Fic: The War Within

Rating: M
Characters: Elizabeth/Jack Elizabeth/Will
Chapter Title: Without Apathy, there can be no movement
Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney does, no money being made off this.
Summary: Captain Elizabeth Swann, Pirate Lord and King. Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirate Lord, lecherous pirate, son of the Keeper of the Code. What will happen on the eve of battle. JE. Reviews welcome.

"They've agreed! The long boat is ready! They want to meet when the sun is high! " came the cry.

"Aark! All hands on deck! All hands on deck!" Cotton's parrot came barrelling past, refusing to settle on anyone's shoulder or part of the Pearl.

A small easing of tension rolled over the ship's crew. Some even gave a small hurrah; finally some action, small measure that it was.

"Where's Jack?" asked Marty, trying to look over all the taller men crowding near the ship's ladder.

Gibbs looked around wildly. He recalled that he had seen him slip into the Captain's cabin earlier and ran to the door of the Captain's Cabin. He knocked quickly then rushed in without being bade entrance.

His feet crunched on glass. Gibbs looked down and saw the remains of what looked like an empty rum bottle. That explained the earlier crash of glass hitting and breaking against the wood. His eyes searched the room anxiously. He saw Elizabeth; she stood leaning against Jack's desk, her head down. Her shoulders were bunched as she held the sides of the heavy desk. He paused, taking in her tense stance, the low muttering he could hear, and he quickly made his presence known.

"My apologies, Miss Elizabeth. I was looking for Jack. Have you seen him?" He was a little embarrassed, when she sharply raised her head to meet his eyes. Her face was flushed and she looked more than a little tousled. He let her gather herself, his eyes turned away and he only turned back when she bade him a small greeting.

Gibbs realised that she may not have heard the shouts above them. "The long boat is ready," his voice soft, "and we have reached an agreement with the meeting place, as you requested."

Gibbs felt for this young lady. He had after all looked out for her on her initial voyage to Port Royal, and had made fast friends with her during that interminable voyage. Now she was a grown lady, but he still felt the need – on occasion – to watch out for her, especially when Jack was not around. He noted that she looked almost small and very young at this moment. Gibbs walked over and laid his hand on her shoulder as a measure of reassurance. She smiled slightly at him, her eyes thanking him silently. Something warm suffused his chest and as he tried to hide his almost fatherly affection for this young woman, his voice was gruff as he said quietly, "Beckett will meet you upon that yonder sand bar. Davy Jones and young Will will be in attendance with him. They know that you, Jack and one other are the only ones to attend. My offer still stands if you wish me to accompany you."

Elizabeth's face was resigned as she took a deep breath. Her voice was full of emotion as she replied to his earlier question.

"I…. I think he went to look for the rum."

Gibbs nodded once to her and made his way back to the door. He turned back once. He looked softly at Elizabeth. She had turned to the window, and her hand was placed upon one small pane of glass. Her profile was soft, child-like and pensive.

He smiled wryly, thinking that her father would be very proud of her if he was still alive. He harrumphed to himself, thinking himself a sentimental old fool and quickly turned on his heel. He paused outside the door and took out his flask. He took a quick drink '- for medicinal purposes,' he told himself, and quickly slipped it back into his pocket. Gibbs stopped and took a deep breath before moving towards the hold. He had to find Jack – before Jack found the rum.

More chapters to come. Thank you to all of you who continue to read and review this story. I really appreciate the feedback – and it feeds my muse. :) TJ