I don't think sinking the Dutchman would prevent Jack from becoming captain, since the Dutchman has already been sunk...and it didn't affect whether DJ was the captain or not.
Perhaps Jack can briefly become captain, and then the er...Powers that Be decide someone else less...mischievous should be captain. I have an idea on who it can be. 😄
Uh, I don't know about dead. If you absolutely want, you could kill off Spoon. But she's your baby.
CUT TO THE PEARL
(Liz and Gibbs are back at a cannon. Jack is at the helm of the Pearl because, well, it's his ship.)
Gibbs: We should sink that Dutchman.
Liz: No. No, James is still on there. (Fires her cannon at another ship)
Gibbs: I don't think the other pirates know that.
Liz: Pirates. (staggers to her feet since the ship is rolling around)
Will: Where are you going?
Liz: I'm going onto the Flying Dutchman. I'm tired of trying to sink his ship.
(Will gets up and holds her back)
Liz: I mean it, Will. Get away from me and let me pass.
Will: Even if I let you go, Jack wouldn't let you get past him.
Liz: Jack's busy.
Will: You're staying down here.
(Liz pushes him with all her might and tries to make a break for it. Will catches himself and runs after her)
Anamaria: Come back!
Gibbs: Just keep firin,' miss.
ON DECK
(Liz runs up with Will close behind her, but they stop. They see Barbossa with a sword hurrying up the steps to Jack)
Barbossa (to Jack): Seems once them mermaids arrive, victory'll be right round the corner.
Jack: And a whole bushel of apples for you.
Barbossa: Yes indeed. (points sword at back of Jack's neck)
(Jack can feel it, slowly turns, but his hands are still at the helm)
Jack: You think that the best course of action to take, Hector? Kill the captain wot's at the helm, steerin' the ship through battle?
Barbossa: I've heard you can fight on a wheel. You can fight on a ship, can't ye?
Liz: Jack! (she and Will run up, drawing swords)
Jack: One of you take the helm. (draws his sword)
Barbossa: Before it was ye had a coin and couldn't die. Don't start thinkin' you can beat me, Jack.
(Jack grins and lunges his sword first. A really fast-paced fight begins)
(Will takes the helm)
Will: Help him!
(Liz runs over and crosses blades with Barbossa just when the Pearl almost completely capsizes. Everyone loses their balance)
Jack: What the bloody hell? (peers over the side)
(Barbossa takes advantage and kicks Jack down)
Barbossa: Now be the end for ye.
(Liz places her blade on top of Barbossa's.)
Liz: That's not nice.
(Jack bats Barbossa's sword away with his and the fight continues)
(Will is having a hard time out-maneuvering all the ships)
Will: Get them to stop, will you?
Liz: I'm trying!
Jack: Try a little harder with him, love. He's the one wot started it all.
Calypso's voice: Jack!
(everything stops)
Calypso: We need you on the Dutchman.
Jack: A little busy.
(a gust of wind knocks Jack overboard)
Barbossa: 'Spect I win then, don't I?
Calypso: You cannot owe a goddess a favor forever and not expect to pay up, Jack.
Jack: Bugger. What is it?
Someone else continue the epic battle.
oh wow.... me likey!!! 🙂
Jack begins to swim towards the Dutchman.
Barbossa turns and Elizabeth swiftly defends his attack.
Elizabeth: What quarrel do you have with me? I'm warning you, I'll kill you and not think anything of it, Barbossa.
They continue parrying around the deck, as Will continues to steer and shout orders at Gibbs. Everything is extremely chaotic.
Barbossa: You're a liar and a traitor, Ms. Swann, but I hardly think you are a capable enough swordsman to kill me.
Elizabeth: Swordswoman, thank you. But couldn't we postpone this till later... say, after we take care of the massive army?
Barbossa: Now's as good a time as any.
Elizabeth rolls her eyes and continues fighting him.
Jack has reached the dutchman and found Calypso, staying out of sight of Beckett.
Calypso: A bargain's a bargain, Jack.
Jack: If Barbossa kills Lizzie because of this, I'm going to be very angry with you.
Calypso: I thought you wanted to kill Beckett?
Jack: I do. Shall I?
Calypso: You can't yet. Jones is guarding him. To get past Jones, you'd have to kill him.
Jack: Somehow I think my skills, great though they are, won't make a dent against that sea monster.
Calypso: You'll have to stab the heart, Jack.
Jack suddenly realizes what she is asking him. He looks around rather desperately, wondering if there's some way out. There isn't.
Calypso: This is the only way, Jack. My time here is almost over.
Jack: Do you have an hourglass running out, or are you just tired of all of us?
