Disclaimer: I still do not own Pirates of the Caribbean. And my Disney stock is worth even less than it used to be. Fail.

AN: I really have no excuse. I've been working on other projects (crossover story, Twilight fiction, original stuff and... life). I've been busy. I've been procrastinating. I'm not so good with writing conflict, particularly battles. I'm not so good with the logistics of something. And unlike Captain Jack I fail miserably when I wing it. So I've been researching and pluging away. But if I'd waited until I knew everything, this would never be finished. So I'm hoping that if anyone is still reading this, he/she will forgive if logistically this makes no sense. Also, I apologize. Sword fights (which are a work in progress for the next chapter - I promise barring any major life tragedy you won't have to wait over a year for it) are repetitive when in writing. Sorry.

If you're reading, you've been waiting. I hope it doesn't suck too badly for you.

Chapter 9: Foreboding

Lord Caddock Beckett stood in his office on the East India Trading Company's new flagship the Venture. Though not nearly as grand or impressive as the Endeavor, it assumed the role after the destruction of his brother's ship, much as Caddock took over after Cutler's death. That thought only caused him to shudder in both revulsion and anticipation. Revenge was at hand.

Cutler had relied on Mr. Mercer to complete many of his necessary though illegal jobs. Caddock did not have the luxury of such a loyal assistant so he had to rely on Mr. Ross and Mr. Quinn, two men hired for their shady pasts and willingness to act outside the law. It wasn't that Caddock didn't trust Groves. He just needed to be sure that Elizabeth Swann would die.

There were rumors that his brother's death rendered him mentally unstable, no doubt incited by his fervent need for revenge. Whispers in Port Royal indicated a general belief that he was grief-crazed and obsessed with the destruction of the former governor's daughter. Some accused him of going too far. Others argued he would destroy the entire East India Trading Company in his vendetta against her. It was for these reasons, as well as those Groves had offered, that he agreed to follow his First Lieutenant's plan.

Nevertheless, because of his paranoia he intended to supplement his forces. This offer of the Pirate King on a silver platter was simply too good to be true. Beckett assumed it was a trap, one he intended to foil by any means necessary. Defying company policy, he sent Ross out to hire mercenaries to help. Those ranking below him in the company hierarchy would have loved to use that to overthrow him, so it would be kept secret. Any soldier who couldn't keep the truth to himself would be executed, his death attributed to the battle that was sure to occur. Hopefully, the additional fighters would be enough to shift the balance of power back to the East India Trading Company. That solved one potential problem.

And yet there was another. Beckett knew through his spies that Davy Jones had been destroyed. He knew through survivors' reports that whoever now captained the Flying Dutchman had assisted in the annihilation of the Endeavor. If the new captain was still aligned with Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann that would prove problematic. The solution, however, was a simple one.

Cutler told him about the ship's history before his death and Caddock intended to use that knowledge. On the off chance that the new captain was committed to his duty to ferry the souls of those who died at sea to their final resting place, he had made arrangements. Unbeknownst to the crew at large, Beckett sent Mr. Quinn and several of the pirate prisoners from Port Royal to the Cayman Islands – the direction opposite the rendezvous point. Quinn had orders to take the prisoners out into the harbor and execute them at dawn. These deaths at sea would, arguably, serve as a distraction for the captain of the Flying Dutchman. It was a win-win situation and cost nothing.

A knock at his door drew his attention. Caddock turned, hands clasped behind his back and ordered, "Enter."

"Lord Beckett," Ross gave a small bow.

"Is it finished?" Beckett asked emotionlessly.

The other answered, "Not yet, but I'm sure it will be, milord. Just as ordered."

"Not that, you dolt. Were you successful in hiring the mercenaries?"

"Oh," the man shuffled his feet. "Yes, milord."

"And no one saw you?" Beckett pressed.

"Of course not, milord."

"Excellent. You may go."

