Chapter one: 7 and 11 months, 8 in 24 days
Gibbs strolled down the busy streets of Singapore. He checked the sun and growled silently to himself. His Captain had instructed that all crewmembers must be back at the docks at half past five. It was way past six o'clock already, and he was nowhere near the docks. In fact, he was lost.
He asked many people for directions, but many didn't speak English. The select few that did speak English were either rude or didn't quite understand Gibb's version of the language.
'Whose stupid idea was it to come to Singapore?' He thought to himself.
In his frustration, Gibbs stopped watching where he was going. It was a matter of seconds before he made a head-on collision with a small boy, who was visibly no older than ten.
"Oh dear! I am so sorry mister! I wasn't watching where I was going!" Exclaimed the boy, who had ended up on the ground after bouncing off Gibbs.
"No need to apologize me lad, 'twas all my fault."
Gibbs held out a hand and helped the boy up, taking the opportunity to take a closer look at him.
The boy was small, yes, but he had a witty nature about him. He had brown eyes, lined with kohl, mens clothing that was a little too big for him, a red bandana and several dreadlocks and braids. And he spoke English.
"Thankyou mister." The boy said as he scrambled to his feet.
"No worries. Me name's Gibbs. You have a name?"
The boy nodded.
"Jack."
"Well, nice to meet you Jack. You have a last name?"
Jack paused momentarily, then shook his head.
"No? How do ye get by without a last name?"
"You see, Mr Gibbs, I…I don't like telling people me last name." He replied, staring at his shoes.
"Come on Jack, I don't make fun of people's names, you can trust me."
Jack looked up at Gibbs.
"Me mum told me to never tell people that are older than me our last name."
Gibbs paused, then smiled.
"Better not go against yer mums wishes, eh?" He joked. "How old are you again Jack?"
"7 and 11 months, 8 in 24 days." Jack replied, smiling and standing up proudly.
"Goodness me, you're quite smart for a nearly 8 year old, aren't you? Do you happen to know where the docks are?"
Jack nodded. "Of course. I hang out there all day 'till the navy gets annoyed. Then they chase me away. I'll show you."
He started to walk quickly in another direction and Gibbs followed. They walked through many crowds, shops and villages. Finally, Gibbs saw the sea, the docks…
And his ship sailing away in the distance.