Minor Disasters and a Norrington Ficlet
May. 25th, 2005 10:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dwgmI had a rather long post done, all about how I'm going to Disneyland with the Disney Hellions, and to an SCA war, at which it appears I will only be wearing my hat (but a very period hat) as I can't find the chemise and overdress ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ladymora made me two years ago, and also how viva_gloria and tessabeth did not waste their time in England and France seeing the wonderful sights and artwork but instead holed up in their hotel room and began A Second Opinion, a sequel to An Alchemical Prescription, their superb slashy, smutty, PotC/Quicksilver crossover, and also how I wrote the following Norrington/Gillette/Groves ficlet this week, instead of more Harry & the Pirate IV. But I lost it, through user error.
Many thanks tohereswith and fabu for beta help on this...
“Sir…Sir! Look!”
Norrington stepped to the rail and peered out at the moonlit water. A boat. “Elizabeth.”
“And Sparrow…and Turner! Sir…Commodore, shall we prepare to arrest them?” Norrington turned to Gillette, and the lieutenant flushed. “Not Miss Swann, of course.”
Norrington gave a chuff of mirthless laughter at that. “No. Not Miss Swann, certainly.” Not that she was blameless…but then, the whole dreadful adventure had hinged on the misdeeds of many. Could any of them, even he himself, claim to be entirely blameless?
He studied the three figures as they steadily drew nearer. From their postures he concluded they were unhurt—all of them—and a portion of the weight was lifted from his heart. But nevertheless. “Have them conducted to the Great Cabin. See that they get some dinner, and something to drink. I must go below to check on our casualties, but I will wish to question the three of them presently.”
“But…sir, shall I set a guard? To watch Sparrow at least?”
A tart reply hovered on Norrington’s lips. He bit it back. It was true that Sparrow had little choice but to return to the Dauntless: the Black Pearl was gone, and the Isla de Muerta was, by all reports, a lifeless rock. However, Sparrow was undoubtedly aware that, in doing so, he merely exchanged one sort of suffering for another. Though Norrington’s personal view of the man had altered somewhat over the last few days, it remained his duty to incarcerate the pirate, and eventually put him to death. Each prospect must bring Sparrow no little anguish.
And desperate men do desperate deeds.
Norrington frowned, looking out at the jollyboat. The trio was still quite distant, but he fancied Sparrow, at the bow, sat just a little too straight, and unnaturally still.
“Commodore!”
Norrington raised a brow as he turned to face the newcomer: Lieutenant Groves.
“Yes, Lieutenant?”
“The surgeon wishes to speak with you regarding a treatment he believes would be of benefit to Hastings.” Groves’ voice died away as he glanced out to where Gillette was staring with an expression of distaste. Then he exclaimed, “My God…they’re alive!”
Norrington gave a small, grim smile. “They are indeed, Lieutenant. I must say, your arrival is most timely. When they reach the ship, you will conduct them to the Great Cabin. Murtogg and Mullroy, over there, will accompany you, Groves. Lieutenant Gillette, you will inform Governor Swann that his daughter is approaching, and then you will see to arranging refreshments for the group. I will join them when I have seen to matters in the surgery.”
Gillette’s dismay was obvious. “Sir!”
“Yes?”
“Sir, may I request to be present during the questioning of the pr…guests.”
Norrington considered this. The request was just. Sparrow, with Turner as his accomplice, had made a fool of Gillette. The man had a right to hear what the two miscreants had to say for themselves.
And yet… no.
“Not at this time, Gillette. Your skills are needed elsewhere. Report to me when you have seen to the tasks I’ve given you.”
Norrington had spoken in a tone that brooked no argument. After a brief struggle with himself, Gillette nodded. “Aye, sir.” He saluted, gave Groves a glare of subdued impatience, and took himself off.
Groves watched his colleague go before addressing his commander. “Sir, do you think such a heavy guard is needed in the cabin?”
A home question.
Norrington considered it, soberly. There were certain of his dealings with Sparrow during this last week that had pricked him unbearably. At times he would have given much to confront the pirate man to man, and do him such violence as would surely wipe away that glinting smile.
Yet now, with all at an end and Jack Sparrow in his power, Norrington’s greatest wish was to be able to trust him.
Certainly there would now be fewer men suffering under the surgeon’s hand if he had done so earlier this night.
But could he truly be blamed for his unbelief? A curse! It had seemed ridiculous. And Sparrow’s manner… his actions… his whole life precluded trust.
It could not be done.
Not entirely.
