Dead Men Tell No Tales

Disclaimer: All major characters belong to Disney all minor ones belong to Lovely Raven Sparrow.

He Isn't Dead?

I took the spyglass from William and looked out upon the horizon. I scanned the ships with a keen eye and came to the conclusion one was indeed a merchant ship and the other was an escort ship. She was significantly larger.

"Aye William, I'm sure the crew will be happy with you tonight. The men do get mighty restless if we don't plunder often and this will be good for moral. We can start our voyage off right. The one ship must be rather important if she needs an escort." I lowered the telescope and gave William a crooked smile.

"Rich merchants have been known to hire ships for the sake of driving off any sane pirates in the area. It's a good thing I'm not sane. William would ya kindly take the helm."

I placed my arm around Kat. "Las please go below and make sure your mother and brother are safe. I would hate for them to find a cannon ball in their laps. Savvy?" I gave her my golden smile and patted her on her head. Kat opened her eyes wide, gave me a slight laugh and followed my orders.

"Men! Gibbs!" I waved my arms and hands in my characteristic way. Several looked towards me but not the full crew. I had to yell again. I lifted my arm and pointed in the direction of the ships. "On the horizon there are two ships, prepare yourselves for what we do best. Fight and pillage!"

The men began to cheer. Some went to prepare the cannons while the others went to get the boarding equipment. "Gibbs please inform The Silent Falcon, of what we are doing. Have Jem pull her ship between them and me."

Gibbs's looked at me. "But Captain they will---"

"Gibbs don't question your captain. Have Jem do it." I waved my hands in the air shooing Gibbs away as I rolled my eyes. I had no intentions of having The Pearl struck with cannon balls when I could place The Falcon in between.

As we got closer to the ships Jem still had not pulled The Silent Falcon into position.

"Gibbs!" I yelled. "What the devil is Jem waiting for? Does she need to take the bloody order from me directly? I know she has a problem with taking commands from men but this is going a bit to far. I am her captain."

Gibbs waved his hands and shrugged his shoulders. "Captain Sparrow, Captain Barbossa claims the merchant ship, The New Dawn, is a red herring and this is a trap. The escort ship is, The Lady Liberty and she only has one purpose on these seas. To blow pirate ships out of the water. She says if your plan is to take them down that is a mighty tough and high goal and she will stand behind you." Gibbs took a swig from his flask and swallowed hard. "She actually means behind you." He placed his hand on my back and then quickly removed it.

"Captain, she wishes me to inform you that she would never tell you, Captain Jack Sparrow, what you should or shouldn't do but she has no intentions of having her ship blown to smithereens." He took another sip and offered me his flask. I pushed it aside and glared at him. He put it away and continued. "She wanted me to report to you, that she indeed sails under your command but if you wish to blow up a ship use your own." He took his right hand and laid it over his heart. "Them be the exact words she used Captain."

"Bloody woman!" I yelled. I frowned at Gibbs and threw my hands up in the air. "Well MISTER GIBBS, when were you going to enlighten me on this ugly situation, before or after the battle?"

"Captain we are nearing the ships." Charlie yelled out. "What will you have us do?"

"Raise our colors, we are going to take them." I took the helm from William. "William please notify Jem to follow close and tell her to shoot her bloody cannons when I give the order. Savvy? Don't let her whip you the way she did Gibbs."

Charlie raised the white flag with the skull and cross bones centered in the middle and William went to give the orders to Jem.

"Shoot off a cannon over their bow." I yelled to the crew. "Give them the warning that we intend to attack." I was not going to have Jem dictate on whom I should or should not attack.

As The Pearl shot off her gun, Jem yelled over. "Captain Sparrow, if you have not noticed the escort ship is heavily armed and there appears to be members of The Royal Navy on her."

I took off my hat and waved it in the air. "Lass that gives me more reason to attack."

"Jack, I have spotted your good friend Gillette, was he not James Norrington's first hand man? Wouldn't it be fun to reunite with them?"

Raising my voice so Jem and the crew could hear me. "Don't sink The New Dawn. I don't wish to be diving for the loot all night."

Jem shouted once again. "Please Jack, don't sink The Liberty either. She must be an important ship to the Commodore. Let me take her. I have unfinished business with The Royal Navy."

I glanced at Jem when she said unfinished business. I tilted my hat in her direction and then put the thought out of my mind. As the ships were nearing each other, a calm came over me, as it often does when I am about to do what I love the most, besides drinking rum and spending time with Jem. The thing about piracy and pillaging in general is not any amount of wealth or glory one achieves. Any sailor can scrape up doubloons and make up stories of how he got off an island with only the hair off his back, but to attempt freedom. Aye, this is the way of pirates. I truly love the ocean, more specifically, I love freedom. It is something unto itself. Freedom cannot be bought or traded. I have a will to live and I have the freedom to live it.

"Captain?" Will's voice questioned from the deck below. I turned towards him. "Make ready the guns lad."

As I spoke a cannon ball whizzed by my ear with a high humming noise. I heard the characteristic splash behind my ship and it told me enough. The Lady Liberty was firing at us and she intended to fight.

