Chapter 14: Distraction
-
The shackles were heavier than the handcuffs she was used to. They weighed down on her wrists, but that was not the important part to her. The critical and soldier part of her mind disapproved of the way they had her hands in front of her and not behind. She should be upset at the fact that she and the others were arrested, not because the soldiers had performed what she considered a rookie mistake.
“You can’t keep her from me!” Jayne Cobb shouted as he was dragged out of what Zoe believed to be Beckett’s office. “I aint gonna be your stooge.” The mercenary pulled away from the men and nearly ran back inside. “I’m still talking here you little pecker.”
“Jayne,” Zoe called to him. “Your mouth.”
“That balless twit has Vera.” Jayne said when he caught sight of her. “He’s got Vera.”
“This isn’t going to get her back.” She watched as they dragged him away.
“I don’t see you with a plan.” He was right. She didn’t have a plan. She knew Mal would think of something, but if he didn’t then she would have to try.
“He is ready for you,” the same rat faced man who was there when they were arrested had stuck his head out of the office.
“I am ready for him,” Zoe answered as she felt prodded forward.
The office wasn’t anything to spectacular. There were fine wooden desks and tables, and bookcases, ornate rugs covered the floor and there were a few artistically designed chairs with plush cushions. What grabbed her eyes was the large map on one side of the wall. She had not seen many maps of Earth that Was. She was certain what she had seen was not correct.
“You must be Zoe Washburne,” the man seated behind the desk said. Jayne was right. He didn’t seem to be of mentionable height and the chair he sat at made him appear even smaller.
“That is me,” Zoe glared at the guards on each side of her. “May I ask what this is about?”
Beckett pointed to one of the guns on the desk. “We know where or should I say when you are from.”
“I didn’t know traveling through time was considered a crime.”
“No, but harboring a pirate is,” Beckett answered. “However considering your situation we might make an exception on account you agree to my request.”
“I don’t even know what your request is and I still say no.”
Beckett smiled weakly. “You do not understand the consequences. Refusal to assist the East India Company for your crime could send you to an early grave.”
“I believe my captain and Jayne had refused.”
“You do not have to agree with them. Sign a contract and every member of your crew shall be spared. We will even help you return to your own time so you can mourn by your husband’s grave.”
Zoe narrowed her eyes. Beckett had struck a nerve. “I still agree with my captain.”
“Surely you can think for yourself.”
“Your right.” She smiled. “I can.” She stomped on the foot of the man to her left and swung to face the man on the right and brought up her fists under his jaw. She ran straight towards Beckett, only stopping when she saw the blade being wielded by his servant.
“Not a smart move, girl,” Mercer said.
“Clearly we are not going to get anywhere with this one,” Beckett sighed. “Take her away.”
-
Jack Sparrow stared, wide eyed, and at the red ornate fans pressed against his mid section. They were far different from the fans used in the west, no lace or ribbons. He had seen the type before, constructed out of a paper like substance or fine silk and painted with precision. The fans wielded by his assailant were decorated with fine black images of flames, flowers and fancy birds, but these were made out of metal and the ends were sharp.
“What do you have to say for yourself, Jack Sparrow?” The woman, Lady Phoenix, asked.
“One thing I need to ask is where did you get these?” He tapped at the top fan with his finger. “I don’t remember seeing these in that little hut of yours.”
“Sao wishes that I am protected,” Lady Phoenix hissed into his ear. “He has taught me many things.”
“He truly does care for you,” Jack said before he inhaled and sucked in his stomach before he dropped down to the ground and rolled away. He drew his sword the second he stood up. He made sure Sao’s men did not take that away. “More than I have seen from any pirate care about their women, you must be a real prize at that.”
