Rynn, I also miss Wash.
Chapter 28: Serenity
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Jack Sparrow could understand why Malcolm Reynolds insisted on being near him at all times. The other captain wanted to return back to his century more than anything and Jack couldn’t blame him. Who wouldn’t want to sail the stars from planet to planet, have pistols that did not constantly have to be reloaded with both shots and powder, to communicate with other people through special windows? It was something Jack would have loved to see and visit, although he wouldn’t want to live in that time.
Jack tried to follow Mal’s lead and he did that by pretending he was the commodore himself, walk like he had a stick up his back. Speak with a precise enunciation; lay off the rum in all forms. Jack was tempted to sip some of the grog the other naval officers drank now and then. He had to think of the mission at first, except he was wondering how long it was going to take for Malcolm to take him to Beckett.
“You’re thinking about guzzling down some of that watered down crap again, aint ya?” Malcolm asked, using his strange and yet natural accent of his. Jack preferred it when Mal was being true to himself. He liked him better when he was in his relaxed attitude. When Mal switched into Royal Naval officer mode he was too much like Norrington.
“Just one little sip, mate,” Jack raised a finger. “Don’t lie and say that you haven’t been tempted yerself.”
Mal pursed his lips and shook his head. “Naw. I’m not interested in unregulated poisons.”
Jack could tell he was in denial. “There is a spark of curiosity about you. You are wondering what it would be like.”
“It’s just a gorram drink.” Mal rolled his eyes.
Any more on the matter was left hanging on Jack’s tongue when he heard someone running towards them. He straightened his spine and tried to appear as serious as possible.
“Mr. Cobb what is it?” Malcolm recognized the soldier.
“The Flying Dutchman has returned,” Cobb answered in a somber tone causing both Mal and Jack to blink and Jack was sure Mal shuddered.
“Where is she?” Malcolm asked. “Has Jones himself appeared on deck?
Cobb shook his head. “She is on the starboard side of the Gallant. Commander Barclay had seen Jones speak with Beckett through his spyglass.”
“Any sign the might come over here?” Jack asked.
“There is no sign,” Cobb said. “Both Lieutenant Hall and Commander Barclay want you on the upper deck, Mr. Core.”
“Thank you,” Mal said. “Mr. Jackson you are with me.”
“Yes sir,” Jack nodded and followed Mal up the stairs.
There were several officers on deck, yet it wasn’t too crowded. Jack was able to find Barclay along with Mal.
“Mr. Core,” Commander Barclay smiled weakly at him and Mr-“
“Jackson,” Jack introduced himself, trying his hardest to speak properly.
“He was sent over from The Monarch,” Mal explained.
Both commander Barclay and Lieutenant Hall nodded.
“May I request the knowledge of why you sent for me?”
“We want all lieutenants and future lieutenants on deck,” Hall explained before he stared out at the Dutchman and the ship with the EITC flag.
Jack smirked at the mention of Mal climbing the Navy Ladder and caught Mal’s eye. Malcolm just glared at him. Jack lost his amused look.
“It appears the Gallant is shifting direction,” Hall stared at the ship through his spyglass. “I believe it’s heading this way sir.”
Jack felt himself bristle. If that was the ship that carried Beckett then it was bad, not as bad as the Dutchman coming his way, but it was still bad for him and Malcolm. Becket hadn’t seen Jack in a few years. He might not have recognized Jack right away, or course Jones might not recognize Jack either. He did shave off his facial hair, wash away the bootblack from his eyes, and wash and unbraid his hair the best that he could before he tied it back.
Then again he did want to find the little bugger so he could think of a way to get the heart back. That was the reason why he shaved, bathed and asked Lizzie to fetch him the uniform.
“Perhaps we will have the news Norrington wanted to hear,” Barclay said. “Blast that man for not waiting for the commodore.”
Well what was this? Jack raised his eyebrows at the tone of Barclay’s voice. It sounds like the Royal Navy dislikes being leashed by Beckett as well. He glanced over to Hall and could see the lieutenant’s expression was the same as the commander’s. There were a few other lieutenants who also seemed to be just as displeased.
“He will return,” Mal said. He was confident, a bit too confident.
Hall nodded. “We shouldn’t underestimate Norrington.”
