I apologize for the gap in updating for this story. I got involved with the colorguard and that takes up a lot of time! I can't believe it's been THREE YEARS since I last updated this story! And now, it doesn't fit in with the plotline of the movies! Okay, let's just pretend that they went to a party instead of a wedding at the beginning of this story and everything will be fine! I actually finished writing this story two years ago, but I was already working on other things, so I never typed it up. If you have read my more recent stories, you will notice a difference in the way this story is written and organized. Since part of it is already up, I will not change the format, but in my next two Pirates stories, it will be back to the normal style. If you read this, and are one of the original readers from three years ago, I thank you for your patience and loyalty. It means a lot! So, maybe I can get this story out of the way by next Monday! I hope so! I can't wait to post my next ones! Please R&R! ShadowofAmityPark

Chapter 6:

The Windows into a Sparrow's Mind

(are always closed)

Rose emerged from her room with Commodore Norrington. Soldiers scuttled left and right, completing the tasks that had been given to them.

Elizabeth marveled at the ship. Though she hadn't spent even a full day on the original Interceptor, she could swear this was its twin. The only difference was the addition of the secret room.

After a while, Rose went back down to her room and sat down at the desk. She opened the drawer and took out the journal. Then, she uncorked the bottle of ink and pulled a quill from the drawer. The journal had a dark blue-violet cover with curved gold trimmings. She opened it to the first page and dipped the tip of her quill in the ebony ink. She began to write in a very fancy script.

September 17, 1774

My name is Rosalie Hope Sparrow. I am twenty-one. As of now, I am spending my time aboard the HMS InterceptorII.

I have been overwhelmed by the events of the past few days. James Norrington and I arrived in Port Royal, Jamaica yesterday. We attended the wedding of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. James bought me the most beautiful red velvet dress as well as a pure silver locket with a tiny painting of us in it.

She dipped her quill back into the ink and continued.

After the ceremony, James and I attened a small celebration at Governor Swann's (who is Elizabeth's father) mansion. Of course, Jack, yes, Jack as in my older brother, had to show up. It is a true miracle that he did, though. We now know of a threat to the port. The Spanish king has sent a fleet of ships to attack and capture the city! Now, we must find and destroy the feet before they reach Port Royal! I feel like an extra burden to James in this situation. As the Commodore of the Royal Navy's fleet of ships in Port Royal, the responsibility of planning and carrying out the attack on the Spanish is placed on him. I feel like there is no way for me to help him. I love him so much that I wish I could help him bear this burden. However, I know I can't. The best I can do is stay out of the way. For now, at least.

R.H.S.

Rose closed the diary and placed it back in the drawer. Then she went and joined the others on the deck.

Will looked around. All he saw in every direction was water. There was no sign of Josey or the Spanish fleet. He left the bow and joined Rose, Commodore Norrington, and Elizabeth on the quarterdeck. He stood with them as the sun began to set, painting the sky with many brilliant colors.

"James, do you think we will catch them?" Rose inquired.

The Commodore eyed her with a hint of surprise. He sensed eagerness in her voice, as if she wanted to fight the Spanish. He pulled her aside. "Do you really want to fight them, Rose? It could be dangerous, and-"

"And I can handle myself. I assure you, no matter what you do, I will be right in the thick of it with you." She winked and walked away.

That was it. Commodore Norrington had failed yet again at trying to find out what made a Sparrow's mind tick.

Josey watched as a fleet of five ships appeared on the horizon. The Spanish fleet had come to meet them. The El Sol, the fastest ship in the Spanish Navy, led them. Unfortunately, she was still much slower than the Stormeye, Black Pearl, and the Interceptor II.

They were now six hundred miles from Port Royal and closing fast. They had been sailing with a strong wind all night and day.

General Santiago looked ahead, smiling. A spy in the port had sent word that the town's fleet was only two ships strong since the demise of the original Interceptor. He knew he would have no trouble defeating the Dauntless and the Interceptor II. Even when he factored in the help of Jack Sparrow and his crew, he felt that six ships would provide more than adequate power to capture the port.

But distance at sea is deceptive. It was sunset before the two ships met. General Santiago gave Josey a look of disdain as she walked across a gangplank to board the El Sol. She was met by battle-hardened Spanish sailors and followed by the soldiers disguised as pirates.

The General's right hand man, Fernando, brought the General a message from the King of Spain. He placed it in Josey's hands. "Read it." He commanded.

Josey unfolded the letter. "To General Santiago in the port city of Panama. King George III has refused our treaty's terms and declared that there will be no surrender. Take no prisoners when you attack."

General Santiago turned his back to her. "I wish to call a Meeting of Captains. All ships drop anchor."

"What about us?" Josey demanded.

"YOU have been enough of a hindrance to me already! From now on, if you wish to remain under commission from the King of Spain, you will take orders from my captains! If you choose not to follow, then you will lose the protection of the crown and become a target."

"Are you tellin' me I have no say in this!" She asked, outraged.

"If you do not want me to run you through here and now, I would hold my tongue, woman!" He turned and entered his stateroom.

Night found Elizabeth and Rose asleep in their room. Only three people remained awake: a single watchman, Will, and Commodore Norrington.

The latter were examining a map of the Caribbean. Norrington had been a navigator on a British Man-O'-War for several years before his several promotions.

"If what Mr. Sparrow said is true, which we cannot count on, the Stormeye should be about here." He said, pointing to a spot about fifty miles south of future Puerto Rico. "But only if they were sailing at top speed."

Will watched as Norrington traced an imaginary line back to Port Royal.

"A good six hundred miles. Only a day and a half's sail for a ship like the Stormeye." Norrington said. "I don't know how fast the Spanish ships are, and even if they are slow, it would still put them in Port Royal in three days."

"But look, that path goes straight through five islands. They would have to sail around them." Will pointed out.

"An extra three days at best." Norrington said.

This made Will feel more confident. "Three days? That should be enough time to head them off."

Norrington didn't jump ahead of himself. "We are only two ships searching for a fleet that could take any number of paths. This is just the most direct. If they were to take another route, they could take us completely by surprise."

Jack lowered a longboat from the Black Pearl. "I won't be long." He told Raven as he climbed down a rope latter. "Tell Mr. Gibbs that I want you and him to keep watch."

He rowed away, slowly at first, then faster as he escaped the drag of the ship.

The guard on duty heard the splash of the longboat's oars. He leaned over the side rail. "Who goes there?"

"Relax. I's just me, Captain Jack Sparrow." Jack called.

The sailor threw a rope latter over the side of the ship.

As soon as Jack was on deck, he made his way to the Commodore's stateroom. He was just about to push the door open when the same guard stepped in front of him. "What are you doing?"

"What I'm doin' is none o your business. Savvy?"

"B-but the Commodore gave us specific orders not to let anyone bother them." The sailor said, faltering.

"Them?" Jack asked.

"The Commodore and Mr. Turner."

"Oh, they won't mind me!" Jack said and stepped around the guard.

Will looked around the cabin while Norrington continued to study the map. "What will we do if we find the fleet?" He asked.

Norrington answered without looking up. "We will stand and fight. Our city is depending on us to disable or destroy the fleet."

Jack cracked the door and heard the next part of the conversation. "Or we could trust Jack. He has a plan."

Again, without looking away, Norrington addressed Jack. "Mr. Sparrow, I presume you've either seen the Spanish fleet or have come to tell me about your plan."

"How'd ya know it was me?" Jack asked as he swaggered into the room.

"Let's just say that pirates have a lack of personal hygiene." Norrington commented.

"Your plan?" Will asked.

Jack smiled and began to tell them his plan.