PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: BETWEEN DMC AND AWE

By POTCforever995

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Barbossa: So tell me, what's become of my ship?

The crew stared at Barbossa, gaping at the fact he was undead.

Ragetti: Captain Barbossa? How-

Pintel: You're supposed to be dead!

Barbossa: Aye, that be true...but thanks to a little help, me soul and body been restored!

Barbossa chuckled, taking a bite out of his apple. The crew remained staring.

Tia: So, arr we to fetch Jack, from him grim fate, er not?

She waited for the crew to answer. Elizabeth turned to Tia, ready to answer. Will saw her, and answered quickly.

Will: Yes.

Tia: Al right den, we must get arr journey started, and for dat, I ask Captain Barbossa for arr heading.

Barbossa makes his way to the front of Tia's shack.

Barbossa: Singapore.

He left the shack, expecting the others to follow. Pintel and Ragetti turn to each other.

Pintel: Singapore?

***************************************************

Barbossa climbed down the steps from Tia Dalma's shack, making his way to the boats. The crew followed. Cotton was waiting outside, gaurding the boats, and saw Barbossa, to his surprise. Jack the Monkey, on Barbossa's shoulder, leaped viciously into one of the boats, scaring Cotton's Parrot.

Pintel: What's in Singapore? How do we get there? That must be halfway 'round the world.

Barbossa turned around.

Barbossa: I trust ye take belief in my navigation. Ten years, your captain, master Pintel, and now is not the time for questioning. We be running short on time. Now, into the longboats.

Barbossa, Pintel, Ragetti, and Marty got into the boat with Cotton; Will, Tia, Elizabeth, and Gibbs into the other. They began rowing, making their way into the ocean.

Gibbs: Singapore is a long way off from here. We'll need a ship, and a crew.

Barbossa turns to the other boat.

Barbossa: Aye, Master Gibbs. And sooner, rather than later. We'll row to the next closest port, see if there be any derelict ships for the taking.

The crew was all curious for what was awaiting in Singapore. But they didn't dare ask the captain; they seemed in a hurry, rowing as fast as possible, and keeping close to the shoreline. Will looked to Elizabeth, seeing her weariness. She remained solemn and speechless the whole while. Will leaned toward Tia, whispering.

Will: What exactly is our need to travel to Singapore?

Tia: De navigational charts.

Will: What use are the charts? Barbossa knows our heading.

Tia: Dem charts lead to another world, beyond dis one. World's end. Ya know what lies dere?

Will gave Tia a look of confusion.

Tia: Davy Jones Locka.

Will: What?

Tia: Tis de place Jones banishes him victims. A place of torture and suffering. Endless, measureless.

Will: And these charts-

Tia: Dem be the only map to de Locker. And dere, is where witty Jack remains.

By then, Will and Tia were no longer whispering. The rest of the crew had heard about the Locker. Elizabeth looked into the ocean, staring at the blue water; she couldn't bear the guilt. SHE had sent Jack to this place of endless suffering. Elizabeth remained hushed the entire night as the two boats rowed to a port, sitting motionless and staring, staring into the ocean.

***************************************************

The crew rowed for a few hours, at last finding the port. Pintel and Ragetti had dosed off, leaning on each other. Gibbs had his fill of rum before falling asleep. Even Barbossa had started snoozing off.

Marty: Captain. Captain! Is that it?

Barbossa was slightly startled. He looked behind him, to the direction Marty was pointing.

Barbossa: Aye, Port Regal. Row to the shore!

As they rowed closer, Elizabeth looked to the sand.

Elizabeth: Captain Barbossa! Ashore...

It was the first thing she said since they had left Tia Dalma's shack.

Elizabeth: The East India Trading Company is here...

The crew, or the ones still awake, noticed the EITC ships kept at dock. Now, they had to be careful.

Tia: Dem must not see us...

Barbossa: Row to shore, but keep to the shadows.

They approached the shoreline, quietly, and left their boats tied far from the dock, so as not to be spotted. Will, Barbossa, Elizabeth, Tia, Cotton, and Marty had climbed onto the sand. Pintel, Ragetti, and Gibbs, however, got a rude awakening from Jack the Monkey, who jumped on them all.

Pintel: Wretched monkey!

Ragetti: Me eye! It's got it! Stupid blighter!

The monkey ran off with the eye, but not so far. Ragetti caught up with it just before Jack the monkey dropped it into the ocean.

Ragetti: You've dirtied it!

He spat on it, and plugged it back into the socket. Barbossa, the mean while, rolled his eyes.

Gibbs: Onto more important matters, how are we to commandeer a ship with the EITC on the prowl?

Barbossa thought several seconds, trying to come up with an answer.

Pintel: It's too dangerous! We ought to row to another port.

Gibbs: Aye, preferably NOT one controlled by the Company.

Barbossa: No! The boats are too slow, we be wasting night and day rowing in those.

Tia: And we cannot afford to lose time.

Barbossa: We take it by deception.

Elizabeth: Set up a trap?

Barbossa: Aye. Who be willing to brave the position of the bait?

Barbossa chuckled.

Will: No, it's too risky. I have a better plan.

Barbossa: Are ye impeding my duties, boy?

Elizabeth: Perhaps we ought to listen to Will's plan.

Will turned to Elizabeth, recognizing the melancholy and solemn appearance she wore all day. She turned to him as well, but only for a second, afraid to look into his eyes, or for that matter, anyone else's.



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There was a foul stench in the air, the taste of it would make anyone want to vomit. The walls were wet, coated in slime. Dark a place as this would make any man desire death. But where Jack Sparrow was going, was far worse than death. Inside the beast he lay unconsciously, sword in one hand. Jack had done what no man dared do; fight the Kraken. But he had lost, failed, and accepted his inevitable doom. And it could've been days, weeks, or perhaps just a matter of minutes, that Jack found light again.

Jack: This place looks awfully unfamiliar.

He looked to both sides, and in front of him. Land, hard and rocky, than stretched for miles. There was no one there. Nothing there. Until he turned around. There was his pride and joy, his love, the Black Pearl. He ran to it, climbing aboard.

Jack: Gibbs? Marty? Cotton's...parrot?

No one answered. He searched the ship. No one was there. He was alone.

***************************************************

Will: Is it safe to go? Are they watching?

Gibbs: I reckon not....let's go!

There were four canoes lined up upside down by the shore. Tia Dalma, Elizabeth, and Will in one; Pintel and Ragetti in another; Marty and Cotton in the third; and Barbossa and Gibbs in the last one. All the canoes were overturned.

Pintel: I hope this works...this is madness!

Will: Or brilliance.

Under the flipped canoes, the crew moved underwater from the shore to a ship, The Auburn. In the silence and dark of the night, they quietly climbed aboard the ship, one by one. The canoes were left afloat in the water. The ship was small, probably more of a large boat than a ship, only 30 feet from one end to another.

Barbossa: Cut loose the ropes.

Pintel and Ragetti began cutting the ropes loose with their swords. Will took out his father's blade. He looked at it, thinking of the promise he made to Bootstrap. Will wouldn't abandon him. With that, he began sawing at the ropes with the blade. He had to move quickly, rescue Jack, in order to rescue the Black Pearl. The Pearl was his only hope.

Gibbs: The ropes are cut, captain.

Barbossa: Time to sail.

With Jack the Monkey on his shoulder, Barbossa took the helm and sailed into the ocean. Pintel and Ragetti had once again, fallen asleep. Elizabeth returned to her state of solemnity and quiet, leaning on the sides of The Auburn and looking out to sea. Tia Dalma approached her.

Tia: It is wit guilt we arr become wit anguish and woe.

Elizabeth turned to Tia. Did she know of what really happened to Jack? A face of panic overcame Elizabeth, but she calmed down within seconds.
Tia: Perhaps a little rest will relieve the burden, if only for today.

Elizabeth nodded, climbing down to the lower level of the ship to sleep, or at least, try to sleep. Will on the other hand, could not sleep. He was overwrought with many feelings; melancholy and anger for Elizabeth's betrayal, determination to save his father, and weariness, from what would be a long journey.

In a matter of hours, it was daylight.


************************************************


Beckett: Mr. Mercer, if you could, do awaken James Norrington, and alert him to come here immediately.

Back at Port Royal, Beckett was attending to his regular business. On his desk was a mahogany box, and inside the box, one could hear a steady beat. It was the heart of Davy Jones, Beckett's new most prized possession, and now, his leverage to command Jones, and the seas, at his will. In minutes, the former commordore arrived at the office.

Beckett: Ah, Mr. Norrington! Wonderful morning, is it not?

Norrington: Yes, I suppose.

Beckett: Can I offer you a drink, sir?

But he didn't wait for Norrington's response. Beckett quickly poured the drink, and offered it to him.

Norrington: So, for what reason have I been summoned?

Beckett took a sip from his glass.

Beckett: It is rare that one gets to experience a morning as fresh and anew as this. The day always begins newly from a bitter and dark night.

Norrington had expected his title to be restored, but he knew Beckett would not immediately address the subject. He would wait patiently, though, knowing it was worth the trouble to regain his honor.

Beckett: Perhaps people must begin anew, like the day. Recovered from their sins and wickedness of the night.

Norrington looked at Beckett, maybe in recognition of what was to come. He took a sip from the drink.

Beckett: You wish to regain honor, and pride? One must work his way to these virtues-

Norrington: I've already delivered the heart! And with that, the papers of pardon.

Beckett: Yes, yes you have. You cannot reclaim title yet. I wish to see your command of the sword. A duel is all I ask of you.

Beckett lifted a sword, and handed it to Norrington. Beckett summoned one of his soldiers. Norrington looked at the sword handed to him. It was slender, reminding him of the sword he once possessed as commodore, but bestowed with less power than the one he previously held. Nevertheless, he embraced the sword Beckett handed to him, knowing that it was the key to regaining his reputation, dignity; his title.

***************************************************

Will, below deck on The Auburn, could not close his eyes and be lulled to sleep by the sea. He was weary, and both Elizabeth and his father were on his mind. Unable to get rest, and figuring it was early morning, he decided to climb on deck and watch the blue waters. He walked past Elizabeth, and looked at her as she slept. This was the first time on the voyage that she did not appear depressed or sorrowful. He spotted Gibbs turning, figuring him to be awake.

Gibbs: Ahh...a nice flask of rum...

But he wasn't. Only talking in his sleep. Will climbed the stairs from the lower level to deck halfway when he heard voices. They were coming from Barbossa and Tia Dalma.

Barbossa: We have not been summoned.

Tia: I can not call upon de Court yet.

Barbossa: The lords need time to sail to Shipwreck.

Tia: And what of us? Dis ship is too slow. If I am to summon de Court now, we will not arrive at de Cove at de proper time.

Will was quite confused. What Court? Where was Shipwreck? Who were the lords? He lingered on the edge of the deck, so as not to be seen, but close enough to hear the hushed conversation.

Barbossa: So, what be your proposition?

Tia: First, we find a faster ship. And den, I will charm de pieces of eight, to summon dem.

Barbossa grudgingly agreed. He walked towards the steps to the lower level as Will climbed back down and feigned rest. The captain was on the steps, looking at the crew. No one appeared to be awake.

Barbossa: Wake up! Wake up!

No one was awake, except for Will, who still pretended to be asleep.

Barbossa: Wake up you cockroaches! Er I'll nail your gizzards to the mast! Get up!!!

Will stood up. Pintel and Ragetti got up and looked at the captain. Gibbs was particularly startled.

Gibbs: Captain! The rum! It's gone! It's been-

At that point, Gibbs realized he was babbling on from a nightmare he had. Barbossa stared at Gibbs, giving him a slightly nasty look.

Gibbs: Sorry, captain.

Barbossa: On deck! On deck you scurvy curs!

Elizabeth: It's barely morn.

Barbossa: Aye, miss, but we need more speed. Time is running short.

Will: Short for what?

But Will knew the answer. Tia Dalma wanted a faster ship, and he knew that was their new mission. To find a faster ship. But Will was hoping to get more answers from Barbossa.

Barbossa: On deck, master Turner.

The captain walked back up, and to the wheel. Will followed. He saw Tia Dalma standing on the rail of the ship. She looked out to sea. He was going to approach her and perhaps squeeze the truth of the mission from her, but he was called by the captain.

Barbossa: Tighten the sail on the mainmast!

Will was quick to it. He began to tighten the sail as the rest of the crew arose from below deck.

Barbossa: Secure the mastline on the mizzen!

Pintel and Ragetti jumped at the task. Ragetti grabbed the rope on one side, Pintel on the other.

Pintel: Let go!

Ragetti: But...I had it first.

Pintel: Fine then.

Ragetti pulled the rope, securing it. He tied it down to the ship.

Pintel: You've made it too tight! Give it here.

Ragetti: No! It's just right.

Pintel pulled on the rope, Ragetti pulled back.

Pintel: Get off it!

Ragetti: You're ruining it!

Barbossa: Masters Pintel and Ragetti! Lay off the rope, er it'll be BOTH yer necks.

Gibbs: Hand it here. I'll do it.

The duo reluctantly handed the line to Gibbs.

Pintel: Look what you did.

Ragetti: It wasn't all my fault!

Meanwhile, Elizabeth saw Will tightening the sail, standing on the railing of the ship. He seemed to be having trouble fixing it on his own, as the sail was rather large, needing to be tightened on both sides. Elizabeth climbed on the rail of the ship, ready to help Will. He was on the other side of the ship, holding a rope to tighten the sail, pulling on the rope and grabbing the slack with his other hand. Elizabeth grabbed the connected rope on her side of the ship, doing the same. The sail was nearly fixed. Will had his slack, ready to go back on deck and tie it, though still on the rail. Elizabeth stretched up to reach the last bit of rope on her side. Will saw her standing on her toes on the rail of the ship.

Will: Elizabeth! Don't reach for it!

Elizabeth: I've almost got it!

Will: I'll do it myself!

Elizabeth looked to Will, and grabbed the extra rope. The ship suddenly jerked. Elizabeth, on her toes, lost balanced and accidentaly let the slack on her rope go, jumping onto the deck. But she hadn't realized that Will was on the other side of the rope. He had lost his balance as well, and now with the slack Elizabeth had let go of, fell backward into the water.

Elizabeth: Will!!!

The crew turned around to the water. Will sank several feet into the water before appearing on the surface. He had swallowed mounds of water, and coughed it back out. Elizabeth went to fetch another ropeline, but Gibbs, closer to it, grabbed it and threw it into the water for Will. Will grabbed the rope, and the crew hauled him back on deck.

Elizabeth: Will, are you alright? Are you okay?

She held his hand, trying to help him up, but he let go and got up himself. He wasn't angry at Elizabeth for letting go of the rope on the other side and causing him to fall, after all it wasn't really her fault. But he seemed angry nonetheless; maybe it was because he thought she only "pretended" to care about him, hauling him back to deck and asking if he was okay. He looked at her with a harsh stare.

Will: I'm fine.

She was surprised at the look she got from him. Was he that mad at her for stretching for the rope when he told her not to, and for letting go of it? And now, she had to bear her guilt, and Will's anger toward her. Will went back to tighten the mainmast sail, but Elizabeth did not help him this time. She watched him tighten the sail's rope, and then she looked back out to the sea, returning to the solemn and dispirited state she was in the night before.

***************************************************

Norrington examined the sword in his hand, running his hands over the grip, turning the weapon over and noticing the sharp blade. He looked up. Beckett's soldier had walked into the quarters. The soldier seemed a formidable opponent to Norrington in appearance, but appearance alone never deemed sufficient to create judgment.

Beckett: Mr. Norrington, as a former commodore, I expect utmost skill from you.

He turned to the soldier, then back to Norrington.

Beckett: Whenever you are ready...

Norrington looked to the soldier, saw his determined stance, and suddenly became nervous. But why was he nervous? He had faced worse than this. He could feel sweat on his hand, on the handle of the sword itself. He was losing his grip. On him was Beckett's gaze, fervent and threatening, seeing into Norrington's conscious. Gazing sideways, Norrington could see a hint of a smile developing on Beckett; he knew he had to make a move, and quickly. His heart was racing, racing for the duel to be done with so he could have a title once again. He was done with associating with pirates. Norrington remembered all those weeks he spent in Tortuga, drinking, fighting, all leading to little satisfaction. He wanted to please Beckett, he could not return to that wretched life. Norrington winced at the fact that he was captained by Jack Sparrow for a short span of his pirate-life. Jack Sparrow. The man he had chased for months from Isla de Muerta, into a hurricane...all leading to him retiring from his honorable position. Norrington could still see Beckett's slight smirk. No, he could not lose to the soldier, he had to show Beckett he his worth...he had to fight. As he was about to lift his sword in attack, he realized his gaze was, for too long, on Beckett, and the soldier had attacked him. But Norrinton was quick on his feet, and had countered the attack right in time. The soldier lifted his sword once again, and Norrington blocked him, and thrusted his opponent's sword down. After several more attacks, and counterattacks, Norrington finally found the Achille's heal, or weakness, of his challenger. He did not injure the soldier, but he did bring him to the ground. Norrington kicked the sword out of the soldier's hand, and held his sword to his opponent's neck, standing above in triumph. The fight that to Norrington, lasted months, had in reality, lasted seconds. The former commodore looked to Beckett.

Beckett: Ah, very well! Very well indeed.

Norrington smiled, and stood aside as Beckett signaled for the soldier to get off the ground and return to his duties. Mercer stepped in, looking to Beckett.

Beckett: You have proven your talent, your honor. Quite impressive, your skills, I must say.

Norrington: Thank you.

Beckett: Mr. Mercer, please bring Captain Norrington a proper uniform and find him a room.

Norrington was quite pleased. Of course, he was not commodore as he once had been, but a title indeed was great. He thought to himself that perhaps soon he would be commodore again, perhaps even admiral. And all this would come perhaps sooner than he thought. Mercer signaled Norrington out of the room and down the hall. Mercer, however, stayed behind for several moments.

