spacebabie (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
spacebabie) wrote2006-11-29 12:55 pm
spacebabie) wrote2006-11-29 12:55 pm
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Browncoats at World’s End
Chapter32: Swordplay
-
“Fire the cannons,” Barbossa yelled at the top of his lungs. “Aim fer Jones if ye can see his disgusting face. Shoot it before they can summon the beastie.” He was careful in his choice of words. He wanted to tell them to take out the device they use to summon the kraken. That would have been foolish on his part. Barbossa wanted Jones to hear him. He wanted the cursed captain to believe that he was their main goal. If they had succeeded in destroying the device before the monster is summoned then their work was completed and wouldn’t have to sacrifice Sao Feng’s ship.
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Jayne said before he ran down the stairs back to the gun deck. The man moved with an excited spring in his step that reminded Barbossa of a child who was about to receive a new gift, or get to go on a trip.
“Fire as much as ye can,” Barbossa said. “Try not to waste too much powder.” He had ordered everyone to pour out all the gunpowder for the large explosion, but it was Sao who said when there was enough and the rest was used for the pistols and cannons.
“I am certain he remembers the plan,” Sao Feng said. The man had lost his forlorn expression and had squared his jaw in determination. The man was ready for the fight.
“Aye,” Barbossa nodded before he checked on the long boats. He had thought Cobb to be an idiot. The man from tomorrow was not quick-witted and a bit crude. He would have fit in with a pirate crew, a pity he was born in the future. Jayne was a genius when it came to guns and explosives and fighting. Barbossa had grown to respect the man while they were splicing the fuses on the deck below.
The longboats were ready to be lowered and filled with the crewmen to escape. There was at least a man or two next to each one, to watch and in case one of the Kraken’s tentacles would lurch over the side and crush it.
The sound of a few cannon balls whizzed through the air, crashing close to the Empress. One ball had met its target, causing the ship to shudder and Barbossa nearly lost his footing.
“That would be their triple cannons,” Barbossa remarked and smiled ruefully at a comment Jayne made when Barbossa and Sao Feng were talking about the weaponry of the Dutchman. He had to agree with the man. Why stop at just three?
“It’s time,” Sao stared out the enemy ship through his spyglass. “We nearly struck the wheel.”
Barbossa knew where Sao was going by the tone of his voice. “They have summoned the Kraken to attack us.”
-
Clang
Malcolm Reynolds blinked when the Beckett’s sword and Norrington’s struck against each other and he nearly flinched again when Norrington deflected the strike and brought his blade up again against Mercer’s. Mal had thought the commodore’s fancy sword was a fancy decoration, not quite fit for fighting. Then again Beckett’s blade was of a similar mold.
Norrington jumped back to dodge Mercer’s blade while he deflected another blow from Beckett’s blade.
It was hard to imagine someone like Beckett being able to fight. Mal had underestimated the man before. The man had a great influence over the trading company he was part of and had a strong hold over the British Navy and Port Royal, as well as Davy Jones. He shouldn’t be too surprised the twit could fight, at least with a sword.
Mercer bared his teeth ad the fighting grew even more intense. He dodged to the side while he made an attempt to strike at Norrington who blocked him.
Mal had no doubt’s about Mercer. Mal could sense the bridled aggression when he had first seen the man. He seemed to eager to carry out his boss’s orders when it came to killing. He reminded Mal of Jayne, if Jayne was a gentleman.
What really impressed him was Norrington’s skill. The man had to be a great fighter to earn his rank. There was no doubt about that. Still the amount of skill one received from training and experience one received over the years still doesn’t prepare for a two against one battle and Mal wasn’t sure how one would last.
Mal felt the hilt of his sword in his hand, and staring down he had seen he had already drawn it. He didn’t remember when. All he knew was that Norrington was going to need some help against the two people he was fighting with.
As soon as Mal had stepped onto the loading platform another figure leaped into the fray. Jack Sparrow crossed his blade against Mercer’s, leaving Mal just to stand in shock at the sight of them.
“Hello Beckett,” Jack disentangled his sword from Mercer’s and removed the hat he wore, allowing his hair, all of it in tangles and incomplete braids to tumble out. “Or should I call ye Becky?” Jack winked. “I kind of likes that name my new friend gave ye.”
New friend? Mal raised his eyebrows. “Friend?” He wasn’t certain if Jack was serious or not. Mal had considered him to be more of a necessary annoyance. He had to keep an on eye n the guy to keep him from blowing their cover. He didn’t stick by his side because he wanted to be his buddy.
“Sparrow,” Beckett brought up his sword in defense and turned to face the other two men. He thinned his eyes at the pirate.
“How long have you been here?” Norrington’s scowl matched Beckett’s. His disgusted expression was brief before Beckett turned to face him and they crossed their blades once more.
“A bit too long if ye ask me,” Jack grinned. He ducked back when Mercer came at him with his blade. “You are new.” He brought his blade against the assassin’s. “How long have you been working for him?”