The Gallant pulled up and stared itself around till it was almost brushing against the side of the Intrepid. Jack could see Cutler Beckett along with another man and several soldiers. Beckett seemed even smaller than last time he had seen him. He continued to watch as a gangplank was placed, connecting the two ships and Beckett and the man in black walked across. Jack turned away when both men stepped onto the Intrepid’s deck.
“Lord Beckett,” Barclay greeted the man. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”
“You can drop the pretense,” Beckett said dryly. “I know everyone has seen Jones’s ship.” That was the voice, Sparrow had almost forgotten. The smaller man was still full of himself as usual.
“It is quite hard to miss, sir.”
“Indeed.”
Jack tried not to stare just too much. He did catch a glance of Beckett. The man did smile weakly at the commander.
“What news does Captain Jones bring to you?” Lieutenant Hall spoke up.
“He has seen the Black Pearl,” Beckett almost sounded amused. “It seems the ship wasn’t brought to the ocean floor and if it had then it has been raised again.”
“And you would want us to destroy it and arrest everyone aboard?” Commander Barclay asked.
“Do not interrupt,” Beckett’s servant said.
“I am sorry sir.”
“There are more ships besides the Pearl,” Beckett continued. “It appears the pirates have formed their own fleet.”
Not all of them were pirates, but then in Beckett’s mind, everyone and anyone who opposes him just happens to be a pirate.
“A fleet?” Barclay repeated. “Are you telling me these scoundrels are able to organize themselves in order to form a fleet.”
“That is what Jones have told me, and Jones knows what is at stake if he proves himself to be dishonest.”
Jack glanced at the lord again and swore he saw Beckett pat his jacket. So that was where he kept the heart. Jack had to come up with some idea to get the heart back from him.
“Where is the fleet heading?” Hall asked.
“This way,” Beckett’s servant answered. “Right into our hands.”
“If it’s a battle they want it will be a battle they will receive,” Barclay said in a tone Jack could not quite place. It sounded like pride, triumph. He didn’t know for sure. Later he would describe it as the voice of a soldier ready for battle.
“Shouldn’t we wait for Norrington?” Hall asked.
“He will catch up from whatever his mission is,” Beckett said. “In the meantime it will be us and Jones and Jones’s pet.”
“No,” Barclay’s voice was firm and Jack turned to see the commander shake his head. “We will do this the way of the Royal Navy. We do not need that monster.”
“We want to make certain that we succeed.” Beckett said.
“And I prefer to succeed the honest way.”
“Destroying piracy of at all costs is the honest way. We will proceed as usual. I have met with commander Hamiton on the Aristotle. He will return and he will be in charge of The Intrepid until Norrington returns.” There was a bit of an ominous tone to his voice when he mentioned the commodore’s name.
“Yes sir,” Barclay nearly spat out his words.
“It would be best for you to learn to respect people like me,” Beckett said before he turned on his heel.
Jack glanced up at Malcolm. The other disguised captain had the same expression as Barclay, Hall and the other naval officers.
“Mr. Core and Mr. Jackson,” Lieutenant Hall turned to them. “Follow me.”
Jack didn’t even look back at Beckett and followed after Mal and the lieutenant. He hoped his fleet would be able to take on Beckett’s fleet. He didn’t have to worry too much, most of his crew and the others were as crazy as he was.
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“So this is it,” James Norrington said as the longboat came into contact with the small black island. “This is where we will find her.” He felt a bit of relief and comfort when they had first seen the island in the distance. He didn’t even need to look at the compass to know that was where they were heading towards the dark rock.
“Inside,” River pointed to a tall and narrow cave entrance while holding the compass in the other hand. “She’s inside.”
“I do wonder how someone managed to get this ship of yours in there,” James said as he tied down the long boat. Something in the back of his mind told him there was no reason to even bother.
River didn’t respond. She walked slowly towards the cave entrance, almost as if she were drawn to it.
“Miss Tam?” James felt his hand fly to the hilt of his sword. They had no idea what else might be in there. The entrance was not very dark. There had to be at least a large hole on the top of the rock, near the entrance, where sunlight came through
She continued to ignore him as she stepped towards the entrance.
“Wait,” he ran after her and caught up before she fully entered
“Can’t wait.” She went inside first.
The light was easily explained. The cave had no ceiling and the only walls were the outer stone walls of the structure.
