Surrealkatewillomina's AWE: Final Cut

AWE: Final Cut
by
Surreal, Katelovespirate, Willofthewisp, and Minie "Chiki" Mina

(We are on a distant island in what looks like the New Zealand/Australia region. We narrow in to a small chapel next to the pier. Footsteps are walking into the chapel. It is Barbossa, opening the door where we see Elizabeth and Will at an altar with a minister.)

Minister: Ah, another witness. (Barbossa sees Gibbs, Cotton, Pintel, Ragetti, and Marty standing behind the couple) Let us continue. Do you, William-

Will: We said no last names.

Minister: My apologies. Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, to love and honor her in all the days of your life?

Will: I do.

Minister: And do you, Elizabeth, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, to love and honor him in all the days of your life?

Elizabeth: I do.

Minister: By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

(Will and Elizabeth share a tender kiss)

Barbossa: Now can we get movin?

Elizabeth: One would think, Barbossa, you were reluctant to see me married off? (smirks, still not crazy about being with him)

Barbossa: Cute. Let's move out.

(Will places his arm around Elizabeth.)

Will: I'm sorry it's not the right time for a honeymoon. I promise you we'll have one later.

Elizabeth: (smiles) It's the least of our worries. (Kisses him) Will? There's something you need to know...

Will: Elizabeth, we've been through this. I know already.

Elizabeth (waits for crew to go): No, you don't know! (looks down at the ground) I didn't only kiss him. (waits for Will to respond. He doesn't.) I killed him.

Will: You killed Jack?

(He considers this for a moment, and he seems to finally understand. Elizabeth waits for his response anxiously.)

Will: I see. (he bows his head, obviously struggling, and he looks up with a serious expression on his face) Well then. There is only one thing to do now.

(Will backs Elizabeth against the wall, still looking angry. She looks dejected, until she sees the stony expression melt into a smile.)

Elizabeth: You -- you...(she pauses, unable to really be irritated with his teasing) You're not angry? (She searches his gaze, looking for any signs of doubt.)

Will: I'd be lying if I said I was thrilled that you kissed Jack, even if you did it to save others. I wish you had told me earlier...But -- (he leans down so that his lips are inches from hers and whispers) you may make it up to me.

(Elizabeth gazes up at him for a moment and then they are kissing, unsure of who made the first move. Will presses her up against the wall as all the tension drains from both of them, only to be replaced by passion. Will slides his fingers through Elizabeth’s hair, and kisses her neck. Elizabeth’s fingers work to unbutton his shirt.)

Barbossa: There you are.

(Will and Elizabeth jump and Elizabeth nearly tumbles out of Will’s arms. Barbossa laughs at them.)

Will: Oh…were you um…

Barbossa: Yes, we’re waiting on the happy couple. You coming or what?

Elizabeth: (seems mightily disappointed that she’s been interrupted yet again.) Not yet, we’re not.

Barbossa: (his smug smile fades slightly) Now look here, lass…

Elizabeth: No, you look here. (glares at Barbossa, then at Will, as if daring them to contradict her. Will shows what a wise man he becomes and doesn’t argue with her.) I have waited a long time for this moment, and nothing is going to ruin it. Do you hear me? Come on, Will.

(Will shrugs at Barbossa and allows Elizabeth to pull him from the church. She seems quite determined, and Barbossa watches them leave.)

Pintel: (sidles up to Barbossa, with an unhappy Ragetti trailing behind him.) Couldn’t stop them, could ye?

Barbossa: (scowls.) What does it look like?

Pintel: (happily) It looks like I won meself a bit of money.

(Ragetti holds out a coin and Pintel takes it. The two wander off, arguing over whether the wager was fair, and Barbossa shakes his head.)

Barbossa: At least this shouldn’t take long…

TWO HOURS LATER – THE DOCKS

(Barbossa is pacing the docks. He looks irritated. In the background most of the crew are making final preparations to board the ship. Pintel and Ragetti are bickering over who is carrying the heavier side of a crate.)

Barbossa: (bellows) Shut your holes and get on the ship! Prepare to cast off in the next ten minutes…if you can manage that small task.

Ragetti: But what about Elizabeth and Turner?

Barbossa: (looks like he’s about to blow a blood vessel) Did I give you an order or not? Get movin,’ you scurvy dogs!

(The sound of laughter drifting down the dock causes Barbossa to turn. He rolls his eyes and attempts to scowl at the happily disheveled couple walking towards him. Apparently not even Barbossa’s best Evil Glare can bring their mood down, because they just smile brightly at him. Elizabeth’s hair is wild and her lips are swollen, and Will looks deliriously happy. His shirt is not buttoned properly, so it is lopsided.)

Barbossa: Tis about time you be getting’ back. We were going to leave ye behind. (He wrinkles his nose at them) And Turner…button your shirt, lad. (he smirks at their sheepish expressions as he turns and walks up the gangplank.)

CUT TO...

(Tia Dalma's shack. She's still there, alone, her crab legs dispersed on her table. She arranges them in a special way and then takes her locket and unfastens it from the chain. She dangles the chain over the legs and the chain begins to drift left, the west side of her shack. She is very surprised by this. She drops the locket. It falls open and plays its song. A tear drips down her cheek.)

Neighbor (one of the women we saw at the end of DMC outside the shack): Madam?

(Tia wipes her face)

Neighbor: We was wondrin', madam, if ya learned a thing about...

Tia: Yes, there be nothin' for ya to worry 'bout der.

Neighbor: Everybody gonna want to hear dat, madam! (pause) What's wrong?

Tia: (points to the locket) Der is some-tin to worry 'bout, for William Turner and his crew to worry 'bout.

CUT TO...

(The ship Barbossa is captaining. Barbossa is studying a map. It is a day later and Liz comes out of the cabin.)

Barbossa: Throwin' all caution to the wind, are ye?

Elizabeth: Pardon? (takes over for Marty at the helm)

Barbossa: We both know how long it's taken already, Miss Swann.

Elizabeth: Mrs. Turner.

Barbossa: Back to that name again, I see. We both know how long we've been out here...

Elizabeth: Looking for this man who knows how to get into the Locker was yours and Tia Dalma's idea and you aren't going to blame anyone else for not being able to find him, Captain.

Barbossa: A thousand apologies, Mrs. Turner. I only thought you might be interested to know just how far back your elopement set us. (shows her the charts) This is where we was 'sposed to be, ON LAND. It'll take a half-day's journey now.

Elizabeth: You made it sound as if we were weeks behind schedule.

Barbossa (long pause): Hard to port.

Elizabeth: Now?

Barbossa: Turn it, girl! (Liz turns the wheel. Everyone runs on deck) Your little promise to marry the boy before the both of ye died just cost us this mission.

Will: Barbossa! What... (sees what Barbossa sees)

(Liz turns. Three ships that have Royal Navy insignias are close behind them)

CUT TO…

(The sun burns on a cloudless blue sky. Jack Sparrow is surrounded by dead silence. Alone in Davy Jones Locker…just him and his precious Pearl.)

Jack: Looks like it’s just me and you… for now. (Looks at his pistol)

Jack: What is the point in staying dead when you’re not dead? (Walks around the beach with his pistol still in his hand)

Jack: No mutineers, no scallywags, no traitors, no Elizabeth in sight with irons… I think I’ll enjoy my stay in Squid face’s paradise. (Goes inside his Pearll)

Jack: Not even the devil himself can get me ship. (Goes to the basement of his ship to get what he calls his treasure…his rum.)

Jack: Where’d be rum? (He was expecting boxes with loads of rum. But all he saw was the still debris from the explosion. He then recalls his last battle with the kraken…)

Jack: WHY IS THE RUM ALWAYS GONE?!

(Jack walks up the steps to the helm and starts steering it.)

Jack (Captain): Wherever this may take us, boatswain! (whips out compass. It only spins in a circle, never stopping. Jack is disturbed and quickly closes it)

Jack (Boatswain): What was that heading, sir?

Jack (Captain): Never you mind. Just go!

Jack (honest nice guy): You really shouldn't talk to a crew like that, mate. Might want to make them mutiny against you.

Jack (Captain): (points pistol at him) Say that word again.

Jack (Boatswain): I believe it was mutiny, sir. We're coming up on some shoals.

Jack (Captain): That's a good man. Head for land.

Jack (Boatswain): How's that?

Jack (honest/nice): You're dumping the slaves off! Earn you a spot in Heaven it will.

Jack (Captain): I don't need you making passes at me. Retrieve them from the brig!

Jack (Boatswain): Aye aye, sir.

Jack (honest/nice): But there's no one down there. It's just us and the swain.

Jack (Boatswain): I don't see a soul, captain.

Jack (Captain): I figured you might not, half drunk all the time and just stupid and gullible the other half.

Jack (Honest/nice): That wasn't nice. Perhaps you should make it up to him?

Jack (Captain): That's the kind of thinking that lost us the Pearl! Got us here in the first place! (shoots him. He calms down a little. He knows he's only one)

(Jack heads back down the steps, crosses the deck and back out into the sand. He begins pounding his fist into the side of the Pearl, harder and harder until he nearly collapses against it. We hear faint sounds of crying.)

CUT TO…Barbossa’s ship

Will: They are all behind us!

Gibbs: I reckon this is the best time to use our heads, not loose it.

Elizabeth: We either fight or surrender. I'm not going to leave Jack behind.

(Will looks at Elizabeth and sees her determination. He is willing to do the same.)

Will: We have to fight.

Barbossa: Who made ye captain, boy?

Will: I will not stay put and watch us surrender.

Barbossa: If ye want to survive, ye have ta go by my plan.

Pintel: But sir, we can't out run them. We are not in the pearl.

Barbossa: Don't remind me!

Will: Load the cannons!

Barbossa: With what?

Will: Anything! Everything that we got!

Gibbs: But...the rum!

Will: (Gets close to Gibbs face) Everything...

(Elizabeth runs below decks and helps Gibbs load the cannons)

(Will, Barbossa, and the rest are preparing weapons)

(A few cannonballs whip into the sides of the ships)

Will: How did they know we were on this ship? We've been switching ships.

Barbossa: Methinks they got wind of our plan to see the man with the Locker information. Someone musta' told.

Will: A traitor?

(Before Will can respond, a voice booms)

Voice: If William Turner or Elizabeth Swann is on board, you are to come within sight.

(Gibbs and Elizabeth run up)

Gibbs: The Commodore?

Elizabeth: James? (calls to him) James! We're both here.

Pintel: Now's not the time to be switchin' sides, poppet.

Elizabeth: No, it's all right. He has the heart. (calls to him) It's so good to see you! Please, have you heard from my father?

(The men are kind of stunned at this small talk)

Norrington: Elizabeth, I must tell you, your father is on this ship.

Will: Finally, some good news.

Norrington: He is unfortunately, my prisoner.

Ragetti: What did he say?

Pintel: Ask where the heart is.

Elizabeth: Prisoner? (to Gibbs) Treacherous...we'll blow his fleet to smithereens.

Norrington: Elizabeth! For God's sake, no more cannonballs!

Will: Why should we trust you?

Norrington: Because this small fleet...and I...are here to help you.

CUT TO…

(The Locker. Jack is lying right next his Pearl. Eyes closed, gun in hand, memories still burning him than the hot, steamy sun.)

