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A/N: One scene was inspired by one of the commentaries on the first Pirates DVD.
Browncoats at World’s End
Chapter 5: Tortuga
-
William Turner woke up when he was still certain it was dawn. It was still dark in the berth deck but he had to make sure he had woken first, long before the other pirates, long before Elizabeth. He had to do this for her and wanted to meet with Barbossa before any of the others did. Taking a lantern with himself he crept up the stairs to the upper deck. He didn’t want to make a sound, less he woke those with the strongest ears.
The sky was still dark, but not pitch black. The light of the waking sun created a single line of gold, floating on the surface of the water. He was pleased with himself that he had actually woken at the crack of dawn. He couldn’t admire its beauty and the fact they were sailing straight towards the light. He had to find the captain.
The man he was looking for was still asleep when he had knocked on the door to the captain’s cabin. Barbossa was wearing his usual attire, but did not don his coat, or belt, or boots. He didn’t even wear his large hat and allowed the wind to tease his stringy greasy hair.
“Curse ye, Turner,” Barbossa yawned. “Do ye have any knowledge of the time?”
“It is dawn sir,” Will answered while trying to fight off the urge to yawn himself. He didn’t want to admit he was also still tired. “I want to speak with you in private.”
“Maybe in another hour,” Barbossa rubbed his eyes. “My eyes are still the captives of slumber.”
Will shook his head. “Now.”
“It better be important that ye be insisting on now,” the pirate captain closed the door behind him. “Now what is in your head?”
“Elizabeth doesn’t trust you, and neither do I.”
Barbossa closed his eyes. “Is that it?” He opened them. “Is that is what worth waking up before the day, because you and the lass don’t trust me?” He stomped across the floor, hands out. “Do ye think any of the other pirates on this ship trusts me or do I have single fleck of trust for them?” He paused and turned back to the boy. “If you do, then you are a bigger fool than I have perceived.”
“You tried to kill her,” Will stand his ground. “You tried to kill me. You led your men, including my father to be cursed and my father wouldn’t be where he is right now if you hadn’t thrown him over. You tried to kill Jack and you expect everyone here to believe you will bring him back from the dead?”
“So that is what this is about,” Barbossa sighed. “You think I’m going to do something that will land ye all in Davy Jones’s locker? I fully intend to bring Jack back from his watery grave.”
“He killed you, we both did.”
“Aye,” the older man nodded. “And that makes us square ole Jack and I.”
“And that is why you agreed to bring him back?” Will raised his eyebrows in uncertainty.
“Jack has a bit of a reputation, bit popular amongst pirates.”
“That is why?”
“Not that is not why,” Barbossa glared at him. “Allow me to finish before ye pipe up again. Jack is the kind of man who could convince ye he could sail to the moon itself and many of men would try to follow him.” He stared as the horizon as the sun climbed even higher. “Before the lot of ye arrived, Tia explained to me about Jones. Whoever owns the heart will own the sea. We cannot be free men if someone want’s to keep the sea for themselves. With Jack, he will convince anyone and everyone to search the seas for the heart and the one who holds it.” He smiled at Will. “So as ye can see we all have the same goals.”
“How are we going to get him back?” Will asked. What Barbossa said did make perfect sense and Will could believe the pirate’s reasoning, but this was Barbossa. He was still going to have to watch his and Elizabeth’s backs around him.
“I keeps telling you we will need the concern of many, plus Jack’s favorite things and myself.”
“That doesn’t exactly explain.” Will folded his arms across his chest.
“It lures the souls back,” Barbossa said. “Give it to the vortex before I go in.”
“How are we going to get some of Jack’s favorite things? Everything that is dear to him was on his body or on the Pearl.”
Barbossa nodded. “That is why we are going to raise the Pearl first.”
-
Tortuga
The Map Tia Dalma provided was useful. Malcolm was able to steer the Haven towards the island. It would have helped more if they had an actual compass, although Kaylee did have a magnet in her toolbox and they hung that from the drawstring from Ingra’s bag. They even sailed past another ship, close enough for Malcolm to ask if they were heading in the right direction. The sailors were friendly enough although they told him he didn’t want to go there. The place had a reputation for being a favorite of pirates.
“Drop the anchor,” Mal called out when they were nearing the docks. They were nearing it a bit too fast. “Lower the sails and drop the anchor.”
“Anchor has been dropped,” Jayne called up to him. The bearded man had barely caused any trouble the past few days. After everyone had cornered him and berated him and even threatened to strike him, Jayne kept his mouth shut. “It’s dragging.”
“It’s dragging?” Mal pointed to the wooden piers they were headed towards. “You see us about to crash?”
“Sails are being lowered, sir.” Zoe said after she had managed to lower another of the billowing gigantic cloth.
