![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dwgmThis is not for the ficlet meme, I was seized by a piratical (or perhaps commodorial) plot bunny and had the opportunity to chase after it yesterday. Something of a follow-up to the ficlet meme request I fulfilled for ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
classics_lover, A Sublime Moment, in which James contemplates his new love, the Interceptor, this one is a short exploration of his thoughts when he learns of her ultimate fate. A last minute entry for the current drabble challenge prompt 'Mercy'...
~ Forbearance ~
Swann refused to consider that the distant column of smoke they’d sited at dawn had anything to do with Elizabeth, but James wasn’t so sure.
“I believe we must investigate. It won’t take much time.”
A flash of anger at the delay swept over the governor’s face. Anger, and then despair. “Very well,” was all he said, before turning away.
Their mission had been nearly hopeless from the start, of course, James reflected, and at present felt far more so. How could it be that they would find Elizabeth alive and… unharmed? She was too beautiful and too helpless, for all her spirit, and the hours since she had been taken by Barbossa and his men could now be counted in days.
The wind was in the correct quarter, and within the hour the Dauntless was as close as she could come to the island. The fire blazed and roiled at the opposite end, the approach to which was barred by shoals, and at first they could see nothing except the burning palms at this distance. But just as James prepared to descend to the waiting longboat, he looked through his glass once more and saw… a man.
Sparrow?
James lip curled. It was too far to be sure, but he could have sworn the figure stomping over the nearer dunes moved like that cursed pirate. And the hair was right, that dark, gewgawed tangle, a too-obvious parody of the wigs of the great and powerful.
Sparrow.
Whom James had last seen at the wheel of the Interceptor, waving that disreputable tricorn of his and shouting his mocking thanks.
And where was the Interceptor now?
In that moment, James was tempted to order a grating rigged immediately. A hundred lashes – no, two hundred – prior to hanging would perhaps cure that scoundrel of insolence, of insouciance…
But James set his teeth. Schooled his wrath. Climbed down into the longboat without giving the order, the unusual ferocity of which would so betray his… unrest… to his subordinates.
If that was indeed Sparrow, there would be time enough.
*
It was Sparrow. Hiding behind Elizabeth.
“Commodore, how good it is to see you!” Elizabeth called, smiling as she strode barefoot over the sand straight toward them, elegant and slim even in her salt-stained shift, her eyes flashing – triumph, or a challenge?
James’s men halted behind him as the two parties met, James continuing forward to catch Elizabeth’s outstretched hands. Sparrow had stopped ten feet in back of Elizabeth and was trying to look composed, chin (with those absurd beaded braids) well up, eyes betraying consternation, if not fear.
As well they might.
James began, “Miss Swann, are you—“
“I’m perfectly well, Commodore.” She squeezed his hands sharply. “I assure you.”
He studied her face. She was quite serious, and moreover attempting to communicate additional information.
She elaborated, verbally. “The pirates of the Black Pearl were… frightening, but thankfully they didn’t cause me any real harm. Mr. Sparrow led Will Turner to the Isla de Muerta so he could rescue me, but the Black Pearl was later able to catch us again. They marooned us here at midday yesterday, and Mr. Sparrow has behaved in a most gentlemanly fashion throughout.”
James raised a brow, and raised his eyes to consider Sparrow, who seemed torn between trying to look innocent and pouting at the term gentlemanly. James’ sense of humor, no doubt exacerbated by his relief, bubbled up inappropriately. He ruthlessly snuffed it and glared at the pirate. “Am I correct in assuming that the brig Interceptor is now in Barbossa’s hands?”
Sparrow’s pout turned to real sadness at this, and James knew even before Elizabeth said the words: “No, James. Barbossa destroyed the Interceptor.”
“Blown up a-purpose,” Sparrow said, speaking at last, “and I’m sorry for it. She was a bonny boat. Ship.”
James said, coldly, “She was, indeed. And would be still, if you had not taken her.” Yet he could not help but be a little mollified by Sparrow’s evident grief at the brig’s destruction.
And Elizabeth said, “Commodore! He—and Will—took her to rescue me! Ja—Mr. Sparrow knew where they’d taken me. Please, he must be forgiven that crime at least, he’s saved my life repeatedly! And we must rescue Will. Barbossa kept Will on the Black Pearl, along with Jack’s crew, and I fear that the pirates may show less forbearance to him than they did to me.”
James frowned, wondering why the pirates had kept Turner and discarded Elizabeth and Sparrow – though marooning could have been considered the worse fate. Yet clearly there was more to this story. But it would have to wait.
