Dead Men Tell No Tales

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Disney unless they belong to Lovely Raven Sparrow. You know which ones.

I'll Take My Hat

A brisk wind rustled the sails. I looked up at the billowing canvas and headed for the helm. It would be dark soon and I had to work fast. I did get The Santiago out into the open waters with the help from Will and Elizabeth. Elizabeth seemed exhausted yet jubilant to see William, she was beaming. She stood by his side and helped him with the various tasks he gave her to do. Samantha kept eyeing Elizabeth and grumbling under her breath as she held her stomach and reluctantly helped me. I could tell she wanted to work with Will but I would not let her go. I kept her close to me, like a lost puppy. She was still rather sea sick and quite whinny. I eventually let her go stand next to the rail.

"How long have they been married?" Samantha asked me as she leaned against the wood pouting.

"Long enough Lass, you really don't want to go there." I looked at Will and Elizabeth as they went about tightening the lose rigging and making sure everything else was tied down. "Heave to Sammy, my Pet. We've a job to do. I will set a course for Isle de la Muerta and then set you to tend to the bilges."

"The what?" Samantha questioned while covering her mouth and still holding her stomach.

I looked over at her. "Luv, you're still looking green, come here Lass."

She slowly made her way over to my open arms. I placed my arm around her shoulders. "You and I will get the ship ready and then I will let you get some rest. If the weather stays calm there is no need we all have to be on deck. Savvy?"

"And why can't Will help you?" She whined. " I really am not well."

"Please Luv the busier you are the better you will feel."

She looked at me and then at William and Elizabeth who were once again lip locked.

I stared at the couple standing just a few feet from us. "William do you not have work to do?"

Will waved me off and I heard him mumble, "At the moment Captain, I am doing my best."

Elizabeth looked disheveled yet beautiful. I could tell she had been though much and she would do it all again for Will. Her one shoulder was completely bare and her bodice provided a tantalizing glimpse of her tan skin. Her skirt had been shorn at the knees and her bare calves were the same smooth tan color, as her one bare shoulder. Her unkempt beauty was riveting. She appeared just as spellbinding as I remembered on the small beach where we were marooned. Looking at her ill-clad form I could see how Barbossa's crewmen would want her.

I glanced down at Samantha. "I will have the Whelp and his lass help us later. They have things they much catch up on." I winked at her and tied the wheel securely to keep the ship on her course.

"Yes, but Captain I thought we were all supposed to work?" Samantha whimpered as she glared at Elizabeth.

I sauntered over to Will and Elizabeth who were now leaning on the rail. "If I may be so bold as to interrupt. Appears to me you have done it to me on more than one occasion."

Will once again raised his hand to wave me off but this time he hit me in the chest, for he did not know how close I was standing to him.

Will stood up straight and opened his eyes wide. "Sorry Jack. Yes, what is it you want, need us to do?" Elizabeth blushed slightly but only slightly.

"Will be a gentleman and take the fair Elizabeth to the Captain's cabin, it is the only private quarters on The Santiago. I am sure you and Elizabeth will find the arrangements comfortable."

"Where will you sleep?"

"Sleep?" I looked at him and Elizabeth. "We will take turns Lad; someone has to sail the ship." I gave him an enigmatic smile. "If need be I'll sleep on deck, to our good fortunes it is a new moon and we will scare no one with our irregular forms. There is a smaller room adjoining the cabin. That will be Kat's room for the voyage. She and Samantha can share it."

I looked into Lizzy's soft brown eyes. "Where can I find my daughter? I want her to know she is safe and I want to be the one to tell her there will be no more attacks on her."

Elizabeth placed her hands on my arms and smiled. "Kat will be glad to see you. Last I saw her a left her sleeping in the hull in the stern of the ship. She was frightened and it took me awhile to calm her down. She was lying behind a stack of wheat. You may have difficulties finding her for we were hiding."

"Elizabeth, don't forget, I am Captain Jack Sparrow, I will be able to find my sweet girl. Now, off with the two of you, I will be back shortly with Kat. Savvy?"

"Great Jack, now can I get back to what I was doing, without being interrupted?" Will commented sarcastically.

