Dead Men Tell No Tales

by Lovely Raven Sparrow

Jack and Jem are at it again with the help of Will and Elizabeth. Jack's future looks grim. Two children, no wife,no ship, Will is cursed and oh so much more. There is a lot of blood, violence and romance. Read and enjoy!

14. Secrets Revealed

DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES

Disclaimer: Nothing new. The same old stuff. Of course Will and Jack have informed me they would gladly become mine. Ah, if only.

Secrets Revealed

I went to the cabin and found Jem leaning back in a high backed chair. She was staring at herself in a hand held mirror and eating an apple. I entered and quickly closed the door. I looked around the disorderly room and found two tankards, which I filled with rum and handed one to her. She watched me nervously as she placed her apple back into the fruit bowl and I could see the color rising in her cheeks.

"Jem, why is it you look so beautiful tonight? Do you intend to give me an answer to my question of marriage or are you going to run off with your father and stab me in the back?"

Jem hesitated before she answered. "Jack, I wouldn't do that, I love you." She then gave me a double look. "And you know I couldn't stab you, right?"

I walked behind her and laughed deeply. "I know no such thing Luv. What are your intentions, if I may be so bold as to ask? I have to say, you have been doing some strange things lately." I gathered a mass of her hair in my hands and rubbed it between my fingers. Then I laid it over her shoulders. "Take off your clothes," I whispered.

"No Jack, I will not. Until you place the coin into the chest, I will remain as I am." She looked up at me with her dark beautiful eyes. I could tell I was going to have troubles.

"Jem, until you tell me what you are up too, I will not un-curse myself. Now I intend to make love to you, so take off your clothes. I would rather not have to fight you and perhaps hurt you in the process."

"Jack Sparrow, you wouldn't. You may be a pirate but you know right from wrong, I know you would not hurt me." Jem glanced at me and then started to brush her hair trying to ignore the fact I was still staring at her. "And just to let you know Captain Sparrow, I would not be the one getting hurt, you would."

"I assure you Jem, I will take you, and most likely, I will pay a high price. I'm not afraid of you and you have no choice in the matter."

"Jack, you know I want you as much as you want me, but first get rid of the damn medallion."

"I repeat Jem; I am going to make love to you. Nothing will save you from that." I placed my hands on her shoulders and started to pull her shirt down from her shoulders. I then heard a low growl from her faithful dog, Amber. Amber approached from a dark corner of the room, baring her teeth at me.

Jem pushed my hands away and stood up. "Easy girl, I'll let you know when I need help." Amber walked to Jem, licked her hand and then laid down next to the chair. Jem pulled her shirt up and turned to stare me in the face. "Jack, you are crazy if you think I would choose my father over you. Now get rid of the medallion, I will not be submissive to you." She pulled out her dagger and handed it to me. "Cut your hand and let us go get rid of it together."

I took the dagger from her hand and tossed it on the floor. "You know Jem, you should be grateful to me, not Ana Maria or your father. I don't intend to share you with my crew or anybody. Now enough is enough, what is your answer? If you won't be dutiful to me then please don't give into Ana Maria and your accord either. You are a damn pirate; your father is Hector Barbossa. His blood runs though your veins. He is a cutthroat, a villainous man and probably has never told the truth in many years, let alone stands by an accord or follows the pirate's code. As you can see, he is still alive and kicking. Nothing has happened to him and nothing will happen to you."

Jem's eyes shot fire in my direction. "My answer is, I will fight you Jack, if you don't pick up that knife. If I have too I will pick it up, stab you with it, rub the medallion into the wound and place it in the chest myself."

I gave her a wide grin. "Ah, so you would stab me then, and here I thought I could trust you. I can see the old Jem is back and you are putting up a good resistance. You, my pet, have made a very unwise decision. Now remove your clothes Jem, I can't wait much longer."

"Jack I hate you," she hissed through clenched teeth. Amber sat up and once again began to growl.

I squinted my eyes and whispered in her ear. ""Why, because I speak the truth? Luv, just a minute ago you said you loved me. Now what am I suppose to believe?" I then looked at Amber. "If you bite me my fair lady, it will be the last thing you taste."

Jem pushed me away and pet Amber on her head. "Down girl, it's only Jack." She smiled at her and then frowned at me. "Why is it I should give into you and you won't get rid of the medallion?" Then she moved closer to me and took my face in her hands and kissed me tenderly. "If you wish to be a tyrant then fine, take me now." She said sharply. Her lips parted mine and she did not have to search for a response. She pulled back and her eyes narrowed. "As you can see Jack Sparrow I will not fight you anymore. The day we both step foot on The Black Pearl I will marry you and I will not go with my father. Jack it is you I love and it is you I wish to be with, the one thing I do ask of you is to rid us of Ana Maria. She has performed her duties well but she is a thorn in my side, when she finds out she has been double crossed she will attempt to kill me and I will have to kill her myself. I would rather you did it Jack. Do it for me and do it for Pearl."

I laughed at her and wrapped my arms around her waist. "That is a lovely sound coming from your sweet lips; yet, I would prefer you to call me Captain, Captain Jack. Now finish your rum."

I released her and handed her the mug. I bent down and picked up the knife, I ran the blade across my hand and a line of deep red blood appeared. I then pulled the medallion off my neck and headed for the door. "While I'm gone, I want you to remove your clothing and wait in the bed. Oh, and please, get rid of the dog." I left and closed the door after me. I did as she asked and took the medallion down to the hull and tossed it into the chest. I grabbed a thick chain and secured it around the ornate box and secured it with two—no three padlocks. I noticed in the corner a filthy canvas and I draped it over the bulky object. I would get my crew to help me rid the ship of the chest, to fasten a cannon around it and send it to Davy Jones's locker.

When I came back to the cabin Jem was removing her last piece of clothing. She was drinking the final bit of rum when she turned around and saw me watching her. She veiled her body with her waist length hair and walked over to me. I picked her up and carried her to the bed and then laid her down gently. I took all my clothing off with slow deliberation, keeping my eyes on her. She in turn could not look away from me. I then lay down beside her on the narrow bed. I looked into her face for a long while and then brushed one hand across her cheek. I leaned over her and softly brushed my lips against hers, that's when I heard a soft knock at the door. The door opened slightly but then closed again. Both Jem and I ignored it and nobody ever entered.

The morning sun shone through the open cabin window. I lay on the bed, with nothing covering me except a light film of perspiration slowly drying in the salty breeze. I roused Jem from sleep with gentle kisses and soft touches and spent an hour loving her before I slipped out of the bed to get dressed.

She remained in the bed, still basking in the satiety of our lovemaking and watched me. I could tell she was thinking about getting up but for some reason she hesitated. She looked at me and lay back down.

I smiled at her and walked over to her. "Well Luv, I am ready to go out and face the morning. Do you plan to join me?" As I stood there talking to her I started stomping on the floor. Jem slowly raised her head and looked at me. "Jack what are you doing, are there spiders in here?"

