Author's Note: Good evening, everyone! As I promised about a week ago, the next story update! Since it has been a while since I had updated this story, I decided to make it a bit long...like, over 6,000 words and 13 or so pages long. So I hope this will tide everyone over until the next chapter.

My current plan is to finish this story before I get too much into my story Maethor o Galad, as events from this story will tie into that. Well, kind of. Without risk of spoilers, we will cross that bridge when we get there! I will try to sate my need to write anything for LOTR/The Hobbit by finally making some headway with The Return of an Heir. Or continue to read The Simarillion...that could help too.

I am also going to be editing the first chapter of this story, if only for a minor adjustment. So nothing too big, but it'll help make the timeline between this story and Beckett's Hell make more sense. Everything is a little wibbly wobbly, timey whimey right now. So without further ado, please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or Pirates of the Caribbean. They belong to BBC and Disney, respectively.

Chapter Two

I was panicking. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't move. I couldn't even think. The only sound I could hear was the rapid thumping of my heart. I wasn't sure at all how I was going to explain this to the Doctor. There had been a small hope kindling within me that Gibbs hadn't recognized me, that maybe I was going to be able to get off scot free. But the widening of his eyes warned me that he had, and that I was going to have a bad time.

"Lass?" I heard him say.

Shit! I thought. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see that the Doctor was getting suspicious. Say something! Anything!

I nodded, determined to get myself out of this situation. "Yes," I finally said, mustering the best British accent that I could. "I am a lass. But most people usually lead with asking 'Who are you?' instead of commenting on their gender."

My unorthodox greeting yielded a very confused look from the first mate.

"Well that's not fair to them," the Doctor interjected. "There are planets out there where you would be considered a man and I would be a woman."

There were a series of snickers coming from the pirates surrounding us. I rolled my eyes while Gibbs shot everyone else a warning glare. Turning to the Time Lord, I cautioned him. "Probably shouldn't have led with that."

"I was just trying to make a point."

I gave him a quick glare, and then turned to Gibbs, giving him a pleading look. I wanted to convey the importance of ignorance, still convinced that the Doctor was suspicious. I felt bad for deceiving the Doctor, and even more so for attempting to coerce another into my plan. However, now was not the time to try to explain to a 900-year-old Time Lord that you already knew the people standing in front of you and how exactly you came to know them. I knew that this would be for naught if the first mate didn't get the hint. Then again, I wasn't exactly being very helpful. I really didn't know what I was doing.

Gibbs broke the tension that filled the air, unknown to all but me. "Who are you?"

I breathed a sigh of relief. Before I could answer him, there was a small cough from the Doctor, who was clearing his throat. "I'm the Doctor, and this is Xanthe." He had beaten me to it.

"A pleasure," I greeted to the crew, managing to keep up the accent. At least, I hoped I was managing it.

All around us, there were whispers. A few of the crew members were eyeing me up and down. To say that I felt uncomfortable would be an understatement. I felt dirty, like I wanted to crawl out of my skin and go into hiding. Gibbs must have sensed my discomfort, as he looked around the crew, silencing them with one look. It was enough to make them fear for themselves, I imagined. It made me feel better, but it also made me feel bad for them.

If looks could kill. I just hope that the Doctor doesn't catch on.

I heard a faint hum in the back of my mind. I smiled, realizing where it had come from. I turned and gave a knowing glance at the TARDIS. I felt calmer, as if a warmth had enveloped me. My head was clear, clear enough to formulate a plan.

"I am sorry for landing on your ship," I could hear the Doctor apologize. "Honest mistake. Could have sworn that we landed somewhere….well, on land."

"Very sorry, indeed," I reiterated.

I had looked back and immediately felt terrible. Poor Gibbs was so confused, enough that his frustration was seeping through the airs he was putting on in front of the crew. A part of me wanted to tell him that half of them didn't deserve that kind of respect, while the other just wished that I could tell him what was going on. I knew that anything I told him wouldn't really help—I didn't really understand what was going on either—but I wanted to try.

This time, a sympathetic hum sounded in my head.

"Now," the Doctor continued. "If you could take us to the captain, so he can give us directions to the nearest port, we will get out of your hair."

What can I do? I wondered. If he figures it out, I'm in for it.

