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Browncoats at World’s End
Chapter 24: The Counsel
-
Mossel Bay, South Africa
It had been three days since Elizabeth had set off in the small boat in the search for Mal and the others. Zoe could imagine what the plan would be. Elizabeth would try to sneak aboard the Intrepid, give the compass to Norrington who will in turn give it to Mal. Then he and the others would get into a long boat, find Serenity and then come back for them and knowing her captain he was going to want to get out of the 18th century as fast as possible.
Except Zoe didn’t exactly want to leave just at that moment. She wanted to return to her own time. She was looking forward to seeing old friends such as Jonas and her family, especially Hobby, and she wanted to visit Wash’s grave and tombstone again. There was a part of her, the soldier part, that had picked up snippets of conversation between Jack and Sao Feng of what they had planned, and she wanted to fight along their side. She would try to convince her captain to do the same.
“You seem to be lost in thought,” it was one of the last people Zoe had expected to speak to her. It was the young man who was engaged to Elizabeth.
“There are many thoughts going through my head, little one,” Zoe said as she watched Jayne speak with Anamaria. He had better not be trying to hit on her. Anyone could see the same amount of sparks between Anamaria and Jack were the same as the ones between Mal and Inara. “What this East India Company is doing with the Navy is troubling me.”
“It is troubling everyone, Mrs. Washburne,” Will Turner told her and placed a warm cup in her hands. “This is very good tea, actually has some sugar in it,” he smiled weakly. “I’m also not exactly little.”
“Sorry and thank you,” she took a sip. It was better than what they had been drinking aboard The Haven. “I usually call all the younger soldiers in my platoon little one.”
“Soldiers,” Will asked in a questioning tone.
“I let it slip,” she had been too distracted to watch her speech. She knew Jayne actually mention even more. It was because of him, Gavin and the others knew, but they did not care and are willing to help the Serenity crew return home.
“You and Mr. Cobb are quite the enigmas,” He studied her before he took a sip from his own cup. “Is it true what he said about you being from the twenty-sixth century?”
Zoe nodded. “I know it’s hard for you to believe, but it is pretty much true.” She found young Jarvis with one of the members of Jack’s crew. It was the skinny young man with the blond hair and the wooden eye. The two were sitting together and holding a bible between them. It seemed the teenager was teaching the pirate how to read. She thought of Shepherd Book and how he would have been with the two of them.
“I can believe it,” Turner said. There was no doubt, in his eyes. “People from the future are almost more believable than undead pirates or a cruel captain who can remove his own heart.” The grip on his cup tightened.
“You can probably understand how we want to return more than anything, but now I feel like we should wait until this situation with Beckett and Jones has been defeated.”
“You don’t have to do this.”
“It’s the part of me that is still a soldier.” She looked up at the man that had approached them. He was the older pirate who was recovering from some injuries. He had favored dark clothing and wore a large hat with a feather. A monkey was seated on his shoulder
“There ye are,” the pirate with the graying hair, said. “Jack says there be a meeting tonight. I’m trying t’ inform everyone around here.”
“Shouldn’t you be resting?” Zoe asked. Her eyes lingered on the strips of cloth tied around his leg. Whistler had brought Simon’s medical bag with him and there was some medicine to treat the injury as well as a bit of gauze but Gibbs had also insisted on splashing a little liquid from his canteen on the injury and covering it in the cloth.
“My leg is healing fine,” the man tipped his feathered hat to her. “Once this is all over I can rest.”
‘And we can go home’. Zoe thought.
-
The Atlantic
The sun had set mere minutes, becoming a golden blur where the sky met the water, before Elizabeth had spotted the large ship that reminded her of the Dauntless. She used the flame from the lantern to light the pot Lady Phoenix had shown her and nearly jumped back when the first plume of silvery white smoke wafted out. The plume soon turned into a column and then a cloud that completely surrounded the dinghy. The fog like atmosphere had made it a bit difficult for her to navigate and she had to rely on the light from the lantern, knowing full well she would have to dim the light when she came up near the ship and read its name: The HMS Intrepid.
It wasn’t the first time she scaled the side of a military ship, nor would it be her last. She had found way to secure the dinghy to the side and hoped that no one aboard would be able to take notice of it. When she looked down all they could see was rope extending towards fog and nothing else.
Elizabeth’s luck did not last as long as she hoped. The second her hand had grabbed the railing another hand was placed on top of hers and Elizabeth found herself staring into the bright green eyes of a very young officer.
“Who are you?” The naval officer asked in a strange voice, prompting Elizabeth to wonder about the young man’s actual age.
“Edward,” Elizabeth answered in her boy voice. “Edward Hawking.” She had wondered why this officer just asked first and didn’t call for any of the others. “I’m an apprentice fisherman. I got separated from my crew and became lost.” It was a bad lie and any soldier would probably see through it.
