Lost City of Atlantis (POTC 6) + Shorts

Chapter 2: Islands of Hawai'i

I stood at the wheel next to Jack as he corrected our course. The inky waters were calm and the bright full moon cast enough light for us to see decently in the darkness. The stars above our heads danced, and finding the constellations became one of my favorite nighttime activities ever since Carina taught them to me. We had to sail around Africa in order to reach the Pacific Ocean.

"The Pacific Ocean?!" Gibbs asked in disbelief when we informed him about our heading.

"Aye, Mr. Gibbs, the Pacific Ocean. Sea of Magellan," Jack said.

"Are you sure it says Sea of Magellan?" Gibbs asked, raising his eyebrow as he questioned us.

"Oh, I'm sorry, have my translation skills been letting you down?" I asked sarcastically.

"What's in the Pacific Ocean?" Gibbs asked.

"The cryptogram indicates that there is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, north. We have to go there," I said.

"In all my years, I have never heard about any islands in the Pacific Ocean," Gibbs scoffed. "It's impossible, there's nothing on the other side of the New World."

"Not according to my father," I snapped at him.

"What do you think, Jack?" Gibbs asked.

Jack's eyes widened as he darted his eyes briefly between me and Gibbs as he carefully contemplated his answer. He finally said, "we'll see," and he took out his compass. The needle spun slightly before landing in the direction we were headed. He looked up at Gibbs and replied, "aye, I believe it."

A small smile tilted my lips up and I said, "looks like we have another adventure beyond your beloved horizon."

"Indeed," Jack smiled back at me feverishly.

I did not want any distractions while I was focusing on the map. Jack was a big distraction. I excused myself and dropped down to the deck. I delivered orders to the crew as I walked back downstairs to the map to continue deciphering it without getting side-tracked.

We had to sail towards Antarctica in order to get to the Pacific Ocean. The hours flew by, but I decided to take a break and go upstairs to ensure that we were still going the right way.

Scrum had made everyone supper and the crew was beginning to swarm around the deck, eating together. Marty handed me one of the few plates we had on the ship with some cut up vegetables, cooked meat, and bread on it with a cup of fresh water to wash it down. I thanked him and found a nearby barrel to eat on. I pulled it up toward everyone so I could sit on it as I ate.

I drank the water a little fast, so I got up to head over to our barrel to refresh it. I noticed that Jack didn't have a cup so I asked, "Jack, would you like a water?"

"I'm good, darling."

What does that mean?

"Well, yes you are," I said supportively. I waited a beat and then asked, "but what about the water?"

It was then explained to me that he meant 'no'.

I got back to my seat while Jack went up to the wheel, then we drifted between glaciers that were stuck in the frozen waters. The freezing air nipped at my nose, reminding me of why I stay in the warm environment of the Caribbean. I shivered as I ate. My hand was shaking as I held the cup in my hand.

As the crew began telling tales of our adventures throughout the years, I saw Jack come down from the helm and whistle at Cotton to take over for him. Cotton took his place as Jack swaggered up to me. I glanced at him and saw him take his jacket off. He draped his coat over my shoulders, and it was still warm from his body heat.