Chapter Eleven

"William Turner, Captain of the Flying Dutchman," James snickered, "you're not as scary as your title makes you out to be."

"Shut up," Will said, not caring what James had to say. He was standing in front of the man who murdered his son. He had to be careful what he did though, if he killed him now he would be in charge of carrying his soul over.

"So what'll we do with him?" Jack asked coming back onto the main deck.

"He's your son," Will reminded, not trying to hide the disgust in his voice, "I swear, he's more insane than you."

"Like father, like son they say," Jack said. Martha stood next to him looking down at James.

"The island," Martha suggested remembering the story her brother had told of when Jack was marooned, "leave him there."

"He dies on the island it won't be my responsibility to carry his soul," Will said looking at Jack. Jack was quite, looking down at the man he had once trusted in his crew. For years Jack had opportunities to raise young boys who came on the Pearl, now that he found he actually had a son he didn't know how to react.

"We'll take him to the island," Jack finally decided.

"Thank you, Jack," Will said, "I know-"

"Mr. Turner," Jack interrupted, "might it be time to return to your own ship?"

Will paused for a moment, "Right, Martha?"

"What?"

"You'll be coming with me, won't you?" he asked.

"I hadn't…" her voice trailed off.

"She was planning on remaining on the Black Pearl," Jack informed.

"The Pearl? Why not the Flying Dutchman with me and your grandfather?"

"I…I," she stuttered.

"William, remember the curse," Jack reminded, "every ten years."

"That's to go on land," he retorted.

"And to see the one you love," Jack finished. Will looked at his daughter, "she now holds your heart, in more ways than one. You can't expect her to sit around on some island waiting to see you every ten years."

"I can't change the curse," Will said.

"But if the curse keeps the one you love away, how are we together now?"she asked. "The curse keeps you from land, not those you love."

"But you can't sail with the living," Jack reminded, "only the dead."

They were quiet again. This part, they knew, was true. "We'll sail along side to see James off," Will decided. "Then I'll leave you in Jack' care," He said with difficulty. Martha truly was the image of Elizabeth. Some may say she was even more beautiful with her curly brown locks down her back. Will was concerned with leaving his daughter with Jack. There were many things he didn't like about Jack, but there were more things he did like. A young woman like her on a pirate ship would be dangerous, but Jack could look after her. As could Mr. Gibbs.

"When will we meet again?" Martha asked.

"There's no way to know for sure," Will explained, "still four years until I can go on land." Jack began to back up in order to give the two some privacy, but Will stopped him before he could, "You'll take care of her? Protect her as your own?"

"She hardly needs protecting, mate. She's a better swordsman than me, though I won't admit it to anyone else," he replied, "but yes, I'll keep an eye on her."

"Thank you. You're a good man, Jack. Martha… I'm sorry for everything."

"You've nothing to be sorry for," she interrupted.

"You tried to tell me who you were and I didn't believe you. You grew up without a father. I of all people know how difficult it can be not knowing," he sighed, disappointed in himself.

"I grew up knowing my father was a good man and that one day I'd meet him and be proud," she insisted, "and I am. I've wanted all my life to sail like my father and grandfather. Now I have the opportunity to do so. I can sail the rest of my life on the Pearl and when my time has come I can join you."

"I only wish we sailed a noble profession."

"Do I look like I care at all that you're a pirate? I'd be honored to call you father no matter what you did. I'll be fine here with Jack."

"Your mother would be proud," he smiled. They said their goodbyes and Will returned to the Flying Dutchman.

"You'll see him again soon. He's never far away," Jack said standing beside her.

"Capt'n," Gibbs called standing behind him, "what'll ye have us do with the boy?"

"Take him to the brig," Jack ordered. Gibbs nodded and picked james up by the arm, "oh and Mr. Gibbs, find me an island."

"Aye, sir," he replied knowing what that meant.

"I'm sorry he asked you to do that," Martha said once Gibbs had left.

"The boy deserves it. He attempted mutiny. It's in the code."

"But to condemn your only son to death?"

"If he really is my son, he shouldn't have any trouble getting off," Jack decided, justifying his actions.

"You really believe he could?" she asked as he began walking away.

"No," he admitted, "but this means we at least gave him a chance."