“We do seem to be getting slower,” Malcolm said as he held fast onto the wheel. “Just not slowing fast enough.” He watched as the people on the docks were running around in the anticipation of either being struck or their successful docking, which Mal doubt was going to happen. He closed his eyes as the bowsprit sailed over the wooden edge, and didn’t open them until he open them until he felt the familiar lurch of the ship stopping. There was no loud crash, although he felt himself stumble forward against the wheel. “Not too bad,” Mal mumbled once he was able to catch his breath. “Been through worse landings.”
“You there,” someone called from the docks. “What do you think you are doing?”
Mal ran to the edge of bow and peered down. There were several confused and annoyed men staring back up at him. They were dressed in the same clothing Mal had seen people in history books based on the 18th century had dressed.
“Sorry,” Mal called down. “Came in a bit too quick didn’t I?”
“A bit too quick?” The speaker asked. “You are lucky you didn’t tear open the docks.”
“I can only apologize so many times,” Mal raised his index fingers. “And that first one should be enough.” He turned around. “Zoe, do we have the docking platform ready?”
“They are getting it ready,” Zoe pointed towards Simon, Jayne, and Kaylee as the pushed the wooden platform down, connecting it to the docks.
“I don’t think it’s called that,” Inara said.
“I don’t care what it is officially called,” Mal told her. “Its on my ship and I call it what I want.”
“Not going to impress the crew of this time like that,” the companion said as she followed Mal to the plank.
“I guess I’m going to have to just rely on my good looks and charm.”
“Cap’n?” Kaylee followed behind them. “Aren’t they going to notice how we are dressed all funny?” She pointed to Mal’s coat and stared down at what she was wearing.
“Maybe they won’t,” Mal began his descent down. “We have been lucky, and if they do I don’t care.”
“Sir, you might not want to rely on luck,” Zoe cautioned. “We don’t know how long it will last.”
“Don’t know how much you have got unless you use it,” Mal watched as Jayne and Simon began their descent. “Whoa Doc,” Mal held hp his hands. “This place may seem a bit too seedy for you and your sister. Might be best if you two stay behind.”
“Understandable,” Simon said as he stepped back, but not before Kaylee kissed him.
Mal didn’t even watch the small display of affection. He had too much on his plate. The game plan kept getting changed because the cards were getting reshuffled and the rules kept changing.
“You there,” a man stood in Mal’s path. It was the same man who had addressed Mal earlier. “Where do you think you are going?”
Malcolm paused and turned to smile at him. “Going to have a look around and get some souvenirs.”
“You were reckless. Do you have any idea how to sail?”
“No he doesn’t,” Inara said.
Mal turned to her. “Let me handle this.” He turned back to the man. “No, I don’t. Know where I can find some folk who can?”
“Most of the taverns here allow you set up a table for recruiting,” the man said. His eyes looked over on Mal before he stared at Zoe and the others. “If none of you know how to sail then what are you doing on that ship?”
“Trying to get here.” Mal turned around.
“Wait.”
Mal cringed. “What?”
“It costs ten pence to dock here.”
Great. Mal knew that was going to come up soon. “You don’t by any chance are willing to take Alliance credit?”
“No I’m not,” the man held out his hand.
“Here.” Inara removed a ring from her hand and placed into the man's. “I’m pretty sure this costs more than ten pence.”
“It does,” the man studied the ring. It was a simple golden band with no jewels. “Several schilling in fact. You may go and conduct your business here.”
Inara gave Mal a glance that told him he owed her one before they were on their way.
-
Every time Mal heard the sound of a pistol being fired he froze and it seemed like he froze every few feet once he stepped out on Tortuga. He had been warned the place would have been a little too seedy for Simon, he had no idea the place would have been a little bit much for him.
“Looks like my kind of place,” Jayne commented as they approached a pub called the Singing Conch. His eyes were focused on a couple men arm wrestling. Other men were making bets on who would win. “I got me an idea. You go on ahead.”
“What do you think you are doing?” Zoe asked him.
“Getting us some pansies and shillings,” Jayne explained. “I know I messed up plenty before and I’m paying for it along with the rest of yall. Going to need some way to pay this new crew.”
“You be careful,” Mal warned. “I don’t want to have to get any fight, no more than once a year.”
“Trust me,” Jayne said as he walked over to the table. “I know when I screwed up. I aint going to make it worse.”
“Jayne is right,” Inara said. “You can’t pay people here in platinum and credits.” She began to walk off when Mal grabbed her arm.
“Where do you think you are going?”
“Trying to get us some money,” Inara said.
“No,” Mal could only think of one thing she was willing to do. “These folk here are swimming in who knows what kind of disease.”
“Massages,” Inara blinked. “I’m going to offer massages for a few pence a person.”