Mal watched the display, wondering why no one else intervened or if Jack had stolen the heart or not. He needed to think of a plan. Something that would involve kicking Beckett of the loading platform and get his crew, along with Norrington and Sparrow inside, and he would have to come up with that something, right quick.
“Mal,” Inara shouted.
Malcolm turned in time to see Hamiton was coming straight for Norrington. Mal stepped in between them and brought his blade against the commander’s.
-
Barbossa held himself steady against the pile of explosive. His fingers brushed against the burlap material covering the pile. His eyes were on the sides of the ship, on the railing. Everyone had felt the force from below. The strong tentacles of the monster had slapped the bottom of the ship, giving everyone a good shake. Barbossa hadn’t remembered the beast doing that before, then again he wasn’t on a vessel that was attacked by the Kraken either.
“Fire at the tentacles,” Sao instructed. “Fire when you’re view is blocked by its suction cups.”
Barbossa stood back up. He had regained his sense of balance and was ready to fire his own pistols at the monsters. The small artillery shells would be more like bee stings compared to what had struck it before. He wished he had grenades, something that would cause the beast even more pain and for the first time since his resurrection he had wished Jacoby was alive and with him. That man had loved explosives even more than Cobb.
The ship shook slightly once more before the fat tips of the monster’s tendrils crept over the railing.
“Fire now!” Barbossa bellowed at the top of his lungs, followed by Sao shouting in Chinese.
Cannon fire followed and a few of the tentacles released their hold on the ship. The others crept across the deck, reaching for more victims to eat.
Barbossa fired his pistol at one that was inching to close to the explosives the slimy appendage twitched from the pain before it tried to reach for him again.
Sao Feng jumped onto the tentacles and swiped his claw against the flesh, digging in as deep as possible.
Barbossa jumped back, out of the way of the monster. He pulled out his sword and used and brought it down against the tentacle, near where Sao’s claw as cutting into the flesh.
A third pirate joined in; using the two blades he carried.
The tentacle bucked, flinging the men off. It recoiled, spilling out slime and blood from its fresh wounds before it grabbed the third pirate and dragged him away.
“It is time some of us get to safety,” Sao Feng said.
“Aye,” Barbossa nodded towards seven of the men. “Into one of the boats, set sail far the Pearl or the Haven.”
-
Don’t always swing from above like you are chopping wood. Swing from under, poke at your challenger, and swing the sword from side to side. Those were some of the directions Inara gave Malcolm. He remembered the lessons from when he fought against Atherton Wing and those brief and futile lessons after that bit with Miranda.
Commander Hamiton had received more lessons than Mal had and he fought with a ferocious intensity.
Mal was playing defense. He wasn’t even trying to attack his opponent. His main goal was just to keep himself from getting stabbed, with all the training he had. Even if he wanted to attack the other man it would have done him no good.
“Any one else who tries to attack my crew will be dead,” River’s voice came out through Serenity’s sound system. “I will blast you with a strategic thermal laser gun.”
Mal had wondered why she hadn’t made a grab for the radio sooner to try to sucker everyone. Then again it was a blur from the moment Norrington had pulled out his sword. The whole thing probably had only taken a few seconds.
“You don’t seem to know much about swords,” Hamiton sneered.
“Never claimed I did,” Mal said.
“What kind of soldier are you?” Hamiton’s fierce thrust removed Mal’s sword from his hands. “Can’t even handle a sword.”
“He may not,” Inara got in between Mal and the commander. She had sword in her hands, most likely it came from Kaylee’s hilt. “But I have been trained.” She swung her sword against Hamiton’s mimicking the same moves as Norrington and Sparrow, but unlike the men her moves had a bit more grace and it seemed like she was dancing.
“Well to answer your question. I’m the type of soldier with a crew I can depend on.” Mal retrieved his lost blade and after a second thought he left it on the deck. There were several better ways to fight and he should stick with what he knew.
-
Jayne grabbed the last of the cannon balls from his pile and slipped it into large weapon. It was just as well. There wasn’t even enough powder to cause him to sneeze. The handful he had left would have to be enough.
The floor tilted back, screwing around with Jayne’s balance. He nearly landed on his backside. “What’s with the floor?” He stared through the small window for the cannon, straight into the thick suckers of the monster. “Oh yeah.” Gorram monster was trying to push the boat over.
He nearly threw the powder inside the cannon and plunked the fuse in abruptly. “Aint taking me alive.” He brought the candle flame to the fuse. “Eat lead.”
The cannon ball plowed through the flesh, shearing off a few of the suckers and leaving a deep gouge in the monster’s limb. The beast had only flailed back briefly before it grabbed the ship again.
“You still want to play?” Jayne grabbed onto the handle of the larges pistol he carried. “Fine by me.”
“All on deck.” Barbossa’s shout came from the entrance at the top of the stairs. “Jayne ye can shoot yer guns at all the enemies ye want later. Don’t want to be wasting yer shots.”