I looked up at her and tilted my head. "No Luv, just a rat. He must have been after the fruit." Glancing down she saw the limp gray form on the floor and a pearl of blood glistering on its snout.

Jem made it out of the bed just in time to loose the contents of her stomach. "Rats, in our room! Jack you must get that damn cat, Tommy in here."

I looked at the rat and then Jem. "Luv I will take that under consideration but that cat is with your father on The Pearl. I'll be glad to bring your dog back in." I looked down at the gray body. "All the food is probably bad due to these varmints I should have somebody check it."

I handed Jem a mug of rum. "Here Luv, take this it will make you feel better. I am sorry; I did not realize the death of this creature would upset you so." I picked it up and tossed it out the port window. When I turned around Jem smiled at me. "Home sweet home." She put the mug to her mouth.

"No! No!" I ran over to her and pulled the mug from her lips. "Don't swallow for God's sake. Just rinse your mouth."

Jem looked at the mug, then went over to the basin and continued to vomit. I went over to her, pulled her hair over her shoulders and fastened it behind her. I frowned worriedly down at her. "I'd say the food is probably bad due to these varmints. When did you eat last and what did you eat? Ana Maria better not be up to her old tricks again."

Jem turned to me and I could tell she was trying to ignore her queasy feelings but then she turned around again and she was on her knees. I gave her a lopsided grin. "Luv, I'd say you have been on land to long and you are seasick. There are men that are born to the sea and I'm afraid you are not one of them, or at least not today."

Jem pulled herself off the floor and went back to the bed. "Jack don't be silly you know I am accustomed to the motion of the ship." She threw herself back on the bed and groaned. "I don't know why I am so sick. Maybe it is something I ate."

I looked at her with concern and then joined her at the side of the bed. "Well Luv, the seas may be a little rough for you. Stay in bed and I will send Kat in. Perhaps you can rest a bit and then have a little something to eat later. Please do me a favor and don't eat anything unless Will, Elizabeth or I give it to you."

"No Jack I'll be fine. I will take your advice and lie down for a moment. I am sure my stomach will settle after I drink some water." She lay with her dark hair spread across her pillow and smiled as I leaned over to kiss her good-bye. She brushed my hair back with her hand.

"Hurry back, Captain."

I smiled. "I will." I touched a finger to her lips and slipped out the door, leaving her to linger between the sheets.

Out in the sunshine of the deck, I was struck by all the activity. All hands were topside, many still up on the yardarms working on the sails. Everyone was busy doing something and all the activity was being directed by William. At his side was Ana Maria.

I could tell Will was giving her the orders and she was shouting them across the deck. As I looked about the busy ship my chest swelled with pride. With all the apparent commotion, every action had a purpose, producing required results. I sauntered over to Will and took the helm.

"Good to be off, isn't it?" Will asked, as he smiled at me. He then looked towards the cabin. "Did you sleep well?"

I pulled my head back and eyed Will, then Ana Maria. "Yes, it is good to be off and the men seem efficient at their work."

I glanced at Will and I could see he was still grinning at me. "To answer your question Mister Turner, it is difficult to get a good night's sleep on a ship. The pitching and rolling tugs one to and fro in the bed, it is often too cold or too hot, and there are constant sounds from both within and without the ship to stir the slumbering. The wind either whispers or roars, and the waves can tap gently on the side of the hull or crash against it."

I turned to Ana Maria. "Did you sleep well Luv?"

She glared at me. "No sir, but thank you for asking. I had no one to pitch and tug nor anyone to keep me warm."

I handed the helm back to Will and placed my arm around Ana Maria's shoulders. "Are you alright?"

"I have a bit of a headache. The sounds of the ship also kept me awake." She laid her head on me and placed my hand on her neck. "Perhaps if you massage my neck and knead my shoulders I won't be so tense."

I removed my hand and turned her toward the hatch. "Luv, I think you should go lay down. Go get some rest."

She tugged on my jacket. "Won't you come with me?"

"No Luv, I have things I must attend to. You go to your berth, extra hands on deck are not needed at the moment. We have no need of you here."

Ana Maria's eyes blazed. "What do you mean you have no need for me?" I glanced down at her hand and noticed it forming into a fist. "Whoa, I met nothing by that remark Luv, but if you mean to use that fist, you had better make it count." I stepped back from her and took the helm once again. Will looked at the both of us and realized his mistake. I turned away from Ana Maria but spoke very distinctly so she could hear me. " Now if I have offended you let me know. If not, you are dismissed."

Ana Maria glared at both Will and I, said nothing and turned on her heel to head toward the hatch and her bunk. She stopped once, looking back at me before finally disappearing.

Letting out a long breath I shook my head and looked at Will. "Lad that is enough small talk from you, you don't do it very well. Yes I slept well and yes I heard your knock last night. Evidently it was not important or you would have knocked again." I tilted my head back and looked up into the high riggings. "I wouldn't mind a little more wind, but a light breeze is good for getting the men settled into their duties."

"Jack I am sorry, I did not mean to stir up any trouble, but I do have to let you know. I did not come and knock on your door last night." Will placed his hand on my shoulder. "I think I will also turn in. I have kept watch all night and I too need some rest."

I turned to look at the horizon and to my surprise I saw another ship. I stopped Will before he could leave and I handed him my spyglass. "Is it the Pearl?" Looking up again I eyed the tops of the masts and noticed all our sails were not unfurled. "Gibbs," I yelled. "Have the men shake out the canvas and give me full sail."

"Jack are you trying to catch that ship?" Will asked while he was looking at it through the spyglass.

"You tell me Whelp. Can you tell me her name and is she flying a flag?" We were under full sail now and the sky over the deck was filled with thirty thousand square feet of billowing white canvas making use of all the wind, however light, to push the heavily laden ship across the water. The hold was full of jewels as well as water and provisions, hopefully sufficient for the duration of our voyage. The hull was well down in the water and the sharp bow was slicing through the oncoming swells.

"Jack," Will handed me the spyglass. "I could not make out her name. She was traveling fast and I lost her as she went over the horizon. From what I could make out she was not flying a flag."

Jem came on to the deck with Kat, Samantha and Elizabeth who was carrying Bill. Elizabeth sat both girls down on some barrels and handed them each a garment of clothing to mend. There were many sails and crewmembers clothing in need of sewing. As Jem walked up to the starboard rail I watched her cautiously. Her walk was unsteady and her sense of balance seemed off. Her black leather boots laced up over her ankles and almost to her knees were fine for walking the streets but I was not quite sure they were practical for the ship. She claimed they were a combination of fashion and practicality; they had soles with a firm grip for wet, slanted decks.

She looked out over the ocean and then turned to Elizabeth. I was staring at her; I could not take my eyes off of her. I heard her speaking quietly to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, tell me, without making it obvious, is Jack looking at me?"

Elizabeth, while playing with Bill, glanced up at Jem and smiled. "Jem, when isn't Jack staring at you?"

Jem laughed as she placed her hand on her stomach and leaned over the rail. "I think I have been on land to long and it will take a little time to regain my sailor's legs."