“I’m sorry,” the other soldier said. His voice lightened up a bit. Sorry? This wasn’t the type of soldier James Norrington would have amongst his crew.
“You are not a soldier,” Elizabeth accused, not aware she allowed her vocal disguise to slip until after she said it.
“You’re a girl,” the young soldier’s eyes widened and dropped her deep voice as well. Her?
“So are you.” Elizabeth wasn’t sure what was going on, unless this was a member of Zoë’s crew. “Do you know a Mrs. Washburne?”
“Zoë’s okay?” The other girl brightened.
“Kay-Kev-Mr. Winnit.” Elizabeth froze when she heard the voice of a real man and turned to see three marines’ head their way. “Who is this?” The man appeared to have been a few years older than the girl, but seemed to be just as uncomfortable in his uniform. The other two officers with him were familiar faces. Elizabeth remembered they were the two marines that were at the docks when Jack saved her from downing.
“A fisherman lost at sea,” the girl regained her fake voice.
“Why was he fishing at night?” One of the two familiar faces asked. What was his name? Elizabeth tried to remember. Was it Marten? No that wasn’t right, was it Martog?
“It wasn’t dark when I was fishing.’
“Why didn’t you try to go back when the sun was setting?” The other one asked. Mully was it?
“I tried, but that was when I got lost.”
“I think we should take him to see the commodore,” the disguised girl crossed her arms. “Being lost at sea could cause anyone to loose their serenity.”
The unfamiliar soldier blinked. “Of course we want to help anyone lost regain their serenity.” He nodded before he turned to the others. “I will take this young man to see the commodore. You two keep watch.” He grabbed Elizabeth by the arm. “This way and no funny stuff.”
“I won’t sir,” Elizabeth kept up the pretense until they were far enough away from the two marines. “Are you Captain Reynolds?”
“No I’m Simon Tam. I’m just the doctor,” the disguised man dropped the accent he had been using and spoke with a tongue similar, to Zoë’s. “I’m not sure where our captain is, but I believe Norrington will give him the message.”
“I have something better than a message.” Elizabeth said as they continued their way to Norrington’s cabin. Her hand felt for the compass Jack had given her. “I’m going to need something in exchange.”
-
Mossel Bay, South Africa
William Turner had taken a seat on crate next to Gibbs. It was not the best place to hold a meeting in the center of the port. He had wondered why the needed such a space and then he saw why. There were over a hundred captains from several different ships who came to the meeting, bringing one or two other members of their crew. Jack and Sao Feng had made sure there was enough room for everyone to gather around to speak and listen.
Turner glanced over to his right. Anamaria, Barbossa and another man represented The Luna Ghost. On Anamaria’s right were the two time travelers and another man from their ship. All three were eating some of Barbossa’s apples. Zoe used a borrowed knife to slice of pieces before she ate them. He turned to his left to see Sao Feng, Yan Hui, and Lady Phoenix.
“It seems we have attracted a bit of a crowd,” Sparrow said before he stood on his seat. “Attention everyone!” Jack waved his arms about trying to grab everyone’s attention. “Time to start, can’t delay this any longer.”
Sao Feng stood up as well and shouted several words in his native tongue, possibly repeating Jack’s message. A few other captains also stood up and relayed the same message in several other languages.
“I’m sure all you well and esteemed folk are wondering why we are here.”
“The East India Trading Company,” one of the captains from across had said.
“Giant Squid,” another captain said.
“It’s not safe for us pirates anymore,” a female captain said. Two other women joined her and Will had guessed it was a ship full of female pirates.
“You are correct,” Barbossa stood up. His hand went to his sore leg. “How many of you lot have heard of Davy Jones?” Several hands were raised followed by murmurs through the crowd.
“He isn’t real,” a man with an Irish accent said.
“He is,” another person replied. “One of my own crew managed to escape an attack on a long boat. He had seen the Flying Dutchman himself.”
“As have we,” Jack said. “Now I know not many of you had the misfortune of coming across such a creature, but I can assure you he is real. I know that my word as a pirate does not matter.”
“Never trust a pirate,” one of the merchant captains said, only to receive harsh stares from several others. “Never trust their word.”
“Might not trust my word as a pirate, but what about the word of Captain Jack Sparrow?” Jack cast a hopeful smile. The man thought too much of himself. It was that attitude that had cost him his life and his ship.
“Isn’t that even worse?” Will asked.
Jack placed a hand on top of Will’s head. “Work with me lad.”
“How many of you have seen the giant squid?” Zoe stood up. “Or have heard of such a creature?” There was more murmuring and several more hands raised. “According to Captain Sparrow both are connected.”
“How many of you hate the East India Trading Company?” Sao Feng asked. This time nearly everyone either stood up or raised their hands.
“That received a better response,” Will said.
“Aye,” Gibbs nodded. “Sao knows how to connect with everyone.”
