pirates rpg 2

[tancred]

The gentle tides finally brought The Black Pearl, its masts flying no banner or flag at all, into the harbor of Sarasota. The port city was one of the largest and most important along the west coast of Spanish Florida. Only the city and ranking officers on the eastern coast in Saint Augustine were more influential and important than the ones in Sarasota. It was a mighty fortress. Its port was large, and opened the city to all parts of the world.

Jack called his crew up on to the deck, and waited for everyone to arrive. "Where is Gabby," wondered Jose aloud.

"Beats me," said Jack. "But I can't wait forever. Everyone else is here. I'll just trust ya to fill her in later." Jose nodded, and Jack addressed the crew, "I've made port here, mainly due to tha requests of Jose and Emil. Not sure how long we'll be stayin', but I don't think it will be too long. I'm uneasy sometimes in big fort cities like this. So...everyone, do as you wish for now. Get rid of your sea legs or somethin'. Come back by evening, an' we'll see what's on everyone's minds."

Before Calen could leave, Jose asked Jack in a loud enough tone so that the former captain could hear, "What of the pirates in the cell below? Especially James Hawkins? We all know that Gabby tried killing Hawkins yesterday. Keeping him onboard longer than is neccessary might not be very safe; she might try again. If we turn them all in to the Spanish authorities right now, we could get a reward to split up amongtst the crew. The reward might be especially high for a captain in the British Royal Navy, who essentially invaded Spanish territory. What do you say?"

"Wouldn't that involve you having to give some account of our journeys," asked Jack, a look of concern on his face. He didn't want any news leaking out of his pressence, that of his ship, or the enormous wealth it now carried.

"I wouldn't worry about that," replied Jose. "Think of it, the only experience I have with this crew is from the time of Port Royal on. And during that time, there was no pirating whatsoever. I merely have to tell the truth, and perhaps leave out a few details regarding the treasure of El Dorado. Besides, if the military governor of this city is the same man as it was when I left for Port Royal those months ago, then he is a friend of my family's. He trusts me."

Jack looked at Calen to see if she would offer any objection. She had had a history with Hawkins after all. She had overheard the conversation, yet was not saying anything. The look in her eyes was distant, as if she were either not there or did not care.

Showing no objection, Jack waved to Jose. "Very well then. Turn them all in. Just be careful about the details!"
********************

Jose, Ana, and Emil led Hawkins and the pirates in chains down the plank, and on to the pier. Jose spoke in spanish to the warden of the docks there, payed the docking fee for the ship, and made their way to the governor's palace. Guards followed them in, and stood guard over their prisoners. Ana and Emil seemed somewhat uncomfortable, yet kept their composure.

Presently, the governor, a somewhat elderly yet still strong man, entered. His face brightened upon seeing Jose. "Senor Jose y Ortega," he exclaimed. "Is that you?"

"Don Rudolfo Nunez," said Jose in friendly recognition. "It is I. I have not seen you in some time. You haven't changed at all. How is your family?" The elder Spaniard made a short reply, walked over to Jose, shook his hand, and embraced him. He shook Emil's hand, and kissed Ana's.

Nunez and Jose spoke in spanish for some time, their tone both familiar and comfortable. Ana and Emil looked about them, as if grasping for anything to hold their attention. Jose pointed to Hawkins and the pirates, and his tone became a bit more serious. Nunez's face clouded over with a frown, and his tone became almost aggitated. A British naval vessel in both Spanish waters and territories, and with violent intentions towards Spanish citizens...that was an act of war if there ever was one. He would have to turn Hawkins over to his superiors as soon as he could. The situation being that serious, it might just save Hawkins from the gallows...for now. Nunez shouted some orders to his guards, and they dragged both the pirates and Hawkins away, the latter wailing all the way.

Having counted out the number of pirates, Nunez had his second pay Jose the due reward. Having a British Royal Navy officer fall into their hands on a covert mission was somewhat unprecidented. Nunez figured a captain would be worth at least ten pirates, and so multiplied the reward accordingly. His second then handed this over to Jose as well. Jose bowed low in thanks, and said, "I have other business to attend to here in Sarasota, my friend. I will be sure to return to you and speak of it again. For now, I must be going." The two friends parted warmly, and Jose, Ana, and Emil left the palace, their pockets jingling all the heavier from the reward money they had recieved.

"You sure do know your way around the Spanish authorities," remarked Ana. "You've had ties with those in Cartenega, in New Orleans, and now here."

"Yes," said Jose slowly. "Yes, I have."
********************************

It was towards evening when the crew returned to the ship. Most were well fed and their thirsts had been quenched at local taverns. Gabby was still not to be seen, and this worried some of them, Jose none the least. Still, Jack could not wait. The reward money was counted, and divided up equally, a portion set aside for Gabby should she show up.

Jack spoke, "I have decided that I'll be leaving this port by nine tomorrow morning. I know that some of you will not be continuin' on with this ship." He cast a glance at both Jose and Emil. "Emil...Jose...and maybe even Will. Some of you may wish to go your own way, where ever that may be. All of you are welcome to stay with me. You all can go where you will tonight. I only say that if you mean to be with Jack and The Pearl , then be here by nine in the mornin'. I'm uneasy, and don't mean to stay a second longer. 'Night!"

Jack walked off. Ana and Emil looked at each other, realizing for the first time that goodbyes were probably in order, as Emil did indeed plan on returning to Africa. He planned on buying his own ship there in Sarasota if he could. The two friends walked up towards the wheel for some privacy.

Jose walked about the ship, looking everywhere for Gabby.

[Athena]

Kira stumbled sleepily from her cabin, her impromptu nap had refreshed her more then she would have thought possible. Blearily she ran her hand over her eyes, they felt like sand bags. Her hand went to her hair where it was a tangled mess, she sighed began to run her fingers through the curls, to try to get some of the knots out. Realizing the task was futile; she sighed once more and looked out over the ships railing.

What she saw made her raise her eyebrows; they had finally landed in Sarasota, and what a bustling busy town it was. Even though most of the natives were speaking Spanish (a tongue Kira had very limited knowledge in), the fact of a bustling port made Kira recall her own homeland, so very far away from her.

She cocked her head and disembarked from the plank, intending to explore. Suddenly someone reached up behind her and spun her around. A small figure, no bigger then Kira, spun her around and knocked her to the floor.

“¡Perdón, perdón, gotta va!” Kira had an instant of looking at a male face framed with a mop of dark hair before he darted off. Kira, not taking to being knocked down, put out her foot and the boy tripped and fell on top of her.

Kira wrinkled her nose, he smelled awful, but her interest was diverted when she noticed the gleam of gold sticking out of his pocket. Oh no oh no...oh shit!

Her mind screamed at her to get out of the way and to vanish, she was way to familier with circumstances such as these. She tried vainly to get the boy off her but he was heavier then he looked. He to struggled but their flailing legs and articles of clothing were intertwined to tightly for an easy exit.

“¡Gotcha!” A heavy fist descended on both Kira and the boy, “Ah dos cochinillos pequeños. Bien mi bonito, su lejos a la casa de muñecas grande para usted dos.”

Though Kira didn’t understand the words, the meaning behind them was clear and she had no desire to go to jail. She twisted frantically not even paying attention to the boy’s frantic protests. But after being trussed up tighter then chickens and put on a rattling cart, Kira knew it was no use. She only hoped that someone from the ship had seen what had transpired.

[Niphredil]

Gabby awoke late that morning, still alone in the storeroom. She rubbed her neck, stiff from sleeping on the hard floor. Upon looking around the ship she found that it was devoid of all life and that they had finally come to port. As she looked at the port, and saw it so bustling with life, she figured -- or rather, hoped -- that the others had gone on shore. Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she had not eaten anything since early the day before, so she wandered down to the galley. One look at the stale food was enough to convince her to go ashore as well. But before she did, she went to one of the rooms that the gold they had obtained from El Dorado was being held in, and chose such trinkets that she could trade or pawn for food and fresh clothing.