“These are dangerous times.”
“Which we need to get out of,” Inara told him. “I can hold my own.”
“Don’t stray to far from here,” Mal warned her. “If anyone tries to take advantage of you-“
“I will tear off their goods before I yell.”
-
James Norrington had once felt he would never return to such a place as Tortuga. He remembered many of the roads, and several of the taverns and inns, back then he fit around with the other drunken men. He no longer could blend in. His new uniform was immaculate, not a single speck of dirt could be found. He also didn’t have several uniformed officers following him around the last time.
Back then not a single man or woman would have looked at him with a mixture of respect and fear, back then he was one of them, a fellow comrade who would share their sad stories over a drink. Now that he had regained the status of commodore he brought fear to the eyes of the island citizens. With each new step he sent them shrinking back or running. It was those who ran he sent his men after, to see if they have a mark on their wrists.
“How long do we have to stay here sir,” one of his lieutenants asked. He was a young man, the same age as Gillette was. His presence reminded James of how he lost his most faithful lieutenant in the hurricane. “Not everyone here is a pirate.”
“For a while,” James answered. He didn’t want to admit that one of the reasons why he went to Tortuga was to get away from Jones. They were not alone. They had met up with several more royal ships that agreed to follow them.
“James Norrington?” One of the local courtesans approached him. The red curls she piled on her head offset her cheap gown and her face was covered in too much make up. “So you weren’t lying about being a commodore.”
James blinked. There was something familiar about this particular woman. “I remember you. Scarlett is it?”
She nodded. “I hope you remember this.” She slapped the side of his face and was promptly surrounded by naval officers pointing their bayonets at her.
“Let her go,” James rubbed his cheek.
“Sir?” The lieutenant asked.
“I may have deserved that. Release her. We are after pirates not those who have been marked several times by pirates.” He watched as Scarlett scowled at him before she went on her way.
“Sir, you didn’t”
“No I didn’t. I refused her advances. That is why she is upset.” He rubbed the side of his face again.
-
Malcolm drummed his fingers against the table. He didn’t know how long they had been in the pub, but it felt like hours, and the only folk they managed to sign up was a towering man of solid muscle named Horace and his young friend, Jarvis, a fifteen year old boy. Horace mentioned he was the Bo’ sun for his old ship and Jarvis the cabin boy. Mal didn’t need anyone to whip anybody, but he welcomed the two of them aboard. Both knew how to work the sails and take care of the anchor and several other tasks Malcolm hadn’t thought of.
“I have checked on Jayne and Inara,” Zoe told him. “They seem to be doing well.” She smiled at their newest acquisitions and noticed someone was missing. “Where is Kaylee?”
“Over there,” Mal pointed to where Serenity’s mechanic was speaking to a slim man dressed in clothing that seemed to made out of patches and scraps. “I figured we tap into her optimism and she could charm some folk this way.
“You the captain who is hiring crew?” A gray-haired man with a French accent asked as he stepped in front of Mal’s desk. He slapped a shiny metal hook down onto the surface, causing the table to rattle and Mal to push his seat back. “I cook.”
“We’re not exactly looking for a chef,” Malcolm tried to remain calm as he studied the man’s dirty face. “But if you know how to do other stuff like tighten a few things and hoist some sails then we would be glad to have you.”
“I do that and I cook,” the Frenchman raised his hook and that was when Mal noticed the hook was his hand.
“Welcome aboard the Haven, Mr.-“ Mal paused and waited to hear his name. The hook man answered in a string of words Mal couldn’t understand. “How bout we call you Hooky for short?”
“That is my nickname,” the man grinned, showing only seven teeth.
“How much more do we need?” Zoe leaned over to ask.
“A few more,” Mal answered. His eyes brightened when the thin man, Kaylee had been speaking too wandered over to their table. “At least someone who knows how to steer properly.” He sat back to greet the newcomer. “How long have you been sailing, son?”
“Ten years sir,” the young man answered. He had a gap between his teeth that caused him to whistle as he spoke. “I don’t know if you need a carpenter.”
“Could always use one,” Malcolm smiled. Kaylee did a good job trying to keep the Haven patched up but it would be nice to have someone who understood how things worked in that time to assist her. “What would you liked to be called?”
“The name is Tom Crowell,” the youth said. “But everyone calls me Whistler for some reason.”
“I can’t imagine why, but if that is what you prefer.”
Whistler shrugged. “I kinda gotten used to that.” He stepped aside.
Right behind him was a woman with copper colored hair set in a braid and was covered in freckles. She wore a faded green bandana with a feather. “I ‘ere you were looking fer some crew.”
“That I am ma’am,” Malcolm said. “What are your skills?”