He nearly had forgotten the plan. He glared at the tentacle before he ran up the stairs.
-
Jack Sparrow hadn’t thought of Cutler Beckett much in the past. After he was mutinied against and lost his ship the only thing he had thought about was trying to get his ship back. It was the sight of the English lord that brought the memories back, memories of how he had willingly done work for him, up until the slave trade surfaced. He remembered how Beckett smiled when he had placed the burning metal brand against Jack’s flesh and the smug tone in Beckett’s voice when he informed Jack of how ordered his ship to be set on fire.
It wasn’t long after that incident when Jack got his revenge on Beckett and made the deal with Jones for his ship to be retrieved, and shortly after that was when he became a true pirate.
What Jack didn’t remember was the man he was fighting against. Mal had informed him of the servant who favored dark clothing. After what Jack had done to Beckett it would make sense for the man to hire someone to not only be his personal servant, but also his own bodyguard.
The loud blast of a gun being fired caused both Jack and Beckett’s servant to turn in time to see Commander Hamiton fall over with a bleeding hole in his chest.
Malcolm Reynolds lowered his smoking weapon. His eyes were fixed into a glare as he stared at Hamiton’s corpse.
Jack tried to seize the opportunity to kill his opponent; only the man had jumped back in time to avoid being stabbed.
“I will have to admit ye are pretty good,” Jack said as the duel continued. Every time he was nearly able to pierce the other man’s flesh his opponent blocked. “Although I believe this isn’t why dear Beckett hired you.”
“He hired me because I get the job done,” his opponent answered.
“Of course,” Jack ducked and tired to stab the man again, only to be blocked. “With out question I would believe, and one without any form of a moral compass I believe. I wonder why he would do that. Maybe it’s because those who actually have a conscience tend to be not too pleased when they find out the true motivations behind Becky.”
“Enough.”
“Becky fits him, don’t you think?” Jack raised his eyebrows before he jumped back.
“I do not need any lessons about morals from a pirate.”
“Do you even wonder why I think that name fits him?”
Beckett’s assistant didn’t answer him.
“I was right he didn’t tell you. I can understand why. It isn’t something most men would like to brag about.”
Two more gunshots were heard, both after each other and both coming from the same direction.
“Gorram it,” Malcolm Reynolds grumbled.
“You don’t want to hit them,” the pretty girl in the soldier uniform said.
The bullets and discussion wasn’t enough to distract Jack’s opponent, but he did hear a gasp of pain coming from Beckett and Norrington’s direction and the gasp wasn’t deep enough to be the commodore’s.
“Course I want to hit em,” Malcolm said. “Why do you think I’m shooting at em?”
“I don’t mean Beckett,” the girl said. “You might hit the good guys.” This time a gasp came from her. “You did get Beckett.”
The servant was distracted, but only briefly. It was enough for Jack. He brought the point of his sword against his chest.
“The girl wasn’t lying,” Jack said. “I’m going to have word with Reynolds because I wanted to be the one that get’s him, but I will just have to take the satisfaction with you.” He shoved the blade even deeper.
“No, I didn’t get him,” Malcolm said. “That’s a stab wound.”
Jack didn’t watch the body of his enemy fall over. He sought out Beckett instead.
The lord was in kneeling crouch. His hand covered his side while blood seeped in through his fingers. He was wounded, but not dead yet. His blade was by his feet.
Norrington stood over him. His sword lowered, the end was stained with blood. His mouth was parted in disbelief, storm green eyes were wide.
“Well done mate,” Jack smiled at him, earning the familiar glare from the commodore. “Although I wanted to do that myself.”
-
Barbossa watched as the Kraken wrapped a tentacle around one of the masts of the Empress. It was nearly impossible to stay standing on the deck and there was only one long boat left.
“Everyone who is left, into the boat.” Sao Feng instructed.
“Not much folk left,” Jayne said. “There is just you, me, Barbossa, a monkey and three other guys.”
“And I want all of you into that boat,” Sao nearly snapped at him.
“Don’t need to get bitchy. I know you are about loose your boat. I’ll be upset to if I had to blow up my Vera, still don’t have to get on our backs.”
“Best if you stay quiet for now,” Barbossa grabbed Jayne’s shoulder and shoved him towards the direction of the long boat. “We’ll be boarding once Sao lights the fuse.”
“No,” Sao Feng shook his head. “I am staying behind.”
“You want to explode?” Jayne asked.
“I will light the fuse myself after I am certain you are all safe and then I will try to swim,” Sao instructed. “Now go.”
“It be best to honor his request.” Barbossa pulled Jayne to the railing and leaned down to pick up the long boat.
-
Norrington stared at the fresh crimson stain on the edge of his sword. He still couldn’t believe what he had just done. He had spilled the blood of a British Lord. A man who had the influence of the East India Trading Company and the respect of many great men in England, and he had cut into his flesh with his sword. James knew he was going to loose his reinstated position, not to mention he will loose his life. He didn’t even have to look at faces of Barclay, Hall and the others to know they were appalled by his recent action.