I struck Will on the back. "Lad if that is your best, I'd say the fair Elizabeth will not be satisfied." I gave a crooked smile towards Elizabeth. This time she did turn bright red.

"Really Captain Sparrow, what Will and I do is none of your concern." Elizabeth tossed her hair back from her face, narrowed her eyes and frowned.

"Lass, that is were you stand corrected. You are my crew now and everyman has to pull his weight. I find a happy crew works better than a disgruntled one." I placed my arms around the both of them and lead them to the cabin.

"Enjoy the time you have together, I'll be calling ya to work soon." I lowered my arms from them and placed Elizabeth's hand into Will's. I opened the door and then returned back to Samantha.

As I approached her I had a wide smile on my lips and I was having a hard time holding back a laugh. "I wonder about the two of them Luv. I really do." I placed my hand on her elbow and lead her toward the hatch. "Come let me show you around the ship. You will need to know several things. Day to day life on board a ship will be far different than what you are use to. I meself find it glamorous, others find it harsh and dreary. You may wonder why anyone would ever go to sea? The answer is quite simple Luv."

"Captain, please call me Miss Morgan."

I glowered at her. "I thought we were past all that my Pet."

"Shouldn't Will and Beth be helping us?" She questioned as she looked over her shoulder to where I had left Will.

I walked her down the deck totally ignoring her question. She started wrinkling her nose. "What is that awful smell?"

I took a large whiff. "Ah it could be several things. I would imagine it is a cross between rotting fish and human sweat. You can bathe later."

Samantha looked at me with disbelief. "Excuse me Captain it is not I, I am smelling."

"Have it your way Lass." Just to rile her I stood close and inhaled deeply. She pushed me away and it appeared she was about to cry.

"Luv, please…don't do that." I started waving my hands around. I wanted to touch her but felt it best if I didn't. "I was only teasing with you." I eventually placed my arm around her to comfort her but she wouldn't have it. She tossed my arm off and walked away from me. Turning around and facing me, I could see the tears in her eyes but she stuck out her chin and in a strong voice spoke. "Can I surmise this is the top deck of the ship?"

"Aye Lass, it is and if the smell here offends you, you will not want to go below." I smiled at her and gave a slight laugh. "Your right Luv, it is I who will bathe later." I was trying to make her feel more at ease but I could tell what ever I said was not going to ease the situation. "There are no real facilities on board and fresh water is an absolute luxury. If nature should call you can use the jardines."

"Jardines" She nonchalantly wiped her eyes and raised them on me. "What is that, it sounds foreign?"

"It would be French Luv, sorry Miss Morgan." I clasped my hands together and bowed. "It means gardens. They are located near the bow of the ship. They are holes cut in boards, all you have to do is lower your trousers or," I looked at her and her ragged worn dress and what ever she had on under it. "Or what ever you must remove Luv. The waste will go into the sea. You see there are no worries out on the ocean and there is no privacy."

Samantha held her stomach again. "You know Captain I think I am ill due to lack of food and I will not need the use of the gardens if I don't eat. Why is it you can go without food?"

"Come, I will find you something to eat while I show you the ship. There is also someone I wish you to meet. The two of you will get along nicely I can tell. I will take you to the bottom of the ship and work our way up."

"I'd rather not Captain. Possibly Mister Turner can show me later when I am feeling better."

"Nonsense, Mister Turner is occupied, you best get that into your pretty little head now. Stop longing for what ya can't have Luv. William Turner is out of your reach he is married. Savvy?"

Samantha grunted and turned away from me.

"Now come you must learn the ship." I grasped her arm and escorted her down the hatch. As we went below deck the smell did get worse. "The closer we get to the bilge Luv the worse the smell. You see the bilge is the very bottom of the ship. It is the lowest internal part of the hull. No matter how well a ship is constructed, water always tends to seep in. That water works its way down to the lowest level the bilge and collects. This water if filled with rotten sea life, which dies and causes the water, to turn foul which in turn leads to a horrible odor. If it were allowed to remain here it would weaken the bottom of the boat and it would rot her out. You see Luv, all ships; have bilge pumps, which try to remove all the water from the bilge. On occasions, such as rough seas or storms the bilge pumps have to be manned constantly. If not, the water would eventually fill more than just the bilge."

