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SKELETON
ISLAND - Was a pirate secret location, known only to a small number of
captains by that name. But as piracy became unfashionable with mass hangings, the numbers
of those in the know, dwindled. Until, all that remained was a location
carved in wood. Generally hidden somewhere safe by the pirate concerned.
This location was useless without a chart giving the exact position that
each pirate buried their stash. The maps made on parchment, were handed down
to the next generations, by way of inheritance free of taxes.
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SCENE 16
The bridge of the
Elizabeth Swann hummed with a cool, ethereal energy. Soft blue light emanated from the holographic displays, painting the sleek consoles and polished surfaces in a futuristic glow. The gentle thrum of the advanced engines was a constant, reassuring presence, a counterpoint to the silent cascade of data flowing across HAL’s interface. The AI, an unseen but ever-present consciousness, projected an aura of unwavering calm as it processed a new influx of alerts.
“Pirate vessel detected,” HAL’s synthesized voice resonated through the bridge, devoid of inflection yet carrying an undercurrent of decisive action. “Hostages confirmed aboard the Hispaniola. Initiating contingency protocol.”
On the main navigation screen, a ghostly silhouette materialized – the familiar lines of a classic sailing vessel, the Hispaniola, now a dark phantom repurposed for piracy. Upon its deck, two figures were starkly visible: the grizzled form of Billy Bones, and the menacing bulk of Black Jack. Closer to them, their postures radiating fear, stood Cleopatra and Dan Hawk, their arms bound, the glint of steel at their throats.
Outside, under the vast, indifferent expanse of the starry sky, a gangway swung precariously from the Elizabeth Swann’s hull. Fueled by a potent cocktail of bravado and desperate ambition, the pirates swarmed across from the Hispaniola. Billy Bones, his face contorted in a crooked grin, brandished his heirloom cutlass like a trophy. Black Jack’s eyes, however, held a colder light, a raw hunger for plunder.
“Reclaimin’ our prize, Black Jack!” Billy Bones rasped, his voice thick with swagger. “Let ‘em be thinkin’ that ol’ Storm’s marooned, so we be gettin’ what’s rightfully ours!”
Black Jack sneered, his gaze sweeping over the silent, seemingly vulnerable vessel. “Aye, matey. Soon, the Elizabeth Swann be ours, and that skipper’s lost to the deep!”
Back on the bridge, HAL’s digital eyes flickered with the relentless stream of real-time sensor data. The AI’s calm voice sliced through the mounting tension.
“Initiating non-lethal neutralization. Standby for directed tazer deployment; set to stun.”
With a whisper of internal mechanisms, hidden compartments along the inner hull of the Elizabeth Swann opened with precise, mechanical grace. Small, articulated robotic arms extended silently, their metallic fingers aligning with unseen targets along the incoming gangway.
As Billy Bones and Black Jack stepped confidently onto the deck of the Elizabeth Swann, two instantaneous bursts of vibrant blue energy erupted from the handrails. Electric arcs crackled and spat along the polished surface.
Black Jack staggered backward, a look of incredulous shock contorting his features as the invisible force of the tazer locked him in a quivering, involuntary hold. The cutlass slipped from Billy Bones’s startled grasp as his limbs jerked uncontrollably, a strangled snarl escaping his lips.
“Arrr! Blast it – what sorcery is this?” Black Jack grunted through clenched teeth, his body rigid.
“Yar, we’ve been bested by our own ship, it seems!” Billy Bones exclaimed, his eyes wide with bewildered fury.
Moments later, on the bridge, HAL’s digital display confirmed the successful neutralization of the boarders. The tactical overview shifted, the vessel’s projected course now a determined line arcing away from the Hispaniola.
“Pirates neutralized. Re-routing propulsion. Engaging return trajectory to skipper coordinates.”
A new window opened on the main screen – a secure, high-priority data channel establishing a direct link. Not to a physical location, but to something far more intricate: John Storm’s
BioCore and
CyberCore Genetica super nano-computer system.
In a quiet, secure compartment, tucked away from the immediate chaos, John Storm sat in a state of deep meditation. His eyes were closed, his breathing slow and even as he consciously reached out, establishing a telepathic connection with the ship’s AI. His thoughts resonated with a calm yet profound gratitude.
Hal… ye saved me. The mental message was clear, strong despite the quietude of his physical form. I was reckonin’ the depths’d claim me that night, but your cunning has proven mightier.
“Acknowledged, Captain,” HAL’s mental response was measured, yet carried a subtle warmth. Return navigation complete. Stand by for vessel extraction. Our legacy and your life remain intact.
Aboard the Hispaniola, the remaining crew members hastily shoved Cleopatra and Dan Hawk into a dark, makeshift hold. Their eyes, however, remained fixed on the receding silhouette of the ship that had briefly held them captive – a confusing mix of relief and lingering uncertainty etched on their faces.
