Book One - Chapter Four: The Wicked Wench

The last voyage of the Wicked Wench was to the west coast of Africa at a newly developed port for the East India Trading Company. Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew followed their itinerary and set sail without a glint of worry about the expedition. Thus far everything followed the regular protocol. When they reached their destination, they were heartily met by Company officers who essentially took the reigns from there. They disembarked for several days to rest the crew, tend the ship, restock supplies, and manage the new cargo. Captain Jack Sparrow, of course, was hardly seen by the crew once they moored the ship. The first mate took care of the captain's delegations, giving Barbossa the duty of overseeing the supply list and ensuring that the loading was properly carried out. There was much that needed to be done before the ship was to sail back and distribute the goods to those under the British crown. Barbossa saw to it that everything was carried out dutifully.

The men indulged in the comforts the East India Trading Company had managed to set up in this hostile place. Rum was abundant but the women were scarce, yet some how Captain Jack Sparrow managed to find a few. He did not have the same sense of discrimination that other men had - or as the gentlemen would call it, he did not have the same sense of decency. Even in primitive passions there was still a suggested propriety that was meant to be followed. No one prevented the captain from his indulgences, but every officer and natural gentleman took the liberty of pointing out the scandal, even directly to the intoxicated captain who never took any offence to it in the least. Jack's men, on the other hand, were always ready to defend him.

The night before the Wicked Wench was to depart from the African coast, the crew had to carry their stumbling captain back onto the ship, knowing that if he were to pass out cold right there in the tavern, their entire schedule would be compromised. If they made good time the Company was quick to compensate in cash, a bonus that each man aboard looked well upon and would be saddened to loose. With the captain safely aboard and each crew member accounted for, the Wicked Wench faced no obstacle in making her way home again come morning.

When Captain Jack Sparrow was finally up and about in a clearheaded fashion, which took a couple of days for him to be completely restored, he manned his posts proudly. The captain observed that each task was carried out to his satisfaction and thus promised his men a personal donation of a bonus from the East India Trading Company's final pay upon receipt of the cargo. What he was not entirely aware of, however, was the sort of cargo that was now sitting below deck. Captain Jack Sparrow did not look so closely at the cargo manifest since he had grown accustomed to having the same items being hauled back and forth. This caused him much surprise when he began to hear strange noises from the cargo hold. Sorrowful chants and deep cries would haunt the ship at night. Although he was curious about the noise, the captain dismissed it seeing as it did not seem to be affecting the crew. Then, not too long after having noticed the inexplicable sounds, one of the crew members approached the captain.

"Beggin' pardon, Captain," he said, "but we's at a loss of how to be feedin' the cargo."

The captain laughed, thinking it was a joke on the strange echoes that must have been heard by the others. "Feel free to give the cargo whatever it asks for. I will not have unhappy merchandise aboard my ship."

"Captain?"

The fact that the question was still being pursued began to worry the captain. At a loss for any other words, Jack asked to be shown the cargo. When he reached the hold he was horrified at what he saw. Chained in the hold were men, women and children, either half or fully naked.

"What is this?" the captain questioned his crew.

"Slave cargo, Captain, to be delivered to the Americas, as it said in our order by the Company," the crew member showed his captain the list given to him.

"Get them fed and get them watered," Captain Jack Sparrow ordered as he stormed back atop deck.

The crew had rarely seen their captain angry but this was a true occasion of it. The crew all questioned him as to what his plans were. The captain informed them they were to make an unscheduled stop. The crew complied without a single further question.

At the next sight of land, Captain Jack Sparrow ordered the slaves to be fetched and placed in two of the boats. Once in the boats, they were lowered and left to help themselves to freedom. The crew was divided upon the captain's decision. Instinctively they all knew that this would not be looked kindly upon by the East India Trading Company who expected to receive their cargo. The captain would not speak of the matter any further.

"What's done is done. Back to your posts," was all he said.

When they reached their final destination, Jack did not rush off as he was accustomed to doing. He stood firm atop the gangway while watching his crew unload the ship.

"Barbossa," the captain called.

Barbossa heeded the call and stood beside his captain who did not look at him directly.

"Barbossa, I want you to accompany Jenkins with the manifest. If we're questioned, bring them here. No explanations. That's the captain's order, and you can tell 'em that, and that alone," Captain Jack Sparrow told him.

"Aye, Captain," Barbossa replied and did as he was instructed to do.

As the captain had guessed, the Company's officer did question the cargo manifest, noticing that items picked up where not being received at this end. Jenkins tried to mumble out an answer for the officer but Barbossa interjected that it was the command of Captain Jack Sparrow that the issue be discussed with him directly. With that he led the officer on board to face the captain who had not moved since Barbossa had left him. Not even his expression had changed.

"Captain Sparrow," addressed the officer, "it appears that there are cargo items missing from your haul."

"Aye, Sir," said the captain in a very exact tone.