As I turned to look at The Liberty my eyes opened wide. "Now what is that bloody bastard up too?" I noticed they were shooting at us and they did not care that they were also shooting upon The New Dawn. They shot another fire and blew a hole in the sails of the merchant ship.

I leaned on the helm and began to laugh. "Obviously Gillette is not sure of who's side he is on." I yelled towards Jem and gave her my wide golden grin.

I narrowed my black-rimmed eyes despite the humor I saw in front of me. Maybe Jem was right and the merchant vessel was just a ruse. Gillette must really want me head, if he's becoming this rash. Was he out to revenge the death of Norrington?

"Hold fire!" I yelled at the crew. I started moving The Pearl in the same direction as The New Dawn, causing us to circle the merchant ship like sharks. She was now in the direct line of fire between The Pearl and The Liberty. This was obviously too much for The Liberty as a cannon blast soon erupted from the ship, sending an iron ball screaming towards both The Pearl and The New Dawn. The ball arced over the merchant vessel and ripped through the gun wall of The Black Pearl. I grimaced at the minor damage.

"Fire at both ships!" I yelled at the men, my eyes fixed on the figure I believed to be Gillette. A torrent of raining iron flew above and curved towards the ships, most of it spattering into The New Dawn. Splinters of wood and whatever else flew into the air. I watched the devastation and smiled broadly.

I pulled out my spyglass and looked towards The Liberty. Gillette was now waving his hands frantically in the air and he was definitely enraged. I was curious as to what the man was up to. I did not have to wait long. I heard the eruption of cannon fire, but I did not hear the sound of the iron hit my ship or the water. Will and I stood there in silence the only thing moving was the gentle breeze.

Then Will gasped. "Jack, Gillette hit The New Dawn." The sails on the merchant ship started to move, and then I could hear them moan as they toppled over flanking the middle of the damaged ship. Her crew frantically dove into the water, some diving head first, while others just stood there in shock. I truly believe this was not planed. Countless heads poked up and looked around for help as their ship groaned and creaked under the weight of the break and slowly sank, taking whatever treasure it held, if any.

Thinking to myself that Gillette actually blew up The New Dawn by accident I was annoyed and amused at the same time. I could hear Gillette screaming. Seeing no reason to stay I swung around to address the crew once again.

"Men, that is what we call an unfortunate event. I meself am not going to swim after some unknown treasures. I say we should put poor Gillette and The Lady Liberty out of its misery before we head for Tortuga."

I tacked starboard of the Lady Liberty, enough behind her to eliminate the threat of her cannons, yet I was at a fine angle for a volley of cannon battery. "Let fly a volley in sequence, starting with cannon one to catch her aft mast as we pass by. Aim high. We don't want to sink her."

Will now stood next to me at the helm as I continued yelling to the crew. In the next instant came the boom and flash of my port cannon one, followed by a cloud of black smoke. Then came the sound of cannon two, a count of ten later, followed by three, four, five and so fourth until ten had been fired. The first two shots ripped through The Liberty's aft mainsail, leaving strips of cloth flying in the wind. The third shot shattered her aft mast and sent it tumbling into the water. My crew was yelping and hollering. But I could tell Jem and her crew did not share the joyous feelings.

As I stood there in pure enjoyment I noticed the Liberty was turning hard to port. The pull of the downed sails in the water was suddenly changing her position and her port cannons were direct broadside to The Black Pearl. This ship was a larger and better-armed ship than ours; carrying a full forty cannons on two decks. I could now see why Jem was not as merry. I was now utterly defenseless, having too soon celebrated and not reloaded forthwith. The Liberty fired her entire complement of twenty port cannons in a quick burst of explosive fire. The cannonballs flew at us with a loud, roaring, whizzing sound, and a terrible sound that reminded me of angle wings, swooping down to pick up the dead.

I instinctively dropped to the deck of the ship and pulled William down with me. Most of the rounds whizzed over us, or splashed into the water, but several, perhaps four or five, blasted into The Black Pearl with loud cracks, sending lethal sprays of wood chips and splinters in all directions.

I heard my crew cry out in shock and pain. Blood splattered the perfectly polished rails of the upper deck. Just then The Silent Falcon shot off three rounds in response to the attack. I jumped to the helm and hauled The Pearl to the wind, her sails shuddering and flapping. As I moved The Pearl, Jem moved The Silent Falcon with amazing speed and precision, positioning her starboard cannons for a full broadside attack on The Lady Liberty.

"Let the guns fly, men!" Jem yelled. "Empty hell's fury on them." The Silent Falcon delivered her metal in a rage of instant, booming wrath, followed instantly by the sharp crack of iron balls slamming into the Liberty's wood. Now that The Falcon was close to The Liberty, Jem ordered the grappling hooks out; the men threw them onto the Liberty and quickly drew her tight. I swung over the water on a rope and jumped on the deck of Jem's ship, quickly followed by William.