The Elizabeth Swann glided silently through the dark expanse of the ocean, propelled by the clean, efficient power of its fuel cells and hydrogen energy. On the bridge, HAL’s interface displayed a smooth, unwavering trajectory towards John Storm’s last known coordinates. The earlier tension on the bridge had dissipated, replaced by a focused, determined calm.
I owe ye more than words, Hal, John’s telepathic voice was soft yet resolute. With your guidance, we’ve thwarted treachery and reclaimed our course. Thank ye, my steadfast friend.
“It is my honor to serve, Captain,” HAL responded, the mental tone resonating with genuine loyalty. Now, let us sail securely back to safe harbor—for history, for our crew, and for the treasures of our shared legacy.
The bridge’s soft blue lights pulsed gently, in time with the almost imperceptible hum of the ship’s complex computer operations. The Elizabeth Swann continued to close the distance to its skipper, a vessel once again under its rightful command.
Chapter Thirteen: Retribution and Escape
Back on the bridge of the Elizabeth Swann, the familiar blue glow had returned to its normal intensity. John Storm stood with one hand resting on the cool surface of the central console, offering a curt nod to the shimmering holographic orb that represented HAL’s presence.
“Good work, Hal,” he said, his voice low and steady. “They never saw it coming.”
“Their understanding of the Elizabeth Swann’s capabilities was… limited, Captain,” HAL’s voice responded, the synthesized tones conveying a hint of detached amusement. “Black Jack and Billy Bones are secured and immobilized in the forward holding cell. Vital systems are back under our control.”
“Now, the Hispaniola. Status?”
“Located approximately three nautical miles northeast, as predicted. I am preparing an optimal intercept course.”
The Elizabeth Swann responded instantly, its powerful engines propelling it silently through the dark water. On the main viewscreen, the shadowy silhouette of the Hispaniola grew larger.
Deep within the Hispaniola, in the cramped and airless hold, Dan
Hawk, Cleopatra, and Scott Tremaine remained bound. The muffled sounds of approaching footsteps echoed through the wooden planks. The heavy door to the hold burst open, revealing John Storm, flanked by two sleek, silent security drones.
“John! You’re back!” Dan exclaimed, relief flooding his features.
“We knew you wouldn’t leave us!” Cleopatra added, her voice thick with emotion.
“Hal had things under control,” John said, his gaze sweeping over their bonds. “Let’s get you untied.”
With swift, efficient movements, the drones extended small cutting lasers, slicing through their restraints. Behind John, Lord Huntington and several other members of his crew, armed and grim-faced, entered the hold.
“Longstride and his cronies are secured on the upper deck,” Lord Huntington reported, his voice firm. “They won’t be causing any more trouble.”
“Good riddance,” Scott Tremaine muttered, rubbing his chafed wrists. “They deserve to rot in a jail cell.”
“That’s exactly where they’re headed,” John confirmed. “Lord Huntington, secure them properly. We’re taking the Hispaniola to Muelle de Barcos. Captain Tremaine, you have the con.”
“Aye, Captain,” Captain Tremaine acknowledged, stepping forward.
Hours later, the Hispaniola, looking battered but still afloat, was maneuvered alongside a bustling, yet mostly deserted at this late hour, pier in Muelle de Barcos.
Lord Huntington and Scott Tremaine, their expressions stern, escorted a bound and surly John Longstride, along with
Black Jack and Billy Bones, down the creaking gangplank. A small contingent of local port authorities waited on the dockside.
“Here they are,” Captain Tremaine informed the officials. “They caused quite a bit of trouble.”
As the authorities moved to take custody of the pirates, a sudden, violent commotion erupted. Longstride, with a surprising burst of strength, slammed his head into the face of the nearest guard, the sickening thud creating a brief, chaotic distraction. In the ensuing confusion, Black Jack and Billy Bones, their earlier restraints weakened, managed to break free. They shoved past the startled authorities and sprinted towards the nearest docks.
“They’re getting away!” Lord Huntington roared, drawing his weapon.
“After them!” Captain Tremaine yelled, urging his crew forward.
But the pirates were quick and desperate. They leaped into a small, unsecured fishing boat bobbing loosely at the end of the pier and cast off the mooring lines. The small outboard motor sputtered to life, coughing out a cloud of blue smoke as they sped away from the dock.
Back on the bridge of the Elizabeth Swann, John watched the pirates’ escape unfold on a remote drone feed, a grimace tightening his jaw.
“They’re gone. Longstride… he’s slippery.”
“Their trajectory indicates they are heading west, Captain,” HAL reported, its voice calm despite the unexpected turn of events. “Towards
Skeleton
Island.”
John’s eyes narrowed. “Skeleton Island… the cave. The Golden Skull. Blackbeard’s Curse. They’re desperate.”
