At the sound of a knock on his door, Commodore James Norrington looked up from his desk. "Enter," he called, hoping the unexpected interruption would be more interesting than the report he was reading, which amounted to nothing more than a play-by-play account of an expedition during which nothing happened.

The door opened, and the Lieutenant Gillette stepped into the Commodore's office. "My apologies for the interruption, sir. There's a young lady here to see you. She says it's important."

"Go ahead and send her in," Norrington said.

Gillette stepped aside and allowed the visitor to enter. A young girl, probably no more than thirteen, walked into the room, dressed in boys' clothes. Her dark, curly hair was tied back in a loose ponytail by a red bandana. There was something familiar about her, as if this wasn't the first time they had met.

"Sorry to intrude," the girl said.

"Not at all," Norrington replied with a polite smile. "I understand you have something important to discuss with me."

"Yes." The girl reached into her pocket and took out a weathered envelope, then she looked up at Norrington. "This might be a surprise to you, Commodore, and I don't really know where to start. I guess I'll just say it." She hesitated. "I'm your niece.

Not sure he had heard right, Norrington forced himself to remain composed. "I beg your pardon?"

"Your brother Sam was my father."

Norrington frowned. He had no idea his brother had a child, or that he was even married. In fact, he hadn't heard from Sam in over ten years. "May I inquire as to his current whereabouts?"

"He's dead, sir. Since near a year ago."

"I'm terribly sorry for your loss." The response was automatic. In reality, he was still thinking, Sam has a daughter?

"This is his will," the girl said, holding out the envelope.

Norrington took a folded piece of paper out of the envelope and glanced over the rows of smudged writing.

In the event of my death, it is my wish that my daughter, Miss Laura Norrington, be cared for.

"You are Laura, I presume?" Norrington asked the girl.

She nodded.

I have appointed my brother, James Norrington, as Laura's guardian. In the event of my death, it is my wish that he assume responsibility for Laura's well-being.

Norrington looked back at the girl. In all his years at sea, he had never faced something that had made him feel so uncertain. He had no desire to assume the responsibility of caring for a child. He didn't know the first thing about children. The girl must have made some mistake. The entire situation was overwhelming, and he found himself wishing for the monotonous simplicity of the report he had been reading.

But then he looked into her eyes, he saw that they were his brother's. Laura was, as she claimed, Sam's child. She was family.

"I suppose you will be in need of a place to stay. I would offer you accomidations in my house, but as I was not expecting a visitor, I have no room ready for you. There is an inn not far from here, though, and I will pay your expenses," Norrington said. "I hope you will find this arrangement satisfactory."

Laura nodded.

"I would escort you there myself, but I'm afraid I have important things I must see to. I will have my lieutenant, Gillette, accompany you in a carraige. I believe you met him earlier?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Norrington stood then, and called Gillette back into the room. He handed the lieutenant some coins and said, "Escort this young lady, by carraige, to a place she can stay for the night. See that she is given the best accomidations possible, and charge everything to me."

Gillette looked somewhat confused, but his only reply was, "Of course, Commodore."

Norrington looked back down at Laura, and forced what he hoped was a smile. "I will send for you tomorrow morning so that we may discuss this arrangement further."

The girl agreed, and Gillette turned to lead her out of the room. As she was leaving, Laura turned back to Norrington and flashed a smile that made his blood run cold.

The door closed behind her, but still Norrington stared. He knew that grin, and he did not associate it with pleasant things. Norrington picked up his brother's will and read to the end this time.

I also request that another guardian assist my brother in caring for Laura's needs. I name Jack Sparrow as an additional guardian. As Laura's uncle on her mother's side, I hope that he will assume full responsibility for my daughter in the event that my brother is unable or unwilling to do so.

And, at the bottom of the document, Sam's signature.

It wasn't possible. Sam and Sparrow's sister? And a child? It was almost too disturbing to contemplate.


I hope you like this idea. Drop a review and tell me what you think of this so far!