A couple hours later Gabby emerged from a small restaurant, with full stomach, and wearing new -- and most importantly, clean -- clothes and shoes. Physically she felt somewhat better, but her shopping spree had done little more than take her mind off the pain of everything she had been through, if only for a short while.

She began to make her way back to the Pearl, when suddenly a commotion broke out. Much to Gabby's surprise, there was Kira in the middle of the commotion, being dragged away and tossed into a cart with another person, a boy that seemed no older than Kira herself. The cart jerked forward; Gabby quickly followed it, never able to quite catch up to it to demand Kira's release but still able to keep it in sight. Finally it reached its destination and Kira and the boy were escorted into a building that was unmistakably a jail.

Gabby boldly walked into the building and, just as Kira was about to be shoved into a cell with all manner of common criminals, she grabbed Kira by both her arms, jerking her away from her captor, who then started yelling at her in Spanish.

"What is the meaning of this?" Gabby demanded. A distinguished looking gentleman who had witnessed the exchange strode forward.

"He says that this girl is a thief," the man said in English, though he had a thick Spanish accent.

"A thief?" Gabby said, looking as surprised as she possibly could. "The very notion is preposterous, at best! This girl is like a sister to me; she may look like nothing more than a common street urchin -- surely you understand how messy children can become in their play -- but I assure you, sir, she would never steal. Obviously a mistake has been made." As she said the last part she cast a glance toward the gruff man that had taken Kira. "I demand she be released at once."

"Well, this puts me in a difficult position," the gentleman said. "I don't know whether to believe you, an English-woman, or my fellow man."

"I can tell you right now not to trust that wench!" a voice suddenly said. Gabby looked around to see none other than Captain James Hawkins standing there.

"Oh for heaven's sake," she said softly, rolling her eyes.

"That slut is a liar," Hawkins said.

"No, it is you, Captain Hawkins, who is the liar!"

"Well, that's your word against mine!"

"Yes, and yet you are in there whilst I am out here, aren't you," Gabby said. She turned back to the gentleman. "My name is Gabrielle Scott, this is Kira. We are friends of the man whom I am fairly certain brought Captain Hawkins over there to you. A Mr. Ortega."

"Ah! You know Jose? Any friend of his is my friend as well! I, senoritas, am Rudolfo Nuñez, the Governor of Sarasota." He removed his hat and bowed slightly to Gabby and Kira; Gabby inclined her head respectfully. Kira, who had not said a word nor moved the entire time, remained still and silent. Gabby looked down at the girl, obviously frightened, and put her hand on her shoulder. She knew that she needed to get Kira out of there as soon as possible.

"Yes, we are--" Gabby hesitated a moment. "We are friends of Jose's."

"Well then of course, you may go!" Rudolfo said happily. "And for what it is worth, I apologize for the confusion."

"It is all right, no harm done," Gabby said, smiling warmly at him. "If you would be so good as to excuse us, I'm afraid we must be going."

"Please, madam, allow me to have some of my guards escort you, for your protection."

"You are very kind, but really, that will not be necessary. Good day Governor Nuñez." Gabby again bowed her head to him and, taking Kira's hand in her's, turned to leave the jail. As she was walking by however, one of the prisoners ever so gently grabbed her arm.

"Help me," he said to her.

Gabby was rather taken aback at this, but before she could respond one of the guards walked over and hit the man who had grabbed Gabby's arm, and Gabby and Kira was escorted safely from the building.

"Come along Kira, we must get back to the Pearl," Gabby said quietly, as soon as she knew the spanish officers were out of ear-shot. Kira was still not speaking, and looked rather dazed. Eventually they made it back to the Pearl. Surprisingly, Jack and several others had already turned in. Gabby, still holding Kira's hand, took her to her room. "I know this must be terribly hard for you, Kira," Gabby said, setting Kira on the bed and kneeling beside it. "Goodness I haven't been dealt the easiest lot, either. But we must stay strong for each other. And you must believe that I am here for you and I always will be, but right now I must leave the ship. There is something I must do. If all goes as I think it will, then I will be back by morning." Gabby rose, intent on leaving right then, but Kira still clinged to her hand. "I promise you, Kira, I'll come back soon," Gabby said. She kissed Kira on the forehead and hugged her, and then she left.

Before leaving the ship, Gabby again went to one of the rooms the gold was being held in, and took several more pieces, not knowing how much -- if any -- she would need. Just as she went above deck she was stopped by Jose.

"Gabby, there you are! Where have you been? I have been searching for you," he said, stepping in front of her.

"I went onto shore," she said simply. "And now I must go to shore again." She made a move to step around Jose, but he again stepped in front of her, blocking her exit.

"Why must you go ashore?"

"There is something that I must see to," she said.

"I will go with you, then," Jose said. "To protect you."

"I am not going very far, Jose, I will be perfectly safe," Gabby insisted. "Besides, this is something that I must do alone." She again moved to step around him and this time he did not block her, but watched as she left the ship and disappeared into the busy streets.

[tancred]

Jose stood mystified by Gabby's words. For a brief second, he wondered if she were going to make another attempt on Hawkins' life, but that thought soon faded. He only hoped she was safe, and that she'd return and speak to him ere he himself left the ship forever.

The Spaniard had just finished collecting his belongings into one large trunk, when he bumped into Jack. The captain had just returned from the galley for a bedtime snack. "Ah," said the pirate. "Leavin' us for sure then?"

Jose nodded, "Si. My last farewell. I have all of my things out of my old quarters. All I have left to do is to take my share of the loot. I was just about to do so. Do you wish to go with me, to make sure the share is a fair one? No more and no less?"

Jack chuckled a little, "Nah, no need. The actual coins are all set apart evenly, so there's no question about how to divide those. And the trinkets and jewels are so much and so hard to determine their actual value that a free hand with them (within reason, of course) is ok. I trust you, chivalrific man that you are, that you'd take no more and no less. You could never be a pirate, Jose; you're not greedy enough!" He laughed again, and patted Jose on the back.

"It was good having you along on the trip though, mate," he continued. "You directed my ship very well. Not as good as me, but close enough. You were good in the fights, with your sword an' all. So...I'm guessin' this is it? Nice knowin' ya, mate. Good luck, good cheer, an' all that other stuff."

He smiled, and shook Jose's hand. Jose returned his smile, and replied, "Good luck to you too, Captain Sparrow. It was good to have finally met such a notoriously successful pirate." Jack grinned and bowed at the compliment. "Adios," said Jose with a wave, and walked below deck.

It was not long before Jose had brought his share of the treasure up to the deck--one large chest that contained six sacks of gold, one sack of silver, one of bronze, and one of lesser metals such as copper, tin, and iron (this was the same amount that had been equally and strictly counted out to all the surviving members of the crew); and a smaller chest full of jewels, trinkets, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and the like. The necklace of silver and garnets, the one Jose had bent down to to claim in El Dorado, the one that in bending down to retrieve it had saved Jose from taking a bullet to the head, the one he planned to give to Gabby, he carried in the breast pocket of his jacket. All of these chests were double-locked. Jose found a young porter dozing on the dock nearby, and hired him to take the three chests to a certain address. A caretaker would answer the door, and take the chests. The young boy helped Jose load the chests into his cart, and drove off.

Jose walked back to The Pearl . Presently, Jack the Monkey came crawling by. He chittered, and scrambled up and perched upon Jose's shoulder. Shortly after, Emil can striding down from the wheel. In the torchlight, Jose could see that, while he was not weeping, his face certainly did have a sad look about it. "Are you leaving now," asked Jose.