Elizabeth: I'm not sorry...

Jack: Pirate...

(Flashes his eyes open. He searches through his effects and grabs the compass. The compass is still spinning.)

Jack: My soul I do swear, for a breeze. A gust. A whisper. A kiss ...

CUT TO…

(In Tia Dalma's Hut. She wouldn't keep her eyes of her locket. As the music plays, memories haunt her...)

Tia: I fear for our heroes.

Neighbor: In what way, madam?

Tia: I fear that there'd be betrayals, upon betrayals...

Neighbor: What be the point in staying together?

Tia: That'd be something fer them ta discover.

CUT TO…Barbossa’s ship.

Will: How sure are we in trusting you?

(Norrington pulls his sword and lightly presses against Will's chest.)

Norrington: You think I would have killed you by now, Turner, if I wasn't on your side.

(Will swallows)

Will: What's your action?

(Puts away his sword)

Norrington: Beckett still believes that I'm taking the crew as prisoners.

Elizabeth: I still believe that we should fight.

Norrington: Are you in a suicide mission, Miss Swann--

Elizabeth: --Mrs. Turner.

(Norrington clears his throat)

Norrington: Mrs. Turner, you know that there are hundreds of armed men out there. They have you and your crewmates surrounded.

Will: Are you suggesting that we surrender, Commodore?

Elizabeth: That's absurd!

Norrington: It's the only way, for now.

Barbossa: (chuckles) Think of it as a reunion with yer father, Mrs. Turner.

(Elizabeth glares at Barbossa)

Gibbs: Who'd be the first to surrender?

(dead silence)

Mr. Cottons Parrot: Not me!

CUT TO…

(Beckett's ship. He's eyeing the goings on from a fair distance, with a telescope in hand. He turns to Mercer.)

Beckett: I think I may have been right about that one, Mercer. One sight of the lady and he's lost his backbone.

Mercer: What's one more man to kill?

Beckett: Unfortunately we still need him... alive. Or have you forgotten the other half of the plan?

Mercer: (looking annoyed) No. You forgot to TELL me the other half of the plan.

Beckett: So I did. Let's just say it's a matter of leverage.

CUT TO…Barbossa’s ship.

(Will has pulled Elizabeth aside.)

Elizabeth: Will, I'm sorry I've dragged us into this.

Will: You haven't. We all chose willingly.

Elizabeth: But what are we to do? We must abandon the mission...

Will: (pulls her closer, looks into her eyes) I know your heart, Elizabeth. You would torment yourself with this forever, if we didn't make every effort to save Jack. I've pledged myself to you--- I will do what it takes to bring you peace, no matter what the cost.

(Elizabeth continues gazing in his eyes, and leans forward, kissing him lingeringly.)

Elizabeth: I don't deserve you, Will.

Will: None of that matters. I'm yours, and you're mine. Does that poor band of soldiers really think they can stop two people in love?

CUT TO…

(Back to Beckett's ship. Beckett is discussing plans with his officers. Suddenly, a guard approaches, dragging a young lady by the arm. She is rolling her eyes and appears completely unruffled. She looks to be in her early 20s, pretty, with strong features, dressed in men's clothing. Beckett looks up, annoyed.)

Beckett: What is it, Carson? If you haven't noticed, we're on the verge of an attack.

Carson: I'm afraid we have another stowaway, my lord.

Beckett: I thought we got rid of all the rats the last time the ship was cleaned.

Carson: My apologies. We found her sneaking around the storage holds.

Lady: (shrugging casually) Even a rat has to eat.

Beckett: (in disgust) Don't address me in that manner. (To Carson) What's her name?

Carson: My lady, what's --

Lady: I heard the question. Anne Sloan. Don't you remember, Beckett? My husband sailed with you on your last mission and was killed. You refused to give me the compensation due to a widow of the crown, and I was forced to give up my land and title. I'm here to collect my compensation.

Beckett: Ah... Mistress Sloan. Your husband was a very poor sailor.

Anne: But he was human nonetheless, and served you faithfully.

Beckett: I don't have time for this. (To Anne) There will be no compensation, Mistress.

Anne: No wonder half of your empire has turned to piracy.

Beckett: Yes, and will hang for it. That's half as many mouths to feed. Would you like to be one less mouth to feed?

Anne: (glaring at him) I take my leave, then, gentlemen.

(Anne wrenches her arm free of the guard, and climbs overboard, swimming with strong strokes towards Will's ship in the distance, which is clearly flying pirate colors.
The crew are still undecided on who will be the first to surrender. There is a lot of tension within the room.)

(Foot steps are heard coming down the steps. Norrington lowers his head)

Beckett: Commodore, I assumed you were bringing them in with irons grasped around their wrists. What has taken you?

Norrington: The wench was stubborn.

(Beckett stares at Elizabeth up and down. Her hair is a muss, her face covered with dirt. Clothes almost shredded. And her eyes shows of that of a determined woman. Correction, pirate)

Beckett: (walks towards Elizabeth) Your father doesn't know of your whereabouts. I would hate for you to miss what's little time left with your father.

(Elizabeth grabs Beckett from the collar)

Elizabeth: You leave my father out of this!

(Beckett slaps Elizabeth across her cheek)

(Will pushes Beckett)

Will: Keep your hands off of her you bastard--(gets hit with a rifle)

Elizabeth: (runs towards Will) Will!

Beckett: Now, are you going to do this my way, or the ugly way?

(Barbossa sneaks the chart in his coat)

(The crew stays silent)

Beckett: Commodore.

Norrington: Sir?

Beckett: Make sure they all are tied together. Like slaves should be.

(Norrington slightly nods to Beckett's orders and proceeds. Beckett turns around and trusts Norrington to do his work...)

Elizabeth: (whispers to Norrington) I thought you were on our side!

Norrington: (whispers back) I am! But for now I have to follow his orders! It's the only way for a chance of survival for you and your crewmates.

Elizabeth: What about Will?! He has been hit!

Norrington: He will regain consciousness.

Barbossa: So I suppose we have no choice but ta trust ye?

Norrington: That's all I'm asking you for now.

CUT TO…the brig

(The crew is in the brig. Elizabeth is fiddling with her bonds, just rope instead of chains. Most are tied or shackled to the wall. Most of them are asleep. Finally, she breaks free)

Elizabeth: (whispering) Will! (he sees she's out) Keep a look out. (she crosses over to him, kisses him chastely, then starts untying him)

Will: The others are shackled. We'll need to find a key (he's freed). Thank you.

Gibbs: (waking up) Miss Elizabeth! Will! Hurry. See what's happened to the ship.

Will: They've probably either destroyed it or plan on using it for their own shipping routes.

Gibbs: I knew we shouldn't have commandeered that one. Bad luck that one.

(Will and Elizabeth look at him)

Gibbs: T’wasn't named for a lass.

Will: Halcyon? That seemed fine (kind of laughs it off)

Elizabeth: The Black Pearl isn't named for a lass. (goes over to inspect his shackles)

Gibbs: But sounds more like a woman than a man, don't it? No! No, hurry on up and get out of here.

Elizabeth: We can't leave all of you behind.

Gibbs: The Commodore'll help you. Besides, these waters needs those that are daft like Jack to get through.

Will: What do you mean?

Gibbs: The sea goddess Calypso.

(Barbossa wakes up)

Barbossa: What's the old man ramblin' on about?

Gibbs: (ignores him) They say she exists in human form, but every 100 years, returns back to this sea.

Will: For what?

Gibbs: Since Odysseus left her, she left the Med. Sea for eternity and journeyed down here, takin' a lover every few years or so, hopin' for the one worthy of immortality...and the stories say she found one. You know him. Davy Jones.

(Will and Elizabeth look shocked)

Will: Tia Dalma never mentioned...

Gibbs: It wasn't the information we came lookin' for.

Will: (remembering) As harsh as the sea...

Elizabeth: What does this mean for us?

Gibbs: Legend has it Davy Jones fell in love with the sea, or a woman as SHE says. After she saw the monster he became after she left him, she manifested into a human form, only comin' here every 100 years to find the humans she needs for whatever plan she's concoctin.' You'll want to be seein' the condition of the sea up there, ye two. We'll be wantin' to steer clear of her plans.

(Elizabeth looks down at the ground. The only thing resembling a weapon is a bottle, most likely filled with rum. She picks it up.)

Elizabeth: I have an idea. We need to go up there and find Norrington.

Barbossa: I think that's what he was sayin' all along, missy.

Elizabeth: Will, I need your help.

ON DECK --- AFTERNOON

(Norrington is on deck with various EITC sailors. A few recognizable faces are among those gathered there; Groves, Murtogg and Mullroy. They are staring at the drenched, exhausted form of Anne Sloan.)

Norrington: (looks pained to be dealing with such a situation) Do I even want to know about this?

Murtogg: Probably not sir.

(Mullroy elbows him and quickly speaks up.)

Mullroy: Found her floating in the water, sir. Said she came from The Endeavor.

Norrington: (purses his lips and looks irritated) I see.

(He kneels down beside Anne and speaks sharply, though it isn't without concern.)

Norrington: Are you quite well, madam?

Anne: (glares at Norrington) Not more you lot!

Norrington: (politely, but with an edge) I'm sorry?

(Anne sits up, but the sudden movement seems to be too much for her. Lack of sleep, food and the long swim to the ship over-comes her, and she starts to slump back onto the deck in a near-faint. Norrington manages to keep her head from colliding with the decking.)

Norrington: (sighs) I know I'm going to regret this...

(He gently lifts Anne up off the deck and cradles her in his arms, ignoring her feeble struggle to free herself.)

Groves: She can have my cabin, sir. I don't mind bunking with the men.

(Norrington nods and looks a bit relieved that he won't have to put her in his cabin.)

Norrington: Good man. I knew I promoted you for a reason.

(Groves give a toothy grin to Norrington.)

Groves: What shall we do with the prisoners, sir?

Norrington: (smiles faintly) Oh, I'm sure by now that they have managed to formulate an escape plan. Did you have the corridors unmanned?

Groves: (grins) I did, sir. That way they won't have to maim, injure or kill anyone to find you.

Norrington: (snorts, but looks concerned when Anne goes limp in his arms) Send for me
if they manage to make it to the deck. And send for the surgeon and some hot tea, please.

( Norrington nods at his men and then carries Anne to the second level of the ship, where the officer's cabins are. Murtogg and Mullroy jump to do Norrington's bidding. Murtogg heads to the galley, Mullroy goes to the surgeon. )

--- BELOW DECKS ---

Will: (speaking softly) Do you find it odd that we haven't found one man on duty yet?

(Will and Elizabeth are making their way through the bowels of the ship, working their way upwards.)

Elizabeth: (looks confused) This isn't like James.

(Will and Elizabeth exchange glances.)

Will: Or is it? Maybe he really is telling the truth.

Elizabeth: Well then...

Will: It's probably safe...

(The two of them look furtively at each other, then share a passionate if brief kiss.)

Will: Barbossa will kill us if he ever finds out about that.

(They share a quick grin and continue walking. They are still cautious, but are a bit more relaxed. )

Elizabeth: Then I guess we should never tell him about it.

( Will is about to reply when he suddenly grabs Elizabeth's arm as they hear footsteps. He steps in front of her and plucks the bottle from her grasp. Mullroy rounds the corner with the surgeon. Mullroy stops while the surgeon continues on his way.)

