Ruby-Rose stomped and dragged her feet in the dust enraged by her father's absent-mindedness, she had known a few occasions where his drinking would end up costing them something. This time is was their reputation it wasn't the act that made her angry but the consequence of it for she could see the docks crowded with mercenaries and fishermen…this wasn't going to be a pleasant morning.

"How could he forget something like a blockade, official state visits from honorary gentlemen perhaps but not two schooners blocking our own port?"

Ruby-Rose was moaning partly to herself, she could hear Jack trailing behind her but was not within earshot of hearing his remarks on the matter. She pushed the dressing gown high above her head and threw it to the ground, not caring that her salmon pink corset was on view for the world to see. Jack stumbled as he witnessed the audacity, hungry eyes watched gleefully at the sight of Ruby-Rose's bare, porcelain skin. He quickened his pace to walk beside her, partly to protect her from the glares of passers-by and partly for any excuse to brush against her skin.

"I could just leave them to it I don't have to make the announcement, I could just round up the crew and leave" Ruby-Rose stammered while slipping an altered blouse over her head.

Jack frowned at the beautiful flesh that was now covered up; he reluctantly wandered back into the dull conversation.

"That wouldn't do any good love, see I'm thinking of hanging around for awhile and can't be bothered to deal with someone else's vendetta…sorry" –

"Well it was worth a try" The young captain mumbled, as a safety precaution she buckled up her scabbard tightly around her waist and rested her fingers along the gold-rimmed handle.

A thunderous mix of voices swamped the air as Jack and Ruby-Rose entered the town square that led to the docks, the region was brimming with pirates, maids, fisherman and the local rabble of traders. The mood was vivacious, the crowd were unruly and the pirate princess wanted nothing more than to turn back to where she came.

"You have your pistols right? I have mine but I left my shells on The Oracle" She whispered softly, fear and perspiration creeping in with every minute.

"I got you covered missy, if all else fails dive into the bay to escape, Savvy?"

"Savvy…Hey I thought you didn't remember" –

Jack Sparrow looked flustered but before Ruby-Rose could enquire further he shoved her to the direction of the old bell. The bell was raised against it's white-washed concrete plinth, the tassel hung six inches below the beam and was only used in emergencies. It was just a thin length of rope but Ruby-Rose could not move her arm to grip it.

She took a deep breath and pulled it hard, the bell rung out once, the pirate shook it more wildly until everyone had their heads to her.

"Listen up everyone, I have a bit of news…it's not of the positive, welcoming kind I'm afraid. It's been rumoured that the Spanish Navy will be impounding our docks again"

Raised voices broke the silent curiosity, groups of men huddled together already debating the outcome and Ruby-Rose had barely begun her sermon.

"For how long, when was this information first gathered? You better not be making a mockery of us Sparrow!" A voice roared Ruby-Rose scanned the crowd to find the protestor. She was to deal with the incident as quickly as possible so any possible brawl might be avoided.

"The schedule of the ships involved are not yet known, it could be a matter of days…worst case scenario possibly a month" –

Cries of disapproval crashed into the young pirate's ears, Jack crept closer to the young maiden's side and slipped his index finger on the trigger just in case the use of a pistol became necessary.

"When will they be arriving Ruby-Rose?" A gentler more patient voice broke through the tirade; the voice belonged to a maid as she sat in a wagon on the far side of the square.

"I have just discovered as of this moment…we have less than three hours to prepare for their arrival. All who wish to depart this morning should set sail as quickly as possible.

Chaos ensued across the pier as the news travelled as quick as lightning, panic started sweeping through the crowd. Goods were spoiled and boxes of mariner materials were being flung everywhere. Ruby-Rose tried to call back their attention but it was no use, hysteria was swiftly overtaking any common sense the townsfolk had. Frustrated at the lunacy Ruby-Rose jumped from the pillar to a nearby cargo pile and broke into a casing that held half a dozen rifles. After setting the powder and the shells she loaded the rifle and shot into the air, her actions created the desire affect as all eyes fell back on her.

