pirate_gibbs | Christmas on the Pearl

Christmas on the Pearl

The Captain's quarters are set. The large desk has been cleared of Jack's personal goods. The rest of the room is neat and orderly, as it tends to be (much to Gibbs' constant surprise). Whatever chairs can be found belowdecks have been dragged up by the first mate, creating a cozy feel.

The desk and the larger chests are covered with oilcloth, which serve as crude tablecloths. The ship's hodgepodge of dishes, cups and silverware, plundered from many ports and ships, sit near a selection of traditional holiday treats, from ham to mincepie. At the center of the desk, there is a crystal decanter with a gold nameplate saying "Captain Jack Sparrow", filled with red wine, surrounded by matching glasses.

And there is a small, sparsely decorated tree in a corner near the hammock.

It's Christmas on the Black Pearl. Welcome.

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"You are from a bit later then." He says this just to have it be clear. It makes as little sesne as everything else here, so why not? "Yes, I think I would like to know what is coming next. It never hurts to be ready. Especially since, with Jack, we never can say what's coming."

Would you be willing?

Elizabeth lowers her voice, eyes serious.

"We agreed to sail to world's end to bring back Jack... and his precious Pearl."

It may not be her own phrase, but Elizabeth can't argue with the accuracy.

"But are we not there already?" Gibbs is confused, but not so much so that he doesn't notice how little love Miss Swann has for the ship. And perhaps for Jack.

"So you would think," Elizabeth remarks. There's an edge to her voice. "But the witch claims there is farther yet to go. There's more."

Clearing her throat, she looks around and motions for him to come closer.

"Barbosa returned," she hisses.

"But...Jack killed him..." The implications are bone-chilling.

And after staring for a moment, he speaks. "Does not anyone stay dead? What dark forces are we doomed to face again and again?" There is little Christmas cheer now.

Bone chilling indeed. Breath a faint cloud in the night air, Elizabeth clutches his arm with firm fingers and says,

"The situation has changed, it seems. I do not know how much control the witch has over Barbosa, but he is to lead us to world's end."

Is or was? That remains unclear, in her mind.

"And when this strange place sees to let me go, that's what I'll face?" Gibbs looks around but all the rum is the Captain's quarters. And he still hasn't replaced his flask. "Perhaps Milliways is doing me a favor in delaying my fate."

"Not me," is her sharp reply. "I wish it would let me go so that we can get on with what needs to be done. So that things might be set to rights."

She looks away quickly at the last.

"Set to rights?" He considers this. "You mean finding your way back to Port Royal and getting the East India Company to let you and Will to let you live your lives?" Which is something he suspects cannot be done.

Impatient, Elizabeth shakes her head before he's done speaking.

"No. I mean retrieving Jack and his ship, however Tia Dalma means us to do it."

She can't think of the rest until this is done.

He nods, but it takes time for it to soak in.

"Does Jack know this is all going to pass?"

"I don't think anyone has mentioned Barbossa," she explains. "I've told him the rest."

She frowns.

"He laughed."

Gibbs shakes his head. "This doesn't bode well."

"It doesn't, does it?"

Tone dry, Elizabeth narrows her eyes and looks away, watching the shoreline.

"Did Jack say to invite me or was that you?" Elizabeth asks lightly.

"He...I..." Gibbs is not sure. "We came up with the list together, and in a hurry. He was going someplace called Serenity."

Which likely means Jack has not shared the details of his death with Gibbs, and Elizabeth certainly isn't going to be the one to tell him. She smiles wanly.

"I have not heard of Serenity," she says. After a moment, a small laugh escapes. "But then, I'm not given to feeling particularly serene."

"Even on the Lord's birthday?" Once, even Gibbs was a lad, though this holiday was never quite the feast he's helping serve today.

"Given the acquaintances I have made since my arrival," she hedges, "perhaps I should make an exception for today."

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth straightens and looks him in the eye.

"Care to show me to the rum, Mr. Gibbs?"

Gibbs looks at her dubiously. He's heard Jack's opinion of her opinion of rum. But it IS Christmas, so he'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

"Right this way, Miss Swann."

Elizabeth smiles wryly to herself. She considers telling him she has no intention of burning his stock, and that despite her disapproval, even Elizabeth must admit the drink has its uses. Feeling ornery, she says no such thing and follows along, casting calculating looks around the ship.

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Christmas on the Pearl

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