Mercer: Lord Beckett, news arrives from the town, Escarabajo.

Beckett: And?

Mercer: Pirates, sir. The town has been taken.

Beckett: And we shall take it back. Round several of the men. They will sail to Escarabajo, they will invade the towns and villages.

Mercer: The pirates, are they to be killed?

Beckett: No. They shall be brought back here. Their fate ends in hanging.

Mercer: Yes, sir.

Mercer left the room, leading Norrington to his new quarters. Beckett looked at the mahogany box on his desk. In the silence, he heard the steady beat, and he smiled.

Beckett: The world of piracy will come to an end...

***************************************************


Jack Sparrow meandered back and forth on the Black Pearl, looking for signs of life. He saw a figure on the other side of the ship, squinting to make out who, or what, it was.

Jack: William? Is that the whelp?

He walked to the figure, but as he neared it, it disappeared.

Jack: Oh. Where has he gone? To save his wench I suppose. His bloody wench...

Jack was suddenly gripping his teeth in disgust. It was only momentary, as he returned to his normal state of searching for life. But in that moment, Jack shuddered at the thought of the compass, the kiss, the irons that clinked and shut against the mast of the ship, and last, the wretched woman who had done it to him. He snarled thinking of Elizabeth, but it was only for a moment. Remembering the compass, he took it out. He opened it and looked down. But the pointer swung around and around, never stopping.

Jack: Brilliant.

He closed the compass and commenced his grand, but useless, search.

***************************************************

The sunlight of the morning was bright enough to pierce through the foggy, blue water. The light shone with vivid luminosity, burning through sea and reaching the dark, damp crevices of all that lay beneath the water's surface. It escaped through each of the smallest openings, lurking, lurking into the deepest and shadowed corners. Davy Jones sat on the bench in front of his organ, letting his tentacles slide uselessly on and off the keys. He mumbled to himself, unable to get rest, and now, hid from the light in order to overcome his anger. On his organ, next to to the music box trinket he had, was a chest. Extravagant and intricate as it appeared, it was worthless without its contents. Missing was the heart. No longer could one put an ear to the chest and hear a steady beat. Jones looked at it, shuddering and grimacing. Where had his heart gone? Did Jack Sparrow take it to the Locker with him? Jones hoped not. And now, he had nothing left to do but search the seas, search for his heart. Though, he was awfully tired. As he angrily laid his head against his organ, his eyes drifted, and closed. Soon enough, his supremely short slumber was disturbed by light that had made its way to his quarters. He stood up in angst and frustration, and grabbed the chest, making his way out onto deck. The rest of the crew suddenly became aware of Jones's infuriation, as he slowly walked aboard. He looked onto several of the crewmen, and signaled for it. The Flying Dutchman rose out of the water, making its voyage on the surface.

Davy Jones: Hard to port! Hard to port!

Maccus: Captain, land lay in that direction. And you can't step-

Davy: Then you will act in my stead and find what never should've been taken!

He held the empty chest up, and then, fuming, he swung it to Maccus.

Davy: Find it!

Jones stared at Maccus, and then trudged away. Maccus took the chest, and went to signal the rest of the crew. He walked past the brig, looking to Bootstrap. Will's father had resigned himself to a corner of the ship, sitting there.

Maccus: Turner! Next stop at land and wer' off.

Maccus held up the empty chest, smirked at Bootstrap, and spat on the bars of the brig. He walked to the inner of the Dutchman, leaving Bootstrap by himself as he had been the past day.

Bootstrap: I can't leave the ship...my son, William! He wants to help me.

He talked to himself, saying this over and over as if he needed to convince himself.

Bootstrap: William is coming, he's coming...


**********************************************


The Auburn was on its way to land, fast at sail, with the whole crew up and lively. Cotton was at the helm, while Barbossa "talked" to Jack the Monkey. Will looked to Barbossa, wanting more clear cut answers from him. He was quite ambiguous in his conversations with the crew, as no one, except for Will and Tia, knew exactly why they had to sail faster. Even in that matter, Will was unsure. Tia mentioned needing a faster ship, but for what purpose? Will walked up to Barbossa.

Will: For what reason are we sailing with haste?

Barbossa seemed slightly agitated, his bonding time with Jack the Monkey was interupted. Nevertheless, he answered.

Barbossa: Seems, we be needing a faster ship, Master Turner.

Will: But for what purpose? This ship will sail perfectly, will it not?

Barbossa: Aye, but...

Barbossa took a quick second to create a reason to Will's question.

Barbossa: But Jack is only safe fer so long, there is but a crevice a' time we have, until he can no longer escape the Locker.

Will looked at Barbossa with skepticism. He knew what the captain had told him was a lie, but he didn't press on, figuring he would discover the truth his on way, if it was not presented to him.

Will: Yes, I suppose that is true...

Will trailed away. Whatever was going on between Tia and Barbossa, they did not want anyone else to know about. Will kept what he had heard to himself, walking off. The ship was quite small, as he noticed. He tried to walk below deck, but he spotted Elizabeth and decided now was not the time for confronting her. Above deck, Ragetti was, once again, chasing after his eye. Pintel was in the grand chase, as well, aiding his buddy. Cotton was at the helm, Barbossa was bonding with Jack the Monkey, Gibbs and Marty were helping with navigation. There was no where for him to go, and he pretended to keep busy but there was little for him to do. Too many people were on deck, but he refused to go below deck. He needed time to cool off before talking to Elizabeth again. Will walked to the rail of the ship, looking out to water as Elizabeth had done for most of the voyage. Tia Dalma approached him.

Tia: I know what ya thinkin...dis ship is not big enough fer us all.

She smiled, and at the same time, laughed slightly. Will smiled back.

Tia: And wit hope, we will find a bigger and faster ship.

Will: Yes...

Tia: Ya know, William Turna! When I first saw ya, I saw...dere was sometin special 'bout ya.

Will: Is there?

Will smiled and laughed it off, thinking it was like Tia's previous comment, light-hearted and slightly humorous. But Tia snapped back.

Tia: Ya believe dis to be untrue, den? I have forseen many things. Like Jack's inevitable journey to da Locka.

Will thought he'd seize the opportunity, ask a question or two.

Will: And, how exactly did you bring Captain Barbossa back to life?

But, for the moment, the question remained unanswered. Barbossa, to Will's dissatisfaction, had interupted the conversation.

Barbossa: Land, ahoy! The town of Escarabajo!

Gibbs: Escarabajo, eh?

A smile spead across his Gibbs' face.

Will: You know of this town?

Gibbs: Much like Tortuga, a pirate's port. Salty wenches, gamblin', and rum too!

Gibbs reached into his side pocket and took out his flask. He looked to the town. Barbossa shoved Cotton away from the wheel and turned the ship toward the dock. Lined up were several pirate ships, gaurded by crewmen. Barbossa pointed to Cotton and Marty.

Barbossa: You two! Stay on deck, gaurd the ship.

Ragetti, who had finally found his eye, snickered with Pintel.

Barbossa: You too, masters Pintel and Ragetti!

Pintel: But-

Barbossa: No questions.

***************************************************

As The Auburn neared the dock, Barbossa, Gibbs, Tia, Will, and Elizabeth climbed off the ship.

Elizabeth: If we're to find another ship, why gaurd this one?

Barbossa: Can never be too sure...Captain Milburn is a stiff bargainer, plays things close to the vest, takes only the most valuable of dealings. He keeps a fleet of pirate ships.

Will: But we have nothing to bargain. Nothing but...this...

Will turned to The Auburn; everyone was in silent agreement. The ship was good, but not good enough to trade for a faster one.

Tia: Den we must hope good fortunes come arr way.

Barbossa turned to Marty, Cotton, Pintel, and Ragetti, left on the ship.

Barbossa: Keep your watchful eye on the ship, er you'll come ter not have it!

Ragetti, intimidated, covered his eye, or at least, the real one. Cotton and Marty saluted to the captain and the other members of the crew as they walked into town. Escarabajo was a lively, rambunctious place. Local pubs on every corner, drunk pirates, turbulent fights, and even quite a few brothels; like Tortuga in many ways. The five walked into a pub; it was alarming how drunk and crazy people seemed at midday. It must've been ten times worse at night. Gibbs eyed all the drinks being served at the counter, awfully tempted to grab one himself. He would've done so, had Barbossa not given him a watchful and keen look. The captain led them to a door in the back of the pub, in which they all entered through. They found themselves in a small hall, and down the hall was another door. The noise between the pub and the hall was filtered out, but still faintly heard. Barbossa went to the second door and knocked twice, waited a second, and knocked three times, clearly some code of entry. The door opened, and there were two pirates acting as security gaurds to Captain Milburn, who noticed Barbossa immediately.

Milburn: Hector Barbossa. Could it really be? Much too long since ye last be seen.

Barbossa: Yes, pleasure to see ya again too. I'm actually in need of-

Milburn: Turn to me fer help? Ye much know, I do not give help so easily...

Barbossa: I've come to bargain, actually.

Milburn: Well, perhaps some...agreement...can be made. Come in, sit.

Barbossa apprehensively entered the room. He saw several pirates watching him. The crew followed him in.

Milburn: These dealings can only be made by ye. They cannot enter.

Barbossa, along with the others, was slightly alarmed. He turned around to Tia, Gibbs, Will, and Elizabeth, and signaled for them to go back into the hall. And they agreed, though with unease. As Will, the last one to leave the room, entered the hall, the door came to a slamming shut.

Will: Shall we stay in the hall? Or...

Gibbs: I'm gonna get meself a drink...

Gibbs scurried into the pub, and left Tia, Will, and Elizabeth in the hall.

Elizabeth: I wonder what they're saying.

Will and Elizabeth put their ears to the door, trying to get a hint of the conversation going on inside.

Tia: I have a bad feelin' 'bout dis bargain de captain is negotiatin. Milburn accepts only de best of offers...

Elizabeth: I think I hear something...Captain Barbossa said something about needing a ship, he's willing to trade...

The door muffled a lot of the noise, and it certainly didn't help that Barbossa and Milburn were talking rather quietly. Inside the room, Barbossa wasn't very successful in convincing Milburn of agreeing to the bargain.

Milburn: What be yer destination?

Barbossa: Singapore. So it's clear that we be needin' a bigger ship.

Milburn was skeptical.

Milburn: With the offer you've made?

Barbossa: I was hoping ar friendship was...

And suddenly through the other side of the door, Elizabeth and Will could hear Milburn burst out, shouting. Even Tia, whose ears weren't on the door, could sense Milburn's anger and rashness.

Tia: Him not be soundin to pleased...

Elizabeth and Will turned to Tia and heard footsteps nearing the door. They backed from it as it flung open. Barbossa was fumed, gritting his teeth, clenching his fists. They didn't need to ask him how the negotiations went, they already knew. Barbossa forced the door to the pub open and stomped through in a manner that demanded authority. Gibbs saw, and followed, upset for not getting his fill of rum in time. They made their way to the dock, and to The Auburn.

Gibbs: Captain? What be the circumstances?

Barbossa: That ruddy cur won't offer us a ship.

Everyone suddenly seemed disheartened. Tia Dalma was disappointed, her plans weren't going as she desired. Will couldn't get the Pearl as fast as he wanted to; he looked to Elizabeth, who seemed the most distraught. She wanted a way to relieve her anguish and guilt faster; the sooner they had gotten to Jack, the sooner she could mitigate her shame. But Will mistook her look of melancholy, thinking, wrongly, that she loved Jack and that she could not see him as soon as she had hoped. They climbed back aboard The Auburn. Will looked to Elizabeth for several moments, seeing her depression and gloom. He did not want her to be any more upset than she had been on the journey.

Will: If Milburn won't offer a ship to us, maybe we should just commandeer one.

The captain and the crew looked at him as if he were crazy, all except for Elizabeth.

Pintel: Are you mad? There's only nine of us.

Elizabeth: But we should give it a try. There can't be more than three men gaurding each one of his ships. Half of us can fight these gaurds, and the other half can loosen the ropes from the dock. And then we can set sail.

Will: It just may work.

Elizabeth looked to Will and turned back around, just as he looked to her. She had supported another one of his plans; Will didn't know how to react. After all, there was tension between the two, after Elizabeth had accidentally caused Will to fall off The Auburn earlier. He could not bare Elizabeth "pretending" to care about him, he wished for her to just come out in the open and admit her love for Jack Sparrow. She, however, could not understand why Will seemed distant from her, and she could not develop the courage to admit to him the burden and guilt she faced. All the while, the crew looked at Will and Elizabeth as if they had gone beserk.

Ragetti: I....I think we should try it.

Marty: Aye.

And suddenly, the others understood.

Cotton's Parrot: Wind in the sails! Wind in the sails!

Gibbs: Aye! Let's do it!

Pintel: Well, I suppose...

Tia: Captain Barbossa, dis may be de only way...

Barbossa looked to the others, still unsure. Jack the Monkey ran over to Tia Dalma, jumping into her arms. She stroked the monkey, and smiled at Barbossa, awaiting his response. Barbossa smirked at the crew.

Barbossa: Abandon ship!

Gibbs: Aye, captain!

The captain stepped onto the dock. The crew, one by one, left behind The Auburn and followed the captain. Ragetti turned to Pintel, whispering.

Ragetti: I 'ope this works.

Pintel: It better work...

***************************************************

The crew innocently walked across the shoreline, to the other side of the dock. They huddled for a quick minute, without drawing much attention, and split, Barbossa, Elizabeth, Will, Pintel, and Ragetti toward the deck of a large ship, and the others toward the dock to cut the ropes of this ship. It was certainly larger than the Auburn, with wide, gray sails and a structure build for speed; of course, nothing compared to the Pearl, but nevertheless in a grand league. The Skirmish, it was called, though not fully equipped for battle. Barbossa and several others remained out of sight from the gaurds.

Elizabeth: There's seven of them! And only five of us.

Barbossa: Up for a good fight, miss?

Will: Let's go. We're wasting time.

The five took out their swords; Elizabeth, Will, and Barbossa neared the gaurds from behind at the lowest point on deck, with Pintel and Ragetti remaining behind to watch for everyone's safety.

Will: Now!

The three ran toward three of the gaurds. They turned around and saw Will, Elizabeth, and Barbossa, but were too slow, as each of the swords, one per person, had already run through their mid-sections. The gaurds choked on their last breaths as the swords were removed from their bodies. However, the four other gaurds on the other side noticed, and spotted Pintel and Ragetti, making their way towards them.

Pintel: Oy! Over here! We could use some help...

Elizabeth, Will, and Barbossa ran over to the other gaurds. The gaurds didn't present much of a fight, and within moments, realized they were surrounded and outnumbered by one.

Barbossa: Drop yer weapons.

Three obliged, the fourth did not. Elizabeth moved her sword toward the chest of the fourth gaurd. He was somewhat resilient, but Will took out his father's blade and held it from behind the gaurd, to his neck. He dropped the sword.

Barbossa: Take 'em to the brig.

As the four gaurds were taken below deck, Tia, Cotton, Gibbs, and Marty arrived.

Gibbs: We're ready to sail, captain.

Tia: Aye, and wit dese winds perhaps we can make a move on faster den hoped.

Gibbs, as well as the others, noticed three bodies on the lowest point on deck. They were the gaurds, previously killed by Will, Barbossa, and Elizabeth.

Marty: Captain, what of the bodies?

Barbossa: Strip 'em of their weapons and throw 'em overboard.

Gibbs: Aye.

Will, Elizabeth, Pintel, and Ragetti came back on deck. Will looked to the dock, and noticed several pirates running toward the ship.

Will: We've got to move quickly! They've seen us!

Barbossa: Scurry, you curs! Prepare to sail!

The ropes on deck were cut, and The Skirmish left the dock. The pirates on shore, clearly from Captain Milburn's crew, tried best to catch up with the ship, but failed. They were frightened to see how Milburn would react to losing one of his best ships. Meanwhile, the crew continued their voyage to Singapore, sailing into a beautiful sunset.


*********************************************


Captain Norrington remained in his quarters for several hours, sifting through EITC papers. This, of course, was not the work he wanted, but he accepted it for the moment. Perhaps Lord Beckett would allow him to do his captaining job the next day. He left his room, roaming the halls of the EITC building, which was formerly the Governor's mansion. Norrington heard familiar voices down one hall, coming from a room. One was of course, Lord Beckett's. The other...could it be? Governor Swann? Norrington turned the corner and approached the room. He stood near a door as it opened. Cutler Beckett left the room, to his surprise finding Norrington there.

Beckett: Ah, Captain Norrington. I'm sure you and Weatherby Swann have already been acquainted.

Norrington: Yes, indeed.

Beckett turned to Governor Swann.

Beckett: Well, I suppose that you will agree to the terms, and then, perhaps you can retain your title as Governor.

Beckett turned to Norrington.

Beckett: Good day.

Beckett turned the corner and returned to his business.

Norrington: Governor Swann.

He bowed in respect. The governor bowed back.

Governor Swann: I see, you have regained commission.

Norrington: Yes, captain, in fact.

Governor Swann: Oh, very well. Come in, come in.

Norrington entered the governor's small room, closing the door behind him. The two stood there for a moment, not knowing what to say, as they hadn't seen each other in months. Suddenly, Norrington brightened, remembering something.

Norrington: I...I've seen Elizabeth. Not but yesterday morn.

Governor Swann: Have you really? Is she okay?

Governor Swann looked truly worried, all he wanted was his daughter's safety, and he had pledged his loyalty to the EITC to insure Elizabeth was safe. She was off with pirates, he knew that.

Norrington: Yes, last I saw of her. She is safe, for now.

Governor Swann: Yes, I do pray she is. Though I've been told she is associated with pirates. I fear they will find her and...

He trailed off in worry and scare. He did not want his only daughter hanged as a pirate.