Elizabeth stood up and went to Jem. When she put her arm around her I was felling a little better. I knew that if Jem had been poisoned or if she was just indeed seasick Elizabeth would take care of her. They both walked over to us. Much to Jem's surprise, Elizabeth handed Bill to her. Elizabeth then threw her arms around Will and gave him a long passionate kiss. I stepped back from Will to give Elizabeth ample room to get to him. I then gave Jem a wide grin. "It appears the Lass has missed her man, ay?"

Elizabeth ignored my comment and just spoke to Will. "I missed you last night sailor and so did your son. I think I should have a talk with the Captain; he is working his first mate too hard." She wrapped her arms around Will's waist. "This may be a small ship but being with you I am always cozy."

"Elizabeth." Will said as he looked at Kat and Samantha who were now standing behind her. "We are not alone."

Elizabeth turned and saw the girls laughing. She immediately regretted her act. I smiled at them and then at Elizabeth. "Cozy you say?"

Jem also laughed and handed the baby over to Will. I reached for Jem and slid my arm around her. I gave her a strong hug and a long kiss ignoring the fact that I had only an hour ago separated from her.

"I'm sorry, I did not come back Jem but I had to take care of matters on deck." As I stood snuggling Jem I also became aware of the girls now watching me. To the girls credit they pretended not to have seen the flirtation. I slowly released Jem and she me but our fingertips still lingered on each other for a few seconds. I wasn't sure about Jem but I knew I had been apart from her too long and the pleasure of being with her was still new and fresh.

Jem looked into my eyes and then over at Will, who was now having his hair pulled by his son. "I guess you have had a busy morning, perhaps you should retire and get some rest and I will take my duties now."

Will looked at Jem. "Yes, Jem I am exhausted, I am all done in. It has been one thing after another. Exhausted, that's the word." He smiled at Elizabeth as he handed Bill back to her.

I gave a heavy sigh and waved my arm in a sweep about the deck. "Oh you poor thing. However did you manage?" As I looked about the deck it was clean and freshly scrubbed.

"Intestinal fortitude, I believe is the phrase." Will said sarcastically.

Elizabeth ignored the both of us and now directed her attention to the girls and Jem. "Are you ready to eat? I understand Rogers has prepared some food."

Will placed his arms around Kat's and Samantha's shoulders and started leading them to the galley. "I'm starving let's go see what we can find to eat."

"Hold up," I yelled. I handed the helm over to Jem and walked over to Elizabeth. "I thought you said you would take charge of the food. You are going to subject us to Rogers cooking?"

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. "Rogers relieved me of my duties. He said the food was going bad and we could possible run out. He knows how you all like to eat and he claimed I would not make it properly."

Samantha turned and looked at me. "Is it true Captain Sparrow, the food is running out?"

"Luv, don't you worry your pretty little head. Rogers is a good man and he won't let any of us starve, remember there are rats on the ship." I glanced over at Jem and then looked at Samantha again. "So don't you be playing with the rats." I cuffed Samantha on the ear. "They make a tasty treat when the food runs out."

Now Kat looked at me with horror. "Daddy, is the food going to run out? When?"

I pulled her away from Will and placed my arm around her pulling her close then I knelt down and whispered to her. "After we eat you."

She pulled away and gave me a playful slap. "Oh father, I should have known you were joking."

Will lowered his brow at the both of us. "Why Captain Sparrow, I thought you didn't joke?"

As I gave a sly grin to Will both Kat and Samantha ran to the galley to get some food. As Will, Elizabeth, and I entered the room we found the girls peering doubtfully into a large pot, which contained a darkish liquid. It looked far from appetizing, but everybody was hungry.

Will was the first to take action. He cupped his hands and scooped out a handful of liquid with some small grayish lumps floating in it. He sniffed it, wrinkled his nose, and then shoved a lump into his mouth. Immediately he spat it onto the floor.

"It's alive." He yelled. Samantha looked at the lump on the floor, and sure enough it was wriggling. I sauntered over and looked down at it.

"It's a worm." I began to laugh. "That old seadog is feeding the crew worms." I picked it up and held it toward Samantha. "You aren't gona eat this?" I asked. She shook her head violently along with Kat and Elizabeth who were backing up slowly.

"Your loss." I popped the worm into my mouth, chewed thoughtfully and swallowed. Will looked at me with his wide brown eyes and began to laugh.

"I prefer flies, but moth is good too." Will said flippantly.

Samantha started to whimper. "You eat worms, Captain?"

"I eat what I can, on this ship. When I was just a young lad sailing with me dad I ate a piece of rope once. I did get lashed for that for the rope was being used at the time. I do have to say it was tasty. If you don't fancy worms," I nodded toward the communal bowl, "then you don't want to know what else Rogers may have put in there."

Will, peered into the pot again and gasped. "There's something swimming in there. It's..it's a rat!"

"Really?" I said with a wide grin, looking into the pot. "Why so it is! Rogers must be in a generous mood. Usually he doesn't serve rat cept on special occasions like Christmas."

Jem now came into the galley and she was still looking a little weak. Will looked up and smiled. "So you just couldn't take your watch and you had to come and see what was for breakfast?" Jem walked over and looked in the pot then immediately moved away. "I'm not hungry. Jack I thought I should let you know Ana Maria is at the helm now, she claimed it was her watch, yet she seemed to be in a foul mood. I was in no mood to fight with her."

"I'll go up and speak to her. Come sit down and eat something."

She looked at the so-called food again. "Really Jack, I am not hungry."

"Nor I," said Kat, and then Elizabeth. Samantha began retching and Jem started to laugh and slapped me on the back. "And you were afraid Ana Maria was going to poison us."

Will looked at me. "Jack, we can't eat this."

"As you like." I picked up the pot. "This'll make a fine meal for me, I'd advice you to see what else there is to eat." I looked at my friends and then gently ran my hand down Kat's small cheek. "Don't worry Luv we won't eat you, I'll get the men to do some fishing. The sea is full of good food. Savvy?"

I went up on the deck to confront Ana Maria but first I threw the pot of cuisine overboard. When I got to the helm Ana Maria was not there. Instead I found Charlie. I looked at him and then into the sails high above the ship. "Charlie, why are the royals struck? I did not order it."

"Ana Maria said you did, sir."

"Where is she?"

"I believe the forecastle. Would you like me to get her?"

"No I will go myself. Your duties do not include being a messenger." I placed my hand on his shoulder. He smiled and nodded his head. As I turned to leave I looked up again and then at Charlie. "Have the sails unfurled."

"Aye sir. Right away, sir."

As I headed for the forecastle Ana Maria was walking towards me with wide steps. Her face was clouded with a frown and I returned the favor. "Ana Maria, I was wondering why we are running under reduced sail."

"I felt the wind was too strong so I took in the royals."

"When was the wind too strong? Ana Maria there is hardly a breath of air out here, believe me Lass, The Santiago can stand more wind under full sail. The ship is not timid about the weather, so let us not be either."

Ana Maria stood her ground. "I judged the wind too strong and acted accordingly."