The only other option at the time was be stabbed himself, to be killed instantly. Then Beckett would have won and tried to take Serenity for himself, unless Reynolds and even possibly Sparrow stops him first.
James quickly got over his shock when he thought about the latter. He did not want Beckett to succeed, not when he knew what the man’s true intent was. James Norrington served the crown first. Beckett only served himself.
“Norrington,” Beckett sputtered between pain filled grunts. “I’ll see that you will hang for this.”
“I did not cut too deep,” Norrington said as he reached into his pocket for the strange little box River handed to him before he left the cockpit. “You may or may not survive. It depends on the skill of the doctor who treats you, albeit you may not receive the best medical care.”
“You should be more worried about your life,” Beckett glared before he turned to face the rest of the naval officers. “Bring me the ships doctors and take Norrington, Sparrow, Reynolds and his crew to the brig.”
“Commander Barclay doesn’t know about the true traitor to the crown.” Norrington examined the box in his hand. He was supposed to do something to reach River. He knew he was to speak into the area near the top that was covered in slotted grooves.
“Press the button on the side,” Reynolds said. He was tapping the side of his hand. “It’s the gray button and you speak into the top.”
“Thank you,” Norrington said before he pressed the smooth and cool button. “Miss Tam, let them know the truth.”
“Commander Thomas Barclay’s wife is named Sarah and they have been married for eight years.” River’s voice said. It was her voice and yet it sounded detached from her, must be because of the wiring of the sound system. She tried to explain how things worked “When he is on shore leave he looks forward to see the sunlight shine on Sarah’s mahogany hair and to hoist their daughter into his arms. Her name is Patricia.”
Norrington watched as Barclay nodded along to the information while he maintained a confused expression.
“Who is this?” Beckett demanded.
“Silence,” Norrington brought the point of his sword close to Beckett’s head.
“Lieutenant Stephen Hall has been courting a woman named Alice in Port Royal. Her father owns a bakery.”
It was Hall’s turn to nod along.
“Peter Murtogg had injured his back eight months ago. He occasionally wears a corset he had rigged to help with the pain. He may have invented the medical corset without even knowing it.”
Murtogg’s face turned completely pink. “How she know that? I never told anyone.”
“When Robert Mullroy first joined the marines he carried his favorite child hood toy, a small wooden soldier, with him for good luck. He no longer does that.”
Mullroy tried to make himself seem smaller. “Nobody knows that either.”
“Tell them about Beckett.” Norrington spoke into the box.
“Cutler Beckett wants to use the navy to take complete control of the seas. He wants to blackmail the king of England. He serves himself and not the king. He has been using everyone. Twelve years ago Jack Sparrow stabbed him in the scrotum. He had to have one of his testicles removed.”
“Miss Tam,” Norrington felt his own face flush from embarrassment. Women do not talk about the male anatomy in such an open way. “That will be enough. You did not have to tell them the last part.” He stared into the shocked expressions of the navy and down at Beckett who was red all over.
“Ha!” Sparrow laughed and pointed at Beckett. “I did stab ye down there. I guess I was a bit wrong about ye becoming a complete eunuch.”
“Captain,” River said. “You may come aboard.”
“Anyone else going to kill us?” Reynolds turned to the Royal Navy.
“They have to get through us,” Murtogg said as both he and Mullroy stood in between Reynolds’s crew and the rest of the officers. “Not just because of Beckett.”
“We owe Mr. Eavesdown for saving Murtogg’s life.”
“Well doctor it appears you no longer are able to alienate people,” Reynolds said as he and the rest of his crew slowly backed up towards the metal platform.
“I must be slipping,” Dr Tam said in a dead panned tone. “Thank you, but my real name is Dr. Simon Tam.”
Norrington waited until the crew of Serenity had completely boarded before he turned to
Barclay. “Commander or should I say Captain Barclay, you are in charge of this ship, until I return.”
“Yes sir,” Barclay nodded.
“Captain Sparrow.” Reynolds turned to the pirate as he walked past Norrington. “Best if you would join us.”
“Just one second,” Jack brought the tip of his sword against Beckett’s throat. “Don’t move or I may remove the second one.” He reached down into Beckett’s waistcoat and removed the familiar bag that contained the heart of Davy Jones.
“Make sure he receives some form treatment,” Norrington said as he pushed Beckett completely off and followed Sparrow inside the ship.
-
Barbossa was the last person to climb aboard The Black Pearl. He waited until the others; including Jayne had climbed up the side of the ship. He did not look back over his shoulder until he had heard the loud explosion.
The force of the blast was enough to cause a large wake that shook the ships closest to it, making it a bit difficult to climb. He watched the flames spread out and a large mass sink deep within the water. There were a few pieces of tentacles that flew from the ship.