Norrington: She's learned to protect herself. And, she remains with Mr. Turner.

Governor Swann: So William is alright as well? They have found each other?

Norrington: Yes.

Governor Swann: Then perhaps he will assure her safety. After all, I should have faith in the man my daughter is to marry...

Norrington looked down, unable to meet the Governor's eyes. He thought of his love for Elizabeth, all the while knowing she was never to return it, loving another man. Little did he know Will was thinking the same thing at the time.

Norrington: I...must return to my work.

Governor Swann: Yes.

The governor looked to the captain as he left the room.

Governor Swann: Thank you. I am much relieved, knowing my daughter is safe.

Norrington smiled and walked back to his quarters.

***************************************************

Aboard the Dutchman, Maccus took the helm of the ship, nearing a shoreline. How he and the rest of the crew were to find the heart of Jones, he had no idea. There were millions of places it could be, and it was more than likely it was no longer in the Caribbean. Jones had hoped Jack did not take it with him, to the locker. But he had already called upon his "pet" to find it below waters. Meanwhile, the Dutchman sank back into the water, making sure as not to be seen. Maccus took the Dead Man's Chest with him as he guided the rest of the crew and trudged out of the water. The crew came armed and was hidden among trees. Maccus threw the chest to Hadras.

Maccus: You, hold on to it.

On the other side of the peninsula, several large ships neared the dock. Unmistakably, they were ships of the EITC, each carrying dozens of soldiers, armed and very willing to fight.

Mercer: Your job is not to kill. Lord Beckett desires that we return these pirates to him. So ready the brigs.

Mercer smirked. He was ready to make his jump on the town, ready to raid. He wanted to kill them, kill all of the thieves, beggars, but he knew he had to follow Beckett's command.

Mercer: Find them all. And if they resist, I'm sure Lord Beckett will not mind finding them dead. No man shall remain in Escarabajo after tonight.

He signaled for the soldiers to leave the ship, and enter the town. At the same time, Maccus signaled the Dutchman crew to go into the town and question the pirates, through the point of a sword. They ran into town, finding people who were rather incoherent. And to these drunk people, the site of fish-faced pirates was rather alarming. They screamed and ran in all directions. Maccus was not particularly delighted. They ventured further into town, looking for the right people to question. Maccus knew none of these pirates would know of the heart, let alone have it. Suddenly, they heard a multitude of gunshots. But the crew figured it was just a band of crazy men. The sound of the gunshots grew louder. There were more of them by the second. As the Dutchman crew turned a corner, they saw, from a distance, soldiers rallying other pirates. Maccus was alarmed.

Maccus: Turn around! Head back to ship.

The crew realized, in just seconds, that the EITC had invaded Escarabajo. The town was now in more insanity and ruckus than before. People were running around drunk, wailing at the top of their voices, in fear. The Dutchman crew ran back to the shoreline, but on the way, Hadras dropped the chest without noticing. He was preoccupied with getting back to the ship. As the Dutchman submerged itself into the water, the gunshot became fainter and fainter.


********************************************


Will took out his father's blade, once again, and absentmindedly dug it into the railing of the ship, and took it back out, as he had done in Tia Dalma's shack. He scratched the wood of the railing, moving the blade back and forth on it. All that could be heard were the serene ocean waves as The Skirmish made its way through the soft, blue waters of the night. The moon shone bright enough to supply suffient illumination. As Will continued to examine the blade, piercing it into the railing, Barbossa approached him from behind.

Barbossa: I can't be havin' ye damagin' me ship, Master Turner.

He smiled, gently, but still in a way that brought about intimidation. Will was alarmed at Barbossa approaching him; he thought he was alone on deck. Will looked to the captain, nodded in understanding, and looked into the ocean. Barbossa looked at the blade and studied it for a moment. Why did he recognize it?

Barbossa: Where that blade be from, boy?

Will turned back to him. He paused for a second, then answered.

Will: My father. He's aboard the Flying Dutchman.

Will said those several words with a hint of anger, realizing that it was somewhat Barbossa's fault his father ended up there in the first place.

Barbossa: Ah, that blade did strain familiarity...he always had it with 'im. Gaurdin' it like it be his own life.

He smiled again and noticed Will's slight agitation. The captain knew what Will was thinking. Several moments of silence passed by as Barbossa thought of something to say to Will.

Barbossa: None can be blamed for the fate Bootstrap suffers. We are, after all, pirates. Do what we have to.

Will was still somewhat angry, but understood what Barbossa had to say. Will could not retain his fury on something that happened in the past, somethnig he could not control. He had to focus his energy into what he could do, and that was to free his father from Jones's grip. Barbossa walked toward the helm, Jack the Monkey leaping onto his shoulder. He took out a compass, and then turned the wheel. The Skirmish sailed into the night.

***************************************************

The sky was black, no stars, no clouds, no moon in sight. There was silence; it wasn't a peaceful sort of silence, but a menacing and unbearable quiet. No wind, no movement, no life. Except for Jack. He lay on the Pearl in the dark of the night, looking upward only to find this black sky. For some reason, he could not fall asleep; it was as if some powerful, eager force had thrashed upon him every time he closed his eyes for more than several seconds. Jack remained in the Locker, through the night, doing nothing but gazing up at the sky. It was neither ominous nor auspicious, just simply unbearable. Jack could feel his mouth drying up, his taste buds and stomach craving food. But there was nothing there. Nearly two days had passed, Jack having given up on his search for other life. Time came, and time left, as Jack laid on his back until light glimmered on the horizon.


***********************************************


Port Royal had changed drastically in several days. Soldiers invaded the houses of the townspeople, searching for any evidence of piracy. Many were scared out of work, resorting to thievery to obtain just a small piece of bread; and they were sentenced to death. People had only two choices; submit to and work for the EITC, or face the gallows. Large houses became EITC headquarters, while smaller, overturned shacks were converted into prisons. Beckett, who had caused such oppression, basked in his power and success. That morning, Mercer approached his office, carrying something in his arms.

Beckett: Shall I risk calling us victorious in Escarabajo?

Mercer: No man left there. All killed, or taken.

Beckett smiled in great satisfaction.

Beckett: Lead the captives to the prisons.

Beckett looked to Mercer, and noticed he was carrying something in his arms, though it was covered with a white sheet.

Beckett: What is that, you carry?

Mercer: Our raid in Escarabajo was of...many benefits. Not only did we gather the prisoners, but we uncovered this.

He placed the object on Beckett's desk, removing the white sheet. Beckett's smile grew even more upon the gaze of the object. It was the Dead Man's Chest.

Mercer: There is more valuable information, perhaps you desire to know?

Beckett: Go on.

Mercer: We came upon a "Captain Milburn" in the town.

Beckett was extremely pleased. They had been searching for notorious pirates, and Milburn was one to look out for. Now, he had been found, and Beckett was more than ready to send him to the noose.

Mercer: We forced some news from him. It seems, he has, of late, glimpsed upon a certain governor's daughter and her fiance. They have taken a ship of his, The Skirmish.

Beckett: Has he now? And did he say of the headings of Miss Swann and Mr. Turner?

Mercer: They sail with a "Captain Barbossa" to Singapore.

Beckett: Hmm. Singapore. No doubt to visit the one known pirate who controls those seas-

Mercer: Sao Feng.

Beckett: Yes, yes. Well, there have been plenty of findings this morning. Mr. Mercer, there is quite a lot of business to attend to. Perhaps you can follow The Skirmish to Singapore; they will lead us to the pirates there. And prepare several ships, for pursuit of Davy Jones. I will, in days time, ready for that task.

Mercer: Of course, Lord Beckett.

Mercer left the room. Beckett grazed over the Dead Man's Chest with his hand. He was in quite a good mood, possibly the best mood he had been in his life. Things were falling into place, and soon enough, he would have utmost control of the seas.



***********************************************


Captain Barbossa, at the helm of the ship, relinquished his control to Cotton for several moments. Others came from below deck that morning, ready to crew the ship.

Barbossa: Release the prisoners from the brig.

Gibbs: Arr ya sure that be a good idea, captain?

Barbossa: Mr. Gibbs, this ship cannot be crewed by just us nine, not like The Auburn, unless ye be willing to work faster and longer.

Gibbs: No, no, that be alright.

Barbossa: The curs can fix the mast.

Gibbs: Aye, captain.

As Gibbs went below deck to release the four crewman they hadn't killed the day before, Elizabeth stopped him. She whispered to him, to assure the prisoners couldn't hear.

Elizabeth: What are you doing? They can't be released.

Gibbs: Aye, but it's captain's orders...why don't ya help me out, in case they decide to...protest.

Elizabeth followed Gibbs to the brig. The four prisoners looked up as they spoke.

Gibbs: Now, don't try anything funny. Captain Barbossa is havin' me let you go up on deck. Ya can help crew the ship.

They didn't move. One of them had spit toward where Gibbs was standing. He scowled and clenched his teeth. Elizabeth took out her sword, and took Gibbs' sword too. She pointed them toward the prisoners.

Gibbs: Miss Elizabeth, no! They could-

Elizabeth: They have no weapons. They are defenseless.

Gibbs looked at Elizabeth and shrugged, giving an "Ok, go ahead" expression.

Elizabeth: Get up. Go on.

She stared at them, commanding their attention. One got up and proceeded out of the brig. Two others followed, but one remained stubborn. It was the same one who had previously refused to drop his weapons.

Elizabeth: You dare defy us-

The prisoner grabbed her wrist.

Prisoner: And you, a woman, dare command me?

He smiled, exposing his yellowish-brown teeth. The prisoner pulled Elizabeth closer. Gibbs stepped in to help her, but Elizabeth put the the sword to his neck, threatening him. He still didn't budge.

Elizabeth: Very well, then.

As she went to slit the prisoner's neck, Gibbs stopped her.

Gibbs: No, no! Frightful bad luck to upset the captain...best just leave him be here, in the brig.

Elizabeth pulled away from the man and left the brig, and Gibbs locked it. As they went up the stairs to the deck, Elizabeth was sure she heard the prisoner saying something. She turned around to him, but he appeared mum. Elizabeth turned back around and headed up, hearing something faint again. This time, she knew the prisoner wasn't speaking, but rather, humming a tune. She proceeded up and went on deck, joining the rest of the crew.

***************************************************

It was almost evening as The Skirmish sailed the waters. Will wanted to approach Elizabeth, try and talk to her again. But he decided against it. He remembered the conversation he had overheard between Tia and Barbossa the night before, regarding a "Court" and "Shipwreck". Above all, he still had no idea how the captain was alive again. Will resolved to go to Tia Dalma and question her, rather bluntly, in fact.

Will: In Isla de Muerta, Jack Sparrow shot and killed Captain Barbossa. The curse was lifted, that was certain. How is it that he is alive again?

Will turned around, pointing in the direction of the captain, and turned back to Tia, determined for an answer.

Tia: It is...witin my powers...

Will: So you can bring the dead back?

Tia: Yes, but much frowned upon. I made an exception, for an...old friend.

Will: And, you cannot do the same for Jack? And the Pearl?

Tia: Findin' a lost soul and returnin' it to its body is hard enough. Gettin' back Jack from de Locker...is nearly impossible wit just my work. De only way to bring him back is to fetch him from dere arrselves.

Will nodded. He understood Tia's answer, but did not want to pry too much, because she did not seem to be in the greatest of moods. He saw Elizabeth in the corner of his eye, and watched her for several seconds. She turned to him; their eyes met for a second, before he turned back to Tia Dalma.

Tia: Sometimes, tings arr not always as dey seem, on de outside. We must geeve time, hope dat all will return to de way dey were.

She smiled at Will, and Will, slightly alarmed, gave a faint smile back.

Tia: I can feel de worry inside you.

Will was alarmed again, but tried not to show it.

Will: My father is aboard the Dutchman. I made a promise, to help him, free him from the control of Davy Jones. I...worry for him.

He also worried for Elizabeth, but did not want to bring her up. Tia turned away from Will, as if she was not listening, though she truly was. She whispered under her breath.

Tia: Destiny...

Will: What?

Tia turned back to Will and did not answer his question. A faint drop of water had left her eye, and was drawn down her face, fading as it hit her cheek. Her eyes were slightly red; another tear was forming. Will noticed this, and after several moments of silence, stepped away from Tia, wondering why she had reacted in such a way. But in a matter of seconds, she had returned to her normal composure. Meanwhile, Ragetti had once again misplaced his eye.

Ragetti: You! You've taken it!

He pointed to one of the prisoners on deck, who was helping out the crew. The prisoner shrugged and turned to the other two captives, snickering.

Ragetti: Give it back! I...I need it!

The prisoner took out the wooden eye from his pocket and flashed it in front of Ragetti, and then laughed again. Pintel came from behind him, about to throw him a punch, when the prisoner turned around. He grimaced, looking down at Pintel, who smiled in fright.

Pintel: Sorry...

The prisoner clenched his fist, about to let Pintel have it, when the captain approached him.

Barbossa: There'll be no combat between crewmen on my deck. Let them be, er ye can walk the plank!

Barbossa put his hand out, expecting the prisoner to return the eye to him. Barbossa threw the wooden eye back to Ragetti.

Barbossa: Next time, make sure ya don't lose it!

Ragetti looked to Pintel in fright and put the eye back into the socket.

Ragetti: Thanks, Captain Barbossa.

Barbossa: Ya can send these scurvy rats back to the brig. Mr. Gibbs! Help 'em out.

Elizabeth had heard this and shouted out to the captain.

Elizabeth: I'll do it!

Barbossa: Fine, miss.

She escorted the prisoners back down, along with Pintel and Ragetti, taking the keys to the brig with her. One of the captives was still in the brig, from the morning. As she walked toward him, he was singing something which sounded familiar. It was the same tune he hummed in the morning.

Prisoner: Some men have died and some are alive...

Elizabeth: What is it, you sing?

The prisoner looked up at her in disgust from behind the bars, but answered nevertheless.

Prisoner: Old pirate song...

Elizabeth: Oh.

As she pushed the other prisoners into the brig, she asked him another question.

Elizabeth: What is your name?

Prisoner: Daniel Redburn.

He did not look up at her, but simply answered. Redburn continued singing as Elizabeth locked the brig and followed Pintel and Ragetti up to the deck.

Redburn: Yo ho...

On the stairs, Elizabeth listened to Redburn's tune, which he was now singing faintly.

Redburn: ...haul together...

***************************************************

He walked to one side of the ship to secure the mast tackle and tighten the sail. He pulled on one rope, and tied it down, walking back to the other side of the ship. Taking the helm, he put his hand to the wheel and looked forward to the ship.

Jack: Tonight, we sail.

Jack turned the wheel hard to starboard, but the Pearl did not move. Almost immediately, a frown was implanted on his face.

Jack: Bit of a conundrum, eh? Seems to be still water...

He reached into his jacket and took out his precious compass, which he held in the palm of his hand. The pointer swung around endlessly.

Jack: Bugger.

Jack clenched his teeth and returned the compass to his pocket.

Jack: Perhaps a bit of rum...

He went below deck on the ship, only to discover the deficit of rum aboard the Pearl. Jack was not pleased. There was one bottle left, and inside that one bottle, one drop. He took it back on deck and uncorked it. Ceremoniously lifting the bottle above him, he tilted it toward his mouth and allowed the drop to slide down the bottle. It came so close to his mouth, he could feel the rum-like flavors edging into him. The drop left the bottle, and Jack was in great anticipation. But before it hit his tongue, it had evaporated into the air. Jack frowned and shook the bottle. Nothing came out. He dropped the bottle of rum, and it rolled to the edge of the deck.

Jack: Pity...the rum's gone.

Jack returned to his normal duties of preparing the ship to sail, when he heard noise coming from below the Pearl. He went to the railing of the ship and looked down, only to find the ground, and a rock. He turned side to side, seeing if anything else was there, and then turned around. Perhaps he had missed something, it was becomnig dark. Suddenly, he heard the noise again. Jack scurried back to the edge of the ship and looked below, and spotted nothing but the rock, now a foot from the place it was before. He took his sword out and shouted down below.

Jack: Who's there? Show yourself. Who am I, you ask? Captain Jack Sparrow! Greatest pirate of the Caribbean...of the world! Savvy?

No one was there. Jack frowned again, leaving the matter alone and returning to his job.


************************************************


Norrington: You have summoned me, again.

Norrington looked to Beckett, and Beckett looked back at Norrington. On Beckett's desk lay the Dead Man's Chest, partially covered by a white sheet.

Beckett: Yes, yes I have. It seems...we need to find the Flying Dutchman. Since you have uncovered the heart, you would of course know of its recent whereabouts?

Norrington: The heart was on Isla Cruces. Some of Jones's men were there.

Beckett: You see this chest?

Beckett pointed to the Dead Man's Chest, which Norrington recognized almost immediately, despite the fact it was partly covered.

Beckett: So you remember it, I suppose, judging by the look on your face. Well, it was found in Escarabajo.

Norrington: And what significance is it if I know?

Beckett: Well, we must find Jones. And I suppose, as a Captain, you would be ready for the task.

Norrington: I am ready.

Beckett: Good. I expect for you to gather several ships and several men to be at my command tomorrow.

Norrington: It will be done.

Norrington bowed, and turned around to leave.

Beckett: Wait! There is more.

He reluctantly turned around, unbeknownst and weary of what more Beckett may have wanted.

Beckett: If you have noticed, our "makeshift" prisons can only bear so many people.

Norrington knew Beckett was referring to the squalid shacks of teh townspeople that had been overturned into brigs to hold the pirates until their visit to the hangman.

Norrington: Yes, I did notice.

Beckett: I trust, you will complete the task of overseeing the hangings of these people, tomorrow morning. Keep your men around them, in the case they try to, revolt.

Norrington: Yes, Lord Beckett. Good night.