The plan was in motion and things were coming to a head. In less than a day's time, Beckett anticipated he would have his revenge. He doubted that executing the Pirate King would end the problem of piracy in general, but the symbolic move would do him good. It would also send a message to any who dared cross the East India Trading Company that their actions would be met with death.

Chuckling as he prepared himself for bed that night, Caddock Beckett couldn't help but think his future looked very bright indeed.

Less than two hours after arriving on the Flying Dutchman, Will stepped out of his cabin onto the deck. Elizabeth was sleeping, safely tucked into bed. He'd held her until she drifted off, the pair taking comfort in one another; knowing the next day would be difficult at best. Even after her eyes had closed and her breathing evened out, he held her.

But even being near his wife he couldn't shake the foreboding feeling that he had forgotten something important. They had a little under seventeen hours before the East India Trading Company would arrive at the designated rendezvous point. Onboard the Pearl, Jack was coaching Murtogg and Mullroy on what to say. They were potentially the weakest links in the plan if they allowed themselves to get distracted. Jack was wisely playing on their desire to help protect Elizabeth to get them to focus.

Pulling off his bandana, Will ran his fingers through his hair before retying it. Rubbing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose, he racked his brain in a vain attempt to figure out what he had overlooked.

"What seems to be the problem, Captain?" Bill's deep voice carried easily to his son despite his quiet tone.

"I feel like I've overlooked something important," Will responded. "Something that should be obvious, but that eludes me when I try to determine what it is."

"Perhaps you're borrowing trouble," the first mate offered. "Between Elizabeth and the baby you do have every reason to be concerned about tomorrow's events."

Shaking his head, the captain sighed in frustration. "I can't lose either of them and I don't like this situation."

"You know they're safer here than anywhere. The only ship that could possibly outrun us is on our side," Bill reminded him.

Suddenly, it clicked. "Lord Beckett's not about to give up the only ship wot can outrun the Dutchman," Mercer had warned. Who knew what else Davy Jones had divulged about the ship? If the East India Trading Company knew about that, they might know all of its strengths. All of its weaknesses. Perhaps even its true purpose.

And if Caddock Beckett knew the Dutchman's true purpose, he could exploit it.

"I have to get her off the ship," Will murmured, already headed for his cabin.

Bill looked bewildered, "Why, son?"

"If Beckett knows the Dutchman's purpose, he'll use that to his advantage. Even assuming he doesn't know I'm captain now, he certainly heard that whoever is helped Jack destroy the Endeavor. He might guess that this ship will be involved tomorrow and have someone murdered at sea so we have to leave," Will explained in a rush before wrenching his door open.

He loathed the idea of waking Elizabeth, but saw no other way around his dilemma. If the Dutchman was summoned, they would need to leave without delay in order to return as quickly as possible. With any luck, they could be gone and back before the battle began. If Elizabeth was onboard, they would have to wake her and wait for her to transfer, wasting precious time. As much as he hated it, it would be best to move her preemptively.

Will paused in the doorway before turning back to his father. "Do you suppose that if I carry her we could go without readying a boat?"

Thinking for a moment, his eyebrows drawn together in a frown of concentration, Bill finally answered, "I don't see why that wouldn't work since you can carry things that way. I suppose the only way to know for sure is to try. You could test the theory with someone else first."

Will shook his head. "I don't want to risk wasting more time than needed. Have the crew prepare to sail at a moment's notice. I want everything ready to go the instant I feel any inkling of a pull."

"Aye, Captain."

His orders issued, Will closed the door quietly and approached Elizabeth's sleeping form. Bending over her, he kissed her forehead. "Elizabeth," he whispered urgently. "Wake up, dearest."

Her eyelids fluttered open and she blinked to focus on his face. "What is it?"

"I have to get you off the Dutchman. If Beckett knows this ship's purpose, he may try to use that against us by causing me to be called. If you're onboard, we'll waste time transferring you. My father and James are readying the ship as we speak as a precaution. We'll be able to leave straight away."

