Disclaimer: Those who own know who they are and I know I am not one of said owners, savvy?

The Upper Hand

Not so bad, Jack thought to himself, gazing at the cold nothingness that surrounded him. He knew he should be feeling something – anger, insult, fear, sadness – anything but this emptiness that filled his heart. He was neither sad nor happy nor anything in-between. He was just there.

He didn't blame anyone for this, not even the whelp's girl that had chained him to the mast. There was no reason for blame. He had accepted this fate the moment his compass showed him what he truly desired, daft as it was: death. Death with his Pearl.

But, not all was lost. Soon enough he'd find himself on Jones' ship and then things would really start to get interesting. He would haggle. Haggle for his life, for the Pearl, even for the whelp's father. After all, he had a unique piece of information, the key to which resided on his finger in the form of a large, ruby ring…

Jack grinned to himself. Yes, things would get very interesting.

Now all that was left was to wait for the Dutchman to claim her prize. Or, at least, try to.