"I am," replied the large man. "And you?" Jose nodded his head. "You're a good man, Jose," continued Emil. "I wasn't too sure I'd like you when we first met, but you proved me wrong. It was actually fun fightling alongside you. I know Ana thought so, too." He clasped Jose's shoulder. "Will you do me a favor? If you can, will you look out for Ana? I am going back to Africa for I don't know how long. I asked her to come with me, but her heart is not in it. I worry about her." Emil cast his head down, a frown of worry and sadness upon his face.

"I will look out for her," answered Jose.

Emil clenched his shoulder harder. "You give me your word, as a right honest man?"

"I give you my word," said Jose firmly. "As a man who takes chivalrous duty to heart."

"Thank you," said Emil, a smile finally emerging out of the corner of his mouth. "Good night to you then, Jose. And may prosperity always follow your path." The large pirate descended the plank, and disappeared into the darkness.

The Monkey squeaked in excitement as Ana came down the stairs from the upper deck. Though she did her best to hide it, her eyes showed just a hint of redness. "Hoi, Jose," she said. "About to leave?"

"I was just about to, senorita. I first wanted to see what the mind of my faithful squire was up to. Have you decided where you will go come nine o'clock tomorrow morning?"

"Not really," she said. "I know I'm not goin' to Africa with Emil, but that's just about it." She sniffed ever so slightly.

Jose looked with pity upon her. "You miss him already? He was like a brother to you?" Ana nodded her head. There was a silence for a few moments. "You know what you need," asked the Spaniard. "You need a good drink to get your mind off things."

"I'm not sure I'm in the mood for drinking," said Ana dryly.

"Not in the mood for drinking," asked Jose as if he were flabbergasted. "What kind of a pirate are you?" He smiled and winked at her. He got a tiny laugh out of her. "Come along," he said. "Why don't you get your share of the loot, and we'll be on our way. I'm buying."

"No need," said Ana. "I uh...already took my share, and...hid it." She looked down at the ground.

"Well, that is very pirate-like of you," laughed Jose. "Very well, let us be off. We can talk some, and maybe you'll get a clearer view on what you want to do."

Ana, Jose, and Jack the Monkey soon found a tavern that was still open this late at night. They took a table that was in an out of the way corner. "Watch the monkey," said Jose, "and I'll go get us some ale."

He came back shortly with two large tankards in each hand. There was bread and cheese to be eaten, though it seemed the Monkey ate more than his human companions did. The two friends spent the hours drinking away, joking, laughing, talking about the exploits of their trip, and talking of the future. Jose ever urged her to come with him. To be his squire in truth, and to aid him in governing an island. He was sure he would get the position. She would be his right hand, and be mistress of the ships he had at his disposal; not one ship, but several. Ana seemed a bit tempted, yet played coy the entire time. She laughed one more time, and then went silent.

Jose looked at her thoughtfully. "You seem troubled," he noted. "But not about Emil leaving. Something else."

Ana sighed, "Aye. You are correct." More silence again. "I'm not sure I want to talk about it." She took one last long swig from her mug of ale, and placed it on the table next to the seven others she had downed. She looked at the eight tankards on Jose's side of the table. "For not bein' a pirate, you sure can hold your ale, Jose. I'm impressed!"

Ana smiled widely, and her head plunked down on the table as she passed out. Jack scrambled over to her side to play with her hair, and finish off her cheese. Jose reclined a little in his chair, kicked his feet back, and finished off his last mug of spiced tea.

[Niphredil]

Gabby's heart pounded in her chest as she hurried along down the street, all the while running the revelations of a few days ago through her head.

~**~**~

Flashback...

"Gabby, I don't know how to tell you this, but," Ana fidgited in her seat. "Several weeks ago, before we came to that Indian village, I had a talk with Jose..."

~**~**~

"Where is it," Gabby mumbled to no one in particular. And then she saw it: a hotel that she had passed several times earlier in the day.

~**~**~

"He was very upset that you had... well, you know."

"Ana, just get on with it," Gabby said, a knot growing steadily in her stomach.

"Jose did not want to do anything, to fight, to win you back," Ana said, "and nothing I could say could convince him to."

"And yet he would, and practically did go to hell and back to avenge his beloved Rose."

Ana cast her eyes to the floor. "You really aren't making this easy."

~**~**~

Gabby rushed into the hotel, waking the innkeeper who had been sleeping in a chair behind the counter. He started grumbling at her in Spanish.

"I need a room, sir," she said, trying desperately to make him understand. "A room!" She dropped several coins onto the counter. Suddenly a young girl emerged from a room in the back.

"You want room?" she asked. Her English was not very good, but it would have to do.

"Yes," Gabby said. "I need you to prepare a room right away, and a hot bath and meal." Gabby spoke slowly so that the girl could catch every word; the girl nodded her head in understanding. Gabby dropped a few more coins on the counter and rushed out the door.

~**~**~

"That night I got an idea, a rather brilliant idea if I do say so myself. When we got to the Indian village, I called on the Medicine Man to give me some sort of potion that would make Derek forget about you, or make you see him in a way that you would not love him anymore. He gave me a powder that I was to dump into his drink."

"And what happened then?" Gabby asked, her breathing becoming heavier as her heart began to thud harder in her chest.

~**~**~

Gabby ran as fast as she could down the street, hoping that when she got to the jail someone would still be there. Someone was. Governor Nuñez was still there, only just climbing into a carriage after his interrogation of the new prisoners.

"Señorita Scott!" he exclaimed upon seeing her running towards him. "What brings you back to this depressing place so soon?"

~**~**~

"What happened then, is that I gave him the powder. I was only supposed to put a small amound into his drink, but I accidentally dumped all of it in. I think that may be the cause behind his sudden violent outbursts."

"What? How could you?!" Gabby yelled. "What right did you have to interfere!"

"You and Jose belong together, you're perfect together! I only wanted to help, I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt."

"Well hurt is all that your meddling has caused! Get away from me."

"Gabby, I-- I'm sorry," Ana said, pleading with her.

"Get out!"

~**~**~

Gabby paid no attention to the governor's inquiries, rushing past him into the jail, specifically to the cell holding the man that had grabbed her arm only a short time before. As soon as she was in sight, he rose from sitting on the floor and walked over to her. His hair was longer, and he had the scrappy beginnings of a beard, but his eyes were the same blue.

"Derek," she said, tears forming in her eyes as she took his hands in her's. "Your hands are so cold," she said, pressing his hand to her cheek.

"I never thought I would see you again, Gabby," tears forming in his eyes as well. "And then when you were here, today, I just-- I don't know what's happened to me, my memories of the past month are so few. All I remember is that I hurt you. I didn't want to, part of me was always fighting it but I couldn't stop myself. I'm sorry, Gabby! I'm so sorry!" He fell to his knees, still clinging to her hands and weeping openly.

"It wasn't your fault, Derek, none of it was your fault. Ana told me everything; she gave you some drug -- she was trying to get me to go back to Jose -- that's why you acted as you did." Gabby sank to her knees as well, trying her best to hold him through the bars. "I could hardly believe it when you grabbed my arm today, it's... it's like God is giving a second chance. I thought you were dead, I thought that I had lost you forever, but here you are!"

"I was dead, Gabby. I've been dead for weeks, ever since I hurt you."

"That's all in the past now," she whispered. "And I'm going to get you out of here."

Just then Governor Nuñez entered the room. "Señorita, what is the meaning of all this?" he asked, waving his arm in the air for emphasis.