"That's quite enough, shame on you all this is a hamlet for pirates not lily-livered clowns: It's a stockade not the apocalypse, go about you business and tend to your ships but for God's sake have a bit of guts eh?"

Murmurs of bewilderment followed the brief silence the men were reluctant to obey her, embarrassed to admit that Ruby-Rose Sparrow was right. She was a young woman brought to their town as a child for reasons unknown to them. Fourteen years on and neither Caleb nor his son disclosed information on her origin; it slightly irritated them that a girl with such mystery would have such strength in the community.

Within a few minutes the crowd dispersed and dozens of boots clattered along the gangway towards the row of schooners and galleons that floated in the docks. Ruby-Rose sighed with relief when she discovered that members her crew had mingled with the crowd and were waiting for instructions.

"Mister Laurie, see that the last of the cargo is loaded but let there be room enough for our future spoils, Mister Quinn see that the sails are hoisted and unfurled I want to set sail as soon as possible" Ruby-Rose commanded boisterously, both the Quartermaster and the young mariner hastily dashed to their duties.

"The rest of you say your goodbyes, gather your things and report for duty in one hour…ONE hour gentlemen!" The young woman concluded before jumping off the pile, the men went about in different directions. Ruby-Rose smile proudly at her accomplishment and noticed that Jack was doing the same.

She giggled shyly before taking a few steps toward him; Jack's eyes were transfixed on her every movement and a flirtatious grin appeared. Ruby-Rose could feel herself blush.

"Although we have been parted for so long I would hear about your adventures in almost every district I have visited, I never understood why one so long should already have a legacy but know I understand" Jack explained with a soft, soothing manner.

"Oh? What is this new understanding is Jack Sparrow becoming lenient in his old age?" Ruby-Rose purred

"Possibly, perhaps I've realised that I have found my perfect match in you Olivia and only now accepting it. You really are quite a pirate, that edge that passion just now…It really left me breathless" Jack answered with broken, hesitant words, it had been a long time since he presented such honesty for the first time in his life he was frightened of the outcome.

Ruby-Rose stood there stunned and speechless, a surge of emotion was swelling around her heart – Farewells had the strangest influence on people. She could hear Ana Maria's voice calling out her name but she didn't answer her. Instead she waited till she could feel her first officer behind her.

"Captain, the docks are becoming over crowded we should prepare to set sail or the townsfolk will be making the blockade not the Spanish"

"Make the helmsman set a course, you know the coordinates Ana Maria, see to it" The pirate princess whispered sadly.

What she had heard was nearest to a declaration of love that she was ever going to get. Jack adored the sea, adored the Black Pearl - Ruby-Rose knew he would not give it up on a whim, in the same way she could not give up The Oracle and the second chance that it presented to her. She wanted to love Jack, oh how she wanted to love him and to let it blossom into something more than a memory of the first kiss stolen all those years ago. But life never worked out like that.

"Aye Ma'am, I'll see you back on the ship" The Jamaican spluttered, sensing the tension between Jack and her friend she quietly headed back.

"So where are you headed off in such a rush?"

"Ah now Jack that would be telling" Ruby-Rose replied weakly, her eyes were beginning to water she had to turn away soon or she would break down in tears.

"How thoughtless…course it is no business of mine. Listen Olivia I was lying to save face you know about last night"

"It doesn't matter Jack, what's done is done…I'll say goodbye now, take care of yourself and keep an eye on the old man…I'll see you when I see you Jack" Ruby Rose backed away and started to turn around, she felt a tug at her arm and she was suddenly twirled into Jack's embrace.

"'Course it matters, it has always mattered Liv, we've been miles apart for so many years. But for my part I have never forgotten…how could I?"