The wrath of a Time Lord was not something that I wanted to experience for myself. From the safety of a television or computer screen, however, was just fine with me. I needed to think of something fast, something that would keep Gibbs from blowing a fuse. I was running out of things to say, and out of time.

What would Jack do?

My eyes widened at that inner question. What would Jack do? I considered everything that had been said up to this point, trying to determine if there was anything that I could use to my advantage. I needed to gain a clear upper hand, which I was losing fast.

"Now, if you could please take us to the captain—"

It hit me like a ton of bricks. I put my hands down—something I didn't realize I still had up—and looked to the Doctor.

"Wait a minute, Doctor," I began. "How do we know that he isn't the captain?"

"What?" both the Time Lord and first mate asked in unison.

Determined, I pressed this line of questioning and flattery. "He could very well be the captain. Then, that's one less step to worry about and we can get our directions."

"Me?" Gibbs pointed to himself, a slight blush coming over his cheeks.

And here I thought the only blush I'd see on him would be from drinking too much rum.

The Doctor folded his arms across his chest. "There's no way he's the captain," he commented. "He doesn't look it."

Gibbs looked quite offended. "Now wait a minute—"

"Well, that's rude," I countered. "You shouldn't judge people by what they look like or how they are dressed. That's profiling, and I don't condone it."

"Thank you, lass, but you know that alrea—"

"You should at least ask him first. Then you can go from there."

"Alright fine," the Doctor acquiesced. Turning towards Gibbs, he asked, "Are you the captain?"

"No," Gibbs answered. "But she—"

"Ha!" came the exclamation. "There, you see? He's not the captain."

Gibbs looked like his ego had been wounded. Poor Mr. Gibbs. I sighed. "Are you done gloating?"

"Yes, I am."

I shook my head, crossing my own arms across my chest. "Anywho, that wasn't the point that I was making," I explained.

The Doctor looked genuinely curious. "What was the point then?"

"The point was that you shouldn't assume."

The Time Lord paused a moment, and then nodded. "Fair enough. At least some humans get it right."

What began as a small smile was stopped when I really registered what he had said. My brow furrowed as I finally said, "I guess I will take that as a compliment."

He nodded. "You should."

I glared at the Doctor, remembering that he had a penchant for insulting species when he was getting upset. I wished I could tell him that he wasn't the only one that was upset, that he needed to calm down and think before speaking. But I knew that I had no right to do so, and for several reasons.

That still didn't keep me from slipping from my charade slightly when I turned to Gibbs, sighing. "You'll have to forgive him. Sometimes he forgets who he is around."

"What do you mean by that?" the Doctor inquired, seemingly offended. I could also sense something else akin to suspicion.

Way to go, I thought to myself. You just can't keep your mouth shut, can you? And you were going to criticize him for the same thing you just did. Hypocrite!

Trying to change the subject and return to the matter at hand, whilst berating myself, I continued. "If it's still not too much trouble, sir, will you please take us to your captain?"

A completely and utterly bewildered Gibbs looked between the two of us, not too sure of how else to proceed. After a moment of silence, he managed an "Aye?"

Looking at the Doctor, who looked relieved, I smiled. There wasn't a hint of suspicion in his eyes; just elation as we were finally able to proceed with negotiations and get somewhere. I knew he was eager to get back to London to defeat the Autons. I couldn't help but feel relieved. My plan somehow managed to succeed. I walked over to Gibbs, taking his hands and giving them a slight shake. Keeping my face hidden from the Doctor, I said to the first mate, "Thank you, sir. I am very grateful."

If I didn't know better, I'd say that he was slightly drunk. But I did know better, and this was a side of Gibbs that I had not expected to see, especially for someone as superstitious as he. "Well…er, don't mention it," he had finally managed to utter.

Before he could turn away and lead us to the cabin, I squeezed his hands, eyes widening as I did so. Gibbs gave me a suspicious look. Giving a slight nudge towards the Doctor, his eyes seemed to soften. Very carefully, so as to not alert the Time Lord, I quietly mutter, "Pretend to not know me. The Doctor doesn't know me yet."

I could see a glint of concern in his eye, no doubt curiosity filling his mind. He didn't press the matter, which I was thankful for. I knew he would have questions, but it wasn't the time nor the place. Gibbs merely nodded at me and muttered, "Follow me, then."