Elizabeth nodded in understanding. "Take me to the Endeavor," she requested, pushing herself up. "They'd expect me to be on my ship or Jack's."

Nodding at the wisdom of her choice, Will turned to grab her clothes and baldric. He set the weapons down beside her on the bed and knelt to help her put on her boots. She pulled on a loose linen shirt over her chemise. Knowing she was potentially going to be fighting the next day, Elizabeth decided to wear trousers rather than a dress. While she had learned to fence wearing gowns befitting her social station, it was decidedly easier to move without them, especially considering she now waddled a bit.

"I'm going to carry you. Hopefully we'll just be able to materialize like I can alone so we don't have to worry about a boat," Will explained, standing and helping her to her feet. With one arm at her back and one behind her knees, he swept her into his arms. Elizabeth rested one hand on his shoulder and reached for her sword with the other. "Ready, beloved?"

"Yes," she responded, slightly nervous over the idea of disappearing and reappearing elsewhere.

"Close your eyes," he instructed softly, understanding her discomfort. "It helps."

In an instant, Will stood on the deck of the Endeavor, cradling Elizabeth carefully. Noticing their sudden arrival, Barbossa joined them in concern.

"What brings ye here?" he questioned without preamble.

Will set Elizabeth on her feet beside him as they outlined the situation.

"So I was hoping to stay here, if that's alright," Elizabeth finished.

Barbossa nodded, "Seems quite prudent." He walked away, leaving Will and Elizabeth alone on the deck. They had goodbyes to say and he could wait for further explanations.

"Do you really think you'll have to go?" Elizabeth asked quietly. Her tone was curious rather than nervous.

Will shook his head and reached out to caress her cheek. "I don't know, dearest. I have a sinking feeling that something is going to happen soon and I don't believe it's related to the battle. With our luck I will have to leave you."

Elizabeth examined him closely, struck by the fearful apprehension in his eyes. She rarely saw such an expression; Will always tried his best to be strong for her. It was her turn to do the same for him. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she hugged him as closely as possible with her growing belly in the way. His arms came up to hold her as well and she rested her head on his chest. Slowly but surely, she could feel his tension begin to dissipate.

"Whatever happens, we will get through this, Will. I have faith in us."

His eyes squeezed shut, he kissed the top of her head. "I can't lose either of you."

"We can't lose you either. Let's try not to think that way. I know it would be pointless to tell you not to worry, but try? For me?"

There was a long silence. "Please, Elizabeth. Please promise me something," Will's voice was shaking as he tried to control himself. The only other time in his life he could remember feeling this frightened was before his mother had died. That thought did nothing to comfort him, it only served to make the feelings more intense and the situation worse.

"Anything," Elizabeth kept her voice soft and soothing as she rubbed his back and played with his hair. Those two actions normally calmed them both.

"I know it goes against everything in you and in any other situation I wouldn't dream of asking, but please… Please, stay out of the fight tomorrow. I can't shake this fear that something awful will happen if you don't. Please do everything you can to stay alive, even if it means letting them take you. I'll find some way to get you back, I swear it. Just stay alive."

Though she wanted to argue that it would make more sense for her to die at sea, Elizabeth merely nodded. For the sake of their child, she would remain hidden. "I promise. I will do whatever is necessary to stay safe."

She felt Will exhale heavily. When he finally spoke again, he was more collected and clearly trying to put on that brave face for her. "I'll hold you to that, beloved. We have an accord now. Wouldn't want to break the Code would you, your highness?"

"You don't have to do that, Will," she said quietly.

"Do what?" he took her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

"You don't have to put up the façade. You can be frightened around me. I can handle it. We're partners in this, remember? And there's no one else around."

He hesitated for a moment, "Later? I promise. I swear to you we'll talk later. Right now we have to be focused."

"Then, again, we have an accord. I'll hold you to that, Captain Turner. You may not technically be part of the Brethren, but how would it look for the husband of the Pirate King to ignore the Code?" she fed his words back and got the expected chuckle out of him.