“Thank you, Sao.” Barbossa said sadly.
-
Chapter32: Swordplay
-
“Fire the cannons,” Barbossa yelled at the top of his lungs. “Aim fer Jones if ye can see his disgusting face. Shoot it before they can summon the beastie.” He was careful in his choice of words. He wanted to tell them to take out the device they use to summon the kraken. That would have been foolish on his part. Barbossa wanted Jones to hear him. He wanted the cursed captain to believe that he was their main goal. If they had succeeded in destroying the device before the monster is summoned then their work was completed and wouldn’t have to sacrifice Sao Feng’s ship.
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Jayne said before he ran down the stairs back to the gun deck. The man moved with an excited spring in his step that reminded Barbossa of a child who was about to receive a new gift, or get to go on a trip.
“Fire as much as ye can,” Barbossa said. “Try not to waste too much powder.” He had ordered everyone to pour out all the gunpowder for the large explosion, but it was Sao who said when there was enough and the rest was used for the pistols and cannons.
“I am certain he remembers the plan,” Sao Feng said. The man had lost his forlorn expression and had squared his jaw in determination. The man was ready for the fight.
“Aye,” Barbossa nodded before he checked on the long boats. He had thought Cobb to be an idiot. The man from tomorrow was not quick-witted and a bit crude. He would have fit in with a pirate crew, a pity he was born in the future. Jayne was a genius when it came to guns and explosives and fighting. Barbossa had grown to respect the man while they were splicing the fuses on the deck below.
The longboats were ready to be lowered and filled with the crewmen to escape. There was at least a man or two next to each one, to watch and in case one of the Kraken’s tentacles would lurch over the side and crush it.
The sound of a few cannon balls whizzed through the air, crashing close to the Empress. One ball had met its target, causing the ship to shudder and Barbossa nearly lost his footing.
“That would be their triple cannons,” Barbossa remarked and smiled ruefully at a comment Jayne made when Barbossa and Sao Feng were talking about the weaponry of the Dutchman. He had to agree with the man. Why stop at just three?
“It’s time,” Sao stared out the enemy ship through his spyglass. “We nearly struck the wheel.”
Barbossa knew where Sao was going by the tone of his voice. “They have summoned the Kraken to attack us.”
-
Clang
Malcolm Reynolds blinked when the Beckett’s sword and Norrington’s struck against each other and he nearly flinched again when Norrington deflected the strike and brought his blade up again against Mercer’s. Mal had thought the commodore’s fancy sword was a fancy decoration, not quite fit for fighting. Then again Beckett’s blade was of a similar mold.
Norrington jumped back to dodge Mercer’s blade while he deflected another blow from Beckett’s blade.
It was hard to imagine someone like Beckett being able to fight. Mal had underestimated the man before. The man had a great influence over the trading company he was part of and had a strong hold over the British Navy and Port Royal, as well as Davy Jones. He shouldn’t be too surprised the twit could fight, at least with a sword.
Mercer bared his teeth ad the fighting grew even more intense. He dodged to the side while he made an attempt to strike at Norrington who blocked him.
Mal had no doubt’s about Mercer. Mal could sense the bridled aggression when he had first seen the man. He seemed to eager to carry out his boss’s orders when it came to killing. He reminded Mal of Jayne, if Jayne was a gentleman.
What really impressed him was Norrington’s skill. The man had to be a great fighter to earn his rank. There was no doubt about that. Still the amount of skill one received from training and experience one received over the years still doesn’t prepare for a two against one battle and Mal wasn’t sure how one would last.
Mal felt the hilt of his sword in his hand, and staring down he had seen he had already drawn it. He didn’t remember when. All he knew was that Norrington was going to need some help against the two people he was fighting with.
As soon as Mal had stepped onto the loading platform another figure leaped into the fray. Jack Sparrow crossed his blade against Mercer’s, leaving Mal just to stand in shock at the sight of them.
“Hello Beckett,” Jack disentangled his sword from Mercer’s and removed the hat he wore, allowing his hair, all of it in tangles and incomplete braids to tumble out. “Or should I call ye Becky?” Jack winked. “I kind of likes that name my new friend gave ye.”
New friend? Mal raised his eyebrows. “Friend?” He wasn’t certain if Jack was serious or not. Mal had considered him to be more of a necessary annoyance. He had to keep an on eye n the guy to keep him from blowing their cover. He didn’t stick by his side because he wanted to be his buddy.
“Sparrow,” Beckett brought up his sword in defense and turned to face the other two men. He thinned his eyes at the pirate.
“How long have you been here?” Norrington’s scowl matched Beckett’s. His disgusted expression was brief before Beckett turned to face him and they crossed their blades once more.
“A bit too long if ye ask me,” Jack grinned. He ducked back when Mercer came at him with his blade. “You are new.” He brought his blade against the assassin’s. “How long have you been working for him?”