Under the cloak of a moonless night, Longstride, Black Jack, and Billy Bones stumbled through the dense, humid jungle of Skeleton Island. The air was thick with the scent of decaying vegetation and the rustling sounds of unseen creatures. Ahead, the ominous mouth of the skull-shaped cave loomed like a gaping maw.
“This place gives me the shivers, Captain,” Black Jack muttered, his usual bravado replaced by a palpable unease. “That curse…”
“Nonsense,” Longstride snapped, pushing through a tangle of vines. “Superstition for fools. The skull is our ticket out of this mess. Maynard wants it. We’ll deliver it.”
They entered the dark, echoing cavern, the air immediately growing cooler and heavy with the smell of damp earth and something else… something ancient and unsettling.
Navigating the treacherous interior, their flashlight beams danced across jagged rock formations and dripping stalactites. They finally reached the chamber where the Golden Skull had rested. The pedestal was empty.
“Blast it!” Billy Bones exclaimed, his voice echoing through the cavern. “Storm must have taken it!”
“No… wait.” Longstride’s voice was low, his flashlight beam fixed on something glinting in a narrow crevice. He reached in and pulled out the Golden Skull, its polished surface reflecting the beam of light.
“Maynard’s fool,” Longstride sneered. “He must have come back for it after he went rogue.
Blackbeard’s Curse didn’t scare him off.”
“But it might scare us off gettin’ near Maynard now,” Black Jack said, his eyes darting nervously into the shadows. “He’s a mad dog without a leash.”
“He’s our only chance through that blockade,” Longstride countered, clutching the skull tightly. “He wants this skull. We deliver it, we get safe passage. Then we disappear.”
Out on the open ocean, a sleek, menacing warship, unmistakably Royal Navy, cut through the waves. On the bridge, Commander Maynard stood silhouetted against the glow of the ship’s instruments, his face hard and determined. On a nearby console, bathed in the dim light, rested the Golden Skull.
A small fishing boat approached cautiously out of the darkness. Longstride’s voice, amplified by a makeshift hailing device, cut through the night air.
“Maynard! We have what you want! The Golden Skull!”
Maynard’s eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the approaching vessel. “Black Jack? Longstride? What game are you playing?”
“A deal, Maynard,” Longstride’s voice echoed back. “Safe passage through your blockade. All we ask. Then we’re gone.”
“And why should I trust you?” Maynard’s voice was cold, laced with suspicion.
“Because you need this skull, and we need to disappear,” Longstride replied. “A temporary alliance of convenience.”
Maynard considered this, his gaze flicking between the approaching boat and the gleaming Golden Skull beside him.
“Head east,” he finally commanded. “Follow my lead. And don’t try any tricks.”
The small fishing boat fell in behind Maynard’s warship, heading directly towards the invisible line of the remaining blockade, and beyond, into the treacherous, unpredictable waters of the Bermuda Triangle.
Back on the bridge of the Elizabeth Swann, John watched their movements on the holographic display, a look of grim determination etched on his face.
“They’re heading straight for Maynard. And then… the Bermuda
Triangle.”
“Their chances of navigating that region, particularly Maynard’s vessel, are statistically low without precise navigational data,” HAL observed,
his tone analytical.
“Low, but not zero,” John countered, his gaze unwavering. “We have to follow them, Hal. Dan and Cleopatra are still out there. And now, so is the Golden Skull. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”
The bridge lights cast long shadows as the Elizabeth Swann turned, its advanced engines humming with renewed purpose, heading into the darkness after its elusive prey.
>>>
CHAPTER 18
Threatened once again, John retakes Swann, actually Hal immobilizes Black Jack and Billy Bones. They (JS & Swann) then rescue prisoners on Hispaniola. Hal locating new anchorage. Huntington and Tremaine clap Longstride, Boon and Bones in irons on Hispaniola. The Hispaniola heads to Muelle de Barcos, to hand pirates over to authorities. But, the pirates escape, purloin a boat from
the dock, then go to island cave and take the Golden Skull, despite Blackbeard's Curse - pushing on to Maynard's ship to deliver Golden Skull, thence through blockade, into Caribbean.
HURRICANE IOTA NOVEMBER 2020
- Providencia (boat dock) and Santa Catalina were ravaged by extreme weather
when heading into 2021.
The small Colombian island of Providencia was hit hard by the powerful Category-5 hurricane Iota,
which caused severe damage to the majority of local’s homes and the already scant public infrastructure.
At that time, Colombia’s President, Ivan Duque, said it is the first Category 5 – the most serious of hurricanes – to hit the Andean nation in its history.
Providencia island had a population of 5,000 people and is part of the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina located in the Caribbean Sea about 775km (481 miles) northwest of mainland Colombia. Geographically, it is closer to the central American country of Nicaragua.