Calypso: Both, perhaps. Davy will kill me. Then you'll stab the heart and, by becoming the new captain, have the power to defeat Beckett. Do you understand?
Jack: Unfortunately. What makes you think Jones will kill you?
Calypso: (softly) It's a matter of leverage.
Jack: And where's the heart?
Calypso: Back aboard your own ship, in the capable hands of your wife.
CUT TO...
CUT TO THE PEARL
(Anamaria has overheard Calypso's voice when she took Jack. She takes the heart out of her coat pocket and looks at it)
Bootstrap: What's that?
(Anamaria throws her coat over it)
Anamaria: Nothing!
(Bootstrap lifts it up)
Bootstrap: The heart! You had it all this time?
Anamaria: Yes, and I think I know what I have to do. (gets her knife out)
Bootstrap: You don't want to do that. You don't want to be captain of the Dutchman.
Anamaria: Wouldn't be able to take orders from a woman, would you?
Bootstrap: I've been away too long to be a part of the crew anymore. But you can't do that to yourself. You can't.
Anamaria: If I don't, then the new captain would be Will. Is that what you want?
Bootstrap: Will?
Anamaria: Yes. Him or me, William Turner. I don't have to hear you say your choice. (prepares to stab it)
CUT TO THE FLYING DUTCHMAN ----
Jack: You've got to be kidding me.
*He looks over his shoulder at the now frothing waves. The merpeople were busily battling the strange creatures who had enchanted James, and the occassional stray canonball hit the water as it missed its target.*
Jack: What if I refuse?
Tia: *looks amused, but sad* There is another way.
Jack: I'll take that option, please!
*Tia holds out her hands. The air shimmers briefly, and then a gorgeous sword appears in her hand. The blade is wickedly sharp, and Jack draws his breath when he sees it.*
Tia: We will go to Davy together, and then you must stab him.
Jack: I can handle that.
Tia: And then...you must stab me.
----
CUT TO AN EITC SHIP --- THE KING'S RANSOM ---
*James is on deck, ordering his crew to attack another pirate ship. As he watches with an expressionless face, the pirate ship is blown apart by yet anothr broadside along her hull.*
Groves: Sir, there's four more on our starboard side. What are your orders.
*James pauses, puts a hand up to his head and winces. His eyes suddenly seem clearer, and he looks around in confusion. A few blasts of canon fire rouse him bit, and he looks at Groves.*
James: Abandon ship. Get the other Naval ships and order a retreat. And don't touch the water.
Groves: *disbelieving* Sir?
James: That is an order, Captain. *softens* I know...I have not been myself these last months...but please. Follow this last order of mine.
Groves: *calls the order to abandon the ship* What about you, sir?
James: *looks down* I can't leave.
Groves: *is stunned* James -- I mean sir, you can't be serious!
James: I'm afraid I am. Go, Theodore. If Fate is kind, we will see each other again. The men are yours to lead now.
Groves: *hesitates, but finally turns to go.* Good luck, James.
James: And you, Theodore.
*The men abandon the ship, leaving James alone on it. He watches as the boats make their way over to the other Naval ships and his men clamber on board.*
James: *looks up at the sky and tightens his grip on the railing as if he's in pain.* If anyone is listening, I'd like to be my own man again. Someday.
*The ship shudders as more blasts rock it, and the top of the mast comes crashing down.*
James: And I'd really like to not die, if possible.
*James eyes are slowly changing color, becoming more black as the brief moment of freedom passes. The ship suddenly breaks apart and slides under the surface, taking James with it.*
----CUT TO THE DUTCHMAN
*Jack is following Tia, and he is arguing with her.*
Jack: I don't mind killing bloody Jones, but you...
Tia: You agreed to the terms, Jack. You must do this.
Jack: But why you?
Tia: Because...I am weary, Jack. It is my time. And if you do not do this for me, Davy will.
Jack: *tightens his grip on the sword* No...I will do this.
*They finally come to a room where a man is guarding the door. Jack stares.*
Tia: Davy!
Davy: *now completely human* Calypso...
*Davy looks at Jack disdainfully.*
Davy: So you decided to ask him?
Jack: *looks annoyed* What, I'm not good enough?
Davy: *shrugs* I suppose it is ironic, in a way. Have fun killing Beckett.
Jack: *grins* Now that, I will do. *he pauses* Will I be captain after this?
Davy: Absolutely not. I wouldn't trust you with my ship.
Jack: *scowls and hefts the sword* Can I kill him now?
Tia: I go first.
Jack: Why?
Tia: So that you won't try to wiggle out of our bargain, Jack.