Norrington finally left the room. He thought about how he could bear hanging all those people. He was, of course, bound by the law, but this was not one person getting killed; it was hundreds. Norrington resolved to get through it. It was part of the job, the title, the honor. And he wanted to please Beckett, perhaps become Commodore one day, or even Admiral.

***************************************************

In to the dark of the night, Will roamed back and forth of the deck of The Skirmish, his footsteps rather silent. He was anxious, scared, melancholy, furious - all at the same time. And it had been days since he had proper communication with Elizabeth. He wanted to let his emotions go, his depression, the betrayal. Most of all, he wanted to let her go. But he could not bring himself to accept it. Will wanted to hear the truth from her, and at the same time, he knew the truth would pierce his heart. For the moment, he put Elizabeth aside, thinking about how to get the Black Pearl in his control. Will wasn't alone on deck; Cotton was at the helm, Marty was washing the rail of the deck, and Tia was standing at the bow of the ship. Will could tell she was murmuring, perhaps chanting, something under her breath, not by her whispers, which were washed away by the rise and crash of the waves, but by the subtle movements of her lips. He watched her, unknowningly stepping toward her, to discern her hushed words. Will was just feet away from her when she stopped and turned around. He was frightened and worried; he did not want Tia to think he was eavesdropping. But she walked right past him and went below deck, not taking notice Will was there. Below deck, the captain was sitting in a chair, snoozing, the monkey laying on his shoulder. All was hushed as Tia moved silently below deck. Elizabeth had not fallen asleep. She was overwhelmed, thinking about Jack, and overwrought with guilt. Will seemed so distant from her, and she did not know why, but she did not complain about it, for she was not ready to talk to him. Maybe I should tell him, she thought, but now was not the time. In the brig, Redburn toyed with a silver coin in his hand. It was somewhat tarnished, chipped on the edges, and probably not as valuable as other pieces of eight that had not weathered any destruction. There was something different, odd, about this piece of eight, the only one he had. It had not felt as it had before, and Redburn wondered why. He heard something faint in the dead silence of the night, and he deduced it was coming from his piece of eight. Redburn held it to his ear and heard a distinct vibrating tone. In his curiosity, he shook the arm of one of his sleeping comrades, who was lying in the brig next to him. The awakened prisoner was startled. Redburn shoved the piece of eight near his ear.

Redburn: Listen! Do ya hear it?

The other captive nodded and frowned in wonder.

Redburn: The song! The song! It has been sung!

At this, he awoke the other two prisoners. They were both furious and confused. Redburn held the coin up and signaled for them to listen to it.

Redburn: We meet! The song has been sung!

Redburn cackled in astonishment and pleasure, and the other prisoners joined them. In seconds, Elizabeth heard the laughing and arose from her "sleep".

Elizabeth: The prisoners! Captain Barbossa!

She walked toward him, awakening him. Ragetti awoke as well.

Ragetti: Are they escaping?

Barbossa was alarmed at the thought of this, and jumped from his sleep, startling Jack the Monkey.

Barbossa: Get up! Get yer weapons!

Elizabeth took out her sword and ran toward the brig, the others below deck following, Gibbs just awakening. Above deck, Will heard the ruckus and ran below deck, seeing everyone gone. In moments he realized they were near the brig.

Elizabeth: What are you laughing about?

Redburn: Why have ya come?

Elizabeth: I thought...

Barbossa frowned in anger, he had been awaken from his comfortable slumber for no reason. Redburn smiled, his yellowish-brown teeth seemed to be gleaming in the dark. He held up the piece of eight as Will arrived at the brig.

Will: What's happening?

Redburn: The song...the song has been sung!

Will, Elizabeth, Pintel, and Ragetti had little idea of what was occuring. But Barbossa had known; there was a hint of a faint smile on his face.

Barbossa: Very well.

He turned around, making his way through the others. Barbossa looked to Tia with a certain acknowledgement and she faintly nodded back. Will caught a glimpse of this, wondering what was going on. Redburn started to sing again, this time, the words were quite discernable.

Redburn: The king and his men stole the queen from her bed...

Pintel: What?

Gibbs walked away, so had Pintel and Ragetti. Elizabeth and Will were left alone, well not quite alone with the prisoners there. But there was still a certain awkwardness in the air, and Will had left her presence soon enough. Elizabeth followed him moments after.

Will: Gibbs! You know of this...song?

Gibbs: Aye, Will.

Will: What of it? What of the piece of eight?

Elizabeth followed Will, listening to Gibbs for an answer, Pintel and Ragetti had gathered around him, and soon enough, Marty had arrived as well to see what the commotion was about.

Gibbs: Ya' ever heard about the sea goddess? Calypso?

Will frowned.

Gibbs: Guess not...well, it's said that in a time of yore, men, pirates, did not rule the seas as they do now. Maelstroms...giant waves...deadly hurricanes...of course, some were results of nature. Others were thought to be the work of...Calypso.

The others watched Gibbs in awe, listening to his story.

Gibbs: Now, Calypso was a spirit, harsh, changing, quite...unpredictable of sorts. The pirates, now they couldn't stand not havin' some control. So they took her, and bound her in bones.

Will: So she is of human form?

Gibbs: Aye. Now, Will, this be the time when the Brethren Court came about.

Will recognized this, was this the same Court Tia and Barbossa had referred to in a conversation the night before?

Elizabeth: The Order of the Brethren...they set down the Code, had they not?

Gibbs: Aye, miss. The Court is made up of pirates, each representing their seas, and with their power, they captured Calypso, and set a sort of...spell on her. She is trapped now.

Will: And the song?

Gibbs: It's said that when the Court is summoned, all the pieces of eight will carry a tone. The song the prisoner was singin'...that song signals the calling of the pieces of eight, the summonin' of the pirates and the Court.

The others took in the information, understanding what they had just heard. At a distance, Will spotted Barbossa and Tia untertaking a private chat, and he wondered what they were discussing. Elizabeth knew Redburn had beem humming this song all day, but until now it bore little significance.

Will: The pirates and the Court...they meet at some Cove?

Gibbs: Aye, Shipwreck Cove. Can only be found by the best a' pirates, and has the best defenses.

The pieces of the "puzzle" seemed to fit together, and Will understood more and more about the conversation he overheard the night before. Tia Dalma had charmed the pieces of eight like Barbossa told her to, and had therefore summoned the Brethren Court. But why had the Court been summoned? Will did not know, but now, he had some answers.

***************************************************

Bootstrap had spent three days in the brig, and already he seemed a part of the ship. He sat against the side, his hands and legs becoming fastened to the wall. His memory was faint, but he remembered Will, and called for him every day and night, expecting his savior to arrive. Bootstrap embraced the light that slowly trickled into the brig that morning, he savoured it, and he smiled. This light was the only thing that gave him hope, the only thing that made him feel "human". He heard faint footsteps approaching.

Bootstrap: William? Is that you? Have you come?

Bootstrap unfastened himself from the wall and walked up to the bars of the brig, straining his neck to the left to see who was coming. It must be William; he promised to come back, he thought. The figure was just feet away, but still unknown.

Bootstrap: My son!

Maccus: Get back.

Maccus looked at him and frowned, expressing disgust. He was dragging along Hadras, and both approached the deck. Bootstrap looked down, slowly walking backward. His eyes were starting to well with tears, but he choked them back in, returning to his "proper" place on the wall. His hands were drawn to the wall, attaching as though some magnetic force had overcome them. His body rested within the crevice in the wall, hardly noticed. He was rapidly becoming part of the ship. Others would have loved to be in Bootstrap's position, left alone, unnoticed by Davy Jones. The rest of the crew had to suffer Jones's wrath; he still had not recovered his heart. On deck, Maccus pulled up Hadras toward the captain.

Maccus: Here he is, captain.

Davy Jones: So, I've heard the chest was in your gaurd.

Hadras: Yes...yes sir.

Davy Jones: Well, where is it now?

Hadras: I...

Maccus: It seems the fool left the chest in Escarabajo.

Davy: I see...

He seemed calm, turning in the other direction, taking several steps forward. But only for a moment. He quickly turned around, anger exuding itself from his every orifice.

Hadras: I'm...sorry.

Davy Jones: You do not understand the unfortunate circumstance! Tell me, who else was on the island that night? Eh?

Hadras: The...the East India Trading-

Davy Jones: An adversary! And quite likely they've seen the chest! Empty!

Hadras: Captain, I-

Davy Jones: To the brig.

Maccus chuckled and pushed Hadras toward the brig. Jones took the helm while others backed away from him, fearful of his anger.

Davy Jones: Down!

With that, the Flying Dutchman disappeared into the depths of the ocean.


************************************************


Captain James Norrington arrived early that morning, summoning his men. There was a long line of people, perhaps dozens, waiting for the one noose that would decide their fate. Beckett sat in his imperial chair, watching the hangman as he prepared the rope. Norrington was feeling just a little sweaty, his hands shaking as he called out the names of the people to be hanged. He stood near Beckett.

Beckett: Nervous?

Norrington: No. Not at all, Lord Beckett.

Beckett: I thought not.

Beckett smiled as he handed Norrington the next list of people who were to march to the gallows.

Norrington: Sarah Martin. Stanton Milburn. Elizabeth...

He trailed off at the sight of the name. He knew it wasn't Elizabeth, his Elizabeth, but nevertheless, the name struck a bell. Norrington paused for several seconds, Beckett noticing and feeling slightly agitated.

Beckett: Go on...

Norrington: Right. Elizabeth Morgan. Daniel Morgan.

He continued reading down the list as each one of the convicted formed into the line just feet away from the platform. There was only one noose, one swingdoor; "progress", as Beckett called it, was slow. One by one, the bodies were dragged from the gallows and thrown onto a large wheel barrow. Norrington cringed at the sight of it, but hid his weariness from Lord Beckett. Hours had gone by until Norrington neared the end of the list.

Beckett: Well, not even one rebel. I must say, Captain Norrington, your leadership today has been...well, remarkable.

Norrington: Thank you.

Beckett: Come with me.

Norrington followed Beckett as they walked away from the gallows. He knew Beckett intended to engage in private conversation. But about what? Norrington did not know. He was still rather shaken after watching dozens of people dying by the noose.

Beckett: Your work these past several days has been quite diligent, you probably know yourself.

Norrington smiled slightly and nodded in appreciation.

Beckett: And, your work in the past as commodore was equally diligent. Captain Norrington, you have certainly proven yourself. I was considering...with our pursuit of the Flying Dutchman beginning, perhaps you would relinquish your title as Captain.

Norrington froze, in confusion, and turned to Beckett. Beckett stopped walking forward, and turned to Norrington.

Norrington: Sir, I thought-

Beckett: If you would let me finish.

Norrington: Sorry. Please, go on.

Beckett: We need more of your sort of leadership and command. And I feel both you, and I - the East India Trading Company - would benefit more by a promotion.

Norrington: Promotion? To commodore? Why, sir, I would be very pleased. It would be quite an honor.

Beckett: Actually, I was thinking, Admiral Norrington would better suit you.

Norrington smiled again, and turned to Beckett.

Norrington: Thank you very much, Lord Beckett.

Beckett: In days time, you will be an admiral.

They had approached the Governor's mansion, now an EITC headquarters. Beckett's attendants had walked him to the door, while Norrington followed after. He basked in happiness, his life was better than it had ever been. Save for Elizabeth. She had not been there, and he did not know where she was, but he had momentarily forgotten this, exuberant over his grand promotion.

***************************************************

In the brig, Redburn expressed fascination at his silver coin and the song. He beheld it all morning, fussing with it, holding it to his ear, and smiling. Captain Barbossa seemed to steer the ship as intensively and zealously as ever on the fourth day of their journey, trying to sail to Singapore as fast as possible. The sky looked dark, ominous, as if a dreadful storm were approaching. The clouds twisted and turned in the gray sky, gathering closer and closer. Elizabeth was tying down a rope, all the meanwhile, watching Will from a distance. She wanted to tell him about her act, her guilt; after all, they were going to get married. He would understand, she thought, deciding to tell him. But then, another thought struck her. He could be repulsed...maybe he would leave me. Elizabeth decided to take her chances. She steadily approached him; he was unaware. Tia Dalma, meanwhile, looked to the sky.

Tia: Sumtin' dim approaches...a shadow growin' up above.

Marty, Cotton, and Barbossa frowned. They had all taken notice of the sky, but figured it was passing, something they could hopefully sail through.

Pintel: I 'ope it's not too bad.

Ragetti: Maybe...maybe we should go below deck.

Pintel: What help will that serve?

Ragetti: Looks like rain. I don't like the rain...don't like gettin' wet.

Pintel: But if somethin' happens to the ship, we're stuck down there!

Pintel and Ragetti continued their arguing as Elizabeth walked toward Will. Each step she took, getting closer, she had more and more doubts. But now could be her only chance, could she draw up the courage again to tell him? They hadn't spoken in days, not since he fell into the water on her doing. He seemed angry with her then, was he still angry at her now? She didn't know. She lifted her hand and put it on his shoulder as he stood facing the other direction, unaware of her presence.

Elizabeth: Will?

His glance was fixed at the water, but as she touched him and said his name, he was startled. This was the first time she had approached him. He didn't know how to react, what to say. Maybe she wants to tell me...about Jack, he thought. He cringed, thinking about how she may have loved Jack, and not him. About the time they had spent together, about the trust they had built, about all they had gone through, and how it came crashing down. Will turned to Elizabeth; her hand slipped from his shoulder to his arm, then his hand. She held it for a second as their eyes met. Then she looked down, away from his glance, as his hand gently slid out of hers. She had to tell him, she had to tell him now.

Elizabeth: Will, I-

Gibbs: Storm!!! Windstorm approaching! Will, Elizabeth, help tie down the sail, secure the mast tackle!

Gibbs walked away in a hurry as Elizabeth looked to Will. She opened her mouth, at a loss for words, and looked down again. Will looked to the side. The moment was lost, she couldn't tell him now. She felt upset. She was ready to tell him, she had gathered the courage to reveal to him how she left Jack to the Kraken, but the moment was lost. Will was anxious. He wanted to know, not so much the what, but the how. How was she going to break it to him, that she loved Jack (at least, that was his thought). But the moment was lost.

Gibbs: Will! Elizabeth! Get to it!

Gibbs shouted from a distance as drops of rain begin to gradually fall. They looked to each other momentarily, and left each other's presence.

Tia: An eye in de clouds...a tempest draws near...Captain Barbossa! We must sail fasta', er we cannot escape dis.

Pintel: We're surrounded by water!

Barbossa: Aye, Master Pintel. That glaring thought we couldn't figure fer arrselves!

He looked to Pintel in frustration.

Pintel: Sorry...

Will: The wind is against our direction.

Gibbs: Aye. And we need to crew this ship if we're gonna get out of this mess. Let's get on it.

Elizabeth: The prisoners, in the brig. They can help too.

Barbossa: Fine. You two, release them.

He looked to Will and Elizabeth. The two of them looked to each other and ran to the stairs that led below deck. The sound of their steps, quickening with each beat, matched the sound of the rain, coming down faster and faster. Redburn heard their steps as they came near the brig. He stood up and put his face to the bars, stretching to see if anyone was coming. Will took the keys and neared the bars as Redburn cackled with the rest of the captives. Will had a sword in one hand, keys in the other, while Elizabeth carried two swords.

Will: There's a storm approaching. Captain wants you to help crew the ship out of it. Get down, and I'll open the door.

Redburn surprisingly obliged and stepped away from the bars and down. Will took the key and placed it into the hole, turning it, and opening the door.

***************************************************

As the door clicked open, Will took the key out of the lock and dropped it aside. He kept his sword out, along with Elizabeth who had both of hers out. Will put his hands to the bars and pulled the door toward him, very cautiously. He looked to Redburn, who had a slight smirk on his face as the rest of the captives lay careless and apathetic on the floor. In the dim light, Redburn exposed his disgustingly yellow teeth and charged at Will. Will raised his sword hand, about to attack Redburn, but Elizabeth got to him first. She kicked him down and put the sword to his chest like she had done before.

Elizabeth: I could take pleasure in this, running you through.

Redburn: This was not your first chance. If you wanted to kill me, you would've done so before.

Elizabeth grimaced at Redburn and he looked back at her in equal anger. Will watched the exchange between the two as the other prisoners were lead out of the brig and back up to the deck. He stood behind the other captives as they trudged up the stairs, and turned around to Elizabeth, who kept her swords on Redburn.

Elizabeth: I will not take pity on you. Nor will I kill you.

Redburn: Then, what is it, you will do?

Elizabeth looked at Redburn furiously, and looked aside in doubt.

Elizabeth: I'm not going to tell you.

Redburn: Ah, you want to be...unpredictable.

Redburn tried to push aside the swords and rise up to Elizabeth, but she pressed them harder against him, preventing him from getting up.She loosened her grip within seconds and forced him back into the brig. Will remained watching from afar. Elizabeth grabbed the key, which was on the floor, and locked the brig.

Elizabeth: I'm never letting you out again.

Redburn: What more can I expect from a...pirate.

Elizabeth looked at Redburn, who was trapped behind the brig. He had no way out, he was at the mercy of Elizabeth. She stared at him for several moments as he backed away from the bars and into a corner. Then, she looked down and away from him. Will watched her, but she did not know. Elizabeth was no longer angry; her mood had quickly changed. She looked quite melancholy, though she did not cry, only basking in her guilt again. She had forgotten what she had done for Jack and felt a moment's relief, but it came flooding back to her, and now she was overwrought with even more guilt than before.

Redburn: Yo ho, haul together, hoist the colors high. Heave ho,thieves and beggars...

He sang quietly, but his voice carried to Elizabeth. Amidst the pounding rain on deck, she could only hear the song.

Redburn: Never shall we die...

She walked away from Redburn, and Will saw that she was coming his way. He walked up to the deck and out of her sight; she went up to the deck seconds later as well. The Skirmish moved violently in the developing hurricane, rocking side to side. Winds tore through the water, creating gigantic waves that rose up and crashed back down. The ship started turning in the opposite direction.