As we entered the lowest part of the ship, she was indeed filled with rotting smelly water. I went over and started manning the pump. "As you can see Luv, manning the pump is not a glamorous job. With a full crew we would do this in shifts. Since we are lacking in hands I will clean out what I can and leave the rest." As I worked the bilge pumps several rats ran across Samantha's feet. She screamed and backed up so fast she hit her head on the side of the ship.

"Luv, it won't help screaming or running. They are just a couple of bilgy's. Worthless creature that live down here in the slime. They won't hurt you if you don't disturb them. They are not our only stowaways you can count on that. Rats, fleas, spiders and even scorpions are common interlopers on ships. Especially those that travel between the Spanish Main and Europe."

"Fleas." Samantha started scratching herself. She then placed her hand to the bump on her head.

"Aye Luv, they like the canvas and the cracks and crevices of the ships." I pumped out a good amount of water and then headed up to the next deck. Samantha did not hesitate, she was right behind me.

"This is the lower hold or the hull as we call it. Food is brought on board and stored here. Grains and flour are usually stored here and the rats eat better than we do. You see Luv a good ship has a cat. The Black Pearl has Tommy; I could sure use him now. Rats and mice can be a major problem, they breed quickly and once an infestation begins, it is almost impossible to stop it. The rats gnaw on the wood, ropes, food and even sailors."

"Please Captain you can stop. I don't need to know what rats do."

"Aye here we are." I walked to a barrel and opened it up. An offensive odor wreaked though the air. I immediately placed the lid back on.

Samantha quavered and then went to vomit in a dark corner. "What was that?" She eventually choked out.

"That Luv, was once fresh fruit. I am afraid it has rotted and is aiding in the odors of the ship. I am sure we will find something for you to eat." I then handed her some hardtack.

"What is this?" She took it from me and looked at it as if it were poison. She then took a big bite and started to chew.

"It's dried meat. Could be smoked pork, horse, or beef."

"Horse!" She spit it out and looked at me. "What are you trying to do kill me?"

"No Lass, you said you were hungry and I am trying to feed ya. Me crew would die for that on some days. As you can see there is no livestock on board hence we have no fresh meat. You have just had your ration for the day."

She started to tear up again.

"Now don't start that again Luv." I looked at her sternly and raised my voice. "If your feelings are tender, perhaps you should head back up to the main deck. I need no blubbering youngster in my presence. Savvy?"

"Well you don't have to yell at me! Every time I do something wrong or I don't move fast enough I get yelled at or beat. I hate being told what to do every hour of the day. I hated the farm. I hated my father. I should have had you shoot him five years ago. I couldn't take his abuse anymore; I burned down the farm and ran away. I did it, and I'd do it again."

"Whoa, Lass." I put my hands up in the air. "I meant no harm to you. I will not raise a hand on you and as far as taking orders, we are all in this together or we won't survive. If you can't sail under a pirate and take orders then I best be taking you back to Tortuga where you came from. Luv, you will have to face your demons or perhaps you have, but they do not concern me. You have my word; I will not lay a hand on you. Now what will it be?"

She turned away from me and headed for the stairs. I was at a lose for words, I turned and opened another barrel. I was surprised when Samantha came back over to me and did not leave.

"I can sail under the command of a pirate and I will take orders from you as long as everyone else is pulling their weight, as you would say."

"Good girl, I knew you'd come around. One thing though, before we continue. If you get mad at me there will be no burning of ships. Savvy?'

She wiped her tears and gave me a meek smile. "If you mean do I understand, yes."

"Fine then, we will continue, as you can see everything on a ship has to be tied down or stowed away. If the cargo shifts, then the ship could easily capsize."

"Please Captain, you are portraying life on a ship as something horrible. It certainly is not glamorous or spectacular is it? You show me dirty, smelly bilge water, hungry vermin, rotting food and now you tell me we could capsize. Why is it you find this life so thrilling?"