"You judged wrongly, this ship is a fine thoroughbred, she likes to run, and we should let her. Now, go about your duties."

She snarled at me and disappeared down the deck. I went back to the galley to find Elizabeth had made a fine meal of eggs and hot coffee. Elizabeth gave me a wide grin. "Apparently Rogers had forgotten we have chickens on board."

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I watched my daughter as I stood at the helm. Kat was by the starboard rail, feeling the sea air on her face as she attempted to fish. The gentle wind was blowing like fingers through her hair. She was a beautiful child and I had a hard time believing she was mine at times. Looking down over the side railing and forward toward the bow she started to squeal. "Captain, captain we have flying fish and dolphins swimming along side us!" She was jumping up and down and I was afraid she was going to go over. Before I could say anything she almost did fall overboard, but to her good fortune Charlie was standing near by and pulled her back. I could tell she was shocked but she held on to him tight. Charlie was a good-looking young man. He resembled Will in many ways. He, like Will, had dark curly hair, deep brown eyes and a serious but good disposition. I always felt a little threatened by him for I knew he adored Jem.

"Lass, you best be careful," Charlie spoke sternly to her. "The wind could pick you up and take you away." He looked down into the water. "As you can see the ship she leaves a trail, a thin line of foam marking where she cuts the water. The wake will spread and weaken before diminishing back into the rippled ocean. You Lass are light and you will diminish faster than that. This ocean is vast and unmarked; she goes as far as the horizon. As you can see for yourself she goes in every direction and the surface is always the same, the only variations being shadows of drifting white clouds. For every lapping wave that breaks the surface and disappears, another takes its place. Then, it too, slips back into the sea. We don't want that to happen to you."

Kat was still clinging on to him when I came up. I could not tell if she was crying or not, for she had her head buried into his chest and he was rubbing her back. "That's enough Charlie!" He immediately let her go and she stood staring up into his handsome face. She was definitely not crying.

"Captain I'm sorry I didn't mean anything…I was just---"

"I know what you were just." I pictured Pintel, fondling my daughter, then I snapped back to my senses. "Thank you Lad, for protecting Kat from the sea." I looked at her. "I want you to go below, young ladies do not belong on deck with young men who are supposed to be working and not babysitting."

Kat looked at me with embarrassment. "Captain, I am not a baby and I was trying to catch us some food." She then looked up at Charlie. "Young sir, thank you for saving me and I have to say you smell wonderful."

He blushed and before I could grab her she ran down the deck to the protection of Elizabeth. Charlie did not move. He watched my beautiful daughter retreat and then he turned a slight shade of pink. I threw my hands up in the air. "Gibbs is right, women are bad luck and that one has been tainted by Jem or perhaps the young Lass Samantha."

Charlie started to back up. "Begging your pardon sir, but Samantha is a fine girl. She couldn't taint a soul."

I raised my eyes on his face and smiled. I could tell he did not like my look. "I'll be getting back to my duties now." Charlie said abruptly as he turned quickly and went down the deck.

Kat was furious at me and she refused to talk to me. Jem found it amusing, Samantha was on Kat's side and Elizabeth remained silent, but she felt the same way I did. I asked Elizabeth to keep a close eye on the girls. I trusted my crew but in all honesty they were healthy men and they were all looking at and admiring the females.

After a few days at sea with a full crew, Samantha was missing the luxury of her freedom. She no longer could take baths and she was using a small bowl of water allotted to her each day. As I was making my rounds I heard her giving Elizabeth a hard time. "Elizabeth this is hardly sufficient. My hair is filthy and I cannot rid myself of the smell of fish."

I now stood in the doorway and watched Elizabeth as she fed Bill and spoke to both Kat and Samantha. I was surprised nobody was aware of my presence.

"I am sorry Samantha," Elizabeth spoke, "but water is scarce and so is privacy. There is no proper place for you to take a full bath. Girls, I would like to stress, both of you are pretty young things and you are very distracting to the crew. The Captain feels it is best for you two to remain out of sight of the crew. You can go on deck in the late evening, after most of the men are below, but only if the Captain, Will, Gibbs or I are with you."

Samantha looked appalled and Kat looked at Elizabeth. "What about Charlie?" Elizabeth shot Kat a look of disapproval and Kat remained silent.

Samantha broke the silence. "I don't understand why I can't have my freedom on the ship. You are not my mother and Jack is not my guardian."

Elizabeth looked at Kat. "Sweetheart I know you know why your father has laid down this rule. Could you please take Samantha to your quarters and explain to her." Elizabeth had finished feeding young Bill and carefully laid him down on the bed.

Kat looked at her mother and threw herself on the bed beside her brother. "No Mom, you tell her, I don't understand either. I have been on The Black Pearl with Dad for most of my life and I get along very well with the crew. Especially Charlie. Samantha is quite a bit older than I am and she won't listen to me. Why should she? I mean mom, you should hear how she talks about Will and Dad. She loves Will and dad is just…just…beautiful." Kat now glanced at Samantha and Samantha in return looked at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth looked over at Samantha. "You are innocent of life, and a child in many ways. You know nothing of men, and the less you know the better. I cannot protect you forever and some day your ignorance will be lifted but lets not make it any day soon. From now on I don't want either of you going up on deck unescorted and if you must have a breath of fresh air, make it at night and go together."

Samantha glowered at Elizabeth and then at Kat. "I suppose you are right, but I do have to admit I think William is the most handsome man I have every met and I should tell you what my mother told me. She claims a woman only has a month after they wed before her husband tires of her and seeks another conquest. What would you do if Will no longer responds to your charms?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Surely you jest. There's not a man on this ship I couldn't wrap around my little finger." She lifted up her hand and quirked her pinkie finger to illustrate her point. "William will always be true to me."

Samantha rolled her eyes. "You have a high opinion of yourself, Mrs. Turner."

Elizabeth sat on the bed and placed her hand on Kat's leg and then turned to Samantha. "It may be arrogant to you, Lady Samantha, but I know the secret of how to handle a man."

"Oh?" Samantha mocked. "Then, please, do tell us this incredible secret."

Kat looked up at her mother and Elizabeth smiled mischievously, then let fall her greatest weapon. "The secret is, you must treat a man like a dog."

Kat started to laugh. "Like a dog?"

"Exactly," Elizabeth replied. "In order to keep a man loyal, you have to treat and train him very much like you would a pampered pet. My mother told me this when I was young. It was her secret and it works. I tell you, I've had nothing but success with the method. You see when it comes to men you should never show fear. They can smell it and it makes them mean. Men are all the same. They know when a woman is afraid and they use it to control you."

"Yes, but some men are vicious by nature," Samantha said. "I know my father is."

"As are some dogs!" Kat added.

Elizabeth nodded. "And as with a pet, you must make sure you establish from the beginning exactly who is in control."

Kat smirked. "Everyone knows that Captain Jack Sparrow is in charge. Why bother?"