Jack pulled a strand of hair away from Ruby-Rose's face, another paltry excuse to touch her. Ruby-Rose pressed her lips together in a bid to stop herself openly crying, the attempt became pointless as Jack's rested his head against hers and kissed her chastely. Ruby-Rose held her arms out in the air fists clenched: She cautiously rested them against Jack's chest and as the kiss deepened and the passion ensued, the young pirate relented and relaxed her hands along Jack's neck.

"I better go, I've planned this voyage for quite a while so no sense in backing out now" Ruby-Rose quivered as she pulled away from him, she walked away towards the ships before staring back at him with eyes full of tears. She returned to him with a kiss meaningful, tender and sweet. Trying to converse whatever she wanted to say into an action.

"…Goodbye Jack" –

With that she left him and ran up the pier, along the docks and disappeared into the crowd. Jack was left awestruck as if lightning had coursed through his body and smashed through his heart he felt as disorientated with the world as he was while drunk. But he was stone-cold sober and the revelation that had just taken place had left him shuddering in ways he never imagined.

Ruby-Rose wiped the tears from her eyes and she squeezed through the various annoying obstacles to get to her ship. She found the first mate of The Oracle playing with young Miguel, Ruby found solace in the child's innocent laugh and glad of the comfort it brought her little realising that the boy had played eavesdropper to a conversation that was supposed to be private.

"Hey little man and what are you up to?" –

The boy did not answer Ruby-Rose instead he kept on giggling as Ana Maria tickled and poked him in the tummy and under his arms.

"Little Miguel was just helping us getting the sails aboard weren't you amigo?" Ana Maria said as she kept her eyes focused on the boy.

"Was he now, hmmm well we're very thankful Miguel, time to find your father I think. Ana Maria, go along with him in case he's tempted to stowaway again" The pirate princess exclaimed as he stroked the boy's forehead and linked his hand with Ana Maria's.

As the two walked off Caleb emerged from the bustle with his hands in his pockets. Ruby-Rose frowned as she scaled the edge of the ship and swung her body against the rigging.

"So…how did it go?" –

"Most disorganised and frantic, no thanks to you but It's now settled so you have nothing to worry about" Ruby-Rose scorned, Caleb unexpectedly grinned at the reply which made her all the more frustrated with him

"I always knew you had it in you, good on you darling I'm proud of you" Caleb chuckled

Ruby-Rose nodded disinterested by the remark, he probably did feel genuine pride of his daughter but what bothered her was the conniving method he acquired it.

"Have you seen Jack about?" He continued slyly, he saw the despair in her eyes at the mere mention of his name but would not purposely put salt in a fresh wound. He was a pirate first, father second but he was never a sadist

"He's probably joined his first officer somewhere, I have said goodbye to him Dad"-

"Come down a minute I want to talk to you" Caleb watched as his daughter slid down the rope and jumped back on the jetty beside her father.

"Just…take care alright, no rash decisions - no stubbornness. No Captain can afford stubbornness" -

"Why not you did" -

Ruby-Rose hugged her father and kissed him on the cheek they stood staring at one another and grinned.

"You're too much work for this old-aged bloke you know?" -

Ruby-Rose nodded and climbed back on her ship as Caleb waved her off, after some more checks The Oracle finally set sail, the vessel drifted along the port. Jack was left forlorn and troubled in thought but nobody other than his father what his was hiding behind his straight, subdued face.

Jack took off his Monmouth Cap and walked along the peer, he could see his secret love at the wheel The Oracle was still within earshot.

"Captain Ruby-Rose Sparrow!" He hollered over the bay, the girl turned around and gestured to Christy Jamieson to take over and leaned against the ship's stern

"Happy hunting!" Jack called out, he mocked an aristocratic bow: tilting is head to the side and lifted his cap in tiny circular movements. In turn Ruby-Rose curtsied and blew him a kiss before turning her attention to the horizon.

Jack breathed a deep sigh then strolled out of the docks and into the local tavern to drown his sorrows