"I'm a pirate Luv, I live for adventure. Never mistake me for anything other than what you see before you. Me heart has been ripped from my body several times but I go on. I have no conscience, no soul, feel no remorse. I've done things, seen things that would make you cringe. Sometimes they even make me cringe." I gave her an evil smile as I thought of my past. "When I see something I want, I take it. I want my Jem back, I want her soul and I want her heart and I want my ship, The Black Pearl. Aye you may think this life is not alluring but life on land can be just as harsh and you know sometimes it is even harsher. Life on the sea offers me the possibility of escape from the dreariness of the day-to-day routines. The hunt for treasures makes my blood boil. All I need is me ship, me rum and me women. Believe me when it comes to women, I know them! Oh, do I know them."

"Captain, can we continue with the ship? I don't care to hear about your love life. The sooner I am on the main deck the better."

I made my way to the stern of the ship. I started throwing bags of flour and wheat around and this did stir up some more rats. I myself flinched at the dirty varmints and then smiled at Samantha.

"Shall we go on a hunting trip and see how many of these we can kill?"

She looked at me with skepticism and then gestured to my sword. "Can you use that thing? Or is it just hung there for show?"

"Show is it? Aye I can use it. I've fought many battles on sea and land and I am still alive to see this day. I know when to fight and when to run-and run I will if the time is not right or the numbers too great. As far as these rats they out number me but I can take them."

I knew she was taunting me for she had seen me fight with Norrington. I decided to play her game. I started to skew the rodents as they scampered around our feet. "You know Lass I've heard stories of a Spanish galleon reporting they killed over 4,000 rats in just one voyage from the Caribbean to Europe."

"Stop that!" She yelled. " If you don't stop, I will have to leave. I can't stay down here. I need some fresh air. I need…"

I clapped my hand over her mouth. "I need you to be quiet."

I placed my sword back into its sheath and quietly walked over to a stack of piled grain bags, looking behind them I found my sleeping daughter. Kat was sleeping so soundly and she looked like a little angle. I could only assume she was exhausted from her ordeal on The Pearl and her swim. The shrieks Samantha was giving out could have woken the dead but Kat seemed to sleep through it all.

"Who is that?" Samantha asked as she crept up behind me and laid her hands on my shoulders.

"My daughter. This is my daughter Katheryn. My blood runs through her veins and she is one of my various treasures."

"She is beautiful. She is so young. She looks like you."

"Aye that she does." As I looked at her I could see where her clothes had been torn and where Pintel had grabbed at her. I could feel the anger raging in me. "I will kill him, I will slit his mangy neck and I will feed him to the sharks."

Samantha now rubbed my shoulders. "Captain I think you will get your revenge later but now shouldn't you wake her up and let her know you are here?"

"No, I mean yes, well…"

"Is that not what you told Elizabeth? You wanted to find your daughter and tell her you were here? If you don't wake her she will hear us and think we are the enemy."

"Ay Lass you are right, but she appears to be so peaceful and I have always learned to leave sleeping women and dogs alone."

Samantha smiled at me. "She is your child not a dog." She laughed and smacked me on the back. "You really love her don't you? I wish my father were more like you. Is she yours and Jem's? Is that your woman's name?"

"No, Kat's mother is not Jem. Though I know many a times she wishes Jem were her mother. Kat's mother is Elizabeth."

Samantha looked at me and her mouth dropped open. "I thought Elizabeth was married to Will."

I smiled at her. "Pirate."

"So your telling me that Elizabeth was untrue to Will? How could she?"

I looked at her and was wondering what in the world was going through her head. "Luv, it is a long story and one I do not feel like entertaining you with at the moment. Come I will show you the berth, middle, lower and main decks. I want Kat to rest." I tuned and headed for the stairs. "Perhaps we will find some food on the berth. The berth is the deck located below the gun deck where the mess, sickbay and living /sleeping quarters are. It is just about the water line. There is not much light or ventilation but it will be better than down here."

"Jack, you can't leave her down here with all these rats. You yourself told me they eat wood, rope and sailors."

I grinned at her; she actually called me Jack, instead of Captain. "Ah, so you were listening."

"Captain, Captain Sparrow!" I turned and saw Katheryn's dancing bright eyes staring at me. She looked up at me and gave me her beautiful grin. She pulled herself up off the floor and ran to me. I placed my arms around her and pulled her close.