James said, “As a pirate, Mr. Sparrow’s fate is sealed, whether he is forgiven his more recent crimes or not. The law is clear.” Sparrow looked rather sardonic at this, and Elizabeth swelled to protest, but James cut her off. “Your father will be overjoyed to find you alive and well, Miss Swann, and we would be cruel to delay your reunion further. Prior to that there is no use in discussing the possibility of Mr. Turner’s rescue. I am quite certain your father will have strong views to express on the subject. Shall we repair to the ship?” He held out his arm.
Elizabeth, the wind taken from her sails, set her hand upon it.
And Sparrow’s eyes lost all their humor as he was surrounded by James’ men.
Gillette asked, rather too eagerly, “Shall we shackle the prisoner, sir?”
“No,” James said. He almost felt sorry for the pirate. Almost. “There’s no need. He has nowhere to run.”
~.~
classics_lover, A Sublime Moment, in which James contemplates his new love, the Interceptor, this one is a short exploration of his thoughts when he learns of her ultimate fate. A last minute entry for the current drabble challenge prompt 'Mercy'...~ Forbearance ~
Swann refused to consider that the distant column of smoke they’d sited at dawn had anything to do with Elizabeth, but James wasn’t so sure.
“I believe we must investigate. It won’t take much time.”
A flash of anger at the delay swept over the governor’s face. Anger, and then despair. “Very well,” was all he said, before turning away.
Their mission had been nearly hopeless from the start, of course, James reflected, and at present felt far more so. How could it be that they would find Elizabeth alive and… unharmed? She was too beautiful and too helpless, for all her spirit, and the hours since she had been taken by Barbossa and his men could now be counted in days.
The wind was in the correct quarter, and within the hour the Dauntless was as close as she could come to the island. The fire blazed and roiled at the opposite end, the approach to which was barred by shoals, and at first they could see nothing except the burning palms at this distance. But just as James prepared to descend to the waiting longboat, he looked through his glass once more and saw… a man.
Sparrow?
James lip curled. It was too far to be sure, but he could have sworn the figure stomping over the nearer dunes moved like that cursed pirate. And the hair was right, that dark, gewgawed tangle, a too-obvious parody of the wigs of the great and powerful.
Sparrow.
Whom James had last seen at the wheel of the Interceptor, waving that disreputable tricorn of his and shouting his mocking thanks.
And where was the Interceptor now?
In that moment, James was tempted to order a grating rigged immediately. A hundred lashes – no, two hundred – prior to hanging would perhaps cure that scoundrel of insolence, of insouciance…
But James set his teeth. Schooled his wrath. Climbed down into the longboat without giving the order, the unusual ferocity of which would so betray his… unrest… to his subordinates.
If that was indeed Sparrow, there would be time enough.
*
It was Sparrow. Hiding behind Elizabeth.
“Commodore, how good it is to see you!” Elizabeth called, smiling as she strode barefoot over the sand straight toward them, elegant and slim even in her salt-stained shift, her eyes flashing – triumph, or a challenge?
James’s men halted behind him as the two parties met, James continuing forward to catch Elizabeth’s outstretched hands. Sparrow had stopped ten feet in back of Elizabeth and was trying to look composed, chin (with those absurd beaded braids) well up, eyes betraying consternation, if not fear.
As well they might.
James began, “Miss Swann, are you—“
“I’m perfectly well, Commodore.” She squeezed his hands sharply. “I assure you.”
He studied her face. She was quite serious, and moreover attempting to communicate additional information.
She elaborated, verbally. “The pirates of the Black Pearl were… frightening, but thankfully they didn’t cause me any real harm. Mr. Sparrow led Will Turner to the Isla de Muerta so he could rescue me, but the Black Pearl was later able to catch us again. They marooned us here at midday yesterday, and Mr. Sparrow has behaved in a most gentlemanly fashion throughout.”
James raised a brow, and raised his eyes to consider Sparrow, who seemed torn between trying to look innocent and pouting at the term gentlemanly. James’ sense of humor, no doubt exacerbated by his relief, bubbled up inappropriately. He ruthlessly snuffed it and glared at the pirate. “Am I correct in assuming that the brig Interceptor is now in Barbossa’s hands?”
Sparrow’s pout turned to real sadness at this, and James knew even before Elizabeth said the words: “No, James. Barbossa destroyed the Interceptor.”
“Blown up a-purpose,” Sparrow said, speaking at last, “and I’m sorry for it. She was a bonny boat. Ship.”