Jack smiled at the Chinese Captain before he turned back to he crowd. “All of that is connected. The East India Trading Company controls Davy Jones who controls the sea and that large beastie.”
A wave of silence washed over the crowd before one of the Arab pirates stood up.
“It is over,” he said in a dejected tone. “We have to leave the seas, start anew on the land.”
“We have to hope no one checks our arms for brands,” another pirates said.
“For a bunch of big bad pirates they are a bunch of sissies,” Jayne Cobb shook his head in disgust.
“Is everyone so ready to give up?” Sao Feng glared at the crowd. He pointed at the Arab pirate with his claw. “You want to turn back on your life that quick? You are ready to just give up? A pirate does not give up like that. Davy Jones is not the sea. We are. My small fleet will not back down.”
“Your small fleet has no chance against the East India Trading Company,” the Arab pirate said.
“They are working with Jones and the Royal Navy,” another voice said.
“It isn’t just his fleet,” Will found himself standing up. “Jack Sparrow has his own fleet and so does Mrs. Washburne.” He pointed at Zoe.
“It still won’t be enough. Even if we joined you it would not be enough and I am not risking my life or the lives of my crew to join you.” Several others who voiced agreement followed him.
“Cowards all of you,” Sao snarled. “None of you are true pirates. Just ready to abandon all that
you know for your worthless lives.”
“Some of us are not pirates,” a Grecian sailor said. “Some of us are honest sailors.”
“You are here because you want to be free,” Jack said. “Won’t be making an honest living in the same way if Lord Beckett and those like him succeed.”
“You will be under heavy restriction,” Barbossa said. “Strict rules, large tariffs and what not. You want to sail like that, or do you want to sail in a way that will let you breath?”
“Not everyone helping us are pirates,” Jack said. He pointed to Zoë’s group. “They are not pirates.” He stared down at William and after he turned up his nose he pointed at him. “This one?
Not a real pirate. He’s too noble to be one.”
Will stared at him. He was unsure if he should be insulted or take that as a compliment.
“I met up with a wise man,” Jack continued. “Told me that a mouse cannot fight a monster alone, or was that demon?” He furrowed his brow trying to remember. “That isn’t the important part. The important part is the rodent can't do it by himself. He is going to need help from all the animals, even the cats and the lions and the tigers.” He pointed to himself. “We are the cats and you honest sailors are the other animals, savvy?”
Will doubted that was going to be what it would take to get everyone to agree. “There are other people on Jones’s ship.” He stood up again. “People who were frightened of death press ganged into service under Davy Jones. They are as cursed as he was and there are those like my father who want to be free.” He tried to stare at the crowd, to see if anyone was warming up. “For those of you who had lost someone who was close to you at sea. They may still be alive and forced to do Jones’s bidding.”
“Nice work lad,” Jack said as Will sat down. “I think if anyone of them was suffering from insomnia you have cured them.”
“I may need to semi quote a man I respect,” Zoe stood up again. “I have a feeling this Navy is not very fond of working with a large squid. Any honest soldier would rather do it the right way, through teamwork with their fellow soldiers.” She paused and breathed deep. “This company reminds me of another group. A group you have never heard of. They thought they could make things better, but it backfired and created something much worse. I fought to get the truth out and I will fight to make things right. A lot of you would rather give up what you love. That is the worst form of cowardice I have seen. You can go on and run, but I’m not running, my crew is not running. I believe our little fleet are not running nor are these small fleets. We are all aiming to misbehave.”
Will stared at her unblinking. He felt himself clapping along with Gibbs and Anamaria’s group. A few other people joined in. Will wasn’t surprised when the sparse clapping was all that it was, sparse.
“I believe we are all aiming for the same thing,” Sao said once the small applause had ceased.
“All of you who wish to run may do so,” Jack said. “All those wish to fight for our freedom will be aboard their ships at dawn.”
Will stared into the direction of the ships. He hoped Elizabeth had reached her destination and was ready to return.
-
The Atlantic
Elizabeth waited along with Dr. Tam after the disguised doctor had knocked on the door to Norrington’s cabin.
“May I inquire whose presence is at my door?” Norrington asked on the other side.
Elizabeth felt her heartbeat quicken at the sound of his voice. The last time she saw her friend he was running away with the chest, luring Davy Jones’s men away from her, Will and the others. She had thought he died saving them, but instead it was just a ruse to get away with the heart.
“Its me,” Dr. Tam answered. “Simon with a Miss Elizabeth Swann.”
There was silence on the other side of the door for a full minute. “Let her in.”
“I’ll go find a spare uniform and then remain here until after you are dismissed,” the doctor told her. “Lead you back to your boat.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth smiled briefly before she stepped inside. Captain Reynolds’s crew was an odd group. Although if it weren’t for them she and the others would have been the prisoners of Sao Feng’s group.