"This man is imprisoned unjustly," Gabby said, rising, but still holding Derek's hand in her's. "His name is Derek Bennet. Governor Nuñez, please, I beg you to release him. He is innocent of any charges that you have against him, I swear it! He was a sailor under Captain Hawkins, and Hawkins forced him to do terrible things; Derek had no choice in the matter whatsoever. Please release him. I can pay you, however much you want!" Tears were by this point streaming down Gabby's cheeks.

"Calm yourself, señorita," Nuñez said. He turned to the jailer and they spoke for a few minutes in Spanish. Then Nuñez turned back to Gabby. "He says that this man came in here only three days ago, and that nothing was known of his past, except that he is English and was found in Spanish territory. He did not even know that this man was a part of the English Navy. But, señorita, you are a friend of Jose's, and this Derek fellow is your friend; so that makes him my friend as well." Nuñez again turned to the jailer and spoke in Spanish; the jailer immediately went over to Derek's cell and opened the door. Derek was free. He and Gabby thanked the governor profusely, and thanked him again when he offered them a ride to the hotel in his carriage.

Once at the hotel, Gabby helped Derek up to their room; he was weak from not having enough food and staying in awful jail cells for several weeks, but having his beloved beside him again strengthened his will. The young girl that Gabby had spoken to before asked if she wanted anything else, and Gabby told her to bring some clean clothes that Derek could wear.

Gabby helped Derek undress and get into the hot bath that was waiting in the room as she requsted. She tended his wounds, and shaved his face for him. The Spanish girl came back some time later with clothing for Derek. Gabby helped Derek out of the bath, helped him dress, and the two sat on the bed as she tended the gunshot wound on his back that had yet to heal. It was a miracle the bullet had gone through, and an even greater miracle that the wound had not become infected. All the while he told her everything he could remember after he was shot by Gavin.

"I passed out, and when I came to I was lying in a pool of blood," he said. "I stumbled around for awhile, until I found Sub-Lieutenant Decker. He took care of me, even though he too had been shot though not very badly, and together we left El Dorado, but I don't know how long we were there. At some point some Spanish soldiers found us; Decker tried to run, and I think he was killed, and they took me prisoner. That must have been about a week ago." He winced suddenly. "Ow."

"I'm sorry," Gabby said sheepishly. "There we are now; nice clean bandage." Derek sat up as straight as he could, and turned his body to face Gabby. They sat there in silence for a few moments, staring into each others eyes. "Yes," Gabby said softly.

"Yes what?" he asked, smiling, and cocking his head to the side.

"Yes to the question you asked me, a long time ago."

"My memory is still foggy, you know," he said.

Gabby smiled. "The question you asked me was, 'Can I kiss you?' And my answer is yes." Derek's smile grew wider as Gabby moved closer to him, gently pressing her lips to his. Derek deepened the kiss for a moment, but then pulled away.

"Gabby," he said, his tone becoming serious, "there is another question that I want to ask you."

Gabby stroked his newly clean-shaven cheek with her hand. "My answer is yes," she said softly.

"Do you even know the question?" he said, chuckling.

"I'll just say that I have an inkling," she said.

"The only problem is that most people here are Roman Catholic. I don't suppose they would have any vicars here; do you?"

"It would probably be difficult to find one," Gabby said, moving even closer to him, "but we can always find one later."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he wrapped his around her waist, pulling her close. Gabby again pressed her lips to his, kissing him deeply. Later on they snuggled together under the covers and fell asleep in each others' arms.

[Athena]

Kira made a disgusted face after Gabby left, why did Gabby insist on treating her like a child. Holding her hand…kissing her (which Gabby did a horrible job at, leaving a little trail of spittle on her forehead…lovely). Arguably she did end up in jail, but for once it was not her fault.

Kira sat down heavily on the bed, she was bored, bored out of her mind, bored, drained, tired. She was past being numb, she was even over Gael’s death (not that she would ever really be truly over a death). But she realized the main reason she had been so stunned by it was that once more someone she had a tie to, an important one at that, was gone, out of her life forever. It was the shock, the sudden dousing of cold water, the horrible inconceivable surprise. Kira hated surprises.

Their journey was almost over; they had gotten the gold they were looking for. They had experienced sorrow and death but they were here finally. And now they were in Florida, Jose Kira guessed wanted to split. Especially that whole fiasco with Gabby. And Gabby…well, she was an odd one, no doubt about that. Kira hoped she would have good luck with her future.

Personally Kira could see Ana and Jose getting together, their was no doubt about it, they had been eyeing each other quite a bit, at least from her vantage point.

Kira shivered, a breeze seemed to go through the ship. She hugged her arms around her for warmth. She stood up, welcoming the rough feel of the wood beneath her bare toes. She suddenly realized how accustomed to the ship she had become, how used to its rocking she was. She realized she would miss the breeze in her face, the salty brine of the ocean filling her nose. Whatever happened, whoever separated, Kira knew she wanted to stay onboard a ship, this ship.

Maybe she would become a pirate, a career which she was already well suited and accustomed to. Of course it was not quite as glamorous as one may think of it. She silently dropped off the cot and stepped out into the hallway, mentally reminding herself to ask Jack about career options that were open to a person of her talents.

[Niphredil]

The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, its rays gleaming through the soft white curtains that were swaying gently in the breeze. Birds were chirping merrily outside the window as they went about their early morning routines.

Gabby and Derek still lay in bed, the one sleeping, the other awake. He watched her as she slept, occasionaly stroking her cheek, or running a finger through her long, soft hair. After awhile, her eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning," she said, smiling as the realization of where she was came to her.

"Good morning," he replied, smiling back. "I trust you slept well?"

"Mm-hmm," she mumbled as she snuggled closer to him. "And you??"

"I hardly slept," he admitted. "I was-- I was afraid that you wouldn't be here when I woke. Or that I wouldn't be here. Or that--"

Gabby put a finger on his lips, silencing him. "I'll always be here," she said. He took her hand in his and kissed it. Gabby leaned forward and kissed him. "I love you, Derek," she whispered.

"I love you," he whispered back.

They stayed there for the next hour, talking about everything that had happened since they left the Pearl to find El Dorado, about the pirates and Hawkins, about the gold, and Lydia and Gavin, everything.

"If I ever see that damn Ana again, I will kill her."

"Don't say that," Gabby said. "What she did was wrong, there's no question. In her own way, she was trying to help, not that that justifies anything. But has there not been enough death on this voyage as it is?"

"Yes, and much of it was due to her," Derek said. "If Ana hadn't come up with the idea to kidnap Lydia, and if Gavin hadn't shot me in trying to protect you from me, then they would both be alive today. If anything, I could have done something to help protect them, but for Ana."

"You cannot know for certain if there was anything you could have done," Gabby said. "You mustn't blame yourself. I know in my heart that neither Gavin nor Lydia would blame you, and neither do I. If we do happen to meet her, please, don't do anything." Derek nodded his head, relenting.

"What of Jose?" he asked after a few minutes.

"He is not continuing on with the Pearl, that much I know for certain," Gabby said. "Ana told me something about him wanting to be a governor of an island."

"He actually told her about his plans? I don't know who is more stupid. Jose for practically telling all these supposedly blood-thirsty vicious pirates that he is a Spanish soldier and a spy, or said supposedly blood-thirsty vicious pirates for not doing anything about it."

Gabby laughed. "It makes no difference to me."

"Did you come to any sort of understanding with him, before we found each other? I mean, were you planning on going with him?"

Gabby silently thought a moment. "No," she said, "no, I do not think I could have gone with him. I do not love him. I doubt that I ever truly did, I was so swept up in the romantic nature of our meeting. I was -- and am, but that's beside the point -- so young, and he was handsome and dashing and promised to protect me--"

"And every other female on the ship."