Barbossa: Hard to port! Hard to port!

His commands were washed away in the noise of the ocean and the wind. The captives immediately went to work, along with the rest of the crew.

Will: Tia Dalma! Is there nothing you can do to calm the storm?

Tia: I can only try...

Will: It'll take every sail and board we've got.

Tia: Dis is not de worst of storms, but I can hope we get tru safely.

Will: Not the worst of storms?

Tia did not hear him. She walked away, muttering under her breath what seemed to be another incantation.


************************************************


Not too far behind The Skirmish was another ship; several ships, with one large lead ship at the front. The waters there were calm, gentle, and carried the ships without hindrance and at all haste.

EITC Officer: Sir! There is a storm approaching...ahead of us.

Mercer: Yes?

EITC Officer: Perhaps...perhaps we should make port and sail again when the storm has passed.

Mercer: We are not near land.

EITC Officer: Then, shall we turn the ship around?

Mercer: No. Lord Beckett commanded us to follow the pirates to Singapore as quickly as possible. And we shall follow those orders.

EITC Officer: We're to sail through it?

Mercer: Precisely.

He stared at the officer and turned around, to the other EITC ships behind him. Mercer clutched a parchment within his coat, which held Beckett's orders, and he walked into his own quarters on deck.


************************************************


Beckett: I have these papers from the King, they require your signature.

Governor Swann stood in Beckett's office and took the papers he was handed. He did not look at Beckett, or at least, avoided doing so. Beckett smiled and sat back down in his chair. Governor Swann glanced to the side of Beckett's desk, taking notice of a chest coated in silver, bearing odd design. It was the Dead Man's Chest, open, but covered by a folded white sheet. In the silence, the governor heard a steady beat. Beckett noticed him looking at the chest, and became nervous for several seconds.

Beckett: Is there something you need?

Governor Swann was alarmed, as he had just realized he was still standing in front of Beckett.

Governor Swann: No. Nothing, Lord Beckett.

He was about to turn around and head for the door, but he remembered something.

Governor Swann: Actually, I was wondering if you had any news of my daughter, her safety.

Beckett: I said I would insure her safety.

Governor Swann: Yes, you did.

Beckett: We do not know her whereabouts, or Mister Turner's, if that is what you are asking.

Governor Swann: Yes, thank you.

He headed out the door in disappointment, holding the papers that Beckett gave him.

***************************************************

Beckett looked to the chest as Governor Swann exited the room. He grabbed the white cloth upon it and covered it so it was completely unseen. In the hall, Norrington walked to the door as the governor left.

Norrington: Good day, Governor Swann.

Governor Swann: Yes, yes. Good day to you too.

The governor looked agitated and unfocused, but Norrington did not notice as he was nervous himself. He approached Beckett.

Norrington: Lord Beckett, the ships are ready for pursuit.

Beckett: Good work, indeed.

Norrington: Thank you.

Beckett: However, there is one concern I have. We are not ready, yet.

Norrington: And what would this concern be?

Beckett: Jones has a certain pet. The Kraken. Perhaps you know of it?

Norrington: I may have heard it mentioned once or twice...why do you ask?

Beckett: If we trail Jones, he will command this beast to come after us.

Norrington: But we have the heart-

Beckett: Should we be successful, we must attend to and fix all possible problems. As an admiral, I thought you would foresee and understand this.

Norrington: I do understand.

Beckett: Very well. We shall find Jones and order him to be rid of the beast.


************************************************


Barbossa: Secure the foremast! Tighten the topsail!

The Skirmish creaked as the captain turned the wheel. Rain deafeningly pounded on the deck and soaked the crew. Winds swept the ship side to side, the ship rocking in the unbalanced waters. Lightening had begun to strike.

Gibbs: Mother's love, we better make it out of this!

Cotton's Parrot: Dead men tell no tales!

Pintel looked to the parrot in disgust.

Pintel: You mongrel, shut it!

Cotton's Parrot: Mongrel! Shut it! Shut it!

Ragetti: You've just made it worse...

Tia Dalma finished her incantation and looked to the sky in a mix of fear and anticipation. She turned to Barbossa and Will.

Tia: Sumtimes we cannot reckon wit de forces of nature.

Will: You can't stop it?

Tia: I 'ave tried, and we will see in time.

Will: There is no time. This storm is going to take us all captive!

Tia: Dere is nothin' more I can do, not it dis form...

Will did not understand. Tia looked to Barbossa and he looked back in acknowledgement, Will noticing this but still unable to understand. He was just all the more curious. She turned back around and headed to the other side of the ship, helping the crew. Will stood looking up to the sky. White flashes of lightening appeared every now and again, nearing the ocean water each time. He went back to the other side of the ship, helping the crew.

Tia: All fury has not yet been unleashed...

Everywas was alarmed, but continued their tasks. Elizabeth stood near the mainmast, trying to tighten a sail. Gibbs was helping her. Will stood near the prisoners, aiding them with their work. Ragetti leaned down, trying to grab a rope as his wooden eye had once again popped out.

Ragetti: Oh no!

Pintel: If you'd just stick it properly in place.

Ragetti: I can't see in the rain! Help me find it!

The eye rolled to Gibbs, who picked it up and threw it back to Ragetti.

Barbossa: Master Ragetti, there be no time for foolishness!

Ragetti ran to it. Lightening continued to strike closer and closer to the ocean surface. The thunder only added to the incessant noise of the rain and wind. A great flash of white appeared in the sky and Will looked up. It felt almost directly above him. The blaze descended from the dark, gray sky toward the ocean, toward the ship, toward the mast. It struck feet away from the deck as everyone froze. The lightening retreated, but the damage did not. The mainmast began to lean over, toward the side. The cracking noise of the wood could be heard over the thunder, wind, and rain as the top half began to separate from the bottom half.

***************************************************

The mast began to split, tilted toward one side. The wood cracked as the two pieces split. Will looked to the spot it was leaning toward; Gibbs and Elizabeth stood there. And had they looked up at the mast even a split second later, they would not have gotten out of the way in time. Elizabeth ran to the side, trying to maintain balance on the wet deck. She slipped, but Will caught her arm and pulled her back to a standing position. The two of them, along with the rest of the crew, watched the mast tumble forward, into another mast. The sails toppled as the masts hit the deck with a loud thud. Amidst the trouble on board, the storm was still raging on. No longer did the captain have control of the ship. The winds had taken the helm, and they steered the ship in any random direction.

Ragetti: I think we're in trouble...

Gibbs: Aye...captain, the faster we can get out of this wreck, the better.

Marty: What can we do? Abandon ship?

The crew looked to the longboat at the side.

Will: No! The water would take us down!

Elizabeth: We wouldn't even have a chance.

Barbossa looked contemplative, but he could not think amidst the shouting and the storm. Jack the Monkey screeched loudly and jumped onto the captain's shoulder. He turned to Tia Dalma.

Barbossa: And what be your forecast?

Tia: Eet will pass soon enough...dere is nothin' more we can do.

The waves seemed to play a game of catch with the ship. They tossed The Skirmish back and forth, uncaring of the damage and infliction that resulted. The crew held on to the rail in fear of becoming part of the game, as well.

Will: We can get into the longboats as soon as the storm has passed.

Everyone looked to Will in agreement and understanding. The rain continued to beat against the deck, water continued to splash, lighting continued to strike.


*************************************************


The captain of The Black Pearl remained awake on the deck of his ship. He could not stand the stagnant waters, he wanted a storm to arrive just for the excitement. But nothing came, all was still, and all remained the same. Jack got up and sighed, and walked to the side of the ship.

Jack: It appears...we are caught in a rut, Master Gibbs. And if I were you, I would help me to get mast secured so we can sail. Tonight.

He turned to the side. In reality, no one was there. Jack had suffered absense of life and interest long enough. He decided to take control.

Jack: Gibbs, did you hear me? As captain of this vessel, I expect you to follow all my orders, no matter how freakish or perilous they may be. Do you understand?

Jack grimaced at "Gibbs", then retreated.

Jack: I thought not. I hate to do so, but perhaps a day in the brig would suit you right. We are trapped in still water, on your doing, on your lack of work.

He turned around, in search of someone.

Jack: Ah! Whelp, do escort Master Gibbs below deck.

No one but Jack stirred.

Jack: Now, William, is there a reason you take to your rebellious nature? As long as you are on my ship, you are part of my crew, savvy?

The captain looked around at his "crew", and he was utterly disgusted with all of them.

Jack: I do not particularly like this mutiny aboard my ship. And since you all do not follow orders, perhaps some serious disciplinary action must be taken.

Jack looked around once more.

Jack: Fine, act that way. I will be in the captain's quaters when you all come to seek my forgiveness.

He walked below deck to his room and tried to find some rum, but there was not any. He could not sleep, he could not drink, he could do nothing in the Locker.


*************************************************


Aboard the Dutchman, Bootstrap suffered almost a similar, grim fate. Like Jack, he would suffer an eternity of punishment.

Bootstrap: Part of the crew, part of the ship...

He was half awake, more and more attached to the wall. He began to lose himself, but not his memory. He did not forget Will or the promise he made.

Bootstrap: William will find me. He will not abandon me here...

***************************************************

Norrington stood on the deck, looking out to sea and watching the ships behind him. On the flag ship, Norrington had many in his command. The other EITC ships followed the grandest ship. In his quarters below deck, Beckett ordered two of his men to follow him. These two men cautiously entered the room.

Beckett: Good of you to come.

They nodded back in respect. Beckett walked to the side of the room and opened a large compartment. Inside it was a box, long and durable. Though, it did carry several scratches. He took the box out and laid it on a table. The latches were opened, the object revealed.

Beckett: I trust you to be careful with this.

Murtogg: Yes sir.

Mulroy: We will take care of it.

Beckett: Very well. I would like you to sharpen and polish this sword. Make it presentable again. Fix the box, as well.

Beckett closed the box and shut the latches. With both hands, he presented it to Murtogg and Mulroy.

Beckett: Perhaps it could be ready in days time. There has been a recent promotion, and this sword must be presented, in fine condition, to its proper owner.

Murtogg and Mulroy nodded as they left the room. Murtogg pulled it slightly to his side, and Mulroy pulled it back.

Mulroy: You're going to drop it!

Murtogg: You're holding it too low!

Mulroy: Well maybe if you weren't weak-armed...

Murtogg: Hand it to me, I can carry it myself.

And they continued a friendly bickering as the ship sailed closer and closer to its destination.


************************************************


The wind began to subside, the waves began to calm. Moments before, everything had been perilous and turbulent. And now, the waters were still. Only, they could go nowhere. The Skirmish was damaged, and no soon could it be repaired, not while at sea. Land was far off, and the ship could not simply float to shore. There was only one boat; the other was damaged by the falling mast. But there was room enough for them all. Half of the crew had already been lowered into the boat, the other half remained on deck to gather materials.

Gibbs: Clouds are disappearin', perhaps that bodes well.

Tia: Perhaps...

Will: Do we have everything we need?

Gibbs: Aye. Let's get a move on.

Cotton's Parrot flew to the boat and landed on Cotton's shoulder. The rest of the crew followed, stepping down from the ship and climbing the rope-ladder into the boat. Elizabeth crossed the rail of the ship and began to climb down the rope. Gibbs, Barbossa, and Will remained on deck. Halfway down on the rope, a thought struck her. She went back up to the deck.

Barbossa: What, miss?

Elizabeth: We've forgot him! Redburn.

Will: Redburn?

Elizabeth: The other prisoner. Below deck, in the brig.

Gibbs: No!

The other three looked to Gibbs.

Gibbs: He's treacherous, more trouble than he's worth. It'd be best if we just...left 'im behind.

Elizabeth slightly scowled.

Elizabeth: No! He's a pirate, what more would you expect from him? You can't just leave him there to die!

Gibbs: He's a burden...

Elizabeth looked to Barbossa in despair, waiting for his response.

Barbossa: Fine, miss. And since ya' be yearnin' to release him, he will be under your watch.

She ran toward the stairs that led down. Will watched her. He did not understand why she had an attachment to this "Redburn" but he wanted her safe, nonetheless.

Will: I'll come with you.

He followed her, once again, below deck. He went down and saw Elizabeth taking out the key and running to the brig.

Elizabeth: Get up, we're leaving this ship.

Redburn: Eh?

Elizabeth: The masts have been damaged.

Redburn: I know.

He pointed to the remnants of wood that went through the deck.

Elizabeth: We're emptying into the longboats.

She unlocked the door and opened it, expecting him to get up, but he did not move.

Elizabeth: Come on! We've got to get a move on!

Redburn: I don't plan on moving.

She stood there, waiting for him. Will watched her, from about ten feet away, in complete agony. He did not comprehend her motives for this, her desire to release this man.

Elizabeth: You'll die waiting here!

Redburn: Then I'll die at sea...

Elizabeth: Listen to me! Come on-

Redburn laughed his loud, daunting laugh.

Redburn: I don't follow orders...wouldn't you know me better by now?

She stared at him in disgust and anger. Several minutes had gone by, and he still had not moved.

Will: We're running out of time-

Elizabeth: Come on!

Redburn: No-

Elizabeth: I won't leave you to die.

He didn't move. He sat at the floor, behind the bars, and looked up. She looked down to him, and then away.

Will: Leave him be. He does not want to come.

She could not look at Redburn or Will. Elizabeth dropped the key and walked away from the brig. Will stopped at the stairs up to the deck and waited for her. She glanced at him for a second, and then looked away. Will followed her up. He still did not understand her attachment to Redburn. Will did not understand how she locked him up, nearly left him behind to die, and how he called her a pirate. Elizabeth, once again, was overcome by guilt and anguish. Her name had already been tarnished, she was once a murderer. And she could not bear to be one again. But this was Redburn's choice, she tried to acknowledge that. As she walked up, she heard his distant voice.

Redburn: Yo ho, haul together. Hoist the colors...

And that was the last of his voice she heard. Will looked up at Elizabeth, wanting to comfort her and calm her. But he wouldn't dare approach her. If only Gibbs hadn't interupted them before...what was she going to say to him? That moment was lost.

Barbossa: Where be the prisoner?

Elizabeth: He...

Will: He wanted to stay behind.

Gibbs: Alright. Now if we could scurry into the boats...

Elizabeth stepped down from the rail and into the boats, Will and Gibbs followed, and last was the captain. The whole crew, save for Redburn, was in the boat. Though everyone fit, they had little room. Will sat closely to Elizabeth, and yet, he felt so distant from her. He couldn't bring himself to talk to her about anything, everything. Like Elizabeth, he felt anguish. He was afraid to confront it, as was she. Ragetti watched as the captain settled himself in the boat with Jack the Monkey on his shoulder.

Ragetti: What now?

Barbossa: Masters Pintel, Ragetti, if you could grab those oars.

They picked up the oars and looked to Barbossa, waiting for his next command.

Barbossa: Now, row.

They both sighed in resentment.

Pintel: Aye, captain.

Ragetti: Aye.

***************************************************

Beckett stood at the bow of the ship and looked forward, out to sea, with a slight smirk on his face. Norrington approached him from behind.

Norrington: Lord Beckett, we have discovered the location of our enemy.

Beckett: So you have spotted the Flying Dutchman?

Norrington: Yes, word tells us that one of our ships has seen Jones.

Beckett nodded toward Norrington and went to his quarters, taking out the chest. Norrington followed him.

Beckett: If you could round up several men to act as gaurds it would be much appreciated.

Norrington: Yes, sir.

Moments later, Norrington had come back with five men at his side.

Beckett: Your task is to gaurd the chest. Keep your guns on it, but make sure nothing happens to it, unless on my command.

Beckett left his room and looked out to sea once more. From a distance, he could see a large ship. It was moving at an unmatchable speed, coming closer and closer. In minutes, the Dutchman was face to face with Beckett's fleet.

Davy Jones: Bring out the guns!

Beckett took notice of Jones's commands and shouted back before anything was done.

Beckett: I wouldn't be doing that, were I you.

Jones turned around and looked at Beckett disgustedly. He was furious, and ignored Beckett's claims.

Davy Jones: Ready to fire-

Beckett: Have you recently lost possession of some...item? Perhaps something of importance?

Jones looked to Beckett in curiosity, and he immediately recognized what Beckett was referring to.

Beckett: If I were you, I would keep a more watchful eye on valuables!

Rage entered Jones; he was fuming with anger.

Davy Jones: Hold the guns!

He stepped forward, as Beckett turned around to Norrington and several soldiers.

Beckett: Keep your weapons out.

As he turned back around, Jones was standing directly in front of him, just feet away.

Beckett: Ah! Have you come to discuss, or negotiate?

Davy Jones: I won't stand for this!

Beckett: But you will have to. Behind my doors is a chest, and if you put your ear to the chest, you just might hear a steady heartbeat.

Jones quivered and tried walking to the side, into Beckett's quarters.

Beckett: Your tricks won't work now. There are men at my command, that will fire at the chest at the precise moment you try to walk through the wall.

Davy Jones: You will not win this!

Beckett: I already have! Though, there is something that stands in my way...

Davy Jones: No! I will take back what's mine!

Beckett: You will die first! I'm sorry, but there are some things now under my command.

Davy Jones: Wretched blackgaurd!

Beckett: Now now! We cannot stand for that here.

Jones spat at Beckett's feet and grimaced.

Beckett: Have you met this man? Admiral to be, James Norrington.

Jones looked to Norrington and Norrington looked to him, trying to suppress his fear.

Norrington: We...have a proposition for you.

His voice slightly quivered and Davy Jones could sense this.

Davy Jones: Do you?

Beckett: Not at all. More of an order, than a bargaining tool.

Davy Jones: I do not take orders from anyone!

Beckett: Very well. I suppose it will be the end of you.

Jones stared angrily at Beckett, and then looked away.