Mullroy: Thought you'd be here, we did. The commodore's busy with a woman, but I'm sure he can find time to fit you two in.

( Elizabeth and Will gape at him. Mullroy pauses, considers and turns red.)

Mullroy: I think I had better rephrase that...

Will: Please, do.

Mullroy: Er...we found a woman floating in the water. The commodore is seeing about getting her some treatment. He'll meet with you as soon as he's done...er, just follow me.

SECOND DECK --- INSIDE GROVES' QUARTERS

(Norrington is standing off to the side while the surgeon helps Anne to drink a glass of brandy.)

Surgeon: This should help revive you, lass. (to Norrington) She seems fine, aside from over-taxing herself. I recommend quiet rest for today and some light food. We don't have much good for patients on board right now, but I think we can spare a chicken to make some broth for her.

Norrington: (nods, his thoughts obviously not entirely on the situation) Thank you. I will see to it that she follows your instructions.

Anne: (is pale but now fully conscious, narrows her eyes at that remark.) I don't think --

Norrington: (sharply as the doctor leaves) What you think doesn't matter.

(Below deck in the brig)

Barbossa: Where are they? Should have been back by now.

Gibbs: Outrunning the navy might take some time.

Barbossa: No doubt they're off enjoying marital bliss again.

Gibbs: I'll not have ye sayin' such filth about Ms. Elizabeth and Will! (takes a swing but is still chained to the wall)

(Barbossa laughs at him)

CUT TO Mullroy, Will, and Elizabeth

Will: Are you taking us to his cabin?

Mullroy: Something like that.

(enters Groves' cabin where Norrington and Anne are. Anne has passed out.)

Norrington: Good. You're here.

Mullroy: I brought them here.

Norrington: Thank you, Mullroy (dryly)

Elizabeth: James, to tell you the truth, I didn't have much of a plan- incapacitate the guards and get to you to take the ship to our destination.

Norrington: Where is it you plan on going?

Elizabeth: Barbossa has the charts. We're looking for a Sao Feng.

Norrington: You have to be joking.

Will: The only lore that has any living person knowing anything about Davy Jones' Locker is Sao Feng.

Norrington: But he's a pirate!

(Will and Elizabeth look surprised, but not necessarily shocked)

Elizabeth: How does a pirate have dealings with Davy Jones and survive?

Norrington: I don't know. He's only been the most feared pirate on this side of the world, surpassing even names like Hector Barbossa and Jack Sparrow.

Will: We still have to go to him. Release the others and we'll make our way to him.

(Suddenly, Anne summons all her strength and springs from the bed. She pulls out the sash attached to her belt and holds it over Norrington's neck)

Mullroy: Sir! She's alive!

Norrington: I can tell.

Anne: I think this ship is going to turn around and attack the Endeavor. Right now.

Elizabeth: What are you doing? We're on a rescue mission! We can't turn the ship around.

Anne: Suit yourself. (she starts to tighten the sash. Norrington gags slightly)

Will: Why?

Anne: To kill Cutler Beckett and all those who serve him, including this clown here.
CUT TO: Davy Jones' Locker. An endless white desert. Jack is sitting in the sand next to the Pearl, leaning in the shade of the ship. Elizabeth is next to him.

Jack: So then I sailed to the Mediterranean.

Liz: (mocking) to forget me?

Jack: Have you ever been to Alexandria? That's the place to forget women.

Liz: But you didn't.

Jack: For a week or two, maybe. But you can only stay in Alexandria so long, especially when you've been pilfering every establishment and corrupting all the sheik's daughters. (pauses) I figured you'd be married to the whelp by the time I got back.

Liz: And that would stop you from wanting me?

Jack: I've fought Mr. Turner once before and I've no intention of doing so again. At any rate, I thought maybe your marriage would turn you back in to the boring (though beautiful) stuck-up society lady.

Liz: You thought wrong.

Jack: Lizzie, Lizzie, why can't we ever just have a nice conversation without you arguing with everything I say?

Elizabeth just smiles at him.

Jack: You know the rest of the story, love. I came back to Jamaica, and was promptly caught up in a mess. Then you came along, unmarried and desperately in need of my services, and what could I do?

Liz: You could have kissed me on the Pearl, that time, instead of giving in to the good man inside.

Jack: I thought I was doing the right thing...

Elizabeth leans in, poised to kiss him, and Jack gazes into her eyes. He leans closer, and just as their lips are about to meet, she vanishes into the air. It was merely a hallucination.

Jack sprawls onto the sand, pounding it with his fist.

Jack: Damn that wench. Always disappearing just when we're getting somewhere.

CUT back to Norrington's Ship. (The Intrepid, ?)

The moment is still tense--- Anne has Norrington on his knees, with the sash around his neck. Elizabeth and Will are frozen.)

Elizabeth: It's impossible to kill Beckett now. He has a host of ships at his call. We have one ship and no plan. If you attack him now, we'll all be killed, and you'll be no closer to your revenge.

Will: Come with us! We'll take this ship and escape for now. We've got a friend who can help. (glances at Elizabeth, she catches on).

Elizabeth: A great pirate lord. Several, in fact. They hate Beckett as much as you do. If we convince them to join us, then we'll have a chance to defeat Beckett.

Anne has loosened her grip on the sash. She considers their words.

Anne: You aren't just making this up to save your friend?

Elizabeth: We know what it's like to be hunted and alone. We have our own vengeance to take against Beckett.

Will: Just wait for the opportune moment!

Anne considers another moment, then nods. She loosens the sash entirely, catching James as he slumps forward, breathing hard. She smiles wryly.

Anne: Sorry there, sir. I didn't mean any harm to you. A girl learns to look after herself in whatever way she can.

James: (with sarcasm) Apology accepted. It seems it's not difficult for women to use me for their own purposes.

Elizabeth blushes and Will smirks.

Anne: We'd best get away from here, then. Something tells me Beckett and his men won't wait around much longer for your decision.

James: Ah, Elizabeth. I was about to tell you--- a clever sailor payed a fortune to a certain voodoo mistress for something that should make this ship the fastest in the Caribbean.

Elizabeth: (smiling) Then we have a chance to outrun Beckett and find Sao Feng...
CUT TO...the Locker

(Jack is messing with his charts out of boredom and insanity. He hears a sound outside. Intrigued and still hopeful, he runs out only to see two small crabs scurrying along the sand.)

(He peers into the horizon and sees a small pack traveling in a line, each about two feet long and slightly cuter than "real" crabs.)

Jack (to the maidenhead of the Pearl): Stay here, darling. (follows them)

CUT TO....the Intrepid

Norrington: We'll have to gain speed gradually to throw Beckett off. We have to looks as inconspicuous as possible.

Anne: How do you know this pirate lord will help us? Pirates aren't known for their trust.

Elizabeth: We have our ways. (pauses. Runs down into the brig)

CUT TO...the brig

(Elizabeth enters)

Barbossa: 'Bout time, young Mr. Turner must have some skill in the satisfyin' department, methinks.

(Elizabeth ignores him and frees them)

Gibbs: We seem to be speeding up.

Elizabeth: Only a little. We have to lose Beckett.

Pintel: Why we just not attack? With us free, I figure we outnumber 'em by now.

Ragetti: How could you know that?

Pintel: I don't. I just wanted to fight.

Elizabeth: Will and Norrington are in charge of this right now. If you really want to fight, I'm sure they'd be happy to drop you off.

(Pintel and Ragetti look at each other and then shake their heads at her)

Gibbs: Get me on deck. We'll go with the wind and then we can go faster without him worryin'.

Barbossa: And just what's to happen when we land and Beckett lands not far behind?

Elizabeth: We'll figure it out when that happens AND we'll be watching you extra closely. (turns to go)

Barbossa: At this rate I'll never get back me ship.

Elizabeth and Gibbs: It's not your ship!
CUT TO--

(At the Empress, we see Sao Feng and his crew following Barbossa's crew..)

Cho: Where'd they be headed?

(Sao looks into his telescope)

Sao: (chuckles) Looks to me they are finally heading to the rescue.

Cho: Aye. Sparrow.

Sao: They possess my charts and we still have a deal to finish. (smirks)

-CUT TO-

(Jack is still chasing after the two crabs. Mischievous little guys, somehow they seem to fascinate Sparrow. Or was this all in his mind?)

Jack: Fascinating creatures. I don't know if to play (Stomach grumbles) or to eat them...

(Jack tries to sneak up behind them. But they manage to escape two seconds away from Jack's grasp.)

Jack: You want to play, eh? If that'd be the case (pulls out his gun), you best know how to run.

(Suddenly, the crabs turned around facing Jack. Morphing into giants. Turning the tables of the food chain.)

Jack: Did I ever mentioned how much crabs interest me?

(One crab gets closer)

Jack: Ye don't want to chew me. I'm so hard to chew. (Chews his arm)

Jack: See? Hmm, so that's how I taste like.

(Both crabs steps another step closer.)

Jack: Methinks, I should start running and screaming. At least no one is looking. AAHHH!!!! (starts running)

(A little bit of time has passed and the gang is coming closer to Singapore. Barbossa is at the helm)

(Will and Gibbs are next to him. Liz is in the crow's nest)

Will: Is that Singapore straight ahead?

Barbossa: That it is, lad. Sao Feng should be easy to find once we land.

Gibbs: Easy to deal with be another question.

(Camera floats up to Liz looking out to sea. An unreadable expression is on her face. She sees something in the distance. She peers out)

Liz: There's a ship behind us!

Will: What? (crew runs to look)

Barbossa: Who they be?

Will: Flying a black flag.

Gibbs: Saints preserve us. That's Sao Feng there.

Will: Prepare for, well, negotiation?

Gibbs: Aye. Prepare for negotiation.
BELOW DECKS --- THE INTREPID

(Norrington walks to Groves' door, where a guard has been posted to make sure Anne 'rests'. Obviously Norrington is not willing to take any risks with her. He motions the guard to move aside so he can enter the room.)

( Anne is seated at Groves' desk. She looks up when Norrington enters, and she scowls. )

Norrington: (pleasantly) I see that you're up and about. Did you get any rest?

Anne: (angrily) I slept a little, but I was most disturbed to discover the guard outside my door. Am I to be your prisoner now?

Norrington: That depends entirely on the next few moments. Considering that you seem to lack a certain amount of common sense, I decided a guard would be in your best interest to prevent you from doing something else foolish.

Anne: (sputtering as she rises from the chair) How dare you insult me in such a manner! I will have you know that I --

Norrington: That you what? That you dove off a ship in the middle of the ocean? That you were picked up by another ship that you knew nothing attempted to board a ship you knew nothing about, and then you attacked the commanding officer on said vessel?

Anne: (draws herself up) I was out of options! What else was I to do? You work for him. For all I know, you're the murdering whoreson who sent my husband into battle.

(Norrington's eyes flicker slightly and she senses that she's hit a sore spot.)

Anne: (sneers) I've heard all about how you command your men. How many widows did you make due to your poor navigational skills, hmm? Two hundred, three hundred?

(Norrington moves swiftly, closing the gap between them in less then a second and glares down at her, his jaw tight, his green eyes blazing with fury. Anne looks almost afraid at the anger rolling off of the British officer, and she takes an involuntary half-step away from him.)