"--but I don't think I ever truly loved him in the way he would want me to."

"I wonder if he knows that," Derek said.

Gabby shook her head sadly. "I do not know," she said. "I suppose I should talk to him, but I have no idea where he is. I doubt he is still on the ship."

"Well, then that's too bad for him," Derek said, smiling mischievously.

"Indeed," Gabby said, smiling back. "I should go back to the ship though, and see about getting my share of the gold off. Where should we go, I wonder? Back to Port Royal perhaps? Or to England?"

"I think we should go back to Port Royal. I was stationed there, under Commodore Norrington -- that was where I first joined the crew of The Queen of the Sea -- no doubt the Commodore will want to hear about everything that's happened."

"Port Royal it is, then," Gabby said. She was not terribly thrilled about going back there, what with her abusive father living there; but then he didn't even have to know she was there.

Half an hour later, Gabby and Derek parted company. She began making her way back to the Pearl, while he went off in search of a ship to hire for the journey to Port Royal. Gabby was almost at the entrance of the port when her eyes met those of Jose.

[Mrs Dan Hawkins]

Calen took a deep breathe and stepped into the jail walking swiftly and with a certian grace to the guard until she half fell into him Damn shoes she thought.
~Flashback to earlier that day~

Calen kept one hand on her sword hilt as she walked through the town and the other on the purse full of her gold that was concelied under her jacket.Finally she saw the shop she was searching for,the shop held a vast aray of beautifully made dress.

"he better aprechiate this" she muttered as she went into the shop.

~End of flashback~

"greetings Señorita, have you lost your way?" the guard inquiered

"No good sir" Calen began"i've come to collect someone from you jail who shouldnt be here"

The guard frowned "and whom is it you come to collect"

Calen took a deep breathe before replying"Captian Hawkins"
****
Hawkins' head snapped up at the mention of his name,he held his breathe,wondering how his release would be won.
****
The guard laughed but suddenly all went quiet as Calen pulled out a purse filled with gold pieces.
"i'll pay you for your troubles" she whispered

The guard eyed the gold but a look of suspician suddenly crossed his face "what is this man to you that you would resort to bribary for his release?"

"He's my...."Calen paused as a lump formed in her throaght"He is my husband " she whispered finally

The guard mearly nodded and took the purse of gold before taking his keys and releasing Hawkins from his cell,he continued to watch the pair.

Hawkins strod toward Calen and pulled her into a sweaping hug before turning towards the door and pulling her out.

"Interesting outfit"Hawkins whispered with a raised eyebrow as the walked out the door

"well i could hardly have done that dresed as i usually do could i "Calen whispered back fiercly " and you always did say you would make a proper woman of me"she added with a coy smile as they headed back towards the ship.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

[tancred]

*what I typed ended up being longer than expected, so I'm breaking it up into two posts. also making the day go quite fast, so any subsequent posts may want to use flashbacks.*
*******************************

Soon after the clock in the town had struck eight in the morning, Jose found himself sitting upon the dock of Sarasota, nigh to where The Black Pearl lay anchored. Beside him and leaning upon his shoulder was the still sleeping (and snoring) Ana Pearl. Even Jack the Monkey was finally quiet, curled up in a snoozing ball upon Ana's lap. Their legs dangled over the dock, and Jose looked out over the sea that flowed into Sarasota's bay. It was a bright day, and despite the earliness of the hour, there were very few ships out in the water. Indeed, Jose could only see three, and they were far out on the edge of the horrizon. Otherwise, all was quiet and still.

Jose yawned deeply. He had not slept during the night, and longed to be sleeping just like his companion was. Soon after Jose had finished drinking with Ana, he had gone to the governor's mansion (within the citadel) to meet with Governor Nunez. Jose had expected to be the main supplier of news and information, yet Nunez was also generous with details and inside news of his own. All of it had caught Jose completely by surprise--some of the information good, and some not so much. It certainly left the young ex-soldier with much to ponder, and it was mainly for this reason that he had lost so much sleep. He was just about to doze off, when the town clock had just struck eight. Jumping with a shock, he brought Ana and the monkey with him, and made all due haste to the docks; whether she stayed or went, Gabby would eventually have to return to The Black Pearl. Jose yawned again, and his long black hair drooped down over his eyes as his head began to nod towards his chest.

"Ahoy there, mate," yelled a familiar voice. Startled, Jose jumped a little, and looked to his left. There, standing at the top of The Pearl's plank, was Captain Jack. Kira appeared from behind him, and upon seeing Ana and Jose, she gave a yelp, and rushed down the plank. Jack followed after. Jose did not rise to meet them, for fear of Ana dropping hard to the ground. He smiled all the same, and wished them a goodmorning.

"Hi," said Kira with gusto. She was obviously giddy at the thought of getting out to sea again, even though they had not been anchored in Sarasota for more than a day. "Are you two coming along with us?"

"I am afraid not," said Jose, trying to keep a smile. "Or at least I speak for myself. I can not speak for Ana. She was quite downcast at Emil's departure last night, so we went out for a drink. She had...a bit too much. But I could not just let you leave without her having a chance to decide where she wanted to go. Now, if only she would come to!"

Kira laughed, and gently shook Ana. The slumbering Sioux stirred, moaned, and slowly regained consciousness. "Goodmorning," yelled Kira. Ana cringed at the loud sounds, and put a hand to her throbbing head.

"Oww," she groaned. "Where am I? What day is it?" She looked confusedly about her. Suddenly, a startled look crossed her face, and she quickly leaned forward over the pier to vomit. Jack the Monkey was also quickly awoken from Ana's suddden movements, and had to scramble quickly back on to the dock before he was pitched forward into the water.

"Eww," muttered Kira. Jose smiled dryly, and helped hold Ana's hair back from her face, as she continued to puke.

Jack chuckled outright, and put his hand upon Kira's shoulder. "See, my dear," he lectured. "Its always best to drink in moderation." Kira looked at Jack, and then back at the heaving Ana. Even as she did so, Jack secretly took a quick swig from his ever-handy flask of rum. Finally, Ana stopped. She leaned once more against Jose, but she was very attentive now, and wished to know what was going on.

"So, Jose," asked Kira, "why won't ya be coming with us?"

Jose beamed with pride, "Ah, you see, little senorita, I have a new and permenant job now. I learned only last night that I have been appointed governor of an island. I knew I was one of several candidates, but I did not know for certain if I would be chosen or not. But I have been. A governor I shall be!"

"Oh wow," praised Kira.

"That's great, mate," said Jack. "What island exactly?"

"Its a small one," answered Jose. "Must start off slowly, and then on to bigger and better things, Don Nunez told me. But it is the Isla de Vieques, just a short hop east of Puerto Rico. Its main port and capital is Isabel."

"Ah yes," said Jack thoughtfully. "I've been there before. The harbor there is a pretty one. Mighty strong fortress, too."

"Si," said Jose. "Wonderfully strong fortress. Keep that in mind, Jack." He winked and laughed at the same time, and Jack chuckled too. "But that is not all," continued the Spaniard. "I will be knighted, as well! Don Nunez was amazed I had not been already for my services in the Thirty Years War and for my deeds at Cartegena. But in any case, for those and other services to the crown, I will be knighted before I am installed as governor." If it were at all possible, Jose's face was even brighter and prouder than when he had said he was to be a governor.

Jack and Kira congratulated him. The monkey skipped and hopped about for no reason. Ana whispered to Jose, still so weak as she was, "That is wonderful, Jose. Its what you always wanted. I'm happy for you." She squeezed his hand. Jose looked down upon her, and smiled.

"Well," said Jack, "that's whats in store for our former navigator. What about our dear Ms. Ana Pearl?"