We did not hesitate to follow Jem and the rest of her crew over to the Lady Liberty. I made my way through the jungle of frayed rope, ripped white canvas, and shattered lumber. There were several small fires and black smoke which made my eyes water. I could see shadowy forms running this way and that. Some I could tell were wearing red or blue uniforms but it was impossible to tell friend from foe, and I could not decide whom to shoot.

Across the deck I recognized Jem's voice. She was leading the assault. Through the smoke I could see she had her cutlass out, parrying and thrusting, blade clashing and clanging against her opponent's.

"Behind you Jack!" Will hollered. I spun and shot a sailor who had his cutlass drawn and ready to slice my neck. All along the deck men were fighting. They were growling and grunting. I could hear the blades ringing, boots clomping and the smoke sullenly stalking the deck. I heard screams of me crew and their opponents as they were being pierced. There was a great amount of tumbling bodies as they crumpled to the deck. I made my way over to where I had last seen Jem and of course she was not there. I then ventured to the captains quarters and discovered Jem in conversation with Gillette.

At first I thought it was a civil tête-à-tête and then I noted Jem was being held at knifepoint. She and Gillette were not the only two in the room. I quietly stole away behind a large map table in the room waiting for the opportune moment to let my presence be known.

"I dare say, I can see why James Norrington found you so interesting. You are quite beautiful." Gillette spoke while pacing in front of her with a whip in his hand. Jem's eyes were watching as he flung it back and forth.

"Is it not against the Royal Navy's policy to flog women?" Jem asked as she gave Gillette one of her seductive smiles. "If you are doing this to frighten me Gillette you are wasting your time. While you are down hear entertaining me, Captain Sparrow and his men are taking over your ship."

Gillette smiled down at Jem. "Only under certain circumstances do we flog women." He said politely. "Which your situation doesn't meet-yet. Perhaps we can help each other out Miss Barbossa, if you get my drift?"

"It is Captain Barbossa, and what could I possible help you with? Jack told me you are a eunuch." She eyed him and then began to laugh.

He reached to the sideboard behind him for a decanter. "My lady, Jack Sparrow is an idiot." He took two glasses and filled them each half way. "I had thought we might get better acquainted in private first. We could sip on some claret."

"Aye lieutenant, I will drink with you if you can answer me truthfully." Jem started to put her hand to her pocket and Gillette immediately put the glasses down and smacked her hard with the whip. She winced and almost struck out when one of his goons pulled her back and placed the sword to her neck.

"Captain Barbossa, I am not going to have you pull a weapon on me. If you wish me to call you Captain then you can call me Commodore."

"Oh so the small man got a promotion after his friend and leader, Norrington, met his death by the sword of the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow?" Jem glared at him as she rubbed her hand. "Commodore, I was just trying to retrieve an article from my pocket that I was hoping you could identify for me."

Gillette scowled. "No Miss Barbossa. You are wrong." He once again picked up the wine glasses and handed one to Jem. He hit his glass on hers and took a drink. "I earned the title of Commodore. James Norrington is quite alive but he has been relieved of his duties. He has lost too many ships and your captain; Captain Sparrow has eluded him once to often. The last word I have heard about poor James is that he took up with a band of renegades. Yes, I know it may come as a shock, but there are men who come to realize that they are not cut out to represent the Royal Navy and they form their own clan." Gillette drained his glass and filled it up again. Offering Jem more but she declined. He sat down next too her and placed his face close to hers. "Some call them pirates but not James's men. You see, James has his own ship now and he does not go out to pillage and plunder he just goes out for killing pirates, and takes what ever they have, especially their women."

Jem almost dropped her glass and she sat up straight in the chair and tried to back away. "Now Commodore, you are telling me James Norrington lives and he is out on the seas searching for revenge on Captain Sparrow?"

"Not just Sparrow lass, he is after all pirates. William Turner is also a wanted man and last I looked, you are a pirate too. Yes, James had many things to say about you, not all nice."

He stared at her intently, like a snake hoping to fascinate a bird. By now he had had enough claret to fill those hollow spaces inside his brain. A graceful line of his mouth tightened a bit, and the deep crease at the corner grew deeper, but he didn't say anything. Setting his glass aside, he rose, took off his wig and went over to the cupboard, where he placed it on an empty stand. He paused for a moment. Unwigged, his hair was dark, thick and shiny. He looked considerably younger. He plucked a comb from the table and approached Jem. He started to comb her hair and then began to kiss her neck. She pushed him back and threw what wine she had left into his face.

"Hold her." He ordered to his men. His fists were bunched at his side and the discarded whip was within much to easy a reach on the desk nearby. He snorted in response. "Are you testing my gullibility or my tolerance to irritation? Both, Jem are extremely low." His eyes narrowed speculatively.

He lunged at Jem and she kicked him to the floor and I have to say he went down with a satisfying crash. The soldiers holding her in the chair looked startled. Gillette's breathing was now heavy; he motioned one of his men to come over to help him up.

"Instead of hitting you like an animal who misbehaves, I will teach you another lesson." He walked over to the desk and opened the lower right–hand drawer and pulled out a long strand of thin rope.