The officer was a little perturbed that the captain failed to give him a reason for this.

"The log your men produced clearly states that you retrieved some twenty six items which are now apparently missing. Please explain," the officer demanded.

"All the items requested, Sir, have arrived in full. The twenty six souls I assume you speak of, Sir, I did not feel necessary to transport back to you. We are not a passenger ship and I felt that we were ill equipped to provide for such a number of extra bodies," Captain Jack Sparrow explained quite collectedly.

The officer chuckled lightly, "Souls, Sir? No wonder you were confused, slaves have no souls. It is a surprise that a man in our day and age can fail to see that, or that another would fail to inform you." He looked the captain up and down and smirked. "Then again, Captain, not all men are born with the genteel graces of noting such things."

The captain understood the offence made to his status but said nothing on the subject. Still he held firm and unmoved. The officer also noted that the captain was not going to give into a reaction and his smirk disappeared.

"Regardless, Captain Sparrow," the officer continued, "we have need of our merchandise. Surely the Company will understand if the cargo is to arrive late, pay can be deducted for such things. Return within a fortnight and perhaps Mr. Beckett will permit you to keep your employment with us."

"The Company is to be greatly disappointed, then," Jack replied, "I highly doubt that the men and women could be gathered up again. I saw to it personally that they were given boats enough to get them where they felt they need go. Their whereabouts as of now are completely unknown. My apologies, Sir."

"Boats?" questioned the officer, "You gave them boats? You stupid dog," he said grabbing hold of the captain's jacket collar.

Instantly, Captain Jack Sparrow reached for his sword and pressed it against the officer's neck.

"You wouldn't dare," the officer scowled.

The captain pressed his sword in more. The men standing around tried to talk their captain down but it was to no use until the guard came running up the gangway with their muskets drawn. The officer released the captain's collar.

"You've just dug your own grave, Captain," the officer seethed. "Arrest this man!"

There was no need for the guard to lay hand upon the captain; he went willingly to the hold. He stayed there waiting on Mr. Cutler Beckett to deliver the charge. It was already known that Jack's assault on the officer would cause him trouble regardless of what Beckett decided upon the missing slave cargo. The bright side was that Captain Jack Sparrow had a reputation with Beckett and he figured that his crew could support his cause, knowing that so far they were in no danger of punishment by the East India Trading Company directly.

When Beckett did arrive, he went directly to Jack's holding cell. He recognised him immediately and stood a moment waiting for the proper address which was owed to him by the captain. The captain, however, did not rise to greet Beckett though he knew the etiquette. Impatient, Beckett cleared his throat. The captain rose.

"Mr. Beckett," the captain said finally with a little bow.

"Jack Sparrow," Beckett returned. "We find ourselves with a grave issue on our hands now, don't we?"

"So I've been told. It seems we have different notions of the gravity of certain issues. I assumed that as captain I was entitled to make certain decisions of my own accord. Your officer has informed me otherwise. It is rather unfortunate," the captain said.

"You make light of the situation. You see, when I give an order I expect it to be followed as quickly and accurately as possible. If one were to oppose that order I would naturally have the civility to settle the different accounts in the smoothest way possible. When one of my captains, however, accepts an order given to them directly from me, takes possession of my cargo, and returns without, my civility comes in short supply. It is a mark against me and I take it quite personally. I live and breathe this company, and to defy it, to abuse it such as you have done, reflects a disrespect upon me. As a gentleman, I can take a certain measure of disrespect from the odd vulgate, but the East India Trading Company will still require the cargo or payment for said cargo. My officers inform me that you have no intention of returning the Company's property."

"He has misspoken. I told your officers that I have no physical way of retrieving said cargo since they have been turned out to live for themselves. I never spoke of my intentions, though he was not wrong in guessing them. I was unaware that my ship was to be used for slave trade and I say to you now, Sir, that I do not approve of it and will not stand for it upon my ship. The sea is the only free part of this world and I will not violate nature's will for any man."

"Your awareness is irrelevant. All details were present in the manifest and, as your contact with us states, when you and your crew signed for the collection of our cargo you and your crew claimed responsibility for the East India Trading Company's property. You and your crew are here, our cargo has arrived short of twenty six items that you have signed for and failed to produce. Now you say that you chose to free these slaves who were rightfully purchased for king and crown. I'm afraid that counts as theft in the Company's books. On top of which you assaulted an officer of the Company by sword point. This brutality and insolence is perhaps the greatest mark against your reputation Mr. Sparrow."

"Captain Sparrow," the captain corrected, "if you don't mind, Sir."

"No, Mr. Sparrow, I'm afraid that title no longer applies to you, not as far as the East India Trading Company is concerned. You are hereby terminated from your employment with us. You, Mr. Sparrow, and your conduct, is no more than that of barbaric piracy, and it will be noted."