“He treats me like a fragile doll.” She had not changed much the last time he had seen her. Her red dress was not as long before and had a slit up the side but it still ended in the orange featherlike fringes, the same as her short sleeves that barely covered more than a shoulder. She wore her hair different, into two buns on the top of her head and had them encircled in golden bands with two metal feathers apiece. She had lost her fake tail feathers and opted for an orange silk sash to use as a belt instead. “And uses me as a weapon.”
“I think he has plenty of that already,” Jack said, thinking of Sao’s claw and sword and his ship and crew. “Unless you are really that good, which would add to your great many display of talents, fortune telling, dancing, cooking, tea making, kissing.”
“And loving making,” she answered, her voice going as soft as silk.
“Ah, ah, uh-uh.” Jack held up a finger. “That I wouldn’t know anything about. There was nothing beyond the kissing and you were the one who kissed me.”
“And you enjoyed it.”
He sighed. “I may be dishonest about many things but that is one thing I refuse to be dishonest about, but nothing beyond that.”
“I offered you my bed and you refused.” Her eyes were fueled with a fiery anger as she charged for him.
“Now,” Jack swung up his sword as one fan came down. “Lady Phoenix.” He backhanded the other one. “Love.” He jumped back and swung his blade, this time trying to disarm her. She blocked his attack. “Obsession is a scary thing, especially when it’s possessed by a woman.”
She swung at him with her other blade, which he nearly missed blocking. “I will teach you a lesson. It is always foolish to jilt a skilled woman.”
“Is that what you told Sao?”
She smiled. “I just told him you had hurt me, and that was enough.”
“And he thinks I have violated you.” He danced backwards, away with her while still keeping his sword pointed at her. “Just because you shed a fear tears and said a few words.”
“I said he treats me like a fragile doll.” She ran towards him, ready to strike.
Jack brought his sword down; the blade came in contact with both fans at once. “Is it too late to accept your offer, Da-Xia?” He knew the first part wouldn’t throw her off, not until he used her real name. It did. The second her eyes widened and limbs went lax he brought his blade down at full force and brought up sharply, disarming her of one of her blades before he jumped back and raced for the door.
She shouted a few sharp words before she threw her other blade at him. This times it he didn’t dodge and winced when the fan grazed his arm. The pain was enough for him to drop his sword briefly.
Lady Phoenix cried out again and lunged her self at him, tackling him to the ground before he could grab his sword again.
“This would be the bad time to talk?” Jack asked.
“This would be a good time to die.”
“Because I wouldn’t share a bed with you?” Jack blinked. “I have explained why. I respect Sao Feng too much. Tis the reason why I only burned his sails and not his whole ship. A pirate of honor never sleeps with the favored mistress of another pirate he respects, even if my take on honor is a little bit dishonorable.” He noticed the way she was looking at him. Her eyes were wide, but not out of anger. “Well there is more, but that is the first reason.”
“You don’t know?” She blinked. “I am not Sao Feng’s mistress. He’s my brother.”
“Oh,” Jack said before the realization really hit him. “Oh!”
-
James Norrington was not in the best mood when he was called to meet with Cutler Beckett. He had learned of how the crew of the Haven had been taken to Fort Charles; everyone, including the captain had been placed under arrest. He didn’t have the heart to tell River, but he had to. She would have known any way with her ability and she liked it better when he told her with his own mouth. He promised he was going to try and straighten things out.
“Commodore, Norrington,” Beckett was standing in front of his desk when he had arrived. “Are you ready to leave the ports once more?”
“I have received news that you had the crew of the Haven arrested.”
“You didn’t answer the question,” Beckett folded his arms across his chest. “Are you ready to leave Port Royal?”
“I am ready, my ship isn’t.” The Intrepid needed more maintenance done and the crew needed some time off to visit their families. “Perhaps another day or two.”
“Perhaps it should leave at dawn tomorrow.” Beckett stared into his eyes. “Time is not negotiable when we are dealing with a threat such as pirates.”
“And when we have them all behind bars, branded and ready for the gallows what then?” Norrington knew he shouldn’t get on Beckett’s bad side, but he had to question the lord’s motives. “What will you do with Jones?”
