Gifts and Opportunites
Another meeting with James Norrington means another opportunity for a bit of the best mutual taunting and snarking Jack can find anywhere outside of talking to himself. The difference this time is that, when the prodding is only just getting good,
Norrington: "Thank you for that vote of confidence." Scowl. "Oh, Sparrow, I have some business to discuss with you, perhaps we should find somewhere better suited?"
Jack: "Must confess. I'm curious. What sort of...better suited...would you prefer?" Jack arches a brow in suspicion. "Dark pub corner or something? Or somewhere...more private?"
Norrington: "I wouldn't trust any sort of pub you'd choose." So that leaves another option...
Jack: "Excuses excuses..." He waves off the refusal of a nice, comfortable, liquor-providing pub. "I suppose my quarters will have to do. I'm onto you, though. Know that I'll not have you taking advantage of me on my own ship, savvy?" Jack grins and waits for stammering or anger or any other immediate gratification.
Norrington: "I will have to find some way to resist your multifold charms and allurements." Norrington picks up some sort of rucksack and calmly follows along. Yes, he's being so pleasant about this because he expects it to irk Jack.
Jack: "..." For a moment he looks a little put out, then lost in thought as he retraces things said for flaws on his part. Ah well. Naught to be done about it. "Aye. See you do!" Then he makes a quick swaying turn on his heel and leads the way. The swagger looks even more exaggerated when you're just watching the coat swish from behind.
Norrington: A soft, amused chuckle and he follows along and into the Captain's Quarters. "I've been keeping my promise, new maps for you."
Jack: The Captain's Quarters may lack some of the fine look it once had, but much of the damage is repaired. Jack drops down into a wide, somewhat water damaged chair, and props his feet on the table with a smile. "Excellent! Good for you, keeping to your word. Never doubted you a moment." He gestures for his gifts to be dropped down in front of him.
Norrington: There are maps and a detailed list of magic workers who might be able to help Jack leave the Nexus. He's kept his word. Norrington has never been in Sparrow's quarters - while Jack looks over his latest treasures, he might just poke about.
Jack: Jack starts out looking over the sheets of paper very casually, until he realizes just what he has. He'd intended the maps as a diversion. He'd see where things differed. Find where he's been and where he wants to go... But this? His feet come off the table and he leans over the spread out maps and lists grinning from ear to ear.
His quarters are at least slightly neater than one might expect. His personal belongings are a tossed about, but anything of real importance, James will find, is in a suited place set aside for it. Maps, compasses, tools, so on. As one half of the large space serves as his personal cabin, there is also a fairly modest berth...though with a great number of pillows. More private things are in more private places.
Norrington: He seems particularly interested in the map making equipment and takes the time to pick all the odd little bits up, hold them, get a feel for them. Jack is an odd man and a private man.
Norrington's own quarters are pindrop neat -- everything has a proper place and it stays there. He's never been able to share anything that personal with even his officers.
Jack: Some of the cartographer's tools have been carefully worn down to do away with old, etched on markings. Jack is a pack rat. He likes to keep the familiar. Still, everything that's his belongs to a pirate now and should not be marked otherwise.
"This is... So d'you truly think any of these can help? I suppose I should offer my th..." He finally looks up from the names and far off places and his smile fades a little as he cants his head. "I know the urge is strong, but do try not to take anything. I've found keeping my hands to my pockets helps."
Norrington: "Sparrow, I doubt that putting my hands in your pockets will ever come to any good." Snort. ....and he does not 'borrow' anything, not even a metal pen nib. "I don't know if they can help, I'm not a good judge of such matters, but I took the names in hope that something would work."
Jack: "..." Smug grin. "Having your hands in my pockets might well distract the both of us from stealing. Twice as effective." Even if it's only a longshot, the information Norrington's given him is more than anyone else has come near offering. Jack is... what is that feeling? Oh yes.. grateful. He seems sort of at a loss for what to do. "You've my thanks for this, mate... Regardless." Gods, that feels weird.
Norrington: "You're very welcome." Pause. Fidget. Almost cutting his finger on that Not Pen Nib in his pocket. "You can see why I wanted to do this in private, then?"
Jack: "I suppose it was business better suited to a more private meeting." His hands fidget as well. Shake on it? No...not right. His hand coils back before it's fully offered. "You realize you're near about the only one to offer me any sort of aid in this? The one responsible seems only to like occasionally offering me her life... Which would be more satisfying if it didn't seem likely to end in an eternity stuck with her."
Norrington: Norrington goes quiet for a long time, looking at or in whatever's handy. "I don't think I would enjoy that. An eternity with her, I mean."
There. He's said it. He doesn't want Elizabeth any longer. Well, not -really- want her anyway. "If talking toasters and lord knows what else exists here, there has to be a way to free you."
Jack: "I considered it. ... Killing her. Taking the offer. Pistol raised and at the ready." Jack' very far away for a moment and his expression clouded over. He shakes it off with a short laugh and a grin. "Thought better of it, though. Probably some plan of hers to keep close to me. ... Simply can't keep away. I've seen it in her." It's best if he just wasn't facing James at all, maybe. Too much to be given away in such a small space. And why does he have to be so bloody nice anyway?
Ah, there's familiar old paranoia. Chases off more confusing feeling. Jack cocks his head as he tries to look involved in staring at the table, and eyes James over his shoulder. "Why to very interested in seeing me free? If this is all a complicated and --might I add--very clever scheme to have me at the gallows, I'll not fall for it."
Norrington: "I told you, you're not the Jack of my world. I wouldn't put you in the noose, it wouldn't be just. You're out of my jurisdiction, or haven't you figured that out?" It's a neat little wordgame, but it lets Norrington keep in touch with one of the few things that reminds him of home.
"...and your alternate in my own world shouldn't worry to much. I'm not going back."
Jack: "Good. I'm safe as houses and have not a thing to worry over. Glad of it." He chuckles and turns to lean back on the table, crossing his arms over his chest. "Didn't answer my question, mate. Why help me? What's in it for you?"
The smirk says there's a quick response for the comment on not returning, but then it's gone. Jack picks up one of the maps --a larger one with a full globe laid out across it-- and looks it over a moment. "Maybe I won't either. Not to say I won't leave here, but why go back to what I left.. Here they've mapped it down to the last spec of land. Nothing new. Everything's found and answered... Surely, there are places still untouched, yes? Far better a place, I think."
Norrington: "There's a whole uncharted Nexus Sea out there that connects to every port that ever could or would exist. You can find a crew, Jack. A good one, I've found ports and made friends." You can tell when Norrington is being sincere, because he'll use Sparrow's first name.
Jack: As Norrington talks, Jack's eyes slip closed. His tongue flicks out between softly parted lips to wet them as he practically salivates over the promise. He blinks out of that trance after a moment and grins at James. "And you? What are your plans, then, Jamie?"
Norrington: "Just what I said, I'm not going back. I've spoken to too many people who seem to know how my future pans out and it's not what I want." He leans against some bit of wall or shelving and watches Jack. "There's a decent living to be made in what I'm doing now. Perhaps I should say an honest living."
Jack: "Ah. Yes. Your work as a ...erm.. tutor? Butler? House boy? Not a matter.." He waves his hand dismissively and shakes his head. "If it's what you find joy in, eh?" Except wherein that gets in the way of what Jack wants. "...I suppose I'll make up this favour with frequent post about my exploits."
Norrington: "I gave that up, Jack. It was only so I could get supplies. Paragon and I have a crew and we're doing well." James -wanted- a ship, a crew, (freedom?) and he was willing to be a tutor in order to get it.
Jack: "Ah..yes. That's right." His smile falters a moment. Then he hops up to sit on the broad, map strewn table. "I've got no crew... but a better ship!" Yes. The one they're in. The one with masts still in bits and unfit to do much but decorate the coast? That better ship. "Sure I'll have her properly crewed again in no time, once I've set myself to it."
Norrington: "If you would like, I'm willing to offer Paragon as a way to get a crew to your ship." He wasn't kidding when he said he'd done well for himself. Fidget. Fidget. Will Jack take the offer or should he have made it more difficult?
Jack: "Oh?" He perks up a little. Then he narrows an eye and waves a hand at Norrington while he looks for words for his suspicion. "You sure there isn't something you're after? ... And I don't know that it would work. I like to hand pick my crews. Very strict on it." Which would explain the exemplary crews thus far? He'll take what's breathing.
Norrington: A sly, smug smile. "I just want to be able to savour that I was there the day that Captain Jack Sparrow accepted my help." Can he stand that look?