James did not ponder the cave once he saw what was in it. He couldn’t quite explain what he saw. It looked like a giant animal, made out of metal and stood on short, squat legs. It had a large body; the mid section was the tallest part with a bulging abdomen ending in a curved point at one end and an angular head at the other. He had wondered if the Trojan horse resembled the metal marvel that stood before him.
He had no idea he was walking towards it until he was close enough to see the image on the side of its thick neck. It was the same image he had seen in the dream he had before he even met River. The Chinese writing was the same as what was on the piece of paper River handed to him in the dream and after River corrected his drawings. There was also the ship’s name in English.
“Serenity,” he whispered her name. He had no words to exactly describe her. There were no words in the English language that could capture what was on his mind. “She’s amazing.”
“This way,” River said before she skipped up the gangplank. He had been too focused on the ships head. “Come on.”
She wanted him to step aboard. His heartbeat increased and he felt a tingle surge through out his body. He had no idea what to expect what was inside.
He closed his eyes when he took his first step inside the ship and smiled at the echo from his shoe striking against the metal floor. He opened his eyes as he continued into the spacious area. There was enough room for few families to live in the area he stood in.
“This was where I woke up,” River smiled. “There were cows here and we play games here.” She pointed to the metal staircases and the scaffolding. “Kaylee chased me because I took her apple.”
“I have no words.” James was surprised he could even work his mouth.
“My brother makes us better there.” She pointed to the room with large windows. “Good place to read and where I sleep.” Her finger pointed past the room. “Simon doesn’t sleep much there now.”
He didn’t know how long he was staring at where she was pointing. He knew it had to have been too long for her when he felt her hand grab his.
“This way,” she pulled him up the stairs.
“Easy Miss Tam,” He caught up with himself as they climbed the stairs. “I’m feeling a bit over whelmed and I want to watch my step.”
“You love her,” River beamed and pointed in another direction. “Inara’s shuttle.”
“How can anyone not love her?”
He was in a daze as they continued their way through the ship. He paused when he was in a room that he could easily identify with. There was a wooden table and several chairs. There were strange table like surfaces on the opposite ends and he was certain he may have seen a stove.
“This is where we eat,” River said.
He nodded and pointed to a round area in one corner of the room. “What is that?”
“That is where we sit when there is a lot of turbulence,” She tried to explain. “Rough waters.”
“Ah,” he examined the flowers that were painted onto parts of the room.
“Kaylee painted them.”
“I thought it would be her, or Miss Serra.” He continued to follow her.
“The other’s sleep here,” River said when they entered another corridor. She pointed at the slotted metal doors. “Push them open and climb down.”
He paused by one door that was framed by wires and tiny bits of crystal. Kaylee’s was painted across the center. “This must belong to Miss Frye.”
“Simon will official share it soon.”
James nodded. “You will be alone down there.”
She shrugged. “We are almost done.” She ran to the end and climbed up the steps.
James followed after her and stepped into a room that completely baffled him. There were two chairs and metal desks covered with square and round pieces of glass and painted metal. There was more covering the sides of the room and above the windows.
“This is the helm. This is where we fly.”
“She can fly,” he had nearly forgotten Serenity could fly.
“You will fall if you don’t sit and strap yourself in,” River took one of the seats.
“We are going to fly it now? I am going to be inside when she flies?”
She nodded. “I know you want to and you know we have too.”
He was going to fly. He, Commodore James Norrington was going to fly over the ocean instead of sail across it. He didn’t know what to think or say. Instead he picked up one of the strange figurines that were placed across the desk. It looked like some sort of lizard and made out of a substance that was smooth as glass. It had a row of pointed ridges across it’s back.
“The dinosaurs were Wash’s,” River said sadly. “He died right here, after flying us through a battle in sky. He did it for us and for Miranda.”
“Oh,” he quickly placed the lizard back where he found it and removed his hat. “I am sorry.” He placed his hat across his chest in respect to Mr. Washburne. This was the man who had married Zoe.
“He would of laughed. He was our laughter and Kaylee is our smile. We have to go now.”
James placed his hat back and sat down on the other chair. “I believe it would be best if I didn’t touch anything.”
“That would be best.” River reached up and pressed three of the small switches. A hum coursed through the ship and several of the glass bits glowed, startling James.
River glanced at the compass before she pressed a few more bits and switches and grabbed onto the handles.