Elizabeth frowned at her. "The man doesn't have to be in charge. Who runs the household? We do, of course. Who makes sure the man is kept comfortable, serves his favorite foods and such? We do again. Woman make sure their husbands are treated with the proper regard and they are the ones who care for them, just like you would do a treasured pup."

Kat frowned. "I suppose that's true."

"Now, if you wish to train a man to listen to you, you never shout, you whisper. They take extra special care to listen to a quite tone."

Samantha smiled at Elizabeth. "I wish I knew how to handle a man." As she said this she turned bright red as Will entered the room. I had not noticed he was standing behind me.

"Excuse me, a dog am I?" Will asked, humor dancing in his brown eyes.

Elizabeth picked Bill up off the bed and walked over to Will, placing a kiss on his lips. "Here Fido, come talk with us and you can take care of your pup."

He dutifully took Bill and stood next to Elizabeth, giving a soft canine whine. Her smile widened, she gave him a quick pat on the head. "Good boy."

He turned and pulled her to him with his free arm. "Give me a kiss, wench."

I now came into the room and smiled at Will and Elizabeth. "I see your pet is very well trained."

Samantha came running over to me. "Tell me why I can't have freedom of the ship."

"Because you must not tempt the crew with your beauty. Men have strong desires that make them want to make love to a woman, especially one as lovely as you."

Elizabeth gasped. "Jack Sparrow don't you have something you are supposed to be doing?"

I placed my arm around Will's shoulder and looked at Samantha. "Ah, Samantha the crew is subject to seeing you every day, and then they will begin to want you. This desire that a man has can become so overpowering that he will even risk death to make love to a woman and then you may end up with one of these." I ran my hand across Bill's fuzzy head and smiled at him as he drooled on Will's shirt.

While I was speaking Jem came and stood in the doorway. "Well Jack, how do you know all of these things?" She smiled at me.

"Love I am a pirate, I am Captain Jack Sparrow. I have never lived a sheltered life."

Samantha now stood in front of me. "Neither have I."

I removed my arm from Will and grasped her shoulders. "You mean you have made love with a man?"

Elizabeth now jumped and released my grip from Samantha. "Both of you get out of here." She pulled Bill from William's arms and started to lead Will and me out of the room.

Both Will and I started to laugh when Jem interrupted. "Ladies, I am sorry I have to break up this hen party but Jack, you must get up on the deck, there is a vessel coming straight towards us."

Kat now sat up from her prone position on the bed and looked at me. "Is there anything to be alarmed about Dad?" Kat questioned as she jumped up and wrapped her small arms around my waist. "Daddy please stay with me, don't leave the ship again."

"The ship is not flying her colors." Jem looked at Kat. "She may be another pirate vessel."

"But surely they will not attack The Santiago?" Kat spoke as she hugged me tighter. "Nobody in their right mind would attack you, right father?" Kat looked at me with her innocent eyes.

"Luv they would not attack The Pearl, but The Santiago is a small craft and they can see we are heavy and low in the water."

"One never knows about those cutthroats." Will said cautiously. "Jack, I'll get the crew together and we can try to outdistance them? Unless, you want to fight them? We have succeeded in fighting off pirates before."

"Let us go and see who we will be fighting." I walked out of the room and both Jem and Will followed me. As I walked out on the deck I could see the sweeping masts and the yards of the vessel. I peered at the oncoming ship. "She is not an English ship; she has too much rack on her masts."

Jem stood behind me. "It appears she wants to move alongside us. She hasn't fired a warning shot." The drift of the current was taking the unknown ship crabwise toward us. "Stand by men." I could feel my spine chilling under the tension. "Steady yourselves." Before I could snap off an order to man the guns there was a sudden explosion and they were firing on us.

With a lot of scrambling and yelling I ordered all men on deck. They most likely saw the British flag we were still flying. There were more shots now and the balls were slamming into the planking. Their bowmen hurled their grapnel hooks over the rail of The Santiago. We were under attack and they started to board our ship. There was a ragged volley of pistol fire between both ships. I in turn ordered an attack on the unknown vessel and I sent half the crew to board her. My men swarmed up the side and into the open gun ports. I climbed up the rigging and swung over to the unfamiliar deck. It was not a pirate vessel but it was not a merchant ship or navy either. But what ever they were, they indeed wanted our ship.

"Men if we can't get to grips, we're done for." With a pistol in one hand and my sword in the other I yelled to both Jem and Will. "Close quarters!" Will then charged along the deck and threw himself amongst the nearest marksmen. Shouts of surprise gave way to screams as Will fired his pistol into a man's chest and slashed another with his sword. Cursing and cheering, the remaining crew followed Will and struck out at anything that moved. I, like them, was in the midst of battle with a young man who continued to plunge toward me with his sword but handling it more like a spear. I was amused at his handling of the weapon until I saw James Norrington. His face loomed above me and then I felt a violent blow on the side of my head and saw his arm going up, his sword pale against the black sky. I twisted my body around and struck upwards with my sword but he lanced me with his weapon and I could feel the pain in my arm. Before he could strike again a pistol exploded and Norrington took cover. Will pulled me to my feet and then continued hacking at figures. I could hear his blade slicing through the air.

As we continued to fight there was a savage bang that sent both ships rocking. As our ears recovered from the sound we all saw on our port side, a Royal Navy ship, The Bristol. She was now firing on the both of us. She fired again and I knew Norrington's ship took a direct hit. Sharks or not, his crew started to leap overboard, ignoring the yells of Norrington. A shot struck him in the shoulder and he fell beside me, I could see he was wounded badly. As I looked down at him I smiled. "Swim, sink, float, the sharks will take care of your men before they drown."

He looked up at me. "Captain Sparrow it appears you have won again. Could you please signal to The Bristol, and have them cease firing on us?"

I knelt beside the wounded Norrington, seeing that his strength was ebbing away. "Mate that is indeed The Royal Navy, they will not listen to me nor to you since you appear to be a pirate vessel. Remember all members of The Royal Navy have vowed to rid the seas of all pirates especially me, Captain Jack Sparrow. It appears your friend Gillette is commanding that ship, The Bristol."

Norrington attempted to get up but he could not. He was wounded badly and he slumped back to the deck and moaned. "No ship can out run The Bristol; she is one of the newest ships in the fleet."

I smiled at Norrington. "The Black Pearl could, nobody ever has out run her."

"Well, Captain Sparrow, I am thrilled to hear that but I don't see The Black Pearl here so I'd advice you to surrender to Gillette."

I looked at the destruction on Norrington's ship, as I gave him a wide golden grin I ordered my crew to head back to The Santiago. I pulled Norrington up off the deck. "Commodore, I will never surrender." Norrington moaned as I picked him up and took him with me.

Once on the Santiago I had my men place Norrington into the brig. I prepared the Santiago to run from The Bristol. I rocked back on my heels and searched the rigging. "Hand's aloft and loosen the top sails. Come along, jump about you scally wags if you don't want to be run ashore." Several shots flew overhead. "Lay her on the starboard tack!"

The ship started to come around and as we moved I could see many of my crew had cuts and cruel injures. Will shouted above the din of the canvas. "We are flying now sir, but The Bristol is gaining and she is making more sail."

