A/N: Ahoy there mateys! Finally, I am updating! The move is complete and life is beginning to settle back down to normal so there should be more regular updates once again. First this, and later tonight...The Horizon...well, hopefully at least.

Miss Anya: Glad to see you still reading along. Since it's been a long time since I updated, perhaps your computer problems are over now :o) I promise not to keep you waiting so long anymore.

kungfuchick: It's good to see a new reader :o) I'm glad you're enjoying mate! I'm going to keep you waiting a bit more on Jack and Ana actually meeting one another, but I promise the time will come.

Drink up me 'earties. Yo ho!

Chapter Nine

Fortunately, Gibbs had not arrived at the Briar Rose yet so Jack took a seat at the bar and ordered some rum while he waited on his good friend to join him. Jack looked around for Giselle, but then remembered her telling him the previous evening that tonight was her night off. He regretted drinking so much and passing out, he would have liked to go home with either her or Scarlett, but it was too late for that now. He would have to see them both at another time.

Jack was beginning to wonder if Gibbs was going to show up at all when the older man sat down on the stool beside him.

"Sorry Jack, I know I'm a bit late," he apologized.

"I've been 'ere for almost an 'our mate. Where've you been?" Jack asked, having grown ornery while waiting.

"I overheard an interesting conversation on my way 'ere," Gibbs said. "Stopped to eavesdrop."

"'ope it was important. You kept me waiting a bloody long time," Jack said.

Gibbs ordered a drink from the man behind the bar and then turned to look at Jack again. "There were several men talkin' about Anamaria. When I heard 'er name, I thought it might be in our best interest if I'd stop and listen," Gibbs hesitated.

"Well," Jack said, urging him on.

"I didn't find out much. I think they realized I was listenin' because they lowered their voices and kept lookin' around so I left before I had a chance to hear all of their conversation. I believe they must be with a crew that's here for a coupla days, seemed as if they're leaving tomorrow," Gibbs paused as he accepted the mug being offered to him and took a long drink from it.

Jack waited for him to proceed.

"But I believe they have a score to settle with the little lass."

"Hmm," Jack pondered. "Wonder what that's all about?"

"I don't know," Gibbs said, taking another drink from his mug. "Good thing she's one of those girls who can handle herself, eh?" Gibbs chuckled. "I'd hate to be the guy who makes the mistake of misjudging her in a dark alley."

Jack laughed. He and Gibbs drank together for several hours, Jack being careful not to consume as much alcohol as he had the night before. They talked about the memories they had shared together sailing the open sea and enjoying themselves at different ports.

Gibbs thought back to the day he had first laid eyes on Jack. He had had the pleasure of meeting Captain Jack Sparrow about six or seven years ago, he was unable to remember an exact amount of time. He had just ended his service with the king's navy and was taking in some much needed rest and relaxation in Tortuga. Having been drinking all day at the Briar Rose, he was not able to recall the exact circumstances surrounding their introduction, but they had become good friends almost instantly. Gibbs had always wondered why Jack had taken to him so kindly right from the start; he had never seen Jack react that way with anyone else. Jack was a careful character, never providing anyone with much information about himself, but always saying just enough to make someone comfortable sharing information with him. Gibbs didn't understand how he did it, he supposed it was his unique charm that made him so approachable and easy to talk to, whether it involved picking up a beautiful young woman or gathering valuable information from other sailors.

Gibbs was glad to see Jack rebuilding his life now. For too long he had moped around depressed about the Pearl, finally he was making a move to do something about it and he could tell that Jack was the better for it.

Gibbs truly liked sailing under Jack's command. He was a good captain, one of the best that Gibbs had ever sailed with. And while he would never tell Jack and knew full well that Jack would certainly never admit to it, Jack was a better man than most pirates. He had a good heart and was less cruel than most. However, Gibbs also knew that Jack's number one priority was Jack and if any man got in the way of something he wanted, he would end up paying dearly.

They laughed together at the joyous times they had shared and then Jack said, "I think I need a breath of fresh air." He finished the last of his rum and set the mug down heavily. "Seems a bit louder in 'ere than normal tonight. Step outside with me for a moment."

Gibbs drained the last of his alcohol in one long last swallow. "It is a bit more raucous in here than usual," he said as he and Jack made their way around the various brawls that were taking place inside the tavern.
"Bloody scallywags," Jack cursed, pushing his way out the door. Gibbs followed him around the building into an alley that was less crowded.

"At last," Jack sighed, taking a deep breath. "I think it's about time for me to 'ead out to sea again Gibbs. I'm beginning to feel a bit trapped on this damned island."

"Never can stay in one place too long, can ya Jack?" Gibbs asked.

"Not unless it's on a ship," Jack said, looking up at the sky to check the weather. It was still fairly early in the evening, but Jack could tell the skies would be clear for at least the next day or two, perfect sailing weather.

Just then there was a loud scream from across the street. As hectic and noisy as everything was around them, it still drew Gibbs and Jack's attention. The woman who had screamed was a town sleeper who had apparently been busy with a customer only seconds before, when it looked as if she had been interrupted by a swordfight. Violence was such an integral part of Tortuga that Jack could hardly imagine someone being so frightened as to scream that loudly. He took several steps closer to get a better view and found that the reason for the scream was that the fight appeared to be five against one and the one who was alone was a girl…a beautiful dark-skinned pirate girl.