Jack: I...I don't know if I can.
*Tia touches his face and smiles, before pressing a kiss to his lips*
Tia: You can. *she turns and kisses Davy, and holds his hand* Are you ready?
Davy: *his annoyance fading* Yes. I am ready.
*Jack closes his eyes and drives the sword first into Tia Dalma, and then into Davy Jones. They make no sound, and Jack opens his eyes. They both smile at him, and before Jack can speak, the couple turns into water and then seem to evaporate, leaving Jack alone in the hallway. The sword vanishes a moment later and he sighs.*
-----
I leave it to someone else to kill Beckett, and to see the end of the battle.
Remember, Tia and Davy are now dead, but the heart is still in the box, and is still beating. Why? Because it's more dramatic.
Also, the naval ships are in retreat.
James has vanished, and I really want to write the next scene with him in it, so PLEASE do not have Elizabeth or anyone else miraculously find him.
I will wait with interest to see what you all write. 😄
CUT TO THE PEARL
(Will is still at the helm. The battle is dying down a little bit and his side seems to be winning. He steers the ship towards the Dutchman)
Barbossa: What are you doing?
Will: Jack's over there. We have to go back for him.
Barbossa: Over me dead body. (lifts his sword to attack Will)
Liz: (comes between them) I can arrange that.
Barbossa: (smiles) I should enjoy killin' you even more, Ms. TURNER. (thrusts sword at her)
Will: Elizabeth!
Liz: Keep at the helm, Will!
(Will tries to steer in such a way to make Barbossa lose his balance. It almost works, but Barbossa grabs the mast and climbs up into the crow's nest. Liz follows)
(We see a close up of Liz's face. She's struggling with the climb when suddenly, a white blade swoops down just in front of her, missing her nose by inches. Barbossa is above her, aiming his sword down to stab her)
Barbossa: This is my ship now, missy.
Liz: They'd never take orders from you. (swings herself into the crow's nest and parries with him)
Barbossa: They will when they see you dead and young Turner my hostage.
(Liz looks at him in horror)
CUT TO WILL
(Will cannot let go of the ship but sees Liz struggling against Barbossa. He looks around and sees a heavy link of chains near him. He stretches with his foot, grabs the chain and kicks it down below deck)
CUT TO BELOW DECK
Anamaria: What's that sound?
Bootstrap: (grabs the heart as she was startled) Go see if everyone's all right up there.
(Anamaria sees he's taken the heart)
Bootstrap: You can trust me with it. Go on. Will and Elizabeth may need you.
(Anamaria hurries up)
Gibbs: I'm runnin' up too.
Bootstrap: Gibbs! Stay here and keep on the cannons!
Gibbs: I'm not gonna tell Jack I lost his Black Pearl or his crew. (runs up)
CUT TO PEARL DECK
Anamaria: Will?
Will: Elizabeth. (he looks up the mast)
(Gibbs and Anamaria see)
Gibbs: I'll take it, Will. Get up there.
(Will climbs up the mast. Barbossa kicks at him, but Will is too quick and runs his sword into Barbossa's foot, connecting him to the crow's nest)
Will: Now!
(Liz rams her sword into Barbossa's heart)
Barbossa: (dying) A curse be on ye, Elizabeth Swann. (dies)
Continue!
You don't mess stuff up Kate. Willo that was truelly terrific, and completely unexpected! And surreal I love this part particually - "James: *looks up at the sky and tightens his grip on the railing as if he's in pain.* If anyone is listening, I'd like to be my own man again. Someday.
*The ship shudders as more blasts rock it, and the top of the mast comes crashing down.*
James: And I'd really like to not die, if possible.
*James eyes are slowly changing color, becoming more black as the brief moment of freedom passes. The ship suddenly breaks apart and slides under the surface, taking James with it.*"
Really dramatic guys, this such an exciting script!
^^ I'm glad you liked that part, because I wasn't sure how it turned out.
Also, Kate, Willo...I thought we could wrap up the battle scene and take care of James as a last bit or whatever. 😄 It'd probably be easiest to not have to worry about the ships all getting blown up and stuff, right?
Anyone want to write Jack killing Beckett?
STILL ON THE PEARL
(Liz stares down at Barbossa's body. She's confused as to why tears are streaming down her eyes. Will hugs her)
Will: It had to be done. It's all right.
(Liz seems frozen)
Will: Think of what he would have done to Jack this time around. It would have been far worse than even marooning him.
(Liz nods)
Liz: Back to the fight.
Anamaria: You're all right?
Liz: I'm fine.
Anamaria: Jack isn't back yet.
Gibbs: He may not be comin' back.