"Daddy, oh Daddy I thought you were gone, dead. It was awful, Jem he has her. You must go save her. He will kill her. I know he will."

"Kat darling calm down. I will get Jem back and don't underestimate her. How do you know she won't kill him?"

Kat gazed at me with her deep dark eyes. "Jem won't kill her father. I think in some odd way she loves him and she won't be able to. Dad you have to save her. Please! Jem did take her sword to him but she didn't kill him. She was saving Mom and myself and once she realized we were safe she most likely surrendered."

"Luv, your mother has told me everything and I do wish to hear your tale but first I want you to meet someone." I relinquished my hold on her and turned to Samantha. "This is Samantha Morgan. She will be needing a friend. A good friend and she will be needing help in assisting us to sail this ship."

Kat looked at Samantha and extended her hand. "Please to meet you Miss Morgan. I hope my father has been behaving himself." She smiled at me and then gave a concerned look at Samantha. "You are not looking all that well, let me take you to get some food and perhaps some grog."

I watched Kat as she talked to Samantha. She had her mother's manners and was quick to making Samantha feel at ease. Then I noticed something different about her. "Where did you get that?"

I pulled my hat off of her head. "My hat, I thought I lost it when I went overboard. Thank you Lass for returning it." I placed my beloved hat on me head and pulled it down over my brow.

"My pleasure Captain." Kat giggled. "I have another one to wear. A bigger and better one."

I pulled her in close to me once more. I could feel her bones. "You child must get some food let us all go up to the main deck." I placed my arms around Samantha and Kat's shoulders. "Kat I will let you show Samantha the rest of the ship after you all have eaten. I'm sure Elizabeth can find something for you to eat in the galley. Your mother and William will be glad to see ya."

Kat squealed. "Will! Will! He's with you? Oh please I must go see him. I've missed him too."

Before I could stop her she pulled away and ran up the stairs. Samantha smirked. "Well obviously everybody finds Mister Turner enchanting."

I rolled my eyes as I kept my arm on Samantha. "Evidently so Luv, I mean Miss Morgan."

When we emerged on the deck Will was standing at the helm and Kat was all over him. Elizabeth was standing to the side amused at them both. It was nice to see the three of them laughing and generally having a good time.

"You see Miss Morgan, not everything on a ship is terrible. Life is what you make of it. You have to accept what you are dealt and live with it. I myself try to profit from what I am dealt, you too Lass can change your future. You stick with Old Captain Jack and your life will be anything but boring." I pulled her close, gave her a slight kiss on her forehead and then released her. "Come lets get you something to eat, you could do with a bit of rest also. I'll have Elizabeth show you where to bathe and rest and I will see if I can find you some clean clothes to wear."

She looked at me once again with tear in her eyes.

"Lord girl what is it now? What have I done?"

"Nothing Captain, I mean everything. I want to thank you. I am sorry." She wiped her tears. "These are tears of happiness. I do believe you; my life has changed since I have met you and Will. At first you scared me and I do know there is some strange curse on you but I know you will not hurt me. I have to say, I am jealous of your daughter. She is one very lucky girl."

Elizabeth walked over to the two of us. "Jack, Kat is so thrilled you and Will are back, we both are." Elizabeth hugged me and then stepped back. "Will wants to have words with you. I will take the girls to get some food."

"Thank ye Luv, if you could take Miss Morgan under your wing. I think she would like to bathe and rest."

Elizabeth gave Samantha a warm smile and extended her hand. "Come I think you are long over due for a rest. You've been with William and the Captain too long."

Elizabeth started to escort Samantha to the captain's cabin; she turned around and yelled for Kat. "Come Kat, lets show Miss Morgan, how much fun living on a ship can be."

Samantha stopped short and turned to face me. "Captain Sparrow, thank you and please call me Samantha or Luv or Pet what ever you want."

"Samantha it is Lass." I gave her a half salute and sauntered over to Will.

"So Mister Turner it is you and I on a ship with three women. Mr. Gibbs would have a lot to say if he were here. I'd watch my back if I were you for all three are smitten with ya lad."

Will smiled at me. "No need to worry about me, I can take care of myself. It is you I am concerned about. Elizabeth and I have discussed our situation and she like me feels you are going into a trap. If you think about it, Barbossa still knows your every move. He left a note on this ship for you. He knew you would come here and he knows you will go get him."