"Thank you for tha –" he suddenly broke off, his head jerking up.

"I'll be safe. You be thorough but hurry back," Elizabeth kissed his cheek and pushed him away gently. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Will spared one final moment to kiss her goodbye properly. He didn't even take the time to remind her to 'keep a weather eye on the horizon' as he normally did before dematerializing. The Dutchman was already moving and soon disappeared altogether beneath the waves.

From the Black Pearl's hold Captain Jack Sparrow heard the Flying Dutchman's departure. He hurried up to the deck, looking around.

"I'm over here, Jack," Elizabeth called from the deck of the Endeavor. "Will had to leave."

"I see 'at." Taking hold of a rope, Jack swung himself over to her side. Barbossa was there as well, ready to discuss any changes they might need to make in their plan.

"Will was concerned that Beckett might know the Dutchman's purpose and try to exploit it. Either he was correct or his having to leave is a large coincidence," she explained.

Jack nodded gravely, "He's probably right, 'Lizabeth. We may've underestimated the East India Trading Company an' its commander in 'at."

"So do you think he knows it's all a ruse?" Elizabeth raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

Barbossa answered, "'Twould be a surprise if he didn't at least guess."

"But I doubt he knows 'bout Scarlett an' Giselle. Or that there're so many o' us," Jack added, trying to ease her mind. "I think 's smart for yeh to stay here. Least 'spected an' what not."

"That's what we thought," she agreed. "What will happen now? What does this change?"

Jack waved off her concern. "Don't worry yer little head, Lizzie. Even wiftout William things'll be fine, as it were. We half expected 'im to be gone either way. This changes little."

"I'm not worried, Jack. At least not any more than I was."

"Good. You're still goin' to behave an' stay out o' the way, eh?"

He did not expect her earnest nod before she explained, "I promised Will."

"Right. 'Ave we forgotten anything else then?"

After careful consideration, Barbossa shook his head, "I think not."

"Should probably try an' sleep, Lizzie…" Jack suggested.

Barbossa agreed. Gently but firmly taking her elbow, he escorted Elizabeth to the officers' quarters. "Try to sleep now, lass," he advised in a quiet tone. "Be seein' yeh at first light."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement before closing the door behind her.

"There be trouble ahead, Jack, mark me words."

"I know, mate. But, trouble's me middle name…" Jack responded lightheartedly.

With a shake of his head, Barbossa continued, "The battle won't be easily won. We're outnumbered, even if Beckett didn't make alternative arrangements."

"An' what's the chance o' that? You know 's well as me onesie he's bound to have a few tricks up his sleeve. Not that we don't; I just hope it's enough. Well, I'll just be gettin' to me ship then an' preparin' the lot of 'em for battle, as it were," Jack asserted before leaving as abruptly as Will had.

Having briefed his crew about the changes in their plan, Jack settled into his cabin for the night. He kicked off his boots and propped his feet up on the corner of his desk, pondering the sea through the window and swirling the remaining rum around his nearly empty bottle. He set the bottle down on the desk with a heavy thud and took up his quill.

Captain's Log

On the eve of battle we suddenly find ourselves without the Dutchman. William must be right - Beckett must know more than we anticipated, as it were. Despite this minor setback we shall proceed with the plan - slightly modified of course - but the overall scheme nonetheless. If all else fails we'll just have to think on our feet then, won't we? Never failed me onesie before…

I've prepared the lads as best I can. The newest o' the crew are hopeless as ever, but they know well enough to keep quiet. At least they'd better. Of course Masters Murtogg and Mullroy have the combined sense of a bilge rat. The others will help keep them in line. And bein' Navy men they're theoretically good in a fight. But will it be enough?

Lizzie is worried, though she won't admit it. I've never seen it before – probably has to do wif the little one. William is just as concerned, I would imagine. Probably more so now that he's gone. There's no need. Uncle Jack won't let anything to happen to baby Turner. You can count on that.

