AN: Ha ha!!! I have beat the technology! I was trying to update yesterday, but the site wasn't letting me upload the document...go figure. Anyway, I have obviously been successful, for here is a new chapter!

And unfortunately, no, Odessa will not be appearing in any of the other chapters, unless I decide to change my mind...which I might. She was a very fun character to write...

"Ships spotted on starboard side!" crowed the man in the crow's nest. "Both waving British flags!"

The captain began shouting orders to raise their own flag and to come nearer to the two vessels. Elizabeth looked over the railing, squinting to see against the glare of the sun. Yes, it was the Hildegard, Commodore Belmont's ship. She could recognize the golden trim, even from this distance. A smile crept onto her face as she watched the two ships come closer to hers. Soon she could ask for his help, and soon she could have Winnie back.

"Well, Mrs. Turner, this is quite an unexpected visit," greeted Commodore Belmont. "You do realize I am on the chase after Barbossa?"

Elizabeth glanced to the other ship, but couldn't read the name. "Yes, I am aware of that. But there has been another…disappearance."

The Commodore showed no sign of emotion at the news, so Elizabeth continued. "After you left, another pirate attack occurred at Port Royal," she looked sideways at the other ship superstitiously, "and during that time, Winnie disappeared. I think she might have been kidnapped."

"By these pirates that attacked?" The Commodore did not look convinced.

"Well, no. I think it was someone else's doing."

"Who?" Elizabeth grimaced, not quite wanting to reveal that it was Jack Sparrow. She knew that the Commodore would arrest him, but she was slightly hoping that he might have a chance of escape if he was unknown until last minute. "Ah," mused the Commodore, understanding hitting him. "Someone you know, I see."

"Unfortunately," said Elizabeth softly. "I was hoping you might be able to help rescue her. Of course I understand that you are already occupied with Barbossa, though--"

"Of course we will rescue Winifred," interrupted the Commodore suddenly. "Please, captain, bring Mrs. Turner's belongs aboard. We will let you come along."

Elizabeth could honestly say she was genuinely shocked at the proposal as she watched the other captain carry her trunk across the gangplank. Was this even allowed? Glancing around, she could tell that many of the sailors were thinking the same things as herself. Something about this wasn't right.

"Thank you, for bring me to the Commodore," offered Elizabeth to the captain. He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes, and tipped his hat good bye. Soon the other ship was on her peaceful way, leaving Elizabeth staring out over the railing.

"Men, guns out," commanded the Commodore threateningly. Turning swiftly around, Elizabeth was faced with twenty odd soldiers, all pointing their muskets at her.

"Commodore! What is the meaning of this?" pleaded Elizabeth in a frightened voice.

"Withholding information is the same as treason in the British government, Mrs. Turner," he continued in a dangerous whisper. "I don't intend on having criminals aboard my ship. Lieutenant!"

Richard stepped forward in a smart fashion and saluted. "Please, Richard, help me," begged Elizabeth. "I haven't done anything wrong! What is going on?"

He appeared to ignore her. "Orders, Commodore?"

"Take our guest down to the brig. She will be remaining there for the rest of the voyage. Be at peace, Elizabeth," smiled Belmont, "Winifred will be rescued."

"NO!" she shouted, struggling against Richard. "This is unjust! This is…villainous! This is treason!"

"Elizabeth, please contain yourself," asked Richard forcefully. She snapped her head at him, ready to leash her anger on him as well, but stopped at the look in his eyes. They were honestly worried.

"Lieutenant," reminded Belmont.

Richard saluted and marched Elizabeth below deck, away from the remaining sailors. They entered the brig. It was dank, musty, and there appeared to be a small leak. The only light provided was a flickering lamp that was swaying dangerously from the ceiling.

"Clarissa is here," murmured Richard into Elizabeth's ear.

"What? Clarissa was kidnapped by the pirates that attacked…" She looked at him again, but his expression was hidden by the shadows.

"All is not as it seems, Mrs. Turner. I'm afraid you have put Winnie in greater danger by coming here. Clarissa is trapped, and both of you are practically in line for the gallows."

"Richard, I don't understand," said Elizabeth in a weak voice. "What is the Commodore doing?"

He opened his mouth to answer, but shut it when his name was called from above. "I won't say anything right now. Be careful, and we three might be able to escape."

"We?"

Richard led Elizabeth into a cell without comment and promptly walked away after locking her in, leaving her there shivering and wondering the type of danger she had created for everyone. Indeed, things were not as they seemed.

Richard lay in his hammock, sleep evading him once again. It had been happening often lately, ever since he had overheard the conversation between Belmont and Dawson. There were too many things to pick apart, too many mysterious events floating around.

He knew for certain that Belmont wanted Winnie. What for, he wasn't certain, but Winnie was connected to Ella. Ella had been kidnapped, and the Commodore had sent Dawson to kidnap Winnie. It was too coincidental; there was most definitely a connection. Yet, when Belmont had gotten wind of Ella's disappearance he had been honestly shocked. What was he hiding that he was desperate enough to threaten poor Clarissa with her life, and then hold Elizabeth hostage as a criminal?

There was only one way to get the answers he wanted; that was to find Winnie. She was the main factor between all parties involved. Richard reasoned whatever she possessed, it was an object of great value. If he could only know what it was…

But there remained the problem of finding Winnie without Belmont having any contact with her. The only option was escape, however, that was also seen as desertion of the navy, something the government could have his neck for. Was he willing to give his life for this? If worse came to worse, he could always turn to piracy for safety. The thought made him grimace. It was pirates that had created this mess. But whatever it took to save Winnie, and Ella…