Chapter 12: Captured
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Jack Sparrow studied the new crew that had climbed aboard and held Anamaria’s crew captive. There were at least three-dozen men, all from the area and by the way they dressed and appeared, and all were pirates. The styles of clothing were different, but they were as warn, unwashed and as battered as the rags his own crew wore. Some of the other crew wore unique head dressings. Some men had their heads shaven completely while there were others who had some hair left to gather into a braid. Many wore more jewelry than any pirate crew Jack had seen in the Caribbean.
The silent moment did not last long before everything happened at once.
“Elizabeth!” Will Turner shouted before he vaulted over the rail and withdrew his sword.
“Who are these people?” Anamaria asked. “And why are they on my ship.” She started to climb over and stopped when two of the enemy pirates pointed their swords at her. They were longer and more slender than the swords Jack was used to and had a bit of a curve at the end.
“When did these people arrive?” Gibbs asked.
Barbossa snorted. “I knew the wind felt a might bit wrong.”
Jack waited until the commotion died down. He tried not to roll his eyes at the sight of young Turner having to surrender. He knew that was going to happen. The boy was way too predictable. If the other ship was the ship that he thought then he was going to need all of his wits in order to deal with the captain.
“I know that look,” Barbossa hissed. “Ye got something in yer head that will get us out.”
“Gentlemen, welcome aboard my ship,” Jack called out and without waiting to hear any protest from Anamaria or for the other crew to react he climbed over the railing. “I didn’t know you were all going to come to see the return of Captain Jack Sparrow.” He pointed to himself. One pirate had already pointed their swords at him, swords that had a strange hook like end. “No, mate, not today. It’s not Thursday now is it?” He held out his hand. “Now I know ye may have traveled far, but this.” He gestured at several of the surrounding pirates with only his index figures. “This is not going to work now is it?”
“Jack,” Will was staring at him with a look of annoyance and shock. “What are you doing?” He nodded his head to Elizabeth’s direction.
Jack stared at Elizabeth. She was still in man’s clothing and she had a tall man with a tattooed face behind her. His sword was near her throat. He turned back to Will. “Giving the audience what it wants. What does it look like?”
“It looks like a foolish man who is about to get his crew killed,” another of the local pirates hobbled up. One leg was straight and did not bend from being held secure by several bands of iron. He got by easily on a wooden cane with the top carved into the head of a snake. “You haven’t changed, have you Jack Sparrow?” He asked once he was close enough to stare into Jack’s eyes. He kept his head wrapped in a tan scarf and wore a golden ring in his nose, passing through both nostrils.
“I believe we have that already established.” Jack studied the man. He knew he had seen the ship before and this man proved it. “Yan Hui?”
Yan Hui grinned briefly. “It has only been four years.”
Jack nodded. “What have you done to yourself?” Jack touched his nose and pointed to his head.
“A few changes.” He pointed to his leg. “This was not my doing.”
“Nor was it mine,” Jack folded his arms. “I know you and your captain are going to point out everything I have done but this is something you can’t blame me for, unless you injured yourself trying to look for me. People are always doing stupid things trying to hunt me down.” He slowly spun around. “Trying to sail through hurricanes and what not.” He paused when he was facing Gibbs, Anamaria and Barbossa. The three of them were still hanging on the sides. “Yan, could you lend us the courtesy mate.”
“Let them board,” Yan Hui nodded to the pirates near the railing. “Remove their weapons.”
“Jack,” Will called out to him. “What is going on?”
Jack raised his hand and stopped while making sure his own sword wasn’t removed. He tilted his head before he turned around to face Yan once more. “That is a good question. Another good question would be the whereabouts about your dearly beloved captain. Hmm?”
“He isn’t the captain?” Elizabeth asked. The pirate who held her captive lowered his sword. It was no longer against her neck. He had brought it next to her stomach.
“He isn’t the first mate either,” Barbossa said. “Unless that had also changed in the past twelve years.”
“Who is the captain?” Turner asked.
Jack heard the sound of heavy boots first; followed by a voice he hadn’t heard in over four years.
“That would be me.”