She did not take time to examine Norrington’s cabin. She had been in such rooms before and knew they were almost always identical. There would be overstuffed armchairs and a perhaps a sofa, a fine polished desk and bookcases. Instead her focus was on the man in front of her.
“Elizabeth,” James Norrington addressed her in a relieved tone. He was no longer covered in filth. The ratty blue navy coat was exchanged for a clean one and he had donned the rest of his uniform. He had shaved away the beard and washed and possibly cut his hair before he tied it back and covered it with the wig.
“You bastard,” she glared at him as she stepped towards him. “I had thought you had died on Isle Cruces. I thought you were trying to save us.”
“I was.” He held up his hands.
“You were just using it as an excuse to get away from us.” She felt herself become hot and knew her face had turned red. “You turned your back on Me, Will, Jack, Gibbs and the others so that you could just have your life back.”
“I am sorry about turning my back on you and Mr. Turner, but not on the others. They were pirates.”
“You were one of them.” The tears came to her eyes before she raised her hand to slap him.
Another hand grabbed onto her wrist. “You broke him.”
Elizabeth found herself staring into the large soulful eyes of a woman close to her age. “Who are you?”
The young woman blinked. “You used him. He’s broken because of you.” Her long dark hair flowed free, not a single ribbon adorned her hair. All she wore was a dark blue gown, Elizabeth was certain it was just one layer. Her feet were bare.
“Miss Tam,” James removed the other girl’s grasp from Elizabeth. “Thank you for interference, but in Miss Swann’s view I deserve what she was about to give me.”
“Not from her,” the other woman said. “She broke you. It hurt more than the hot and the cuts. You hid the pain in work, became obsessed and then came the storm.”
Elizabeth stepped back away from her. This girl talked nonsense. “Who is she?” She stared at James, looking for an answer.
“Miss River Tam this is Miss Elizabeth Swann.” James introduced.
“She never apologized for breaking you.” River Tam said.
“Tam?” Elizabeth could not keep from staring at River. The other girl was staring at her the same way one would read a book. “Is she any relation to the doctor?”
“He’s her brother.” James smiled weakly. “A bit of my fault they are in this mess. I had River and everyone in one Tavern in Tortuga arrested. I’ve written pardons for the entire innocent, including Miss Tam. Her brother and the rest of her crew followed and Beckett had them arrested in Port Royal.”
“I am sure you are friends with Lord Beckett,” Elizabeth felt her anger return.
“I am not very fond of Lord Beckett,” James’s voice dripped disgust at the mention of Beckett’s name.
“You gave him the heart and you are commodore again. Everything is all nice. Its because of you Jack Sparrow was killed.”
“He’s not dead anymore,” Miss Tam said. Her face was devoid of an expression
Elizabeth glanced at her before she stared at James. “He is alive.”
“Brought him back to the world of the living, so I could arrange a proper hanging for him.” James said.
Elizabeth was ready to slap him again, except Tam had grabbed onto her arms. “Let me go. James Norrington that man gave you a job. He took you on as a member of his crew. You know that all pirates are not despicable creatures.”
“They killed his mother,” Tam said. “He was young. She begged for his life to be saved. Right in front of him.”
Elizabeth stopped in her struggling. “James is that true?” She waited until he closed his eyes and nodded. “I’m sorry. I never knew, but you know Jack isn’t like them.”
“You are the Judas,” Tam said as she released Elizabeth. “Betrayed the one you brought back, just like in Gethsemane.”
She knew. This woman who had never met her knew she had kissed Jack and chained him to the Black Pearl. Elizabeth stared at her, mouth open, wondering how she could have known.
“Elizabeth?” James stared at her. “Is this true?”
She nodded. “I chained him to his ship and the Kraken took them both.”
“Both blame others for what is their own fault,” Tam said. “The bottle broke because you saved him.”
“What is she talking about?” Elizabeth found herself inching closer to James.
“She won’t hurt you,” James placed a hand on her shoulder. “She is just reading you. Miss Tam and her crew are not from around here.”
“Where are they from?”
“Jayne told you,” Tam said as she stood on James’ other side.
“He said they were from-” She blinked. “You are helping them get back to their own time?’ She couldn’t stop staring at the other woman. “Is it true?”
“It is true and why I helped them escape from Fort Charles,” James said. “Lord Becket wanted to blackmail them into using their technology to help him.”
Elizabeth smiled. “You were always a good man. There is still some left.”
“There is a lot left,” Tam smiled. “He is now listening to the good voice.”
“The good voice wants me to help Captain Reynolds so he and his crew can find their ship and return home.”
She removed the compass from her pocket and handed it to him. “Promise Beckett will not get it after?”
“I promise. I believe River’s brother is outside waiting for you.”
“Thank you, James.” She said and stared at River one last time before she stepped out.