I nodded, seeing the bow dip into a steep wave and hurl the spray high over the deck. I kept my eye on The Bristol until they watered painfully. She kept shooting at us but we were still out of her range.

"Will, I am going to head for that reef, and hopefully she won't follow. Go below and toss the chests into the ocean. Inform Jem what you are doing and make sure the Aztec one goes first."

Will's eyes opened wide. "Can we really get through there?" Will was now looking at the reef I had made reference to. "Can you really steer a course through the reef? Is that what you are going to do?"

I placed my elbow on Will's shoulder and leaned on him. "You'll be asking if I can walk on water next!" As we both looked out onto the reef a weak ray of sunlight lanced across the upper rigging and made the topgallant glitter like a crucifix. "Will, we don't have a choice?" I looked at him gravely. "Captivity, and possibly death is not the way I want this ending."

Will nodded firmly. "We'll probably die anyway, but it's a chance I'd rather take." He rubbed his hands together.

"William, do as I ask." I seized the wheel and added all my strength. "Watch your heads!" Another bang echoed through the air and I saw the white feather of spray kicking across each line of waves as the ball skipped past our stern.

I looked at Will. "After you have taken care of the chests call some hands to shorten sail so we can come about." Will gave me a nervous laugh. "Jack Sparrow, I am glad you are the captain. My nerves would have given out long ago."

Will took several men and Jem with him and they disposed of all the chests, even the treasure. We had to make the ship as light as possible. Bang, another ball hissed overhead and slapped though the foretopsail like an iron fist.

"They have gotten a lot closer." Jem commented as she snatched my spyglass. "Jack we are coming up on the first line of reefs. You best let her fall off a point."

I yanked the wheel and brought a protest of flapping canvas from the topgallants. "Steady as we go." I could tell from the worsening motion and the way every spar and sail seemed to quiver with protest, that we were entering shallower water and crossing a fierce undertow.

"Gibbs, Charlie, shorten the sails." I yelled. By allowing the ship to fall just a trifle I was hoping we could make it over the reef. Jem was still peering through the spyglass. "Jack, the Bristol is running out more guns. It looks as if they are going to make a run for us."

A sudden roar of cannon fire made me realize that Gillette was determined to cripple The Santiago and then bring us to close action. I looked out at The Bristol and murmured aloud. "Not this time my friend." I now yelled for Will. "Whelp, I want you to pick two of the most reliable crew and man the aftermost guns, starboard side."

Will looked at me as if I had gone mad. "Jack the enemy is on the opposite side."

"Double-shotted. I know it is a risk but I am going to bring the ship around and I want you to hit the Bristol's bow when I give the word." Will nodded slowly and ambled away, bawling out names and examining the guns as he did so.

I looked at Jem. "We are going to pass though the reef, I am sure Gillette will attempt to follow. We have an advantage; we are a smaller and lighter ship. For just a few moments we will have Gillette under our guns." I smiled. "Such as they are. He'll not be expecting us to turn and fight. Not now."

I stared beyond the bow. "I think I know a passage. It's not much. I'm not sure about the depth. A few fathoms, no more, if I'm any judge."

Iron shrieked overhead and brought down several lengths of broken rigging. The hull gave a violent jerk, and I knew we had taken our first direct hit. I looked towards the back of the ship. Will raised a hand and yelled. "Ready when you are."

I wiped my forehead with my wrist. I was streaming with sweat and I couldn't believe I was actually going to fire on this larger and more powerful ship. "Man the braces! Stand by to wear ship!" I nodded to the two gunners. "Run out!"

I heard Will talking to the gunners. "Don't forget, as we go about we will have the advantage." There was a brief lull in the wind, so that just for an instant the sounds of sea and canvas faded. I leaned the ship into the wind lifting and smashing her down in a welter of crisscrossing waves. The noise was indescribable and the men holding on to the weather braces were hauling with such effort that their bodies were angled back almost to the deck itself. I was making good progress towards the breaking surf. As the ship turned Gillette shot another ball and it sliced across the heaving water and slammed savagely into the hull, making several men cry out with alarm.

"Gibbs get some hands on the pumps!" I yelled as I watched The Bristol. I could see her foresail starting to angle round as her captain decided to change tack and follow us. "Now!" I shouted with sudden urgency. "Fire!" I heard the guns go and I saw The Bristol's foresail pucker and a large hole appeared as if by magic then the hole spread out in every direction, ripping the sail to fragments.

Will yelled, "He's still coming round Captain."

Jem now yelled at me. "Breakers Jack." I turned my attention to the reef and got us through. I looked at The Bristol and could not believe that the double shotted gun only destroyed a sail. I now feared the Royal Navy would overhaul and board us.

Will now jumped up and manned a cannon. "Easy now, come on my little one!" Will struck the match and the cannon went off. The gun hurled itself backwards and smoke was everywhere. I watched, mesmerized. It took only a second for Will's carefully aimed shot to drop across The Bristol's bow. I darted a glance at Will and then he leaped up and started to yell. "Yes, yes I hit her." He started jumping up and down and leaping on nearby crew. The Bristol tilted upright and then the mast cracked over and fell straight down to the deck, a tangle of rigging and canvas trailing between the shrouds like weeds.

Jem yelled incredulously. "See that? Will hit the ship and the ship also hit a reef! She is stuck."

I could not pull my eyes away. The Bristol must have smashed hard against a rock shoulder. Just a few yards had made all the difference, and I could see the confusion on deck and the rush of men below to seek out the extent of the damage. The jolt had been enough to slow her down and she had to be leaking badly and yet The Bristol was not stuck she was still coming and as I watched her she shot at us again. I felt the ball shriek past me and crash into the ship like a giant's axe. Broken rigging and whirling splinters were hurled everywhere, and I saw three seamen smashed against the bulwark, their cries lost in the wind, but their convulsions marked by spreading patterns of blood. Another ball ripped against the hull and ricocheted away over the sea, the deck bucking as if trying to through us from our feet.

Will said despairingly, "Jack, the Bristol is closing to board us!" I didn't even flinch as a ball whipped above me, leaving another hole in the sails. "After all we did. Gillette matched our every move; I guess I shouldn't be surprised, he is prepared." The Bristol was now through the reef and I could see the glitter of waving cutlasses as some of the men ran from the guns in readiness to board.

I drew my sword and yelled, "Stand to! They'll not take us without a fight."

Will took out his sword and swept it back and forth in front of him, his eyes on The Bristol. Rogers and Charlie crossed the deck and also prepared to fight. Nothing was said, I'm sure my expression told far more than words. Jem stood on deck beside me, her face was chalk white and I could see the enemies blood drying on her shirt, like her own would soon do. Will moved in front of me, his hair shining in the sunlight, his chin lifted as he picked up his cutlass and leaned back to look at me. "What are they waiting for?"

Several of the wounded crew were also prepared to fight. One man was propped against the rail, his legs in bandages, but his fingers busy as he loaded pistols and passed them to the others. The Bristol was edging closer and the shadows of her masts and yards reached across the water as to snare us and engulf us.