-
“This pardon is complete, Miss Tam,” James Norrington said as he rolled up the parchment he had written out days in advance. It had been a half hour since they docked and Norrington was due to meet with Beckett. His lieutenants and officers have already escorted the true prisoners to Fort Charles. “I have hoped you do not carry in grudges about your temporary stay in the brig.”
“You didn’t have much choice,” River told him. She stood before his desk, perfect posture. Her eyes staring around the room but the rest of her face was expressionless. “You were nearly injured in the tavern and a small fight broke out, mostly my fault, but you did what was necessary.”
It was amazing and how well she understood him, then again she can read his mind. “Reading minds do not mean understanding them,” he muttered.
“You understood without reading.”
“We have grown to know each other the past few days.” He held a candle over the rolled form, dripping the right amount of wax onto the center. “I will admit I will miss your company, Miss Tam.” He pressed the insignia of Commodore into the wax.
“You no longer have to use that,” River said.
He glanced up from the scroll. “Pardon?”
“Miss Tam. Formalities are used for when there are no familiarities. It is no longer applicable.”
“We have only known each other for a few days.”
“I did not count the number,” River said. “I lied I did, not I don’t think about it or will let you know. What we shared is beyond math and science. Emotions, feelings, being human.” She relaxed a bit. “I know you have told me more in the small amount of time than you have told others in your whole life.”
“I’m sure you haven’t told others what you have told me.”
James handed her the pardon. He could not think of one person he had confessed
to, besides his father. Whenever he left the sanctuary of his home or cabin he
would make sure the brand and scars were covered. Beckett knew about the brand,
and maybe about the scars, but he didn’t know how or why James became a pirate
in the first place.
“There is more I cannot say. You would not understand, no one here would understand and you would think I am more crazy than before.”
“You are not crazy,” James walked around from behind his desk. “Nor would I say you are insane. You are unbalanced and traumatized, but then who wouldn’t be if they had what happened to you happen to them?” If he had ever encountered the men responsible for River’s condition he would see they would be sent to the gallows right then and there.
“You are a good man. Others will see and know your heart.” She touched his chest. “You will not be broken forever.”
“Thank you, Miss Tam.” He smiled. “I will speak with Beckett and send note to be informed when the Haven makes port. I will then have someone escort you to your ship.”
“Can you be the escort?”
James had to smile again. “If you insist Miss Tam.”
“Formalities are no longer applicable, James.”
“I am sorry, Miss Tam. I will return as soon as I can. You will remain here until I do.”
“Beware the small man.”
“I will keep an eye out for him,” Norrington nodded on his way out.
-
Jack, along with everyone else turned at the sound of the newcomer’s voice. It belonged to a man close to Jack’s age and dressed in ragged near sleeveless top, over which he wore ornate chest armor. A pair of dark and lacquered boots covered his entire legs to just above his knees; the heels of the boots were made out of silver like metal. A band of orange cloth, woven into a braid encircled his head. He kept his hair cropped short; save for the bit he had styled into a slender braid so long that nearly reached the backs of his knees. He had wrapped the ends of his braid around a golden ring. A scrap of cloth was tied around one upper arm, ornate armor clothed the other. His right hand was dressed in a glove with no fingers. His left hand had as strange glove with metal plating and three long claw like extensions.
“Sao Feng,” Jack greeted in a tone that hoped Sao hadn’t noticed any possible lingering fears or even doubts. He commanded his brain to think of something right then and there. “Long time no see, mate.”
“Sparrow,” Sao Feng scowled. “Why shouldn’t I kill you on the spot right now?”
Jack stared at the sharp tips of Sao’s claw and tapped his fingers together. “Because it would be such a waste.” He signaled out several members of his crew. “Ye see everyone standing around? They sailed all the way here for just one thing, to bring me back from the dead, now it would put all their work to waste just to go and kill me again, savvy?”
“You were dead?” Sao asked.
“Well I didn’t feel dead,” Jack shrugged. “Then again you don’t feel when you are dead, except maybe cold.” He glanced over to Barbossa who smiled weakly and nodded.
“Who is the man who killed you before?” Sao lowered his arm.
“You wish to congratulate him?” Jack asked.
The Chinese pirate shook his head. “I wish to remove his liver from his body for robbing me of the task of killing you myself.” The corner of his mouth pulled into a smirk. “I should thank your crew for giving me a second chance.”