I gestured to the Doctor to follow, who looked back at the TARDIS before finally joining us. I put my hand on his shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile, hoping it would allay his fears. He nodded, his face set in determination, and we followed Gibbs through the throng of pirates to the captain's cabin. As we walked, they followed behind us, enclosing us like two halves of a sea that had been parted, only to be rejoined. They were probably intent on finding out what our fates would be. Most of the crew was made up of new faces, but I was able to recognize the familiar ones. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a brightly colored bird perched on someone's shoulder. As we passed, it squawked, "RAWK! Pretty girl!"

I couldn't help the blood rushing to my face as I blushed. I really hoped that the Doctor wouldn't turn around and say anything because of Cotton's parrot. That was a conversation that I didn't want to happen. Lord knows what that bird would tell him. As we got closer to the cabin, I whispered to the Doctor, "What do you think the captain's going to be like?"

"I think that I am going to take a page from your book on this one," he replied smartly.

I rolled my eyes. "Honestly, Doctor. I'm not lying when I say that I'm a tad bit frightened."

His countenance softened as he put a hand on my shoulder. "It'll be alright. I'm sure he'll understand and will let us go with no strings attached."

"You're sure?" I asked. "Or are you just hoping?"

"It's my hope."

I gave him a half-hearted chuckle. "Figured as much."

"Do you blame me?"

I looked at him as Gibbs knocked on the cabin door. As he disappeared through it, I studied the Doctor. There was a wave of emotions sweeping through him; from the excitement at the prospect of negotiating with pirates to his irritation at not being able to leave and continue with his mission. There were two emotions that seemed to battle each other as the Doctor tried to maintain his composure. There was the hope that he had mentioned, hope that we would get out of this unscathed, and fear. For what exactly, I couldn't tell, but The Doctor was afraid, and in that moment, I knew I had to be brave, for the both of us.

My eyes were drawn back to Gibbs as he came back and gestured for us to come in. Before walking in, I shook my head and told the Doctor, "No, I don't blame you at all."

The Doctor nodded towards me, and I followed Gibbs in first. I felt a slight flutter in my chest as I entered the cabin, but I shook it off. I knew I couldn't give myself away here, something I knew that would be difficult. I had to stay strong and keep my composure. If not for me, then at least for the Doctor. I sighed.

These were going to be some long negotiations.

I carefully made my way down the stairs to the brig, with Elizabeth, Murtogg, and Mullroy in tow. I was still feeling weak, but I had insisted that I come down here when my bandages had been changed. The Donna had tried to talk me out of it, to get me to stay in bed and rest until we got to Port Royal, but I was adamant. Even if I knew what would happen next, I wasn't going to take any chances. I had to do this.

As we neared the bottom of the stairs, I got a little lightheaded and swayed more than I would have liked to. Thankfully, Elizabeth was quick to catch me, careful of the wound on my right shoulder. I tightened my grip on the handrail and took a slow, deep breath. Through the pain and sudden queasiness, I could hear Elizabeth's worry-filled question. "Are you alright?"

I nodded slowly, talking in my normal voice. "Yeah," I answered. "I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? We can go back."

I carefully shook my head. "No, I need to do this. I might not get the chance when we get to Port Royal."

Elizabeth hesitated, but then nodded and helped me down the rest of the stairs. The guards carefully walked by to get in front. Looking at me, Murtogg gestured to the second door from us. "This way."

We followed them through the threshold and into the brig. It was a massive room lined with small cells with cots inside them. If you listened closely, you could hear slight dripping, but otherwise the only sound you could hear was the creaking of the boards as the ship pushed through the water. My eyes scanned the room. It was hard to see in the dimly lit room, a few candles glowing along the walls. I couldn't help but wish that I had night vision.

Man, I thought. I wish I was an elf!

It was then that I saw him. In the farthest corner of the brig, laying in his cot, was Jack. I began carefully shuffling over when I felt a gentle hand on my back. I looked to Elizabeth and shook my head. Against my better judgement, I pleaded with her. "Please, no. I need to do this by myself."

Her eyes begged me to let her help, but she did not push it. "I'll be here if you need me."