James said, coldly, “She was, indeed. And would be still, if you had not taken her.” Yet he could not help but be a little mollified by Sparrow’s evident grief at the brig’s destruction.
And Elizabeth said, “Commodore! He—and Will—took her to rescue me! Ja—Mr. Sparrow knew where they’d taken me. Please, he must be forgiven that crime at least, he’s saved my life repeatedly! And we must rescue Will. Barbossa kept Will on the Black Pearl, along with Jack’s crew, and I fear that the pirates may show less forbearance to him than they did to me.”
James frowned, wondering why the pirates had kept Turner and discarded Elizabeth and Sparrow – though marooning could have been considered the worse fate. Yet clearly there was more to this story. But it would have to wait.
James said, “As a pirate, Mr. Sparrow’s fate is sealed, whether he is forgiven his more recent crimes or not. The law is clear.” Sparrow looked rather sardonic at this, and Elizabeth swelled to protest, but James cut her off. “Your father will be overjoyed to find you alive and well, Miss Swann, and we would be cruel to delay your reunion further. Prior to that there is no use in discussing the possibility of Mr. Turner’s rescue. I am quite certain your father will have strong views to express on the subject. Shall we repair to the ship?” He held out his arm.
Elizabeth, the wind taken from her sails, set her hand upon it.
And Sparrow’s eyes lost all their humor as he was surrounded by James’ men.
Gillette asked, rather too eagerly, “Shall we shackle the prisoner, sir?”
“No,” James said. He almost felt sorry for the pirate. Almost. “There’s no need. He has nowhere to run.”
~.~
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2011-08-28 05:02 pm (UTC)Whom James had last seen at the wheel of the Interceptor, waving that disreputable tricorn of his and shouting his mocking thanks. This is a truer words were never spoken moment--Jack no doubt remembering it too and wanting to have perhaps have tempered his stinging tweak at Norrington...That James was seeing Sparrow rather than just RED is a testament to his ability to direct his will to neutrality rather than the passions that rage behind his quiet control. I say this becos it's very difficult to forget the steam escaping his ears as he stood on the disabled Dauntless having to eat his own words, prompted to do so by his own subordinate.
A hundred lashes – no, two hundred – prior to hanging would perhaps cure that scoundrel of insolence, of insouciance… See statement above regarding James' ability to control his passionate nature--I'm sure there are any number of truly nasty things he would have visited on Jack if he were being self-indulgent and selfish. And I think too he knew in his heart, there was nothing in this world would change Jack and would in fact probably only cement his nature by beating him. But oh, how secretly glad he was at imagining such just for a second or two.
James raised a brow, and raised his eyes to consider Sparrow,...torn between trying to look innocent and pouting at the term gentlemanly. James’ sense of humor, no doubt exacerbated by his relief, bubbled up inappropriately. This strikes me as funny as hell becos of James' ability to read between the lines (no insult to him, but there's a bit of pirate in his nature as well) and I think he probably got a real surge of happy knowing that Jack had been put through hell by Elisabeth. Also, Jack's manly reputation had probably suffered greatly as this young woman stated no harm...what's a pirate to do...can't correct her and said yes I had my way with her--just has to take it. This is funny, both men suffering at Elisabeth's innocent hands. Poor Jack...
Sparrow’s pout turned to real sadness...James knew ...
“Blown up a-purpose,” ...“and I’m sorry for it. She was a bonny boat. Ship.”
He almost felt sorry...Almost. I adore this exchange becos of what's not said, much as what is. Highest compliment is So Jack, he would have experienced real sadness over the loss of the pretty girl, Interceptor... and James would have known, he just would have felt it in his soul before the announcement was ever made. Jack saying she was a bonny boat was so for James, knowing he couldn't change the sting of loss, but wanting to convey his respect for her and condolences to James. Was a real man to man statement, reqardless of station, status or rank. Much like the last statement...James did feel for Jack...thought he was wrong becos he was pirate, but treasuring freedom as much as Jack did, simply trying to achieve it within society's confines. James, poor baby lad--he can come sit in my lap and I'll take care of him for a bit. Good get, miz geekmama--truly amazes me that agile brains keep producing surprizes!
no subject
Date: 2011-08-28 05:22 pm (UTC)seemed torn between trying to look innocent and pouting at the term gentlemanly
*g* Precious!
And the perfect last line, sad and thrilling.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-28 07:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-08-28 07:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-08-28 10:14 pm (UTC)I like the moment of indecision when, even though I know they rescue Jack and Elizabeth, there’s a sense of Elizabeth’s plan almost failing. And the irony of her father being the one to object to the detour that would save his daughter is chilling.