-
Chapter 24: The Counsel
-
Mossel Bay, South Africa
It had been three days since Elizabeth had set off in the small boat in the search for Mal and the others. Zoe could imagine what the plan would be. Elizabeth would try to sneak aboard the Intrepid, give the compass to Norrington who will in turn give it to Mal. Then he and the others would get into a long boat, find Serenity and then come back for them and knowing her captain he was going to want to get out of the 18th century as fast as possible.
Except Zoe didn’t exactly want to leave just at that moment. She wanted to return to her own time. She was looking forward to seeing old friends such as Jonas and her family, especially Hobby, and she wanted to visit Wash’s grave and tombstone again. There was a part of her, the soldier part, that had picked up snippets of conversation between Jack and Sao Feng of what they had planned, and she wanted to fight along their side. She would try to convince her captain to do the same.
“You seem to be lost in thought,” it was one of the last people Zoe had expected to speak to her. It was the young man who was engaged to Elizabeth.
“There are many thoughts going through my head, little one,” Zoe said as she watched Jayne speak with Anamaria. He had better not be trying to hit on her. Anyone could see the same amount of sparks between Anamaria and Jack were the same as the ones between Mal and Inara. “What this East India Company is doing with the Navy is troubling me.”
“It is troubling everyone, Mrs. Washburne,” Will Turner told her and placed a warm cup in her hands. “This is very good tea, actually has some sugar in it,” he smiled weakly. “I’m also not exactly little.”
“Sorry and thank you,” she took a sip. It was better than what they had been drinking aboard The Haven. “I usually call all the younger soldiers in my platoon little one.”
“Soldiers,” Will asked in a questioning tone.
“I let it slip,” she had been too distracted to watch her speech. She knew Jayne actually mention even more. It was because of him, Gavin and the others knew, but they did not care and are willing to help the Serenity crew return home.
“You and Mr. Cobb are quite the enigmas,” He studied her before he took a sip from his own cup. “Is it true what he said about you being from the twenty-sixth century?”
Zoe nodded. “I know it’s hard for you to believe, but it is pretty much true.” She found young Jarvis with one of the members of Jack’s crew. It was the skinny young man with the blond hair and the wooden eye. The two were sitting together and holding a bible between them. It seemed the teenager was teaching the pirate how to read. She thought of Shepherd Book and how he would have been with the two of them.
“I can believe it,” Turner said. There was no doubt, in his eyes. “People from the future are almost more believable than undead pirates or a cruel captain who can remove his own heart.” The grip on his cup tightened.
“You can probably understand how we want to return more than anything, but now I feel like we should wait until this situation with Beckett and Jones has been defeated.”
“You don’t have to do this.”
“It’s the part of me that is still a soldier.” She looked up at the man that had approached them. He was the older pirate who was recovering from some injuries. He had favored dark clothing and wore a large hat with a feather. A monkey was seated on his shoulder
“There ye are,” the pirate with the graying hair, said. “Jack says there be a meeting tonight. I’m trying t’ inform everyone around here.”
“Shouldn’t you be resting?” Zoe asked. Her eyes lingered on the strips of cloth tied around his leg. Whistler had brought Simon’s medical bag with him and there was some medicine to treat the injury as well as a bit of gauze but Gibbs had also insisted on splashing a little liquid from his canteen on the injury and covering it in the cloth.
“My leg is healing fine,” the man tipped his feathered hat to her. “Once this is all over I can rest.”
‘And we can go home’. Zoe thought.
-
The Atlantic
The sun had set mere minutes, becoming a golden blur where the sky met the water, before Elizabeth had spotted the large ship that reminded her of the Dauntless. She used the flame from the lantern to light the pot Lady Phoenix had shown her and nearly jumped back when the first plume of silvery white smoke wafted out. The plume soon turned into a column and then a cloud that completely surrounded the dinghy. The fog like atmosphere had made it a bit difficult for her to navigate and she had to rely on the light from the lantern, knowing full well she would have to dim the light when she came up near the ship and read its name: The HMS Intrepid.
It wasn’t the first time she scaled the side of a military ship, nor would it be her last. She had found way to secure the dinghy to the side and hoped that no one aboard would be able to take notice of it. When she looked down all they could see was rope extending towards fog and nothing else.
Elizabeth’s luck did not last as long as she hoped. The second her hand had grabbed the railing another hand was placed on top of hers and Elizabeth found herself staring into the bright green eyes of a very young officer.
“Who are you?” The naval officer asked in a strange voice, prompting Elizabeth to wonder about the young man’s actual age.
“Edward,” Elizabeth answered in her boy voice. “Edward Hawking.” She had wondered why this officer just asked first and didn’t call for any of the others. “I’m an apprentice fisherman. I got separated from my crew and became lost.” It was a bad lie and any soldier would probably see through it.