Captain Jack Sparrow

For the second time that night, Elizabeth prepared herself for bed. Her nerves were shot, the pregnancy making it more difficult than ever to handle stress. She did not believe she would be able to sleep that night as fear and adrenaline pumped through her veins.

Her one minor solace during Will's absence had been writing. It had not relieved all of her emotions, but it had often been the only way she could calm herself enough to sleep. Perhaps it would help now. Thankful that her logbook was fortuitously tucked inside her coat pocket, she pulled it out, found a quill and some ink and began to write.

Captain's Log

Will nothing ever go according to plan? Is this why Jack insists on acting spontaneously? All of our careful preparations are for naught – Will has been summoned and with him go James, his father, and the rest of his crew. This tips the balance of power in favour of the East India Trading Company, even assuming they don't have more soldiers than reported. But I'm certain they will have more men with them. Perhaps less skilled than ours, but more numerous just the same.

It may mean nothing. Will may return in time. But in my heart I feel he will not. There is an impending sense of doom and I fear I will not make it through tomorrow's battle. Were it just me, that would mean nothing but binding myself to the Dutchman as Will is bound. But my child… Will's child… Our child… He deserves better. She deserves life.

So I will honour my promise to Will and to our baby. I will keep him safe, no matter the cost. If I have to barter my own life for hers, so be it. I know Will will find a way to save him even if I am gone. I will do what I can, but I feel the situation is approaching hopeless. Is this my last night on this earth? Tomorrow will I be reunited with my parents on the Other Side? What will become of my child?

I know not the answers or what tomorrow will bring. I must have faith in my friends, in Will and in myself. Above all else, we must not allow Beckett to win.

Captain Elizabeth Turner

Aboard the Dutchman as it made its way toward the Cayman Islands, Will faced a similar problem. Unable to coax any more speed from his ship, he found himself pacing the deck. The crew was on edge, concerned over their situation.

Out of respect for them – after all, none of this was their faults and they were doing their bests – Will retreated to his cabin rather than risk snapping at anyone. Putting pen to paper had helped somewhat before he was reunited with Elizabeth. And so he resorted to that again.

Captain's Log

Again I have had to leave my Elizabeth at the worst possible time. She is in danger, her life and the life of our child threatened by a lunatic; a madman Hell-bent on revenge. But my duty demands I abandon her in her time of need. I have come to loathe that word; duty.

I fear Caddock Beckett knows too much. I believe he is behind these deaths that have summoned me in an attempt to rid himself of the Dutchman as a threat. If he knows that, what else does he know? How will he attempt to exploit it?

Thankfully, we have never made such good time. The entire crew is well aware of the situation and actively seeking ways to speed our progress and return me to Elizabeth's side and it seems the sea is cooperating. Naturally, James and my father are leading the efforts. Between this and the earlier preparations neither has slept for days. It's a good thing they no longer require rest. Ironically they are insisting I attempt it, as if it wasn't my wife and child in danger. Yet I understand. They merely want me as prepared as possible for when we do return.

I have the utmost faith in my love and our friends, but desire to be there for my own peace of mind. If anyone could care for and protect herself it is my Elizabeth. That does not change the fact that I wish to have the chance to care for and protect her just the same. That she ever allows me to do so is nothing short of a miracle. It is a blessing and an honour to be called her husband. If only my duty to her overrode all others as it rightfully should.

Captain Will Turner

"Captain!" Norrington's clear and commanding voice echoed through the silence of the grey pre-dawn.

Nearly instantly, Will appeared on deck, "Mr. Norrington?"

"There's no one here, sir. At least no one in need of our services," James explained in a concerned tone.

With a frown, Will examined the area carefully. He sensed no dead or dying souls in the area, but still felt his presence was necessary.

"We were summoned here," he stated slowly. "Though come to think of it is was not the usual feeling."

"What do you suppose…?" James wondered. He trusted his captain enough not to question his judgment, but was still curious. If Will said they were meant to be there then they were, whether any of them understood it or not.