“He is of my responsibility and none of your concern.”
Norrington nodded. “Should the fate of the crew of The Haven also not be of my concern?”
“That is correct,” Beckett answered through clenched teeth. “They were harboring a pirate, a crime similar to you allowing a certain pirate a day’s head start.” He walked around his office.
“And you will offer them a chance to redeem themselves in the same way I have?”
“Of course,” Beckett smiled briefly before he turned to face the window. “Everyone has a price they are willing to accept. No matter what.”
“No matter what,” Norrington had closed in on Beckett’s desk; his eyes were on the strange weaponry displayed on one of the side tables. Did they belong to the crew of The Haven? He saw a couple of small pieces of paper, covered in writing and with pictures in the upper left corner. “I am certain Mr. Turner and Miss Swann are also searching for something to pay you off.” He stared at the picture of the man named Malcolm Reynolds and the information under it. The birth date can’t be right, it just couldn’t be right Then again it would explain the weapons, the surgery that was done to River and the date she used in the dream, but still. They were from the future?
“Your fine work and what Mr. Swann had given me is enough,” Beckett continued to stare out the window. “However there are rumors they have gone traipsing off in a pirate ship, heading to the Far East.”
“They may be looking for something to bargain with,” Norrington stepped away from the desk. He still couldn’t believe what he had seen; surely it was a mere fabrication. A part of his mind was telling him to believe it.
“They may as well be trying to find Sparrow’s corpse so they could give me the compass.” Beckett turned away from the window. “Your next assignment is to try to find them. Arrest as many pirates you can find on the way, but try to keep The Intrepid’s brig empty.”
“I will make the final preparations,” Norrington said on his way out.
-
Lady Phoenix relaxed her grip and sat back. “You thought I was his mistress?”
“Forgive me if I am not good with math.” Jack sheathed his sword, trying to ignore the pain from the bleeding cut on his arm. “I only put what I thought was two and two together. There was what you claimed to be your little side business and,” he breathed in. “There is no family resemblance. You are breath taking to the eyes and your brother isn’t, no offence on the insult to the family is there?”
“My brother is a powerfully ugly creature,” she seemed to relax. Jack hoped she got the battle lust out of her system. “I am still not pleased with you.”
“I knew you wouldn’t be and let me tell you the other reason. If I had shared a bed with you then you would have been in pain that is far worse from than what you are feeling right now.”
“You believe I have exchanged my body for coin.”
“No. You thought that I thought you were paid for pleasure.”
“You thought I was Sao’s mistress.”
“Personal, I thought you were his personal mistress, which led me to believe you were seeking something more with me, something I couldn’t provide and that is what would end up hurting you more.”
She studied him; her expression had softened. “Why didn’t you tell me this four years ago?”
“I had to get away from your brother. I met you before I burned his sails and then you tried to lure me to your bed when I was trying to get away.”
She nodded. “How are you going to get away from him this time?”
“I was going to damage the rudder chain and provide a distraction that would enable my crew to force his crew off, that was until I was attacked by you and now it was foolish thing for me to tell you my original plans.”
“Where is he?”
“I got him drunk.” Jack smiled.
Her smile matched his. “You have plenty of time. Go and take care of the chain and I will provide the distraction.”
Jack just stared at her. “You must really be angry with your brother.”
“I have told you he uses me as a weapon.” She retrieved one of her metal fans and folded it. “He threatens all who he attacks with the ‘Dragon Lady’ on his ship.” She pointed to herself. “How dare he. He knows I am not fond of dragons.”
“You are not a dragon. You are a phoenix.”
“Feng is the male phoenix. He dishonors our family name by trying to make me into something else. I will tell him the truth about us, Jack. Until he respects my desires I will perform such actions.”