"What kind of gentleman keeps rope in his desk drawers?" Jem inquired indignantly.

"A prepared one." He murmured, tying her writs securely behind her and binding her legs to the chair.

"Go," he said impatiently to the men, jerking his head toward the door. "And don't come back, no matter what you hear."

This sounded distinctly ominous, and my forebodings were abundantly justified as he reached into the drawer once more and pulled out a knife.

I shrank myself against the wall and behind the table as Gillette's men left the room. I could feel the opportune moment was coming soon.

Gillette held the wicked gleaming point of his knife pressed against Jem's breast. "Now, you are going to tell me everything you know about Captain Sparrow, William Turner and The Black Pearl. He may escape from Norrington but he will not escape from me. Take as long as you want my dear, I am not in a hurry."

As he spoke the knife pierced through her shirt and a little spot of blood appeared.

Jem's eyes opened wide. "Gillette you don't have to use force. I'll tell you what you want to know but first answerer my question. In my breast pocket there is a button from a jacket, can you tell me anything about it?"

Gillette slowly put his hands on Jem's shoulders and slid them into her shirt. He seemed to be holding his breathe. He exhaled slowly while his eyes were fixed on Jem's. He tore her shirt exposing her sloping tan shoulders and the top of her breasts.

Jem squirmed and jerked backwards. "Take what every liberty's you want you bastard, just give me an answer before you take me or kill me." I could see the look of disgust on her face but she was determined to get her answer.

Gillette thrust his hand into her pocket and pulled out a round shiny gold button. Now his eyes opened with surprise. "Where did you get this?" He held it up and rolled it in his hand. "This my dear is a button from a Royal Naval Officers dress uniform. Only those of higher rank have them. They are hard to come by and they are expensive. As you can see it is gold. The Royal Navy no longer uses these buttons due to the cost."

Jem looked up into Gillette's face. "What is the British Navy coming too? You have careless men who lose their buttons and then you have leaders who become cheap. Do you know if James Norrington had a jacket that was bejeweled with such buttons?"

"What is you interest in Norrington? Like I told you he is gone, he has become a rebel and as far as his clothing yes, he had a jacket with these buttons. He had everything; he was a good man, an honest man until Jack Sparrow came into his life. Sparrow ruined him and now I will have Sparrow's woman. This one's for you James."

While Gillette had been talking, Jem had managed to loosen her legs. She kicked at Gillette but he grasped her foot. He tossed her to the floor and started running his hands up her legs.

Jem yelled out. "You are a disgusting and revolting man."

"Go ahead and scream," he murmured, busy with his flies. "I'll enjoy it much more if you scream." He started to put his hands into her breeches.

"That is not very nice." I said in a cool level voice. "I'll thank ye, to take you hands of my woman."

Gillette froze with his hands still on Jem.

I was now standing five feet away from Gillette with my gun pointed at his ass. Gillette did not move for a second, as though unable to believe his ears. As his head turned slowly toward me his right hand stealthily slide toward the knife, which he had laid on the floor next to Jem's head.

"What did you say?" He said, incredulously. As his hand fastened on the knife, he turned far enough to see me. He stopped again for a moment, staring, then began to laugh.

"Lord help us, Captain Jack Sparrow has come to rescue his damsel in distress. Have you not had enough punishment from the Royal Navy? Are you totally healed from your last ordeal? And this is your girl you say? Quite a tasty little wench she is. Norrington thought so also."

Gillette now placed the knife against Jem's neck. I felt like a cat getting ready to spring. I held my gun on him, the pistol barrel didn't waver, nor did I change my expression.

Gillette slowly raised the knife and pressed it hard into Jem's neck. "Perhaps you'd better toss that pistol over here-unless you're weary of this lass. If you'd prefer to be alone …" My eyes locked tight on Jem's. I let out a breath in a long sigh of resignation and tossed the pistol to the floor. It hit the floor with a clunk and slid almost to Gillette's feet.

Gillette turned swiftly and scooped up the gun in a quicksilver motion. As soon as the knife left Jem's throat she tried to sit up. He pushed her down and pointed the gun at me.

"I was engaged when you arrived, my dear fellow. You'll forgive me if I get on with what I was doing before I attend to you." Gillette said smugly.

I stood there motionless as Gillette pointed the gun at my chest. "Mate, I think you should find yourself another girl." I launched myself at the open mouth of the pistol.

Jem screamed, "No Jack don't!" Gillette's knuckles whitened as he squeezed the trigger.

The hammer clicked on an empty chamber, as my fist drove into Gillette's stomach. There was a dull; crunching sound as my other fist splintered his nose and a fine spray of blood spattered my face. Gillette's eyes rolled up in his head, and he dropped to the floor like a stone.

I was now pulling Jem up off the floor and untying her. She threw her arms around my neck. "Jack Sparrow, what took you so long?"

I rolled my dark rimmed eyes at her. I brushed her loose hair away from her face and looked deep into her eyes. I pulled her close and hugged her like a child would hug there mum after a bad dream. "Are you alright Luv? Did he harm you?"

