Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to Disney.


A/N: This chapter takes place immediately after the events of the previous chapter. Thanks to all who reviewed!


Crimes Against The Crown
By Sinnamon Spider

Arson


The Foresight had been neatly emptied of all her cargo, her chests and barrels and boxes now residing in the hold of the Black Pearl.

Her crew, frightened and bloodied, was locked in the Pearl's brig, soon to be deposited on the deserted side of a populated island, giving them a chance to return to their homes. Their sullen captain, Josiah Ames, was among them, dismayed at being duped by a pirate.

Topside, Jack's crew looked to their own captain for orders. "The ship, sir?" the bo'sun spoke up. "Set 'er ablaze?"

Jack looked at him sharply. "No, Master Skinner. Do we ever burn ships?"

The man shrugged easily. "No, sir. Just thinkin' ye may have changed your mind, is all. Seems foolish to leave her adrift at sea."

"No more foolish than burning her, Master Skinner. Move along."

The bo'sun complied, but grumblingly. Jack Sparrow had gained a reputation for refusing to burn captured ships. He would – and had – burned crops, goods, and even a few forts. But he would never set a ship ablaze.

His crew did not know it was because the sight of a burning ship brought back the painful memories of the Pearl's first life.

The fire spread quickly, catching the fuel that had been poured over the deck and rails of the Wicked Wench, until the ship was ablaze. The flames were reflected in the eyes of its captain, who watched with tears streaming down his face, unashamed. The ship that was quickly turning into a smoking wreck before him had been his pride and joy, more dear to him than any other possession, and he was weeping for its loss…