“Thank you, darling.” He took her hand and placed a kiss upon it. “Now if you don’t mind I have to be off and get my real ship so I can go and kill the man who killed me.” He paused at the doorway and noticed her expression. “Long story. Brush up on Davy Jones while I’m gone.”
_
The constant whistling annoyed Mal and it wasn’t the whistling itself per say, but it was who was doing the whistling and whom they were whistling at. He stared at the cell next his where the female members of his crew were and the ones on the other side of theirs where men were trying to lure the ladies closer to the bars. Inara held Kaylee close to her while both Zoe and Gusty glared at the men. The freckled woman had her fingers curled into fists, ready for a fight.
“How are we going to get out of this?” Mal sighed as he tapped the bars with his fingers.
“That went well,” Jayne said from where he was seated in corner of their cell. He had his arms wrapped around his knees. “Looks like no one took his offer.”
“I can say I’m proud of everyone,” Mal stared at those who shared the jail with him. Besides Jayne, there was Simon and Gavin.
“I’m sorry Cap’n,” Whistler said from the cell on the other side. He stared down at his wrist. “I should have told you sooner.”
“Not your fault, son,” Malcolm told him.
“What do you mean, not his fault?” Jayne looked up.
“Well not completely. How did you get that anyway?”
“I was on a pirate crew once.” Whistler explained, “and only once. Tried to find honest work since the branding and tried to keep it covered.”
Mal nodded. “Can’t find any fault in that.”
“Little bastard took away my Vera,” Jayne moaned and buried his head again.
“Oh,” Kaylee said in sympathy.
“He took all our weapons,” Zoe said. “He took everything.”
“He didn’t take Doctor Tam’s medicine,” Jarvis said. “Or Miss Frye’s tool box. I didn’t see any of the soldiers carry them when they took us away.”
“That’s one less thing we have to worry about,” Mal leaned his head against the bars.
“That Beckett guy just kept staring at me while I explained my job,” Kaylee said. “All while I was talking about compression coils and photon reaction drives. When I finished he was just frozen. His eyes didn’t blink for a full minute. I think I broke his brain.”
“Good,” Jayne grunted. “As long as someone breaks a body part of his.”
“River,” Simon tried to stare towards the direction of the entrance. “Who knows where she is.”
“Wouldn’t have to worry about her if she stayed on the ship,” Jayne said.
“Now is not the time to blame her,” Simon turned to look at him.
“When is the time?” Jayne rose to his feet. “After they hang us.”
“They won’t hang us. They need us to use our weapons and tools. His threat is just a scare tactic.”
“Still want to know when is a good time to blame that genius sister of yours. If she stayed on the ship we wouldn’t be here.”
“And if you hadn’t touched Jonas’s machine we would still be back in our time,” Mal said.
“Malcolm,” Inara cautioned, but Mal choose to ignore her.
“You are not going to start that again,” Jayne said.
Mal clenched his fists. “Did I hear an order fall out of your mouth?”
“Don’t start.”
“That sounded like an order to me,” Mal had enough. Everything had gone wrong since they were sent back to the 18th century. “Nothing has been going right since we arrived on that gorram beach. Do not blame the girl. This is your fault. This is your entire fault. If you kept your paws off the crate we wouldn’t be here.”
“And the voodoo lady said it’s not all my fault.”
“It is partially your fault.” Malcolm got close to Jayne’s face. He could feel the air being breathed through Jayne’s flaring nostrils. “Well it’s mostly your fault and whoever shares the blame is not here right now. Do not blame the girl.”
“You want to take me out?” Jayne shoved him back.
Malcolm stood silent for a few seconds before his fist shot forward and struck Jayne in the jaw. Several of the other prisoners had run as close as the bars would allow them. The leering groups had stopped their whistling
“Mow,” the mercenary covered his face. “You want to have a go at me? Fine.” He swung at Malcolm with his own fists.
Mal ducked and swung at Jayne only to have his fist collide against Jayne’s. The other prisoners were cheering them on, shaking their fists.
