(no subject)

[bringmethatnpc]

The deck of the Black Pearl is full of activity as the crew hastens about, making ready to set sail. Whether hauling lines or hoisting sails, securing the longboats or tying down nets, everyone has work to do and is busily seeing to it.

Everyone, that is, save Will Turner, who is still lying unconscious on the deck.

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[bringmethatnpc]

"HARD TO STARBOARD!" Jones shouts. "Send his beloved Pearl back to the depths!"

The Dutchman begins turning to match the Black Pearl. As it does, Maccus gives the order:

"Fire!"

[gotmy-eye.livejournal.com]

The canon fire smashes into the Pearl, tearing through the the Captain's cabin and crashing into the deck.

Pintel and Ragetti gaze to what's left of the cabin, revealing gaping holes through which they can see the Dutchman turning toward them.

[cleverparasol.livejournal.com]

"She's on us!"

They turn and run for the stairs, Pintel still yelling. "She's on us!"

[bringmethatnpc]

Jones steps forward.

"Let them taste the triple guns," he says to the crewman at his right, and smiles when he's answered with a rasping, "Aye, captain."

A pair of gun ports on the forecastle, far larger than the others, drop open to reveal three cannons each, bound together to form a single gun. The deafening boom of cannon fire begins anew, shot whistling over the water.

On the recoil, the triple guns rotate smoothly.

And fire.

And fire again.

[bringmethatnpc]

And the Pearl tastes the guns, again and again, and pandemonium erupts as the crew struggles to do their jobs amid shattering wood, lashing ropes, and flying shrapnel and cannonballs.

One shot shatters a lantern not far from Gibb's head; he ducks over the wheel as shards of glass whiz past. Another slams into the forecastle deck, crashing through planks and pitching a screaming sailor into the sea. And more, and more, as the Dutchman's barnacle-encrusted guns fire, and rotate, and fire again.

[pirate_jack]

The jar of dirt is tucked under one arm and almost forgotten now as Jack races up the stairs and across the quarterdeck.

Ah, me own, it's up to the two of us now.

He shoves Gibbs aside and takes the wheel himself, a distant look in his eyes as he feels the wind and the Pearl's response to it.

That's the way of it, that's the way-- it's time to fly, luv, let's show them what you can do.

[turned_captain]

Jack can take the wheel, that's fine. Will's busy among the crew, keeping them busy, getting them working together. Tugging hard on one of the ropes, he passes it to the nearest crewman.

"Make that fast."

[cleverparasol.livejournal.com]

There's one main point to all the activity at the moment -- get away.

Pintel helpfully pats the Pearl's railing and gives her a peck on the wood. "Come on, me darling, show us what you’ve got! Come on, girl!"

Can't hurt, right?

[try_corsets]

Definitely can't hurt, and were Elizabeth more of a superstitious sort, she might even say it's helping.

Leaning over the quarterdeck railing, she stares at the ship pursuing them and yells,

"She's falling behind!"

A welcome sight, indeed.

[bringmethatnpc]

"Aye, we’ve got her!" Gibbs flashes a small but confident smile as he gets what is happening.

[turned_captain]

Will starts in surprise as he realises what's going on.

"We're the faster?"

[bringmethatnpc]

It makes snese now. Somewhat. He's never seen a ship that can do this, but he won't rgue with some rare good luck.

"Against the wind, the Dutchman beats us – that’s how she takes her prey. But with the wind…"

[turned_captain]

"...we rob her advantage," Will fills in, realising.

The Pearl really is amazing.

[bringmethatnpc]

"Aye."

And with that, Gibbs does his part to help make good their flight.