“Post Murtogg and Mullroy outside the door. You, however, will stay in the Great Cabin with Sparrow and the others. And you will be vigilant, Groves. Do I make myself clear?” Norrington looked once more to the boat on the water. “He cannot be trusted, though one wishes it were so.”
Groves said, carefully, “May I say that at least two wish it, sir.”
The Commodore nodded. “You may.”
~.~
ladymora made me two years ago, and also how viva_gloria and tessabeth did not waste their time in England and France seeing the wonderful sights and artwork but instead holed up in their hotel room and began A Second Opinion, a sequel to An Alchemical Prescription, their superb slashy, smutty, PotC/Quicksilver crossover, and also how I wrote the following Norrington/Gillette/Groves ficlet this week, instead of more Harry & the Pirate IV. But I lost it, through user error.Many thanks to
hereswith and fabu for beta help on this...Shifting Sands
“Sir…Sir! Look!”
Norrington stepped to the rail and peered out at the moonlit water. A boat. “Elizabeth.”
“And Sparrow…and Turner! Sir…Commodore, shall we prepare to arrest them?” Norrington turned to Gillette, and the lieutenant flushed. “Not Miss Swann, of course.”
Norrington gave a chuff of mirthless laughter at that. “No. Not Miss Swann, certainly.” Not that she was blameless…but then, the whole dreadful adventure had hinged on the misdeeds of many. Could any of them, even he himself, claim to be entirely blameless?
He studied the three figures as they steadily drew nearer. From their postures he concluded they were unhurt—all of them—and a portion of the weight was lifted from his heart. But nevertheless. “Have them conducted to the Great Cabin. See that they get some dinner, and something to drink. I must go below to check on our casualties, but I will wish to question the three of them presently.”
“But…sir, shall I set a guard? To watch Sparrow at least?”
A tart reply hovered on Norrington’s lips. He bit it back. It was true that Sparrow had little choice but to return to the Dauntless: the Black Pearl was gone, and the Isla de Muerta was, by all reports, a lifeless rock. However, Sparrow was undoubtedly aware that, in doing so, he merely exchanged one sort of suffering for another. Though Norrington’s personal view of the man had altered somewhat over the last few days, it remained his duty to incarcerate the pirate, and eventually put him to death. Each prospect must bring Sparrow no little anguish.
And desperate men do desperate deeds.
Norrington frowned, looking out at the jollyboat. The trio was still quite distant, but he fancied Sparrow, at the bow, sat just a little too straight, and unnaturally still.
“Commodore!”
Norrington raised a brow as he turned to face the newcomer: Lieutenant Groves.
“Yes, Lieutenant?”
“The surgeon wishes to speak with you regarding a treatment he believes would be of benefit to Hastings.” Groves’ voice died away as he glanced out to where Gillette was staring with an expression of distaste. Then he exclaimed, “My God…they’re alive!”
Norrington gave a small, grim smile. “They are indeed, Lieutenant. I must say, your arrival is most timely. When they reach the ship, you will conduct them to the Great Cabin. Murtogg and Mullroy, over there, will accompany you, Groves. Lieutenant Gillette, you will inform Governor Swann that his daughter is approaching, and then you will see to arranging refreshments for the group. I will join them when I have seen to matters in the surgery.”
Gillette’s dismay was obvious. “Sir!”
“Yes?”
“Sir, may I request to be present during the questioning of the pr…guests.”
Norrington considered this. The request was just. Sparrow, with Turner as his accomplice, had made a fool of Gillette. The man had a right to hear what the two miscreants had to say for themselves.
And yet… no.
“Not at this time, Gillette. Your skills are needed elsewhere. Report to me when you have seen to the tasks I’ve given you.”
Norrington had spoken in a tone that brooked no argument. After a brief struggle with himself, Gillette nodded. “Aye, sir.” He saluted, gave Groves a glare of subdued impatience, and took himself off.
Groves watched his colleague go before addressing his commander. “Sir, do you think such a heavy guard is needed in the cabin?”
A home question.
Norrington considered it, soberly. There were certain of his dealings with Sparrow during this last week that had pricked him unbearably. At times he would have given much to confront the pirate man to man, and do him such violence as would surely wipe away that glinting smile.
Yet now, with all at an end and Jack Sparrow in his power, Norrington’s greatest wish was to be able to trust him.
Certainly there would now be fewer men suffering under the surgeon’s hand if he had done so earlier this night.
But could he truly be blamed for his unbelief? A curse! It had seemed ridiculous. And Sparrow’s manner… his actions… his whole life precluded trust.
It could not be done.
Not entirely.