Mal watched the display, wondering why no one else intervened or if Jack had stolen the heart or not. He needed to think of a plan. Something that would involve kicking Beckett of the loading platform and get his crew, along with Norrington and Sparrow inside, and he would have to come up with that something, right quick.
“Mal,” Inara shouted.
Malcolm turned in time to see Hamiton was coming straight for Norrington. Mal stepped in between them and brought his blade against the commander’s.
-
Barbossa held himself steady against the pile of explosive. His fingers brushed against the burlap material covering the pile. His eyes were on the sides of the ship, on the railing. Everyone had felt the force from below. The strong tentacles of the monster had slapped the bottom of the ship, giving everyone a good shake. Barbossa hadn’t remembered the beast doing that before, then again he wasn’t on a vessel that was attacked by the Kraken either.
“Fire at the tentacles,” Sao instructed. “Fire when you’re view is blocked by its suction cups.”
Barbossa stood back up. He had regained his sense of balance and was ready to fire his own pistols at the monsters. The small artillery shells would be more like bee stings compared to what had struck it before. He wished he had grenades, something that would cause the beast even more pain and for the first time since his resurrection he had wished Jacoby was alive and with him. That man had loved explosives even more than Cobb.
The ship shook slightly once more before the fat tips of the monster’s tendrils crept over the railing.
“Fire now!” Barbossa bellowed at the top of his lungs, followed by Sao shouting in Chinese.
Cannon fire followed and a few of the tentacles released their hold on the ship. The others crept across the deck, reaching for more victims to eat.
Barbossa fired his pistol at one that was inching to close to the explosives the slimy appendage twitched from the pain before it tried to reach for him again.
Sao Feng jumped onto the tentacles and swiped his claw against the flesh, digging in as deep as possible.
Barbossa jumped back, out of the way of the monster. He pulled out his sword and used and brought it down against the tentacle, near where Sao’s claw as cutting into the flesh.
A third pirate joined in; using the two blades he carried.
The tentacle bucked, flinging the men off. It recoiled, spilling out slime and blood from its fresh wounds before it grabbed the third pirate and dragged him away.
“It is time some of us get to safety,” Sao Feng said.
“Aye,” Barbossa nodded towards seven of the men. “Into one of the boats, set sail far the Pearl or the Haven.”
-
Don’t always swing from above like you are chopping wood. Swing from under, poke at your challenger, and swing the sword from side to side. Those were some of the directions Inara gave Malcolm. He remembered the lessons from when he fought against Atherton Wing and those brief and futile lessons after that bit with Miranda.
Commander Hamiton had received more lessons than Mal had and he fought with a ferocious intensity.
Mal was playing defense. He wasn’t even trying to attack his opponent. His main goal was just to keep himself from getting stabbed, with all the training he had. Even if he wanted to attack the other man it would have done him no good.
“Any one else who tries to attack my crew will be dead,” River’s voice came out through Serenity’s sound system. “I will blast you with a strategic thermal laser gun.”
Mal had wondered why she hadn’t made a grab for the radio sooner to try to sucker everyone. Then again it was a blur from the moment Norrington had pulled out his sword. The whole thing probably had only taken a few seconds.
“You don’t seem to know much about swords,” Hamiton sneered.
“Never claimed I did,” Mal said.
“What kind of soldier are you?” Hamiton’s fierce thrust removed Mal’s sword from his hands. “Can’t even handle a sword.”
“He may not,” Inara got in between Mal and the commander. She had sword in her hands, most likely it came from Kaylee’s hilt. “But I have been trained.” She swung her sword against Hamiton’s mimicking the same moves as Norrington and Sparrow, but unlike the men her moves had a bit more grace and it seemed like she was dancing.
“Well to answer your question. I’m the type of soldier with a crew I can depend on.” Mal retrieved his lost blade and after a second thought he left it on the deck. There were several better ways to fight and he should stick with what he knew.
-
Jayne grabbed the last of the cannon balls from his pile and slipped it into large weapon. It was just as well. There wasn’t even enough powder to cause him to sneeze. The handful he had left would have to be enough.
The floor tilted back, screwing around with Jayne’s balance. He nearly landed on his backside. “What’s with the floor?” He stared through the small window for the cannon, straight into the thick suckers of the monster. “Oh yeah.” Gorram monster was trying to push the boat over.
He nearly threw the powder inside the cannon and plunked the fuse in abruptly. “Aint taking me alive.” He brought the candle flame to the fuse. “Eat lead.”
The cannon ball plowed through the flesh, shearing off a few of the suckers and leaving a deep gouge in the monster’s limb. The beast had only flailed back briefly before it grabbed the ship again.
“You still want to play?” Jayne grabbed onto the handle of the larges pistol he carried. “Fine by me.”
“All on deck.” Barbossa’s shout came from the entrance at the top of the stairs. “Jayne ye can shoot yer guns at all the enemies ye want later. Don’t want to be wasting yer shots.”