"Yes Will, he knew I would eventually be on this ship for he took mine, where else would I go? However, he does not know that I have the medallions."

"Jack you can't be sure of that and we should not play into his hands. Elizabeth and I do not like the curse and I can only assume you don't but it has saved us. We should go to Dominica, get your ship, your woman and my son first."

I walked over to the helm and looked into Will's suntanned face. "Whelp is that how you and the fair Elizabeth really feel? You are both willing to live under the curse for the time being?"

"Yes Jack, you have to get Jem back and I need my son."

"Then to Dominica." I changed our bearings and looked out onto the ocean.

"To Dominica." Will breathed a sigh of relief as I took the helm. The wind caught the billowing sails and the ship moved forward.

XXXXXX

I halted a few steps behind Jem; shocked at the way my heart was jumping in my chest. Sweat popped out on my forehead as I stared at her back. She stood over her bed dressing to start the new day. She had yet to know I was present. Her clothes were tattered and her hair hung in one long braid thrown over her shoulder. I stood silent as I observed her delicate shoulders and shapely legs. Jem slowly turned around and gave me a seductive smile.

"Heaven, pure heaven." I repeated the words over and over again. I walked over to her and placed my arms around her waste. I pulled her in close to me and started to moan. I nipped the lobe of her ear I looked down into her dark black eyes. My mouth was slanted over hers; she tasted so sweet, so innocent. My hand stroked downward over the quivering flesh of her back. I was sweating profusely I wanted her I had to have her. I scooped her up in my arms and tossed her on the bed. As I tossed her I felt as if I were flying and then realized I was on the floor.

I grumbled to meself when I became conscious and it was only a dream. I picked myself up off the floor and just groaned. As I did the door opened and Samantha and Will stepped inside. "Are you all right?" Will asked as he looked around the room with his sword drawn. Will was always a little on the dramatic side.

Samantha gasped. "My word you're naked!"

Will shook his head, placed his sword back into its sheath and tried to escort her out of the room. I was indeed quite naked and covered with sweat. I had been dreaming of my Jem and I rudely awoken myself by falling out of the small bed. I could tell sharing this cabin was not a good idea and I was looking forward to our arrival at Dominica.

As dear as Will wanted Samantha to leave he could not make her legs move or force her eyes to look elsewhere. I saw her swallow the lump in her throat as she attempted to leave. Unfortunately, her feet refused to move.

"Forgive me…I didn't mean…" Samantha stood there stammering.

I looked at her and shook my head, wondering what her problem was, it had never occurred to me she had never seen or been with a man before. I pushed my long locks out of me face and narrowed my eyes on her. I could see she was fighting herself that wicked urge not to stare at me but her gaze drifted downward.

"Oh my!" With great effort she managed to look away, though it was a struggle to keep her gaze from returning. She took a small step backward.

I looked at Will and grinned at him throwing my hands in the air. "Well Lad as you can see I am well." I knew I should have dived into the bed but I had been so startled at falling out of it I was not thinking straight. I glanced down at myself, and smiled matter-of-factly.

I went over to the chair and pulled on my breeches. "You know Mister Turner you are going to have to learn to knock and Miss Samantha it is my custom to sleep naked. Did you like what your saw, Luv?"

"Jack." Will's eyes glared at me in disbelief.

"Will." I laughed and stared back at him. "Well, I am glad we all know each other's names.

"Samantha." I spoke to her, knowing she was now staring at me again and I didn't move. I merely smiled at her.

"I…I should leave." Samantha whispered. "I only meant to look in on you with William, to make sure you were all right."

"Samantha, sweet Samantha." I stood up and took her hand and led her to the door. She was having a hard time looking into my face. I held her chin in my hand and made her look into my eyes. "Luv this is a small ship and I told you before privacy is a luxury. There will be many things you will see on this adventure. I'd be willing to wager you won't see anything better."

Will pulled me away from her. "Jack do you have no dignity, no morals, no self-respect?"

I pulled back and looked at Will. "Lad I have it all, why do you question me?"