“Post Murtogg and Mullroy outside the door. You, however, will stay in the Great Cabin with Sparrow and the others. And you will be vigilant, Groves. Do I make myself clear?” Norrington looked once more to the boat on the water. “He cannot be trusted, though one wishes it were so.”
Groves said, carefully, “May I say that at least two wish it, sir.”
The Commodore nodded. “You may.”
~.~
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2005-05-25 11:37 pm (UTC)A Second Opinion, a sequel to An Alchemical Prescription
*dances with happy feet* Ain't life grand?
an SCA war, at which it appears I will only be wearing my hat
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Date: 2005-05-25 11:48 pm (UTC)I like your description of Jack at the bow, "a little too straight, and unnaturally still." A perfect example of the "show, don't tell" principle--it says a lot in a few words.
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Date: 2005-05-26 12:25 am (UTC)Glad you liked the little scene!
(And yes, indeed--life is grand!!)
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Date: 2005-05-26 12:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 12:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 01:20 am (UTC)LOL! Ah, how I do love Gillette! This was wonderful and all the Navy lads were gorgeous, Norrington in particular. I really like the idea of the little boat coming back and Jack being given dinner in the great cabin, rather than thrown in the brig. And IMO Norrington's level of mild regret is absolutely spot on :) Love it.
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Date: 2005-05-26 02:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 03:27 am (UTC)"Yet now, with all at an end and Jack Sparrow in his power, Norrington’s greatest wish was to be able to trust him." "“He cannot be trusted, though one wishes it were so.”"
The last 2 lines give great insight to the tentative relationship between Norrington and Groves which no doubt developed due to the "Sparrow incident". And, that snarky little weasel Gillette was delegated to fetch the refreshments - perfect!
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Date: 2005-05-26 04:34 am (UTC)"...Commodore, shall we prepare to arrest them? ... "Not Miss Swann, of course."
Had me giggling (good thing I'd already finished my coffee). Such a picture of Gillette, the arrest-happy Lieutenant. No wonder Norrington sent him after the shackles.
The request was just. Sparrow, with Turner as his accomplice, had made a fool of Gillette. The man had a right to hear what the two miscreants had to say for themselves.
And yet... no.
Hooray for the Commodore - how incredibly satisfying that he says no! :) And then the ending... *happy sigh*
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Date: 2005-05-26 06:25 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 06:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 06:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 06:36 am (UTC)(I just hope I can find my friggin' dress!!!)
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Date: 2005-05-26 06:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 06:46 am (UTC)As you know, this sprang from your drabble of last weekend, and is probably only the first of several scenes I'll write from that deleted section of the movie. Many thanks for writing that drabble, from which much thought and discussion sprang, and thank you for commenting here. I'm so happy you liked it.
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Date: 2005-05-26 06:51 am (UTC)Your Groves ficlet was quite inspirational, btw. I've never written him before, but your portrayal made him come alive for me.
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Date: 2005-05-26 06:59 am (UTC)And then there's my skull and crossbones car air freshener. I really owe you big time, don't I?
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Date: 2005-05-26 07:03 am (UTC)So happy you thought the progression of action and thought logical. It's fun working out what might have happened between those last scenes. Thanks for commenting!
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Date: 2005-05-26 07:48 am (UTC)One hopes that more of these featuring our favorite Commodore will follow
:-)
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Date: 2005-05-26 08:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 08:52 am (UTC)You're going to an SCA war, oh, how much fun! If time allows, I hope I'll be able to go to some smaller event this summer, at least.
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Date: 2005-05-26 09:10 am (UTC)Re: War -- yes, down near San Diego (Potrero).
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Date: 2005-05-26 10:22 am (UTC)Norrington frowned, looking out at the jollyboat. The trio was still quite distant, but he fancied Sparrow, at the bow, sat just a little too straight, and unnaturally still.
I just love your choice of words... :-) But perhaps I've just been hanging round with teenagers too much today & am taking things too literally... *giggle*
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Date: 2005-05-26 10:30 am (UTC)So happy you enjoyed this!
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Date: 2005-05-26 11:04 am (UTC)I hope you'll have a great time! And perhaps you will have a picture or two to show us afterwards?
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Date: 2005-05-26 03:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 03:23 pm (UTC)I think you made a good balance, I can't really see Norrington overcome with remorse for not trusting, but I can see him shuffle things around a bit in his head to figure out exactly what could have been done otherwise, and whether not trusting Sparrow was or was not a good idea at the time - hindsight is 20-20 anyway. What any good strategist would do :-)
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Date: 2005-05-26 03:28 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-26 03:33 pm (UTC)Jeebus, do I *ever*. My problem is that I tend to roll a bunch of them into one fic and then the little buggers start breeding and the thing grows out of control. I am guessing perhaps 80,000 words worth before I get to the end of the current WIP. O_O I must be *mad*.
