The years flew by for the dear Captain. Carina's first words were spoken in his cabin. Unlike most children her first were not mama, or papa. Her first word was not even singular, nor even the slightest in resemblance to Uncle Jack. Carina's first words( much to Jack's disappointment) were Mr. Gibbs. Yet the Mr. part was gravely mispronounced and sounded more like the french variation then the actual english use of the word. Jack was very focused on this fact. As if that could make the very clear word of Gibbs as misunderstood as the first. The pirate used it as a chance to say she had yet to speak her first words since she could not say them properly. Of course his men saw his claims for what they really were. The nitpicking on a jealous man. Gibbs could not lie he felt a little proud to be the dear girl's first choice of words, but he knew Jack would never let go of it.

Carina took her first steps on the deck of the ship. Gibbs chasing after her as a mother hen would her chicks. Jack held her hand at first, but when he thought the toddling girl was ready he let go. Taking a couple steps away, Jack crouches in front of Carina's path. Gibbs was still on her heels. At the ready to pick up the girl and tend to her crying. A true first mate to both Jack and the little girl. Even if the old man still insisted on her being left off the ship. Jack said no. He always has the girl stay in the cabin when the fighting begins and at least one man stays with her. He has her a small little hiding place all her own. Her bed was there and so was milk and food for her. It was on top of one of the counters on the opposite end of his room.

Slowly her left foot steps an inch closer to Jack. Then the right follows after it. The old captain could not help but feel pride as she continues. 'There you go' he thinks with a growing smile. 'Almost there.' Jack holds out his arms to the fast learning toddler. 'One more step'.

"You did it!" He cheers as Carina grabs hold of his hand. Gibbs lets loose a sigh of relief and Jack looks to his men to share the news. Immediately the small crew begins to cheer along with their captain.

Yet the moment that had gripped his heart, wrenching it from his chest, and ringing clear a truth he had wanted to ignore, came recently from these past four years. Young Carina was showing signs of restlessness. Anytime they were even near land the dear girl would try and leap from the ship. No longer did she sleep well at night either for there were always stars out to catch her eyes instead. A liking Jack knows is on him for he told the girl all of the meaning behind her name and the importance of the small lights that hung above all men.

"She'll need her schooling." Gibbs came to him one night in the captain's quarters. Carina was above. "She speaks to those stars. Asks them about her papa. 'If he is safe? If he watches them?' Jack she wants to know more, and the crew and I don't have all the answers." Gibbs rambles hoping at least one of his plights reaches their captain's ears.

"We can teach her here. She can be a pirate." Came Jack's reply.

Gibbs shakes his head. "Yer parents did that to you, didn't they? Look how you turned up Jack." With a shake of his head the older man sits down. "I watched you grow up on a pirate's ship. Your father was a good Cap'n, but we both know he wasn't the best teacher for a growin' boy." Jack took notice of the man's lack of comment on his father's parenting skills. Gibbs and Teague had been friends, but even he could not have approved of all teague had put Jack through. When he saw the older man's eyes Jack knew Gibbs didn't, but the man would never speak ill of his old friend.

"A terrible father, but he taught me the ways of the sea. Skills I still use."

"Jack, please. I'm begging ya. Send the girl to school."

Jack eyes fall on the empty bottles that cover his table. He knew the truth. That it was best for Carina, that she would be able to learn more then he could ever teach her. Maybe she would even make a decent living. Closing his eyes Jack concedes. "If she wants to go to school. I will find her a school, but I won't force her if she doesn't want to go."

"Aye but will you keep your word if she wishes to leave?" It was a valid question.

"Aye I will." Jack promises. His legs wobble as his weight shifts to stand on them. "Call her down Gibbs. I'll ask her right now, and she will choose to stay besides her dear Uncle Jackie." Jack declares using his nickname and slurring his vowels. Yes he was drunk right now, but not as drunk as he wishes he was, for deep down, in the bowels of his heart (a place Jack rarely visited and never enjoyed) he knew what Carina's choice would be. For she was a smart girl. Smarter than Jack. Smarter than the crew, and smarter than her father was. All at the age of four.

"Jack?" Her voice was filled with nerves. Gibbs was grim faced as he brought the little lady in.

"Carina, how would you like to go to school?"

"Like to learn words, and numbers?"

"Yeah." Jack agrees nodding.

"What of the stars?" Carina asks her eyes lighting up.

"They can teach you those to. Aye, and when you're done you can come back and teach the crew." Jack jokes even though he did not feel much like joking. He looks down at Carina and matches the smile on her face. Yes this would break him, but he has been through worse. Bending down slowly, Jack finds his body crashing onto the floor. Rubbing his neck Jack uses his other hand to reach out towards the girl. She walks closer to meet it halfway. Playfully he ruffles her beautiful, soft, chestnut hair. "How would you like that lassy?"

"Very much! Please Uncle Jack, can I go?"

"Of course." Jack agrees. Carina jumps from his hand and into his chest. Her arms were quick to wrap around his neck. A choking hazard if he had ever felt one. The captain lets her hang there knowing that this was the moment that would kill him if he let it. Four years he had given to this girl, and now he would have to send her to another. It was best for her. A phrase he and Gibbs often repeat to the sparrow. Hoping it will hit home.

That night she was restless, asking all sorts of questions about school, if Jack was schooled, if her father and mother had been. Questions Jack honestly did not have the answer too, but as always he makes up what he does not know. Sharing stories with the girl instead of facts. Jack does his best to make school sound like fun so when he leaves her she would not be sad. When she rests he digs out his own small amount of gold that he has. Counting the coins he wonders how much will it costs to get her into a school that would treat her well and asks him no questions. A few pretty coins of these he does imagine. Yes so now that makes two treasures he has to bid farewell to come the next morning. Gibbs said he would have them back to land before the girl would even wake. Jack believes him, after all there is no ship faster than the Black Pearl.