Jem started to laugh. "Jack, you bluffed your way in here with an empty gun?"

I looked at her questioningly. "Jem, if it were loaded, I would've just shot him in the first place wouldn't I?"

As we made our way to the door we both heard an explosion. I grabbed Jem's arm and made my way through the smoke. "Get ready to jump Luv. If I am correct I would say me crew has won the battle and this ship like Norrington's will be at the bottom of the sea. We both jumped as we felt the wood jerk underneath us.

We hit the cold water and went down as far as possible in order not to be hit by flying debris. I stayed down as long as I could and when I surfaced to my luck Jem popped up beside me. Just in front of us was me ship, The Black Pearl. Will was at the helm and Gibbs was throwing down a line.

As Gibbs hauled us up, I was shocked when I saw the damage done to my ship. I could see the gapping holes and one was where I had told Kat to take her mother and brother. The minute my foot hit the deck I ran for the ladder to the lower deck. I skidded down the ladder without touching a rung, then dashed down the narrow corridor at top speed. My heart was pounding in terror; I pushed open the door, expecting the very worst.

A voice that wavered between ire and incredulity drew my gaze to the sight I longed most to see. Kat and Elizabeth were intact.

"I can't believe it was a cannon ball." Kat said

Relieved more than I cared to admit, I paused in the doorway as Jem and William came up behind me. William pushed in and swooped Elizabeth up into his arms to hold her close against his chest.

"Ah woman." William scolded. "Ya scared me to death. When Jem told me why Jack went running. Luv, I think you and I need to talk and you should leave the ship. You should go home." He pulled her in closer.

"Will it shredded the wall." She reach up and grabbed Will's shirtfront. Her soft fingers sliding against the flesh of his neck causing a chill to run down his spine, as she clutched the material in her fist. Pulling him down unit his nose almost touched hers, she whispered, "Have you ever had a cannonball come so close to you that you could see the maker's symbol?"

Kat approached me; her eyes were large and filled with terror. She held her arms out in measurement. "It was this big. The ball didn't land. It tore down that wall."

She pointed to the wall opposite the aft where the cannonball had splintered a good portion of the sturdy oak boards. It, along with the broken windows, was an ugly scar on my ship, but fully reparable.

I held Kat in my arms and looked towards Elizabeth and Will. "Luv, I have actually been that close and I do know it is something you will remember till the day you die. Fascinating is it not?" I pulled my head back and smiled at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth looked at me as if I was crazy. "I'm going home. I'm going home now and so are you William."

"There's one problem, Elizabeth." I winced as I spoke.

She paused and turned her head to look up at me. "What?"

"The only way home is the way we came and the British will be waiting. I will not jeopardize the lives or your Will or my Jem. I have already lost some crew and me ship has suffered some damage. Savvy?"

Will looked at me is disbelief. Kat just held on to me tighter and Elizabeth stormed out of the room with young Bill in her arms. I could hear her ranting at the top of her lungs. "I hate you Jack Sparrow, I really, really hate you!"

I considered myself rather lucky. Elizabeth did not attack me this time.

"Are we through it?" Kat asked.

"Yes Luv, the battle is over for now." I touched her lightly on her arm. "Frightened you, did it?"

Jem now came into the room and placed her arms around Kat. Her look would have melted ice. "Of course it frightened her you idiot."

I smiled at Jem and looked down at Kat. "Ah now Kat, you are made of strong stock. Was your blood not racing through your veins and for the first time in your young life, were you not drunk with the sense of adventure?"

"I'm quite certain she has no idea what you mean captain." Jem lifted Kat's chin and kissed her softly on the forehead.

"Kat, please gather your stuff and go over to The Silent Falcon with Jem?" I released my grip on her and she reluctantly let go of me. I gently wiped the tears from her eyes. She was still trembling and very afraid.

I stood before Jem gently tracing the line of her soft, delicate jaw until she met my gaze. "Aye, you know what I mean. Our escape was exhilarating, we have our freedom and do you not feel alive?"

"Alive? You almost got us killed!" Kat blurted out. "Jem told you it was a trick."

I looked at Kat with surprise. "Almost never counts. You almost got left behind with your mother, but you didn't."

"Father, Mother is right. You are a crazy man."

I certainly couldn't arguer that point. I was indeed crazy. I slowly walked around behind her and resisted the urge to draw her close. I leaned down and whisper in her ear. "Aye, a crazy man who has just given you one of the most memorable experiences of your life. One I know you'll recount dozens of times to your children and grandchildren."

I brushed a silken strand of her hair off her shoulder and then touched her opal necklace that I had given to her for her birthday. Noticing the chill that went through her body, I gave her a slight smile."I gave this gem to you to ward off evil. Luv, it will protect you on your journey through life. Never take it off darling and you will be protecte. You just may live long enough to have the children and grandchildren to tell the stories too."

She frowned, pulled away and looked at me. "Tell me, please, how can you attack defenseless crews and leave them to die?"

I glanced at Jem, Will and then back at Kat. "Since when is a shipload of men armed to their teeth considered defenseless? And what of the English navy? Do you consider them defenseless?"