“Gunner,” she answered. “I’m one of the fasted people you will see working the guns and cannons on any ship. Fast as the wind gusts I am. Its why I’m called Gusty.”
“Welcome aboard, Gusty.”
She slammed her hands on the table. “You don’t believe me do you?” She narrowed her brown eyes at him. “Most men don’t.”
Mal exhaled deeply. “I already said welcome aboard.” He pointed to where Zoe was standing behind him. “See her? Most trustworthy soldier I know and my second in command. I have other women on my crew.” He stared past Gusty at Kaylee who was talking to two more men. When he had caught Kaylee’s eyes he made steering motions with his hands. Kaylee noticed him and raised a finger. “You don’t have to prove anything to me. I have seen it all.”
-
She knew she shouldn’t have left the safety of the Haven. She knew she was disobeying her captain and brother’s orders, but she had to leave. She couldn’t be caged any longer. She needed to see where she was. River couldn’t stand being blind any longer.
River could hear the voices from those she walked past. They were whispers, she could not turn them off but she could lower the volume. Most of the voices were about her clothing, particular her large boots. Some wondered if she was interested in sexual intercourse and others were too drunk to figure her out. She ignored them all as she continued to one of the pubs.
The others were not there, but there were plenty of people. Several patrons were drinking, and laughing and a few were chasing a wench up the stairs. That was what they were called back then, wenches. She could not compare them to Companions like Inara.
This wasn’t the first time she was in such a place and memories of the last time frightened her. They flipped the switch in her brain to weapon. They made Simon have to use the words that made her go to sleep. She didn’t want anyone to turn on the switch but herself.
Fruity Oaty Bars make a man out of a mouse
Fruity Oaty Bars cause you to burst out of your blouse.
River blinked at the memory of the jingle and stared up, half expecting to see a screen playing the commercial. All she saw was the upper half of the pub.
“Don’t allow anyone to leave,” a deep and commanding voice brought River’s attention back to the entrance. “Not until we have searched everyone.” She could only see the back of the man who stood as tall as her captain. He wore a deep blue overcoat and white breeches that ended at the knees and shiny black shoes. She couldn’t see his face, just a large hat and the tied ponytail of a white wig.
“I know that voice,” one of the drunken patrons approached the tall man with an empty bottle in hand. “Tried to threaten us all once, wanted to take us all on in a fight.” He raised the bottle ready to smash it on the uniformed man’s head.
River sprung forward and with a swing of her fist she knocked the man with the bottle out. She turned at the sudden sound of other people searching for a fight and ducked. One leg swung out and she tripped another man before she stood up and struck the other in the bottom of his chin.
She froze when she felt the dull end of a pistol at the back of her head and heard the sound of several people entering the pub. Her eyes wondered over to the tall man. He was no longer turned around and was aiming his own pistol at her; no he was aiming at the man standing behind her.
“Drop your weapon,” the tall man commanded. He wasn’t alone. There were several men in similar uniform, some were red and not blue and they had aimed their weapons at everyone in the bar. “Release the girl, that is an order”
River blinked and stared into his eyes.
He shoots her and he won’t even make it to the gallows.
No. She couldn’t allow them to get louder. She stared at someone who was seated at one of the tables.
She was able to take on three men all by herself
Her eyes landed on one of the barmaids.
Why are they pointing at me? I’m just trying to serve everyone their drinks.
She returned her gaze back to one of the men in uniform.
This lot is foolish to try to attack Norrington.
She tried to shift away.
Who is she
“No,” River closed her eyes. No matter where she looked she could still hear everyone. “Can’t turn it off, can’t lower the volume.” She felt the tears starting to form. The voices were too loud. She couldn’t even hear her own thoughts. She couldn’t hear the sound of the man behind her drop his pistol while the soldiers put shackles on his wrists. “I don’t want these memories.” She tired to focus on what they were presently thinking and shut them off one by one.
“Arrest them all,” the tall man commanded. “Take them to the Intrepid and put them in the brig. I’ll speak with each one personally on the way to Port Royal.”
River barely heard him. She tired to focus on the voices that everyone could hear, not on their mind voices. She crumpled to the floor, landing knees first.
“Sir I thought you wanted to search the whole island.”
“The Intrepid’s brig is filling up. We won’t be able to hold much more. I have had enough of this place.”
“What about those who are innocent.”
“They will be given a pardon at Port Royal and free passage back here.”
River kept sobbing as she tuned their mind voices out until they were whispers.
“Come on,” one of the soldiers nudged her with his bayonet. “You too. Stand up so we can shackle you.”
“What are you doing, Mullroy?” Another soldier joined him.
“She won’t stand up, Murtogg. She just sits there crying.”
“Then pick her up and carry her back to the Intrepid.”
River didn’t open her eyes, not even when she felt one of the men pick her up and hoist her over his back.
