angry shade of red. Then suddenly, he smiled. This unnerved the Captain more than anything else.
"Very well Ben. You made a decision on the spot and I will over look it this time." He moved closer, now almost touching Dawson with his nose. "But only due to your Father, a man I have long respected, and of course your sister, whom I have respected for almost the same amount of time."
Dawson bristled, trying to stay clam. "What has Lucy got to do with this?" he asked, swallowing hard.
Morris leered in his face and then turned and walked towards the door. "You may go, Ben." He said and stepped away to allow the Captain past.
Dawson hesitated for a moment and then began to move past the Admiral. Just as he reached the door, Morris jumped forward and threw him viciously against the wall. He held him tightly as Dawson struggled.
"Now, you listen to me you piece of scum!" Morris hissed. "I am your superior, never forget that. You will do as I say, when I say it. Ever go against my orders again and I will have the skin flayed from your back, do you understand me?"
Dawson moaned in pain as the Admiral tightened his grip. "You can't touch me, I am an officer," he stammered.
Morris laughed cruelly. "Your rank won't protect you from me, boy. I'm the power here, remember that." He then spun Dawson around and grabbed him round the throat.
"And just so you know," he spat, "You haven't saved Sparrow from anything, you've merely prolonged his suffering. Be assured that I will make HIM pay for your behaviour today and it will be on your shoulders." He flung the Captain towards the door. "Now get out!"
Dawson massaged his neck for a moment, eyeing the Admiral with hatred. Then, with all the pride he could muster, he turned and walked to the door. Just as he was about to reach for the handle, Morris called after him. "Give my regards to your sister." Dawson stood for a moment, anger coursing through him and then he pulled the door open and walked through.
Morris stared after him for a moment and then bellowed, "Matthews!"
The young soldier raced into the room and saluted the Admiral. "Are sir," he said breathlessly.
Morris returned to his desk and sat down, pulling out some paper and ink. "I want you to send a message for me boy, to Port Royal." Morris smiled as he began to write. It was about time he sent a message to his old friend Norrington. And after that, he thought he'd visit Captain Jack. He chuckled at the thought.
~*~
Will arrived at his home still fuming and flung open the door. He had ignored Elizabeth's calls to him as she had pursued him across Port Royal. He just couldn't bring himself to speak to her. Not only was he furious, he was also ashamed. He had promised her he would watch his temper and had failed miserably.
He stormed to a table and sat down, reaching for a bottle of rum and pouring himself a drink. He knocked it back in one and then poured another.
"Will that help?" A soft voice said from behind him.
"It may," he replied but he didn't drink, he just toyed with the tankard in his hand.
Elizabeth sighed as she sat down beside him. "I'm sorry Will. Father should not have said those things to you."
Will shrugged. "Its fine Elizabeth, forget it."
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, I can't."
Will turned and looked at the love of his life, realising for the first time how upset she was. He reached out and took her hand. She smiled with relief.
"What are we going to do Elizabeth?" He asked her.
"Don't want to get hopelessly drunk on rum anymore then?" Elizabeth asked him. He grinned. "Good idea," she continued, "after all, it would only make you a complete scoundrel". She stopped and laughed, an old memory returning to her.
"What?" Will asked her.
"Nothing," she replied and then stood up. "Maybe we should just go to bed Will."
He nodded, stood and kissed her. He then pulled away and watched her for a moment. "Maybe we should leave." He whispered.
Elizabeth let out a small laugh. "What, leave Port Royal? And go where?"
Will gestured with his hands. "I don't know, who cares? Anywhere is better than here."
Elizabeth eyed him and decided he was serious. "But this is our home."
Will shook his head. "No Elizabeth, it was our home. But we could start over, head out to new places.
Elizabeth's smile had disappeared. "And chase after a certain Pirate we both know I suppose?"
Will frowned. "Elizabeth, this has nothing to do with Jack."
"Its always about Jack," she shouted back, surprising him by her anger. "That's why you were so upset with my Father tonight, because he insulted Jack!"
Will glared at her. "He's my friend, Elizabeth. Our friend."
Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief. "And what have we heard from him? Nothing. It's the past Will, Jacks gone. This is our home; we have to make the most of it. And you need to get your head out of the clouds and start living in the real world!"
She turned and marched towards their bedroom. She opened the door but then paused and turned to look back at him. "If you want to go after him and live like a pirate, I can't stop you. But if you do, you're on your own Will, because I cant live like that."
"Live like what?" He called after her. "What would be so wrong with a life like that?"
"The fear that you'll get caught," she whispered, "and that I'll lose you." And with that, she walked into the bedroom and slammed the door behind her.
Will stared after her for a second and then wiped his eyes. He began to pace the small room. He understood Elizabeth's fear, he really did, but he couldn't stay on Port Royal. He knew her Father would never truly believe he was good enough for Elizabeth and he didn't want to put up with that.
He went back over to the table and picked up his tankard and quickly drank the contents down. He again picked up the bottle of rum and poured himself yet another drink.
He then heard a commotion coming from outside. He walked to the door and opened it, stepping out into the warm air. He jumped aside just in time as a group of Soldiers rushed past him. He looked over to where the noise was coming from and cursed. The Dauntless had arrived in the dock. That meant only one thing: Commodore Norrington was home. 'That's all I need,' Will thought to himself and turned away in disgust.
~*~