He nearly had forgotten the plan. He glared at the tentacle before he ran up the stairs.
-
Jack Sparrow hadn’t thought of Cutler Beckett much in the past. After he was mutinied against and lost his ship the only thing he had thought about was trying to get his ship back. It was the sight of the English lord that brought the memories back, memories of how he had willingly done work for him, up until the slave trade surfaced. He remembered how Beckett smiled when he had placed the burning metal brand against Jack’s flesh and the smug tone in Beckett’s voice when he informed Jack of how ordered his ship to be set on fire.
It wasn’t long after that incident when Jack got his revenge on Beckett and made the deal with Jones for his ship to be retrieved, and shortly after that was when he became a true pirate.
What Jack didn’t remember was the man he was fighting against. Mal had informed him of the servant who favored dark clothing. After what Jack had done to Beckett it would make sense for the man to hire someone to not only be his personal servant, but also his own bodyguard.
The loud blast of a gun being fired caused both Jack and Beckett’s servant to turn in time to see Commander Hamiton fall over with a bleeding hole in his chest.
Malcolm Reynolds lowered his smoking weapon. His eyes were fixed into a glare as he stared at Hamiton’s corpse.
Jack tried to seize the opportunity to kill his opponent; only the man had jumped back in time to avoid being stabbed.
“I will have to admit ye are pretty good,” Jack said as the duel continued. Every time he was nearly able to pierce the other man’s flesh his opponent blocked. “Although I believe this isn’t why dear Beckett hired you.”
“He hired me because I get the job done,” his opponent answered.
“Of course,” Jack ducked and tired to stab the man again, only to be blocked. “With out question I would believe, and one without any form of a moral compass I believe. I wonder why he would do that. Maybe it’s because those who actually have a conscience tend to be not too pleased when they find out the true motivations behind Becky.”
“Enough.”
“Becky fits him, don’t you think?” Jack raised his eyebrows before he jumped back.
“I do not need any lessons about morals from a pirate.”
“Do you even wonder why I think that name fits him?”
Beckett’s assistant didn’t answer him.
“I was right he didn’t tell you. I can understand why. It isn’t something most men would like to brag about.”
Two more gunshots were heard, both after each other and both coming from the same direction.
“Gorram it,” Malcolm Reynolds grumbled.
“You don’t want to hit them,” the pretty girl in the soldier uniform said.
The bullets and discussion wasn’t enough to distract Jack’s opponent, but he did hear a gasp of pain coming from Beckett and Norrington’s direction and the gasp wasn’t deep enough to be the commodore’s.
“Course I want to hit em,” Malcolm said. “Why do you think I’m shooting at em?”
“I don’t mean Beckett,” the girl said. “You might hit the good guys.” This time a gasp came from her. “You did get Beckett.”
The servant was distracted, but only briefly. It was enough for Jack. He brought the point of his sword against his chest.
“The girl wasn’t lying,” Jack said. “I’m going to have word with Reynolds because I wanted to be the one that get’s him, but I will just have to take the satisfaction with you.” He shoved the blade even deeper.
“No, I didn’t get him,” Malcolm said. “That’s a stab wound.”
Jack didn’t watch the body of his enemy fall over. He sought out Beckett instead.
The lord was in kneeling crouch. His hand covered his side while blood seeped in through his fingers. He was wounded, but not dead yet. His blade was by his feet.
Norrington stood over him. His sword lowered, the end was stained with blood. His mouth was parted in disbelief, storm green eyes were wide.
“Well done mate,” Jack smiled at him, earning the familiar glare from the commodore. “Although I wanted to do that myself.”
-
Barbossa watched as the Kraken wrapped a tentacle around one of the masts of the Empress. It was nearly impossible to stay standing on the deck and there was only one long boat left.
“Everyone who is left, into the boat.” Sao Feng instructed.
“Not much folk left,” Jayne said. “There is just you, me, Barbossa, a monkey and three other guys.”
“And I want all of you into that boat,” Sao nearly snapped at him.
“Don’t need to get bitchy. I know you are about loose your boat. I’ll be upset to if I had to blow up my Vera, still don’t have to get on our backs.”
“Best if you stay quiet for now,” Barbossa grabbed Jayne’s shoulder and shoved him towards the direction of the long boat. “We’ll be boarding once Sao lights the fuse.”
“No,” Sao Feng shook his head. “I am staying behind.”
“You want to explode?” Jayne asked.
“I will light the fuse myself after I am certain you are all safe and then I will try to swim,” Sao instructed. “Now go.”
“It be best to honor his request.” Barbossa pulled Jayne to the railing and leaned down to pick up the long boat.
-
Norrington stared at the fresh crimson stain on the edge of his sword. He still couldn’t believe what he had just done. He had spilled the blood of a British Lord. A man who had the influence of the East India Trading Company and the respect of many great men in England, and he had cut into his flesh with his sword. James knew he was going to loose his reinstated position, not to mention he will loose his life. He didn’t even have to look at faces of Barclay, Hall and the others to know they were appalled by his recent action.