I blinked and dashed the sweat from my eyes as I stared at the Bristol's open gunports. A man, then another, was clambering out and around the black muzzles, and from other ports I saw figures emerging like rats from a sewer.

Jem exclaimed, "They're trying to abandon the ship, Jack."

"Will you look at that?" Will said with astonishment. I just stood at his side and said nothing. More and more men were leaping from the gunports and being carried away like feathers in the wind.

I put my weapons away and placed both hands on my hips. "Gillette must have placed his men on every hatch. He may have chased us through the reef but he has ripped out his keel. Men we are saved. In their maddened pursuit, Gillette has fatally damaged his hull."

We all stood watching as The Bristol slowed down. There was a sudden pandemonium on my deck as everyone at last realized what was happening. The Bristol was now heading away very slowly from us as the inrush of water played havoc on her rudders.

I stood by the rail watching the ship. "It's like shoving a fat lady, push all you want at first and nothing happens." I turned around to look at Will and noticed Elizabeth, Kat and Samantha were now standing on the deck as well. I had not realized Kat was on deck and in earshot of me as she started to laugh. I looked over at her and the other females. "Sorry, I didn't realize you were so close."

Our ears were filled with the sounds of the ship as she was being destroyed. The guns were coming loose, the rigging and masts were falling and the men were trapped under the canvas. I then saw Gillette and he saw me. I waved my hat at him as I watched his ship heeling over. The sea around her was filled with flotsam and thrashing, bobbing heads.

Out of the sun's path, across the heaving swells I saw a sudden flicker of movement, the knife-edged fins of sharks closing in around the sinking ship. Gillette may have time to release some long boats, but it was doubtful.

XXXXXXXXXXX

It had been a long day and the battle wore everybody down. As the day ended the sun slipped below the horizon, I stood watching the sunset while I was at the helm and Ana Maria came up beside me and placed her hand on mine.

"Pretty, isn't it?"

I instinctively pulled my hand away. "Aye, I hope the weather lasts and we have smooth and easy sailing. Of course we could use a little more wind." As I spoke the wind did increase and the sails filled. I looked at Ana Maria and now placed my hand on hers. "Ana Maria, I want you to know I am grateful for all you have done but we must get something's straight."

She leaned into me and kissed me. "Jack I know, once you find The Pearl and reunite Jem with her father we shall be married. I have to admit I was hurt when you shunned me, but I do understand, you do not want me to work too hard, you have other plans for me. I know you have much on your mind."

I gave her a crooked smile. "No Luv, what I am telling you is, you are welcome to sail with me but I will not…."

"Ah Mister Turner." Ana Maria stepped back and walked over to him. "I guess you have come to take your watch, I will be relieving you. Jack claims we should each take four-hour shifts and that way we will not be so exhausted. I understand your pretty wife has launched a complaint."

She looked back at me. "Jack, I will see you later, I have things I must attend to but perhaps we can spend some time together before I go on watch." She threw me a kiss and walked down the deck.

Will now stood beside me. He watched Ana Maria disappear and then looked up into the sky. The increased wind brought an increase in clouds. "I'm sorry to see the nice weather end." Will quietly commented.

I rolled my eyes. "This is nothing compared to what can be expected later."

That evening we had periods of heavy rain and it lashed against the ship. I did spend a little time with Ana Maria. She insisted that we dine together. I kept silent about Jem and me, I figured she knew the truth and she was the one who had opened the door and placed the rat in. Why rub salt into an open wound? I was not going to keep my feelings for Jem a secret but I was also not going to yell it from the crow's-nest either.

Jem had retired early and when I became free I went to her. The motion of the ship and the swinging of the lanterns did not improve Jem's health. She was sitting at a small desk looking over charts when I entered the room. She looked pale and I knew she had not eaten much. I entered the cabin with a plate of food Elizabeth had made for her.

"Jem, it isn't like you to be sick. You are an experienced traveler and you should be able to handle anything." I smiled at her and laid my hand on her forehead.

"I am sure I will get my wind back." Jem smiled up at me and took my hand.

"Would you like some food?" I handed the plate to her. She took the plate and then placed it down on the floor for Amber, who without delay, cleaned it.

"Thank you Jack, I really am not hungry. I am thankful the seas have been calm but I doubt the entire trip will be as easy. I remember the first time I experienced seasickness, it lasted for ten days. The ship had hardly left the sight of land when I felt the first uneasiness in my stomach. I remember I tried to ignore the queasy felling but within the first hour I was on my knees. By the time I got my sea legs and appetite back, the ship was halfway across the ocean. I was told I wouldn't go though it again. I think the secret is, I must keep myself busy and just take my mind off my stomach."

I pulled her from the desk chair and kissed her, holding her against me and feeling the movement of the ship through her. I was so pleased that she was with me. Her soft form and pleasing face were a welcome diversion after dealing with the attacks of today. We stood together, swaying with the ship, and kissed again, longer this time. I could have released her and moved apart, but I did not want too. It seemed perfectly normal and natural to stay in each other's arms. It seemed just as natural, while still in the embrace, I moved over to the bed. I eased Jem down, first to sit and then to slowly fall back across the quilt.

I pushed her hair away from her face. "The better to see you, my dear," I said.

I got a smile from Jem. "And what big teeth you have," she replied.

I laughed, "The better to eat you with my dear." I looked into her thin face. "Is everything all right?"

"Everything is fine." She placed her head on my shoulder and quickly went to sleep. I wrapped my arm around her and did the same. I enjoyed lying with Jem, she was warm and comfortable, but then I became fitful. I began to dream I was in a small room, with moonlight coming in through a window. Then there were shadowy images moving around me on a dark deck, or perhaps it was not a deck at all. What were these menacing forms? I woke up and shook my head, trying to clear away the dream.

When I woke, I was beside Jem, hearing her gentle breathing. The dream, so vivid was now gone and the moon was shining through one of the small windows. Just as in the dream, the moon's light peeked in and out of breaks in the clouds. I laid awake, listening to the sounds of the ship. All seemed well, but sleep did not return. Finally, I decided to slip out of bed and take a turn around the quarterdeck.

Outside the deck was dark save for a weak light cast by the lantern hanging near the stern. The blackness of the sky over-head was fragmented by occasional beams of moonlight shining down through the ragged holes in the clouds.

The ship was quiet. Sails were trimmed for maximum speed, but in the blackness of night other work was kept to a minimum. The crew was relieved of most care taking duties. The moon came out full and revealed the seas to be running at five or six feet. The sails were full, taunt panels of white billowed against the night. All appeared shipshape as I continued my inspection of the deck. I went up the steps to the quarterdeck and I found Will standing at the helm. Ana Maria was not present.

I approached the helm. "Will, where is Ana Maria? It is her watch now?"

"Jack I have been waiting for her, I actually thought you were her." Will looked at me with tired eyes.

Outwardly, I remained calm, but inside I seethed. She was taking advantage of her position and me and this affected my crew. "Will hold her steady, I will go find her and bring her to relieve you."