Jack: Haughty looks and the last word are Jack's domain. It feels wrong letting Norrington have the upper hand like this. The pirate narrows an eye, as if suspicious of a very elaborate trick. "And who's to say I'll be taking the charity? I appreciate the offer, true enough, but could be that I feel the need to have us set even. I would rather have a task set out before me than forever feel I might owe you. Savvy?"
Norrington: "It's not charity, Sparrow." That's probably all you'll get out of Norrington on the subject. He has his own reasons to offer and it's probably fairly obvious that it's not -really- to gloat over Jack. "Now, I've said my piece and I've said it in private." [Translation: I did this so the crew would see, so you wouldn't be embarrassed, so they wouldn't second guess either of us.]
Jack: "Isn't it?" Curiosity is a terrible thing. It will only eat at him now. Jack makes a point --like many thieves-- never to feel indebted to anyone. Still, if this aid gets him there, having one's life and freedom returned is a very big favour. "Unnecessary, though it may be, your discretion is admirable." Jack would not mind being given such a gift in public. He would glory in having a former enemy be the benefactor and make outrageous claims as to the hows and why fors.
Norrington: "I should go. If you'll excuse me." He pulls himself together, nods politely and makes to leave the room. "When you've made a decision, you know how and where to reach me."
Something seems to have spooked our dear, ex-commodore.
Jack: "Now now, Commodore." The title doesn't sound anywhere near to mocking. It's just how Jack thinks of James, and there's little that would change that. If the man would take a position as the pirate's own first mate, he would still call him by the higher rank.
Jack hops from the table and steps between Norrington and the door. He leans in the frame with that 'I'm onto you' look, though he isn't at all, and that's the problem. "Why the sudden hurry? Stay! Have a drink! I seldom worry over any decision for too long."
Norrington: "Let me go, Sparrow. I have other matters to attend to." In other words, move it Shorty, I'm not about to discuss my reasons with you. He has to make a conscious effort not to get too close into Jack's personal space -- that never ends well.
Jack: Lies and blasphemy. Getting too close to Jack is only bad if he doesn't want you there, and Norrington is only more amusing in close quarters. "Do you? Tell me, then, what ever so pressing matters it is you've got to see to, Jamie, and I'll set you free." He leans in closer to James, still doing his best to block the taller man's exit. "Well...I'll most probably set you free." A finger goes to his chin as he ponders the actual likelihood.
Norrington: "You can't 'set me free', can you?" Oh, dear. Sparrow might have touched on a sore point and James might be getting rather upset for reasons entirely baffling to the captain.
Jack: Jack's brows furrow and he looks somewhere between hurt and offended. More notably, however, he looks a good bit more lucid than he usually comes across. This exchange has been making it difficult ever since they got aboard the ship, and now he's just been insulted.
"What are you on about?!" We've come to an impasse of disgruntled poking, it seems. Jack prods at Norrington, pressing closer and looking to push him further back into his quarters. "Do you think I haven't tried? It's your endless bloody refusals to cooperate that's the problem! What's cause do I have to keep working at it?"
Norrington: He shakes his head but doesn't move further away. "Sorry, nevermind. I've had a long day and as I said, I really should go. I'm just going to get upset over nothing. Too much sun or something." What is he on about?
Jack: "I mean no offense in it, mate, but you're not making any sense at all." Nor is he being allowed to leave. Jack is curious and grateful. He can hardly just let James slip away at a time like this.
His demeanor becomes more relaxed again, slipping into that casual drunkard's stagger he maintains. (James saw nothing.) He presses his palms to the former Commodore's chest and grins up at him. "Stay for just a drink. Just a bit to relax you. Calm the nerves. So on. So forth."
Norrington: "You give me the worst headaches." And, in fact, he may have one. Perhaps Norrington wasn't joking about the sun? "I shouldn't bargain with you, I always lose, but if I have one drink, then may I leave?" Snort. 'May I'.
Jack: "Lucky I also see to remedying them." It really is best not to argue, bargain, haggle, or otherwise negotiate with pirates...especially Jack Sparrow. He beams, though, because in his mind he's just won a small victory and paved his way to greater ones. "A drink with me is all I ask." It's not all he's after, but then it's all in the wording.
Now, where is a man to find something befitting company? He clears some empty and half-empty bottles of rum from the top of a large chest bolted fast to the wall. From inside he brings out a few bottles that haven't seen light in some great while. "I know rum isn't much your drink, is it?" It's said with such pity, too. "I've a bottle of claret and one of good brandy. Least...It was good last I drank any."
Norrington: "I'll suffer through a little bit of your 'good' brandy." He's not about to admit that claret actually gives him worse headaches -- there's a lot he won't admit. Silly man. Is there anywhere Norrington can safely sit while Jack pours?
Jack: "Good man." While Jack digs out his much unused glasses, there is --in fact-- a set of large wooden chairs set one to either side of the table. One could almost be diplomatic in this space if they so wished.
The pirate grins happily to himself when he finds the glasses, then promptly shuts the trunk again. There seem to be a lot of things in there that haven't seen much use in some time, but now it's all hidden away again. Jack sits in the free chair and props his legs on the arm rest. "Do try to relax, won't you, Jamie? Watching you makes me tense."
Norrington: Norrington scowls and sits down in one of the chairs. He's still too stiff, too tense. "Don't patronize me, Sparrow. Please, I don't think I could stand that."
There is a definite tightness around his eyes - a strong headache has worked it's way into him. "...and are you sure it's brandy not turpentine?"
Jack: "It was brandy.. excellent brandy, I think." And he remembers correctly. It was one of a pair of bottles gifted to him at the christening of his ship. It's been some great while, but it has been kept sealed. He had hopes it would still be consumable...is it not? He hardly tastes things anymore. "Seems fine to me. And I very much doubt I was patronizing you, Commodore. Hardly seems like me at all."
Norrington: It is surprisingly good. Hrm. Maybe it's worth a sip or two. "You wouldn't? No, I suppose you wouldn't." He's quiet for a long time, James doesn't feel like sharing tonight. Scowly faces abound.
Jack: Silence is uncomfortable. There's too much thinking to be done in silence. A man could get lost. Odd..drinking from a proper glass, Jack nearly looks civilized. He's only a few sips, he sets the glass down and stares at James as if mentally deconstructing him and rearranging the pieces.
"You come to see me with business, yes? Offer me all I'm looking for and more, and I'm quite nearly ready to accept on every level. ... So what's got to you? Eh? I sit here, a man humbled before you and left --I hate to admit-- in your debt. Hardly seems cause for such mourning on your part."
Norrington: "I'd rather not tell you all my deepest, darkest secrets. If it's all the same to you." Pause. Sip. "How's the weather been? And your health?"
Norrington may be the world's most infuriating man. It's entirely possible.
Jack: Every man who has every accused Jack of being exhausting, frustrating, and hard to deal with needs to be trapped alone with James Norrington for a good long while. At least, that is Jack's opinion at present.
He deadpans and just stares across the table at James in complete silence for a few beats before becoming suddenly bright and animated once more, though weighted down by the heavy veil of his own bitter sarcasm.
"Well, taking in account my recent passing on, I can't say my health is at all where I'd like, to be honest. Though, I am feeling much better, thanks for asking. " He swirls the remaining brandy in his glass and takes a long drink. "As to the weather; the air seems to have gone a bit heavy with quiet desperation and self pity. Dreadful conditions, really."
Norrington: It's a small victory, but James does find some satisfaction in being more difficult and recalcitrant than Jack. "Yes, death does put a crimp in one's plans for a nice, long retirement to a tropical paradise."
Let's just skim over any talk of quiet desperation and self pity, okay? That's for the best, really. He wants, no, he -needs- a distraction but he's not willing to ask for it. Maybe if he goads Jack enough, then something will happen.
Jack: Ouch. That shouldn't have stung so much to hear, but there it is. Jack lowers his eyes for a second, having the decency to keep most of his misery inside and not taunt others with it like some people. He looks back up with a smile and cocks his head to the side.
"Too true. Though, seems I have farther reaching shores to see than I'd even imagined awaited me when I'd leave the sweet trade."
Jack raises his glass for a toast. "To things unexpected."
Feeling indebted, with a nagging curiosity and a sense he's failed a man who may now have saved him? Something may very well happen. Jack enjoys making things happen, and he is almost professionally distracting.
Norrington: "I'd rather drink to peace of mind, but as you wish. To things unexpected." He toasts, he drinks (never more than a sip) and continues on. Something has to make Jack snap, why's he been sitting in this broken ship? It's not right.