James opinion of Sparrow when he first sights him is spot on—the loathing, the ferocious anger, the hundred lashes – no, two hundred – prior to hanging. And it is telling that Jack’s “insouciance” is one of the things that gets under James’ skin the worst. Particularly since James will begin to see that the pirate really does care, after all.
As for Jack hiding behind Elizabeth—I think I might have damaged something laughing at that picture because SO TRUE. It couldn’t be any other way!
And James view of Elizabeth, completely unself-conscious, unharmed and fearless is wonderful. But as always seeing her attempt to move her world from a position in which society has given her no hand holds is painful.
Love Jack pouting about being called a gentleman—such an insult to a pirate.
The fact that it is Jack’s face rather than Elizabeth’s words that tell James the fate of the Interceptor is perfect. Two captains alike in their love for ships instinctively knowing the break in the others heart at the doom of that brave little brig.
You’ve captured the really terrible position Jack is in, made more poignant by Norrington’s reluctant sympathy. Things are really in a coil now for so many characters, all of whom have nowhere to run.
Lovely gap-filling. It’s going in my favourites and my personal cannon.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-28 11:09 pm (UTC)Well, no, since his safety depends entirely on what story she tells James, and how convincing she is in the telling. It could have gone very badly for Jack if Elizabeth was more foolish or James a lesser man.
We've had some interesting discussions about this before, but I think it's worth noting repeatedly since in many ways CotBP is Elizabeth's story. I think it's difficult for 21st century women to really comprehend how circumscribed were the lives of 18th century females. Most were basically a man's property, first a father's and then a husband's, and that relationship informed every aspect of their lives.
I think that's the one thing that saves Jack, in the end. They are very different men, but very much alike in other important ways. It makes them a lot of fun to write as a pair, whether they're adversaries, friends, or, as some would have it, something more.
Before I posted this I went back and reread the beginning of Aboard the Dauntless, to make sure I wasn't copying your work too closely. This seemed different enough to pass, same story, different version. I'm so happy you liked my version of this really rather vital "deleted scene". Thank you very much for your wonderful comments!
no subject
Date: 2011-08-29 03:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-08-29 01:15 pm (UTC)> “Blown up a-purpose,” Sparrow said, speaking at last, “and I’m sorry for it. She was a bonny boat. Ship.” <
I suspect Jack feels sorrow over the death of any vessel. He probably even experienced a moment of regret when the Dauntless went down... and if I've just sicced a plot bunny on you, I'm not sorry. >:)
As has been said: Great closing line.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-29 01:53 pm (UTC)I think Elizabeth would have realized (and Jack probably reminded her) of the peril he was in. That pre-rescue conversation might be an interesting thing to write...
And Jack's reaction to the sinking of the Dauntless, too. Now that would be some real angst, I believe.
Yay for Plot Bunnies! Thank you so much for those, and all your comments, very much appreciated.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-29 05:52 pm (UTC)Most everything I could say has already been spoken by others, but I just wanted to say I loved this deleted scene!
James continuing forward to catch Elizabeth’s outstretched hands
And I have no doubt that Elizabeth didn't take in the significance of this little moment, and how it demonstrates his regard for her by breaking through his reserved nature. Actions speak louder in James' case - she just doesn't realise it. I love your subtle touch here :-)
Thanks for sharing!
no subject
Date: 2011-08-29 07:47 pm (UTC)Indeed. I've done a short fic on that very subject:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3637518/1/Rescue
'Am looking forward to anything you might write about the Dauntless!
no subject
Date: 2011-08-30 12:05 am (UTC)Very interesting, very true to Jack in his less zany moments :-)
And the unreadable emotion in James strikes just the right chord for a man dealing with so much beyond his control.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-30 12:10 am (UTC)Indeed. James prefers dealing with situations where Good is clearly divided from Bad, and that exasperating pirate insists on muddling up the line.
Thank you for reviewing!
no subject
Date: 2011-08-30 01:33 am (UTC)You captured all of them very well!!
Ravin *passing the rum bottle around*
no subject
Date: 2011-08-30 12:44 pm (UTC)One of the major themes of CotBP, it seemed to me. I really enjoyed reading your version of the same story, a bit different from Elizabeth's pov, naturally. Thank you so much for posting the link! I don't think I'd read that one before.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-30 12:51 pm (UTC)I think Elizabeth is a bit blind when it comes to James, which is one reason it's so gratifying to write them as a pair in an A/U.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I'm so happy you enjoyed this!
no subject
Date: 2011-08-30 12:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-08-30 02:03 pm (UTC)