A/N: I just wanted to thank all my lovely reviewers! I never expected to get so many reviews in only a day! I believe this chapter is a bit longer than the others, although I can't be sure. I apologize if these chapters have seemed a bit boring, but they are entirely necessary to get the plot moving. The next chapter will have some Jack and Elizabeth tender moments, I quite expect, so beware! Mwaha. I hope you like this most recent update, and as always, review if you want me to continue!

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I own nothing.

The battle hadn't lasted long. In the end, the Balinor has sustained little damage, with the exception of a few large holes in the upper levels of the ship. The Lochinvar, on the other hand, was crippled, but still afloat. Its crew had been surprisingly small in number, seven aboard, including Captain Condos himself. This, in combination with a lack of ammunition, had lost Condos his ship. He and the rest of his crew were currently bound with their wrists behind their backs, and strapped to various places about the Balinor. Jack took great enjoyment in the fact that he now laid claim to not one ship, but two.

And the Lochinvar was not just any ship. While the Pearl may have been known for being the fastest ship in the Caribbean, the Lochinvar was said to be among the fastest in the world. It was also incredibly large, and well furnished and decorated—or at least, it had been before Jack and those aboard the Balinor had launched their counterattack.

Nothing remained of the ship that had been on fire, save for a small section of the main mast and a great amount of thick, dark smoke. Condos had informed Jack that it had at one point been the Dauntless, but it was not until he had seen the shreds of a Royal Navy flag in the water that he had believed the other Captain. Former Captain, really.

"Cap'n?" Gibbs inquired from nearby to where Jack, Will, Elizabeth, and a few other crewmembers stood before the prisoners. "What're ye wishin' ter do about the Lochinvar? We can't well tow 'er back. She's too bloody big."

"The Royal Navy will be out scouring these waters for their ship once they realize she 'asn't made it to port," said another crewman. "And a ship like us towin' a ship like 'er 's goin' t'attract some 'tention."

The Captain thought for a moment, before smiling slyly.

"Gentleman! Milady," he added in, bowing slightly to Elizabeth. "I do believe we can make this work to our advantage." Those standing nearby exchanged confused glances. Whatever amount of intelligence Jack possessed had certainly not been what made him a pirate legend. His plans were far too often known for being senseless, thoughtless, and most importantly, dangerous. The bad part was that they were also known for being successful.

The man drew his sword from its casing, swinging it around in a lazy pattern, as if it were a harmless piece of rope, while taking several large steps in a circle, and stopping. His decorated black hair shifted gently in the wind, the beads jangling carelessly; the exposed flaps of his tattered red bandana following a similar course of movement.

"As you can see," he began huskily, gesturing to the sorry sight that was the Lochinvar. "The Lochinvar is in no condition to travel. And as Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Ragetti have so kindly informed us, towing a ship as noticeable as that one…well, we might as well hang ourselves now, if that be the case. So, my good men—and lady—we will be dividing our crew, with the majority going to the Lochinvar."

A murmur of displeasure rippled its way through the group.

"Cap'n, is it really necessary that we take both ships?" asked a voice.
"Aye, sir, we've already got a decen' ship under us," Gibbs agreed. "Why we be needin' the trouble of a second ship, and a sore one at that?"

Jack furrowed his brow, deep in thought.

"Because, Mr. Gibbs," the pirate replied after a moment, his face lighting up in the way only his own was capable of. "A second ship presents us 'ere with a backup in case we're ev'r attacked on either one 'f 'em, another place to keep our treasures, and above all, it undeniably gives the legendary Captain Jack Sparrow a better reputation as a threat! An' another one is just more fun. Savvy?" He grinned, gold teeth glinting craftily in the light.

"Aye sir," Gibbs nodded, smiling despite the fact that he disagreed with the Captain.

"Mr. Turner!" Jack cried sternly, and William appeared before him. "Congrats m'lad, ye've been elected Captain of the Lochinvar."

Will's face took up an expression of utmost shock, and more than likely, concern.

"You want me to man a broken ship?" he asked disbelievingly.

Jack took him by the shoulders and brought him to the edge of the deck, the two focusing on the dark form of the Lochinvar.

"She ain't broken, lad. She's merely bent out'r shape a tad bit. Nothin' a smart boy like you can't 'andle, eh men?" There were a few words of agreement from the crewmen. "An' besides, we can't right well leave 'er behind, now, can we?"

Will raised an eyebrow at him.

"What about the code? 'Any man who falls behind, is left behind.'"

"Ah, that's where yer wrong, me boy," the Captain responded swiftly. "You see, the Lochinvar is, in fact, not a man, in more ways than one, mate. She ain't no human being, y'see, but we refer t'er as if she were one. However, what you fail to realize 'ere is'at we are actually referring to 'er as if she were a woman. The code don't say nothin' about leavin' any women behind, now, does it Mr. Turner?" His eyes were narrowed as he waited for a response.

"Very well," the younger man said finally, with a note of reluctance in his tone, and then gestured to the crew. "But what of them? Who will serve as my crew? And the ship will need repairs before it can sail, I presume." His gaze landed on Elizabeth quite suddenly. She didn't seem to have realized at first, but after another moment, her eyes widened briefly and she looked away fiercely. Will shook his head as Jack strode off to stand before his crew.

"Which of you men wish to be under the command of young Mr. Turner, over here?" he demanded in a rough voice, stamping the pointed tip of his sword on the solid deck below him. The crewmen exchanged glances for the second time, and then took a moment to discuss amongst themselves, before about nine stepped forward. "Oh good, you actually went without a fuss!" Jack bumbled cheerfully, waving his empty hand about in a drunken manner, as he slipped the sword back into its sheath. Will's new crew moved to stand nearby to him, as some of the remaining crewmembers strung ropes by which they could board the other vessel.

Will stood still for a moment, his eyes suddenly locked on Elizabeth's. It appeared as if he hadn't planned on having to leave the Balinor, which of course, he hadn't. What seemed to shock him more was the fact that he knew she wouldn't be joining him now that he did have to leave. True, she had apologized to him, but what she had done simply could not be reversed. And so it was with a heavy heart, and a tightening hold on the rope by which he would swing onto the Lochinvar, that Will pronounced what he was truly thinking.

"I can see you'd rather stay here with your beloved Captain," he spat sourly, before jumping off the deck and swinging to the deck of the ship, which rested alongside.

Jack stared after him for a long moment, before turning around with wide and questioning eyes to gaze at Elizabeth. She could do nothing but shake her head apologetically.

"Take the prisoners down to their cells!" Jack ordered of the remaining crew, who did so immediately, scurrying about in order to be certain no prisoners were able to escape. And then, without another word, Captain Sparrow walked directly past Elizabeth, and disappeared below deck,while another crewman took control of the quarterdeck.