_
Browncoats at World’s End
Chapter 5: Tortuga
-
William Turner woke up when he was still certain it was dawn. It was still dark in the berth deck but he had to make sure he had woken first, long before the other pirates, long before Elizabeth. He had to do this for her and wanted to meet with Barbossa before any of the others did. Taking a lantern with himself he crept up the stairs to the upper deck. He didn’t want to make a sound, less he woke those with the strongest ears.
The sky was still dark, but not pitch black. The light of the waking sun created a single line of gold, floating on the surface of the water. He was pleased with himself that he had actually woken at the crack of dawn. He couldn’t admire its beauty and the fact they were sailing straight towards the light. He had to find the captain.
The man he was looking for was still asleep when he had knocked on the door to the captain’s cabin. Barbossa was wearing his usual attire, but did not don his coat, or belt, or boots. He didn’t even wear his large hat and allowed the wind to tease his stringy greasy hair.
“Curse ye, Turner,” Barbossa yawned. “Do ye have any knowledge of the time?”
“It is dawn sir,” Will answered while trying to fight off the urge to yawn himself. He didn’t want to admit he was also still tired. “I want to speak with you in private.”
“Maybe in another hour,” Barbossa rubbed his eyes. “My eyes are still the captives of slumber.”
Will shook his head. “Now.”
“It better be important that ye be insisting on now,” the pirate captain closed the door behind him. “Now what is in your head?”
“Elizabeth doesn’t trust you, and neither do I.”
Barbossa closed his eyes. “Is that it?” He opened them. “Is that is what worth waking up before the day, because you and the lass don’t trust me?” He stomped across the floor, hands out. “Do ye think any of the other pirates on this ship trusts me or do I have single fleck of trust for them?” He paused and turned back to the boy. “If you do, then you are a bigger fool than I have perceived.”
“You tried to kill her,” Will stand his ground. “You tried to kill me. You led your men, including my father to be cursed and my father wouldn’t be where he is right now if you hadn’t thrown him over. You tried to kill Jack and you expect everyone here to believe you will bring him back from the dead?”
“So that is what this is about,” Barbossa sighed. “You think I’m going to do something that will land ye all in Davy Jones’s locker? I fully intend to bring Jack back from his watery grave.”
“He killed you, we both did.”
“Aye,” the older man nodded. “And that makes us square ole Jack and I.”
“And that is why you agreed to bring him back?” Will raised his eyebrows in uncertainty.
“Jack has a bit of a reputation, bit popular amongst pirates.”
“That is why?”
“Not that is not why,” Barbossa glared at him. “Allow me to finish before ye pipe up again. Jack is the kind of man who could convince ye he could sail to the moon itself and many of men would try to follow him.” He stared as the horizon as the sun climbed even higher. “Before the lot of ye arrived, Tia explained to me about Jones. Whoever owns the heart will own the sea. We cannot be free men if someone want’s to keep the sea for themselves. With Jack, he will convince anyone and everyone to search the seas for the heart and the one who holds it.” He smiled at Will. “So as ye can see we all have the same goals.”
“How are we going to get him back?” Will asked. What Barbossa said did make perfect sense and Will could believe the pirate’s reasoning, but this was Barbossa. He was still going to have to watch his and Elizabeth’s backs around him.
“I keeps telling you we will need the concern of many, plus Jack’s favorite things and myself.”
“That doesn’t exactly explain.” Will folded his arms across his chest.
“It lures the souls back,” Barbossa said. “Give it to the vortex before I go in.”
“How are we going to get some of Jack’s favorite things? Everything that is dear to him was on his body or on the Pearl.”
Barbossa nodded. “That is why we are going to raise the Pearl first.”
-
Tortuga
The Map Tia Dalma provided was useful. Malcolm was able to steer the Haven towards the island. It would have helped more if they had an actual compass, although Kaylee did have a magnet in her toolbox and they hung that from the drawstring from Ingra’s bag. They even sailed past another ship, close enough for Malcolm to ask if they were heading in the right direction. The sailors were friendly enough although they told him he didn’t want to go there. The place had a reputation for being a favorite of pirates.
“Drop the anchor,” Mal called out when they were nearing the docks. They were nearing it a bit too fast. “Lower the sails and drop the anchor.”
“Anchor has been dropped,” Jayne called up to him. The bearded man had barely caused any trouble the past few days. After everyone had cornered him and berated him and even threatened to strike him, Jayne kept his mouth shut. “It’s dragging.”
“It’s dragging?” Mal pointed to the wooden piers they were headed towards. “You see us about to crash?”
“Sails are being lowered, sir.” Zoe said after she had managed to lower another of the billowing gigantic cloth.