“I’m sorry,” the other soldier said. His voice lightened up a bit. Sorry? This wasn’t the type of soldier James Norrington would have amongst his crew.
“You are not a soldier,” Elizabeth accused, not aware she allowed her vocal disguise to slip until after she said it.
“You’re a girl,” the young soldier’s eyes widened and dropped her deep voice as well. Her?
“So are you.” Elizabeth wasn’t sure what was going on, unless this was a member of Zoë’s crew. “Do you know a Mrs. Washburne?”
“Zoë’s okay?” The other girl brightened.
“Kay-Kev-Mr. Winnit.” Elizabeth froze when she heard the voice of a real man and turned to see three marines’ head their way. “Who is this?” The man appeared to have been a few years older than the girl, but seemed to be just as uncomfortable in his uniform. The other two officers with him were familiar faces. Elizabeth remembered they were the two marines that were at the docks when Jack saved her from downing.
“A fisherman lost at sea,” the girl regained her fake voice.
“Why was he fishing at night?” One of the two familiar faces asked. What was his name? Elizabeth tried to remember. Was it Marten? No that wasn’t right, was it Martog?
“It wasn’t dark when I was fishing.’
“Why didn’t you try to go back when the sun was setting?” The other one asked. Mully was it?
“I tried, but that was when I got lost.”
“I think we should take him to see the commodore,” the disguised girl crossed her arms. “Being lost at sea could cause anyone to loose their serenity.”
The unfamiliar soldier blinked. “Of course we want to help anyone lost regain their serenity.” He nodded before he turned to the others. “I will take this young man to see the commodore. You two keep watch.” He grabbed Elizabeth by the arm. “This way and no funny stuff.”
“I won’t sir,” Elizabeth kept up the pretense until they were far enough away from the two marines. “Are you Captain Reynolds?”
“No I’m Simon Tam. I’m just the doctor,” the disguised man dropped the accent he had been using and spoke with a tongue similar, to Zoë’s. “I’m not sure where our captain is, but I believe Norrington will give him the message.”
“I have something better than a message.” Elizabeth said as they continued their way to Norrington’s cabin. Her hand felt for the compass Jack had given her. “I’m going to need something in exchange.”
-
Mossel Bay, South Africa
William Turner had taken a seat on crate next to Gibbs. It was not the best place to hold a meeting in the center of the port. He had wondered why the needed such a space and then he saw why. There were over a hundred captains from several different ships who came to the meeting, bringing one or two other members of their crew. Jack and Sao Feng had made sure there was enough room for everyone to gather around to speak and listen.
Turner glanced over to his right. Anamaria, Barbossa and another man represented The Luna Ghost. On Anamaria’s right were the two time travelers and another man from their ship. All three were eating some of Barbossa’s apples. Zoe used a borrowed knife to slice of pieces before she ate them. He turned to his left to see Sao Feng, Yan Hui, and Lady Phoenix.
“It seems we have attracted a bit of a crowd,” Sparrow said before he stood on his seat. “Attention everyone!” Jack waved his arms about trying to grab everyone’s attention. “Time to start, can’t delay this any longer.”
Sao Feng stood up as well and shouted several words in his native tongue, possibly repeating Jack’s message. A few other captains also stood up and relayed the same message in several other languages.
“I’m sure all you well and esteemed folk are wondering why we are here.”
“The East India Trading Company,” one of the captains from across had said.
“Giant Squid,” another captain said.
“It’s not safe for us pirates anymore,” a female captain said. Two other women joined her and Will had guessed it was a ship full of female pirates.
“You are correct,” Barbossa stood up. His hand went to his sore leg. “How many of you lot have heard of Davy Jones?” Several hands were raised followed by murmurs through the crowd.
“He isn’t real,” a man with an Irish accent said.
“He is,” another person replied. “One of my own crew managed to escape an attack on a long boat. He had seen the Flying Dutchman himself.”
“As have we,” Jack said. “Now I know not many of you had the misfortune of coming across such a creature, but I can assure you he is real. I know that my word as a pirate does not matter.”
“Never trust a pirate,” one of the merchant captains said, only to receive harsh stares from several others. “Never trust their word.”
“Might not trust my word as a pirate, but what about the word of Captain Jack Sparrow?” Jack cast a hopeful smile. The man thought too much of himself. It was that attitude that had cost him his life and his ship.
“Isn’t that even worse?” Will asked.
Jack placed a hand on top of Will’s head. “Work with me lad.”
“How many of you have seen the giant squid?” Zoe stood up. “Or have heard of such a creature?” There was more murmuring and several more hands raised. “According to Captain Sparrow both are connected.”
“How many of you hate the East India Trading Company?” Sao Feng asked. This time nearly everyone either stood up or raised their hands.
“That received a better response,” Will said.
“Aye,” Gibbs nodded. “Sao knows how to connect with everyone.”