She now crossed her arms over her chest and looked deep into my eyes. "But you---"

"Kat darling. Do you want me to take you home with your mother? Back to a safe little world where you may pass judgment on people without knowing the facts. Really darling, you do disappoint me. I am a dastardly pirate unworthy of anything."

"Stop this." Will interrupted "I will not listen to any more of this. Kat you are upset and you have every right to be, now please do as Jack has requested. Please be careful of what you say, words can hurt more than the blade of a sword."

She took a step back. "Alright Captain I will do as you ask. Will, I mean father. I want you to protect me? Will you keep all the miscreants away and watch over me with your sword? I know you love mother and Bill and I want you to protect me also. I know I can trust you and you will not put me before your adventures and your freedom." As she spoke her eyes were tearing up and as she left the room the tears were pouring down her face. "Mother is right, you are a black-hearted scoundrel."

I smiled at William. "Like mother like daughter aye?" I was too relieved to take Elizabeth or Kat's words to heart. "As long as I can provoke some strong emotions from them I can't complain. William, you can have me quarters for the time being until we get the wall repaired."

Will nodded his head as he looked at the wall. "Thank you Jack, I'm sure Elizabeth will be grateful." He patted me on the shoulder and went after Kat.

I turned and put my arms around Jem. "Jem am I cold hearted?"

Jem pulled me close to her. "No Jack, you are just different and that is good. We are both different. I remember the first time you and I plundered ships together. I loved the sounds the smells. Oh and when you blew up those ships yes, it gave me such a rush. I told you before and I'll tell you again. Plundering ships with you is a joy. It is life. You are charming, intelligent quick, beautiful and a wonderful--- fighter."

I pulled her lips to mine. She embraced me and kissed me in her way that sets me on fire. I stroked my hand down her check and I could see in her eyes it was time to leave this room. "Jack you asked me once if I ever regretted anything in my life and I told you yes, being a pirate. You told me being a pirate was in my blood and I would have to square with it, even if it is Barbossa blood. Don't worry Luv, Kat will be fine and she will square with it also, even if it is Sparrow blood. You might want to keep her away from Elizabeth, however. She will fill that child's head with visions."

I wound my arm around her waist and pulled her down to the floor kissing her passionately. "Jem I will be sharing your cabin and your bed for the time being." My entire body burned at that thought. Maybe the voyage to Tortuga would be pleasurable, even though my daughter hated me and Elizabeth would surly kill me, if Will would let her.

XXXXXX

Several days had past and the seas were calm, to calm. There was hardly a breath of air and the travel was slow. I enjoyed spending time with Jem on her ship in the evenings but I had to spend my days on The Black Pearl. I was doing my best to stay out of Kat's way and I did not trust Jem's crew. Better yet, I just did not like Jem's crew. Why she had to take in Barbossa's misfits was beyond me.

One unfortunate evening I boarded The Falcon an hour earlier then usual, I was feeling randy and I figured a little snogging with Jem before supper would put me in a better mood. As I sauntered towards her cabin I saw Pintel, Bo¢sun, Twiggs and Ragetti coming out. They were all laughing and appeared to be quite drunk. Ragetti walked straight into me and fell to the floor as his wooden eye fell out and started to roll.

"Oh I'm sorry Jack. Jack!" He yelled and looked back at the door in which he had just exited. He looked at me with a slight look of alarm and then banged on the wall. "Hey Jack is back! Give me a hand mate." He raised his hand and smiled at me. "Ya know, that Captain Barbossa is a real Jem…get it? Jem."

I looked down at him picked up the wooden eye and extended him my hand. I yanked him up off the floor handed him his lost body part. I then wiped both my hands on my breeches. "Gentleman, I should hope you are heading to get some fresh air. Do ya think you gave Jem enough notice that I am here? Is she dressed?" I sneered at them all, I was really waiting for an answer.

Pintel laughed and put his arm around me shoulders. "Come Jack, why don't we let the past be the past? I mean Jem likes us and we like her and she likes you, so why can't we like each other? I mean I have always liked you."

I flung his grungy arm from my shoulder and he fell down to the floor, harder then his friend Ragetti had. "Mate, don't every do that again and the name is Captain Sparrow, not Jack." I turned to leave and he grabbed my leg, pulling me back and almost tripping me.

Twiggs gave Pintel a quick glance and Pintel immediately let go of my leg. "Fine Captain, have it your way."

I turned to go into Jem's cabin and then thinking better of it, I looked towards Ragetti. "So, you have been helping Jem?" I smiled at him and squinted my eyes. "I understand she likes you the best, did you know she even wants to bed you, if you tell her exactly what she needs to know?" I almost patted him on the back pulling my hand back before I made contact.

"Really?" Pintel answered rather guardedly.

"Aye mate, I mean if you tell her." I was still directing my eyes toward Ragetti, knowing he was the dimmest flame in the bunch. I moved my hands around in the air. "You know if you tell her."