Norrington: (softly but harshly) You are lucky I am not the kind of man who is quick to reach for the lash every time someone does something foolish. But make no mistake about it; if you ever try to attack me, or my crew, again, you will be punished. Do I make myself clear?

(Anne is shocked into silence. Norringotn waits for a moment and then turns sharply on his heel to leave.)

Norrington: Very well. Your silence is answer enough. You will remain in this cabin until I decide what is to be done with you. Good day, madam.

(Norrington turns on his heel and leaves the room, slamming the door shut behind him. There is a crash as something from inside the room smashes against the door, and a dry, sarcastic grin flits across his face. Groves is waiting for him and looks vaguely amused.)

Groves: (casually, as there is the sound of stomping from the cabin) Conversation went well, did it?

Norrington: (as he hears another thud behind the door) Very well. I hope you don't have anything valuable in there.

Groves ( grins) No sir. I took the precaution of moving my personal affects before she was taken to my cabin. She can't harm anything

Norrington: Very well. I suppose we should go and see what our other guests are up to. It’s been too quiet for the past few hours, so no doubt we’ll find ourselves in another crisis soon enough.

(As if on cue, someone shouts down that sails have been spotted and the colors are those of Sao Feng.)

Groves: Well, that didn’t take long.

Norrington: (grim amusement) No, it didn’t. Put the men on high alert and man the battle stations in case things don’t go our way.

Groves: As you like, sir.

---ON DECK -- THE INTREPID ---

(Norrington goes onto the deck and begins to shout orders to his men to bring in sail and run up the flag of truce, then he turns to the group gathered on deck.)

Norrington: So do you have a plan, or are you just making this all up as we go along?

Elizabeth: We have a plan. Sort of.

(Norrington sees Barbossa at the helm)

Norrington: What is HE doing there?

Will: Would you rather have him there or about to address that ship over there?

Gibbs: Besides, Commodore, he's got some eyes on him.

(Norrington looks back, sees Elizabeth at the edge of the deck preparing to yell across to the ship)

Norrington: Just marvelous.

Elizabeth: You there! State your name and purpose for riding so close.

Sao Feng: The Empress, and I am Sao Feng. I believe you are looking for me?

(Our heroes edge closer)

Elizabeth: We are. I trust since we've piqued your curiosity, you'll let us dock and meet you in Singapore then?

(Both ships are close to pulling in to a harbor)

Sao Feng: What do the men of the ship say?

Will: We have something you want and you have something we want. I think she's correct in assuming you want to know more.

Sao Feng: (laughs) What do I want with a team of misfits on an English military ship? (has an idea but wants to hear their interpretation to get a better idea of them)

Elizabeth: We want a way into Davy Jones' Locker.

(Norrington's crew that hasn't heard that before gasp and act shocked)

(The ships dock. Everyone starts to gather their belongings and Norrington goes below decks to get Anne. Sao Feng calls to them as he steps off his ship)

Sao Feng: Welcome to Singapore. Now. Let's hear what it is you think I want.

CUT TO...the Locker

(Jack is running from the small pack of giant crabs. He does his little lizard run up a sand dune and loses them. He catches his breath quickly and looks utterly confused.)

Tia: I don't tink dey'd be wantin' a low life like wicked Jack.

(Jack looks at her with an almost murderous glance, but collects himself)

Jack: If you're here for another monkey, I can direct you to two delightful creatures in that direction...

Tia: When you goin' to trow away de act?

Jack: ‘Scuse me?

Tia: Can't even tell old Tia Dalma you terrified.

Jack: I'm not terrified.

Tia: Can't even tell old Tia Dalma you lonely.

Jack: I'll tell you what. Spring me out of here, find me a crew and a nice bottle of rum and I'll moan and groan to ye about how lonely I am for as long as you want.

Tia: What about William?

Jack: I'll take anyone who can sail, frankly. (knows she means something else)

Tia: You know a little of his touch of destiny and yet you are here.

Jack: Not by choice, mind you!

Tia: If you aren't der to protect William Turner, fate will find him.

Jack: What do you mean....?

(but Tia vanishes. She was another hallucination)

Jack: (lies down in the dune and rubs his eyes) All right, went from slightly mad to starkraving mad now! I think I can go!

(He snaps up. The giant crabs are underneath the Pearl and carrying it around as if they are ants)

Jack: Stop! (chases them again)

ON DECK OF THE INTREPID –

(Sao is standing on the docks, flanked by his soldiers while the pirates and Naval men stare uneasily at them. Will and Elizabeth are waiting for the others to join them near the gang plank. They are sharing a quiet moment. Will touches Elizabeth’s hair, then her cheek.)

Will: Things will be fine, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: I hope so. Will…now you know what I’ve done…what will happen when Jack comes back?

Will: What do you mean?

(Elizabeth leans against him. Will wraps his arm around her waist and she rests her head on his shoulder as she gazes out at the sea.)

Elizabeth: You accepted it. The others…I’m afraid, Will.

(She looks up at Will, and he leans down to kiss her lightly on the lips.)

Will: The others adore you, Elizabeth. They won’t hold it against you.

(He grins slightly.)

Will: If he hates you, we’ll just leave him in the locker.

(Elizabeth laughs slightly and pokes him lightly in the ribs.)

Will: No matter what, I will always stand by you, Elizabeth. Always.

Elizabeth: (she smoothes down the collar of Will’s coat and touches his face lovingly.) I love you.

Will: Truly?

Elizabeth: (cups Will’s face in her hands, forces him to look in her eyes.) So much so that I can’t ever imagine what my life would be like without you.

(Pintel and Ragetti walk by them and make kissy sounds. Will and Elizabeth scowl at the pirates, then look at each other and laugh again. Will leans down to kiss her, and Elizabeth tips her head back to give him better access. They are deeply involved in their kiss and don’t hear Barbossa approach them.)

Barbossa: Ahem.

(He waits to be acknowledged, but Will and Elizabeth are too wrapped up in each other to notice.)

Barbossa: Excuse me…

(No response from Will and Elizabeth.)

Barbossa: (loudly) Will you two bloody well STOP IT???

(Will and Elizabeth take their time to part lips and hips, and then look at Barbossa with glazed eyes.)

Will: (dazedly) Yes?

Elizabeth: (rests her head on Will’s chest) Can we help you with something?

Barbossa: Oh no, never you mind about the fact that we’re on a mission.

Elizabeth: (innocently) Mission?

Will: (stage whispers) Jack. We’re getting Jack back.

Elizabeth: (As if she has just remembered) Oh…right. Of course. How silly of me to have forgotten why we're here.

(Barbossa mutters something about young people. The deck is getting more crowded as more people make their way there to prepare to disembark.)

-- BELOW DECKS -- GROVES' CABIN --

(Norrington enters the cabin without knocking, and is pleased at how annoyed Anne seems to be. The cabin is messy, as if Anne had rummaged through everything and tossed it about the room.)

Anne: I see that you are lacking any form of manners, Commodore.

Norrington: (waves hand at the mess) As are you, Mistress Anne. If you continue with this behavior I may have to find you more suitable accomodations.

Anne: Are you threatening to put me in the brig if I do not obey?

Norrington: You will find, Mistress Anne that I do not threaten. However, fortune continues to be with you; you are not going to the brig. You are coming ashore with the landing party.

Anne: I most certainly am not!

James: (tone indicates his impatience) I have already discarded the idea of allowing you to remain on the ship. You are coming with the landing party, where you might yet prove to be of some use to this mission.

Anne: And if I refuse?

James: If you refuse, I will throw you over my shoulder and carry you ashore myself.

Anne: You wouldn't dare!

FIVE MINUTES LATER --- DECK OF THE INTREPID:

(Preparations on the deck of The Intrepid pause as they hear a woman yelling.)

Anne: You bastard! Put me down this instant!

(Norrington stoically ignores her and continues to carry her over his shoulder, as he promised.)

Norrington: Groves, set a watch, and keep on alert. I want us to be prepared to sail in the event that things don't go well. And you know what to do if we are boarded.

Groves: Yes, sir! Hopefully it won't come to that.

Norrington: God willing, no, it won't.

Anne: (listened curiously to this exchange, suddenly remembers her uncomfortable state and begins to struggle.) I bested you once before, Commodore.

Norrington: (smirks) Do you think you could really do such a thing unless I allowed it?

(As Anne sputters angrily, his smirk widens)

Norrington: You best rethink your strategies, milady. Now, shall I continue to carry you like a child, or do you think you can manage on your own?

Anne: Put me down, you oaf!

(Norrington pretends he doesn't hear her, and instead walks over to the gang-plank where Will, Elizabeth and Barbossa are standing and sets Anne down roughly. She loses her balance and ends up landing at their feet.)

Norrington: See to it that she doesn't get lost.

(Norrington walks off to speak with the helmsman and first mate. Elizabeth, Will, and Barbossa stare at James' back before they look at Anne. Will is so surprised that for a moment he forgets to be chivalrous, but then he hastily offers Anne a hand up.)

Anne: Oh, that man! How do you put up with him?

Elizabeth: (genuinely puzzled) James? I’ve never seen him behave like that before. Ever.

Barbossa: Looks like someone’s gotten under his skin.

(Elizabeth looks sharply at Barbossa, then at Anne, who is glaring silently at Norrington. Her eyes follow his every move, and Norrington is constantly glancing suspiciously over at the newcomer. Anne lifts her chin in challenge, and Norrington responds in kind, quirking his eyebrows for good measure.)

Barbossa: (impatiently) Are we about ready?

Norrington: We are.

(His gaze sweeps across the pirates on the docks, and his jaw sets slightly. Gibbs joins the group, and notices Norrington.)

Gibbs: (stares at him.) Commodore, you aren’t coming with us, are ye?

Norrington: Unfortunately, I am Mr. Gibbs. My men have things well in hand.

(Barbossa and Gibbs both pause, and Gibbs looks like he would like to argue, but James shakes his head.)

Norrington: A necessary evil, I’m afraid. (to his men) Mind the ship.

(Will and Elizabeth look worried. Anne is intrigued, but like Will and Elizabeth, she does not quite understand the concern of the pirates. Before any of them can ask, however, James motions for them to walk down the gang-plank)

Sao: How nice of you to join us.

Elizabeth: We are here to negotiate for the knowledge of how to get to Davy Jones’ Locker.

Sao: (laughs) Now why in the world would I want to help you?

(Elizabeth begins to respond, but James cuts her off.)

Norrington: Because I have someone that you’ve been searching for. Someone quite dear to you, I believe.

(The others stare at James, and they suddenly realize that this is why James insisted on going with them.)

Sao: (is startled, then angry) Who are you?

(Norrington draws a breath, then stands up even straighter, every inch the haughty Naval officer.)

Norrington: I am the Scourge of Piracey…and I have your brother.

(Sao is shocked.)

Sao: Murderous British dog! If you spill his blood...

Norrington: Nothing would stop me, would it? Another wretched pirate apprehended. The world will praise me and all those who helped me catch him.

Sao: It brings me much shame to consider helping you.

Norrington: Then I'm sure a nice hanging will brighten everyone's spirits.

Sao: I concede to your demands. Why on earth do you wish to go into the Locker? Most can only dream of getting out.

Anne: (to Norrington) Why did no one say it was to get to the Locker? You're all mad!

