Sea Turtles

Joshamee Gibbs was bored. It had now been three months since he bid farewell to Jack Sparrow on the docks of Tortuga, six months since the battle against the Company Armada, and the terrible Maelstrom, and almost a year since the journey to the world beyond, to fetch Jack from the Locker.

Gibbs glanced around the crowded tavern and sighed. At first, his time spent on shore had passed in a blissful, rum-soaked haze: no worries, no fears, no danger (well, outside of the occasional belligerent drunk at the Faithful Bride). In short, a virtual paradise. But now, after having spent the better part of his most recent years battling undead pirates and eldritch creatures, Gibbs found even the tumultuous life in Tortuga exceedingly dull.

A voice at his elbow interrupted his thoughts.

"What's the matter, Josh?" Giselle, pretty as ever, slid onto the bench next to him and patted his knee. "You look like yer best friend just ran off with yer girl."

Gibbs smiled at the winsome wench, and shook his grizzled head. "Jack never did fancy the same curve t' the hull as I." He smiled at Giselle. "He preferred his t' be sleek and trim."

"I miss him." Giselle sighed. "Figure Jack ever got his ship back?"

Gibbs shook his head. "No tellin' what's become of Jack. Could be just about anywhere 'bout now." He took a long drink and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "No use frettin' over him. Knowing Jack, he'll show up when yer least 'pectin' him."

"Ain't that the truth!" Giselle smiled, lost in thought for a moment. "Remember that time he saved that woman fell off the docks?"

"Full Sail Sally!" Gibbs chuckled. "She 'bout near drowned ol' Jack." He smiled ruefully and added, "Never did let me forget it, either."

The two friends shared a laugh, before Giselle rose to go. "Well, I best be getting' back to work, Josh." She bent down and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "We'll look for you this Sunday, if yer still interested in going."

Gibbs patted her on the hand. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

--

The following Sunday found Gibbs on the road heading towards the waterfront, dawn's rosy hues painting the slumbering streets of Tortuga, still abed after the bacchanalian celebrations of the night before. Not accustomed to rising with the sun, Gibbs yawned widely as he picked his way through the muddy street, stepping over the occasional drunk sleeping off the night's libations.

The reason for his early rising was waiting on the quay: the two women whom he'd developed an unusual sort of kinship with during the past months. Part adviser, part protector, purely platonic, the three of them had bonded over a common bond: Jack Sparrow. The women waited for Gibbs now, toes tapping in impatience, eager to embark on their little adventure.

"You came!" Giselle declared, then turned to her companion. "Didn't I tell you, Letty? He's a man of his word."

Scarlett smiled. "Unlike someone else we know."

"Now don't be bad mouthing Jack again, Letty," Giselle sighed. "He'll make it up to you, next time he's in port. You wait and see."

Scarlett just snorted.

Gibbs thought it prudent to change the subject. "Are you ladies ready to sail?" He shot a curious look around the dock that was already teeming with activity as the local fishermen made ready their nets and boats. "Which boat did you hire?"

Scarlett frowned. "There is a bit of a problem there."

"None of the locals will sail with a woman," Giselle added. "Say it's bad luck."

Gibbs nodded. "Frightful bad luck."

Scarlett stomped her foot. "Then how are we to get to Port-de-Paix? This is the only day of the week that the market is open." She gave her head an impatient toss. "You seem willing to sail with us. Can't you talk to one of them?"

"Aye, I'll do my best. Bound to be one willin' t' take you ladies on board," Gibbs said, with more conviction than he felt.

A familiar figure caught his eye as he glanced around the dock again, a slight figure in a floppy hat, bent over a pile of nets. "Blessed sweet Westerlies, it's Ana!" Gibbs exclaimed.

Excusing himself from the wenches he wove his way through the throng of fishermen along the dock. Gibbs reached the petite woman and raised a hand to clap her on the back. With sudden reservations, he refrained at the last minute and thrust out his hand instead. "You're a sight for sore eyes, to be sure!" He vigorously shook her hand, beaming a heartfelt smile.

"Mr. Gibbs," AnaMaria replied with a smile. "Weren't expecting to see you in Tortuga!" She shook his hand and sat back on her heels, her demeanor more subdued. "Mon Dieu! Is it true what they're saying? About Jack?"

"Depends on which tale yer talking about," Gibbs said with a waggle of brows. "There's many a tale told 'bout Jack Sparrow." He lowered his voice. "And a good deal of truth in them rumors.

"Heard he cheated death."

"Aye."

"Helped destroy the Armada and Beckett."

"Aye."

"Only to get the Pearl stolen -- by Barbossa -- again." Ana smiled.

Gibbs gave her a sheepish grin. "Aye, that too."

"Guess nothing's changed much after all." Ana shook her head.

"Aye." Gibbs sighed. "So what brings you to Tortuga, Ana?"

She shrugged. "My auntie lives up in the hills. I help her out when the season's slow. Finally got me a new boat," she added proudly, pointing to a small shallop, customarily used for turtling, that was tied up to the dock.

"A fine vessel it is. You're doin' well for yerself then?" Gibbs asked.

Ana shrugged again. "I make a living. Why?"

Gibbs decided a straight out attack would be the best approach. "I'm lookin' for passage to Port-de-Paix for myself and a couple of lady friends…"

Ana raised a brow and glanced down the pier, where the two wenches waited impatiently, parasols raised to ward off the morning sun.

"Them?" She shook her head. "Whatever do they want to go to Port-de-Paix for? Business been slow around here?" She gave him a speculative look. "They won't be welcome peddling their wares there."

Gibbs rubbed the back of neck. "They're not going there for that." He cleared his throat. "They asked me to accompany them to the market, 'tis all. Miss Scarlett's wanting to pick some tonics and such." He smiled. "Miss Giselle's just lookin' t' get out of Tortuga for a spell."

Ana grunted and went back to her nets, without further comment. After another long moment, Gibbs tried another tactic, one he knew would get her attention. "They'll willin' t' pay for passage."

AnaMaria stood up and squared her shoulders. "I'm doing fine without having to be taking on passengers." She glared at Gibbs. "Especially a couple of doxies that'll probably be heaving all over my clean decks before we ever clear the bay."

"It's a short trip," Gibbs countered. "Ain't no one else t' ask. Won't sail with a woman."

Ana rolled her eyes. "Surprised you're willing!" She thought for a moment then relented. "Fine. I'll take your women there, but I want my fee upfront."

Relieved, Gibbs went back to the women, beaming with the good news. Soon, they were on board the shallop and settled at the bow, as the crew made ready to cast off. As they made their way out of Tortuga harbor, Gibbs breathed deep the salty air. It felt good to be back on the water again!