"I've been trading for maps of the Nexus' seas. They're a great deal larger than I'd imagined."
Jack: That twitches and threatens to fall. There's an anger and a seriousness in Jack's eyes that he's never really had for Norrington...not even when the Commodore was looking to see him hanged. He was only doing his job, after all, and his dedication was admirable. Now, though, Jack is frustrated. He snorts hot air from his nostrils and drains his glass quickly, then sets himself fully upright in his chair.
"I rarely find myself in possession of much peace of mind, though I haven't much need. So I drink to what's unexpected, as it's always in abundance ... And I am sure the seas are truly lovely. Not a doubt in my mind."
He rises from his seat, leaning across the table to bring his face close to Norrington's. His breath smells of hot liquor and something more sour while the rest of Jack simply carries the smell of sweat, sea, and...does he smell like sex? It's been suggested. "How d'you figure, then , Jamie? Can you give me peace of mind, then? Fair trade, seems, if I could see to setting you free."
Norrington: "You don't have the power to set me free, Captain." He's sneering and leaning back -- calm, cool, out of Jack's reach. "And I sincerely doubt that I can offer you any sort of peace of mind. What do you think, Jack?"
He didn't mean to get angry, but it's so hard not to let his emotions feed off Sparrow. He...dammit. He wants to, he wants something, anything? Hell.
Jack: Obviously, going around the table would be too much effort. Over is the way to go. Jack hauls himself up onto the thing and tosses the maps and lists aside as he moves across to kneel in front of James. He grabs the man by the front of his shirt and pulls him close. "I thought perhaps you might... Seems sometimes that you've got reason and calm in spades, mate... But truth of it is, you've got none at all, do you? It's all just a bloody illusion. ... Well so is your prison, you blind bastard. Stop moaning over your torment when there's no lock to the door and the guard's been unaccounted for for ages. Just..just bloody let go! Let. Go."
That anger that rises to match his and a heart that wants so very badly to be free. Damn Norrington and his hand crafted cages. Damn his lack of faith. Jack set himself free. Why could he not do the same for this man? His eyes focus, cool consideration in that deep brown. Finally, he leans in and kisses James hotly. Take that, you repressed and whining bastard.
Norrington: Oh, dear. Now he's done it. James returns the kiss just as fiercely and pushes Jack away. "Listen to your own advice, you bloody fool. I've gone free, found work, things to do, places to go and you just sit here, trapped on a broken ship. God, Jack, it's selfish, but I can't bear to see you here, like this."
He's up and pacing now, almost shaking with energy (emotion?) -- either way, someone needs to learn to express, not repress. "Whatever it is, you don't deserve this prison. Get down off the cross, Jack, I've put up with enough from..." Time for his voice to break! "...from Miss Swann, don't you start. You're not to blame."
Jack: On his knees, hands falling useless between his legs once there's no tall and obstinate ship Captain to lean against and lecture, Jack looks more like a kicked puppy than the 'visionary leader of lost sailors' he felt he might be a moment ago.
He's quiet a long while, but it doesn't mean he's really listening. There are walls and rules in Jack's mind that have been there for a very long time. It's such a clear and pretty barrier that he barely notices it. A gilded cage is still a cage, though. When he speaks, it's very sure and matter-of-fact, but quiet.
"...I can't leave her..." Not his ship. Not his Pearl. Not again. "Elizabeth! It's her fault..." It all sounds so stupid out loud. It sounds so petty and childish and he feels a little ashamed, but it doesn't change the facts of things in Jack's mind.
Norrington: "It probably is or could be, but does it matter who's fault it is? You're trapped here, this isn't your Pearl, not when she's hurt like this. Please, Jack, please, get a crew, repair her, sail her, sail with me, do something other than sit here. I'm s...I'm worried what you'll turn into if you don't." To be perfectly honest, he's scared Jack really will turn into a draug.
"I don't want Miss Swann anymore. She hurt me too much, too badly. Don't...don't you dare do the same. I'd never forgive you." Norrington can be truly imposing, terrifying, whatever word you'd like -- either way, there's a very good reason he keeps his emotions so well hidden. They're too strong to deal with.
Jack: "It's all I have left of her! I... I will repair her. I've already started with it..." There's only so much one man can do with this sort of damage to a ship of this size and Jack knows that, but he has been trying. He clings to this ship so desperately. Now that he feels he's lost everything else, it's gotten even worse than it was. Death, hopelessness, bitterness, and fear have been weighing down on Jack and piling up. James is right to worry. Jack haunts this ship, and he's almost content to do so.
Jack smiles a bit, and it's almost real and warm. "You'd be quite surprised just how many don't forgive me in the end." He stretches out to lay across the table, propped up on one arm. "I can't promise not t'hurt you, Jamie. Pirate." He shrugs. "But I'll give all the honesty that's mine t'give. Swear it. And I'll not leave you t'watch me rot." Norrington has something most can’t even hope for. He has Jack’s respect. Hard to tell, yes, but it’s there. Jack picks at his nails and chews at a sharp corner before giving a slightly smirking sidelong glance. "Sail with you, you said? ..." His smile broadens with an effected sigh. "When is it we leave port? ... Paragon, is it?"
Norrington: "You will get her back, as beautiful and sleek as ever." He's entirely earnest and open for just one more moment, and then it's switched off. Locked, hidden and safely stowed away before he goes over to sit again.
"Paragon. The ship is alive and more than a little mad. Just like I am for offering." It is possible that James did have too much sun after that hurricane. "We leave tomorrow, if you'll come. I won't rescind my offer." [Translation: It was hell know that you were sitting here alone while I was out loving the sea.]
Jack: Jack is more than content to lounge across the heavy, oak table as they carry on serious conversations of tremendous weight and import. He's rather like an enourmous sea faring puss-in-boots in that way. "I've got her back each time they've taken her from me." 'They' is rather ambiguous. " I'll have her back and fit to sail again." He's very sure, despite the lack of progress thus far.
"The Pearl has seen as much rough sea as I have. More so." What this has to do with anything is unclear. What he means is she's quite mad herself, though he won't say where she can hear. Of course...who's mad all depends on if you've ever heard the Black Pearl speak..which you haven't if you aren't Jack Sparrow. "Don't give much for notice, now, do you? I suppose I'll see to clearing myself of prior obligations. We'll hope for the best, eh?" That smug grin should not be so clear and haughty on a man who's taking so much charity.
Norrington: Norrington is back to sitting too straight in his chair - you'll never see him slouch. "No, not much notice. The ship is good, the crew fair enough, even with those two idiots you know." He hasn't said what position Jack will have.
It was a selfish reason that he asked Jack to come with him. Just as Sparrow could become a ghost on his beloved Pearl, Norrington feared that he could suffer the same fate if he was without ...whatever Jack seems to represent. Ties to home?
Jack: It's amusing to Jack that Pintell and Raggetti keep such regular employment. "They may be a bit ... off.. but they haul rope and push a mop as well as any man." And they make Jack laugh. This is very important. If it weren't true, they'd have been shot by now.
No need for Norrington to tell Jack what position he'll take. Jack's sussed it out already. Saved him the trouble. "A ship hardly needs two Captains, you realize. What is it you'll be doing, eh?"
Norrington: "Aye, there's the rub. The ship recognizes no one but me." Best not mention how that came about. Norrington has a whole new series of scars along his shoulder.
"He won't take orders from anyone else." Sometimes I think I'm going to be trapped with him until I die. Sometimes I don't mind. "I need someone with a flair for navigation. I've never had that talent." Pause. Pause. He has something else. Something he traded for.
Jack: Oh. A ship he's not Captain of... It's been some time. "Loyal ship, then, is it?" That must be convenient. Jack props himself up and looks deep in thought for a moment. "...Navigation all you need, Jamie? ... I suppose I'd be up to the small task." Even without his compass, that's something Jack's got some skill in. It just seems so small a thing.
Norrington: "Yes, Paragon is loyal, in his way. He ...well, he's interesting."
"It's not a small task I'm asking of you. The waters around here change all the time, they're almost entirely uncharted and there are other innumerable troubles." See Jack, you're needed.
Jack: "Uncharted? ... And changing?" Norrington has Jack's attentions now. The pirate sits up and crosses his legs under him like a child listening intently to a fairy story. "Seems I'll at least be spared some boredom." [translation: For such adventure and continued use, I'd walk across hot coals] He smiles and leans back, giving himself the appearance of some very cheeky wise man. "What's to be my take in this? What's our goal in the voyage?" You'd think he was offering James a job and not vice versa.