Anamaria: That I can't believe.
Gibbs: Oh? And why not?
Anamaria: I think I know my husband pretty well, Mr. Gibbs.
(Gibbs is stunned)
Gibbs: You know there was a time when Jack actually mentioned.....
(cannon fire)
Gibbs: Another time, maybe. Get below deck!
Will: Take us to the Dutchman. We have some friends to pick up.
Liz (impressed): Friends?
Will: Well, one friend and one more acquaintance than friend. (returns her smile) Go!
This way we can get everyone onto the Dutchman and the outside action (the battle) can come to a close with the characters just observing. Then we can deal with the killing and rescuing Norrington and the eventual James/Liz sail-off-into-the-sunset kiss. Will could also kill Beckett, you know. He backstabbed Will pretty good. But as long as he dies.
I might steal and/or mess up various other plans, but here's a bit. I didn't quite go with the idea of them all on the dutchman, but I wanted to make sure all the main characters got their moment.
Jack rushes onto the deck, eager to find Beckett and kill him. He is confronted almost at once by Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: Jack!
Jack throws his arms around her.
Jack: Elizabeth! Thank goodness you're alive. Where be Barbossa?
Elizabeth: Back in the locker, where he belongs.
Jack: You killed him?
Elizabeth: (grins) I've killed my share of famous pirates.
Jack: Well I guess I'd better do Beckett in... even the score between us, maybe.
Elizabeth: Not if I find him first!
The two grin at each other and run towards the helm of Beckett's ship...
MEANWHILE, Will is still manuevering the Pearl through the battle. The mer-people are climbing the masts of the EITC ships, tearing down whatever they can, but the evil mer-people (Beckett's inventions) have arrived and countered their attack. A storm is gathering overhead, and the waters are crashing around the ships.
Anamaria has found Bootstrap again, who is poised to stab the heart.
Anamaria: No! Will has fought too hard to free you from that ship!
Bootstrap: But only an immortal captain who could control the ocean would be able to provide a decisive victory!
Anamaria: Things aren't so desperate...
Well, actually they are. It's head to head; the pirates are fierce, but the EITC are more numerous. Bootstrap pulls out a knife...
MEANWHILE,
Jack and Elizabeth see Beckett ahead. Slow mo shot of them facing each other down and drawing swords as dramatic music swells. It's definately going to be a swordfight for the ages, and who'd have thought the short dude would have so much skill? Jack and Elizabeth attack at the same time, and Beckett defends with strength.
Jack: (as they fight) Elizabeth, stand back, he's mine!
Elizabeth: Jack, we don't have time for that! If he's yours, then kill him!
Beckett: You really think you can win, Sparrow? I've marked you once and I'll do it again. Pirates have no place in this world.
Elizabeth: And who does? Men in wigs and women in corsets, playing pretend while things go to hell?
Beckett: Certainly not women like you, Ms. Swann.
Elizabeth: Women like me?
Beckett: Traitors and seducers and harlots---
Elizabeth: You forget to mention damn fine swordswomen.
Beckett: ---Who don't know their place anymore.
Elizabeth: My place...?
Jack and Elizabeth have manuevered Beckett to the mast of his ship, and in a very swift motion, Elizabeth tosses Jack her sword, and pushes Beckett up against the mast with an unexpected and almost brutal kiss. She's chained him, and before Beckett can react, Jack drives both swords into him.
Elizabeth: My place is right here. Between you and Jack.
Beckett: (in a choking voice) This isn't the end of my empire.
Jack: (with a dangerous grin) But it's the end for you, Beckett. We'll tackle that empire some other day.
Beckett slumps and dies. Jack and Elizabeth stand panting in the midst of the still chaotic scene.
MEANWHILE: On the Black Pearl...
Bootstrap is about to stab the heart, but suddenly a slew of evil mer-people hiss their way on board. Bootstrap and Anamaria whip out weapons and begin attacking them, which isn't easy due to their fast movements. Bootstrap kills two and Anamaria beheads one, when suddenly the queen of the evil karcharika (sp?) crawls on board herself in a murderous rage. Boostrap and Anamaria step back and glance at each other in fear, but go in for the attack.
It's a brutal fight to say the least. The queen swiftly knocks Bootstrap against a wall and he struggles to stand. Anamaria wields her blade with skill against the beast, but she's just unevenly matched. Though she deals some nasty wounds to the queen, Anamaria begins to weaken. Bootstrap manages to get the heart back in front of him and prepares to stab it...
From the helm, Will suddenly sees what's going on. In a panic, he rushes towards them...