Ragetti took the bait and being the dumbest of them all he let it all out. "You mean if I tell Jem where Barbossa, her daddy, is buried she will bed me? Wow, I'm a lucky dog." He slapped Twiggs and Pintel on the back and started jumping around with excitement.

"Aye, tell her where he is buried." I looked at him with shock and surprise. I stood there nodding my head up and down wondering what else I could possible find out.

"Damn, I can't." Ragetti scuffed his shoes and looked back at Twiggs, Pintel and Bo¢sun.

I knew I was sounding a little too eager and I did not want to over step my bounds but I leaped at him waving my hands around like a maniac and stammered over my words. "Why---why can't you lad? She will—will do it. She is—is beyond description."

"Because he isn't dead!" Ragetti cried out and threw himself into my arms.

I cringed backwards, push him into Pintel and looked at him with horror.

Bo¢sun stepped on Ragetti's foot and he yelled. "Bloody hell what did ya do that for?"

"What, I didn't do nothing." Bo¢son glared at him and then at me. "You imagine too much and ya talk too much. Ya drunk mate, now lets be leaving the Captain alone. He don't need to know about our business."

I was now stepping back from these four clowns, and my eyes were the size of saucers. I knew he was dead; I shot him with my own gun. With my last shot. If any of these men had one brain between the four of them they would have seen my look of astonishment.

I couldn't believe this. Jem wasn't telling me where her father was buried not because she didn't want to, she couldn't. She doesn't know where he is buried because his not. I now bumped up against the wall and started shaking my head erratically. No, he has to be. Does she know he isn't dead? No, she must believe he is dead; she originally came after me to revenge the death of her father and to find her treasure. Was she set up? Was I? No, I had to think. My head was now pounding. What the hell did she know? Lord what made her think these scallywags knew anything? I was the last person in the cave with Barbossa.

"What do you mean he isn't DEAD?" I yelled at Ragetti as I pushed myself from the wall and grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt.

"Jack let him go." Jem was now standing behind me. "I don't know what he did to you but he is my crew member and I will punish him." She jerked my hands off his shirt and I tore it as she pulled me back. For such a small female I forgot how strong she was. She looked into my crazed eyes. "Jack please calm down. What ever he did I will punish him." She looked at Ragetti and raised her brow. "Now who isn't dead?" She looked at her faithful crew and then at me.

"I'm not, thanks to you Captain Barbossa." Ragetti pulled what was left of his shirt around him and leaned on his friend Pintel.

Jem looked at the pathetic foursome and gave them a smile. "Really men, go about your chores and I don't want you bothering Captain Sparrow again."

"We weren't Captain." Ragetti piped up. "He said you --- OUCH!" He pulled away from Pintel who pinched him hard on his arm. "Now what was that for?"

I rolled my eyes grabbed Jem by the arm and pulled her back towards her cabin. "Jem we have to talk and we do not need the help of these baboons. Savvy?" I observed her hair was quite wet and she smelled of lilacs.

As I dragged her into her room I saw she had just gotten out of the bath. "Jem please don't tell me you were entertaining those men while you were in the tub?"

Jem went over to a small table that held all her jewels and combs. She picked up her pearl handled comb and started to untangle her damp hair. I spread my legs placed my hands on my hips and stood there staring at her.

"What is it you want Captain Sparrow? You are early and I am busy." I looked at her and then at the tub.

"The water is still warm Jack, if you want to bath. It couldn't hurt Luv."

I cringed at her remark and squinted my eyes at her. "Well. Were you or were you not in the tub when your crew was present?" I could feel my blood boiling and I was not in the mood for playing games.

She threw herself on the bed and smiled innocently at me. "Really Jack, first you ask me not to tell you and then you insist on knowing. I will not lie to you, so I best keep my mouth shut."

"Aye, you do that very well." I sarcastically commented.

She fondled her opal necklace. "Jack, did you not say this was The Opal of Truth?" She glanced at me and flipped her hand in the air. "And what do you mean by that sarcastic comment?"

"Jem, that is not the way a captain is supposed to conduct business." I pointed at the tub. "Next time they want to speak with you, I would appreciate it if you did it while you were dressed."

She rolled over from her stomach to her back, twilling her hair and looking at me with a playful grin. "Captain Sparrow, you are not my father. You handle your crew how you want too and I will handle mine how I see fit. Savvy?"

I tossed myself on the bed beside her. "Jem Barbossa you should be glad I am not your father. If I were I would kill you and I wouldn't be doing this." I pulled her on top of me. Kissed her hard and then rolled us both over onto our sides. I looked into her dark eyes. "Jem they say he isn't dead."

Jem looked at me sternly. "I know Jack. He is alive and he is looking for you. He won't rest until he gets his revenge. You don't have to worry, I will kill him first."

"You mean to tell me you knew and it just slipped your mind not to tell me? Jem I can't understand how he can be alive. I shot him with my last shot."

Jem ran her fingers across my neck and gently pulled on my beads. "Jack, you slit his neck. I thought you took his head off but unless he has two, you were not successful. You did not kill Norrington and he has vowed to kill all pirates. He killed our Pearl and he won't stop until he kills us all. Even William Turner."

