Sorry about the extra long delay between comments this time, I've been away! In spite of the fact that Ana is in such pain and discomfort here, it still comes across as a peaceful chapter, of sorts, a bit of a lull before the really bad things start to happen again. I like the interaction between Jack and Ana very much, the respect between them that is evident even in the midst of the sometimes tense and testy banter. The situation here is both funny and poignant and Jack, of course, tackles this most delicate problem with his usual creativity :-) And with a certain gentleness and consideration for Ana's feelings. I also liked that we got to know a little about Ana's past, and this: Perhaps, someday, she would go home and see. If she lived.

Another favourite moment was Jack's communion with the Pearl: ...he’d made his peace with her. She would protect him with her broken wings.

And Anamaria did not look vulnerable with four inches of steel driven into her thigh, as he had cause to know. That's Ana, and this is so very her, in my mind, as well: Whatever brilliantly mad plan Jack had gone in pursuit of, it would require that she at least sit up. Therefore, she would sit up. Without his help. Even though she felt as limp as a sail in the doldrums.

All the Jacks smirked at her. This whole bit of the conversation, with the two of them discussion how many of him there are, made me smile :-)

“The only time you were ever harmless,” Anamaria grumbled, “was before you were conceived. Lol! Probably.

But we’ll contrive, love.” Anamaria smiled, her eyes closed now. “You always do.” A rather hopeful ending, that's nice ;-)