James braced himself for whatever was about to happen. He felt a sinking sensation in his stomach; in fact he felt his whole body being pressed into the chair. He stared out the window and saw the rock walls travel down. Damn it James, don’t be a fool. The ship was rising.
“My God,” He swallowed when they cleared the rock and he could see the sky and the sea. “We’re flying.”
“Just rising.” River smiled. “This is flying.” She turned the handles and the whole ship turned towards the direction they had come from.
“Will it take a few days?”
“More like a few hours.” She did something James didn’t quite see, but he knew she had increased their speed.
“Now I’m flying,” he sat back. He was going to enjoy this ride. It would most likely be the last time he would be aboard.
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“It is almost as if they were expectin’ us,” Hector Barbossa said. He had brought his spyglass up when he heard that loud and crude fellow in the crow’s nest shout about seeing a whole mess of ships.
“More likely they were on their own mission to find us,” Sao Feng said. The man had slipped on his metal claw. Barbossa had seen the pirate captain hard at work sharpening the blades.
“I believe they have been notified,” Barbossa said. “Mr. Cobb had seen a ship sink nearly a day prior. I best to believe that be the Dutchman herself.
“We knew this was coming.”
“Aye,” Barbossa nodded. He felt the hilt of his cutlass and the handle of his pistol. He didn’t remove his gaze from the sea until he heard grumbling, cussing, and the sounds of a man clumsily climbing down a mast.
“Cobb,” Sao Feng turned around along with him to see Jayne curse one last time before he stood straight up.
“There is going to be a fight,” Jayne Cobb said. “Now I aint gonna be much use up there. There is going to be a fight I’m going to be shooting, and stabbing, and clobbering some skulls.”
“Are ye fast with a pistol?” Barbossa asked.
“Gimme anything and everything that shoots, and some of dem daggers. I may not be good with a sword, but I know how to handle knives.”
“Best we have everyone armed,” Barbossa nodded.
Sao shouted to his men in Chinese.
“Remember lads,’ Barbossa called out. “Leaves on the wind.”
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Anamaria stared at the approaching fleet. Her hands held the handles of the wheel. It would be less than an hour before the first canon would be fired and the battle would have truly begun.
“Remember what this battle is about,” Gibbs said from behind her.
“Freedom,” Anamaria said. “We have to hope Jack will succeed.
“Aye,” Gibbs nodded. “It will be easier t’ fight them when Jones is dead and there is no Kraken. Hopefully the will not want to continue this after we succeed in that.”
“You think there is a chance they will surrender?” Gavin asked. He was the borrowed man from The Haven.
“I have been in the navy. From what I remember they fought with dignity and honor, a true naval officer wouldn’t want to use a monster to fight his battle for him and after all they might understand that some of these people are just honest sailors.”
“We will dwell on that after Jones is defeated.” Anamaria stared straight ahead and breathed deeply. “I’m a leaf on the wind. Watch as I soar.”
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Zoe didn’t need the spyglass. She could see the ships easily. She could even tell which one The Dutchman was. She could not tell the naval ships apart and had no idea which one Mal and the others were on.
“We need to load the cannons,” Zoe commanded to her crew before she handed Will her spyglass. “One more step and we are going to be shooting.”
“This when that phrase will come in handy,” Will said. “I am a leaf on the wind.” There was no snide tone in his voice
“Watch as I soar,” Zoe finished for him as she approached a part of the deck where she would have both be private and still be available. As they continued to near the Naval fleet she had heard her crew repeat the phrase. She could hear it being shouted from the other ships. Even the blue parrot had squawked out “Leaf on the wind.’
“You hear them baby?” She pulled out the flat recordings of Wash and watched as he was using his dinosaurs, his hands, and what appeared to have been a sock to create shadow puppets against a wall. She remembered when she made the recording. Wash had thought he was alone at the time. “Can you hear them shout it? It’s your words. We are going to fight this together.” She felt a tear form in the corner of her eye.
“Mrs. Washburn,” Will called out to her.
Zoe placed the recording back into her pocket and ran up to the helm. “What is it?”
Turner pointed to the Dutchman with the spyglass. “I have seen Davy Jones. I think he may have summoned the Kraken.”
Zoe nodded. “Everyone to your stations,” she shouted the command. “You find Elizabeth and work with her.” She ordered before she allowed her voice to soften to a whisper. “I am a leaf on the wind. Watch as I soar.”
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