Norrington: "Honest trade work. Mostly spices, some fabrics, books, paper, the occasional nicer item. Each world has something that another lacks. You'll get a fair share, suited to your work." Norrington is a scrupulously fair captain - everyone gets their due.
Jack: "Honest trade is so dreadfully boring.... I hope it's not to be tea." Carry enough across the sea and you lose a taste for it. Oddly, opium works in quite the opposite way. "The ports shall have that thrill of being so new for a while. I do like strange places. Pity the strangeness of it never lasts." It would give away too much to say that being at sea and getting to see the places he's only heard spoken of will be payment enough would give away too much.
Norrington: "No, not much tea. The ports are wonderful."...and all the better to share with someone of his own 'class', which he is willing to consider Jack to be. Did anyone really expect him to pal about with Pintel and Ragetti? "Our next trip is to somewhere called 'Naboo'. They seem to want chocolate more than anything and will trade perfume and silk for it."
Jack: "Well that's just good sense. I would." To be fair, Jack is now only half in this conversation. He's also busy wondering what sort of places he'll be seeing...and what he can make away with from each. Souvenirs, after a fashion... If you traded souvenirs for large amounts of money when you tired of them.
Norrington: "So, you'll come? When there's enough saved, we can get a crew and some repairs for the Pearl. She'll be whole and yours again." He smiles and relaxes a little -- it's good for both of them that Jack is returning to what passes for normal.
Jack: "Ah. Of course... 'When there is enough'." He chuckles to himself and shakes his head. "D'you've any idea how much of my life has been spent in waiting on this ship?" It's almost comical, really. Or would be, if he weren't still waiting. "I may need to think the offer over a bit... Unless you've got further motivation to offer?"
Norrington: "You know I'll be fair to you." He doesn't want to give over the compass until he has Jack's word. There's a pained look. "Would a 'please' be incentive enough?"
Jack: The please does it. In so much as that's where Jack cracks and begins laughing. He hops down from the table and leans against the end of it, facing James. "You, dear Commodore, are adorable. Know that."
He rolls his eyes and sighs seeming quite deeply in contemplation. "Fair as any Captain has ever been, I'm sure. And as even a man as ever lived. .... Fine. If your crew will have a known pirate aboard, then you've one more man to the journey." Navigating a trade ship again, Sparrow? Lord, the world's a funny place.
Norrington: "Most of my crew is made up of pirates, although they are all of far less fame than yourself." He's -almost- smiling.
"Will you shake on it?" His posture is calm and relaxed has he offers his hand. "I'm sure it will be an experience for both of us." Blink. Blink. He suddenly realized that the whole time he's been here with the Real-Jack his Head-Jack had been silent. That rotten bastard had been pestering him for days and days to return to port. Interesting.
Jack: A curve to his smile, so slight it may even go unnoticed, lifts at the edges when he hears tell of a nearly entirely rogue crew. Interesting. "An experience.. S'one way of putting it. Perhaps even...mutually beneficial."
Jack wipes his hand off on his front to clear it of anything that may be on it and then offers it to Norrington. Fate works in strange ways. Jack Sparrow is shaking an agreement to run trade shipments with a man that once wanted his head for the king... Strange indeed.
Norrington: "Perhaps and you might, in time, find yourself sufficiently and satisfactorily sophonsified, hmm?" He has a good handshake and doesn't linger any longer than necessary. "Now, you might think it rather forward or over-confident of me, but I found you a 'signing bonus'. Did you want it?"
Jack: The very idea of ever really having his fill makes Jack smile like he's in on some joke Norrington is not privy to. "Perhaps, though I do have my doubts." But then there are promises of presents, and presents are always good. "A bonus, is it? Let's have it then!" He leans in close and tries not to be too greedy and grabby with his hands.
Norrington: Ack! Hands in the pockets. There are hands in the pockets! "Here, take it, you magpie." It's a small, wooden box. Yes, that wooden box. "I thought you'd need it to help navigate."
Jack: Retrieving the little box, Jack leans back on the table with all the glee of a child come Christmas morning. He almost seems to have forgotten his new Captain's presence as he runs fingers over familiar grooves and sniffs at the sea-weathered wood. He lifts the lid of the box to gaze at the fading constellations of the inner dome and watch the needle spin; not toward North, but in every direction. A small, boyish laugh slips from him and he clicks the compass closed.
"Keeping a thing that's mine as means of leverage, or just cocky enough to have expected a 'yes', Commodore?" Jack smirks.
Norrington: "The second, more than the first." A slow, sly grin. Norrington is proud of what he's done here -- it's not enough to make up for what his alternate took, but it might put Jack in a better mood. "Are you glad to see it back?"
Jack: "Glad?" He can't help but laugh. It's among the most important things in the world to him. "I suppose there is some pleasure in having it back to me." Jack can play along with this game of understatement.
He raises one foot to rest it against the edge of Norrington's chair, leaning in. "Do tell, Captain, what had you so sure I'd bend to your offers, eh?"
Norrington: "I wasn't sure." Now, where did that glass of brandy go, aha! "...but I was sure that if you didn't want to go to sea in some form or other that you'd gone completely mad and I would have been forced to take forceful measures." Sip. Smirk.
Jack: "Odd. There are those who felt sure I was mad long ago." He chuckles under his breath and attaches the strap of the compass to his belt, where it belongs. Jack leans in yet more, and it seem certain he'll fall against James if he moves much further. "Forceful measures, mate? I shall give thanks then to have avoided that fate. ... Sounds just dreadful."
Norrington: "There are degrees of madness." James knows this very well - even now, with his own ship, crew and cargo, he still has nights where the wind howls and he remembers being lost at sea. "Not so much dreadful as embarrassing for both of us. I'd have gotten you drunk, tied you up and shanghai'd you. Press ganged, even."
Jack: "Press ganged? I'm shocked. Quite underhanded of you, Captain. What would the king say?" 'Good work, Norrington. The Navy needs more men in her service' most likely, so far as Jack understands it. Between the Navy and John Company, only pirates are free men at sea. "Not just making excuse to have me tied, were you?"
Norrington: "Why would I want to do that? You'd just be easier to transport about if you stayed still for a moment or two." The brandy really isn't half bad. How unexpected. (Shh, just because it takes James ages upon ages to finish a single drink.)
Jack: "Not a clue. Your silly plan, mate, not mine." He's easier to do a lot of things to tied up, and it's something he'd take advantage of so he expects the same from Norrington. If you think really hard about it, it's a compliment. Expecting odd depravity and criminal intent from you is how Jack shows he sees you as an equal. Elizabeth never understood that. "Look, Jamie, are you drinking that or courting it? You've won her over, mate, she's yours."
Norrington: "I'm sure that it's shocking and unnatural to you, but I don't drink often." Sip. "And I don't want to be in any room with you while drunk."
That's how this will be - the pair of them snarking at each other, but only rarely meaning anything hurtful by it. It's a comfort.
Jack: "Well I don't recommend it. You're terrible at it." Jack lowers his head to pity poor Norrington's lack of drinking prowess. "I suppose you might improve with some practice, but it'd take bloody ages at this rate."
Oh yes, this is exactly how it will be. Pointed little comments meant more to get a momentary rise than to actually cause any suffering or unhappiness. It's comforting in a way and a game Jack's been having with the former Commodore for some time; only made all the better with Norrington now joining in.
Norrington: "Someday in the far, distant future there is a dim possibility that you will have the joy and honour of seeing me drunk. However, that is only the most remote of probablities." Sip. Aren't we glad that James isn't going to go see the Whore of Babylon?
Jack: "I'll wait oh so patiently, mate. A sight to be seen, I've no doubt." He really would like to see this particular spectacle, but no sense in sounding to eager. That would just seem odd, now wouldn't it? Jack just gives an idle grin and swaggers over to the chest he first pulled their liquor from to take up a bottle of rum and uncork it for himself.
"Til then, I'll drink for the both of us."
Norrington: ...and they chatter a bit longer before Norrington heads back to his ship. "I'll see you for duty tomorrow."
Jack: "Right then..." He looks a touch worried. "Bright and early, is it?" Truth of the matter is, Jack habitually rises very early...but he hasn't had obligations at those hours in some time now. Not to anyone but himself.
Norrington: "Bright and early." Oh, what a grin. "I'll see you then, Sparrow."
Jack: "Aye..." Puppies don't pout this well. "...Captain. Now, off my ship.. I've things to do." Mostly involving drinking and talking to himself. He'll also be going over his new maps to remind himself why he'd ever agree to this nonsense.
