Pirates of the Caribbean 6: Hoist the Colours

The Triangular Trade

"Sparra', choose. Can I take your life or that of yer bonny lass?"

Jack looked thoughtful for a moment, then hopped from his lofty position and sauntered to the railing, making me nervous as he approached closer to his enemy.

"That's a toughy, idn't it? I left her to die, so I suppose I owe her something." He extended a finger quickly, catching himself. "However, I did so because she left me to die as well. So I suppose we're square. Except for the fact that she saved my life from the natives recently, but I just saved her life so it really doesn't matter..."

I could tell his complicated analysis was completely feigned. He already knew what his decision was, and though I really didn't, I could only hope and assume it didn't mean the demise of either of us.

"But you, on the other hand, care nothing for either. You just want one of us. Am I correct in assuming that?" Jack flicked a wrist.

"If it be a perfect world, I'd want cha' both. But I suppose that isn't an argument. A man must always be willin' to do some honest negotiation, eh?"

The lack of sound was almost sickening.

Finally, stepping forward, I watched as Jack positioned his hands outward, as if he was waiting for Jones to sail closer and bind his wrists. Sighing, Jack cocked an impatient hip.

"Well it looks like we've made a decision then, haven't we?" He retorted.

No. No. This can't be how this ends.

With a sick grin, Jones advanced the boat a bit more.

I watched as Jack slipped a wily grin towards me through the corner of his gaze. I was standing, mouth cupped by my hands, when I noticed that whispering sobs were shattering my cheeks. I was uncontrollably upset, and the silence which I bore within myself burned in my chest.

Everything I'd ever lived for was slipping from me. He had just given up life for me. His life.

Jack's eyes darted like a preying cat as Jones neared him, as if Jones advancing towards his inferior was a trap.

"It's a shame this whole situation is so--triangular-- idn't it, Jones? The three of us in this big, complicated decision."

Triangular.

The Devil's Triangle. The trapping of Salazar. The day our romance began.

This was my cue. Whether he'd intended it to be so or just to be a final understanding between the two of us, I had to believe that was my cue. So I could save him. For my own sanity.

The Seahorse was nearing the Pearl and I knew any second Jones would anchor it, clamber out, walk across the sea, and capture Jack. I had to act now. Stamping my foot on the deck, I heard stirs below me and watched as Elizabeth popped her head out to find me. Motioning towards the jolly roger, she nodded. The silence around all of us was closing in on my lungs. I had to act now. I had to obey my cue.

"PIRATES!" I wailed to grasp the attention of the lords, my throat feeling as if it could tear under my urgency. It was too important to me. It was a life or death situation; Jack's life or death.

Elizabeth, standing next to me, finished my phrase which only a Pirate King could say.

"GREAT MEN OF THE SEVEN SEAS! HOIST THE COLORS!" Her face turned rosy red, eager.

I heard shouting from all around as I saw the slivers of color flicking like tongues from the sails of each ship. Jones, startled by the sudden noise, turned slowly around, astonished as he met my eyes. White with rage, his tentacles quivered. Who dare sail the Dutchman?