As she stepped out of the cabin she bumped into Kat. Will looked at them both. "Kat please take Miss Morgan to the forecastle so she can clear her mind."

"Aye sir. But mother wanted me to tell the both of you…." She looked into Will's eyes and then into my grinning face. "What are you up too? You both look extremely guilty."

"Luv, looks can be deceiving, now what is it your mother wants?" I asked Kat as I leaned on the now quite annoyed young mister Turner.

Will attempted to push me off but I hung on relentlessly, knowing I was truly annoying him and enjoying every minute of it.

"She wants me to inform you that we are coming up to an island. We have been watching the porpoises and sharks chase fish into the shoals. We have also seen hundreds of pelicans, cormorants and gulls swarming around. Mom does not want to crash the ship and she thought it would be best for the captain or the first mate to take the helm."

I patted Will on the back. "I'll take care of this."

Will looked at me and rolled his eyes. "Haven't you taken care of enough Jack?"

"Duty calls." I removed my arm from Will and headed for the helm. I breathed deeply the tangy salt air, clearing my senses. Was this the island, was this where I would find my Jem? The day was fine and sunny; a brisk breeze propelled the ship. Elizabeth stood staring at the rippling waves and I could tell she was wondering what she should do.

As I took the helm Elizabeth gave a sigh of reprieve. "It's about time Captain. Are you doing well? We heard you moaning."

"Mrs. Turner I am well, I couldn't be better." I grumbled not wanting to share the past half hour with her.

Kat and Samantha were now strolling along the deck and I couldn't help but hear Samantha's shrill and excited voice, "Kat you should have seen him. I thought William was amazing but Jack has a swarthy body and magnificently fashioned, perfectly proportioned. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I didn't know where to look first."

Kat started to giggle and Elizabeth frowned at me and then at them. "What have you been up to now Captain Sparrow?"

"I'm innocent Luv, ask your husband he can tell ya."

"Kat." Samantha continued. "His arms are roped with muscle, his chest is broad, his hips narrow and his legs are long and sturdy. The very essence of him made me feel giddy. The way he moved, his every gesture exuded sensuality. He is a sexual animal that could make any girl think of sinful things. I couldn't take my eyes off of him." Samantha's conversation was now beginning to get at me. She was speaking to my daughter and this made me feel very uneasy. I had never felt like that before.

Will was now leaning against Elizabeth and smiling at me. "Ah Jack this I think has to be your supreme triumph. Samantha is seventeen and you are the object of her eye." He shook his head and then buried it into Elizabeth's neck and kissed her. He then looked back at me with an evil gleam in his sultry brown eyes. "Jack you should be ashamed of yourself. I can't believe you." He snickered, "But then again I can, your Captain Jack Sparrow. Jem would have your head if she were here."

"Me! William you are the one who continually enters without knocking. It is not my custom to sleep in clothes. Jem and Kat both know and now Miss Samantha does."

I threw my hands up in the air and then looked out toward the island. "If you don't mind, we have a ship to sail. That is our island and we will sail into that cove which is enclosed by a natural seawall. It should give us ample cover yet a quick get away." I glanced over at Elizabeth and Will, they both stood there giggling at me. They could tell I was flustered and they were not helping. "Elizabeth get the girls to lower the sails and try to smooth Miss Morgan's feathers. Will get ready to drop the anchor."

"I don't think it is her feathers that need smoothing." Elizabeth chuckled as she left.

"Captain you said I had an admirer, I think her interests are on you now." Will rolled his eyes and waved his hands threw the air. "He is a sexual animal that could make any girl think of sinful things." He gave me a cynical smile and left.

"OH Jem!" I looked up into the sky and at the passing flock of birds. "Please I just want to find you. I need you. I need your heart, your soul, your love and I need to kill your father."

The Santiago glided effortless into the cove. Will dropped the anchor on my order and he and I lowered our makeshift boat into the water.

"Elizabeth I must ask you to stay here with the girls. William and I will go and retrieve what belongs to us. If anyone attacks the ship, do what you must. If you can, shoot off a cannon to let us know you are under attack. Savvy?"