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Date: 2005-05-26 04:00 pm (UTC)That's an interesting point. I'll have to think about it.
Pendragginink, a writer and enthusiast of pirate!fic, told me today that, in the original script, Norrington sets Jack free instead of hanging him. What a change that would have made! One of the major themes of the story is doing what you know is right, not what society says is right. As it was filmed, Norrington appears to be determined to carry out "blind justice", in spite of any personal disinclination. If they'd filmed it the other way, it would have changed our view of his character to a huge extent. But that's probably why they changed it: they wanted Will to be the focus of that lesson, and he wouldn't have been if it had been Norrington who released Jack.
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Date: 2005-05-26 04:07 pm (UTC)This was going to be longer, but I already have one WIP going, and I'm neglecting it sorely to do this. But I already had this idea for a Will centered fic set between those two last scenes, so what I think I'll do, once Harry IV is complete, is do a series of stories set during that time period. But I'm going to try to do each as a separate entity--no more of this huge WIP stuff. I feel so bad if I'm not updating regularly, but there are just too many other things I want to do, too many distractions.
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Date: 2005-05-26 04:56 pm (UTC)Exactly why I resist posting a WIP in pieces! If I got stalled or sidetracked, the guilt would be dreadful. It's *not* fun, waiting until a long fic is all done before posting, but it's preferable to the pressure of regular updates, I think. YMMV
Shorter, stand-alone but connected stories are much easier on you, as the writer, for sure. Good plan!
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Date: 2005-05-26 06:32 pm (UTC)Ideally, I'd like to do what
Anyway, here I am rambling on about the writing process, and not working on Harry IV. Must correct that situation. ;)
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Date: 2005-05-26 06:49 pm (UTC)As for Norrington letting Jack go at the end...it wouldn't have worked, too dramatic a change in too short a time for him. He learned to bend the rules, not break them. Now, by the end of the 2nd movie (timewise, I've no idea what they'll do with his character) I can concieve that he might be up to such a thing, but not at the end of the 1st movie.
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Date: 2005-05-26 07:17 pm (UTC)Oh, I think you are quite right, and they were very wise to change the ending.
So happy you enjoyed this! Many thanks.
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Date: 2005-05-26 07:23 pm (UTC)er.
What I mean to say is, I always enjoy your fics. You are a very talented writer.
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Date: 2005-05-26 07:31 pm (UTC)What a wonderful compliment. Thank you so much!
xoxo
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Date: 2005-05-26 10:53 pm (UTC)And here I am replying and not working on Allegiance. It's a writer thing, innit? Procrastinators R Us.
I know what you mean about not seeing stuff yourself! Nothing of mine gets posted anymore without a going-over by poor, long-suffering
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Date: 2005-05-26 11:16 pm (UTC)heh! She is such a sweetie--I got her to look over this, in spite of what sounded like a REALLY hectic day for her. I did feel guilty asking her. I know she edits not only your work (which really must be a pleasure), but quite a few other peoples'. I've been helping her with Squaring Accounts, and she told me too send along my next chapter of Harry IV, but those run into several thousand words--the last one was 5300 or so. Much easier to edit something short like this.
Allegiance, eh? I'd like to get a peak at that!
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Date: 2005-05-26 11:25 pm (UTC)AIM? *nudge* (heh. Talk about procastination!)
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Date: 2005-05-27 08:15 am (UTC)Yes, it's such an abrupt shift, and we don't really know how big a time gap is between the two scenes. Obviously long enough for Will to go hat shopping, though. :)
Inspirational? *gapes* Wow, thanks. I find it interesting that the longer I'm involved with fanfic (as opposed to just gazing at the movie repeatedly), the more interested I've gotten in other characters. Might not have given Norrington the time of day a year ago, but lately I'm really getting to like him. And Groves ... I just love him. One could do quite a lot with him, really - look at that grin when he says "best pirate I've ever seen." So often he just gets slashed with Gillette, which is such a waste IMO. *ducks rotten fruit thrown by naval threesome shippers* Personally, I'd be quite willing to have him give in to those piratical longings and somehow end up with Jack, but not sure I could write slash.
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Date: 2005-05-29 11:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-30 05:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-31 08:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-31 08:53 pm (UTC)