“We do seem to be getting slower,” Malcolm said as he held fast onto the wheel. “Just not slowing fast enough.” He watched as the people on the docks were running around in the anticipation of either being struck or their successful docking, which Mal doubt was going to happen. He closed his eyes as the bowsprit sailed over the wooden edge, and didn’t open them until he open them until he felt the familiar lurch of the ship stopping. There was no loud crash, although he felt himself stumble forward against the wheel. “Not too bad,” Mal mumbled once he was able to catch his breath. “Been through worse landings.”
“You there,” someone called from the docks. “What do you think you are doing?”
Mal ran to the edge of bow and peered down. There were several confused and annoyed men staring back up at him. They were dressed in the same clothing Mal had seen people in history books based on the 18th century had dressed.
“Sorry,” Mal called down. “Came in a bit too quick didn’t I?”
“A bit too quick?” The speaker asked. “You are lucky you didn’t tear open the docks.”
“I can only apologize so many times,” Mal raised his index fingers. “And that first one should be enough.” He turned around. “Zoe, do we have the docking platform ready?”
“They are getting it ready,” Zoe pointed towards Simon, Jayne, and Kaylee as the pushed the wooden platform down, connecting it to the docks.
“I don’t think it’s called that,” Inara said.
“I don’t care what it is officially called,” Mal told her. “Its on my ship and I call it what I want.”
“Not going to impress the crew of this time like that,” the companion said as she followed Mal to the plank.
“I guess I’m going to have to just rely on my good looks and charm.”
“Cap’n?” Kaylee followed behind them. “Aren’t they going to notice how we are dressed all funny?” She pointed to Mal’s coat and stared down at what she was wearing.
“Maybe they won’t,” Mal began his descent down. “We have been lucky, and if they do I don’t care.”
“Sir, you might not want to rely on luck,” Zoe cautioned. “We don’t know how long it will last.”
“Don’t know how much you have got unless you use it,” Mal watched as Jayne and Simon began their descent. “Whoa Doc,” Mal held hp his hands. “This place may seem a bit too seedy for you and your sister. Might be best if you two stay behind.”
“Understandable,” Simon said as he stepped back, but not before Kaylee kissed him.
Mal didn’t even watch the small display of affection. He had too much on his plate. The game plan kept getting changed because the cards were getting reshuffled and the rules kept changing.
“You there,” a man stood in Mal’s path. It was the same man who had addressed Mal earlier. “Where do you think you are going?”
Malcolm paused and turned to smile at him. “Going to have a look around and get some souvenirs.”
“You were reckless. Do you have any idea how to sail?”
“No he doesn’t,” Inara said.
Mal turned to her. “Let me handle this.” He turned back to the man. “No, I don’t. Know where I can find some folk who can?”
“Most of the taverns here allow you set up a table for recruiting,” the man said. His eyes looked over on Mal before he stared at Zoe and the others. “If none of you know how to sail then what are you doing on that ship?”
“Trying to get here.” Mal turned around.
“Wait.”
Mal cringed. “What?”
“It costs ten pence to dock here.”
Great. Mal knew that was going to come up soon. “You don’t by any chance are willing to take Alliance credit?”
“No I’m not,” the man held out his hand.
“Here.” Inara removed a ring from her hand and placed into the man's. “I’m pretty sure this costs more than ten pence.”
“It does,” the man studied the ring. It was a simple golden band with no jewels. “Several schilling in fact. You may go and conduct your business here.”
Inara gave Mal a glance that told him he owed her one before they were on their way.
-
Every time Mal heard the sound of a pistol being fired he froze and it seemed like he froze every few feet once he stepped out on Tortuga. He had been warned the place would have been a little too seedy for Simon, he had no idea the place would have been a little bit much for him.
“Looks like my kind of place,” Jayne commented as they approached a pub called the Singing Conch. His eyes were focused on a couple men arm wrestling. Other men were making bets on who would win. “I got me an idea. You go on ahead.”
“What do you think you are doing?” Zoe asked him.
“Getting us some pansies and shillings,” Jayne explained. “I know I messed up plenty before and I’m paying for it along with the rest of yall. Going to need some way to pay this new crew.”
“You be careful,” Mal warned. “I don’t want to have to get any fight, no more than once a year.”
“Trust me,” Jayne said as he walked over to the table. “I know when I screwed up. I aint going to make it worse.”
“Jayne is right,” Inara said. “You can’t pay people here in platinum and credits.” She began to walk off when Mal grabbed her arm.
“Where do you think you are going?”
“Trying to get us some money,” Inara said.
“No,” Mal could only think of one thing she was willing to do. “These folk here are swimming in who knows what kind of disease.”
“Massages,” Inara blinked. “I’m going to offer massages for a few pence a person.”
“These are dangerous times.”