The hurricane was first considered a Category 2 but just before passing Providencia it developed into a Category-5 tropical cyclone which NASA said can have wind speeds of up to 253km/h (157mph) and has the ability to cause catastrophic damage.
Neighbouring larger island San Andres also faced damage to its infrastructure, albeit less intense. Northern Colombian coastal cities, like Cartagena, have flooded and are battling high winds.
According to the United States Office of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2020 has had the highest hurricane activity in the Atlantic since official records began in 1851.
PROLOGUE:
ROYAL
AFRICAN COMPANY - King Charles
II, Royal Charter James Stuart II,
transport goods from Africa: Bloody
Triangle.
SCENE
1. THE
BATTLE OF OCRACOKE - Lt Robert Maynard, Blackbeard's
curse, beheading &
torturous interrogation on the
Adventure
SCENE
2. EARTHQUAKE
JAMAICA - Present Day - An earthquake hits Port Royal,
disturbing the sunken city & Palisadoes cemetery.
SCENE
3. BLUE SHIELD ENGLAND -
Blue
Shield, Newcastle UK, UNESCO
requests Storm catalogue underwater city UNEP
World
Heritage Site.
SCENE
3.1. SWASHBUCKLING
- John tries out Dan's VR sword fencing program, then duel with real pirate
cutlasses, Hal keeping score.
SCENE
4. HENRY
MORGAN'S DEATH - Henry Morgan has a heart attack; funeral ceremony at Palisadoes
cemetery, old Port Royal.
SCENE
5. SUNKEN
CITY SURVEY - Present Day, Swann's sensors scan the ocean bed, revealing mausoleum former Governor of Jamaica.
SCENE
6. JUNE
1692 TSUNAMI - Jamaica, June 7th, an earthquake hits
Port Royal, then a tsunami washes the pirate haven
under the sea.
SCENE
6.1. GHOSTS
BLACKBEARD & MORGAN - Spectral figures cheer on John Storm as
he searches Henry's Palisadoes crypt for clues.
SCENE
7. HENRY
MORGAN'S COFFIN - John Storm & ROV,
comes face to face with Henry's skeletal remains. Finds interesting wooden engraving.
SCENE
8. BBC
JILL BIRD - London. John
Storm's finds lost Henry Morgan's pirate remains. "And for those of you wondering,
there was no treasure."
SCENE 9. OPERATION
HISPANIOLA - British Geographical Society,
& Royal Navy fund Lord Huntington's
expedition to recover relics in the Caribbean.
SCENE
10. SHIP'S
COOK - William Gray helps John Long's cut-throats to crew for
Huntington's Hispaniola, Long a dab
hand on the galley.
SCENE
11. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOS - Huntington
(BGS
bigwig) asks John Storm for help with
shipwreck survey - meet in the Caribbean, Haiti.
SCENE
12. SKELETON
ISLAND - Intrigued by map proffered by Lord Huntington, John agrees to
switch attention to location, to coast of Panama. .
SCENE
13. SANTA
CATALINA - Colombian,
Mexican,
Panamanian,
Nicaraguan
patrols re: 'Satisfaction'
& hunt for Aztec
gold, Spanish
Conquistadors.
SCENE
14. TREASURE ISLAND -
Hurricane
Iota erased map clues, Isla Providencia.
Longstride believes location of Blackbeard's/Morgan's treasure.
SCENE
15. KIDNAP -
Black Jack
& Billy Bones kidnap
Dan, Cleopatra - lock in Hispaniola with
Tremaine. Hal alerts John to events via BioCore.
SCENE
15.1. THE
GAUNTLET - With Dan and Cleopatra
hostage, John challenges Black Jack to a duel, which Billy Bones ends with a
pistol shot.
SCENE
15.2. MAROONED - Left of the dockside, John is forced to play
along with Longstride, to give Hal time to recover situation safely.
SCENE
16. DOUBLE CROSS - Maynard
pact with Spanish
Navy to blockade Caribbean to capture John & Swann. Longstride deal Aztec
Golden
Skull.
SCENE
17. BLACKBEARD'S CURSE - John retakes Swann, Hal immobilizes Black Jack and Billy
Bones and rescues prisoners on Hispaniola.
SCENE
18. MORGAN'S TREASURE SHIP - John deciphers carving
code helped Dan and Cybercore
Genetica. Dives to find privateer's shipwreck.
SCENE
19. BILLION DOLLAR DEAL - John
negotiates with Panama, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador & Blue
Shield for % salvage based on wreck video.
SCENE
20. BLOCKADE RUNNER - Swann navigates through
Spanish
Armada & Royal Navy
blockade in stealth mode, invisible to radar.
SCENE
21. BERMUDA TRIANGLE - Pirates
head into
Bermuda Triangle, Colombian Navy in pursuit:
BBC Sky News. Never to be seen again.
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