"A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."— Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945), 32nd President of the United States, known for leading his nation through turbulent waters both literal and political, reminding us that hardship is the forge of strength.
The moon hung low over Port Royal, a pale coin glinting above a sleeping harbor.Three figures crouched behind a row of barrels, whispering like conspirators in a sermon.
Jack Sparrow leaned around the crates, squinting toward the docks. "There she is, lads… that is the ship we will commandeer. The fastest ship in the Caribbean besides the Black Preal, give or take a hurricane."
Edward tilted his head, appraising the vessel with a tactician's eye. "Looks even better up close. You sure you can handle her?"
Jack flashed his trademark grin. "Handle her? Edward, she'll love me."
Will groaned softly. "Did you say that about your last ship?"
"And she did love me," Jack said indignantly. "For about five minutes, before she tried to sink me. Tragic romance, really."
Edward sighed, suppressing a smile. "You two bicker like an old married couple."
Jack smirked. "Only difference is I'm prettier."
Edward rolled his eyes. "Focus, gentlemen. We've got one shot before the guards change."
He glanced toward the fort, where lanterns flickered along the wall. He'd memorized the timing of the patrols, his photographic memory paying off again. Every thirty seconds, the north tower torch turned. That was their window.
Edward motioned. "Now."
They sprinted silently across the docks. Boots thudded against damp planks, ropes creaked in the sea breeze, and for a moment, Edward felt the rush of freedom tugging at his chest.
The Interceptor loomed before them, sleek, polished, and armed to the teeth.
Jack hopped aboard first, moving with a pirate's practiced ease. Edward followed, landing softly beside the rigging, while Will climbed up behind them, muttering prayers under his breath.
Jack turned, spreading his arms dramatically. "Gentlemen, welcome home."
"Until the Navy realizes it's missing," Edward muttered, heading toward the helm.
Jack grinned. "Then we best make haste before they notice, aye?"
Edward's hands moved quickly over the lines and sails, his years of naval training shining through. Jack watched, impressed despite himself.
"You've done this before," Jack noted.
Edward smirked. "I was trained by the best. … didn't realize I'd end up stealing what they taught me to defend."
Jack laughed. "The world's full of irony, lad. Drink to it when you can."
Down on the dock, a lantern bobbed.
"Oi! You there!"
A guard's shout cut through the quiet. Edward cursed softly. "So much for stealth."
Jack spun the wheel. "Well, subtlety's overrated anyway!"
Will grabbed a rope and began hauling the mainsail. Edward joined him, shouting orders as the ship groaned and caught the wind.
"Lines secured! Push her off!"
Jack bellowed something entirely unhelpful, mostly involving "savvy" and "rum," but the Interceptor slid free, cutting through the black water like a knife.
Cannon fire erupted from the shore, wild and panicked. A cannonball splashed harmlessly to their starboard side.
Edward grinned, adrenaline pounding. "They'll have to do better than that!"
Jack winked. "You sound like me, lad."
"That's what worries me."
As the lights of Port Royal faded behind them, Will finally caught his breath. "We actually did it…"
Edward smirked. "Told you it'd work."
"You also said it would be quiet," Will countered.
Jack interrupted cheerfully, "In fairness, lad, he never said whose definition of quiet."
Edward just chuckled. "The important part is we're free."
For a moment, there was silence, the rhythmic slap of waves against the hull, the creak of wood, and the distant cry of gulls.
Then came a faint sound.
A sneeze.
Will blinked. "Did either of you just?"
Another sneeze, muffled behind a crate near the helm.
Edward froze. "…Oh, for the love of"
He yanked the crate lid open.
Elizabeth Swann stared up at him, cheeks flushed, hair in disarray, and an expression halfway between guilt and defiance.
"Elizabeth!?" Edward exclaimed, voice a perfect mix of horror and disbelief.
Jack raised a brow. "Well now, this just got interesting."
Elizabeth straightened her dress indignantly. "You weren't really going to leave me behind, were you?"
Edward pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes. That was exactly the plan."
She crossed her arms. "I'm not some fragile flower to be locked away while you risk your life."
Jack grinned. "She's got spirit. I like her."
"Don't encourage her," Edward snapped.
Elizabeth turned her glare on him. "I heard that, brother."
Will stepped forward, trying (and failing) to hide a smile. "She's… brave."
"Foolhardy," Edward corrected. "And grounded when we reach land again."
Jack laughed, taking the wheel. "In the meantime, might as well make use of her. Never hurts to have a Swann aboard. Keeps the Navy guessing."
Elizabeth smirked. "You're welcome."
Edward sighed, muttering something about divine punishment and stubborn siblings.
Will leaned beside him. "You know, she's only trying to help."
"I know," Edward said softly. "That's what terrifies me."
As dawn began to rise, the Interceptor sailed free across the open Caribbean. The crew of four stood at the bow, wind in their hair, the horizon blazing gold ahead.
Jack hummed a shanty, Elizabeth glared at him, Will smiled faintly, and Edward, for all his frustration, couldn't help but grin.
Freedom. Chaos. Family.
It was, somehow, exactly what he'd always wanted, and deep down, he knew she wants it too.