Full Summary: The secret of her identity was beginning to take a toll on her. How could she keep this from him even now? It wasn't all a complete lie. Charlotte Knightly was indeed her name, and she had been honest about everything else. Well, almost everything… except for the truth about who her ex-husband was. He was a wretched man in any case. Would he come after her though? Charlotte feared the answer to that and tried to put it out of her mind. Captain Jack Sparrow was nothing like her former spouse, and the last thing she needed was something to threaten her new life.

Chapter 1

Lowering the spyglass from his eye, Master Gibbs observed, "It looks abandoned."

The captain formed a line with his lips and took the spyglass from his first mate. After putting it to his own eye, he scanned the deck of the ship just beyond the Black Pearl. There was no one in sight.

"It seems suspicious," the captain said.

Mr. Gibbs shrugged. "Shall we fire a warning shot then?"

He paused for a moment before answering. "No. If there really is anyone aboard, they are likely hiding from us. Bring the ship to her port side and warn the crew to be on their guard just in case."

"Aye, Cap'n."

A few minutes later, the Black Pearl came alongside the mysterious vessel. The crew lowered the gang plank and boarded her. With their swords and pistols in hand, the pirates began to search the ship for any living crewmen.

Joshamee Gibbs took a sip from his pocket flask. The day hadn't been eerie enough, and now they were inspecting what he thought was likely a ghost ship. He didn't like the feel of it at all. Large puffy clouds were covering the sky, and the sun was out of sight. The wind had also just picked up and was blowing about, warning the sailors of an approaching storm. Gibbs sighed and put the flask back into his pocket. He readied his own weapon in preparation.

Captain Jack Sparrow made his way for what he assumed was the captain's cabin. It had been quiet aboard the vessel so far, and he wasn't as consumed with worry as his first mate. He found the quarters with ease and tried the door. It was locked. Strange. He tried harder with no luck then decided to take out his pistol. With one shot, he blew the lock and pushed open the door. A little more on his guard now, he invaded the cabin slowly, his pistol in hand.

Upon entering, he felt the tip of a blade on his neck.

"Not another step."

He couldn't help but smiling at the sound of a female voice. He turned slowly to see a well-dressed lady holding the sharp cutlass.

"My father was an excellent swordsman, Captain. He taught me well. One more move, and I swear on his grave I will slit you from navel to nose."

Jack couldn't keep the grin from widening on his face.

"What is that? Why are you smiling!" She pressed the blade harder into his tan skin. Why was this man, this brigand, so attractive?... I can't think that way right now. The woman's thoughts trailed off, and she tried to keep her focus.

"I mean you no harm, Miss." The captain said in a calm, soothing voice.

The lady motioned with her other hand, "Then drop your weapons – lay them on the deck. Now!"

Jack acquiesced to her request and slowly lowered his pistol along with his baldric down onto the deck of the ship. He then put up his hands, to communicate surrender.

"Thank you. Now…" the lady trailed off. Where exactly was I going to go with this?... She tried to keep calm. The pirate's handsome features and suave mannerism was not helping.

"Milady, I want to assure you – I mean you no ill will."

"And why should I believe you?" Her eyes squinted in distrust, and she gripped the hilt of her sword tighter.

He cleared his throat. "Well, you obviously know that I am the captain of that mighty fine vessel out there, which infers that you know the name of that ship, which further leads me to believe that you know who I am."

"And where are you going with this?" She inquired with a weary tone of voice.

After a pause, the pirate continued, "That leads me to believe that you are concerned for yer safety, knowing very well that I captain a crew of miscreants, and that I myself am a wanted fugitive. Therefore, I find it necessary to declare in earnest that you have no need to fear any danger."

The lady gazed at him in disbelief. "It would seem that you have contradicted yourself all in one short presentation."

At that moment, Mr. Gibbs, along with a few other crewmen, barged into the cabin, their swords at the ready.

"What's happening?" Joshamee glanced between the two.

