` Every sailor, even the officers, panicked and struggled against the ropes that were pinning them against the ship.
The Revenge was gaining on them.
Jack practically jumped out of his skin when the port side anchor dropped itself into the abyss of the sea. Obviously Barbossa was annoyed at the speed that the Adventure was going with the sails dropped as much as possible.
With the ship stopped completely, Jack knew that Barbossa and his crew would be on board in no time.
Jack's mind reeled with every scenario that could play out.
Should he act as though he and Hector were still friends? No that would only annoy him.
Should he act as though they were enemies? No that would also annoy him… and start a sword fight. That wouldn't be good. Not many places to run.
Should he act as if Jack Sparrow doesn't exist? Yep that should work.
So Jack decided that he wouldn't interfere. Jack would be Mark Thatch and Mark Thatch would have never been on a ship that was raided by pirates. He would tremble with fear…but stay out of the way and be quiet.
As Jack had been thinking about all this he hadn't realized that the Revenge was close enough for boarding now.
Grappling hooks started to fly and catch on lines and the masts. The Adventure was pulled closer to the Revenge. Pirates had started to swing onto the deck of the Adventure.
They were menacing. And well-armed. They looked as though they would kill you just for a shilling that you may have.
They began to go to the trembling and terrified sailors and release them. The captives were forced on the main deck in a crowd.
The pirates went below decks and brought up more captives that Jack hadn't thought about being pinned too. He winced. There were few ropes down there so Jack could only imagine how they were subdued.
One pirate, whom Jack estimated to be six feet tall sitting down, came to him and harshly bent Jack forward as he cut Jack free from his bonds. As the pirate did so Jack glanced at his wrist to be sure the brand was well hidden. It was.
Once he was free Jack was pushed toward the steps. He maneuvered them quickly and fell into the crowd of his fellow crew members and placed himself snuggly between the large mountain of a man, who was the cook, and the mast.
His plan was to try and hide behind the mast and the crewmen and pray Barbossa and company didn't recognize him.
Without thinking he ran his hand over his head. His hair was short and his face was smooth. Odds are that he wouldn't be recognized.
Soon the entirety of the crew was gathered and planks and boards were laid ship to ship to make bridges. Barbossa traversed one of them and appeared on the Adventures deck.
Barbossa looked at the crew and scanned the faces of his prisoners. Jack looked at the deck to avoid making eye contact. Barbossa didn't seem to notice.
Finally Barbossa growled. "This be a sad sight, laddies. Don't you agree?"
The pirates agreed loudly. The captives remained quiet.
Jack wished the captain would challenge Barbossa. He knew Barbossa respected any captain that was willing to challenge him because to Barbossa, a captain who didn't was a coward who didn't deserve to be captain. And cowardly captains didn't deserve Barbossa's kindness when it came to Barbossa's decision as to whether or not to leave the crew alive.
"Tell me gentlemen. Who be captain here?" Barbossa asked, leaning his weight on a rather nice cane.
Jack's fellow crew members either pointed or looked to the captain. Some did neither like Jack.
Barbossa smiled unpleasantly and walked to the captain.
Jack winced. He knew that Captain Royce was the biggest coward…and drunk…who ever lived. In fact he made Jack look like a sober hero.
"So you be the "Captain" foolish enough to think you could outrun The Queen Anne's Revenge eh?"
Captain Royce would not even look Barbossa in the eyes as he quietly mumbled a "Yes sir."
Barbossa's smile grew louder. He was going to have fun with this one. "What'd you say? Speak up!"
"Yes. Sir." Captain Royce said louder, this time looking Hector in the eye.
Barbossa was about to say something else but he was stopped by Captain Royce's First Mate. "What is it you want? Take it and leave."
Barbossa took his attention off the captain and put it on the First Mate. The pirates all snickered and gripped their weapons. Jack inched closer to the mast. Barbossa's eyes often moved to the crowd and he had come close to putting Jack in his line of sight.
"Even if ye being dead is what I want?" Barbossa tested the First Mate.
The First Mate swallowed but stood firm. "If my death is what you desire, give me a pistol, I will end my own life if it means the rest of these men can live." Jack watched from his position by the mast. This was entertaining.
Barbossa was pleased by this answer. He turned back to the Captain. "This man here be real captain material, 'f I were you I'd be takin' notes." The Captain only looked down ashamed.
Turning back to the First Mate, Barbossa spoke again louder. "I make you an offer. Give me your cargo and five sailors who be in good shape, and I'll leave enough food and water for you t' make it t' the next port."
Jack knew that though this offer was generous for a despicable pirate, it was almost too good to be true.
The First Mate held out his hand for a hand shake. Barbossa held out his hand too. As they shook Barbossa added, "I'll be picking those five sailors."
There was the Barbossa that Jack knew.
The First Mate said "Fine." Once the handshake was over Barbossa gave the command and half of the pirates disappeared below decks. Minutes later they appeared again and were carrying boxes and sacks to the Revenge. That's when Jack realized he didn't actually know what cargo they were carrying or if it was of value. It must be though if the pirates were taking it.
"All done, Captain." Said the pirate who had freed Jack earlier.
Barbossa shifted his position. He started to point to unfortunate souls. Jack could have screamed out loud when Barbossa pointed to him last. Jack froze but took a step forward. If he had to join Barbossa's crew then he would do everything in his power to avoid be recognized.
Jack joined the other four unfortunates who had been lined up. A large round red headed man clapped Jack in irons. "Welcome to the crew." He sneered.
Barbossa started to make his way off the ship, but at the last second he turned around, pulled out his pistol and shot Captain Royce square in the thigh. The man dropped and started to scream in agony as blood started to gush and turn his trousers a bright red color. "Now ye have an excuse to be such a lousy captain." Barbossa growled.
Jack shook his head at the site. He knew the wound wasn't fatal but it would require plenty of attention and the conditions of the ship were prime for infection. The captain would most likely wind up like Barbossa. A one legged man.
Aboard the Revenge, Jack began to feel a sense of de ja vu. This was the second time he was an unwilling captive slave aboard the evil ship. But he was a little reassured about the fact that it was Barbossa who was captain. A little.
Jack and his four fellow conscriptees were locked in the brig.
"Why take us only to lock us in the brig?" Asked Isaiah.
"I think we're to be lunch." Answered Joshua.
Jack rolled his eyes. Only two hours in this brig and Jack was finding it harder and harder to keep up with Mark Thatch's silent persona.
"What say you about this, Thatch? You've not said a word this whole time." Asked Joshua.
Jack looked at all four men. "Well that is because, gentleman, I think it best that we does as told. And be perfect order takers who make no trouble. A behaved prisoner is a live prisoner after all. In my experience." All four men stared at Jack. Jack stared back. Finally another man spoke.
"I 'gree with Mark here. That Pirate shot the captain. Means he'd have no trouble giving us the same treatment." Said the third prisoner, Jacob.
"You've a point, Jake." Said the fourth prisoner, John.
The men all shook their heads in acknowledgement.
Jack gave a light half smile content with the situation. What he didn't know was that Joshua had become suspicious of him. Joshua had a good memory and couldn't help think that Mark Thatch could very well be Jack Sparrow in disguise….