Beckett: Unless...there is a beast that dwells beneath the waters. The Kraken, I believed it is called?

Davy Jones looked to Beckett in recognition.

Beckett: Kill it.

Davy Jones: No!

Beckett: You have no power here! And either way, a life will be taken. Your pet, or yours. So, I think it would be best that you follow my command.

Davy Jones: You cannot win this. The Flying Dutchman is the most powerful ship in the sea!

Beckett: And soon, it will be under my command.

Beckett smirked as Jones turned around and went back to his ship in anger.

Beckett: You see, it is possible to get your way. The right leverage can win any situation.

Norrington: Yes, it can...


*************************************************


Pintel: Can we perhaps all take turns rowin'?

Barbossa: Do your task, Master Pintel. And it'd be best if you'd put a stop to your complaining.

After a few hours of rowing, the boat was still in the middle of the ocean, with no land in sight. Pintel and Ragetti had gotten tired of rowing, but remained following orders.

Will: Are we to row to land? Or take passage on a passing ship.

Barbossa: Which ever one we strike first...

Gibbs: Hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later. Night's approachin'.

Elizabeth looked up at the evening sky, and turned her gaze back out to the ocean. She basked in guilt and agony. She mentally told herself that Redburn had a choice, and this seemed to relieve her burden. Then again, it also reminded her of what she did to Jack, how she left him to the Kraken to suffer an endless state of punishment. Will tried not to focus on Elizabeth's worries and her depression. He put his hand into his pocket and grasped the blade his father had given him. With nothing better to do, he took it out and stared at it, turning it over. He, too, was lost in a state of agony. The captain and Tia Dalma were tracking their path and looking for land or another ship. Pintel and Ragetti watched the others in silence; Pintel then turned to Ragetti and whispered.

Pintel: You could find more joy at the gallows than here.

Ragetti looked around and nodded.

Ragetti: My arm's gettin' sore.

Pintel: Mine too. If only we could trade places with them two...looks like they have nothing better to do.

He pointed to Will and Elizabeth, both of whom seemed to exude melancholy and disappointment.

Ragetti: We can't...captain's orders.

Pintel frowned and continued his mundane task of rowing. Everyone remained silent; the only noise that could be heard was the paddling of the oars and the splashing of the waves.

Tia: I 'ope de night does not bring more treachery...

The crew slightly jolted, not at her remark, but because she had broken the utter silence.

Gibbs: Aye, let's hope so.

The crew returned to the state of quiet they were in, but silently hoped that salvation was near; that they were approaching land, or that a ship would pass by.

***************************************************

Night upon the ocean was quite a vision - the moonlight skimmed the surface of the water as stars lent light to the sky. The waves silently crashed against the water, creating a hushed melody. Tia Dalma embraced the power of the ocean, its beauty. Looking into the waters, she put her hand against her neck and reached for something...it was small and silver, barely shimmering in the soft light. She held on to this locket, thinking of the seas and the love that once was. But her long gaze at the locket was ended, as she sensed the presense of something in the distance.

Tia: Captain Barbossa! A ship approaches, heading eastward...

She turned around and pointed in the direction. There was no ship there, at least not until several moments later.

Gibbs: Our lucks turned, at last!

Barbossa: We best be hopin' it has...not all pirates are so generous to offer free passage.

Pintel: Well, I'm tired of rowing.

Ragetti: Me too!

Pintel: And we're not going to continue this, so I say we get on the ship!

Barbossa: Last I checked, Master Pintel, I was captain of this...

He looked around.

Pintel: Boat?

Barbossa looked disgruntled and frustrated.

Barbossa: Fine...row to the ship.

The boat had approached the ship faster than the ship approached the boat. Few people roamed the deck of the ship, looking out to sea and taking notice of the boat.

Elizabeth: It's a pirate ship.

She confirmed it by pointing to the red skull flag that the ship carried. But Will noticed something else. He turned his body toward one side of the ship as to better see it's name. He seemed confused.

Will: HMS Pride?

He turned to the captain, the captain looking towards the ship.

Will: Can we be sure it's a pirate ship?

Gibbs: It's flying the proper colors an' all...

Tia: De question is, is it a risk wort' takin'?

Gibbs shrugged, as did the prisoners and Pintel and Ragetti.

Will: Well what would a pirate be without taking risks...

He mumbled under his breath, and no one heard except for Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: We've no other choice. We have to take that chance.

Barbossa: Aye. Keep rowing.

Aboard the HMS Pride, two men looked over the rail of the deck, talking in a language the crew in the boat could not understand, something from the Orient. One man signaled to another, and walked below deck. One of them shouted over to the boat, in English, with a heavy accent.

Man: What be your business?

Barbossa: Who are you?

Man: You answer first...

Barbossa looked to the rest of the crew to confirm that what he was doing was the right choice. He looked to Will.

Will: We come from the Caribbean. The mast of our ship was damaged in a storm, perhaps you passed it on your way here?

Man: We no pass any ship...

Will: We're headed to Singapore, and we're in need of a ship to bring us there. If your captain would allow, we could take passage on yours?

Man: No one sails for free...

Will looked to the rest of the crew in apprehension. What kind of payment was involved?

Barbossa: I'm sure we can strike some sort of accord.

Man: You will have to work. How many do you carry?

Barbossa: We be twelve working souls...

Man: I see, you have women with you?

Barbossa was cautious, looking to the rest of the crew. The man smiled at Tia Dalma, and then Elizabeth.

Barbossa: Well...

Will: And what business is it to you?

Barbossa threw Will a hasty and angry glance. Will looked back at Barbossa with boldness, defending his own.

Man: Our ship, not yours. So our business.

He cackled at Will, and Will grimaced back. He seemed quite frustrated.

Man: Deal?

Barbossa: Considering the circumstances I believe yes-

Will: How about the specifics of this negotiation?

Barbossa looked to Will and whispered, rather loudly, to him.

Barbossa: Best not impede on my duties...

The captain looked back up to the man.

Barbossa: I suppose we can accept your conditions.

Man: Good.

The man turned to the rest of his fellow pirates and spoke in his native language. One of the men nodded, grabbing a rope and throwing it to the boat. Barbossa grabbed the line.

Barbossa: Now, climb.

All of the crew climbed up the rope, one by one. Elizabeth climbed up and over the deck, with several men looking at her and snickering. They smiled oddly, and Will took notice of this. Elizabeth looked agitated and disgusted, and Will threw an angry and intimidating glance toward the men. Tia Dalma followed him; the glance Will threw seemed to have protected both Elizabeth and Tia. Will turned to Barbossa and spoke softly.

Will: We can't trust these men. We shouldn't be here.

Barbossa: But that's not up to you, Master Turner. Seeing as we have no other choice, best be if you'd just accept this.

Man: Captain Ling wants you to work on deck this night. We be in Singapore by night of tomorrow.

Barbossa seemed disgruntled. He wasn't used to doing work on deck, being a captain and such. But he worked nonetheless. Will was more curious. He walked to the man they had spoken to.

Will: What's your name?

Man: Ting.

Will: So this ship, how is it you came by it?

Ting: It has been ours.

Will: And yet it says HMS Pride.

Ting: We defeated the East India Company and acquired the ship.

Will: Is that so...

Will looked to the others and back to Ting.

Will: So where are we to stay? Below deck-

Ting: No!

Will raised his eyebrow and looked to Ting, who was caught somewhat offgaurd.

Ting: Captain prefers you to stay on deck, his orders.

Will: I see...

Ting: What business you have in Singapore?

Will: Nothing concering you.

He stared at Ting and walked away, sensing something odd about this man.

***************************************************

Captain Jack scampered back and forth on the deck of the Black Pearl. He longed for something to eat, to drink, but could find nothing aboard his ship or along the vastness of the Locker. He tilted his head toward something small he spotted at the bow of the ship, and proceeded toward it.

Jack: A gratuitous morsel of food...

He edged towards it, afraid it would escape him had he walked toward it in anticipation.

Jack: Peanut?

Jack frowned in wonder and continued toward what seemed to be a peanut. His hand neared it in caution. Suddenly, he heard a faint noise that came from the side of the ship.

Jack: Who's there? Show yourself.

No one came about.

Jack: William is that you? I always knew you had sneaky tendencies. Best be you not go behind the captain's back.

Jack turned back toward the peanut, but it was gone. He neared it in agitation and confirmed it was no longer there. How he longed for some food to touch his lips, his mouth. He missed the taste of rum.

Jack: Who's taken it? Had I not had such a mutinous crew, perhaps the circumstances would be quite...

He looked around.

Jack: Different.



************************************************


Pintel and Ragetti pulled on the rope that held on to the mast line. After a straight ten hours of work, they turned to the captain.

Ragetti: How long till we reach there?

Barbossa: By the looks of where we are...perhaps by nightfall.

The two looked up to the blue sky, speckled with orange. The sun was rising again, and it was the early morn. There was a whole day's work left ahead of them, and Pintel sighed.

Pintel: Reckon the ship can't go no faster?

Barbossa looked to him with a half smile and half frown, but seemed to sympathize with Pintel. The whole crew had worked all night, and it was doubtful they would get a break.

Will: The faster we're off this ship, the better. I have a bad feeling...

Gibbs: We'll need a plan, as to what we're doing in Singapore.

Will: What exactly will we be doing in Singapore?

Tia: Tings tend to unravel demselves as time passes.

Barbossa: We must retrieve the charts to World's End from Captain Sao Feng. And that be no easy task, trust in that Master Turner.

Will: The charts...

Tia: To Davy Jones' Locka.

As she said this, she looked down neck, where beared the locket. She could not see it, as it was partially hidden under her dress, but she knew it was there. She was overcome with gloom, as was Will. He turned to Elizabeth, who was a distance away. Will thought of Jack in the Locker, and Elizabeth's "love" for Jack. He turned back to the captain.

Will: What of the meeting at Shipwreck?

Barbossa was slightly startled that Will knew of this, but figured after spending so much time with pirates, it would be dumbfounded if he did not know of it.

Barbossa: There are nine pirate lords, one including me, another is Sao Feng. And it so happens to be that Jack also holds a piece of eight. Without him, the Brethren Court cannot assemble.

Will nodded in understanding, but realized that as soon as Jack returned from the Locker, he would be reunited with Elizabeth. He couldn't bear the image, and tried averting his thoughts to something else.


************************************************


Soldier: A ship's been spotted!

He ran toward the quarters below deck.

Soldier: Mr. Mercer! A ship, most likely left from the storm.

Mercer: What's this?

Soldier: Come above deck, sir.

Mercer followed the soldier up to the deck and joined the others that looked out to sea. There was a ship that remained afloat, but damaged. It's mainmast had toppled over and wrecked the other sails.

Soldier: Can it be, sir?

Mercer: What's the name of the ship?

Soldier: Others have said it is called The Skirmish.

Mercer: The pirate, Milburn, did have a vessel called The Skirmish.

He turned to the soldier and smiled.

Mercer: Have your men board the ship, see if there are any survivors aboard.

Soldier: Aye, sir.

***************************************************

The EITC ship was just feet away from the abandoned Skirmish as a dozen soldiers landed upon the wreckage. They searched above deck and found no life. And then they went below deck, and found something, or someone.

Soldier: Mr. Mercer, sir, we have retreived something.

Mercer: Have you? Bring it to me.

The other soldiers dragged the body toward Mercer.

Mercer: He appears to be alive. Perhaps weak from a lack of water. Soldier!

He pointed to another soldier who stood a distance away.

Mercer: Fetch some drinking water.

Soldier: You're to keep this pirate alive?

Mercer: He may have valuable information regarding the whereabouts of Ms. Swann and Mr. Turner.

Mercer smiled and turned to the man below him who was found in The Skirmish. He searched the man's pockets for items, and uncovered a piece of eight. The man moaned in agony, but it was a quiet and hushed cry.

Soldier: We found this man in the brig. Perhaps he was not a friend to the ones we seek.

Mercer: Even better. He will easily deliver the information we need.

The other soldier came back with water and tipped the glass toward the man. The man turned his head aside and blinked slowly, trying to make sense of where he was.

Mercer: Your name, pirate?

The man turned shut his eyes and shook his head very slightly. Mercer turned to the soldier.

Mercer: Tend to this man until he is able to answer. Perhaps then he'll tell us what we need to know.

Soldier: And after that?

Mercer: We kill him.

Mercer smiled, holding up the piece of eight he retrieved from the pirate. He felt the coin between his fingers and laid it flat upon his hand as the pirate turned to his side in pain.


************************************************


Will took out his father's blade, once again, and began sawing at the rope line he had to cut. He tried not to think about Elizabeth and flooded his thoughts with his plans on how he was to free his father. Get the Pearl, he said in his mind. It was the only ship that could outrun the Flying Dutchman and defeat the wretched and cursed ship's captain. Will thought of how Jones ended up the way he did. He had loved a woman, but the woman had betrayed him; it was inescapably similar to Will's situation with Elizabeth. And he reflected upon this, but determined he would not end up alone and cruel like Jones. Will's attention was diverted as Ting passed by and walked below deck. It was a curious thing that Ting did not allow Will and the others to go below the deck. Will turned and looked at what everyone else was doing; they all seemed to be busy. He put his father's knife back into his pocket and followed Ting carefully below deck. Ting walked through the door and into a room, then shut the door. Will put his ear up to the room door to see what was going on. He heard the deep and muffled voice of a British man.

British man: Any more news of the newcomers?

Ting: No, sir. They remain doing their duties. One man acts suspicious. I try keep watchful eye on him.

British man: Well, you do so.

Ting: Goodbye, sir.

Will heard Ting walking to the door; at this, he gently but quickly ran up the stairs back onto the deck, so as not to be caught. Ting did not leave the room just yet, and turned back around to the British man.

Ting: Lieutenant Groves, our bargain?

Groves: Lord Beckett will want to know the whereabouts of these people who have come aboard the ship. He has one other fleet following them, I expect them to arrive in Singapore soon. As for what to do with you, I will leave that up to Beckett.

Ting: But, sir-

Groves: There is nothing more I can do.

Ting turned around in disappointment and left the room, walking back up onto the deck. Will watched Ting as he walked to the other side of the ship. Were they being watched? Will knew something odd was in the works, but he did not know exactly what. He became weary and cautious, looking to the rest of the crew and trying to keep them safe. Ting walked passed Elizabeth; Will became tense for a second, wanting to keep Elizabeth out of harm's way. With a watchful eye, he followed Ting's moves, and at the same time, returned to his work, acting completely normal.

***************************************************

After hours of rest, Redburn still felt weak and exhausted, only barely able to move. He pulled his body up and looked forward; it took him several seconds to discern that their were soldiers in front of him. His vision adjusted, and he moved his head back slightly in defense, but kept a resilient expression on his face. The soldiers turned to each other, and back to Redburn. They walked up to him and grabbed his arm, one from each side, and pulled him forward. His feet dragged carelessly upon the ground. The soldiers took no notice of it, nor would they care if they had, and Redburn was still too faint to fight back. Above him was a man, not too large or too tall. To several, Mercer's appearance and uniform would be intimidating, but not to Redburn. The soldiers dropped him, and Redburn remained on the deck of the ship for a minute before he pulled himself up. Mercer went into his own pocket and retrieved a silver piece of eight. He held it to Redburn's face.

Mercer: Yours?

Redburn acknowledged nothing.

Mercer: What is it?

Redburn: Don't indulge in such trickery. One would be but a fool to not know such treasure when they see it.

Mercer twitched in annoyance, but tried to maintain his composure.

Mercer: But this piece of eight seems to be quite damaged, perhaps invaluable.

He turned the coin, examining it.

Mercer: Teeth marks, staining...

Mercer looked back to Redburn and smiled.

Mercer: Why do you still carry this?

Redburn did not answer. He tried to remain as mentally and physically strong as possible. He stared at Mercer in comtempt.

Mercer: No answer, eh?

Mercer signaled the soldiers to draw their weapons. Both men took out pistols and pointed it to Redburn.

Mercer: Your life should be incentive enough for you to answer.

Redburn looked defiantly at Mercer, clenching his teeth. He started with vigil at his current enemy.

Mercer: No answer? Speak!

And still nothing was said.

Mercer: Who were you travelling with? Was there a young woman and a young man aboard your vessel?

Redburn did not answer, and Mercer signaled the soldiers to be ready to fire.

Mercer: They fire at my command! Speak now, and perhaps we can spare you. Give us the information we need.

Redburn: I listen to no one.

Mercer: Then it is death for you. Soon enough, your kind will be gone, and we will rule the seas.

Redburn looked nastily at Mercer. He looked quite angry, but then, he started to smile, and then he broke out into a laugh.

Redburn: The Court will convene, and then neither you or I will control the seas!

He stood there and continued to laugh. Mercer was puzzled, and ordered the men to near Redburn.

Redburn: Heave ho, thieves and beggars. Never shall we die!

The shot was fired.


************************************************


Within the brig, Bootstrap heard Jones call upon his men. He unattached himself from the wall and went on deck. Jones was quite angered; he stomped from one side of the deck to the other, the sound of his wooden legs quite distinct.

Maccus: Put your strength into it!

The men pushed the turn table mechanism on deck, calling upon the Kraken. Within seconds, an enormous vibration was sent into the water. Jones looked into the ocean, and then looked back, where he spotted a fleet of EITC ships. In a distance, Beckett stood with Norrington and several other soldiers at his side, all pointing their arms toward the heart. Davy Jones looked back into the water, a teardrop falling from his face and into the ocean below him. The drop created ripples in the water that seemed to reach the expanses of the world. Below, tremors seemed to shake the water. On the EITC fleet, the men had rifles all pointed toward the water, and cannons ready to be fired. Another tremor was in the water. Something neared the surface.

Beckett: Your pet will die either way, Jones! You can do it, or we'll do the bidding for you!