"Oh, I'm so tired, I don't even want to think," sighed Ana, closing her eyes and almost hiding against Jose's arm.

"You already know what things would be like with us on The Pearl," said Jack. "The high seas, adventure, plunder, and a good fight here and there."

"And if you come with me," said Jose, "you could be my squire, my right hand, and my captain of the ships. There are seven naval ships for the governor at Isla de Veiques, and room for more. You'd have you own small fleet, Ana. You would be an authority, rather than constantly hunted by the authorities. Not to mention the fact that you would have a home."

Seeing his friend so sad and ill made Jack's heart soften just a little. "You could always give it a try," he said.

Jose was surprised Jack was almost agreeing with him. "Yes, a try," he said. "Come with me for six months. If you do not enjoy your time there or your duties, or if life on The Pearl is simply that much better, then you can return. Jack could come to the Isla de Vieques in six months (peacefully, mind you) to see what your decision would be, and you'd not have to stay a day longer if you didn't want to."

Ana's face lit up somewhat. She had been so tired and weary lately. She was now without her best friend, Emil. And she had always been homeless. The home aspect of going with Jose was one thing that really attracted her to the idea, though she would have been reluctant to admit it. "Ok, ok," she said, raising her face from Jose's arm. "I will come with you, Jose. But only to try things out for six months. Whether I decide to stay or not, if ya don't come to see what my choice is in six months, I'm coming after ya with my fleet, Jack Sparrow!" She winked and stuck her tongue out at Jack.

He winked back, "I wouldn't have it any other way, Ana! But we really must be getting the ship ready now. The tide isn't quite the best, but I don't want to be here any longer than I have to. I guess this is goodbye." Jose helped Ana to her feet, and steadied her. She embraced both Jack and Kira, and said goodbye. Jose shook Jack's hand. He hugged Kira, kissed her hand, and asked her to be careful. With one last wave, Jack and Kira went up the ramp of The Pearl, the former's hand upon the shoulder of the young girl.

Jose and Ana sat back down. They wished to wave at their friends aboard The Pearl as it left, and Jose was still waiting for Gabby. Jack the Monkey leaned over the dock, lustily watching the fish below.

Presently, a man and a woman walked down the pier. They weren't dressed as they usually were, yet there was no mistaking their faces. For there walked Calen and James Hawkins. They went as inconspicuously as they could, and did not recognize Jose or Ana sitting there off to the side. Though Ana did not notice them, Jose did. He gritted his teeth at the sight of Hawkins. He and his crew had dogged them their entire journey to El Dorado. They had killed Gavin, Ehawee, Gwen, Gael, and Susanna. Their goal was to kill or capture Jack's crew, and to take all their loot. And though others had forgotten, Derek had always been one of them. Jose choked back a growl.

And yet, there was Calen taking Hawkins aboard The Pearl! How foolish was that? But Jose remembered the source, and then didn't consider the foolhardy deed terribly surprising. He shrugged. Let Hawkins get a warm greeting from Jack and his crew. Unless Gabby got to him first, and tried killing him again. Jose did not wish to see Gabby stoop to vengeance, but he would not have wept were he ever to hear of Hawkins' well-deserved come-uppance.

[tancred]

It was maybe quarter to nine now. The crew of The Pearl was readying her to set sail. The dock became more and more crowded, as merchants, passengers, dock authority officials, soldiers, and commoners came and went. And then finally, Jose saw what he had been waiting for. For there, at the beginning of the pier, right next to the city street, stood Gabby. Their eyes met, Jose breathed a huge sigh of relief, smiled, and waited for the woman he loved to come speak with him.

And he waited some more. The pier was so crowded now, that he could no longer see Gabby. Nor could Ana or the monkey. Jose figured she had to get her things from the ship quickly before the nine o'clock departure time, and so was rushed. Surely after she had finished her goodbyes to Jack and the others, she would come to him.

A loud call was heard--Jack giving the order for The Black Pearl to put to sea. The anchor was lifted, the sails unfurled, and the ship pushed away from the dock. Jack, Kira, and Damien could be seen standing top deck. They waved to Ana, Jack the Monkey, and Jose on the pier, and they waved back. The faces of the crew that had not finished the journey passed before Jose and Ana's eyes: fair and fiesty Gwen, young and hopeful Ehawee, giddy and excitable Susanna, able and affable Gibbs, well-meaning Gael, and the others. It was a great sorrow that none of them had made it this far, out of exciting danger and into prosperous peace. Ana closed her eyes and winced. Once he had been to confession, Jose resolved to light a candle for each, and have mass said for them all.

The Pearl did not make the best speed, the tide being against it as Jack had pointed out earlier. Still, it gradually made its way out of the harbor. It turned to the south, and its aft now faced the former companions on the dock. Its progress was slow, and it seemed for awhile that all the other ships in the harbor would wait until the tide turned in their favor. A handfull of ships however, perhaps emboldened by The Pearl's example, did pull anchor and depart. With the exception of The Pearl and these ships, it was all open seas.

Jose and Ana looked all about them for Gabby. Jack was a fair man, and would not allow the ship to leave before she had claimed her share of the gold. Jose's heart began to race; surely his Dulcinea would come to him now.

She never did. The Pearl was but a speck on the southern horrizon, and the setting sun sank into the sea, and there was still no sign of Gabby. Yet Jose would not move. He waited. Ana had gradually begun to feel better, and walk about. She had gone for food and drink from a nearby merchant, but never strayed terribly far from Jose. She tried making him eat, but he would have none. With the sun going down, it was getting darker now. Ana went off again to find a lantern. She brought it back, and once again sat by Jose and Jack. Gabby was not there. For whatever reason, she had still not come.

As quickly as Jose's heart had been beating earlier, it almost stopped now. Things began to sink in for him now; he guessed what had happened. His future was bright. He was going to be a governor now, and more importantly for him, a knight. But that future would not have Gabby, the woman he had fallen in love with so quickly and deeply these past few months. This was just the latest of many ill turns that had happened to him his whole life.

Of course, bad things always happened to his hero, Don Quixote, as well. How did the Don deal with it all? When beaten, battered, and bruised, the Knight of La Manchea would initially blame things on the deceiving manipulations and spells of the imaginary wizard, Freston. That was a comfort to Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza. Could not Jose blame the terrrible events and deaths of this journey and the fact that Gabby did not love him on an imaginary wizard of his own devising? Or evil witchcraft? Or the drugs, potions, and herbs of some medicine man or witchdoctor? Anything? No, he could not. Jose realized (as Don Quixote later did) that that would be passing the blame off unjustly. There could always be coercion, but in the end, it always came down to the individual. People had free will. Whatever they said or did was up to them. Their deeds were their own. To believe otherwise would be most un-Christian. In the end, Gabby did not love him. Jose gulped, and a tear snaked down his face.

Beside him, Jack the Monkey sensed sadness. He let out a little meep, and pet Jose's hair. Ana too felt even more sad. She almost cried, but managed to keep a straight face. She could only imagine what Jose was feeling. She wanted to comfort him.

Jose stood, but did not walk away. He merely stared out to the sea. Jack clambered up his back, and onto his shoulder, and Ana rose to his side, clutching his hand. She tried to make excuses for Gabby. "Perhaps," she stumbled, "Gabby had alot of trouble getting all of her loot secretly off the ship? Or maybe she got lost in the crowd, and thought you had left? She will return to you. And maybe you have some work ahead of you. Some wooing. But that's nothin' ya can't handle." Jose did not look too hopeful. An idea entered Ana's mind, and she continued with an encouraging smile, "Remember when you first really met and spoke with Gabby? What did you do? You gave her that rose. And she was all giddy and happy. Start simple. Start there. I know there are some florists nearby that I saw. Go buy her a rose!"