Jack smiled at the Chinese Captain before he turned back to he crowd. “All of that is connected. The East India Trading Company controls Davy Jones who controls the sea and that large beastie.”
A wave of silence washed over the crowd before one of the Arab pirates stood up.
“It is over,” he said in a dejected tone. “We have to leave the seas, start anew on the land.”
“We have to hope no one checks our arms for brands,” another pirates said.
“For a bunch of big bad pirates they are a bunch of sissies,” Jayne Cobb shook his head in disgust.
“Is everyone so ready to give up?” Sao Feng glared at the crowd. He pointed at the Arab pirate with his claw. “You want to turn back on your life that quick? You are ready to just give up? A pirate does not give up like that. Davy Jones is not the sea. We are. My small fleet will not back down.”
“Your small fleet has no chance against the East India Trading Company,” the Arab pirate said.
“They are working with Jones and the Royal Navy,” another voice said.
“It isn’t just his fleet,” Will found himself standing up. “Jack Sparrow has his own fleet and so does Mrs. Washburne.” He pointed at Zoe.
“It still won’t be enough. Even if we joined you it would not be enough and I am not risking my life or the lives of my crew to join you.” Several others who voiced agreement followed him.
“Cowards all of you,” Sao snarled. “None of you are true pirates. Just ready to abandon all that
you know for your worthless lives.”
“Some of us are not pirates,” a Grecian sailor said. “Some of us are honest sailors.”
“You are here because you want to be free,” Jack said. “Won’t be making an honest living in the same way if Lord Beckett and those like him succeed.”
“You will be under heavy restriction,” Barbossa said. “Strict rules, large tariffs and what not. You want to sail like that, or do you want to sail in a way that will let you breath?”
“Not everyone helping us are pirates,” Jack said. He pointed to Zoë’s group. “They are not pirates.” He stared down at William and after he turned up his nose he pointed at him. “This one?
Not a real pirate. He’s too noble to be one.”
Will stared at him. He was unsure if he should be insulted or take that as a compliment.
“I met up with a wise man,” Jack continued. “Told me that a mouse cannot fight a monster alone, or was that demon?” He furrowed his brow trying to remember. “That isn’t the important part. The important part is the rodent can't do it by himself. He is going to need help from all the animals, even the cats and the lions and the tigers.” He pointed to himself. “We are the cats and you honest sailors are the other animals, savvy?”
Will doubted that was going to be what it would take to get everyone to agree. “There are other people on Jones’s ship.” He stood up again. “People who were frightened of death press ganged into service under Davy Jones. They are as cursed as he was and there are those like my father who want to be free.” He tried to stare at the crowd, to see if anyone was warming up. “For those of you who had lost someone who was close to you at sea. They may still be alive and forced to do Jones’s bidding.”
“Nice work lad,” Jack said as Will sat down. “I think if anyone of them was suffering from insomnia you have cured them.”
“I may need to semi quote a man I respect,” Zoe stood up again. “I have a feeling this Navy is not very fond of working with a large squid. Any honest soldier would rather do it the right way, through teamwork with their fellow soldiers.” She paused and breathed deep. “This company reminds me of another group. A group you have never heard of. They thought they could make things better, but it backfired and created something much worse. I fought to get the truth out and I will fight to make things right. A lot of you would rather give up what you love. That is the worst form of cowardice I have seen. You can go on and run, but I’m not running, my crew is not running. I believe our little fleet are not running nor are these small fleets. We are all aiming to misbehave.”
Will stared at her unblinking. He felt himself clapping along with Gibbs and Anamaria’s group. A few other people joined in. Will wasn’t surprised when the sparse clapping was all that it was, sparse.
“I believe we are all aiming for the same thing,” Sao said once the small applause had ceased.
“All of you who wish to run may do so,” Jack said. “All those wish to fight for our freedom will be aboard their ships at dawn.”
Will stared into the direction of the ships. He hoped Elizabeth had reached her destination and was ready to return.
-
The Atlantic
Elizabeth waited along with Dr. Tam after the disguised doctor had knocked on the door to Norrington’s cabin.
“May I inquire whose presence is at my door?” Norrington asked on the other side.
Elizabeth felt her heartbeat quicken at the sound of his voice. The last time she saw her friend he was running away with the chest, luring Davy Jones’s men away from her, Will and the others. She had thought he died saving them, but instead it was just a ruse to get away with the heart.
“Its me,” Dr. Tam answered. “Simon with a Miss Elizabeth Swann.”
There was silence on the other side of the door for a full minute. “Let her in.”
“I’ll go find a spare uniform and then remain here until after you are dismissed,” the doctor told her. “Lead you back to your boat.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth smiled briefly before she stepped inside. Captain Reynolds’s crew was an odd group. Although if it weren’t for them she and the others would have been the prisoners of Sao Feng’s group.