I placed my finger on her lips. "No, no this is not good. Norrington is alive also? He killed our daughter?"

My eyes widened. Bloody hell! What a time for Jem to start telling me the truth. "No Jem, our daughter died in her sleep. I cannot believe James Norrington killed her. Yes, he is odd, but he could not, would not kill an innocent."

Jem sat up and looked down into my face. "No Jack, James Norrington suffocated our daughter. He hates you and I so much he killed her. Pearl was a combination of us both. She was pure pirate. He killed her and I pledge, I will kill him."

She was now trembling and holding back her tears. "I know I should have told you, but your were so---so unstable." She turned to me and locked her eyes on mine. "I'm sorry Jack, I am really sorry." She wiped the tears from her face and started to get up. She stopped short and stared at me. "Jack what do you mean by, also? Who else is dead or not dead? Jack your scaring me. I thought you were over your strange visions and dreams."

"No—No, You don't understand." I looked at her and now sat up on the edge of the bed. I placed my head in my hands then I stood up and started walking the room. I proceeded to move my hands and arms as I talked, for some reason it made me feel better.

"Jem I can see Will on the mound of treasure, he held his piece of Aztec gold in his bloody hand. I quickly slit my palm and let my blood wet the gold medallion I obtained from the chest. I then tossed it to Will. He caught it as I turned around to face your father, Captain Barbossa."

Jem now sat up and looked at me. "Jack. Why-- are you telling me this? Are you feeling guilty? I know you killed my father, I know you don't like his crew, my crew, but you really have to square with this. You never really told me how you killed Barbossa and I don't think I really want to know. I understand the reason why you killed him, well I don't really, but you killed him because…because…he stole your boat."

I looked at her sharply. "Ship!"

"Please Jack, I thought we had gotten over this. I have asked you to forget the past and to leave the dead buried."

"You can't leave it buried if it isn't dead or buried." I yelled. "Jem, you have to listen." I walked over to the window and looked out on the horizon and then I continued.

"Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Elizabeth scampering towards the mound, towards William. Your father took out his gun and pointed it at her. I seized my own gun and with my left hand I shot him. Jem the hollow sound echoed around the cave. The same cave your brother was killed in. Your father was looking at Elizabeth; she shuddered and gave a tiny gasp. He turned around and stared at me, realizing what had happened. Tendrils of smoke were rising from the end of my gun and Barbossa smiled at me."

I pulled my gun out and held it in my left hand. I couldn't believe I still had the same gun.

"Barbossa looked at me and said wickedly. 'Ten years you carry that pistol and now you waste your shot.' I barely registered what he had said. Will looked at him and replied. 'He didn't waste it.' All three of us looked at Will. Barbossa, Elizabeth and meself as William dropped the two bloodied medallions into the chest. Startled, Barbossa dropped his sword and pulled open his coat. Looking down, he saw the blood spreading slowly from his wound. He looked at me and we made eye contact."

I placed my pistol down on the table and continued to walk the room. "Jem a vast array of emotions passed between us, as we looked each other in the eye. Hatred, sorrow, greed, valor…everything that has happened to us both came back to haunt us in a few short seconds. I remember me coming to Barbossa the first evening I was captain and I had me a fine crew. We supplied the ship together while we looked for other able-bodied crewmembers. We drank plenty of rum played with plenty of women. Barbossa always talked about apples and how they were so good. Jem, The Pearl's crew did like him and they did trust him. I guess they trusted him as well as they trusted me, perhaps they feared him. Remember, I was the one marooned."

I looked over at Jem and I could tell she was having a hard time listening to my story. She sat so still and quite. Her bottom lip was trembling. I sauntered over and sat down next to her. "I was sailing The Pearl through a bad storm. I was at the helm, carefully guiding her to safety. Then the mutiny took place. Barbossa took command and the rest is the past. Finally, we met again after ten years of trouble. He was cursed and I was without me ship. We had our final battle."

I wrapped my hands around Jem's. "Barbossa grunted at me and then broke eye contact. I noted the blood was dripping from his wound I stared at him and his last words to me were. 'I feel…cold.' Before I could say a word, Barbossa toppled backwards. He was clearly dead. Or I certainly thought so. The curse had been lifted. An apple rolled from his hand."

I looked into Jem's now moist eyes. "He never did get to eat that one last apple. Or did he? Your crew tells me he is alive. Do they speak the truth or are they all lying dogs and should be tied to the mast?"

I placed my now cold and clammy hands on Jem's shoulders. "Please Luv, tell me. Where is your father? Where is his hat? Oh bloody hell, THE MONKEY!"

My eyes were now locked onto Jem's and the room fell silent. The sun was sinking down into the sky and the room became cold and dark.

A/N I hope you all enjoy the chapter. As you can see, there is life after death. Right? My heart goes out to my littlemate Max who died last Friday. Max, you too will never be dead for you will live on inour hearts and in all those who love you. To know you is to love you, you are not dead, you are very much alive. Please Read and Review, Lovely Raven Sparrow