With his free hand, Jose reached into his jacket pocket, and drew something out. Almost as if there was a string of precious, faceted roses there, Jose held aloft the silver necklace encrusted with garnets that he had picked out for Gabby in El Dorado. He replied in a low voice, "Illic es haud magis roses mihi. Quis a attero." He clenched his fist over the necklace, and then gently let it drop into the sea. It hit the surface with a PLUNK!, and slowly sank into the depths. Jack felt like diving in after it, but he somehow knew the gravity of the situation was too sombre to do something like that.

Ana looked confused. "What did you just say, Jose," she asked. "What did it mean?"

Jose answered without looking away from the sinking, shimmering necklace, "Nothing."

There was a silence for some time, until Jose finally ventured, "Shall we be going?" Ana nodded her head. Jack still upon his shoulder, Jose picked up the lantern with one hand, and locked arms with Ana.

Things had not gone the way Jose had hoped they would. Yet, he was wise enough to know a blessing when he saw one. He was grateful to have Jack, and most especially Ana with him. He tried to be happier in spirit. "Well," he said, "my faithful squire, dear friend, future Captain of the Ships, and fair Lady Ana, we are about to embark on a new journey. Isla de Vieques. A new path. If you are still willing to come with me?"

Ana playfully hit Jose in the shoulder. "My, you're a repetitious one, Jose! But aye, I say it again, I'll come with ya!" She smiled once more.

Jose returned that smile. "Thank you, Ana Pearl," he said. "I'm glad to have you with me."

The three friends strode arm in arm down the pier and into the lit city, down their new path. And as they went, Jose could be heard reciting Don Quixote:

Knowing as I do the innummerable toils that are teh accompaniments of knight-errantry, I know, too, the infinite benefits that are its guerdon. I know that the path of virtue is very narrow and road of vice broad and spacious. I know that their ends and goals are different, for that of vice, though wise and spacious, ends in death, and that of virtue, narrow and full of toils, in life, not life that has an ending but in the one that has no end.*

*Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes; Signet Classic edition, pg. 568

[Niphredil]

As soon as Gabby saw Jose sitting there with Ana leaning her head on his shoulder, she wanted to turn and run. There he sat, and in such an inappropriate position with Ana as Gabby had come to expect of him, so liberal was he with his compliments and affections toward anyone (or anything) with breasts. He continued to just sit there, not daring to move lest he disturb the woman leaning on his shoulder, even though the woman that he claimed to love so desperatly was standing there, wanting to talk to him, to tell him herself what had transpired. She knew that he saw her.

Why would he not rise? Why would he not come to her, if he loved her even half as much as he said he did? How could he, how could anyone, love with such conviction and yet have so little passion? Did he truly expect her to go bounding off to him everytime they needed to speak about something serious, even though he may not like to hear what she had to say? Was he that much of a coward, or did he just not care as much as he said he did?

Gabby wouldn't go to him, though. Not anymore. No longer would she jump through his hoops. No longer was she the emotionally shallow young girl from the general store, giddy at the thought of receiving a flower and a kiss on the hand from a strange man. No longer would she trip over herself to make any sort of relationship with Jose work, be it romantic or otherwise. Especially not if he was not willing to meet her halfway, as he obviously was not.

Dismayed (not to mention being pushed by the crowd), Gabby made her way past Jose and Ana toward the Pearl. The crew members were busily preparing to set sail. Kira was the first to see her. She turned up her nose at the sight of Gabby and walked away, leaving Gabby extremely curious. Jack approached Gabby as soon as he saw her.

"There you are, lass! Was beginning to think you wouldn't show," he said.

"Are you setting sail so soon? I did not hear anything of it."

"Aye, we are," Jack said. "And it's good you came in time, otherwise we would have left you here in Sarasota. Unless of course, you're staying here; then we would have simply taken your gold with us."

"I am staying, but only for a short while," Gabby said. "You really would have taken my share with you?"

"Of course!" Jack exclaimed. "What do you take me for? I am a pirate, ya know. So, off to the Isla de Veiques soon?"

"To where?" Gabby asked, confused.

"Isla de Veiques! With Jose I mean, to be his wife. The wife of a governor! An honorable position, to be sure," Jack explained with a wink. At the time he though that he and Gabby were still romantically involved, and he wanted her off his ship as soon as possible.

"Oh, I have not yet spoken with Jose, Captain Sparrow. I know nothing of his plans, only that I will not be taking part in them. But you say he is to be governor of this island?"

"Aye! And Ana's going with him, to be his right hand, and preside over some ships, and do some other things," Jack said, with a sweeping motion of his arm. "I never would have thought she would have done such a thing, choosing a life other than that of piracy. She was a fierce captain, once upon a time, and I know she loved the adventure. And now, she's... she's..." he trailed off, not knowing how to finish his sentance. "What do ya mean you won't be taking part in his plans?"

"I mean just that. I won't be going with him. I'm going to charter a ship and go back to Port Royal," she said, telling the truth (though not the whole truth about Derek going with her).

"Really? He'll be sad to learn that, I'm sure. To learn that his beloved Dul-- Dulce-- senial--"

"Dulcinea," Gabby corrected, dryly. She felt a knot grow in her stomach at the thought of Jose calling her by that name. Imagine! Calling the woman you love by the same pet-name that you had called the woman to whom you were once betrothed! The very idea sickened Gabby. She was sorry that Rose had died, of course, but that Jose should think of her as Rose's replacement, and thereby call her by the same name... Gabby had always disliked it.

"Right! Dulcinea! He'll be sad to learn that she won't be going with him."

"Well, he'll have Ana with him. I do not doubt that he will find comfort in her," Gabby said. She walked over to the side of the ship, and looked down at the pier. There stood the little girl from the inn, two burly looking men standing behind her. Gabby motioned for them to come up. Soon, Gabby's trunks of "clothing" were safely in her and Derek's room at the Inn. Gabby said her goodbyes to Jack and the others, and wished them a good journey. Then she disembarked from the ship, and went back to the inn, never once looking back, never once hesitating.

[~Kawaii~]

"Find comfort in her knickers she means"

"Eh?"

Aimee turned to her father; "Find comfort in her knickers. That is, of course, if she wears any."

Jack laughed as his eyes watched Gabby leave the ship; "Nah, Ana's a good girl, though I'd never risk saying that to her face."

"Good girl?! I thought she was a Pirate!"

"Time at sea can do strange things to a girl, though I never thought I'd see Captain Ana Pearl become a governors wife. That Jose must keep somethin' ... magical ... in his underpants or else I can't see why all these girls are fallin' over themselves to get to him..."

Aimee's giggles burst out into hysterical laughter at the thought of what Jack was saying. "I never kne-"

"I wish we'd met earlier." Jack interupted. "You could be one hell of a pirate by now, not that your mother would have let it happen. But she'd never have known. You'd have liked- no, loved The Pearl if you'd have got to know her Aimee. You could be a captain, have your own fleet! I, of course, would own them. But you could do a damn good job of looking after them for me if I ever-"

"DAD!" Aimee pulled on Jack's hand "You're babblin'! Shut up. You can't change the past you daft old bugger!"

Jack grasped Aimee's hand "You're freezing! You should get inside..."

Jack turned to face his daughter and she smiled. Blood dripped from her mouth. "It's too late Dad."

Jack stood aghast at what he was seeing. It was Aimee he was sure, it was his daughter. She was hidden beneath the blood. Her body was mangled and blood trickled from her endless wounds, yet she stood smiling as always.

Jack fought the shock "I....I..... I..."


"You're talking to yourself that's what you're doing Captain Sparrow." Kira elbowed his ribs. "Sometimes I worry about your sanity."