I nodded, giving her a quick "Thank you," and then continued to walk in the direction of Jack's cell. Fearing that I would collapse any second, I made sure to hold onto the bars that made up the different cells as I pushed on. Eventually, I made it without a scratch.

I smiled when I saw him. He was laying with one foot propped up, seemingly asleep. But I knew better than that. He would have heard us coming.

"Captain Sparrow," I said, announcing my presence. Behind me, I could hear a small snort. I rolled my eyes.

His head shot up. For a moment, he just looked at me. A smile slowly formed as he sat up and stood up. "Ah, Xanthe," he drawled. "To what do I owe the honor of your presence?"

"I wanted to come see you," I answered. "To thank you."

"What would you be thanking me for, eh?"

"For saving my life."

At that, his eyes were immediately drawn to my shoulder, a twist of concern and anger on his brow. During the battle at Isla de Muerta, I had run in front of Elizabeth when Barbossa pulled his pistol on her. I knew that I was going to be safe, because he would die before he got to make the shot. It was an action that I couldn't help but feel that I needed to do.

To my utter surprise, and the Doctor and Donna's dismay, that was not the case.

I didn't really remember much after the initial shock of being shot. I just knew that I was in pain, but I couldn't really tell from where. I remembered passing out and then waking up in a bed that was not mine. The Doctor and Donna took turns reprimanding me and saying how glad they were that I was going to be alright, while Elizabeth nursed me, and Will had recounted what happened up to the moment of me waking. It was a lot to take in.

An emotion came over Jack, one I really couldn't read. "You should be resting, love."

I shook my head, even though I knew he was right. "Nonsense. I've been in bed for the past two days. I need the exercise."

"You're a stubborn one, aren't you?"

I shrugged with my good shoulder. "Not really."

Jack chuckled, but then grew serious. "That was a pretty reckless thing you did, darlin'. You could have been killed."

He was concerned and it threw me off. It seemed out of character to me, for him to be worried about a complete stranger. Then again, this was Jack Sparrow and he was known to be completely unpredictable. Suddenly, my feet became very interesting. "I know. And I'm sorry for making everyone worry about me, but it was something that I had to do."

I was shocked at my own words, to say the least. I knew I had told the Doctor that I wanted to make sure that nothing happened that wasn't supposed to happen, but I never knew myself to be capable of putting my life in so much danger to ensure that would never happen. It threw me for a loop, but I wasn't sorry.

I became determined and stood by decision to save Elizabeth. "I'm not sorry for what I did and would gladly do it again."

I felt something grab ahold of my hand. I looked up and saw that Jack had put his hand on mine, an action that threw me off guard. "That's very noble of you," he said. "But you need to take care of yourself as well."

I smirked. "So says the pirate."

"I mean it, love. There aren't many people like you."

I saw his eyes widen at his own statement. So did I. I wasn't exactly sure how to take it, as I wasn't used to being complimented like that. I looked away, but I couldn't help the silly grin that swept across my face or the warmth that spread to my cheeks.

And here I go, fangirling over something that is never going to happen. Because I apparently love making a fool of myself.

At that thought, my smile faded. I looked back up at Jack and was about to say something when there was a cough behind us. I turned to find Elizabeth waiting at the edge of another cell. "It's time to go," she announced begrudgingly.

I nodded and then looked back at the pirate captain. There was a part of me that wanted to stay, but I had to push it down and let the sensible, logical part of me prevail. "This is goodbye then," I muttered to him.

"Afraid so," was he reply.

I couldn't bring myself to say anything else, so I walked away the join Elizabeth. I was shaking and really needing to lie down. She took my good arm and gave me as much support as she could. Before we turned the corner, I looked back at Jack, who had been watching us leave. Speaking as loud as I could, I managed to let out "Thank you again, Captain."

He gave me one of his signature grins and very softly spoke, "I would have done it again, love."

Looking around the stateroom, I noticed that it looked much different than the last time I had seen it. What was once a dark, gloomy, and depressing-looking room was now a well-lit room, full of life. The table that sat towards the back was now stacked with a mountain of charts and scattered with a rum bottle or two—whether they were empty or not, I could not tell. Along one counter top, it was covered by a line of books, with other sorts of trinkets and treasures lining the others. Off to my left, I could make out an unmade bed, blankets everywhere.

