"Mask and Mirror " (WIP)

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“On sunny noons upon the deck's smooth face,

Linked arm in arm, how pleasant here to pace!”

~Arthur Hugh Clough

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As the middle watch ended Gibbs gave the helm over to Ana Maria. She simply nodded when he wished her a fair morning. She seemed to be back to her surly self, and he was thankful, in fact, she had this disposition. Seeing as how he was on his way to the galley, conversation was not a priority.



Since it had been some time since he’d seen Jack he decided on a detour to the great cabin. His knock on the door went unanswered so he opened the door and peered in. Jack was sound asleep at the table, feet propped up on the edge with his hat down low over his eyes.



Gibbs stood for a few moments before chuckling, “Well now, aren’t you a pretty sight.” Popping the top off his flask he wafted it under Jack’s nose.



Jack opened his eyes, crossing them in an attempt to focus on the flask. He held up one hand and the small flask was soon deposited in it. After taking a swig he smiled and handed the flask back to Gibbs. “Seems as though my bout of shut eye lasted a bit longer than I thought. Who’s at the helm?”



“Ana Maria. She’s keeping us on a Northeastern course but she’ll be needin’ a proper heading. And we need more supplies for this venture you proposed.”



Jack nodded, “We should be able to pick up what we need in Bermuda. From there we set a course to Cadiz.” He pulled his feet down off the table and re adjusted his hat atop his head.



“A good plan Captain; however, -” Gibbs paused, - “Dare I remind you that Norrington be looking for you in any port from here to the Carolinas?”



“Indeed he will.” Jack tapped his chin thoughtfully and then grinned. “But he will be looking for a black ship. I think it is time the ‘Pearl was given new colors. What do we have in the way of paint?”



“I will take a look down in the hold. Surely there is something to make this lovely lady shine.”



“She will be most appreciative of your efforts.” Jack clasped his hands together and bowed ever so slightly as Gibbs exited the cabin.



*********



Walking out onto the deck Jack stopped as the sun’s warmth flickered on his face. Relishing its caress he closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. His legs quickly recalled The Black Pearl’s way of rolling through the water and he swayed steadily with her. With a hand on the rail he looked towards her figurehead. “I hope you will not mind some new colors, luv. Just a temporary thing, you will always be my black beautiful one.” Her bow dipped down as it rolled over one swell and then back up, as if in acquiescence.



In no time at all Gibbs had several crewmembers hanging over the railings adding white to the ‘Pearl’s hull. By the time they reached Bermuda she would look more like the Italian vessels he remembered seeing in Dominique’s Portsmouth harbor all those years ago. Hopefully it would be just enough to buy them a little more time as they headed out onto the Atlantic.



*********



The weather proved favorable and they arrived at St. George just after the start of a new week. There were only a few moments of anxiety as they passed by Fort St. Catherine. Thankfully it was dusk and their ruse, as an Italian ship, seemed to be working. After dropping anchor Jack departed with Gibbs to see what supplies and extra crew they could round up. Anamaria opted to retreat to the crow’s nest after assigning the watch schedule. When a ship was in motion she preferred to be at the helm, reveling in the sensation of flying close to the water. However, when anchored, this spot afforded her spectacular views from its great height.



This night the moon was a mere sliver, framed by softly twinkling stars and held in a cradle of light cloud cover. This darkness kept the ‘Pearl safely veiled despite her thin disguise. Anamaria had managed to piece together a semblance of an Italian flag based on Marty’s descriptions, but she doubted its accuracy. There was little else she could do at this point; hopefully Jack was as able as he always was in finding a way to their destination. She suspected it had something to do with that unholy compass of his; it had a tendency to lead them straight into trouble. Despite the tempestuous nature of their previous voyages, she could not imagine participating on any other crew. She was going to need her rest to face what might lie ahead and so pulled the rough woolen blanket tighter about her shoulders.



Hours later she awoke to the sound of a voice hailing the ship. Gibbs and Jack had returned from St. George, and they were not alone. As they boarded Anamaria climbed down to get a better look at what she guessed were the new additions to the crew. When she got close she was astounded at how few there were. While they wore clothing similar the ‘Pearl’s crew, their skin was darker than the seamen that sailed these waters. Jack and one of the men were intent in their conversation, which ended with hearty nods, and the clasping of each other’s hands. This man, who despite his tattered clothing and tangled locks, carried himself in a manner not unlike Jack. Perhaps he had some role of leadership among the others.



With a cautious gaze she looked the newcomers over while pretending to rearrange one of the lines at her feet. This was a ragged group to say the least and she wondered what Jack had promised them, although she doubted it would take much to improve on their state. Most of them looked about a bit nervously, and whispered to each other in a language she had never heard before. One of them hung back, head down, nearly lost under a large brimmed hat and oversized clothing.



“Anamaria?” Jack called out.



“Yes Captain Sparrow.” She stood fully upright to face Jack.



He leaned in and whispered to her, his words answering her unspoken questions about the new crewmates. These were not just any seamen, but the remaining crew and captain of a Turkish Corsair vessel that had been wrecked on a nearby reef. The oddest member of the crew was in fact not a he, but a she who was affianced to a foreign Sultan. Jack had agreed to give them safe passage in return for their knowledge of the Mediterranean Sea.



. “They will be considerably more comfortable in the small cabin than in the main crew area.” She smiled gently in the direction of the woman who glanced up just enough to nod. “I have ample room, and she will be safe there.”



“We are honored at your graciousness,” the strange man replied. “ I am Sinan Rais, and this is my sister, Nijad.” He bowed and lifted his head to catch Anamaria’s gaze. She had rarely been one to take note of a man’s eye color, but his were a startling green. Very much in contrast to his inky black hair and well-tanned skin.



Anamaria said, “It is a pleasure to meet you both. If you will, I will show your sister to her quarters.” Then she guestured for the woman to follow her, pausing when she realized the woman did not understand. Nijad looked questioningly at her brother as he repeated what had been said in their own language. Then, with a nod, she eagerly followed Anamaria.



“Well, now that is settled,” Jack said happily. “Shall we converse in my cabin over some rum about our course of action?” He motioned to Gibbs and Cotton to join them.



“But of course.” Sinan replied and followed Jack into the cabin flanked by his remaining men.