“Which we need to get out of,” Inara told him. “I can hold my own.”
“Don’t stray to far from here,” Mal warned her. “If anyone tries to take advantage of you-“
“I will tear off their goods before I yell.”
-
James Norrington had once felt he would never return to such a place as Tortuga. He remembered many of the roads, and several of the taverns and inns, back then he fit around with the other drunken men. He no longer could blend in. His new uniform was immaculate, not a single speck of dirt could be found. He also didn’t have several uniformed officers following him around the last time.
Back then not a single man or woman would have looked at him with a mixture of respect and fear, back then he was one of them, a fellow comrade who would share their sad stories over a drink. Now that he had regained the status of commodore he brought fear to the eyes of the island citizens. With each new step he sent them shrinking back or running. It was those who ran he sent his men after, to see if they have a mark on their wrists.
“How long do we have to stay here sir,” one of his lieutenants asked. He was a young man, the same age as Gillette was. His presence reminded James of how he lost his most faithful lieutenant in the hurricane. “Not everyone here is a pirate.”
“For a while,” James answered. He didn’t want to admit that one of the reasons why he went to Tortuga was to get away from Jones. They were not alone. They had met up with several more royal ships that agreed to follow them.
“James Norrington?” One of the local courtesans approached him. The red curls she piled on her head offset her cheap gown and her face was covered in too much make up. “So you weren’t lying about being a commodore.”
James blinked. There was something familiar about this particular woman. “I remember you. Scarlett is it?”
She nodded. “I hope you remember this.” She slapped the side of his face and was promptly surrounded by naval officers pointing their bayonets at her.
“Let her go,” James rubbed his cheek.
“Sir?” The lieutenant asked.
“I may have deserved that. Release her. We are after pirates not those who have been marked several times by pirates.” He watched as Scarlett scowled at him before she went on her way.
“Sir, you didn’t”
“No I didn’t. I refused her advances. That is why she is upset.” He rubbed the side of his face again.
-
Malcolm drummed his fingers against the table. He didn’t know how long they had been in the pub, but it felt like hours, and the only folk they managed to sign up was a towering man of solid muscle named Horace and his young friend, Jarvis, a fifteen year old boy. Horace mentioned he was the Bo’ sun for his old ship and Jarvis the cabin boy. Mal didn’t need anyone to whip anybody, but he welcomed the two of them aboard. Both knew how to work the sails and take care of the anchor and several other tasks Malcolm hadn’t thought of.
“I have checked on Jayne and Inara,” Zoe told him. “They seem to be doing well.” She smiled at their newest acquisitions and noticed someone was missing. “Where is Kaylee?”
“Over there,” Mal pointed to where Serenity’s mechanic was speaking to a slim man dressed in clothing that seemed to made out of patches and scraps. “I figured we tap into her optimism and she could charm some folk this way.
“You the captain who is hiring crew?” A gray-haired man with a French accent asked as he stepped in front of Mal’s desk. He slapped a shiny metal hook down onto the surface, causing the table to rattle and Mal to push his seat back. “I cook.”
“We’re not exactly looking for a chef,” Malcolm tried to remain calm as he studied the man’s dirty face. “But if you know how to do other stuff like tighten a few things and hoist some sails then we would be glad to have you.”
“I do that and I cook,” the Frenchman raised his hook and that was when Mal noticed the hook was his hand.
“Welcome aboard the Haven, Mr.-“ Mal paused and waited to hear his name. The hook man answered in a string of words Mal couldn’t understand. “How bout we call you Hooky for short?”
“That is my nickname,” the man grinned, showing only seven teeth.
“How much more do we need?” Zoe leaned over to ask.
“A few more,” Mal answered. His eyes brightened when the thin man, Kaylee had been speaking too wandered over to their table. “At least someone who knows how to steer properly.” He sat back to greet the newcomer. “How long have you been sailing, son?”
“Ten years sir,” the young man answered. He had a gap between his teeth that caused him to whistle as he spoke. “I don’t know if you need a carpenter.”
“Could always use one,” Malcolm smiled. Kaylee did a good job trying to keep the Haven patched up but it would be nice to have someone who understood how things worked in that time to assist her. “What would you liked to be called?”
“The name is Tom Crowell,” the youth said. “But everyone calls me Whistler for some reason.”
“I can’t imagine why, but if that is what you prefer.”
Whistler shrugged. “I kinda gotten used to that.” He stepped aside.
Right behind him was a woman with copper colored hair set in a braid and was covered in freckles. She wore a faded green bandana with a feather. “I ‘ere you were looking fer some crew.”
“That I am ma’am,” Malcolm said. “What are your skills?”
“Gunner,” she answered. “I’m one of the fasted people you will see working the guns and cannons on any ship. Fast as the wind gusts I am. Its why I’m called Gusty.”