Captian Jack Sprrow looked down at Kira with a puzzled expression, "No I was-" He turned to his daughter.

There was no one there.

[Niphredil]

Derek had already returned to the inn by the time Gabby got back. He had ordered breakfast -- eggs, toast, fresh fruit and juices, hot tea, and more -- and it was laid out on the table waiting for her when she got back. They sat down together for the meal, all the while discussing the morning's events.

"So, we can set sail in three days time, all we need to do is pay," Derek said, after telling her all his news about chartering a ship.

"I don't think that paying should be a problem," Gabby said, casting a glance toward the chests in the corner of the room.

"No indeed," Derek said with a chuckle. "And spending three lazy days here with you sounds like heaven on earth." Gabby smiled, resting her chin on her hand. She reached her other hand across the table and put it on Derek's; their fingers entwined. "Were you able to speak with Jose?" Derek asked, not really wanting to ruin the mood of the moment, but letting his curiosity get the better of him.

"No," she said. "No, I did not speak with him. I wanted to, to explain everything myself. But..."

"But what?"

"I don't think he wanted to hear it."

"I don't know of anyone who would," Derek interjected.

"True. But then I also don't think that he cared as much as he claimed. When I got to the docks he was there, with Ana, her head was on his shoulder... then he actually smiled at me. I couldn't speak to him, not with her there. And I'm so tired of having to be the one who starts all the serious conversations, and of having to seek him out to start those conversations."

"I'm sorry you didn't get to do what you wanted, darling," Derek said, squeezing her hand. "But I don't want you to give it another thought. It's Jose's loss, even more so if he is half as cowardly as you just described him to be. Don't let his lack of bravery when it comes to what's most important get to you."

"I'll try," Gabby said, smiling. "It will be easier with you here, Derek."

"And I will always be here," he said, pulling Gabby over to a seat on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Anything you want or need, I will do my best to see it done." Gabby ran her fingers through his hair, and gently pressed her lips to his, and then held him close. They sat there for some time, holding each other.

[Mrs Dan Hawkins]

Calen and Hawkins walked towards The Pearl in silence, a few metres away they both saw jose and Ana but when Calen just carried on walking Hawkins look as if he were about to march up to Jose and well...kill him until Calen placed a gentle hand upon his arm.They both boarded the Pearl and instantly found Jack and Will both of whom gave a double take before their hands few to thier sword hilts.

"what are you staring at?" Calen demanded

"what the 'ell are you wearin' lass" Jack exclaimed

Calen raised one eyebrow and looked down

"seems i'm wearin a dress jack"

Behind her Hawkins stiffeled a laugh.

"whats he doing aboard here!" Will suddenly exclaimed as if the sight of his sister had momentelary taken his ability to speak

"Helping me get my share of the treasure" Calen replied

jack descretly moved away slightly as Wills jaw dropped

"your not coming back with us?" he asked in a small voice

"no, im not" Calen replied almost whispering

"are you staying here then?"

"for a while maybe but i intend to return to port royal eventually, to see you"calen gave a small smile

Will's face remained blank

"or you could come back with us, you know stay here then return to port royal after" Calen looked at him hopefully

" i dont know..." he trailed off

Calens face fell" well if you decide to we're staying at the local inn, just ask for me"

"alright"

"well i'd better get my lot off the ship if you guys are leaving" calen turned to go to her cabin but then suddenly as if on impulse turned and pulled her brother into a fierce hug.
"see you later" she whispered before getting her share of the treasure and leaving the Pearl with Hawkins in tow

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

[Niphredil]

The three days that Derek and Gabby had to wait in Sarasota passed quickly and pleasantly. The two only ventured out of their hotel room occasionally, for a meal, or to shop in the market. The morning of the third day came and they found themselves standing on the bow of the small ship they had chartered.

The journey itself took less than a week, and soon the high cliffs of Port Royal greeted them, just as the sun was beginning to set. Upon Derek's request, they were immediately escorted to Commodore Norrington's office in the fort.

"I must say, it is a surprise to have you return to us, Lieutenant Bennet," Norrington said. "We lost track of Captain Hawkins' ship months ago, and he never sent word. We assumed that he and the crew were lost to us. I trust you will tell me where you have been these past months?"

"It is a tremendously long story, Commodore," Derek said. "And I fear that I cannot truly give an account of everything that happened, for reasons beyond my control. But Gabby-- that is, Ms. Scott, here, can certainly help to fill in many of the details."

"Very well," said the Commodore. "If this will be a tale of such great length, then perhaps I shall have to order dinner for us. I think that a traditional Enlgish meal is in order."

"That would be delightful," Gabby said with a big smile. She and Derek were both extremely happy over the idea of having food that was neither stale nor foreign. As they ate Derek and Gabby told the Commodore of everything that had transpired; it was very late in the evening when they finally finished.

"So, Captain Hawkins broke from the Navy and disobeyed orders to chase after a woman," Norrington said.

"The love of a woman can make you do strange things," Derek said.

"Indeed," Norrington agreed, remembering the mess from a few years ago when Will joined Jack Sparrow to chase after Elizabeth Swann. He eyed Derek and Gabby suspiciously. "Tell me, Lieutenant, what are your plans now?" he asked, with a knowing smile and a glance toward Gabby. Her cheeks became rosy and she turned to Derek, smiling ever so slightly.

"Now," he said, smiling back at Gabby. "We wish to be married as soon as possible!"

"Excellent! Of course, before any sort of ceremony can take place, you will certainly have to find some more appropriate dress," he said, motioning to their distinctively Spanish garb. "I shall have my private tailor pay you both a visit in the morning."

"Thank you very much, Commodore!" Derek said. "But, Sir, I do have one question, in regards to the gold we brought back with us--"

"Think nothing of it," Norrington said. "It is your's to keep. After all, you are to be married! You must have something with which to buy a home for your wife-to-be."

The two lovers thanked the Commodore profusely, and, as the hour was late, bid him a good night. Three days later, they were married in a small ceremony, shortly after which they returned to England.

Portsmouth, England, 1658 ~ Three Years Later

Derek quietly opened the door to his and Gabby's house. It was late; his ship had only just arrived back home after speanding six months at sea. He made his way up the stairs to their room, and gently opened the door. The moonlight shone through the window into the room, and there Gabby lay sleeping, her left hand resting upon her breast, her long wavy hair cascading over the pillows. He undressed, quickly slipping into bed next to her. He had just laid his head on the pillow next to her when she stirred, and opened her eyes. She started to sit up, but his touch on her skin made her stop, and realize it was him.

"Derek!" she said, throwing her arms around him and kissing him. "I didn't expect you for at least another week! There was so much I wanted to do in the house before you came back."

"I could leave and come back in a week, if you want," he said, rising to leave right then.

"Don't you dare!" she said, still kissing him.

Derek gave into her kisses and caresses, right up until he put his hand on her waist, then he pulled away and said, "What's this then?"

Gabby pushed the covers off to reveal her rather large belly. "This, my dearest, is your doing."

"If I recall correctly, I was not the only one present when this doing occurred," Derek said, chuckling. "No, I remember quite vividly that you were, in fact, the one who instigated that particular doing."

"True, but you give in so easily, Captain Bennet," she said.

"Well, Mrs. Bennet, when you are around I cannot help but give in to anything and everything you desire," Derek said, kissing the back of her hand. She giggled. "I promised you three years ago that I would do my best to see that anything you want or need is done."

"And you fulfilled that promise a thousand thousand times since," Gabby said.

"And I will do my best to fulfill that promise a thousand thousand times more," he said.

"I know," she said softly, moving closer to him. "I love you, Derek."

"And I will always love you," he said. And then they fell asleep in each other's arms, her head on his shoulder, his hand resting on her stomach.