Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom

aiting me, trying to get me to do something stupid, so he’ll have
some excuse to kill me, he realized. I can’t give him what he wants.
“Of course not,” he said, aloud.
Christophe stroked his freshly shaven chin thoughtfully. He was
dressed in his turquoise coat on this bright morning. “Jacques, I have
been thinking. Now that most of Borya’s fleet is gone, perhaps I shall
become the new commander of our little venture. Have my own fleet,
eh? And in that case, I’ll need captains for my vessels. Would you like
to be one of them, Jacques?”
Jack tried to decide what answer would be best. He didn’t believe
Christophe was serious for a moment. If he answered wrong, how long
would he live?
The captain smiled engagingly. “Think of it! Instead of sending that
flute we’ll be boarding today to the sea bottom, I could merely capture
her, and give her to you, mon ami, to captain for me. Admittedly, she’s
a bit unwieldy and slow, but one must start somewhere. What say you,
Jacques?”
I say that I want nothing to do with you ever again, except
perhaps to spit you on my sword and watch you die in agony, you
vicious waste of air, Jack thought. This exchange was making his
blood boil, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep his
expression neutral.
He managed an unconcerned shrug. “You know, I think I need a bit
more experience before I’m ready for my first command, mate.
Perhaps the next ship will be a better match for me, eh?”
Christophe eyes narrowed as he tried to figure out whether Jack
was being sarcastic. Jack maintained his bland expression. He was
only too aware that antagonizing Christophe would be beyond stupid.
Finally, after a long pause, Christophe blinked, and shrugged.
“Very well, mon ami,” he said. “I will keep it in mind.”
“Merci beaucoup,” Jack said.
The rogue captain turned to leave, then paused, looking back at
Jack over his shoulder. “I want you in the boarding party, Jacques. You
may have a cutlass, but no pistol.” He smiled. “Alas, I fear I don’t quite
trust you, Jacques.”
Jack did his best to look suitably wounded by this barb. He