Norrington: "Thank you for that vote of confidence." Scowl. "Oh, Sparrow, I have some business to discuss with you, perhaps we should find somewhere better suited?"
Jack: "Must confess. I'm curious. What sort of...better suited...would you prefer?" Jack arches a brow in suspicion. "Dark pub corner or something? Or somewhere...more private?"
Norrington: "I wouldn't trust any sort of pub you'd choose." So that leaves another option...
Jack: "Excuses excuses..." He waves off the refusal of a nice, comfortable, liquor-providing pub. "I suppose my quarters will have to do. I'm onto you, though. Know that I'll not have you taking advantage of me on my own ship, savvy?" Jack grins and waits for stammering or anger or any other immediate gratification.
Norrington: "I will have to find some way to resist your multifold charms and allurements." Norrington picks up some sort of rucksack and calmly follows along. Yes, he's being so pleasant about this because he expects it to irk Jack.
Jack: "..." For a moment he looks a little put out, then lost in thought as he retraces things said for flaws on his part. Ah well. Naught to be done about it. "Aye. See you do!" Then he makes a quick swaying turn on his heel and leads the way. The swagger looks even more exaggerated when you're just watching the coat swish from behind.
Norrington: A soft, amused chuckle and he follows along and into the Captain's Quarters. "I've been keeping my promise, new maps for you."
Jack: The Captain's Quarters may lack some of the fine look it once had, but much of the damage is repaired. Jack drops down into a wide, somewhat water damaged chair, and props his feet on the table with a smile. "Excellent! Good for you, keeping to your word. Never doubted you a moment." He gestures for his gifts to be dropped down in front of him.
Norrington: There are maps and a detailed list of magic workers who might be able to help Jack leave the Nexus. He's kept his word. Norrington has never been in Sparrow's quarters - while Jack looks over his latest treasures, he might just poke about.
Jack: Jack starts out looking over the sheets of paper very casually, until he realizes just what he has. He'd intended the maps as a diversion. He'd see where things differed. Find where he's been and where he wants to go... But this? His feet come off the table and he leans over the spread out maps and lists grinning from ear to ear.
His quarters are at least slightly neater than one might expect. His personal belongings are a tossed about, but anything of real importance, James will find, is in a suited place set aside for it. Maps, compasses, tools, so on. As one half of the large space serves as his personal cabin, there is also a fairly modest berth...though with a great number of pillows. More private things are in more private places.
Norrington: He seems particularly interested in the map making equipment and takes the time to pick all the odd little bits up, hold them, get a feel for them. Jack is an odd man and a private man.
Norrington's own quarters are pindrop neat -- everything has a proper place and it stays there. He's never been able to share anything that personal with even his officers.
Jack: Some of the cartographer's tools have been carefully worn down to do away with old, etched on markings. Jack is a pack rat. He likes to keep the familiar. Still, everything that's his belongs to a pirate now and should not be marked otherwise.
"This is... So d'you truly think any of these can help? I suppose I should offer my th..." He finally looks up from the names and far off places and his smile fades a little as he cants his head. "I know the urge is strong, but do try not to take anything. I've found keeping my hands to my pockets helps."
Norrington: "Sparrow, I doubt that putting my hands in your pockets will ever come to any good." Snort. ....and he does not 'borrow' anything, not even a metal pen nib. "I don't know if they can help, I'm not a good judge of such matters, but I took the names in hope that something would work."
Jack: "..." Smug grin. "Having your hands in my pockets might well distract the both of us from stealing. Twice as effective." Even if it's only a longshot, the information Norrington's given him is more than anyone else has come near offering. Jack is... what is that feeling? Oh yes.. grateful. He seems sort of at a loss for what to do. "You've my thanks for this, mate... Regardless." Gods, that feels weird.
Norrington: "You're very welcome." Pause. Fidget. Almost cutting his finger on that Not Pen Nib in his pocket. "You can see why I wanted to do this in private, then?"
Jack: "I suppose it was business better suited to a more private meeting." His hands fidget as well. Shake on it? No...not right. His hand coils back before it's fully offered. "You realize you're near about the only one to offer me any sort of aid in this? The one responsible seems only to like occasionally offering me her life... Which would be more satisfying if it didn't seem likely to end in an eternity stuck with her."
Norrington: Norrington goes quiet for a long time, looking at or in whatever's handy. "I don't think I would enjoy that. An eternity with her, I mean."
There. He's said it. He doesn't want Elizabeth any longer. Well, not -really- want her anyway. "If talking toasters and lord knows what else exists here, there has to be a way to free you."
Jack: "I considered it. ... Killing her. Taking the offer. Pistol raised and at the ready." Jack' very far away for a moment and his expression clouded over. He shakes it off with a short laugh and a grin. "Thought better of it, though. Probably some plan of hers to keep close to me. ... Simply can't keep away. I've seen it in her." It's best if he just wasn't facing James at all, maybe. Too much to be given away in such a small space. And why does he have to be so bloody nice anyway?
Ah, there's familiar old paranoia. Chases off more confusing feeling. Jack cocks his head as he tries to look involved in staring at the table, and eyes James over his shoulder. "Why to very interested in seeing me free? If this is all a complicated and --might I add--very clever scheme to have me at the gallows, I'll not fall for it."
Norrington: "I told you, you're not the Jack of my world. I wouldn't put you in the noose, it wouldn't be just. You're out of my jurisdiction, or haven't you figured that out?" It's a neat little wordgame, but it lets Norrington keep in touch with one of the few things that reminds him of home.
"...and your alternate in my own world shouldn't worry to much. I'm not going back."
Jack: "Good. I'm safe as houses and have not a thing to worry over. Glad of it." He chuckles and turns to lean back on the table, crossing his arms over his chest. "Didn't answer my question, mate. Why help me? What's in it for you?"
The smirk says there's a quick response for the comment on not returning, but then it's gone. Jack picks up one of the maps --a larger one with a full globe laid out across it-- and looks it over a moment. "Maybe I won't either. Not to say I won't leave here, but why go back to what I left.. Here they've mapped it down to the last spec of land. Nothing new. Everything's found and answered... Surely, there are places still untouched, yes? Far better a place, I think."
Norrington: "There's a whole uncharted Nexus Sea out there that connects to every port that ever could or would exist. You can find a crew, Jack. A good one, I've found ports and made friends." You can tell when Norrington is being sincere, because he'll use Sparrow's first name.
Jack: As Norrington talks, Jack's eyes slip closed. His tongue flicks out between softly parted lips to wet them as he practically salivates over the promise. He blinks out of that trance after a moment and grins at James. "And you? What are your plans, then, Jamie?"
Norrington: "Just what I said, I'm not going back. I've spoken to too many people who seem to know how my future pans out and it's not what I want." He leans against some bit of wall or shelving and watches Jack. "There's a decent living to be made in what I'm doing now. Perhaps I should say an honest living."
Jack: "Ah. Yes. Your work as a ...erm.. tutor? Butler? House boy? Not a matter.." He waves his hand dismissively and shakes his head. "If it's what you find joy in, eh?" Except wherein that gets in the way of what Jack wants. "...I suppose I'll make up this favour with frequent post about my exploits."
Norrington: "I gave that up, Jack. It was only so I could get supplies. Paragon and I have a crew and we're doing well." James -wanted- a ship, a crew, (freedom?) and he was willing to be a tutor in order to get it.
Jack: "Ah..yes. That's right." His smile falters a moment. Then he hops up to sit on the broad, map strewn table. "I've got no crew... but a better ship!" Yes. The one they're in. The one with masts still in bits and unfit to do much but decorate the coast? That better ship. "Sure I'll have her properly crewed again in no time, once I've set myself to it."
Norrington: "If you would like, I'm willing to offer Paragon as a way to get a crew to your ship." He wasn't kidding when he said he'd done well for himself. Fidget. Fidget. Will Jack take the offer or should he have made it more difficult?
Jack: "Oh?" He perks up a little. Then he narrows an eye and waves a hand at Norrington while he looks for words for his suspicion. "You sure there isn't something you're after? ... And I don't know that it would work. I like to hand pick my crews. Very strict on it." Which would explain the exemplary crews thus far? He'll take what's breathing.
Norrington: A sly, smug smile. "I just want to be able to savour that I was there the day that Captain Jack Sparrow accepted my help." Can he stand that look?