“Welcome aboard, Gusty.”
She slammed her hands on the table. “You don’t believe me do you?” She narrowed her brown eyes at him. “Most men don’t.”
Mal exhaled deeply. “I already said welcome aboard.” He pointed to where Zoe was standing behind him. “See her? Most trustworthy soldier I know and my second in command. I have other women on my crew.” He stared past Gusty at Kaylee who was talking to two more men. When he had caught Kaylee’s eyes he made steering motions with his hands. Kaylee noticed him and raised a finger. “You don’t have to prove anything to me. I have seen it all.”
-
She knew she shouldn’t have left the safety of the Haven. She knew she was disobeying her captain and brother’s orders, but she had to leave. She couldn’t be caged any longer. She needed to see where she was. River couldn’t stand being blind any longer.
River could hear the voices from those she walked past. They were whispers, she could not turn them off but she could lower the volume. Most of the voices were about her clothing, particular her large boots. Some wondered if she was interested in sexual intercourse and others were too drunk to figure her out. She ignored them all as she continued to one of the pubs.
The others were not there, but there were plenty of people. Several patrons were drinking, and laughing and a few were chasing a wench up the stairs. That was what they were called back then, wenches. She could not compare them to Companions like Inara.
This wasn’t the first time she was in such a place and memories of the last time frightened her. They flipped the switch in her brain to weapon. They made Simon have to use the words that made her go to sleep. She didn’t want anyone to turn on the switch but herself.
Fruity Oaty Bars make a man out of a mouse
Fruity Oaty Bars cause you to burst out of your blouse.
River blinked at the memory of the jingle and stared up, half expecting to see a screen playing the commercial. All she saw was the upper half of the pub.
“Don’t allow anyone to leave,” a deep and commanding voice brought River’s attention back to the entrance. “Not until we have searched everyone.” She could only see the back of the man who stood as tall as her captain. He wore a deep blue overcoat and white breeches that ended at the knees and shiny black shoes. She couldn’t see his face, just a large hat and the tied ponytail of a white wig.
“I know that voice,” one of the drunken patrons approached the tall man with an empty bottle in hand. “Tried to threaten us all once, wanted to take us all on in a fight.” He raised the bottle ready to smash it on the uniformed man’s head.
River sprung forward and with a swing of her fist she knocked the man with the bottle out. She turned at the sudden sound of other people searching for a fight and ducked. One leg swung out and she tripped another man before she stood up and struck the other in the bottom of his chin.
She froze when she felt the dull end of a pistol at the back of her head and heard the sound of several people entering the pub. Her eyes wondered over to the tall man. He was no longer turned around and was aiming his own pistol at her; no he was aiming at the man standing behind her.
“Drop your weapon,” the tall man commanded. He wasn’t alone. There were several men in similar uniform, some were red and not blue and they had aimed their weapons at everyone in the bar. “Release the girl, that is an order”
River blinked and stared into his eyes.
He shoots her and he won’t even make it to the gallows.
No. She couldn’t allow them to get louder. She stared at someone who was seated at one of the tables.
She was able to take on three men all by herself
Her eyes landed on one of the barmaids.
Why are they pointing at me? I’m just trying to serve everyone their drinks.
She returned her gaze back to one of the men in uniform.
This lot is foolish to try to attack Norrington.
She tried to shift away.
Who is she
“No,” River closed her eyes. No matter where she looked she could still hear everyone. “Can’t turn it off, can’t lower the volume.” She felt the tears starting to form. The voices were too loud. She couldn’t even hear her own thoughts. She couldn’t hear the sound of the man behind her drop his pistol while the soldiers put shackles on his wrists. “I don’t want these memories.” She tired to focus on what they were presently thinking and shut them off one by one.
“Arrest them all,” the tall man commanded. “Take them to the Intrepid and put them in the brig. I’ll speak with each one personally on the way to Port Royal.”
River barely heard him. She tired to focus on the voices that everyone could hear, not on their mind voices. She crumpled to the floor, landing knees first.
“Sir I thought you wanted to search the whole island.”
“The Intrepid’s brig is filling up. We won’t be able to hold much more. I have had enough of this place.”
“What about those who are innocent.”
“They will be given a pardon at Port Royal and free passage back here.”
River kept sobbing as she tuned their mind voices out until they were whispers.
“Come on,” one of the soldiers nudged her with his bayonet. “You too. Stand up so we can shackle you.”
“What are you doing, Mullroy?” Another soldier joined him.
“She won’t stand up, Murtogg. She just sits there crying.”
“Then pick her up and carry her back to the Intrepid.”
River didn’t open her eyes, not even when she felt one of the men pick her up and hoist her over his back.
_