Barbossa: Rescue mission. Top secret rescue mission.

Sao: Well, I don't believe I can be of any help to the victim you are trying to save...unless, you know if he or she has a Piece of 8?

Elizabeth: The coins of the nine pirate lords? Is that what you demand from us?

Sao: It is what you need.

Will: Is Jack a pirate lord?

Sao: Jack? Jack Sparrow? (laughs) One would not have thought you would be wasting your time on him. Being trapped in the Locker serves him right.

(Will points a gun at him, Elizabeth has drawn her sword. The crew looks ready to fight.)

Sao: Needless to say, you are passionate about your mission. You must simply rub two Pieces of 8 together to take you in and out of the Locker. Pirate lords hardly ever see one another, so two coins touching is a rare occurrence.

Elizabeth: Barbossa, you have one. I've seen it.

Barbossa: Bloody impossible wench. (smacks coin into her hand) I'll cut your throat if you don't bring it back once you're done.

Sao: Now, now. I believe I should ensure myself...and my brother's welfare (glares at Norrington) Let's see. You (stops at Will) You will go alone. Have your woman give you the coin.

Elizabeth: He can't go alone.

Anne: You're sending him to his death!

Sao: If you want my coin, he will go alone AND the rest of you will stay with me.

Norrington: What?

Sao: Fair bargain is it not? We have use for strong men of pirate ships (eyes Elizabeth and Anne) and for beautiful women who know their way around the sea. As for the Commodore, I think we can find a pirate or two willing to take on their revenge. They will all serve me until you come back. The Locker is vast, boy. It may take you a long while.

Ragetti: We're not as strong as all that.

Marty: Do you accept parley?

Mr Cotton's parrot: White flag of surrender! White flag of surrender!

Will: Enough! I'll go. (Elizabeth gives him the coin. She shakes her head at him)

Anne: The hell you will. I've wasted enough time already. You're going to just let everyone be trapped here until the off-chance you come back?

Elizabeth: Negotiate. Let me go with you. You can't go in there alone.

Gibbs: There be no sense fighting it, lass.

Will: I won't be alone. Jack's in there. (takes Sao's coin. Rubs the Heads sides together. In a flash he is gone)

CUT TO...The Locker

(Will lands face first onto the vast, sandy wasteland. He stands, brushes himself off, and looks around.)

Will: Jack! Jack Sparrow!

(He marches along)

Will: Jack! (to himself) Anybody?

(He sees two little crabs scurry by. He looks out in the distance and sees larger ones scuttle past. He keeps one hand on his sword. He walks along and sees the silhouette of the Pearl. He grins and runs toward it.)

Will: Jack!

(Jack is sitting underneath the maidenhead, his back against the ship. He does not look surprised to see Will.)

Will: Jack, it's Will. You remember me, don't you?

(Jack stands and gives him an inspecting look. He pokes him hard in the shoulder)

Will: It's me. (sees two crabs close by) This wasn't what I expected.

Jack: Have you met Clive and Roland? (nods to the crabs) Hard workers they are.

Will: Are you all right? I thought you would be glad to see me.

Jack: Everyone else came to see me. You might as well be the next. (pokes him again)

Will: What are you talking about?

Jack: You're the most boring one yet. (sits back down)

Will: Stand up! We have to get out of here.

Jack: What's this “we” business? I'm not interested in going up in a puff of smoke like you will.

(Will gets it)

Will: How can I prove to you it's really me?

(Jack stands again and pokes him)

Will: Why do you keep doing that?

Jack: I like it. If you can prove you're flesh and blood...

Will: I know! Ask me a question. One you don't know the answer to. If I know it, you'll know you couldn't have thought it up. (makes a face on how Jack-like his logic was there) Jack, I've been looking for you for a long time. Please humor me and do this.

Jack: (thinks for a second, look of madness is fading) Where's Elizabeth?

Will: (trying not to make much of that) She's in Singapore with your crew, held hostage by Sao Feng until I bring you back. Couldn't have imagined that, could you?

(A look of realization comes over Jack. Will is real. He edges very close to him)

Jack: Get me out of here.

Will: Take out your Piece of 8.

Jack: Whatever for? (almost back to his old self)

Will: Well, according to Sao Feng, two need to be joined together to get in and out of the Locker.

Jack: Won't do, mate. The Pearl.

Will: We can come back and we'll find a way to get it later.

Jack: Not me. I'm not coming back here.

Will: (losing his temper) Fine! I'll come back here and retrieve your bloody ship...(stops. Sees the crabs trying to pick up the Pearl.)

Jack: That Roland. He's a weakling. Eunuch crab.

Will: Never mind. You want to get out of here. Pull out your coin. (Jack takes it out) The heads go together. That's how I got here.

Jack: Don't tell me Sao Feng was stupid enough to give you his Piece of 8.

Will: No. (pause) Barbossa was.

(Jack is about to speak but the coins do nothing)

Jack: How useful. Now. Why don't you go back and send someone who knows what they're doing and knows for a fact who is alive and who is dead?

Will: They're supposed to work! (sees crabs get out from under the Pearl) Maybe we have to say something.

Jack: (waves arms) Abracadabra! (nothing) Bugger.

Will: Back to Singapore! Alakazam! (nothing. Looks over to the Pearl) The ship. Get on the ship.

(They hurry on board and put their coins together)

CUT TO....Singapore harbor

(Will and Jack plop to the deck of the Pearl, safely docked on the pier)

(Jack leans over the railing. He looks at the ocean almost as if it were a woman. He runs off the ship and steps onto the pier. He lets his hands briefly glide in the water. Will hurries to catch up to him. He collects himself)

Jack: Stop wasting time. What all were you saying before?

Will: You have a crew waiting for you. (Jack looks a little touched) Sao Feng has them until I get you back.

CUT TO.... Sao's palace.

(Sao and his newly recovered brother are presiding at the head of a very loud, raucous dinner party. Elizabeth, Anne, and the others are serving the food and wine, which is proving to be a real challenge considering the drunken state of the guests. Elizabeth looks extremely anxious. Norrington looks exhausted. Anne looks disgusted. Gibbs is the only one who seems to be having a good time, since he's been invited to the table and is sharing an exciting story with a crowd of beautiful Asian women.)

Gibbs: So there we were, on the very edge of the world, with nothing to our name but a quill pen and me old mother's prayer book...

(The Asian girls gasp with excitement.
Elizabeth makes her way over to Sao, filling his glass. Sao's brother grabs her waist and pulls her down onto his lap, with clear intentions. Elizabeth's temper flairs up, and next thing you know, she's got him on the floor, straddling him with a napkin around his throat, ready to snap his neck and kill him. The dinner party has gone quiet, as everyone stares at the scene in shock.)

Anne: (muttering) you stole my trick.

Norrington: This could get bad...

Sao: Be careful there, missy. I wouldn't want you to do anything your friends would regret.

Elizabeth: (breathing harshly) Listen to me, Sao Feng. Pirate Lord or not, you have a responsibility to the protection of us until our bargain is complete. I am a governor's daughter and one of the most feared pirates in the Caribbean. I refuse to be treated this way.

Sao: (standing) My brother meant you no harm. In my land, it is customary for a woman to show her host appreciation by making friendly with the guests.

(Elizabeth drops the napkin and stands up, facing off with Sao while his brother gasps on the floor. We get a brief shot of Elizabeth's hand sliding into her tunic, and pulling out a dagger.)

Elizabeth: In my land, it is customary for a woman's honor to be respected.

(Sao lifts a hand to brush Elizabeth's face and hair, obviously taken with her.)

Sao: Your honor is safe in my hands, milady.

Elizabeth: I've known your type before, and I'd sooner trust a wild dog.

Sao: Harsh words! But then, you have been in the company of Jack Sparrow... no doubt your honor was handled carelessly by him at one time or another, the blackguard.

(He's hit a nerve- Elizabeth's temper snaps and she attacks Sao with her dagger. Sao is quick to respond, whipping out his own sword while Norrington jumps into the mix, sliding his sword into Elizabeth's hand so they're evenly matched.
Barbossa rolls his eyes and looks annoyed, but turns around the room, spotting the guards. Casually, he jams a thumb into both of their windpipes, knocking them out while he grabs their swords and pushes through the guests to join the fight. It's just Anne, Barbossa, Elizabeth, Norrington and Gibbs against 50-odd trained fighters. It's not looking good.)

Barbossa: Couldn't you have just grit your teeth and held your temper, wench? Now look what you've done.

Elizabeth: (as she battles Sao) Jack Sparrow never mishandled my honor! He was a good man, not to mention a far better pirate than you!

Jack: Oy! Hear that Barbossa? I'm a better pirate than you!

(The group turns in shock, the where Will and Jack, swords out, have entered the room. The dive into the fray.)

Will: (shouting across the fight) Elizabeth! You're safe!

Elizabeth: (as she dodges a blow from Sao) For now! (takes out a pair of fighters by the trip and stab method) Jack! You're alive!

Jack: (as he gives one of the fighters an interesting haircut before dispatching him) I am indeed, thanks to dear William. Did you miss me, darling?

Barbossa: (while shoving Elizabeth out of the way so he can fight Sao himself) She missed you so much, she got married while you were away.

Jack: (a brief look of pain/shock flitting by his face, quickly replaced by his dangerous grin) Well, that's to be expected then. She was SO READY to get married, and all. Lizzie, was it as good as you'd hoped?

Will: (probably the one doing the most actual fighting) Ten times better than she'd hoped, Sparrow, and she was everything I'd ever dreamed of and more. But then, you won't ever know what that's like.

Jack: I've had a taste or two.

Elizabeth: (shoving Barbossa back out of the way and re-attacking Sao) Can we argue about this later?

(The group had managed to cut their way to the door, which Barbossa wastes no time in breaking down.)

Sao: You could have just used the handle!

Barbossa: Sorry, mate. Old habits and all.

(Sao and his men redouble their efforts, but they are still too drunk to match the heroes, who finally turn and run out the door. Will stays to hold them off as the rest run towards the docks. Just as they round the corner, however, they are suddenly met by Cutler Beckett himself, standing in front of several hundred EITC men.)

Beckett: Greetings again, Commodore. I see we've taken a little side trip. (sees Jack. The coolness disappears. He tries to play it cool) I had it on very good authority you were dead.

Jack: You forgot very important thing, mate. (pause) I'm Captain Jack Sparrow!

Beckett: Be that as it may, your small band might have done well against a pack of vicious pirates, but had you come to where you were supposed to be taken (look at Norrington. Norrington looks back, not phased) you would have seen this.

Voice: Let go! (the crew peers into the group of soldiers. Gov. Swann is being led to the front in chains)

Elizabeth: Father!

Beckett: You were scheduled to hang, Miss Swann, along with Mr. Turner over there.

Elizabeth: Mrs. Turner now.

Beckett: (smiles at her) Fate intervened again then, didn't it?

(Elizabeth says nothing)

Swann: Leave her alone, Beckett! She's done nothing wrong.

Beckett: Nothing wrong?

Swann: Only escaped from a bloodsucking tyrant.

Beckett: Round them up, men. There's a stench in the air in this place.

Jack: That it? (Beckett turns to face him) Round them up? As if you could. Don't you see where we are?

Beckett: What are you talking about?