"It must be Calypso," Will's response was still slow as he worked things out in his head. "I'll bet she can't interfere directly and this is her way of aiding us once more."

As the sun peeked over the horizon, a shot rang out off the port side of the ship followed by a loud splash. Before James and Will could even reach the rail to see what was happening, another shot and a another splash pierced the dreary dawn. The crew did not have to wait for orders; the ship was already moving to intercept the newly deceased.

The men they picked up were brothers who had sailed under another later convicted of piracy. They had not known, but of course the mere association with the pirate was enough to condemn them to the same fate. The manner of their execution, however, was obviously unique. After hearing their explanations, Will was convinced that his suspicions had been correct. This had been a ploy by Beckett to draw the Dutchman from the fight.

Without further ado, Will made his offer. "Do you have the courage and fortitude to follow orders and stay true in the face of danger?" he asked them both in turn. "Would you like to join the crew?"

"Is it true what they say? Were you involved in the fight against th' comp'ny?" the younger demanded before giving an answer.

"Aye," Will nodded.

"An' are you gonna keep fightin' 'em?" the older pressed.

Will swallowed hard. "As soon as we settle you or you join the crew we will be rejoining Captain Jack Sparrow in his fight to end Lord Beckett's regime."

"Count us in then," the brothers agreed together with matching grim smiles.

Feeling slightly relieved that he would not have to sail all the way to Fiddler's Green before returning to Elizabeth, Will ordered the Dutchman to return. He prayed to whatever gods or goddesses were listening that they would make it in time.

"Lieutenant Groves!" Beckett called as he stepped out onto the deck.

Groves snapped to attention, "Lord Beckett?"

"Unfortunate as it is, given that you are familiar with the target, I must ask you to identify her when she is presented."

"Of course, sir."

"Signal the Enterprise to remain here until otherwise ordered," Beckett finished before turning on his heel and retreating to his office once more. Groves barely kept himself from shaking his head.

The Venture was fast approaching the designated meeting spot and a small craft was visible in the distance. At a sharp command the deck burst into organized chaos as crewmen scurried to notify the Enterprise to wait for instructions. Groves surveyed the scene, carefully considering the coming battle and mentally preparing to fight to the last. A grave sense of doom settled over him in a way he'd never before experienced.

The impressive battleship dwarfed the small fishing boat even from a distance. There were five sailors on the main deck and one at the wheel. Sitting in the center with her head bowed and hands bound was the Pirate King.

Groves found himself feeling horrified and slightly ill. After the way James had spoken, he was sure the others would not unnecessarily endanger Elizabeth Swann Turner. But to offer her up as bait… that seemed to Groves to be the very definition of insanely unnecessary.

Then again, this is Captain Jack Sparrow, he reminded himself. Things are probably not what they seem… God I hope that isn't Miss Sw – Captain Turner.

The Venture dropped anchor and soldiers were dispatched to the tiny vessel to take custody of the Pirate King. Groves stood beside Lord Beckett, patiently waiting their return. The deserters boarded one by one, unarmed and docile. In sharp contrast, the Pirate King struggled as she was hauled aboard and dumped unceremoniously on the Venture's deck. The East India Trading Company men surrounded her, weapons drawn. But none seemed willing to get too close to the prisoner.

"Is it she?" Beckett demanded, a maniacal glint in his eye.

Groves approached her slowly, trying to make it look as though his task was distasteful. After a moment, he covered the distance between them and made a show of sneering.

"Well, well. If it isn't the Pirate King," he mocked. "Not so proud now, are you?"

"Tell him the truth," the woman hissed nearly inaudibly. Her head was bowed and her hair obscured her face so no one else knew she'd said a word. "Tell him it's a ruse."

"What are you playing at?" Groves asked under his breath. Her instructions seemed completely illogical.

"Trust Jack. Tell him… now," she ordered.

Taking a deep breath to settle his nerves, Groves turned away from the imposter king. "It's not her, sir," he responded. "I don't know who this is, but it is not Elizabeth Swann."