“How many other pirate captains have you angered?” Elizabeth asked.
Jack widened his eyes and pointed at himself before he sought out Barbossa and Anamaria. “I may have lost count, love.” He laughed weakly.
“Keep laughing.” Sao had drawn his own sword, a blade that started slender at the hilt but broadened to the point. “If you wish to die now.”
“There will be no laughing here,” He turned to his crew. “No laughing, all of you. I don’t want to hear any laughing from anyone.”
“No one is laughing,” Anamaria said.
“They can laugh all they want,” Sao paced around Sparrow. “I want you to be silent until I ask you to speak.”
Jack raised an eyebrow.
“You understand. Good. I do want to hear an explanation from you, Sparrow. I do enjoy listening to your stories. They are quite entertaining.”
“There may be a few inquiries for you to receive what ye desire old mate.”
“You may ask away, Sparrow. You might think you are stalling for time.”
“How did you know about-“ he fumbled trying to think of the best way to express himself. “This?”
“We didn’t know,” Yan Hui answered for him. “We saw an interesting looking ship and decided to follow it. When we saw the small crew we knew to it would be easy to overtake it.” He walked over to Anamaria. “We had no idea that in addition to a fine ship we would also find some fine women.” He turned to Elizabeth. “Very fine women.” He leered towards her direction.
“Don’t you even think about that.” Will Turner removed his sword form his captor’s grasp, ready to go after Hui. He was recaptured quickly.
“I suggest you do not try that again,” Hui got right into Turner’s face. “Unless you wish to become a eunuch.”
“A bit too late fer that one.” Jack said. “A bit sad when ye think about it.”
“Sparrow,” Feng’s voice had a cautioning tone. “Explain yourself.” He brought the tips of his claw near Jack’s chin.
“This is about your ship?” Jack asked and pointed towards the red sails of Sao’s ship. “I see you got her repaired since the last time.”
“You damaged his ship?” Anamaria asked.
Barbossa shook his head. “The Empress is about the same the same since I last saw her twelve years ago. Except her sails are different.”
Jack chuckled. “I burned those old sails.” He noticed the way both crews were staring at him. “They were black. You can’t have two ships with black sails. Besides, he looks better in red.”
“This isn’t about the sails,” Sao said.
“It isn’t?” Jack raised his eyebrows.
“It’s part of the reason, but not completely.”
Jack furrowed his brow trying to think of all the possible reasons. “That was the last thing that I’ve done since I saw ye last. This was before the sails.”
“You don’t even remember,” Sao’s voice grew lower. He pressed the claws deeper against Jack’s chin, just enough to draw blood.
“Perhaps if you would be as so kind to refresh my memory.” Jack tried not to flinch at the pain. “And so as to show as I am sorry for being a bit absent minded. I was dead about an hour ago and all that.” He removed the bottle of the Néctar Oscuro from under his vest jacket. “A little gift, eh?” He could hear the gasps from his crew and it did pain him if he had to part with it.
“You know I will not drink your swill.”
“This is not just any old rum,” Jack held up the bottle and tapped his fingers against the glass. “Notice how dark it is? It is that rich, been sleeping for a while to get that flavor and there are a few sweet things added to it. They only make this in Bermuda and you know what a pain it is to sail through that bloody triangle. To make this even more valuable it was used in order to bring me back.”
“You grabbed that and not the finger from your ship?” Elizabeth asked.
They tore something off from his ship. He turned to face the crew that rescued him. “What did you do to my ship?”
“Jack,” Sao’s voice grew more pleasant. That worried him a bit. “Perhaps I will accept your gift if I tasted it’s contents.”
“We can talk while we taste.” Jack nodded. “Perhaps in the captains cabin. If you don’t like the rum I’m sure there are some fine wines.”
“We are going to talk about what you have forgotten.”
“And you want to hear a story,” Jack pointed to him. “You said you like my stories and perhaps if you like what I say we can negotiate.” He leaned in close. “I can give you this ship and all the loot within it and perhaps a little bit more.” He nodded his head towards Elizabeth.
“Perhaps if I like your apology then we may as well negotiate.”
“Good, now just tell your men to lower their swords, mingle around and what not.”