Jack: The great pirate Sao Feng's house, his home you've managed to invade. You can't be talking about our 'small band' when there are dozens upon dozens of young chaps behind us who would love to get their hands on the East India Trading Company.

Beckett: You wish to make a bargain? (likes where this is going) I have you, two fugitives, a traitor, a nasty widow, and God knows what else. Perhaps you would all like to sign some kind of contract?

Barbossa: (touches his sword) Let me get out me stabbin' pen then. (soldiers move closer. Barbossa reconsiders)

Jack: What the hell are you doing here?

Barbossa: Came to clean up your mess you got in with these two (nods to Will and Elizabeth)

(Jack gives him weird look)

Beckett: What do you have to offer, Jack?

Jack: Well, there is me own self of course, and the brave, daring soul over there (points to Will)

Will: Jack.

Beckett: (laughs) You want me to only take the two of you.

Jack: Why take the rest? They're surrounded by pirates. If I were you, I'd just shoot the old man now.

Barbossa: He's come back madder 'en ever!

Beckett: Something tells me you'll tell me exactly what to do with all of them. What of the governor? How does he fit into your plan?

Will: Leave him here. Pirates all around. You can't expect some of us to last long.

Beckett: Very well. Release Governor Swann. (Elizabeth runs to him and he catches her in his arms) Put the boy in shackles. With me, Sparrow.

Elizabeth: Father, are you all right?

Swann: (so grateful she’s alive) Yes. Oh, Elizabeth, I thought I would never see you again. (cuts her face with his hands) I’m so proud of you.

(Elizabeth hugs him tightly.)

Jack: Come on, Beckett. He's a married man now. He's already shackled.

Beckett: (not going for it) You'll return with us, decide what's to be done with your crew and until then Will Turner is my prisoner as he always has been.

Elizabeth: You won't leave us here! (breaks from her father to reach Will but he's being dragged away)

Beckett: Move out, men. We have a long trip back.

Elizabeth: (tries to run to Will but he’s already too far away.) Jack! (hysterical) Jack!

(Jack doesn't answer her.)

THE DOCKS ---- NIGHT

(Will is put into chains and is dragged away by Beckett’s men. Jack takes a deep breath and after a last look at the prisoners, turns his back and follows Beckett onto the gang-plank to the Endeavor.)

Barbossa: (frantically) Where be our ship?

(The remaining members of the rescue party look around at the docks. The only ship in sight is The Endeavor as it begins to slide away from the dock. The Intrepid and all of Sao’s ships are gone. They look to Norrington for an explanation.)

Norrington: My ship and my crew will return for us by morning tide, but we must be prepared.

Barbossa: Where are the other ships?

Norrington: (shrugs, then winces as his shoulder pops loudly from the movement) Perhaps Beckett took them, or Sao has them dock somewhere else to protect them.

Elizabeth: (worried) James, are you all right?

Norrington: (smiles wanly, then lifts his head as the sound of running footsteps reach his ears) I’m fine. I’m so sorry, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: He’s with my mother now. (fights back tears) Do you have a plan?

Norrington: We should split up, and meet back here at dawn.

(Barbossa nods in agreement, and he splits everyone up into groups of three. James shakes his head when Barbossa motions for him to join Anne and Elizabeth.)

Norrington: Someone needs to lead them off.

(Barbossa frowns but then shrugs. He doesn’t have time to argue and he leaves with Gibbs, Marty and a reluctant Governor Swann. Cotton, Pintel and Ragetti go in another group. Anne and Elizabeth, the last group, linger instead of hiding.)

Elizabeth: James, I am not leaving you here.

Norrington: Elizabeth I don’t have time to argue with you. Will you please go hide yourselves? It would be easier to lead them off if it’s just me.

(Anne, who has a greater sense of self-preservation than Elizabeth does, drags the other woman behind some crates. James nods once they are concealed, and draws his sword before he runs from the docks area.)

---THE DOCKS --- A WAREHOUSE

(Hidden by the shadows, Anne and Elizabeth creep along the wall of a warehouses as they listen for sounds of pursuit. There are few men left there; the main group of men have gone after Norrington.)

Elizabeth: (softly) I’m going after him.

Anne: (grabs Elizabeth’s arm and speaks just as quietly) He wants us to escape, and bastard though he is, I think we should follow his wishes.

Elizabeth: Then you go. I am going to find him. He’s injured and he isn’t going to be able to run for forever.

(As the women have been talking they have come to the edge of the final warehouse. It seems that Elizabeth was correct; as they watch, Norrington is being dragged unceremoniously down the street. He is not struggling and it becomes apparent that as he is brought closer that the officer is unconscious. The guards drop him at Sao’s feet.)

Sao: And the others?

Sao’s Brother: No sign of them…yet.

Sao: They have nowhere to go. We will find them.

(He looks at Norrington and smiles thinly.)

Sao: Meanwhile, it looks like we have some entertainment for the evening. Bring him.

(Norrington’s limp body is once more lifted off of the ground and is taken toward Sao’s home. Elizabeth tenses and she seems ready to run after him, but Anne grabs her and holds her back.)

Anne: (harshly) Don’t be a fool, or his sacrifice will be for nothing! If you wish to honor him, then you will lay low and wait for the ship to return for us.

Elizabeth: (considers) We will wait until they are sleeping. I cannot leave without at least attempting to rescue him.

Anne: (snorts) Very well, then. I suppose we need to work on our plan.

(Elizabeth and Anne draw closer as they begin to speak softly.)

----THE ENDEAVOR --- THE BRIG

(Will is seated in a small iron cage. He looks bored. There are more prisoners sleeping in the cell next to him. All except for one. There is a man staring at Will intently.)

Man: You.

Will: (looks up in surprise) Me?

Man: You have a touch of destiny about you.

Will: (scowls) Not again.

Man: My mother was gifted with the Sight, and she passed the gift onto me.

Will: Well, lucky for you. I see it’s served you well.

Man: (his lips twitch as if he wants to smile) Indeed it has. I knew that my time is drawing to an end, but I knew too that you would be coming. I can offer you help.

Will: (pauses, watches him intently) What kind of help?

CUT TO...Beckett's cabin/office on The Intrepid.

(Much like the scene between Jack and Barbossa in COTBP, Jack is seated, without bonds, across from Beckett. He stands up and starts spinning a globe. He taps it with his fingers.)

Beckett: I would assume you have something else to offer me, or else you would be joined with Mr. Turner in the brig. Do tell me you have something else.

Jack: Oh, I do. I don't suppose you've heard of Tia Dalma?

Beckett: The name doesn't sound familiar.

Jack: I thought it might not. When one decides to ship people, it's better to not learn their names.

Beckett: You think you can entice me with the mentioning of a slave you lost? I'm disappointed in you, Jack. I'll have Mr. Mercer help you take your leave now.

Jack: I suppose you don't want to know her connection to Davy Jones. (sees the heart on his desk) Don't you want to know the way to a man's heart?

(Beckett leans forward in his chair. He remembers who he's talking to, though)

Beckett: Please continue.

Jack: What you say if I told you that this meaningless, sub-human, degenerate slave caught the eye of the most powerful, skilled sailor in all of Amsterdam? And she broke that dear heart of his you have there.

Beckett: I'm not a fan of romantic love, Sparrow...

Jack: (cryptically) I always suspected so.

Beckett: Get to the point!

Jack: Very well. You have the heart. What do you plan to do with it?

Beckett: Control the ocean.

Jack: All right. That sounds like a plan. Forget the fact I'm well acquainted with Tia Dalma. Forget the fact she can see the future. Forget the fact that Davy Jones loves her still as much as he did the day he realized he did.

Beckett: It sounds as if you have a plan.

Jack: Take us back to the Caribbean. We'll send Mr. Turner to bring Tia Dalma to us, you, actually, and you can summon Davy Jones and he'll do whatever you say. After all, what good is having that heart when in truth someone else has had it all along?

Beckett: And in exchange. (sees Jack pause) You can't expect me to not think you want something in exchange. That brand on your arm is there for a reason.

Jack: Excellent point bringing that up. It's part of what I want. Send me back to me crew. You'll give Mr. Turner my regards and when he's delivered Tia Dalma to you, he'll come report back to me. Savvy?

Beckett: You and William Turner and your crew all get off Scot-free?

Jack: British-free.

Beckett: Let me see, you want me to spare James Norrington, military deserter? Joshamee Gibbs and Hector Barbossa, veteran pirates, and Elizabeth Swann, newest, deadliest edition to all this...madness?

Jack: Yep. I'm glad you agree that it's a good plan. (extends his hand, exposing the P on it) Don't mind the brand.

(Beckett shakes it)

Beckett: William Turner won't want to go through with this.

Jack: I don't think he has a choice.

CUT TO SAO’S HOME – OUTSIDE

(Elizabeth and Anne are perched on the roof of the east wing of Sao’s home. They are dressed in Chinese garb, and they are watching the on-going party inside Sao’s home. )

Elizabeth: I don’t see James, do you?

Anne: No. And I don’t see Sao or his brother.

Elizabeth: (worried) This can’t be good. I was sure that Sao was going to bring James here.

(Anne looks at her companion and seems to be debating what to say. Finally she speaks, and though she tries to be gentle, her words are blunt and offer little comfort.)

Anne: It is very possible that Sao is having his own private ‘entertainment’ with the Commodore. Has it occurred to you that there may not be anything of the good Commodore left to rescue, once he’s done?

CUT TO THE ENDEAVOR – THE BRIG

Man: I have information that you need to fulfill your destiny.

Will: (angrily) I choose my own fate!

Man: (regards Will) Yes…yes. I see that. Your destiny has already been decided by those who are greater than even Calypso, but your fate…yes, your fate is your own choice.

Will: (bitterly) So there is no escape for me.

(The man looks at Will with compassion)

Man: No. There is no escape. But there is a choice. If you stab the heart, you will eventually become corrupted and a monster, like Jones. But for you…yes, you are made of greater stuff than the others who have come and gone. You will choose the other road, the most difficult path.

Will: What path?

(The man settles back in his cell, but keeps his bright eyes on Will.)

Man: I dance and breathe and can even deceive
I am not alive, but watch how I thrive
Do not come too near
Or I will consume you, my dear

Will: What?

(The man closes his eyes and turns his head away from Will. Just then the door to the brig opens, and some guards approach Will’s cell. They unlock the door and drag the younger man from the cell.)

CUT TO SAO’S ESTATE – OUTSIDE

(Elizabeth has withdrawn a bit from Anne. Anne looks over occasionally at Elizabeth, but makes no move to go to the younger woman. A bit of commotion in the house makes both women look into the open doors.)

Random Man: Sao Feng comes. Everyone be silent!

(The room quiets down as the pirate and his brother enter the room. Behind them, a battered looking Norrington is being dragged in by ropes that are tied to his hands and legs. There is a band of iron around James’ neck, and rope is attached to it by a small ring, much like a leash. The commodore is bare-chested and his wig and hat are gone.)

Elizabeth: (whispers) James!

Anne: (grabs Elizabeth’s arm) We must work our way down silently, or we risk his death. Go by the plan.

Elizabeth: Yes, yes.

(The two women make their way down the roof and onto the ground floor. They keep to the shadows as much as possible, and listen to what is happening in the room.)