“Best to stand back for this,” Simon said before he pulled Gavin back with him against the wall.
Jayne struck a blow into Mal’s arm. The captain retaliated with a kick to Jayne’s shin.
“That’s right. Lets just take our fists and start banging away at each other,” Inara said as Mal managed to block one of Jayne’s blows, but received another near his nose.
“I told you not to start with me.” Jayne said.
“I’m just carrying out what everyone wants to do.” Mal answered before he got another hit on Jayne’s cheek. “Doc is too much of a gentleman and the gals have another set of bars separating us.”
“Is that true?” Jayne turned to the women. Kaylee smiled weakly, Inara rolled her eyes before she nodded once.
“If I were in there I’d be holding your arms back,” Zoe told him
“If you are quite through,” a stranger near the entrance addressed them. “It would be hard to have a civilized conversation if you carried on in that way.”
Mal blinked at the deep voice and noticed the way the other prisoners had slunk back into their cells. He turned to the end of the hall where another naval officer stood. He wore a blue jacket, not red, and his uniform had more bits of golden flair than the others. The top of his hat was trimmed in a white feathery fringe.
“Who is this guy?” Jayne muttered. “He looks like a seven layer wedding cake topped with ice cream.”
“That is the uniform of a commodore,” Gavin said in awe.
“This is Commodore Norrington?” Mal asked.
The commodore approached them. “Which one of you is Captain Reynolds?”
“That would be me,” Mal answered.
“Ah yes,” Norrington smiled politely for a second. “The bloody nose keeps you from matching the image.”
“You have seen our papers?” Mal asked. This was the guy who took River. He didn’t seem that impressive.
“Have you seen my Vera?” Jayne asked.
“Where is River?” Simon rushed to the bars.
“You must be Doctor Tam,” Norrington nodded at him. “Miss Tam is quite safe and worried about all of you.”
“You can make her not worried and let us out,” Jayne said.
“Afraid I can’t do that. You are to remain here for as long as Lord Beckett wishes to keep you. Do not worry about the young lady. Miss Tam is under my protectorate. I will not allow anything to ever happen to her.”
“Your just another puppet,” Mal said. Norrington was just like every other Alliance stooge he had come across. “Don’t question whether something is right or wrong, just do what the higher ups say.”
“Cleary the right thing to do is prepare my ship for another mission,” Norrington scowled at him. “I have requested your items to be taken aboard. They may come as some use. Afterwards I will try to plead on your behalf.” He held out his hand.
Mal glared at it until he caught Norrington’s eyes. He was certain the commodore had winked at him. “I guess there is not much else we can do.” He accepted Norrington’s hand.
“No. We cannot discuss this further.” Norrington slid his arm down further into Mal’s sleeve until the ends of their coats connected. “I will only be speaking with uniformed soldiers and serving maids on my ship.” He shook and Mal felt something long and cold slide down from Norrington’s sleeve down his own.
“You have a good trip you ass kissing son of a bitch,” Mal winked back at the naval officer.
“Sorry I couldn’t help any more.” He turned to leave.
“Frilly turd,” Jayne said. “Why did you go and shake his hand for?”
“I have my reasons.” Mal stared down his sleeve to see what Norrington had given him. It was a long knife.
-
“That was the easy part,” Jack said as he climbed up The Empress’s side. The rudder chain had been sabotaged and he was ready to find a way back to the other ship. He just had to wait for the distraction. He had no idea what Lady Phoenix had in mind. He would have done something like a fire.
There was hardly any one on deck. It made it nice and easy to sneak up to the foremast and be able to scale it. He just had to duck behind a few objects when one of the few crewmembers came to close.
He had managed to climb all the way to the bottom sail when he noticed the smoke. Several plumes of smoke had escaped through the windows.
“Well, why have one fire when you can have several?” Jack chuckled while he waited for everyone on the Luna Ghost to notice.