Jones was angered by Beckett's call from afar, and became very agitated. The water began to shake. Waves rolled in and moved the Dutchman and the fleet, but not by much. The Kraken had come to the surface of the water. Jones stared down at it.

Beckett: What say you?

Davy Jones: No!

Beckett: It's time you accept we control the sea now!

Davy Jones: No! I am the sea.

Jones trudged upon the deck toward the ship Beckett was on, and shouted to him over the rail.

Davy Jones: You will not force me!

Beckett: So be it.

Beckett signaled for his men to fire at the heart, but Jones flinched. The Kraken began swimming toward the EITC fleet, and Jones did nothing. Beckett commanded the soldiers who aimed toward the heart to hold fire, but told the others to fire at the Kraken. For an instant, nothing but the firing of cannons could be heard. The cannons entered the water with what seemed to be a vengeance. The sea fought back only a little, but had lost the battle. Jones watched frighteningly at his pet, and then turned to Beckett, who smirked. He could not bear the feeling of having lost, and he could no longer watch the abuse the Kraken was suffering. The Dutchman disappeared into the water, and the EITC fleet continued to sail on, passing Jones's pet and celebrating the victory. But the war had not ended, and Davy Jones had his own plans to defeat his enemy.

***************************************************

Dawn approached once again, as the ship neared a village in Singapore. The shore could not be spotted by eye from the ship, but the crew sensed land was near, there oaths to the captain, Ling ,fulfilled.

Tia: De clear sky and ocean perhaps bodes well fer arr trials in dis foreign land.

Barbossa: Time be it to round the crew.

Tia: Aye.

Not far from Barbossa ran Ragetti after Cotton's Parrot, who had taken his wooden eye. Ragetti was no match for the parrot, of course, which left the ship and flew ashore. Ragetti sighed in disappointment. Cotton watched his parrot fly toward the village.

Barbossa: Best be for ye, ya hold on to your good fortunes.

Ragetti: Sorry.

Barbossa: I take it you're ready to go ashore?

Ragetti: Yes.

Barbossa: Good.

Marty, Will, and Gibbs approached the captain in readiness.

Gibbs: All's set. The captain has fully agreed to let us go.

Will: At least, that is what Ting reported.

Barbossa: The three as well?

Ragetti: What three?

Will looked to Ragetti, and then to Barbossa. Ting followed Will to Barbossa, unknownst to the others.

Will: The captives are taking their own path. They're leaving us.

Ting: I hear you ready to leave now?

Will jumped slightly, but maintained his composure. He loathed the sight of Ting, something about this man was off. But Will could not put his finger on what it was...perhaps it was Ting's shady nature, or his seemingly harmful lust for Elizabeth. Whatever it was, Will kept a watchful eye on Ting and followed him wherever possible; though, he did not uncover much.

Barbossa: It'd do but naught to fulfill the bargain we had.

Ting: Yes, yes...

Elizabeth approached the rest of the crew.

Elizabeth: Are we ready?

Ting: So sad, you must leave so soon.

Ting turned to Tia Dalma, then to Elizabeth, with a slight grin on his face. The crew remained silent; Will was eager to break the silence.

Will: Look! The shore!

They had all turned toward the spit of land they could see from a distance. Little wooden abodes could be spotted protruding from the water. No other large ships neared the dock; only small junks. People could be spotted, climbing on and off their boats, carrying items into the village. Meanwhile, Elizabeth turned to Barbossa.

Elizabeth: Where can we find the Singaporean pirate lord?

Barbossa: Sao Feng? Not one easy to find, nor bargain with, miss.

Ting, with a watchful eye, heard their hushed voices and decided to answer.

Ting: He most likely be in village. Big pirate haven. He has many in his command.

Elizabeth glared at Ting for interjecting, but decided not to dwell on trivial matters.

Will: I suppose this is our goodbye.

He looked to the rest of the crew for acknowledgment; they then turned to Ting.

Barbossa: Time to scurry of this ship, now.

Ting: Yes...

As the ship neared the shore, the crew prepared to board off. A rope was drawn, leading toward dock. They had left, one by one, and Will remained behind. He walked toward Ting with agitation and resolution.

Ting: It was nice to be in your company-

Will: Curious how we never did see your captain. Ling, was it?

Ting: Captain Ling does like his privacy-

Will: As commander of this ship, I would suppose he would create the bargain between us, not you.

Ting: He no knows English.

Will: Insignificant reasoning, seeing that he never stepped foot on deck, not even at the helm, not even to command. Seems that you were always in his stead.

Ting: How rude of you, to come on our ship, to make such remarks. We grant you permission, we give you passage.

Will: Nothing was given. We had an accord, and it was simply kept.

Ting: Many words can convey same meaning.

Will: I know you were hiding something, acting underhand.

Will glared at Ting in anger. His tall figure had eclipsed the shadow of Ting's short figure. Gibbs noticed Will had not come back down, and he shouted out to him.

Gibbs: Will! Any day now!

Will looked at Ting one last time, and approached the rope. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth in frustration, and proceeded to the dock.

***************************************************

EITC ships seemed to flood the docks of one of the Caribbean islands. Beckett, himself, had not returned to Port Royal, but to another port that the Company had taken control of. A ship from the opposite direction came, carrying other EITC officials who had left Port Royal; Governor Swann was among those on the ship. He was escorted on to the deck, and proceeded towards Beckett. Norrington had followed closely behind Beckett.

Beckett: Good day, Governor Swann.

The morning light shone quite brightly against the island, against the three people standing at the dock.

Governor Swann: Good day, Lord Beckett.

He acknowledged Norrington with a slight smile, and Norrington smiled back, with a gentle bow of the head.

Beckett: There are several notices that require your signature.

Governor Swann: Notices? Of what?

Beckett: There seems to be a stronghold of piracy these days...people on the streets, scrounging for food, resorting to thievery...

Governor Swann: Hunger hardly seems a reason for such acts to be labeled as piracy.

Beckett: Yet it is not quite in your power to decide, is it?

Governor Swann: I suppose not.

Beckett: Nonetheless, we will need your signature.

Governor Swann nodded and followed Beckett. Norrington also followed. The three were escorted into a carriage, which was on its way to an EITC headquarters within the island. Another carriage followed. Along the way, scores of people were being forced into prisons. Lines of people extended from the jails, with EITC soldiers prodding the captives with rifles.

Norrington: So many are being forced into the prisons...

Beckett: It is nothing less than the price they pay for their crimes.

As the carriage came to a halt at a mansion, Beckett prepared to enter his latest seat of power. The carriage behind the three also came to a halt, with Murtogg and Mulroy carrying the chest off and into the headquarters. Within the estate, Governor Swann was shown to his room. Norrington and Beckett stood outside the room until Governor Swann was situated, and then proceeded down the long marble hall. They watched as Murtogg and Mulroy carried the chest into Beckett’s quarters.

Norrington: Any plans of the heart, Lord Beckett?

Beckett: The proper leverage against Jones, no doubt in that.

Norrington: But you could be rid of him, stab the heart and your largest threat is gone.

Beckett: Have you not heard the tales of Jones and his heart?

Norrington gave a blank stare.

Beckett: I suppose not.

Beckett stopped and looked at Norrington.

Beckett: When one stabs the heart of Davy Jones, another must take its place. Now I certainly do not desire to be in such a position. I’d much rather have my heart with me, and intact.

Norrington nodded in understanding, and the two continued to walk down the hall. Governor Swann, in his room with his ear to the door, walked toward his desk with a new bit of information.

******************* ******************** *********

Jack: Peanut!

He ran towards what he thought was a peanut, but it had once again disappeared.

Jack: Where could it have gone?

He turned around.

Jack: Perhaps it was never there.

He turned back around.

Jack: Shut it! Belay that!

Jack turned around yet again.

Jack: I’m deeply sorry, captain.

And back to his original position.

Jack: No matter...it is this peanut that I am ever so worried about.

He stared at where the peanut was and leaned forward to grab at it with his hand several times, but failed each time.

Jack: Bugger.


******************* ******************** *********


Singapore was quite lively at night, with lanterns up at every wooden abode, markets still open, noise still heard. The town sat in a bed of water, and people used small canoes to get from one small island to another. The crew roamed the village they were in, knowing they were not too far from Sao Feng’s residence.

Barbossa: Watch yer step...no knowin' who’ll be watchin’.

They walked along dirt paths beside the markets. The sound of cow bells and voices could always be heard. People watched them as they walked by; outsiders could always easily be spotted.

Gibbs: Where we goin’ to?

Barbossa: Where ever we can find safe and out of sight.

Will looked around and noticed the village people focusing their attention on the crew.

Will: And the faster we get there, the better. We’re drawing too much attention.

They walked for another couple minutes, away from the markets and toward the shacks.

Tia: Ova’ here.

Tia Dalma pointed towards an abandoned wooden abode. The crew turned around and looked.

Elizabeth: It won’t be able to fit more than five.

Pintel: Six, at most.

Tia: But dere arr no other places we can rest.

Marty: Guess we all have to fit in one.

Pintel rolled his eyes and followed the rest of the crew into the little wooden structure. The ground was covered with planks of wood, and the roof was made with branches and more wood.

Barbossa: Time for a plan.

They all looked at the captain and began to sit, quite uncomfortably, on the floor.

Barbossa: Now, first of matters first. It’d be all but possible to make us seem more like outsiders. And everyone seems to be takin’ notice of that fact.

Gibbs: Aye.

Barbossa: So we’ll be needin’ to blend in with the crowd. I don’t want Sao Feng to know we’re in his territory before we decide to tell him arrselves.

Will: New wardrobe?

Ragetti: That would certainly help.

Barbossa: And since ya be so keen on the idea, you and Master Pintel can venture to the market and get us what we be needin’.

Ragetti: Now?

Barbossa: Wouldn’t it be best fer ye to wait, and know what else we need?

Ragetti nodded.

Barbossa: Now, for the charts. Sao Feng’s not one for bargaining, I doubt he will hand over the charts for any reason. So there be only one other path.

Elizabeth: We take it ourselves?

Barbossa: Aye, miss. A dangerous task, but most necessary. Sao Feng has many gaurds at his side, his residence laden with protection and traps, even. Anyone be volunteerin’ for the task?

He looked around at the crew, and at first, no one came forward.

Will: I’ll do it.

Will looked to the captain in resolution, and the captain grinned back. Elizabeth turned to Will in worry and understanding; she knew the job was dangerous, but she also knew that Will was capable of many things. She watched him, longingly, and returned her gaze to the captain.

***************************************************

Late afternoon in Singapore, the clanking of the horses, the ringing of the bells in the market, were as strong as ever; it all seemed to last the night, as if Singapore never slept. Inside a tiny wooden shack, the crew prepared for their next task, of them, most noticeably Will. Wearing a new maroon shirt a black vest, he seemed to command authority. His attire was not completely that of Singapore, but he did not not seem to draw attention, as an outsider.

Will: So I'm to steal the charts tonight, from his uncle's abode, and return here?

Barbossa: Aye, and that's hopin' things go accordin' to plan.

After a short excursion into town, Elizabeth, with new Orient apparel, and Gibbs had returned to the shack.

Will: And we're to leave tomorrow night?

Barbossa: Bein' that Sao Feng allows us a ship and a crew.

Gibbs: Folks here seem to be quite intuitive. Seems -

Elizabeth: Sao Feng's men have heard of your arrival, they may inform him of this.

Gibbs: Aye...that was what I was gettin' at.

Will: Surely this cannot benefit us...

Elizabeth looked to Will and became slightly worried, though she did not show any anxiety in her face.

Gibbs: It's thrown an axe at 'r plan.

Elizabeth: If Sao Feng knows we're here before we intend for him to know, it could impede on Will's course tonight.

Will looked to her, and as her gaze went towards him, he looked away. The captain looked somewhat perplexed and in doubt, but the crew knew he would think of something...

Will: If there is no other way, then I will have to take the risk and go.

Barbossa: Strains all thought to revise an arrangement much prepared.

Tia: Can only 'ope for de best of luck.

Tia Dalma approached the four from the side, and looked to Will. In her hand, she carried an amulet of sorts, and a tiny, thin golden ring.

Tia: Den it is settled? De plan will remain?

Will nodded.

Barbossa: Aye.

Elizabeth hesitated to speak.

Elizabeth: Yes...

Tia: Good.

Tia Dalma looked to Will. She took the necklace from one hand, and using both hands, she placed it over Will's neck. He was confused at what was occurring, but did not fight it, knowing Tia Dalma was an omniscient foreseer.

Tia: It brings luck to dose who may, or may not, need it.

She lifted the gold ring, an earring, up to him. With a sharp and tiny wooden stick, she murmured an incantation and pierced his ear. The pain was sharp and stinging, but Will was not overwhelmed by it. The gold ring was placed through a tiny hole in his ear. Elizabeth watched closely.

Will: Thank you.

Gibbs: And all's ready now?

Barbossa: Aye.

Will walked to a table and retrieved his sword. Next to it was his father's blade; he held it gently, looked at it, and placed it into his pocket. If everything went according to plan - the charts, getting the ship, the crew, the Pearl - he could rescue his father. After securing his weapons, he turned around to the others.

Will: If all goes well, I'll return by tomorrow.

He glanced at Elizabeth, and she looked back in worry. He gave her a slight smile, at least, that was what she saw, and she smiled back, ever so faintly. He turned around, heading away from the little wooden abode.

***************************************************

The night was bleak, misty, dark, as the ship entered the dock. Ting caught sight of the new ship arriving, and went below deck. Knocking on Groves' door, he entered with excitement over his new information.

Ting: I believe, they have arrived.

Groves: Is that so?

Groves, who was signing a letter, put his quill down and proceeded out of his quarters, and onto the deck of the ship. Several of his men followed. He looked over to the other grand ship at the dock. Noticing a signal, he proceeded off the ship, onto the shore, and boarded the other vessel.

Groves: Is Lord Beckett here?

EITC Soldier: No, he had several matters to attend to. Mr. Mercer is in his stead.

Mercer: Lieutenant Groves, I trust you have important information to pass on to me?

Groves: Yes, sir.

Mercer: Very well.

Groves: Mr. Turner, Ms. Swann, and their lot took passage upon our ship.

Mercer raised an eye to this and smiled.

Groves: The Orient man, Ting, told me they plan to seek out a pirate lord, named Sao Feng, here, in Singapore.

Mercer: So the pirates are within this village?

Groves; Yes, sir.

Mercer: Perfect. They have led us to their hideout, and will be found soon enough.

Mercer turned around and signaled several of his men to approach him.

Mercer: March into the village, and seek out Turner and Ms. Swann, any of their accomplices. Retrieve any information you can regarding the pirate lord. Sao Feng, as he is known in these parts.

The soldiers obliged, marching from the ship and onto the dock.


************************************************


With a watchful eye, Will roamed through the twists and turns of the village, being sure not to draw attention as an outsider. As crowded as the markets were, he knew he had to avoid people, so he took routes that were darker, more ominous. The small city was filled with water pathways, and Will had just encountered one. On any regular occasion, a boat and a boatsman would be there, ready to take a person across. But there was no one here, and even if there was, Will would not risk it. He slid his right foot into the water first, then his left, and slowly walked into the water, submerging himself completely in it. Illumination below the water was very dim, as it was above the water. It seemed a murky blue, even black, filled with few creatures. The surface was not too far from the ground, Will could have almost walked the entire way there. As he reached the other side, he climbed back onto the land, his clothes dripping with water. The mud near the water was quite slippery and deep; Will found himself trudging through the ground. Minutes later, he found himself near a small, yet majestic, fortress. It was the home of Lin Feng, Sao Feng's much revered uncle. The charts are here, he thought, and proceeded closer to the stone building, only to notice several gaurds surrounding the entrance through the front. He went alongside the back of the fortress, and found a small entrance, surrounded by two gaurds. Will did not know where exactly the charts were within the building, but he had no other choice than to go in and search. Gripping his sword, he neared the fortress. The gaurds did not spot him until he was three feet away, but for one man, it was too late. The sword pierced his body, right in the heart, and the gaurd fell to the ground. The other looked up to Will, shouting in his native language, and lifting his own sword. Will looked confused as to what the gaurd was saying. He swung his sword towards the gaurd, who had blocked him.

Gaurd: You no enter!

Will slyly took his knife from his pocket, unaware to the gaurd, and plunged it into the man's lower chest. He then took it back out, the man dropping to the ground, dying.

Will: I'm sorry.

Will seemed somewhat remorseful, but knew it had to be done, to get the charts, to save his father. He put the bloody knife back into his pocket and began taking the other gaurd's clothes, when he heard approaching men. There was not enough time, so he gave up on creating a disguise, and headed into the stone building.


************************************************


Beckett: Admiral, prepare the ships for pursuit tomorrow.

Norrington: Pursuit? We've only just returned.

Beckett: And yet we must return to sea.

Norrington: May I ask to where, Lord Beckett?

Beckett: Some issues must be taken care of in the far east of the world.

Norrington looked to Beckett in slight confusion, but nodded nonetheless.

Beckett: Admiral, have I shown you what has been built here, outside?

Norrington: No...

Beckett: Come with me.

He led Norrington to a scaffold, yet, this was no regular scaffold. Built with mutiple ropes and trapdoors, a lever - it could have been a hangman's dream. Beckett smiled.

Beckett: For tomorrow...

Norrington: I do wonder what you have planned.

Beckett: A grand execution.

Norrington: What?

Beckett: You have seen our prisons, there is hardly any room left, and yet we come across more and more pirates every day.

Norrington: So they will die?

Beckett: Precisely.

Norrington: Without a proper trial?

Beckett frowned slightly and turned to Norrington.

Beckett: These people are very well aware of what they have done, and they know the punishment. Do not question my judgment, Admiral.

Norrington: I wasn't sir, simply curious.

Norrington looked to the scaffold, slightly agitated by what was forthcoming. He could not be around Beckett anymore, fearful that Beckett would suspect his dislike of the new "trial" for the prisoners.