"Incredible," I breathed out.

"I'll say," the Doctor commented. "I've never seen such a stateroom. It's fantastic!"

"I do appreciate the compliment, sir," a familiar voice spoke. "What I do not appreciate are stowaways aboard my vessel."

I slowly turned to face the man that the voice belonged to, fighting hard to keep my composure. I could feel it slowly crumbling, bit by bit. In that moment, I had wished I had not heard him. Before I had the chance to even utter a single word, the Doctor had walked in front of me in a protective way. I was grateful, even if he didn't know it. Boy, did I want to hide right now.

Standing behind the table was none other than Captain Jack Sparrow.

Kill me, I thought to myself. Just kill me now.

"More like boarding than stowing away," the Doctor corrected him.

Looking around the Time Lord, I could see that Jack looked displeased. Hopefully Gibbs had a chance to tell him what was going on and he'll pretend to not know me.

I moved from behind him and stood by his side, looking up at him. "Please," I begged him. "Don't antagonize him, Doctor."

I had apparently grabbed Jack's attention as well because then he gave me a curious look. I stood frozen in place, his eyes holding me there. I dared not make eye contact with him. I knew if I did, then my entire plan would crash and burn.

There you go fangirling again.

"You seem familiar, darlin'," he commented. "Have we met before?"

Why does the universe hate me and have to prove me wrong?!

I shook my head, probably a bit too quickly. "Nope," I denied. "I've never met you before in my entire life."

"I'm fairly certain that we ha—"

"Nope. Not at all. I sometimes get that, but I can assure you that we haven't. I'm not even from around here."

Jack looked confused and slightly agitated.

"Look who is antagonizing him now," the Doctor pointed out.

As the captain sauntered towards me, I managed to shoot a glare at my traveling companion. When Jack stopped in front of me, a look of concern swept across his face.

Please don't say anything! I prayed. Please don't say anything!

"How did you manage to get aboard my ship?" he asked.

THANK YOU!

"W-wrong place at the wrong time, sir" I managed. "We hoped to resolve this peacefully, hence the parley."

"Ah, so it was you who invoked parley, eh?"

"Yes, sir."

Jack glared at me, which caused my eyes to widen. I had never seen him get so aggravated before, and it scared me. Gibbs must have sensed my fear, because he quickly scooted nest to the captain and whispered something in his ear. The Doctor scooted closer to me, putting a protective arm in front of me. I continued to watch Jack as different expressions graced his features in a matter of seconds. I was relieved and felt that I could finally breathe when he no longer seemed agitated. Whatever Gibbs told him seemed to have calmed him down. Looking back at me, he said, "I'd prefer if you called me 'Captain', lass."

"Yes, Captain," was my reply.

Turning to the Doctor, who looked suspicious of something, Jack added, "The same goes for you, lad."

"Lad?" the Doctor repeated, appalled at being called young. "I'll have you know, Captain, that I am well over 900 years old. Old enough to be called 'sir' or 'old man', but not 'lad'."

Both Jack and Gibbs looked surprised and confused. I merely rubbed my hand over my face. "Doctor," I groaned. "You're not helping. We're here to negotiate, not correct people on what you should be called."

The Doctor straightened up a bit. "But he insulted me."

"He didn't know."

Jack looked at me and pointed out, "You may want to keep you friend here off the spirits."

"Yes, Captain."

"Oi!" the Doctor exclaimed.

"I'd let her handle this if I were you, mate," the captain suggested. "According to the Code, negotiations can only be discussed between the captain and the one who invoked parley."

"Meaning?"

"I'll only be discussing them with her."

"Only her?" The Doctor looked devastated.

"Aye."

I had never seen the Doctor look so defeated. I turned my attention to him, putting a reassuring hand on his arm. He was beside himself. Here was another human that had been put in his care, only for them to get pulled into something that he had unwittingly gotten them into. "It'll be ok," I told him with a small smile. "Just trust me, alright?"

Something inside him must have changed, because without hesitation, he nodded.

"Well then," Jack began. "Now that we have that settled, shall we begin?" He sat down at his cluttered table. "I do have a ship to run. I don't have all evening."