Jack: Haughty looks and the last word are Jack's domain. It feels wrong letting Norrington have the upper hand like this. The pirate narrows an eye, as if suspicious of a very elaborate trick. "And who's to say I'll be taking the charity? I appreciate the offer, true enough, but could be that I feel the need to have us set even. I would rather have a task set out before me than forever feel I might owe you. Savvy?"
Norrington: "It's not charity, Sparrow." That's probably all you'll get out of Norrington on the subject. He has his own reasons to offer and it's probably fairly obvious that it's not -really- to gloat over Jack. "Now, I've said my piece and I've said it in private." [Translation: I did this so the crew would see, so you wouldn't be embarrassed, so they wouldn't second guess either of us.]
Jack: "Isn't it?" Curiosity is a terrible thing. It will only eat at him now. Jack makes a point --like many thieves-- never to feel indebted to anyone. Still, if this aid gets him there, having one's life and freedom returned is a very big favour. "Unnecessary, though it may be, your discretion is admirable." Jack would not mind being given such a gift in public. He would glory in having a former enemy be the benefactor and make outrageous claims as to the hows and why fors.
Norrington: "I should go. If you'll excuse me." He pulls himself together, nods politely and makes to leave the room. "When you've made a decision, you know how and where to reach me."
Something seems to have spooked our dear, ex-commodore.
Jack: "Now now, Commodore." The title doesn't sound anywhere near to mocking. It's just how Jack thinks of James, and there's little that would change that. If the man would take a position as the pirate's own first mate, he would still call him by the higher rank.
Jack hops from the table and steps between Norrington and the door. He leans in the frame with that 'I'm onto you' look, though he isn't at all, and that's the problem. "Why the sudden hurry? Stay! Have a drink! I seldom worry over any decision for too long."
Norrington: "Let me go, Sparrow. I have other matters to attend to." In other words, move it Shorty, I'm not about to discuss my reasons with you. He has to make a conscious effort not to get too close into Jack's personal space -- that never ends well.
Jack: Lies and blasphemy. Getting too close to Jack is only bad if he doesn't want you there, and Norrington is only more amusing in close quarters. "Do you? Tell me, then, what ever so pressing matters it is you've got to see to, Jamie, and I'll set you free." He leans in closer to James, still doing his best to block the taller man's exit. "Well...I'll most probably set you free." A finger goes to his chin as he ponders the actual likelihood.
Norrington: "You can't 'set me free', can you?" Oh, dear. Sparrow might have touched on a sore point and James might be getting rather upset for reasons entirely baffling to the captain.
Jack: Jack's brows furrow and he looks somewhere between hurt and offended. More notably, however, he looks a good bit more lucid than he usually comes across. This exchange has been making it difficult ever since they got aboard the ship, and now he's just been insulted.
"What are you on about?!" We've come to an impasse of disgruntled poking, it seems. Jack prods at Norrington, pressing closer and looking to push him further back into his quarters. "Do you think I haven't tried? It's your endless bloody refusals to cooperate that's the problem! What's cause do I have to keep working at it?"
Norrington: He shakes his head but doesn't move further away. "Sorry, nevermind. I've had a long day and as I said, I really should go. I'm just going to get upset over nothing. Too much sun or something." What is he on about?
Jack: "I mean no offense in it, mate, but you're not making any sense at all." Nor is he being allowed to leave. Jack is curious and grateful. He can hardly just let James slip away at a time like this.
His demeanor becomes more relaxed again, slipping into that casual drunkard's stagger he maintains. (James saw nothing.) He presses his palms to the former Commodore's chest and grins up at him. "Stay for just a drink. Just a bit to relax you. Calm the nerves. So on. So forth."
Norrington: "You give me the worst headaches." And, in fact, he may have one. Perhaps Norrington wasn't joking about the sun? "I shouldn't bargain with you, I always lose, but if I have one drink, then may I leave?" Snort. 'May I'.
Jack: "Lucky I also see to remedying them." It really is best not to argue, bargain, haggle, or otherwise negotiate with pirates...especially Jack Sparrow. He beams, though, because in his mind he's just won a small victory and paved his way to greater ones. "A drink with me is all I ask." It's not all he's after, but then it's all in the wording.
Now, where is a man to find something befitting company? He clears some empty and half-empty bottles of rum from the top of a large chest bolted fast to the wall. From inside he brings out a few bottles that haven't seen light in some great while. "I know rum isn't much your drink, is it?" It's said with such pity, too. "I've a bottle of claret and one of good brandy. Least...It was good last I drank any."
Norrington: "I'll suffer through a little bit of your 'good' brandy." He's not about to admit that claret actually gives him worse headaches -- there's a lot he won't admit. Silly man. Is there anywhere Norrington can safely sit while Jack pours?
Jack: "Good man." While Jack digs out his much unused glasses, there is --in fact-- a set of large wooden chairs set one to either side of the table. One could almost be diplomatic in this space if they so wished.
The pirate grins happily to himself when he finds the glasses, then promptly shuts the trunk again. There seem to be a lot of things in there that haven't seen much use in some time, but now it's all hidden away again. Jack sits in the free chair and props his legs on the arm rest. "Do try to relax, won't you, Jamie? Watching you makes me tense."
Norrington: Norrington scowls and sits down in one of the chairs. He's still too stiff, too tense. "Don't patronize me, Sparrow. Please, I don't think I could stand that."
There is a definite tightness around his eyes - a strong headache has worked it's way into him. "...and are you sure it's brandy not turpentine?"
Jack: "It was brandy.. excellent brandy, I think." And he remembers correctly. It was one of a pair of bottles gifted to him at the christening of his ship. It's been some great while, but it has been kept sealed. He had hopes it would still be consumable...is it not? He hardly tastes things anymore. "Seems fine to me. And I very much doubt I was patronizing you, Commodore. Hardly seems like me at all."
Norrington: It is surprisingly good. Hrm. Maybe it's worth a sip or two. "You wouldn't? No, I suppose you wouldn't." He's quiet for a long time, James doesn't feel like sharing tonight. Scowly faces abound.
Jack: Silence is uncomfortable. There's too much thinking to be done in silence. A man could get lost. Odd..drinking from a proper glass, Jack nearly looks civilized. He's only a few sips, he sets the glass down and stares at James as if mentally deconstructing him and rearranging the pieces.
"You come to see me with business, yes? Offer me all I'm looking for and more, and I'm quite nearly ready to accept on every level. ... So what's got to you? Eh? I sit here, a man humbled before you and left --I hate to admit-- in your debt. Hardly seems cause for such mourning on your part."
Norrington: "I'd rather not tell you all my deepest, darkest secrets. If it's all the same to you." Pause. Sip. "How's the weather been? And your health?"
Norrington may be the world's most infuriating man. It's entirely possible.
Jack: Every man who has every accused Jack of being exhausting, frustrating, and hard to deal with needs to be trapped alone with James Norrington for a good long while. At least, that is Jack's opinion at present.
He deadpans and just stares across the table at James in complete silence for a few beats before becoming suddenly bright and animated once more, though weighted down by the heavy veil of his own bitter sarcasm.
"Well, taking in account my recent passing on, I can't say my health is at all where I'd like, to be honest. Though, I am feeling much better, thanks for asking. " He swirls the remaining brandy in his glass and takes a long drink. "As to the weather; the air seems to have gone a bit heavy with quiet desperation and self pity. Dreadful conditions, really."
Norrington: It's a small victory, but James does find some satisfaction in being more difficult and recalcitrant than Jack. "Yes, death does put a crimp in one's plans for a nice, long retirement to a tropical paradise."
Let's just skim over any talk of quiet desperation and self pity, okay? That's for the best, really. He wants, no, he -needs- a distraction but he's not willing to ask for it. Maybe if he goads Jack enough, then something will happen.
Jack: Ouch. That shouldn't have stung so much to hear, but there it is. Jack lowers his eyes for a second, having the decency to keep most of his misery inside and not taunt others with it like some people. He looks back up with a smile and cocks his head to the side.
"Too true. Though, seems I have farther reaching shores to see than I'd even imagined awaited me when I'd leave the sweet trade."
Jack raises his glass for a toast. "To things unexpected."
Feeling indebted, with a nagging curiosity and a sense he's failed a man who may now have saved him? Something may very well happen. Jack enjoys making things happen, and he is almost professionally distracting.
Norrington: "I'd rather drink to peace of mind, but as you wish. To things unexpected." He toasts, he drinks (never more than a sip) and continues on. Something has to make Jack snap, why's he been sitting in this broken ship? It's not right.