Elizabeth nodded and before she could say anything Kat ran up to me. "Daddy please wear this. You gave me one and you gave Jem one, I know this belongs to Pearl but I know she would want you to wear it." She placed around my neck the third opal necklace that I had set aside for my dead daughter. "Ah the opal of HOPE." I looked into her beautiful eyes and knew I could not refuse her. I let her place it around my neck.

"Daddy, please bring back Jem and the rest of the crew. Remember there are more important things than your ship and any old treasure. Jem is what you truthfully cherish and she is what you must bring back."

I looked at her and smiled at her wisdom. I pulled her close and tipped her large black hat back off of her face. "How did you get so wise in your so few years Luv?" I kissed her and then motioned to Will. "Come, it is time for us to go." I then stepped back, looked at Will and then at Kat again and a smile spread across my face.

"Will, Elizabeth do you see what I see?"

They looked at me as if I had lost it. I couldn't believe they didn't see it. Kat was wearing a large black hat that had a distinctive tilt. The edges were frayed and there were several well-worn holes in it. To top the hat off it was adorned with a large flowing black feather, which appeared to be missing its tip.

"Where did you get that?" I lowered my kohl-rimmed eyes on her and pulled my head back.

"I told you before, I had two hats." Kat turned around so all could admire it. "You took yours back but left me the best."

I abruptly pulled it off her head and carefully examined it.

"Daddy it's mine you already have one!" Kat yelled at me and attempted to grab it back.

"Easy Luv, I'll give ya your hat back, I promise." I held my hand out to keep her from jumping at me. When she eventually stopped attacking I flipped it over and tugged at the lining. As I jerked at the hat, Will came over to me.

"Jack what is it? Oh my Lord is it his hat?"

I smiled as I pulled the other half of the map out from the lining. I looked at Kat and she was fuming at the fact I was ruining her hat. "Luv where exactly did you find this?"

Kat looked at me crossed her arms over her chest and stood there for several minutes before she spoke. "I found your hat on board this ship laying on the bed in the room just off the main cabin. I found that hat floating in the water. It was after Mother and I had jumped off the Pearl to get away from Barbossa and his disgusting crew. The hat seemed to follow after us and I don't know what possessed me but I grabbed it and bought it with me."

"Oh Jem I love you!" I yelled at the top of my lungs and hugged the hat. Realizing everybody was staring I me I smiled and looked into Kat's angry eyes. "I have my leverage back." I plopped the hat back on Kat's head and I gave the map to Will.

"Follow me Will, along with this and the half you have we are back in business. I went to the main cabin and pulled out some unused parchment. I proceeded to copy both portions of the map into one. "We will give Barbossa his map but it will be different than ours."

I took the original and made several changes on it, I gave Will an evil smile and he in return gave me a wicked grin. "Jack I like the way you think. I truly think I am becoming a full pirate and it scares me, because I like it."

"We now have Barbossa's hat and the whole map." I pulled the medallions from my neck and placed them around Wills. "I want you to take possession of these. Barbossa will come after me before he does you. I will present him with the map. However, I will not hand it over until I have Jem, me crew and me ship. If I should fall behind I wish you to take these and break the curse. Savvy?"

Will looked down at the medallions and then into my eyes, he could tell I was dead serious. "Jack neither of us will fall behind. We are in this together, to the end. I will watch your back and you will watch mine. We will get Jem and WE, will break the curse jointly."

I pulled out a small bottle filled with blood. "You will also need my blood." I placed it in his pocket and patted it for safekeeping. "I cannot have you and Elizabeth living under the curse. I know you can take care of Elizabeth and yourself."

Will realizing it was useless to argue with me lowered his head and then looked into my deep brown eyes. "Yes I can take care of myself, Elizabeth and you Jack. Don't underestimate me; after all, I am the son of Bootstraps." He tucked the medallions into his shirt and we made our way to our small boat that was waiting for us in the choppy water.

"Will, we will always remember this as the day we got our leverage back." I gave him my infamous golden grin. We each picked up a set or oars and headed for our destiny, not knowing what was waiting for us.

A/N I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I consider this my filler chapter. I had to get from point A (Tortuga) to point B (Dominica) hence it was time to have a little fun on the boat, I mean ship. Love the reviews. TA

Lovely Raven Sparrow