Norrington: I...must return. Business to attend to, as you have so given me.

Beckett: Good day, then.

Norrington: Good day.


************************************************

Will carefully edged up the stone stairs, hearing echos of voices every which way. He had to hurry; someone would discover the dead bodies of the gaurds soon enough, as there was no time to rid of them. He reached the top of the stairs and looked down, noticing a path of water that flowed in an out of the fortress. A boat came from the water and into the fortress, Sao Feng arriving. Will made his way into a room to his right. Gripping his sword, he ran into the room, but found no one inside. There was no way to judge where exactly the charts lay. He looked for signs of discontinuity, oddness, in places where the charts could be hidden. His fingers grazed the stone wall, perhaps searching for any cracks or gaps. He found nothing, and proceeded to the next room. He heard voices that were not so distant.

Gaurd: Dead! Two gaurds in back dead!

Sao Feng: Dead? How?

Gaurd: There must be someone, inside these walls.

Sao Feng: Penetrated?

Sao Feng seemed enraged, looking to the gaurd

Gaurd: We shall find the person immediately.

Sao Feng: And I shall ensure their death.

Will, alarmed by Sao Feng's promise, proceeded to the next room. It contained several stone pillars, mats, and a burning flame in one corner. It was the only illumination within the room. He touched the walls as he had done before, searched around the pillars for any signs. The flame burned seemed to burn upon a pool of water, within the room. Will neared the pool of water. It was only several feet wide, and eight feet deep. On the surface of the water was a small floating bowl, containing oil which supplied the light of the flame. Will lifted the bowl, putting it aside. He noticed something within the water, a small wooden log. Will looked behind him; he did not see anyone there. He submerged himself into the water, swimming to the bottom. The water was dark, and his vision was blurred. He noticed the log, picking it up, and noticing it was actually a container for something. Still under water, he fussed with the wooden cylinder until it began to open. But, something reached toward him. A hand, coming from above the water, had grabbed Will's shirt and forced him up. Will tried to break lose, but could not as more hands pulled him up. He slid onto the floor of the room, trying to take out his sword, but was pinned down.

Sao Feng: So this, is him?

Will looked to Sao Feng, trying to fight back. Sao Feng signaled his gaurds, who approached Will and took away his sword. They picked him up and held him against the wall. The wooden container was on the floor, and Sao Feng approached it. He opened it, and took out the charts, making sure they were still intact. Giving Will a look of disgust, he put the charts back into the container and handed the log to one of his men. He approached Will.

Sao Feng: Nerve, you have, to come here and steal what is not yours.

Will tried to loosen the gaurds' grip, but was shoved harder to the wall.

Sao Feng: Those who show me disrespect will earn death.

He grimaced at Will, waiting for him to speak.

Sao Feng: What is your name? Eh?

Will did not answer, staring powerfully at Sao Feng.

Sao Feng: What is your name? SPEAK!

Sao Feng approached Will with a sword, to his neck.

Sao Feng: You are not of these parts. From where you come?

He pushed the sword hard enough into Will's neck that the pressure caused sharp pain, but not enough to spill blood.

Sao Feng: You still have not told me your name.

Will: Will Turner.

Sao Feng: Well Mr. Turner, you-

A gaurd rushed in, speaking in their native tongue. Will watched the exchange, noticing Sao Feng's alarmed appearance. He looked to Will, scowled, and turned back to the gaurd, speaking again. He begin to leave the room, turning back to Will once more.

Sao Feng: How many of you are there, who have come here?

Will did not answer.

Sao Feng: How many?!

Will: No others.

Sao Feng: You lie.

Will contemplated Sao Feng's question. They had found another, but who? The plan was set, no one else to come unless he had not returned within a day.

Will: I came alone.

Sao Feng: Contrary to what my men have told me. Who is the man that they found? With writing upon his back?

Will: I know nothing of this man you speak of.

Sao Feng look very skeptical.

Sao Feng: Very well.

He turned to the men that held Will against the wall, and spoke to them, seeming quite flustered. They released Will, but only for a moment, taking ropes and binding his arms. Sao Feng left the room. The gaurds took the rope, and tied Will to a pillar. He tried to fight back, but it was helpless without a weapon, or free hands to use. They tied his legs around the pillar, and left the room. His knife was still with him, within his pocket, but he could not reach it. His hands were too far behind him, and the bondage on his legs did not allow him to move. He was trapped.

********************************************

Bootstrap was motionless, thoughtless, as he remained upon the wall. The intermittent stomping, of crew walking past the brig, was the only thing that distracted him from his monotonous condition. Deep in sleep, he had been dreaming, perhaps the first time in so long, maybe the last time he would ever. A very young child, a woman, they had lived on the streets of England. He wished them farewell, as they cried, as he climbed aboard the Black Pearl. A flash, and he found himself sealing an envelope, his bare bone exposed in the moonlight. Within the package, a gold coin, meant for his son. The scene jumped forward. He was upon the Pearl again, and saw Jack coming forward, searching for rum. I had a little help – your son, he said to Bootstrap. So he turned pirate after all. One last flash, and he saw himself reaching into his pocket and retrieving a blade. He handed it to someone. You owe me nothing. But the man did not think so. I take this with a promise. I'll find a way to sever Jones' hold on you. And not rest until this blade pierces his heart. I will not abandon you. Suddenly, Bootstrap opened his eyes; he was thrusted forward. He was shaken, and remembered, if only for a second, of who he was dreaming of.

Bootstrap: William, he’s coming. He will not abandon me, he said so…

He fell back into the wall, rid of any thought, and conformed to the ship.

Davy Jones sat in front of his organ, fuming, as he had been the past couple days. The Kraken, gone. His power, in the hands of Beckett. Jones was the ruler of waters, with the power of a god, but he was lessened to a follower, a prisoner. Jones dropped his tentacles on to the keys, playing a random hodgepodge of notes. The rest of the crew knew well of his rage, but they knew they could not calm him. The Dutchman’s captain had little left in the world, and he was afraid to confront his lack of control. As he played sourly and unpleasantly upon his instrument, he looked to the side, and noticed his locket. Something he had not noticed, or thought about, for so long. Jones opened the locket and listened to the gentle, sweet melody it played. For a moment, his rage was veered; the crew was spared of a loud and horrible performance from the captain. With his tentacles, he beheld the locket, mesmerized by its splendor.

Davy Jones: Calypso…

He whispered softly, as the melody began to lull him to sleep. Jones rested his head upon the organ, thinking of good days long passed.


********************************************


Captain Jack laid upon his ship, looking up to the bright sky, blue, cloudless, as it always was during the day. He reached into his pocket, searching for something. Grabbing an object, he took his hand out of the pocket and looked at what it held. A compass – dark, fine, precise.

Jack: What does Captain Jack Sparrow want most in this world? Eh?

Stroking his beloved compass with his fingers, he felt wary, opening the case. The cover snapped open, and inside, the dial turned. Jack squinted at the compass, waiting for the dial to stop. Around and around it went, as if with a mind of its own.

Jack: Bugger!

He rapidly shut the case, in frustration, and threw his compass to the side. Arising from his position on the Pearl, he heard a sudden noise. Alarmed, Jack ran over to the side of the ship, searching for a sign of life. Anything.But all he saw was a rock. A motionless, tasteless, useless rock. He grunted, returning to his normal line of duty – readying the Pearl for sailing. The captain waited for something to do, searched for anything new he had not noticed before. But everything seemed familiar, too familiar, as if he had overstayed his welcome in the Locker.

Jack: So, this is the life for Captain Jack…

He waited, waited.


********************************************


Groves: A man, implanted into the pirate’s fortress?

Mercer: Yes, and if he does as planned, he will lead us to Sao Feng, who will lead us to Ms. Swann and Mr. Turner.

Groves: And we attack tonight?

Mercer: If our “prisoner” does not return, then our forces shall advance at the turn of the night.

Groves nodded, walking towards his soldiers, and preparing them for the attack. A smile encroached Mercer’s face as he thought upon the impending doom of the governor’s daughter and her fiancé, as well as of the other pirates that remained in Singapore.


********************************************


Evening had fallen, the market still bustling with voices, clatter, and ringing. The sky was painted with an orange that faded into an azure blue. Elizabeth stepped outside of the tiny abode, looking down the muddy road, down the water pathways.

Barbossa: Ye be ready, miss?

Captain Barbossa approached her from behind, causing much alarm. She slightly jumped, and turned around, back into the wooden abode.

Elizabeth: Yes, yes.

Barbossa turned to the others.

Barbossa: All’s set? The plans be set in precise order?

Marty: Aye!

Cotton nodded as his parrot squawked.

Ragetti: So do we leave before, or after you?

Pintel rolled his eyes.

Pintel: After, you numskull.

Ragetti: Really? I was just askin’…wanted to make sure and all.

Pintel: Maybe if ya just listened to the Captain you wouldn’t –

Gibbs: Enough! We got the plan down, you all follow my lead, after the captain leaves. Got it?

They all nodded. Gibbs turned to Barbossa.

Gibbs: Aye.

Barbossa: How’s the forecast appearin’?

Tia: Perhaps fortune will be on arr side.

Tia Dalma reached for her locket, and put her fingers over it, thinking of her lost love. She could feel some sort of anger that the locket beheld, perhaps it was Davy Jones. Something odd, she had felt for days.

Barbossa: Well, I suppose this be the best time to leave.

He tipped his hat forward, and left the abode, door wide open.

Tia: Wait!

She approached him, and spoke to him quietly, but loud enough so the others could hear.

Tia: Sum evil approaches tonight, so be wary. I fear, Davy Jones is angry. Sumtin’ tells me him lost control of what always was his. We must be careful, we must hurry.

Barbossa looked to Tia Dalma, understanding her message, and continued on his path. Elizabeth walked forward, and outside again, watching the captain leave. She waited there, as she had done all afternoon, hoping Will would return. She felt a sinking feeling in her stomach, nervous at the thought of what happened to him; how could he, an astute and strong swordsman, not return? Elizabeth waited, watched until Barbossa left from her view. She knew that Will would not return to the abode.


********************************************


The sky was still dark that morning, tinged with very little light. Lord Beckett, however, was wide awake, with a sense of pleasure and satisfaction at the coming day. He stepped onto a balcony, looking to the rest of the town. One of his men approached him.

EITC Man: Shall we begin now?

Beckett turned around, smiling, and directed the man.

Beckett: Notify the guardsmen to open the prison gates, and lead the prisoners out. Gather the soldiers, tell them to stand by the lines of captives, in case they decide to rebel. The hangman will be ready shortly, and we will begin.

EITC Man: Yes, sir.

Beckett turned back to the room, and looked upon his desk, where still, remained a chest, a beat within the chest. Victory was so near…

Meanwhile, Admiral Norrington was preparing the ships for pursuit. Once again, they would sail into the open sea. There was more to take care of, more to be dealt with. Everything seemed peaceful, tranquil, at that moment. But the admiral knew it would be a great contrast to the impending execution. The governor approached him from behind, and whispered, for fear others would hear.

Governor Swann: A travesty, these areas have become. Had the king knowledge of this, Lord Beckett would never continue.

Norrington understood what the governor meant, but he could not appear so obliging.

Norrington: It is under the law, that Lord Beckett must rid of these pirates.

Governor Swann flinched.

Governor Swann: Very well.

He walked away, but came back to Norrington’s side, again, speaking softly.

Governor Swann: You know just as well as I that most of the captives are not pirates, but townspeople unable to flourish. That certainly does not warrant execution.

Norrington agreed, but as admiral, he had to appear in concordance with Beckett’s decisions.

Norrington: I suppose…

The admiral did not look to the governor, avoiding his gaze, but both knew they were in agreement over the situation. Governor Swann left Norrington’s side, thinking of his daughter, her fate. Roaming the seas, associating with pirates, could not fair well. He worried for Elizabeth, for Will, as well. He worried for the Caribbean, what would become of it under Beckett’s rule.


********************************************


The room was dark, built of stone, no windows, no openings to allow light through. The candle upon the water had burned out. Will remained trapped in the room for the turn of the night and the turn of the day. He tried to escape the bonds, but his hands were too far behind him, and the rope was tied too tightly. That evening, he could hear the faint voices of men, coming down a hallway. He turned to the door, hearing footsteps and other movement. The door opened. Sao Feng arrived with his men, speaking, and signaling towards Will. The men untied Will from the pillar, but restrained him, so he could not fight back.

Sao Feng: Thievery, especially within my family, is not an act I let simply pass by, Mr. Turner.

Sao Feng neared Will and stared at him. Will frowned powerfully at Sao Feng, holding to his own beliefs.

Sao Feng: So you have nothing to say?

He fist was thrusted forward, landing on Will’s stomach. Will shouted and bent forward in pain as the guards held him up.

Sao Feng: Tell me, with who do you come?

Will thought of Elizabeth and the rest of the crew, who would arrive if he had not returned. He refused to reveal any information on their whereabouts.

Will: I have told you on several occasions, I come alone.

Sao Feng: When you came here last night, you tried making away with the charts. What, exactly, do you need?

Will: My business is my own.

Sao Feng landed his fist again, this time upon Will’s chest. Will flew slightly backwards, trying to hold in the pain.

Sao Feng: Unwilling to oblige? Then I have no choice.

He smiled at the guards, and they grabbed Will and pulled him towards the hallway, out of the room.


********************************************


Elizabeth grabbed a gun and hid it under her apparel. She grabbed knives, placing them within the inside of her dress. The sword, she kept by her side. She felt resolute, strong, ready to fight. As she hid her weapons, she began singing softly under her breath, finding support in a tune a pirate had previously taught her.

Elizabeth: Heave ho, thieves and beggars. Never shall we die…

Gibbs: Ready, miss?

Elizabeth turned around, ending her singing abruptly.

Elizabeth: Yes, I am. Let’s leave. The faster we finish this, the better. For all of us.

Elizabeth turned away from the others and thought of Will. She worried for him, but she did not want to express her worry; she wanted to focus her attentions on keeping a straight face in front of Sao Feng, sticking to the main plan, knowing that it would help save Will and retrieve the charts. So much, vested into this venture; Will’s safety, the crew’s safety, the charts, find a ship...saving Jack. As if her worries of Will weren’t enough, Elizabeth suddenly remembered Jack’s condition, feeling wrought with guilt again.

Gibbs: Time to go, the lot of ya!

Marty: Move!

Pintel: Aye!

Ragetti: Aye.

The four of them, and Cotton, made their way out of the abode, continuing the task. Tia Dalma, with Jack the Monkey on her shoulder, turned to Elizabeth as she begun to leave.

Tia: May good fortune be wit you.

She smiled at Elizabeth, and left the tiny wooden structure.


********************************************


Beckett watched the queues of captives, of pirates, follow the soldiers to the gallows. He smirked at the thought of their impending doom.

EITC Man: Almost ready, Lord Beckett.

Beckett: Good.


********************************************


Will, taken down the stairs and outside, to the back of the fortress, searched the area for signs of the others. No one else was there; Will was sure to keep their cover.

Sao Feng: Your life ends here.

He drew out a sword, long, majestic, with inscription written into it.

Sao Feng: This, was my great, great grandfather’s, passed down, greatly honored. As you can see, family is of importance to me. Now, you will suffer.


********************************************


Elizabeth, with her weapons, checking the abode for all valuables, prepared to leave. Her mission would begin. She blew out one candle after another, till the last one. She looked to it intently, and touched the tip with her fingers, extinguishing the flame. Elizabeth stepped outside as quietly as possible, yet singing softly under her breath.

Elizabeth: The king and his men, stole the queen from her bed...


********************************************


Beckett: Round the first line of prisoners.

EITC Man: The women and children as well?

Beckett: All of them.

One long line was formed, leading to the edge of town. The first five prisoners stepped forward, looking upwards, seeing the platform on which their lives would end.


********************************************


Will, staying still calm, realized the sword reached his heart. It was not death he was afraid of, but he refused to break his promise, the promise he had made to his father.

Will: Wait!

Sao Feng: What’s this?

Will: Are you willing to make an accord?


********************************************


Elizabeth stayed away from the main pathways, roaming only where light was minimal. She could feel her heart begin to race, so she continued her tune, to calm herself down.

Elizabeth: The seas be ours and by the powers...


********************************************


Will: If I had a bargain to offer...

Sao Feng: You intend to make a deal with me?

He snarled at Will.

Sao Feng: I am not one who will easily submit to such...disparage!


********************************************


Four men, one woman, climbed up the stairs, onto the wooden platform. The hangman stood near a lever, awaiting the moment. They took their positions in front of each trapdoor. A soldier took out a scroll and began reading their rights. Five nooses were placed around the prisoners, tightened as if their souls were being drawn out. Tears, screams, wails could be heard. The hangman reached for the lever.


********************************************


She continued on in the dark, sure of her path, sure of her intent.

Elizabeth:Where we will, we'll roam...


********************************************


Sao Feng: These days, pirates rarely ever strike an accord, and uphold it with honor.

Will: I am a man of my word! That is all I have to offer now.

Sao Feng smiled at Will, appearing to consider a bargain.

Sao Feng: Unluckily for you, it is your word, I cannot trust.

He turned towards the guards.

Sao Feng: Take him away!

The guards pulled Will away from the fortress. He tried escaping them, but could not do so. He felt as though he had failed his father, failed the crew, failed Elizabeth.


********************************************


Beckett watched intently as the hangman neared the lever. His heart sped up in anticipation. He sat upright, forward. The hangman touched his hand to the handle, grabbing it with the palm of his hand. Wails, screams, protests by the prisoners who stood on the line, continued. The prisoners upon the platform closed their eyes, and though they were tied up, the prisoners felt as if their hands were holding another’s. The lifted their heads towards the sun.

Beckett: They face…extinction.

The lever was pulled.



THE END