"I've been trading for maps of the Nexus' seas. They're a great deal larger than I'd imagined."
Jack: That twitches and threatens to fall. There's an anger and a seriousness in Jack's eyes that he's never really had for Norrington...not even when the Commodore was looking to see him hanged. He was only doing his job, after all, and his dedication was admirable. Now, though, Jack is frustrated. He snorts hot air from his nostrils and drains his glass quickly, then sets himself fully upright in his chair.
"I rarely find myself in possession of much peace of mind, though I haven't much need. So I drink to what's unexpected, as it's always in abundance ... And I am sure the seas are truly lovely. Not a doubt in my mind."
He rises from his seat, leaning across the table to bring his face close to Norrington's. His breath smells of hot liquor and something more sour while the rest of Jack simply carries the smell of sweat, sea, and...does he smell like sex? It's been suggested. "How d'you figure, then , Jamie? Can you give me peace of mind, then? Fair trade, seems, if I could see to setting you free."
Norrington: "You don't have the power to set me free, Captain." He's sneering and leaning back -- calm, cool, out of Jack's reach. "And I sincerely doubt that I can offer you any sort of peace of mind. What do you think, Jack?"
He didn't mean to get angry, but it's so hard not to let his emotions feed off Sparrow. He...dammit. He wants to, he wants something, anything? Hell.
Jack: Obviously, going around the table would be too much effort. Over is the way to go. Jack hauls himself up onto the thing and tosses the maps and lists aside as he moves across to kneel in front of James. He grabs the man by the front of his shirt and pulls him close. "I thought perhaps you might... Seems sometimes that you've got reason and calm in spades, mate... But truth of it is, you've got none at all, do you? It's all just a bloody illusion. ... Well so is your prison, you blind bastard. Stop moaning over your torment when there's no lock to the door and the guard's been unaccounted for for ages. Just..just bloody let go! Let. Go."
That anger that rises to match his and a heart that wants so very badly to be free. Damn Norrington and his hand crafted cages. Damn his lack of faith. Jack set himself free. Why could he not do the same for this man? His eyes focus, cool consideration in that deep brown. Finally, he leans in and kisses James hotly. Take that, you repressed and whining bastard.
Norrington: Oh, dear. Now he's done it. James returns the kiss just as fiercely and pushes Jack away. "Listen to your own advice, you bloody fool. I've gone free, found work, things to do, places to go and you just sit here, trapped on a broken ship. God, Jack, it's selfish, but I can't bear to see you here, like this."
He's up and pacing now, almost shaking with energy (emotion?) -- either way, someone needs to learn to express, not repress. "Whatever it is, you don't deserve this prison. Get down off the cross, Jack, I've put up with enough from..." Time for his voice to break! "...from Miss Swann, don't you start. You're not to blame."
Jack: On his knees, hands falling useless between his legs once there's no tall and obstinate ship Captain to lean against and lecture, Jack looks more like a kicked puppy than the 'visionary leader of lost sailors' he felt he might be a moment ago.
He's quiet a long while, but it doesn't mean he's really listening. There are walls and rules in Jack's mind that have been there for a very long time. It's such a clear and pretty barrier that he barely notices it. A gilded cage is still a cage, though. When he speaks, it's very sure and matter-of-fact, but quiet.
"...I can't leave her..." Not his ship. Not his Pearl. Not again. "Elizabeth! It's her fault..." It all sounds so stupid out loud. It sounds so petty and childish and he feels a little ashamed, but it doesn't change the facts of things in Jack's mind.
Norrington: "It probably is or could be, but does it matter who's fault it is? You're trapped here, this isn't your Pearl, not when she's hurt like this. Please, Jack, please, get a crew, repair her, sail her, sail with me, do something other than sit here. I'm s...I'm worried what you'll turn into if you don't." To be perfectly honest, he's scared Jack really will turn into a draug.
"I don't want Miss Swann anymore. She hurt me too much, too badly. Don't...don't you dare do the same. I'd never forgive you." Norrington can be truly imposing, terrifying, whatever word you'd like -- either way, there's a very good reason he keeps his emotions so well hidden. They're too strong to deal with.
Jack: "It's all I have left of her! I... I will repair her. I've already started with it..." There's only so much one man can do with this sort of damage to a ship of this size and Jack knows that, but he has been trying. He clings to this ship so desperately. Now that he feels he's lost everything else, it's gotten even worse than it was. Death, hopelessness, bitterness, and fear have been weighing down on Jack and piling up. James is right to worry. Jack haunts this ship, and he's almost content to do so.
Jack smiles a bit, and it's almost real and warm. "You'd be quite surprised just how many don't forgive me in the end." He stretches out to lay across the table, propped up on one arm. "I can't promise not t'hurt you, Jamie. Pirate." He shrugs. "But I'll give all the honesty that's mine t'give. Swear it. And I'll not leave you t'watch me rot." Norrington has something most can’t even hope for. He has Jack’s respect. Hard to tell, yes, but it’s there. Jack picks at his nails and chews at a sharp corner before giving a slightly smirking sidelong glance. "Sail with you, you said? ..." His smile broadens with an effected sigh. "When is it we leave port? ... Paragon, is it?"
Norrington: "You will get her back, as beautiful and sleek as ever." He's entirely earnest and open for just one more moment, and then it's switched off. Locked, hidden and safely stowed away before he goes over to sit again.
"Paragon. The ship is alive and more than a little mad. Just like I am for offering." It is possible that James did have too much sun after that hurricane. "We leave tomorrow, if you'll come. I won't rescind my offer." [Translation: It was hell know that you were sitting here alone while I was out loving the sea.]
Jack: Jack is more than content to lounge across the heavy, oak table as they carry on serious conversations of tremendous weight and import. He's rather like an enourmous sea faring puss-in-boots in that way. "I've got her back each time they've taken her from me." 'They' is rather ambiguous. " I'll have her back and fit to sail again." He's very sure, despite the lack of progress thus far.
"The Pearl has seen as much rough sea as I have. More so." What this has to do with anything is unclear. What he means is she's quite mad herself, though he won't say where she can hear. Of course...who's mad all depends on if you've ever heard the Black Pearl speak..which you haven't if you aren't Jack Sparrow. "Don't give much for notice, now, do you? I suppose I'll see to clearing myself of prior obligations. We'll hope for the best, eh?" That smug grin should not be so clear and haughty on a man who's taking so much charity.
Norrington: Norrington is back to sitting too straight in his chair - you'll never see him slouch. "No, not much notice. The ship is good, the crew fair enough, even with those two idiots you know." He hasn't said what position Jack will have.
It was a selfish reason that he asked Jack to come with him. Just as Sparrow could become a ghost on his beloved Pearl, Norrington feared that he could suffer the same fate if he was without ...whatever Jack seems to represent. Ties to home?
Jack: It's amusing to Jack that Pintell and Raggetti keep such regular employment. "They may be a bit ... off.. but they haul rope and push a mop as well as any man." And they make Jack laugh. This is very important. If it weren't true, they'd have been shot by now.
No need for Norrington to tell Jack what position he'll take. Jack's sussed it out already. Saved him the trouble. "A ship hardly needs two Captains, you realize. What is it you'll be doing, eh?"
Norrington: "Aye, there's the rub. The ship recognizes no one but me." Best not mention how that came about. Norrington has a whole new series of scars along his shoulder.
"He won't take orders from anyone else." Sometimes I think I'm going to be trapped with him until I die. Sometimes I don't mind. "I need someone with a flair for navigation. I've never had that talent." Pause. Pause. He has something else. Something he traded for.
Jack: Oh. A ship he's not Captain of... It's been some time. "Loyal ship, then, is it?" That must be convenient. Jack props himself up and looks deep in thought for a moment. "...Navigation all you need, Jamie? ... I suppose I'd be up to the small task." Even without his compass, that's something Jack's got some skill in. It just seems so small a thing.
Norrington: "Yes, Paragon is loyal, in his way. He ...well, he's interesting."
"It's not a small task I'm asking of you. The waters around here change all the time, they're almost entirely uncharted and there are other innumerable troubles." See Jack, you're needed.
Jack: "Uncharted? ... And changing?" Norrington has Jack's attentions now. The pirate sits up and crosses his legs under him like a child listening intently to a fairy story. "Seems I'll at least be spared some boredom." [translation: For such adventure and continued use, I'd walk across hot coals] He smiles and leans back, giving himself the appearance of some very cheeky wise man. "What's to be my take in this? What's our goal in the voyage?" You'd think he was offering James a job and not vice versa.
