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Investigation

by Geek Mama
September 24, 2005

Having recovered somewhat from the treasure's blinding glint, Norrington gestured and said, "I take it that's Barbossa?"

"Aye," said Sparrow, grimly. He strode off, leading the way over rock and precious scree, and through the shallow water, and Norrington followed, though his lieutenants hung back, still apparently bedazzled by the vast hoard.

But when the two drew near the fallen villain, a tiny figure leapt shrieking atop it.

Sparrow started violently. "Bloody hell! The damned monkey!"

He went for the creature, but it darted away, scolding and circling, and Sparrow's face was a picture of surprise as Norrington calmly stooped and offered it a hand. The monkey hesitated briefly, then launched itself, scurrying to the broad shoulder. Norrington straightened, and the animal chittered in distress, wrapping skinny arms about its rescuer's neck. Despite the indignity, Norrington chuckled. "Barbossa's pet?"

"Aye, the little bastard."

"Now, Sparrow!" Norrington chided. "He seems quite tame. My sister had one, years ago."

"Did she? Not like this one, I'll warrant."

"Perhaps not entirely." Norrington drew his head back to look, and the monkey did so, too, studying the man in return. Norrington remarked, "He's seems in good health. Very well dressed. Does he have a name?"

Sparrow didn't answer immediately, and Norrington turned to find the pirate scowling. The Commodore raised a brow. "Well?"

The scowl cleared, abruptly. "Name's 'Hector'."

"Hector!" Norrington turned to the creature, which had become quite alert at the utterance. "Hector?"

The monkey cocked its head as though in inquiry.

Norrington gave a small, satisfied smile, and turned back to Sparrow.

"Well. The information you gave us, incomplete though it was -" Norrington made a casual gesture indicating the vast fortune heaped about the cavern "- seems to be born out by what we've seen so far. The animal can't survive here. We'll have to take him with us."

"Take him?" Sparrow exclaimed, outraged.

"You have an alternate suggestion?"

Sparrow ground his teeth. "I've a great many, Commodore, none of which involve preserving the life o' that worthless animal, so I'll save me breath. I can see you've made up your mind."

Norrington nodded. "I never doubted your powers of observation, Sparrow."

*

Somewhat later little Jack was being carried, shoulder high, from the cavern, one forepaw gripping the fine coat of his savior, the other fingering the medallion hidden in his pocket. He looked back at the pirate with the burning eyes, swaying along behind them, and bared his teeth in a toothy grin.

~.~

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