Startled, the gentlewoman took a step back, though her cutlass was still in her grasp.

"Are ye threatenin' our captain!" One of the men pointed a loaded pistol at the lady, but Jack put his hand on top of the man's wrist to calm him down.

"No worries, Lucas. We were just discussing the invitation for this fine miss to take passage aboard me ship."

"What?" Gibbs blurted. "Captain, what are ye-"

"Mister Gibbs, did you find any other living… err, humans aboard this brig?" Jack interrupted.

"No, Cap'n. That we did not."

"Although," Lucas added, "We did find a rather strange sign posted on a locked door that read, 'Be warned. Enter at your own risk.'"

"I…" the lady started before almost trembling in her stance. She was feeling overwhelmed by the invasion of more sea rovers. She was clearly outnumbered now and didn't stand a chance…

The captain glanced at her, a peaceful look in his deep brown eyes. "Go on, Miss. What do yeh have to say about this mysterious note?"

"Well, I… I posted that notice there. It was a sign of warning, in case… in case anyone were to board this ship and come across it. You see, the remains of the crew are in there."

"What?" one of the other men asked, incredulously.

She could feel her body temperature rise and tried her best not to stutter. She must remain strong. "They are all dead."

"Dead?" Mr. Gibbs inquired.

"Yes. From a very contagious virus… I wouldn't recommend going in there, unless you have had the virus yourself. It is deadly and spreads fast. The only reason I am the last one left alive is because I have had this specific virus before, and I am immune to it."

The lady's sword now away from his neck, Jack asked, "Ah, so you are truly the only person alive, aboard this ship, ay?"

She nodded reluctantly.

"Lads, there is no need to fear this lady. Put away your weapons, Mates. And Miss, I'm sure you will do the same."

She didn't like that it was a command, but she obliged, feeling that she didn't really have a choice with so many of the pirates present now.

After they all complied with his orders, the captain continued, "Good. Now then, Miss, would you be ever so kind as to accompany us over to the remains of the crew?"

Her eyes nervously shifted from the captain's to the others. "It's not a good idea, I mean for you to be in their presence. While they have passed, you could still contract the virus."

"See! She's hidden' someting, she is!" Lucas brandished his sword, but Jack gave him a warning glare. He stopped and grumbled, putting away his blade away once again.

"You see, Milady, both me crew and meself would feel much more at ease with your account if you could provide us with evidence. We shall make our way to the area, the rest of us keeping our distance, and you shall open the door so we may verify your story, savvy?"

After a moment's hesitation, she nodded.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the mysterious locked door. She gave them all an ominous glance, making sure they stood far enough away. Why she cared for the lives of these sea rovers was beyond her. Although, she had always found all life to be important, fugitive or not.

Focusing her attention on the task at hand, she took out a key and unlocked the door. She pushed it open, and it didn't take long for the men behind her to curse at the smell of the dead.

"That is something foul!" One of them screeched.

They could also see the pile of bodies just beyond the opening.

"Alright, alright, close it." The captain ordered.

She shut the door without hesitation. "I told you…"

"Aye, that you did, Luv." Then, turning to his first mate, the captain gave the orders to loot anything of value that the men could find aboard the ship, all the while leaving that dreaded cabin to those poor lifeless sailors.

"Aye, aye, Captain!" his crew echoed before they went about their piratey business.

Meanwhile, Jack stayed behind and glanced at the lady who was now studying him with a look of uncertainty in her deep blue eyes. He noticed her dark brown hair was pinned up, resembling the latest fashion in London, no doubt. And her light, blue-colored dress appeared to be made of the finest material he had ever seen. Most importantly, though, was how stunning she was… Jack caught himself and cleared his throat. He shouldn't get distracted like that.

"I wanted to mention that my offer still stands, Miss."

End of Chapter 1

Author's Note: Well, what did yeh think, Maties? Shall I continue? I have quite a tale up my sleeve, if ye want to hear it.

Also, anyone notice my reference from another movie, there?