Norrington: "Honest trade work. Mostly spices, some fabrics, books, paper, the occasional nicer item. Each world has something that another lacks. You'll get a fair share, suited to your work." Norrington is a scrupulously fair captain - everyone gets their due.
Jack: "Honest trade is so dreadfully boring.... I hope it's not to be tea." Carry enough across the sea and you lose a taste for it. Oddly, opium works in quite the opposite way. "The ports shall have that thrill of being so new for a while. I do like strange places. Pity the strangeness of it never lasts." It would give away too much to say that being at sea and getting to see the places he's only heard spoken of will be payment enough would give away too much.
Norrington: "No, not much tea. The ports are wonderful."...and all the better to share with someone of his own 'class', which he is willing to consider Jack to be. Did anyone really expect him to pal about with Pintel and Ragetti? "Our next trip is to somewhere called 'Naboo'. They seem to want chocolate more than anything and will trade perfume and silk for it."
Jack: "Well that's just good sense. I would." To be fair, Jack is now only half in this conversation. He's also busy wondering what sort of places he'll be seeing...and what he can make away with from each. Souvenirs, after a fashion... If you traded souvenirs for large amounts of money when you tired of them.
Norrington: "So, you'll come? When there's enough saved, we can get a crew and some repairs for the Pearl. She'll be whole and yours again." He smiles and relaxes a little -- it's good for both of them that Jack is returning to what passes for normal.
Jack: "Ah. Of course... 'When there is enough'." He chuckles to himself and shakes his head. "D'you've any idea how much of my life has been spent in waiting on this ship?" It's almost comical, really. Or would be, if he weren't still waiting. "I may need to think the offer over a bit... Unless you've got further motivation to offer?"
Norrington: "You know I'll be fair to you." He doesn't want to give over the compass until he has Jack's word. There's a pained look. "Would a 'please' be incentive enough?"
Jack: The please does it. In so much as that's where Jack cracks and begins laughing. He hops down from the table and leans against the end of it, facing James. "You, dear Commodore, are adorable. Know that."
He rolls his eyes and sighs seeming quite deeply in contemplation. "Fair as any Captain has ever been, I'm sure. And as even a man as ever lived. .... Fine. If your crew will have a known pirate aboard, then you've one more man to the journey." Navigating a trade ship again, Sparrow? Lord, the world's a funny place.
Norrington: "Most of my crew is made up of pirates, although they are all of far less fame than yourself." He's -almost- smiling.
"Will you shake on it?" His posture is calm and relaxed has he offers his hand. "I'm sure it will be an experience for both of us." Blink. Blink. He suddenly realized that the whole time he's been here with the Real-Jack his Head-Jack had been silent. That rotten bastard had been pestering him for days and days to return to port. Interesting.
Jack: A curve to his smile, so slight it may even go unnoticed, lifts at the edges when he hears tell of a nearly entirely rogue crew. Interesting. "An experience.. S'one way of putting it. Perhaps even...mutually beneficial."
Jack wipes his hand off on his front to clear it of anything that may be on it and then offers it to Norrington. Fate works in strange ways. Jack Sparrow is shaking an agreement to run trade shipments with a man that once wanted his head for the king... Strange indeed.
Norrington: "Perhaps and you might, in time, find yourself sufficiently and satisfactorily sophonsified, hmm?" He has a good handshake and doesn't linger any longer than necessary. "Now, you might think it rather forward or over-confident of me, but I found you a 'signing bonus'. Did you want it?"
Jack: The very idea of ever really having his fill makes Jack smile like he's in on some joke Norrington is not privy to. "Perhaps, though I do have my doubts." But then there are promises of presents, and presents are always good. "A bonus, is it? Let's have it then!" He leans in close and tries not to be too greedy and grabby with his hands.
Norrington: Ack! Hands in the pockets. There are hands in the pockets! "Here, take it, you magpie." It's a small, wooden box. Yes, that wooden box. "I thought you'd need it to help navigate."
Jack: Retrieving the little box, Jack leans back on the table with all the glee of a child come Christmas morning. He almost seems to have forgotten his new Captain's presence as he runs fingers over familiar grooves and sniffs at the sea-weathered wood. He lifts the lid of the box to gaze at the fading constellations of the inner dome and watch the needle spin; not toward North, but in every direction. A small, boyish laugh slips from him and he clicks the compass closed.
"Keeping a thing that's mine as means of leverage, or just cocky enough to have expected a 'yes', Commodore?" Jack smirks.
Norrington: "The second, more than the first." A slow, sly grin. Norrington is proud of what he's done here -- it's not enough to make up for what his alternate took, but it might put Jack in a better mood. "Are you glad to see it back?"
Jack: "Glad?" He can't help but laugh. It's among the most important things in the world to him. "I suppose there is some pleasure in having it back to me." Jack can play along with this game of understatement.
He raises one foot to rest it against the edge of Norrington's chair, leaning in. "Do tell, Captain, what had you so sure I'd bend to your offers, eh?"
Norrington: "I wasn't sure." Now, where did that glass of brandy go, aha! "...but I was sure that if you didn't want to go to sea in some form or other that you'd gone completely mad and I would have been forced to take forceful measures." Sip. Smirk.
Jack: "Odd. There are those who felt sure I was mad long ago." He chuckles under his breath and attaches the strap of the compass to his belt, where it belongs. Jack leans in yet more, and it seem certain he'll fall against James if he moves much further. "Forceful measures, mate? I shall give thanks then to have avoided that fate. ... Sounds just dreadful."
Norrington: "There are degrees of madness." James knows this very well - even now, with his own ship, crew and cargo, he still has nights where the wind howls and he remembers being lost at sea. "Not so much dreadful as embarrassing for both of us. I'd have gotten you drunk, tied you up and shanghai'd you. Press ganged, even."
Jack: "Press ganged? I'm shocked. Quite underhanded of you, Captain. What would the king say?" 'Good work, Norrington. The Navy needs more men in her service' most likely, so far as Jack understands it. Between the Navy and John Company, only pirates are free men at sea. "Not just making excuse to have me tied, were you?"
Norrington: "Why would I want to do that? You'd just be easier to transport about if you stayed still for a moment or two." The brandy really isn't half bad. How unexpected. (Shh, just because it takes James ages upon ages to finish a single drink.)
Jack: "Not a clue. Your silly plan, mate, not mine." He's easier to do a lot of things to tied up, and it's something he'd take advantage of so he expects the same from Norrington. If you think really hard about it, it's a compliment. Expecting odd depravity and criminal intent from you is how Jack shows he sees you as an equal. Elizabeth never understood that. "Look, Jamie, are you drinking that or courting it? You've won her over, mate, she's yours."
Norrington: "I'm sure that it's shocking and unnatural to you, but I don't drink often." Sip. "And I don't want to be in any room with you while drunk."
That's how this will be - the pair of them snarking at each other, but only rarely meaning anything hurtful by it. It's a comfort.
Jack: "Well I don't recommend it. You're terrible at it." Jack lowers his head to pity poor Norrington's lack of drinking prowess. "I suppose you might improve with some practice, but it'd take bloody ages at this rate."
Oh yes, this is exactly how it will be. Pointed little comments meant more to get a momentary rise than to actually cause any suffering or unhappiness. It's comforting in a way and a game Jack's been having with the former Commodore for some time; only made all the better with Norrington now joining in.
Norrington: "Someday in the far, distant future there is a dim possibility that you will have the joy and honour of seeing me drunk. However, that is only the most remote of probablities." Sip. Aren't we glad that James isn't going to go see the Whore of Babylon?
Jack: "I'll wait oh so patiently, mate. A sight to be seen, I've no doubt." He really would like to see this particular spectacle, but no sense in sounding to eager. That would just seem odd, now wouldn't it? Jack just gives an idle grin and swaggers over to the chest he first pulled their liquor from to take up a bottle of rum and uncork it for himself.
"Til then, I'll drink for the both of us."
Norrington: ...and they chatter a bit longer before Norrington heads back to his ship. "I'll see you for duty tomorrow."
Jack: "Right then..." He looks a touch worried. "Bright and early, is it?" Truth of the matter is, Jack habitually rises very early...but he hasn't had obligations at those hours in some time now. Not to anyone but himself.
Norrington: "Bright and early." Oh, what a grin. "I'll see you then, Sparrow."
Jack: "Aye..." Puppies don't pout this well. "...Captain. Now, off my ship.. I've things to do." Mostly involving drinking and talking to himself. He'll also be going over his new maps to remind himself why he'd ever agree to this nonsense.