He picked up a bottle of rum and took a swig from it. That was when I noticed the cloth wrapped around his left hand. Deep down, a fear rose inside of me, but I had to force it down. I had confirmed what I had already known.

The Black Spot, I thought.

"Right," I agreed. "I don't wish to take up much of your time."

Jack put his rum down, waiting for me to start. It was hard to detect, but I saw a spark of mirth in his eyes. He didn't give any other indication, but just that look in his eyes told me all I needed to know. He was putting on an air of seriousness all for my sake.

I kept my composure, fighting back the smile at his gesture.

"Well," I began. "We wish to negotiate our release, as well as directions to the nearest port."

He looked curious. "Really? Is that all?"

"Yes, Captain. It was a mere accident that our ship landed on yours. A really bumpy accident, but an accident nonetheless."

Jack looked confused. "Your ship?"

"That blue box out there," the Doctor mentioned.

The captain stared at him, and then back at me.

"It's true," I confirmed. "It may not look like much, but it really is a ship. Maybe not one you're used to seeing, but it is a ship."

"Hmmm….so you wish to go free?"

"Yes. We only wish to continue on our journey."

Jack looked between the two of us, obviously biding his time. Which struck me as curious since I knew he didn't have that kind of time. Please let us go, was my only thought. Please!

Jack turned his attention to Gibbs and then to his fingernails. "I'll consider your proposition. Mr. Gibbs, call for two men to come in here."

"Aye, Cap'n," Gibbs acquiesced.

The Doctor breathed a sigh of relief behind me. "Thank you, Captain," he said. "I really appreciate it."

I wasn't too quick to celebrate.

"I never said that you were free to go."

"What?" the Doctor questioned. "Why not?"

"I said I would consider your proposal. I have yet to accept it."

"Why not?" came the question again.

"Rules of negotiation," Jack pointed out. "Agreements have to be reached by both parties, and considering you have not heard my terms, I cannot, in good conscience, just let you go free."

"What are you saying?" I asked. I knew what he was saying, but I felt it needed to be spelled out for the Doctor. As clever as the man was, he had his moments when his emotions got the better of him.

Gibbs returned with two men, Cotton—thankfully without his parrot—and Leech. Jack looked at them, gesturing toward them and us. Both men took a hold of us. I began to get panicky.

"Until I have decided on my terms," Jack began, "You will both be spending time in the brig."

"What?!" both the Doctor and I exclaimed in unison.

"You can't be serious!" I declared.

"You'll find I can be very serious, love," he told me. "I have to set an example for men, after all."

As he said that, I felt the grip on my arms tighten. I could feel the bruises forming. I looked down and saw dark, tan hands on my arms, and I realized who had taken ahold of me. I immediately felt sick.

Ew. Ew. Ew!

I heard him snicker. The sound made my skin crawl, and all I wanted to do was throw up. He was a character that didn't get a lot of screen time, but the moments that he did have were the worst. Leech had always rubbed me the wrong way, and now just confirmed all my suspicions. I was very uncomfortable and just wanted to cry. It was all I could do to keep from screaming. I turned to Jack to say something, but his expression stopped me. It was a warning, almost as if he was reminding me of the plan. So, I fought back my utter disgust and stayed silent, but I didn't miss Jack's look of disgust. Whatever face Leech was making, it didn't make him happy.

With what composure he could still hold, he commanded, "Lock them in the brig."

Cotton and Leech began leading us away, the latter all too eagerly, when Jack stopped them.

"Wait."

All four of us looked at Jack, waiting on bated breath to hear what else he was going to say.

"Leave the girl."

Oh, thank God!

"No!" protested the Doctor. If I wasn't busy trying to keep up the charade of not knowing anyone here, I would have shot him a glare. "Take me at least, but not her."

"Can't do that, mate," Jack replied, denying the Doctor his request. "Seeing as she is the one who initiated the parley, it'll end with her."

"Please," he pleaded. "Make an exception. She's under my care!"

And here I half expected him to point out that Jack said that we were to wait in the brig until he came to a decision on what he wanted, I thought. I struggled free from Leech and ran over to the Doctor, trying to calm his fears. He was becoming emotional, and it was getting harder and harder to keep everything going.