The only other option at the time was be stabbed himself, to be killed instantly. Then Beckett would have won and tried to take Serenity for himself, unless Reynolds and even possibly Sparrow stops him first.
James quickly got over his shock when he thought about the latter. He did not want Beckett to succeed, not when he knew what the man’s true intent was. James Norrington served the crown first. Beckett only served himself.
“Norrington,” Beckett sputtered between pain filled grunts. “I’ll see that you will hang for this.”
“I did not cut too deep,” Norrington said as he reached into his pocket for the strange little box River handed to him before he left the cockpit. “You may or may not survive. It depends on the skill of the doctor who treats you, albeit you may not receive the best medical care.”
“You should be more worried about your life,” Beckett glared before he turned to face the rest of the naval officers. “Bring me the ships doctors and take Norrington, Sparrow, Reynolds and his crew to the brig.”
“Commander Barclay doesn’t know about the true traitor to the crown.” Norrington examined the box in his hand. He was supposed to do something to reach River. He knew he was to speak into the area near the top that was covered in slotted grooves.
“Press the button on the side,” Reynolds said. He was tapping the side of his hand. “It’s the gray button and you speak into the top.”
“Thank you,” Norrington said before he pressed the smooth and cool button. “Miss Tam, let them know the truth.”
“Commander Thomas Barclay’s wife is named Sarah and they have been married for eight years.” River’s voice said. It was her voice and yet it sounded detached from her, must be because of the wiring of the sound system. She tried to explain how things worked “When he is on shore leave he looks forward to see the sunlight shine on Sarah’s mahogany hair and to hoist their daughter into his arms. Her name is Patricia.”
Norrington watched as Barclay nodded along to the information while he maintained a confused expression.
“Who is this?” Beckett demanded.
“Silence,” Norrington brought the point of his sword close to Beckett’s head.
“Lieutenant Stephen Hall has been courting a woman named Alice in Port Royal. Her father owns a bakery.”
It was Hall’s turn to nod along.
“Peter Murtogg had injured his back eight months ago. He occasionally wears a corset he had rigged to help with the pain. He may have invented the medical corset without even knowing it.”
Murtogg’s face turned completely pink. “How she know that? I never told anyone.”
“When Robert Mullroy first joined the marines he carried his favorite child hood toy, a small wooden soldier, with him for good luck. He no longer does that.”
Mullroy tried to make himself seem smaller. “Nobody knows that either.”
“Tell them about Beckett.” Norrington spoke into the box.
“Cutler Beckett wants to use the navy to take complete control of the seas. He wants to blackmail the king of England. He serves himself and not the king. He has been using everyone. Twelve years ago Jack Sparrow stabbed him in the scrotum. He had to have one of his testicles removed.”
“Miss Tam,” Norrington felt his own face flush from embarrassment. Women do not talk about the male anatomy in such an open way. “That will be enough. You did not have to tell them the last part.” He stared into the shocked expressions of the navy and down at Beckett who was red all over.
“Ha!” Sparrow laughed and pointed at Beckett. “I did stab ye down there. I guess I was a bit wrong about ye becoming a complete eunuch.”
“Captain,” River said. “You may come aboard.”
“Anyone else going to kill us?” Reynolds turned to the Royal Navy.
“They have to get through us,” Murtogg said as both he and Mullroy stood in between Reynolds’s crew and the rest of the officers. “Not just because of Beckett.”
“We owe Mr. Eavesdown for saving Murtogg’s life.”
“Well doctor it appears you no longer are able to alienate people,” Reynolds said as he and the rest of his crew slowly backed up towards the metal platform.
“I must be slipping,” Dr Tam said in a dead panned tone. “Thank you, but my real name is Dr. Simon Tam.”
Norrington waited until the crew of Serenity had completely boarded before he turned to
Barclay. “Commander or should I say Captain Barclay, you are in charge of this ship, until I return.”
“Yes sir,” Barclay nodded.
“Captain Sparrow.” Reynolds turned to the pirate as he walked past Norrington. “Best if you would join us.”
“Just one second,” Jack brought the tip of his sword against Beckett’s throat. “Don’t move or I may remove the second one.” He reached down into Beckett’s waistcoat and removed the familiar bag that contained the heart of Davy Jones.
“Make sure he receives some form treatment,” Norrington said as he pushed Beckett completely off and followed Sparrow inside the ship.
-
Barbossa was the last person to climb aboard The Black Pearl. He waited until the others; including Jayne had climbed up the side of the ship. He did not look back over his shoulder until he had heard the loud explosion.
The force of the blast was enough to cause a large wake that shook the ships closest to it, making it a bit difficult to climb. He watched the flames spread out and a large mass sink deep within the water. There were a few pieces of tentacles that flew from the ship.
“Thank you, Sao.” Barbossa said sadly.
-