Coming Along

Raz Gaiale: Twisted?! Sadistic?! Me? ...Now that you mention it... Jack's meeting is first, plays a big part in his plan, even thou'm n'm not telling you his plan. ;P Don't worry, happy ending for all... Okay, most.

Madoushi Clef: Heh, I have mild angst. I'm more emotional and tend to draw out some of the darker emotions. Rather than have a twenty minute death scene. :P It was all part of Jack's plan. Heehee, I'll consider the title. And Jack worked hard for the Pearl, he's keepin' it!! Well, most likely. Or Ana can have it...

ShadowSpirit: Can't say much without giving it away. Got at least two more chapters.


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Bootstrap was confused at being called back to Norrington's office; not having been gone ten minutes. Norrington had said nothing, just told him that his presence was requested. Before speaking up to ask for any details, the door opened and he frowned at the sight of Jack being brought in. The pirate's hands were loose, which must be in violation of some code.

Norrington stood when Jack std ind in front of the desk. Bootstrap didn't miss the pirate's smile and tried to figure out what could possibly going through the man's mind.

"What was this 'propsition' you had, Sparrow? And keep it short."

"That's ~Captain~ Sparrow, mate. And I want you to let the others go."

"In exchange for..."

"Me. No fuss, no fight, whatever. You let them go, you get me, they sail off, an' you don't hear from 'em again. Savvy?"

Norrington frowned and Bootstrap stepped forward. "What the bloody hell are you planning, Jack?"

Jack just smiled, "Just as I say."

"And why?" Norrington asked. "You don't strike me as the 'noble' type."

"An understatement," Bootstrap muttered.

Jack's smile faded, "I'm the one causin' you trouble. Gibbs would be happy in Tortuga with a pint o' rum. And Anamaria just wants a ship."

"And William?" Norrington asked, studying Jack's reaction.

"Will's too young. And too damn stubborn," Jack's gave Bootstrap a wry look. "Takes after his father."

"No."

Two heads snapped to look at Norrington and Jack responded.

"What!? Why the bloody hell not?"

Norrington raised an eyebrow, "Because, I need to make an example of you all. And they will come back for you."

"Then keep 'em locked up, just let 'em go after your little fun."

There was a silence as both Norrington and Bootstrap looked over Jack with a critical eye.

"And just why are you so insistant to die, Sparrow?"

Jack frowned, "'Cause I care about them, okay? Just let 'em go. You have me. They probably won't go about causing trouble, and the Pearl's out of your way. Just let them go."

Norrington sat back in his chair, studying Jack. The pirate captain was no longer smiling, nor was he frowning. Norrington could easily see the mixture of determination and sadness, but saw nothing of the mind behind.

"Such concern over a crew," Norrington mused; "if only a small number of them... Very well, Sparrow. You have this as your last request. But they remain in their cells for another day."

Jack nodded, "Thyou.you... Commodore."

Bootstrap took Jack's arm as he started to leave, taking the pirate with him. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because I love Will, and I'm not going to see him hung."

"He'll be hurt that you made this deal."

Jack frowned, "I know. But it's better for him to live. He'll eventually heal, he's a strong lad."

Bootstrap was silent as they approached the stairs to the cell; the guards letting them pass without a problem.

"Jack!" Will was by the bars, obviously having been worried.

"Don't you ever sleep?" Jack said, grinning. Anamaria and Gibbs were awake too, relieved. "An' you really didn't think somethin' would happen t' me, did you?"

Bootstrap opened the door to the cell, holding out the little bag for Will. "Yours. Thought you could find a use for it. Just don't make too much noise."

Will looked through it, smiling when he saw the tools. "Why?"

"'Cause I know Jack's up to somethin'. And I have the feeling I just played into it."

Jack grinned, "So you do remember a few things."

Bootstrap smiled, "Hard t' forget someone like you, Jack."

Walking over to the dog 'guard' he gently patted the scruffy animal and took the keys from it. He threw them to Anamaria, "Don't rush things, and don't do anythstupstupid."

Jack snorted and Will elbowed him in the stomach. Bootstrap gave them an odd look and shook his head. "Don't mess this up, Jack."

"Never, mate," Jack grinned and Bootstrap left.

************

Elizabeth tried to think of how she could help Will and Jack. The guards weren't letting her anywhere near them because of Norrington's orders. A glint of something on the desk of the room caught her eye, and she picked up one of Norrington's daggers.

She smiled, she could probably get close enough; just start something then get to the platform during the commotion.

************

"You did what?!"

Jack jumped at Anamaria's tone and quickly moved out of her reach.

"Easy, mate. Part of th' plan."

"Jack," Will said, his eyes nowhere near as steady as his voice; "why this? With the keys, and these-"

"Love," Jack said softly, bringing a hand up to caress Will's cheek; "trust me. I have everything under control."

There was a loud sigh from Gibbs, "Jack, I really can't see what yer plannin', but I've sailed wit' ye enough t' know you have somethin' up yer sleeve."

Anamaria nodded, "Fine. But if you die, I get th' Pearl, and she's gettin' repainted."

Jack smiled and turned to Will, catching the younger man's eyes. "Will?"

"I really, really hate you right now," Will said, smilin slowly. "But I trust you."

"Good. I know Bootstrap'll be here again by dawn. He'll 'ave a plan of his own, and we'll all get out of here."

Will sighed, "You had better be right."

"Am I ever wrong?"

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Heehee, so fast and so close to the end. Left out a scene here, but it'll be first next chapter.