I combed the deck faster now and there was no sign of Ana Maria. I found a small group of men on watch, clustered near the forecastle. All jumped to alertness at the sudden appearance of me. "Fair winds, gentlemen."

"Aye, captain. Fair winds."

"Can anyone tell me where I might find Ana Maria?"

The men began to shift about. "Well?" I asked again.

The question was met with silence. Then one man spoke up. "Perhaps I could go look around for her sir. Find her for you."

"And where would you look?" I asked.

"I honestly don't know." He replied.

"Very well. A couple of you look below. Tell her I wish to see her." I left them and started back to the aft of the ship intending to check her berth. I passed by the galley and decided to look in there. I had not thought of the galley before, but now it seemed to be the obvious place to look. I carefully moved the handle of the latch, hoping the sound would be lost in the creaking of the ship. The room was dark so I lit a nearby lantern. The wick was short and its light was feeble but it did penetrate the darkness, casting its yellow glow onto the floor and wall, adding to the faint moonlight coming through the window. The implements and tools of the cooks were hung from the walls, the pots and skillets and long-handled ladles and spoons made long shadows of surreal shapes in the lantern light.

The yellow light and bizarre shadow lent the galley a haunted look and then I saw the dim human form hidden low in the darkness on the far side of the room. The mate was sitting against the lee wall, taking advantage of the heel of the ship to lean comfortably back. Her knees were drawn up to her chest, arms folded across them. Her head, hidden by her hat. As I approached she jerked up in surprise, revealing wide eyes, illuminated by the lantern. For a second, she did not move, but she then got to her feet with a muttered, "What---."

"Ana Maria, you are on watch."

"Yes, captain."

"But you are here, asleep."

"No, sir"

"No, sir?"

"I was…I was… waiting for you."

"Enough, Ana Maria. I've heard quite enough from you to last me a life time." This was the moment I was waiting for. "Ana Maria when I entered this room you were asleep, sound asleep. Dead to the world. You Lass are relieved of your duties to me and to Jem. The accord you share with Jem is no longer binding. Due to circumstances beyond Jem's control she is no longer beholden to you. Savvy? You are to stay away from Jem and when we reach the next port--"

I could not finish my sentence. At that moment, Ana Maria exploded into a rage. "Damn you, captain. Damn you! There are no circumstances beyond Jem's control, it is all YOU!" She lunged at me and knocked me to the floor. The lantern flew from my hand and hit the deck and I could hear the sound of the breaking glass. I scrambled to my feet and barely straightened up when she attacked again. She then pulled a pan off the wall and slammed it against my head.

I fell to the floor and for a second or two the night got even darker, and a black tunnel formed around my field of vision. I felt as if I was going to pass out. The ship seemed to spin around me and through the tunnel I saw shadowy forms moving about me. It was very much like my dream.

I attempted to stand up when I heard there was a struggle going on. I realized I was not alone. Kat and Samantha had entered the galley and they became involved in the fight. Ana Maria was wrestling and punching both of them. Any advantage gained by one was soon lost to the other as Ana Maria, with the rage of a bear, refused to succumb. She slammed Samantha against the wall and I could barely see her, but I knew the poor girl slumped to the floor, and did not get up. Kat was now locked in a tight hold with Ana Maria, both with arms around the other. The two were struggling but Ana Maria out weighed Kat. Ana Maria forced Kat down to the ground, but within a few seconds reared back up as Kat kicked her in the face and shoved her against the cabin wall. Ana Maria grabbed a knife from the wall and retaliated on Kat. She pushed herself off the wall and threw her full weight on Kat, knocking her to the floor. Ana Maria sat on her and raised the knife above her head. "I took one of Jack's children from him and now I will take the other."

The fuzziness in my head cleared away and as I went for Ana Maria it seemed the most natural thing in the world for me to do. I grabbed her hair and pulled her back. The knife went flying as she fell backwards. I shoved my hand into my pocket and brought out the button Jem had given me and sure enough it did match the button on her jacket. I shoved the button down her throat and then slammed my hands across her mouth and nose. Her eyes widened as she chocked. "Luv, you will never hurt any of my children again. You will go to the deepest circle of hell. You will die just the way my sweet Pearl did, of course I will be the last person you see when you take your last breath."

As I was killing Ana Maria, Will and Jem entered the galley. They had heard the fight. Will yanked me up off of Ana Maria.

"Jack stop it you are going to kill her."

"Lad that is my intention." I said as I was breathing hard. "Now, if you know what is good for you, you best release me." I struggled with Will but he would not let go. "Whelp, she assaulted me and worse of all she attacked my girl. She killed my daughter, Pearl. She just admitted it."

Jem was taking care of Samantha, who had a large knot on her head but other than that appeared to be fine. Jem looked at me when she heard my words and seeing as Will was holding me back she immediately went to Ana Maria who was still lying on the floor and choking on the button. Jem tore off her jacket rolled it into a ball and dropped to the floor. She slammed her jacked over Ana Maria's face and smothered her, just as Ana Maria had done to Pearl. Jem finished the job that I had started.

Ana Maria fought hard but eventually her body stopped twitching. Jem had moved so fast Will was unaware of Jem's intentions until it was too late. Will let go of me and backed away. I could tell he was a little bit in shock. He was catching his breath when we heard Elizabeth's voice.

"Will!" We all looked at her as she rushed in the room carrying Bill and looking at Will, with a horrified look upon her face. "What happened?"

I walked over to Jem and pulled her up off the floor. I took her in my arms and held her tight. She was trembling uncontrollably as she hid her face in my hair. "It's all over now. Luv, we will be fine." I looked down at the motionless form and everyone in the galley circled around us. Sensing that they were unsure whether to stay or go. I looked at Will. "Will, could you make sure everyone returns to their duties or to their beds, as the case may be."

Will looked at Jem and me and shook his head. "Did you have to, kill her?"

Elizabeth came up behind Will and slipped Bill into his arms. "William, you would do the same if someone killed or tried to hurt your child." Elizabeth then led both girls from the room.

Will looked down at his sweet son and then at Jem and myself. "Jack. Jem. I know why you did it and I hope to God, I can be as strong as the both of you if I am ever in the same situation. I hope I never have to do what the two of you have just done." He pulled his son to his chest and embraced him hard, he then turned and followed Elizabeth, leaving Jem and I alone to mourn the death of our child together.

For a long moment we looked into each other's eyes. "Jem, how do you feel?"

She smiled up at me. "Happy and at peace. I love you so much Captain Jack Sparrow."

A/N: Thank you all for your wonderful reviews. As you can see many things have happened and there are many more things to come. Jack still needs his ship and we all know Barbossa wants his map and daughter. Also, don't forget, Jack now has Norrington on his ship. Gee, do you think Jack could ever convert James to become a pirate and sail with him? No, I don't either. Once again thanks to my loyal readers and to my beta's. Without you I am sure there would be more errors in this story then are present, if any are.

TA FOR NOW

Lovely Raven Sparrow