Sao: As you can see, the great Pirate Hunter has deigned to share his company with our poor selves. Shall we show him the same hospitality he has given to our brethren?

(There is a roar from the crowd, and the ropes around Norrington are tugged to make him sprawl at Sao’s feet. He tries to get up, but Sao kicks him in the gut, then presses his boot into Norrington’s throat, pressing the iron band deeper into his neck. James gags and stops struggling.)

Sao: You do not get up until your betters say you may. (to the guards) Bind him.

(Norrington is dragged to a sitting position, and then forced to kneel as he is tied to a wooden post behind him on top of a small platform. The position is both painful and humiliating. As Anne and Elizabeth enter the outskirts of the party, they are given a full view of just how badly bruised James is. His torso is also mottled with strange, circular burns that are obviously quite fresh.)

Sao: Let us begin our feast. Don’t forget to give the guest of honor his due!

(Sao laughs, as do the others. They turn their attention to the food that is being brought in. Elizabeth and Anne have been pressed into serving the food, so they make sure to keep their distance from the head table where Sao is.)

CUT TO...The Endeavor

(Will is dragged up to the deck by the two guards. Beckett meets him. It is reminiscent of his earlier dealing with Beckett. Jack is nowhere to be found.)

Beckett: I have a proposition for you, Turner.

Will: The last time I listened to you was more than I bargained for.

Beckett: Although you failed to bring me such a small trinket, I still have faith in you, as I'm sure your wife does. (Will grits his teeth)

Will: Where's Jack?

Beckett: (trying to be sneaky) Fate intervened, it seemed. Your main concern is what's to be done with you. You are acquainted with Tia Dalma?

Will: (surprised to hear the name) What do you want with her?

Beckett: She sent you to find Jack did she not?

Will: You never ask a question you already know the answer to.

Beckett: Here is one I don't know the answer to-- what did she tell you about Davy Jones? Be as specific as you can.

Will: I barely have any memory of that meeting. I was aboard the Dutchman after that, almost drowned, was in a horrid kraken attack. I'm afraid I have nothing to tell you.

Beckett: Then you will be taken to Port Royal, hanged as a pirate, and parted from your dearly beloved wife until I find her and do the same thing to her.

Will: What is it you want me to do about Tia Dalma?

Beckett: Just bring her to me. Find her, return with her to Port Royal, and I will grant you full pardon and you will never see me again.

Will: Agreed.

Beckett: Thinking rather hastily, aren't we?

Will: I would rather work for you than never see my wife again.

(The guards escort him to a longboat.)

Beckett: Stop at the nearest port and give them this (hands him a letter with Beckett's seal on it). They will grant you passage to the Caribbean. Oh, and Turner. Your time is running out.

(Will rows away. Fade to black. We cut to the same scene only it is later. Will is rowing back to Singapore.)

CUT TO....The Endeavor

(Jack isn't as comfortable as he was last time. His hands have been tied just to be on the safe side)

Beckett: You're free to go. I'll soon have what I want.

Jack: Not what you really want.

Beckett: I'm through listening to you, Sparrow. The only reason I'm not hanging you is because I want to catch you with your entire crew so you can see every last one of them die before you do.

Jack: That would be a fascinating story to tell your friends. I trust, then, that Mr. Turner took his leave?

Beckett: Bound for a port even as we speak. (unties him, a smirk comes across his face) Amazing what one would agree to do for love, isn't it?

Jack: I think it would be better if we just stayed enemies, mate.

Beckett: Will Turner did not hesitate to cooperate, all out of concern for his new bride. (looks at Jack to read his face)

Jack: I concur. Good talk. (starts to walk out, then stops. He has his "I'm having a thought" face) Out of concern for his wife? What method did you threaten said woman?

Beckett: Simply that I would kill her right after him.

(Jack knows exactly where Will is going. He turns, and mouths, "shit" to himself)

Jack: Well, I'm off. (the ship has docked back in Singapore. The Pearl is tied behind it. Jack coolly walks down the dock, strutting/staggering as usual. He looks behind him. The Endeavor is pulling back out. As soon as it has made a full turn, Jack breaks out into a run.)

CUT TO...Cotton, Pintel and Ragetti

(They are on a dock, thinking about which ship to steal.)

Ragetti: It still don't feel right, leavin' the others.

Pintel: It's what they wanted, ain't it, Cotton. (Mr. Cotton shrugs)

Ragetti: I want to go back!

Pintel: Go back? To Sao Feng? To all those pirates just to save some of the crew? (Ragetti nods). You want to be trapped back there with them exotic bottles of opium, lovely lady-maids, and....treasures?

Ragetti: Now I really want to go back.

Mr. Cotton's parrot: When do we leave? When do we leave?

CUT TO...Barbossa, Marty, and Gibbs

(They are on another port, about to steal a ship)

Gibbs: It don't feel right leavin' Miss Elizabeth and the Commodore and that girl still there. (Barbossa rolls his eyes) Well it don't!

Marty: What about Jack?

Swann: Never mind Sparrow. We must retrieve Elizabeth. The likes of them won’t care that she’s someone’s wife now.

Gibbs: Aye, Jack. The whole reason we came back was for him.

Barbossa: If ya want to go back, we'll go back.

CUT TO...Sao's palace. Anne and Elizabeth are edging closer to James.

Elizabeth (whispering): James?

Norrington: (coughs, whispers) Elizabeth? You need to leave right away.

Elizabeth: I'm too busy rescuing people lately to do that. Cover me, Anne. (Elizabeth hops over to James and begins to free him)

Anne: Hurry up, will you? They can't all be passed out drunk, even though they're pirates.

Sao: You there!

(Anne draws a sword)

Anne: Go! Take him and go. (Elizabeth shields James as he struggles to stand up)

Sao: What do you ladies want, back here again?

Anne: I want nothing more than to ram this into your throat. We're taking the Commodore. You've had your fun with him.

Sao: (pulls out his gun) The British have taught me one thing, woman. Gun always trumps sword.

Anne: Touché (she runs back to Elizabeth and James. They roll to the other side of the platform. James gets to his feet.)

Elizabeth: Do you have a gun on you?

Norrington: Yes, of course. I was just biding my time to use it!

Elizabeth: Stop shouting! (Other pirates wake up. More gunfire is heard)

Norrington: I'm not shouting! (pause) You shouldn't be here. (to Anne) You either.

(Anne is crawling over to a discarded gun.)

Anne: I can't hear you, Commodore, I'm too immersed in staying alive. (Fires into the crowd. She uses the platform for cover) Get out of here! I'll be right behind you.

(Elizabeth helps him to his feet.)

Elizabeth: Come on.

(Sao runs towards them.)

CUT TO...

(Jack is approaching the palace. He hears gunshots. He prepares his own gun. He runs in, only to find the palace empty. The party is out in the courtyard. Jack continues to run)

CUT TO... Sao, Norrington, and Elizabeth. Note: Norrington is known as James.

James: Anne! (she turns and fires, but her gun is out)

(Sao raises his gun. In a split second, Elizabeth and James pull out their swords and slam them onto Sao's hand. In pain, he drops the gun. It fires into the crowd. He draws a sword and is about to strike. James is not much help, but he’s doing all right.)

Jack: This isn't much of a party. (The three strike Sao at the same time, but he's good. He dodges them.)

Will: Elizabeth! (sword is ready. He starts tearing into the other pirates)

(Anne runs over to him. She picks up a sword on the way)

Anne: I'm not as good with these, so I'm staying next to you. (Will leads her to the others. As soon as he gets to Jack, he strikes him)

Jack: What the hell?

Will: Got off free and easy once again! You left me to deal with Beckett of all people! (Jack meets Will's blade with his)

Jack: I think you're forgetting whose side you're on.

(Sao takes advantage of this and knocks Elizabeth down. He almost stabs her, but James cuts him first. He plunges his sword into Sao's back. Sao coughs. Some blood squirts out. He falls. James falls, but Anne gets to him. Elizabeth rushes to Will and Jack, her sword drawn.)

Elizabeth: Stop! (meets their blades)

Will: Stay out of it. You weren't there! (she blocks him)

Jack: Thank you, love. (She turns and takes a swing at him)

Elizabeth: This is all your fault! You left us here with him! (Jack blocks her and looks at her strangely. He shrugs and goes on the offense.)

Jack: I think if you think about it hard enough, you'll realize this is all really YOUR fault. (Will blocks him) And I've had just about enough of you.

(The three of them continue to parry. Anne begins to look at James' wounds.)

Anne: They've branded you!

James: (dryly) Yes, I know. (looks up and sees Jack, Elizabeth, and Will fighting. He rolls his eyes.)

Anne: Do you think I should leave you to stop them?

James: You were done up as a servant so you missed dinner. Now here is the show. (places his hand on top of hers) Thank you.

Anne: (taken aback) No. Thank you. I don't come across heroism that often.

Elizabeth: You son of a *****! (slides closer to Jack to get him. He blocks and pushes her down.)

Will: I told you to stay out of it. (Elizabeth clangs at his sword)

Elizabeth: Somebody has to stop the two of you from making complete idiots of yourselves! (it's a complete 3-way fight between them. Looks at Jack.) Why are you smiling?

Jack: Because you think you’ll win.

Elizabeth: Likewise.

Will: (spins out and almost nicks Jack) We’ve bailed you out more times than we can keep track of!

Jack: Then that’s not very smart on your part, is it? (focuses back on Will)

James: (laughs) Idiots.

Anne: (still trying to bandage him) Hold still!

(The rest of the crew runs up and looks at the sight in confusion. Barbossa kneels down beside Sao. He holds up his gun and fires into the air. Everyone stops.)

Barbossa: Looks like I missed out on somethin.' Can't ye see the man's dyin' over here?

Sao: (dying) You (he points).

Elizabeth: Me?

Sao: (beckons her over. He puts something into her hand. He struggles to twist to see James. He looks at both of them) Both of you...use... (he sputters out more blood. His eyes roll back. He's dead.)

(Elizabeth opens her hand. He has given her, and James, his Piece of 8.

(The inside of Sao’s palace is a disaster now after two huge battles have taken place. Bodies litter the floor, although not everyone is dead. Elizabeth is looking at the piece of eight that Sao has given her while Barbossa looks on with interest.)

Elizabeth: Is this what I think it is?

Barbossa: It appears to be so, missy.

(James approaches Elizabeth, supported by Will and Anne.)

Will: What is it? What was Sao telling you to share?

Barbossa: (to James) You look dreadful.

James: (makes a face and turns back to Elizabeth) You know what this is?

(Jack and Gibbs come over. Jack is scowling slightly, Gibbs seems to be thrilled with how things are turning out.)

Gibbs: That there is a piece of eight.

(At the confused expressions on Will and James’ faces, Gibbs explains.)

Gibbs: Pirate lords pass these on to their heirs when the time comes for them to retire, or if they have time, when they die. Whoever receives it inherits the property of the one who gave it to them.

Elizabeth: (uncertainly) Sao handed it to me, but he said he wanted James and I to share it.

Barbossa: Aye, it’s never been done before.

James: So kind of him to think of me at his dying moment.

Barbossa: It was. He must have seen something in you that he liked to pass this onto you. To both of you.

Anne: I hate to break up this joyous moment, but the commodore here is about to fall over.

James: (tries to stand up straighter) I am not!

