A/N: I apologize to everyone for the incredibly long delay in updating. Life took a very horrible turn directly before heading to univeristy, things are finally beginning to get back on track and I hope to have this finished within a few more chapters. This one has actually been sitting on my hard drive for a long time, I completely forgot it was there.

The usual disclaimers apply.

When the seas quieted once more Dauntless and her crew ventured out of the harbor to continue their quest. One storm may have passed them by with little harm done but there was another brewing on the ship herself. Norrington had passed an hour in the wardroom with Gillette and Groves before the three of them had turned in for the night, giving Ginnis ample time to handle Palmer, and the Governor opportunity to find rest upstairs in the big cabin. By their report, it was alcohol that caused the uncalled-for remarks, it hardly could be expected to reflect atmosphere among the crew and certainly not among the officers! Palmer was dissatisfied because younger men than himself were promoted above his station.

Groves added that he was likely mostly angry because he was terrible at cards, even when his opponent had not fixed the deck.

Though it was wane, the Commodore did smile and the reminder that officers should not gamble, and certainly should not cheat, was more because it was expected than because he was angry.

"You do know that we don't share his opinion, don't you?"

"I believe that if you did, you would be far more direct about it, complaining in my ear instead of under my feet. I also believe that you would be sober when you did so."

"Oh good, then you're aware that the salt in your tea tomorrow morning is all in good fun."

"That, lieutenant Groves." He'd said rising, "would be cause for serious reprimand. Would you like to bunk amidships in the evening? Gillette would enjoy having the cabin to himself I'm sure." Shoulders a little straighter he'd taken leave of them. Hearts also a little lighter the lieutenants finished putting the room in order and departed.

Palmer did not deign to join the officers for breakfast, nor for lunch. He did accept continual watch the entire day without complaint. During meal times he was relieved by Ginnis, their conversation was terse, it being made clear that the elder was not currently welcome in the wardroom, and that the consequences of his actions would be decided upon their return to the fort. The news was not accepted so well, but officers did not bicker in front of their men any more than they were punished in front of them. He supped in the shared cabin that evening. Alone.

After returning to watch the next day he steamed silently, before too long though his attention was grabbed by a cloud on the horizon. Fearful of another storm he strained to see it more clearly, then trained a glass on the mass. The cloud was dark like soot, it mushroomed up from the horizon, growing darker and denser the closer to the base.

Smoke.

Passing a call, a fire bell was rung and that summoned the other three lieutenants and the Commodore, the Governor trailed along behind the four of them. At their distance, it was difficult to tell whether the fire originated from a second ship, perhaps one of the two they pursued, or a body of land. A glass was passed around and it was scrutinized, but distinguishing features were unfortunately obscured and so it was decided to wait until they were closer and actions would be decided then. It was known that there was an island in that direction, they should be coming upon it soon and it was likely that was the origin of the flame.

Within two hours the crew was close enough to see that the smoke was indeed coming from the island. Norrington examined the smoke and the sliver of land through a telescope while the governor squinted as though he could force it into focus that way. "Someone has to have set it as a signal." The Commodore snapped the glass shut as he made the declaration.

Mouth dropping open Governor Swann questioned eagerly, "Elizabeth?"

Norrington's mouth drew into a line, not wanting to raise false hopes any more than he could stand to squelch them. Three of the officers exchanged glances, then two fixed cold gazes on Palmer to prevent him from uttering a sound.

"Take two boats and a compliment of Marines to investigate, bring aboard whoever set the fire. They may have news." Decision made, he retreated to the quarter deck. Palmer returned to his watch, Ginnis accompanied him and that left Will and Theodore to organize the away party.

Twelve Marines and eight sailors were selected, half-filled each boat with one of the two lieutenants accompanying them. While the party was large they had agreed upon that due to the question of who they might find on the island. A full crew that had been wrecked in the storm two days hence? A single marooned sailor or pirate, perhaps the smugglers returned to their outpost? It would hardly do to send a small party to be ambushed as was known to occasionally happen.

Skimming over the waves then the boats made good, though agonizing time. It only became more so when they drew close enough to see two figures awaiting them on the shore. One was deeply tanned with a mane of matted and beaded hair, a red cloth barely held it in check. The other a woman in a cotton underdress, pale under a red sunburn and eagerly dancing in the waves to get their attention as though she didn't already have it.

When the boats touched sand both officers excitedly leapt out and met the castaways in the calf-deep surf. "Miss Swann!" Groves grinned broadly though a bright red flush crept up under his own tan, and Gillette, pale no matter how long he was under the sun, could do nothing for the beat-redness of his features.

"Miss Swann." He forced his voice to remain steady, just barely. Any more words and the poor man would be reduced to his customary nervous stutter. Groves took over again. "We're overjoyed to see you! You're well I hope?" His dark eyes remained fixed on her face rather than travel over her form and confirm whether or not she was well.

The pirate, Mister Sparrow of course, opened his mouth as though to say something, then thought better of it and remained half-hidden behind Elizabeth with hands clasped together. At his movement, the party focused on him, could not decide whether they were surprised at his presence. Though the Marines leveled weapons in that direction, fanning out to circle around the rest of the group, Groves focused on the governor's daughter. "Your father and the Commodore will be so pleased!"

He recalled the presence of Sparrow then and turned to him, "And you, Captain Sparrow-"

Gillette appeared to be attempting to set the pirate ablaze with his eyes, "You, are under arrest."