She did not take time to examine Norrington’s cabin. She had been in such rooms before and knew they were almost always identical. There would be overstuffed armchairs and a perhaps a sofa, a fine polished desk and bookcases. Instead her focus was on the man in front of her.
“Elizabeth,” James Norrington addressed her in a relieved tone. He was no longer covered in filth. The ratty blue navy coat was exchanged for a clean one and he had donned the rest of his uniform. He had shaved away the beard and washed and possibly cut his hair before he tied it back and covered it with the wig.
“You bastard,” she glared at him as she stepped towards him. “I had thought you had died on Isle Cruces. I thought you were trying to save us.”
“I was.” He held up his hands.
“You were just using it as an excuse to get away from us.” She felt herself become hot and knew her face had turned red. “You turned your back on Me, Will, Jack, Gibbs and the others so that you could just have your life back.”
“I am sorry about turning my back on you and Mr. Turner, but not on the others. They were pirates.”
“You were one of them.” The tears came to her eyes before she raised her hand to slap him.
Another hand grabbed onto her wrist. “You broke him.”
Elizabeth found herself staring into the large soulful eyes of a woman close to her age. “Who are you?”
The young woman blinked. “You used him. He’s broken because of you.” Her long dark hair flowed free, not a single ribbon adorned her hair. All she wore was a dark blue gown, Elizabeth was certain it was just one layer. Her feet were bare.
“Miss Tam,” James removed the other girl’s grasp from Elizabeth. “Thank you for interference, but in Miss Swann’s view I deserve what she was about to give me.”
“Not from her,” the other woman said. “She broke you. It hurt more than the hot and the cuts. You hid the pain in work, became obsessed and then came the storm.”
Elizabeth stepped back away from her. This girl talked nonsense. “Who is she?” She stared at James, looking for an answer.
“Miss River Tam this is Miss Elizabeth Swann.” James introduced.
“She never apologized for breaking you.” River Tam said.
“Tam?” Elizabeth could not keep from staring at River. The other girl was staring at her the same way one would read a book. “Is she any relation to the doctor?”
“He’s her brother.” James smiled weakly. “A bit of my fault they are in this mess. I had River and everyone in one Tavern in Tortuga arrested. I’ve written pardons for the entire innocent, including Miss Tam. Her brother and the rest of her crew followed and Beckett had them arrested in Port Royal.”
“I am sure you are friends with Lord Beckett,” Elizabeth felt her anger return.
“I am not very fond of Lord Beckett,” James’s voice dripped disgust at the mention of Beckett’s name.
“You gave him the heart and you are commodore again. Everything is all nice. Its because of you Jack Sparrow was killed.”
“He’s not dead anymore,” Miss Tam said. Her face was devoid of an expression
Elizabeth glanced at her before she stared at James. “He is alive.”
“Brought him back to the world of the living, so I could arrange a proper hanging for him.” James said.
Elizabeth was ready to slap him again, except Tam had grabbed onto her arms. “Let me go. James Norrington that man gave you a job. He took you on as a member of his crew. You know that all pirates are not despicable creatures.”
“They killed his mother,” Tam said. “He was young. She begged for his life to be saved. Right in front of him.”
Elizabeth stopped in her struggling. “James is that true?” She waited until he closed his eyes and nodded. “I’m sorry. I never knew, but you know Jack isn’t like them.”
“You are the Judas,” Tam said as she released Elizabeth. “Betrayed the one you brought back, just like in Gethsemane.”
She knew. This woman who had never met her knew she had kissed Jack and chained him to the Black Pearl. Elizabeth stared at her, mouth open, wondering how she could have known.
“Elizabeth?” James stared at her. “Is this true?”
She nodded. “I chained him to his ship and the Kraken took them both.”
“Both blame others for what is their own fault,” Tam said. “The bottle broke because you saved him.”
“What is she talking about?” Elizabeth found herself inching closer to James.
“She won’t hurt you,” James placed a hand on her shoulder. “She is just reading you. Miss Tam and her crew are not from around here.”
“Where are they from?”
“Jayne told you,” Tam said as she stood on James’ other side.
“He said they were from-” She blinked. “You are helping them get back to their own time?’ She couldn’t stop staring at the other woman. “Is it true?”
“It is true and why I helped them escape from Fort Charles,” James said. “Lord Becket wanted to blackmail them into using their technology to help him.”
Elizabeth smiled. “You were always a good man. There is still some left.”
“There is a lot left,” Tam smiled. “He is now listening to the good voice.”
“The good voice wants me to help Captain Reynolds so he and his crew can find their ship and return home.”
She removed the compass from her pocket and handed it to him. “Promise Beckett will not get it after?”
“I promise. I believe River’s brother is outside waiting for you.”
“Thank you, James.” She said and stared at River one last time before she stepped out.
-
