Alright guys, here's the start to the new Groves/OC story! I hope you all enjoy it!
First: some helpful reminders for new characters from WTDC and WYHTL (this story's prequels)
Governor Byron: sent from England to Port Royal after Governor Swann's death
Lieutenant Mason: an officer onboard the Valiant, the ship Groves had Annabelle transferred to after rescuing her from Beckett's grip (occurred in WYHTL)
Lieutenant Kinglsey: formerly Captain Kingsley, was captain of the Valiant in WYHTL; he was made Lieutenant when Groves was promoted to Commodore in WTDC
Officer Gale: one of few survivors from when the Endeavourwas destroyed in WYHTL
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Governor Byron lifted his pen after the last stroke of his signature before handing the paper to Lieutenant Mason. Another port had found and captured a pirate that had escaped from Port Royal before being imprisoned, and he had to sign the document as proof that he had received word from them. The port was to try and execute the escapee once they received the document.
"Deliver this, please," Governor Byron casually ordered, seeing his Lieutenant already seemed to know who to take it to.
Lieutenant Mason dipped his head as he received the document. "Yes, Sir. One last pirate off the seas."
The Governor's eyes grew a bit solemn. "Yet there are still many more out there to be had."
Mason suddenly felt foolish for his comment, and instead dipped his head in humble agreement before leaving the Governor's office.
"Any word?" Governor Byron's voice stopped him.
Mason knew what he was referring to. "Not yet, Sir, but I shall ask. Perhaps he has heard news."
Governor Byron gave a simple nod, satisfied with that.
Mason mazed throughout the fort, making his way to where he knew the recipient would be working. His guess proved correct.
"Forgive my intrusion, Sir," he greeted as he approached, "but the Governor has signed it."
Commodore Theodore Groves looked up at his fellow officer to see the document held out to him. He accepted it when he recognized it. "Thank you, Lieutenant." He scanned it before sealing it and handing it to Lieutenant Kingsley. "Send this onboard the Valiant. She embarks tomorrow, does she not?"
"Indeed she does, Sir," Kingsley replied before leaving with the now-sealed document.
Mason was about to ask Groves of the news, but a younger officer quickly appeared and interrupted him.
"Commodore, the Constant's repairs are nearly through. She should be ready to set sail again within the fortnight."
Groves remembered the ship-the same one Annabelle Bennington (Annabelle Norrington now, Groves gladly noted) had stowed away upon with Jack Sparrow. The ship had nearly been destroyed when attacked by a Captain Drake, but was managed to be saved and had undergone extensive repairs since then.
"Excellent," Groves acknowledged before the officer went on his way, only to notice Mason still standing there. He asked kindly, "Was there something else, Lieutenant?"
"There was, Commodore. Governor Byron wishes to know of any news."
It took Groves a moment before he understod. "Ah, yes. This," he held out an unfolded letter, "actually arrived yesterday. The Lord Morgan Caldwell is to arrive within the next day or two."
"So soon?" Mason asked, confused.
"If storms hadn't prevented this notice from arriving before now, it wouldn't have been soon at all," Groves said lightheartedly.
Mason chuckled a bit, taking the letter so he could deliver it to the governor. "Thank you, Sir."
Groves continued with his work after the gentleman left, wondering what this new lord was going to be like. He had been offered the position some months ago by the Governor when Lord Clayton had been stripped of his title and sent back to England. Groves had accepted it at first, but turned it down before he could have officially begun his duties. Not because he didn't want it, but he honestly confessed he didn't feel ready for it, let alone qualified. He was satisfied at earning his titles like his other comrades. Yes, he knew offers like that were once in a lifetime, but he would only accept it if he felt he deserved it and was more confidently prepared.
One offer he always accepted, though, was to dine with his friends, Admiral James Norrington and his wife Annabelle. He hadn't yet turned down an invitation, which were fairly frequent. He was fortunate to anticipate one tomorrow night, for he and Norrington would undoubtedly be swamped tonight with work to prepare for this Lord Caldwell's arrival.
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Lord Caldwell arrived several days later, and the fleet was ordered to gather at the fort for a proper welcome and greeting. Personal introductions were made once the short ceremonial greeting was over.
"Do you think perhaps we have a lord who can sustain himself?" Groves asked Norrington.
"If you mean be more honorable than Beckett or Clayton, that is my hope," Norrington replied. "As long as he proves himself a man to have hunger for justice and not merely power, I believe it shall be agreeable."
"The hunger for power can cause the downfall," Groves agreed, the fate of the previous two lords still fresh in his mind.
Beckett had been killed when he was onboard the Endeavour when it was attacked by pirates, Groves having barely survived himself. It was supposed Clayton was poisoned-though not fatally-and had been in quarantine ever since he was sent back to England upon charges of embezzlement and treason. Port Royal desperately needed a local government that had all of its members on the same page.
Governor Byron and Lord Caldwell approached then.
"Lord Caldwell, may I introduce to you two of the finest men in his Majesty's fleet-Admiral Norrington and Commodore Groves."
"An honor, Sir," they both greeted, slightly bowing. Groves felt a slight thrill at being placed on the same caliber as Norrington. Apparently some of his admiration from his younger days still lingered.
The corners of Lord Caldwell's mouth tugged a bit as he returned, "Admiral, Commodore. I have no doubt of the praise Governor Byron bestows upon you. After all, you both were nearly in my place-that sets standards very high for me," he said amiably. "It is an honor to be working beside you."
Norrington and Groves nodded a bit and thanked him. It was always humbling to have a favorable reputation precede you.
"I hope that we can keep Port Royal in good hands. She is a strong asset for His majesty, yet she is fragile enough to demand careful handling. Her well-being shall be of utmost importance," Lord Caldwell added, Norrington and Groves giving silent acknowledgement.
Several more words were briefly exchanged, an intention made clear that business would be attended to no later than tomorrow so that Lord Caldwell could settle in and rest, Norrington and Groves having a favorable impression of him so far. Groves was tempted to already draw his own conclusions, yet he wouldn't allow them to materialize-nor would he dare say any of them aloud if he had. Under certain terms, time was the best judge.