“Sheath your weapons,” Sao commanded before he followed Jack into the captain’s cabin.
-
They have arrived and about gorram time. Malcolm had thanked Gavin before he began to step onto the plank that connected to the pier.
“Hopefully the doctor will be able to find his sister soon,” Gavin said as he followed Mal. “Port Royal is a pretty big and popular town. Hopefully she did not wander far from the docs.”
“That’s what I am hoping.” Why did River have to get off the boat in Tortuga? Mal had no idea; of course he never really has an idea of what is going on in her mind.
“Sir,” Zoe and half the crew appeared behind them. “Are we all getting off and looking?”
Mal shook his head. “We don’t need a whole search party, or group of search parties just yet. I just need you, the doc, and Gavin. Everyone else stay here.”
“I just hope people here don’t notice how we stand out,” Zoe told him.
“They may look.” Mal shrugged “Don’t have to worry about looks. We survived Tortuga, didn’t we?”
“This isn’t Tortuga,” Gavin cautioned, his eyebrows were raised as he nodded towards the dock master and his young servant. “People here care more about appearances.”
“One of those places,” Mal shrugged. “Well hopefully we won’t be here for long.”
“Wait a second,” the dock master got in between Mal and the docks and grabbed the book from the young servant’s hands.
“I get it,” Mal turned to him. “How much does it cost?”
“A shilling,” the man stared at him, Zoe, and Simon. “I am sorry sir, but your clothing is a bit odd, the same as him and her.” He nodded at Simon and Zoe. “Especially for her.”
“We like to travel in comfort,” Mal smiled. “Plan on picking up some new threads while we are here.” He pulled out a shilling and handed it to the man. “Will that be all?”
“You need to sign in your name here.”
“No problem for Miles Arixoen,” Mal said as he wrote down the name of the alias he used when breaking into the hospital on Ariel.
“Welcome to Port Royal, Mr. Arixoen,” The dock master said before he approached another pier where another ship was arriving.
“Busy day,” Malcolm said as they started out in their search for River.
One thing that Mal noticed as they walked around the docks was the abundance of soldiers, most were dressed in red jackets and white pants and there were others who donned a deep blue coat. He had to wonder how they could stay so comfortable under the dark clothing along with the lace and the brocade in the heat and humidity. Mal felt like he was going to sweat just looking at them, then again some asked how could he still wear his brown coat while he worked in certain hot conditions.
“Who are we going to ask first?”
“Maybe one these fine upstanding gentlemen,” Mal sought out two of soldiers, ignoring the protests from Zoe and Simon. “I hope I don’t cause much of a fuss, but could you help us out a bit.”
“Sorry sir, but we are in a bit of a hurry.” One of them said.
“A single question wouldn’t way us down,” the other gave his comrade a look before turning back to Mal. “What is it you need sir?”
“We are looking for a young girl around eighteen-“ Simon started before Mal cut him off.
“We are looking for Norrington and or the Intrepid.”
“Commodore Norrington is a very busy man,” the first soldier huffed.
“The Intrepid is closed off to civilians.” The second soldier said.
“We just want to know the location, not go and look at it.” Perhaps River would be within the vicinity.
“He already told you it’s closed off to civilians,” The first soldier said.
“Don’t let them get away.” A man’s voice from behind them shouted. “Clap them in irons.”
“What?” Man spun around to see another wig wearing soldier, this one in a blue jacket and several more in red and blue run up to them. He turned around to face the soldiers he was talking only to see they were aiming their bayonets at them.
“Sir, what are your orders?” Zoe asked, her hands were already reaching for her gun.
Mal surveyed the situation. Soldiers surrounded them; all were either aiming their bayonets or swords at them.
“Sir?” Zoe asked.
“You and I are the only ones armed,” Mal said and raised his hands. “What the hell is going on?”
“Are you Miles Arixoen?” The man in the blue coat asked.
“Well I go by that name at times,” Malcolm shrugged.
“Are you the captain of the Haven?” The same soldier asked.
“What is this about?”
“Arrest them.”
“Yes, commander Wilson.” Several soldiers lowered their weapons as they closed in on them.
“I hate this place,” Mal groaned as his arms were pulled down and heavy iron shackles were clapped onto his wrists.
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