Suddenly the karcharika queen, now bloody and angry, leaps forward and stabs Anamaria through the heart, reclaiming her sword and then diving back into the water. Will screams in horror, arriving just in time to catch her limp body. Without thinking twice, Will seizes the heart from his father, draws out his knife, and stabs it.
MEANWHILE, back on the DUTCHMAN,
Jack has taken the helm and is greatly enjoying firing on other EITC ships, who are getting really confused. Elizabeth has killed the other crewmates, and is actively searching among the ships for James.
She looks towards the black pearl at just the right moment to see Will stab the heart.
Elizabeth: (screaming) Will! No!
He's already done it. Suddenly, that evil karcharika queen emerges from the water yet again, just in front of Elizabeth. Elizabeth takes a step back and automatically reaches for her sword.
Evil Queen: (in a hissing voice) I have sssssomething for you....
Elizabeth draws back as the queen slings James' limp body onto the deck. Elizabeth steadies herself and rushes forward with her weapon. The queen is ready with a weapon of her own, and for a moment they battle it out. Finally Elizabeth yanks out the necklace that is meant to summon the queen and dangles it in front of her.
Evil queen: (in anger) Where did you get that?
Elizabeth throws the necklace to the deck of the ship and the evil queen makes for it, diving back into the water with her prize. Elizabeth thinks no more of her--- she rushes to James' body, lifting him up in her arms, nearly sobbing as she tries to revive him...
MEANWHILE....
Will is suddenly caught up in huge waves which emerge from the water, surrounding him. Davy's heart has vanished, and the storm centers around Will.
Bootstrap looks at the scene in horror, standing over now-dead Anamaria
From various positions around the area, Jack, Elizabeth, Teague, Bootstrap, and the rest of the crew look up at the intensity of the storm, as Will suddenly emerges, a dark shadow seemingly over his form. His voice echoes through the wind of the storm...
Will: I claim captainage of the Flying Dutchman and as keeper of the locker, I release Anamaria.
He kneels by her and places his hand, already the faintest tinge of blue, to the wound on her heart. The wound closes, and she flutters her eyes. Will stands quickly, not wanting her to see what he's done. He turns and looks on the rest of the battle.
Will: Now, time to even the score here...
The storm begins to pick up, as Will takes control of the water and begins to overpower various EITC ships.
MEANWHILE, on the dutchman...
Jack rushes over to Elizabeth, still holding the cold James.
Jack: God almighty. What has Will done?
Suddenly, James old ship swings alongside the Dutchman. Theodore, James' previous first mate, shouts over.
Theodore: We'll all be killed! Not all of these men deserve to die. Let us make a truce with you!
Jack: A truce with the East India Trading Company?
Elizabeth: Jack... Beckett's dead. They aren't all evil.
Jack: They've been avidly seeking to kill us, or need I remind you?
Elizabeth: They were being ruled by a corrupt man. We can lessen the destruction of this day now!
Jack: (shouting back to Theodore) Only if you promise never to attack any pirate again as long as you live, and your men with you!
Theodore: That can be arranged!
Jack: Then we have an accord!
Jack swings the wheel of the Dutchman towards Will, who is already moving across the water to take possession of his new ship.
Jack: What say you give him the news, eh love?
Elizabeth leans down to brush a kiss on James' lips, and leaves him laying on the deck as she steps forward to meet Will. His face is set, as he glances back aboard the Pearl, where Anamaria has awoken, alive and well. Amidst all the chaos, Elizabeth runs to him and hugs him sorrowfully.
Elizabeth: Will... you didn't have to...
Will: It's alright. It was the only way.
Elizabeth: We've made an agreement with the new leader of the East India Trading Company. They've sworn to depart and never attack another pirate.
Will: And how long will that bargain last?
Elizabeth: As long as we live.
Will doesn't say his thought: as the new immortal captain, he will be dealing with them long after her. But he kisses her cheek and nods.
Will: I will honor the agreement, providing they help us fight the karcharika... We aren't through this yet...
Okay... Done for now! here's the deal. I don't want Will to remain captain, so I'm thinking someone's going to have to come up with a brilliant way to get rid of the flying dutchman and restore Will to mortality. Of course, there's still the evil queen and James to deal with, and eventually some happy reunion scenes. 🙂 So have fun!
^^ The Naval ships, with Theodore, already retreated, Kate. 😉
Not only that, but Theodore could never promise something like never attacking pirates ever again. He doesn't have the authority, first of all, and considering what a threat pirates can be to the populace, there's no way it would be remotely wise to do so.
And Theodore isn't the new leader of the EITC; he's now in charge of the Navy.
But good post.
I'll get something up in a minute.