I apologize for the shortness of the chapter, but RL has not afforded much time lately for anything but attending to it.

Regrets, I May Have Had A Few

Chapter 4

Despite his dismissal of Sparrow's claim there was some shadowy something moving out on the horizon his curiosity had been aroused. To keep further irritation from being aroused as well as the Pirate had once again launched into his wobbly-legged dance with the shoreline James had moved several yards down the beach to observe the spot in question with as little distraction from said pirate as was possible. He assumed the stance he used when his duties required him to stand for extended periods either reviewing troops or participating in official functions, or any number of similar occasions, feet positioned to give the best balance and comfort, hands clasped behind his back, head placed not too far forward or too far back. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, set his mind to the task at hand, opened his eyes and commenced his observation.

It was not long, although in this environment it was almost impossible for one to judge time, before he thought he did notice one of the shadows moving. He shook his head and looked again…movement, slight but definitely there. He snorted a bit, "There will be no living with him now."

"Living with whom? Me?" Jack peered at James for a moment, noted James expression, then with a wide smile and flutter of hands he added, "Ah! So you have seen it as well then."

In his concentration James had not registered Jack's approach and was startled as Jack spoke; he glared at Jack and in a huffy Commodorial tone snapped, "Do not sneak up on me like that."

Jack continued to smile as he shrugged and said, "Pirate." Then dropping the smile he continued, his tone much more serious, as if he'd been questioning himself as to whether he had really seen anything out there at all, "But you have seen it… move…out there…. …seen the movement... aye?"

James looked out at the horizon and then back at Jack, nodded once, and answered, "Yes."

For a instant relief flashed across Jack's countenance but was quickly covered by his normal bravado as he leaned toward James, tapped both index fingers on his chest and said, "Told you so."

"Do not push your luck Mr. Sparrow." James snapped back as he swatted at Jack's fingers. Jack jerked his hands away as he rocked back on his heels and gave James an offended look, "'M not thinkin there's any need here to get physical about it Commodore."

James snorted and snarked, "Clearly I do not share your assessment of the situation Mr. Sparrow."

Jack bit back the urge to stick his tongue out at the Commodore and instead echoed the snark in James' tone, "Aye, clearly you don't." As soon as the words were out of his mouth Jack took two or three quick steps backward as James turned to face him with an expression that indubitably said the Commodore was not pleased with the tone of his reply, "Indeed!" Jack gave the man a repentant smile as he held his hands together in front of him, "Apologies Commodore." James eyed him for a moment, then huffed and turned his attention back to the horizon. In a tone that was meant to be somewhat conciliatory he said, "Perhaps our attention should be focused on figuring out just what or who that might be, and if it…or they may be the key to our departure from this…place."

"They may be the key Commodore, 'm not as sure as it'd be a key we'd be wantin ta use." Jack replied.

"So you do have some idea as to whom or what we may be dealing with?" James asked.

"Only in so far as where it appears that we appear to be and takin into account previous personally acquired knowledge of said location and who and or what manner of being or beings might inhabit said location as well as have some manner of interest in either personage that would be present here at this specific location at the current and or present time, that'd be you and or me Commodore just so ya know, once ya add all that together and toss it about a bit twould not be hard to put a name to such whos and or whats what might and or may be at this very moment headed in our general and or specific direction." Jack replied.

"You think it is Davey Jones and his crew of miscreants." James said.

"I'm not thinkin it would be any but Commodore." Jack replied.

"Then there truly is no hope." James said dejectedly.

"Hope is as hope does….er…something like that. 'Sides Commodore they've not gotten us yet which does mean there is hope….or at least that's the way it's supposed to work….when it works that way….or at all." Jack replied cheerily.

To Be Continued

Comments are Appreciated

4