He's never going to forgive me.

"Doctor, stop," I begged him. Let me handle this."

"But—"

"He is less likely to give into our request if you keep putting up a fight. I'm sure you're used to being the one in charge of negotiations, but please trust me to take care of this." I wanted to tell him that he had taught me well, but that would have to wait another time.

He gave me an understanding, yet worried look.

"I'll be fine. We'll be back in the TARDIS and headed back to London before you know it." I tried to be as reassuring as possible. I really needed him to calm down.

Realizing that I had this covered, he simply nodded. He stopped struggling and allowed Cotton and Leech to take him away, but not before he carefully dropped something. I walked over to pick it up before either pirate could take notice of it. As I glanced down at the object, I felt guilt wash over me in waves. I knew it had to be done, but I still didn't feel right about it. Once the cabin doors were closed, I released the breath I didn't know that I was holding, my grip on the object tightening.

"Well," I heard Jack begin. "That was an interesting turn of events."

"I'll say," Gibbs remarked.

"You have no idea," I muttered. I turned to face the two of them and, foregoing any sense of propriety or composure or anything of the sort, gave each of them a hug. It was something I had been wanting to do since I had arrived. It had been over a year since I last saw them.

"Care to enlighten us then, love?" Jack inquired.

"Who was that fellow?" Gibbs questioned. "And why does he have the Doctor's ship?"

"That's him," I said, sadly. "That is the Doctor."

Both men looked very confused.

I took that opportunity to catch them up with what had happened that evening. I told them of how he arrived in my backyard, not knowing who I was, and how they got caught up in this mess. I explained that this was the Doctor in his Ninth regeneration, from a time before he had met any of us.

"So, he's like a cat," Gibbs asked.

I stopped a moment, mainly because it caught me off guard. "I suppose. When you put it like that, it does make sense. Except if that cat had twelve lives."

"And that's why he doesn't remember us," Jack stated.

"Exactly. Something has gone wrong," I began. "Time has gotten mixed up or something. I had expected him to be in his tenth regeneration still, maybe be in his eleventh. But not the ninth."

"How do you suppose that happened?"

I shook my head. "I don't know. I am just as confused about the whole thing as you are."

Suddenly Gibbs eyes went wide. "So that was the reason for pretending not to know me!" he exclaimed. "That was the reason you pretended to think that I was the captain!"

This time Jack's eyes widened, and he became offended. "What?!"

"Not important."

"That's pretty important, darlin'," he argued.

I became frustrated and spoke rather harshly. "I'm sorry, but stroking your ego is the least of my concerns," I countered. "What was important was keeping the Doctor from catching wind of it all." I looked down at the object in my hand, guilty brimming over the edge. I sighed. "He doesn't belong here. This isn't fair to him."

I felt a hand on my shoulder, and then a finger gently pushing my chin up. Jack looked at me with such concern, I almost cried. "What's your plan then?"

I sighed. "I have to tell him. But not while he is in the brig."

"Meaning?" Gibbs asked.

"I'm going to go break him out of the brig," I stated. "I'll make it seem like negotiations went south, to at least get him to come with me back to the TARDIS. When we're safely aboard her, then I'll lock the doors and tell him."

"And if some of the crew find you?"

"I'll deal with them, but not in a way that you're without crew members." At that, I looked down at his "bandaged" hand. Staring back at him, I added, "You're going to need them."

Jack followed my gaze and then stared back at me. There was a mix of emotions swimming in those deep chocolate orbs, but there was one thing I knew for sure. He knew that I knew now. Before he could say anything, I took a deep breath and then said, "Welp, I am going to go break my best friend out of prison. Wish me luck!"

Without looking at either pirate or hearing what they had to say, I carefully opened the cabin doors so as to not alert the others and put my plan in motion. As I crossed the deck and began heading into the lower levels of the ship, I held on tightly to the tool that would help me and surely seal my seal my doom.

The Doctor's sonic screwdriver.

A/N: That's the end of the chapter! Thank you for taking the time to read it. Please let me know what you think by pressing the Review button and leaving me a comment. i always like to hear from you!

I am going to go make myself some food, go make that change, and struggle to do some homework! Yay life!

As always, stay yourself and stay awesome!

~Eryn Aear