Anne: (pokes him gently and watches him sway) Of course not. How silly of me.

(James scowls but has no response. He leans a bit more heavily against Will and presses a hand to his aching head.)

James: We need to decide what to do.

Swann: First you’re going to sit down.

(Swann pushes James onto a cushion. The Commodore doesn’t even bother struggling, a sure sign of how weak and exhausted he really is.)

Swann: Now, I suggest you find someone who can tell you what exactly it is that you have inherited so that we may move on. There is no telling when Beckett might return.

(A small elegant man comes racing out of the shadows. He stands before Elizabeth and bows to her, then he turns to James and bows to him as well.)

Ming: I am Ming. I am the keeper of all of Sao Feng’s accounts. I would be delighted to be of service to you.

James: (dryly) I’m so sure. Tell us then, Ming. What all have we gained?

Ming: Very good, sir. You and the lady have inherited quite the estate. There is his home, of course, and –

James: Pardon me, but what about ships?

(Elizabeth looks sharply at James and sees that he is rapidly losing all color in his face. Ming also notices and hastens to speak up.)

Ming: Oh, of course. Sao Feng has a fleet of five ships. (a weighted pause before he continues) There would have been more, but as you are the renowned pirate hunter, I’m sure you –

James: Yes, yes. Let’s not revisit that topic again, shall we?

Ming: As you wish. There is also the matter of his other investments and businesses.

Swann: (surprised) Sao Feng had businesses?

Ming: Oh yes. Sao Feng was a firm believer in investing the money that he stole. He has funded a growing acupuncture business, as well as investing in bath houses…

(Ming continues to list Sao Feng’s other numerous investments, including candle making and, oddly enough, noodles.)

SAO’S PALACE – OUTSIDE

(Cho, Sao Feng’s recently rescued brother, is glowering at the gathered pirates inside. He is surrounded by his own men but for the moment he holds them back, realizing that another battle with these people would be futile at the moment.)

Cho: I am his brother, yet he passed me over to give his inheritance to that pathetic man and that woman. (to his second in command) Come, we must make plans.

(Cho and his men quietly leave the estate.)

SAO’S PALACE – INSIDE

Barbossa: It be nearly dawn. When is your ship returning, commodore?

(James jerks slightly, and looks surprised to realize that he’d nearly dozed off.)

James: I’m sorry…what did you say?

Barbossa: When’s yer ship coming in, Norrington?

James: Dawn.

(Elizabeth and Will both offer to help Norrington stand. It takes a bit of effort, but finally they manage to help him to his feet. James wobbles slightly and ends up putting most of his weight on Elizabeth. Anne, who had been tending to one of the injured Chinese pirates, looks James over with a critical eye.)

Anne: Where are his things? He cannot go outside like this.

(A servant girl rushes out of the room and hastily returns a few moments later with James shirt and coat. Anne takes it from her and helps James put them on. It obviously is a painful process, and it seems to wear him out even further.)

Elizabeth: We’ll discuss what needs to be done as we go to the docks.

James: (tired voice) Agreed.

(The group exits the estate as well, unaware that Cho is still alive and remains a threat to them.)

THE DOCKS – DAWN

(The group arrives at the docks. There is a spirited discussion going on between James, Will, Elizabeth and Jack about who goes on which ship.)

James: I say that we all remain on the same ship, at least for now. We don’t know these crews at all, and until we can sort out which ones to trust, we can’t risk any of the people we actually can trust.

Jack: We need to go after Beckett, to get my Pearl back.

Barbossa: That be my ship you’re referring to.

Jack: No, it’s my ship.

Barbossa: But I captained it for longer.

Jack: Ah, but I was captain first.

James: It’s a lovely ship; perhaps Elizabeth and I will just have to commandeer it from you gentlemen.

(He tries to laugh at the expressions on both the men’s faces, and instead ends up coughing.)

Anne: The ship is getting ready to dock, I see. Just in time. We must get the Commodore on board and get him warmed up.

Elizabeth: You seem anxious to help him suddenly. Do you know what you’re really doing?

Anne: (coolly) My father is a doctor, and I was a student of his for many years. I believe that yes, I can be of service to him.

James: (slumps a little more in Will and Elizabeth’s grasp) No more arguing. We all remain on the same ship for now, but we can have the others follow. Elizabeth…I trust you and Will to act in my stead both on the Intrepid and…and the other ships.

Elizabeth: (alarmed) James!

(James doesn’t respond, but instead his eyes roll up into the back of his head and he starts to fall. Will manages to catch him a bit awkwardly, and with Elizabeth’s help, the stretch him onto the wooden dock.)

Anne: (kneels beside James) He’s burning up. Send for a litter and make sure that the ship is well stocked with fresh water and linens.

(Barbossa calls out orders to the men who are standing on the deck of the Intrepid, and a flurry of activity explodes on the ship as the men realize their leader is injured.)

(Some men lift James onto a gurney and take him to the captain’s quarters. Anne follows them.)

Anne: That’s it. Mind his head.

(The men roll their eyes at her. Elizabeth watches James go and then lines up the men. She starts interviewing them, learning a little bit about where they come from and what they’re good at doing. They seem to like her for the most part.)

Elizabeth: Just so all of you know, I’m going to be honest with you the entire course of the way. We are tailing Lord Cutler Beckett. (pauses to hear grunts at the mention of the name) Our mission is to steal the heart of Davy Jones. (the men seem excited. Relief sweeps across her face. She turns to look at Barbossa. He nods approvingly.)

CUT TO...Other side of the deck

(Jack inspects the ship. He is alone. Will comes up to him.)

Will: Everything seems in order. She’ll have the others manning the ships soon. I assume you’ll want one.

Jack: As long as yours is near the front.

Will: Why?

Jack: Because there’s a menace among us who would just as soon take us over a waterfall. (head nods to Barbossa.) Oh yeah. (throws him an object)

Will: (catches it. It is the compass) Fine time for you to give this to me now! (starts talking like Jack) William, I shall give you my compass in exchange that you battle Davy Jones for me! (ends impression) Do you expect me to give this to Beckett now?

Jack: First of all, I speak more from the diaphragm than the throat. Second of all, I don't expect you to take it to Beckett. I expect you to use it if you need.

Will: It doesn't point north. It's useless.

Jack: Yes to the second, but not so much anything else.

Will: What?

Jack: Open it.

(Will opens it. The arrow points on the other side of the deck where Elizabeth is)

Jack: It points simply to what you want. You will want to find Beckett since Beckett has the heart of Davy Jones, and your ship there will lead us to him.

Will: You'll want it back?

Jack: Take as long as you need with it. Mr. Gibbs!

Gibbs: Aye, captain.

Jack: Cabin. Private. Now.

Gibbs: I think the Commodore’s being tended to there.

Jack: Next one over then.

Gibbs: I think that’s for the first mate Miss Elizabeth picks.

Jack: (rolls his eyes. They walk over to the last one on the top deck)

Gibbs: Miss Elizabeth’s, captain.

Jack: Bugger. Fine then. Below decks.

CUT TO…below decks

(This is a little below what Jack’s used to and it shows. He takes out a bottle of rum and starts with a strong swig. He offers it to Gibbs)

Jack: Tell me the story of the heart of Davy Jones.

Gibbs: You know that one.

Jack: I want to make sure I’m not wrong. There’s been a lot of that going around lately.

Gibbs: The one way to destroy the heart for sure is to stab it…

Jack: But…

Gibbs: But that person has a most unenviable task ahead of them, captaining that bone-filled ship. (shivers) I have heard some older sailors talk of a riddle that speaks of another way, but I don’t know it.

Jack: Fancy that. (drinks)

Gibbs: Well, you don’t know it. Give me that! (takes a drink) You know who would know…

Jack: Yep, I know who would know.

Gibbs: You’ve got some say in where this clunker goes. Take us to her. She’ll be able to tell us everything.

Jack: She is where we’re going, mate. Thanks to me.

Gibbs: Jack?

Jack: Tia has plans, and they involve the son of Bootstrap Bill. (takes a longer drink. We can see the worry in his eyes)

Gibbs: Will? Why?

Jack: Don’t know, mate. Just thought it out…in the Locker.

Gibbs: Is that what you thought about most in there?

Jack: I don’t want to talk about the Locker.

Gibbs: Guess I’ll take my leave then. (exits. Jack stays below decks alone, shaking his head. He’s not looking forward to what he has to tell the crew.)

CUT TO...Tia's shack

(Tia is in her back room where she previously found the jar of dirt. She is searching for something, humming/singing to herself. This time, a little boy walks in.)

Boy: You sent for me?

Tia: I did. There'll be a crew comin' soon, a pirate crew.

Boy: How soon? (excited)

Tia: Not far off. I can feel it. You will meet dem at da mouth of da river and bring em here.

Boy: But they know the way?

(Tia comes out into the main room. She has a rolled-up scroll or chart in her hand.)

Tia: Dey do, but dey'll be wantin' dis.

Boy: What is it?

Tia: It'd be a question dat if dey tink of da answer, all tings will change. Hold onto it. Don't let dem know you have it. Dey will come askin' me for it and I must say I don't have it.

Boy: (unsure, but takes the small scroll and puts it in his pocket) Yes'um.

THE INTREPID – ON DECK

(Elizabeth is on deck. Before her stand ten pirates. Barbossa is standing behind her. In the background, the five ships belonging to Sao Feng’s fleet have docked.)

Elizabeth: I understand that you are the captains and first mates for Sao Feng. (she waits for the pirates to nod.) I am Elizabeth Turner. Sao Feng passed his legacy to me and a man named James Norrington. You will follow both our orders. Is that understood?

(The pirates nod again, though some look skeptical. Others seem to be searching for Norrington, but Elizabeth doesn’t make a move to suggest where he is.)

Elizabeth: You are dismissed. Gather supplies and be ready to set sail by morning.

Barbossa: (as the pirates disembark) You didn’t mention how the commodore is doing.

Elizabeth: I don’t know how he is. Where is Will?

Barbossa: In the captain’s cabin. They called him in a while ago. Don’t know why though.

Elizabeth: (grimly) To remove that collar they put on James.

Barbossa: Fool man, telling pirates who he is. He’s lucky they didn’t just tear him to pieces then and there.

(The conversation is interrupted by a flurry of activity behind them. Groves and Will rush out of the cabin and vanish down into the hold. Meanwhile, Murtogg and Mullroy go in, carrying what appear to be linens and water. Swann approaches Elizabeth and Barbossa.)

Swann: Elizabeth, I am going to go in and see if I can offer some assistance with James. I’m afraid that an old man like me has nothing else to offer.

Elizabeth: (starts with surprise) I’m sorry father. I forgot –

Swann: (takes her hand and pats it) It’s fine, Elizabeth. You’re doing a fine job. I’m proud of you.

(Swann smiles at her and goes to the cabin. A few minutes pass, and Will and Groves go back into the cabin. Elizabeth waits for another fifteen minutes, then decides she can’t wait any longer.)

Elizabeth: I need to see how he is.

Barbossa: Aye, and we need to chart a course.

(Barbossa and Elizabeth look at each other and nod.)

Elizabeth: Right. But…do not bring the monkey.

Barbossa: He’s not that bad--

Elizabeth: (slowly but firmly) No monkey.

Barbossa: Fine, fine. No monkey.