Commandeering Commodore
Chapter 67
James couldn't sleep, an unusual occurrence when he was aboard ship. The sounds and feel of the ship around him was normally comforting and most times allowed him to sleep like a babe. He finally gave up the tossing and turning he had been doing for the past several hours, threw off the cover, threw on his shirt and breeches and headed for the door. As he stepped on deck he saw Jack standing at the bow with his head tipped back a bit. He walked over and stood by the rail near Jack, his hands clasp behind his back. Even though he was barefoot he didn't think his approach had been an extraordinarily quiet one, and wondered a bit when Jack made no sign that he was aware of his presence. Perhaps the man was deep in thought and he should not disturb him. He started to step away when Jack spoke. His tone was low, "She says she's alone 'cept for a handful of 'em."
James stopped and turned back around towards Jack. His first inclination was to issue some scoffing reply, but remembering what had happened on the island he was loath to do that. "By she I would assume you mean your ship?"
"Aye, Pearl says they went ashore almost as soon as they arrived; only left the few aboard."
"I see." James replied, not wanting to believe Jack was actually communicating with his ship, but not so sure after what he had witnessed on the island he actually believed he wasn't.
Jack hadn't moved since James had been next to him. Suddenly there was a smile gracing his countenance, although other than that his posture stayed the same.
"She says ta tell ya we'll have ta anchor about three miles down the coast and walk the rest of the way as yer big bellied ship would run herself aground if she tries to moor any closer."
"I beg your pardon?" James said a bit affronted at the insult to his ship.
"Aye, she knew ya wouldn't like that." Jack said still smiling.
"Indeed!" James snipped back.
"She did say ta tell ya yer not such a bad sort yerself, she even fancies ya a bit, even if ya are Navy."
"And I suppose I am to offer her a thank you in return for that?" James said a bit irritated.
"She says yer most welcome." Jack said, his smile widening enough to catch a bit of light from the lantern and glint a bit.
"Oh please." James retorted.
Jack's posture returned to a more normal one, "She says once we make berth she'll let us know when it's safe ta scurry on over and reclaim her." Jack said as he looked at James. "She gave me the bearins ta approach with the lesser amount of chance of bein seen."
"Did she now? Well then Captain, by all means far be it from me to argue with the lady. We will follow them to the letter, wouldn't want her to become upset or anything for disregarding her instructions now would we." James said a bit sarcastically, still a bit put out at the insult to his ship regardless of whom or what had issued it.
Jack fluttered his hands about as he said poutily, "Aye Commodore, make fun now if ya will but here's some advice ya may want ta be takin. Don't be lettin me girl hear ya talkin that way or once we're back ta sea ya may find yerself marooned with no more than the waves ta cling to." Jack finished his statement with several pokes of his finger to James' chest.
"Indeed!" James said as he turned on his heel and strode off without even the slightest notion of a peaceful nights sleep in his head.
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They were approaching the island, Jack at the wheel. He guided them into the cove and they dropped anchor. He assumed his posture of the night before for a few minutes and then swayed down to where James was conferring with Lt. Groves.
Leaning in towards James' back he tapped the Commodore on the shoulder a few times, "She says they're off again Commodore, now's the opportune time."
James gave Jack a sour look over his shoulder for interrupting his conversation, gave a huff and snipped, "Very well Sparrow. Groves, you have the ship. If we have not returned by mid afternoon you are to return to Port Royal."
"Yes Sir." Theo replied.
James eyed him suspiciously, knowing the man had acquiesced too easily to the idea of leaving his commanding officer behind.
"That was an order Mister Groves." James said still eyeing the man.
"Yes Sir."
"A very specific and most clear order Mister Groves." James added in his most that was an order and I expect you to follow it without deviation tone and glare.
"Yes Sir, it was taken in that spirit Sir." Theo replied.
"Very well, just so you are quite clear on that fact Mister Groves." James said knowing full well it would do no good to carry this further; the man had a stubborn streak a mile wide when he chose. And James knew from past experience he would no more return to Port Royal without at least an attempt to find James as he would chop his right arm off. James gave him one more I am the Commodore and you will follow my order looks before turning and striding off to summon the men who would accompany he and Captain Sparrow on this little excursion.
Jack fell in beside him, "Fine man ya have there Commodore."
"Mister Groves is a fine officer, a credit to his uniform." James replied.
Jack said with a flop of his hands. "Ya know if ya don't return by the deadline ya set he'll come lookin for ya."
"I have tried repeatedly over the years that Mister Groves, as well as Mister Gillette and myself have served together to smother their mothering instincts, it only seems to have made them more pronounced. And by the powers when they join forces it is nearly impossible to get them to desist."
"Aye Commodore, I can understand how that might be a bit disconcertin to a fine self sufficient man such as yerself, but just be glad ya have acquired such loyalty from yer men. Could be much worse by far." Jack answered with a look off at the horizon for a few moments and then a shake of his head to clear it, "Could be much worse by far Commodore."
To Be Continued
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