So saying, Beckett had the standard pirate brand brought in. Beckett had the cell opened and his men take firm hold of the prisoner. Jack Sparrow put up a small struggle but he knew that it was of no use. The brand was quickly applied to his forearm. The hot iron blistered away at his skin and left a blackened bloody mark behind. The pain was excruciating. Jack tried his hardest not to scream out. When the hot iron was removed, the cell door was left open. Beckett called off his men.

"What will you have of me now?" Jack Sparrow asked Beckett with contempt.

It was explained to him that since the ship was rightfully his own, not ever having been the property of the East India Trading Company, and that the crew were not to be fined or imprisoned for their captain's misleading actions, Jack had the right to sail them back to their main home port, after which point Beckett entrusted that Jack would return to face his charges in a proper trial. Surprised by the leniency of Beckett's command, he could not refuse.

The crew of the Wicked Wench were greatly shocked to see their captain returning to the ship without cuffs or guards surrounding him. Jack Sparrow explained the situation to his crew. Some were downright furious with the captain for his folly and refused to sail under him any further, preferring to plead with the East India Trading Company that they would have nothing to do with the likes of Jack Sparrow and beg for a new position with a new and more competent captain. Jack did not argue with those men. He bid them farewell and thanked those who remained for their loyalty. A great many of the crewmen stayed thinking that after Jack Sparrow's trial the first mate would take captainship of the Wicked Wench. They hardly expected to be charged so greatly for the captain's offence. It was a risk they were each willing to take, hoping to secure further employment.

The Wicked Wench had been sailing out for a few days with the small fleet of the East India Trading Company riding closely with them. Jack figured that it was a precaution to ensure that he would in fact carry out his promise of delivering the crew and returning promptly to meet his trial. When the ships came remarkably close to the Wicked Wench, they no longer took on the role of escorts. The Company's fleet did not start with cannons; however, it was open flames that first attacked the ship. The captain ordered a white flag to be raised in hopes that it would ease the attack, but the shots of open flame continued. Jack then realized the true punishment for his crime was now before him. Some of the crew tried to snuff out bits of the fire but the captain told them off. The crew was thrown into immediate panic as their ship was being burned while they were still all aboard. Jack tried to act quickly, ordering his men to pile into the few remaining boats and cutting them loose into the water, having no time to lower them gently. Other men were jumping over the rails. As the fire raged, cannon balls began bursting through the ship's body. Some men were unavoidably struck by on coming cannon balls or large pieces of wooden shrapnel that killed them instantly.

Jack tried to stay onboard as long as possible, seeing his crew off, but the sudden explosion of the flames having hit the barrels of gun powder aboard forced every living man into the depths of the sea. While being forced underwater, Jack Sparrow saw his crew mate, able seaman Bill Turner, floundering. Quickly, Jack dove down deeper to retrieve the man and bring him to the surface. As Turner sunk deeper, his body turned round with the swell of the water. Jack tried to get as close as he could to the man. He could feel the pressure on his lungs, urging him to resurface. Jack reached for what he could, able only to grab the man's bootstraps. That was enough to tug Turner's legs closer. Able now to grab onto the man himself, Jack swam him up to the surface. Jack would not let go until he was able to grab onto a nearby boat.

Aboard one of the East India Trading Company ships, Beckett looked on to the sinking Wicked Wench.

"What of the survivors, Sir?" one of his officers asked him. "Should we open fire on the boats?"

"No, there's no need to waste the powder. God and government will deal with them in due course, I have no doubts of that," Beckett said with a tone of satisfaction.

Barbossa manned one of the boats, and seeing the captain swimming along, helped him and Turner into the craft. Turner was lucky to be alive and the men aboard the small craft did all they could to resuscitate him. Jack refused any help or comfort for himself. He refused to look more than a glimpse at the wreckage that was so recently his home and his life. The rest of the men floated along watching the Wicked Wench burn and crumble as its remains sank into the depths of the sea. Everything was gone and there was no telling how the East India Trading Company ships would proceed. When it seemed that the Company ships were retreating, there was both hope and fear. The joy was that the fleet was not set out to kill them all in their little boats. The fear, however, was that they had been left to drift, and those in the water may or may not ever be found again. At least having been imprisoned would have given them some certainty as to how the remainder of their lives would be carried out.

"Captain," Barbossa asked, "what exactly just happened?"

Jack looked out at where sit ship once stood, "We've been turned out as pirates and dealt with accordingly."

"And should we get to shore? What hope lies there for us?"

Jack changed his focus to the men that sat in the boat, but he could give no answer.

"My sincerest apologizes, men," he finally said. "It was not my intention to bring all this to ruin. I cannot hope for forgiveness, but I pray that when you tell your families of your days aboard the Wench, that you think well on your captain, for at least one brief moment. I intend go to my grave as Captain Jack Sparrow, however soon that may be."

They managed to get to shore and from there they all went their separate ways.