This is actually where I started the story when I began writing, and I tried to make sure it was consistent with the beginning. Enjoy, and please review!

"I promise you, that if you let me live, I will show you the shortest route to the island. There you are free to pillage, plunder, whatever it is you wish to do. The best ship in the port will be yours." Norrington looked sternly across the rocking table into the eyes of Iago. "And the crew as well," he added, trying to make the deal as appetizing as possible. Norrington tried to appear as frightened and desperate as possible, although he knew full well that the minute they hit the port, the largest fleet of officers in the Caribbean would assault the ship, escorting every single pirate aboard straight to the gallows.

"Quite a tempting offer, Commodore. Quite tempting indeed. And the girl? What are we to do with her? You must know that the price of sparing two lives is much higher than that of sparing one." Iago grinned wickedly, exposing his few, dark teeth, sending a shudder through the vain Commodore.

He hated to have to see her die like that, but it was for a noble cause, after all. Over a dozen vicious pirates would be caught and hanged, and because of his sacrifice in the act, perhaps a promotion? "Well," he began slowly, "I suppose some sacrifices must be made."

Iago flashed his sly grin once more, then rose from the table. "Then I suppose it's settled then. You take us to the island, we don't kill you. Sounds plenty fair to me."

Norrington coughed nervously, then smiled. "I'm glad you agree. I suppose I will be seeing you in the morning then." He began to head towards the cabin door, pleased with his success. The plan had worked. The pirates had attacked them as planned, and would be led to their death at the port.

"Yes. Bright and early. Don't want to sleep through us throwing the little miss off the side of the ship, do you?" Iago laughed loudly, and Norrington half-heartedly chuckled along, afraid of messing up the deal he had so skillfully made.

"No, wouldn't want to miss that," he said, looking towards the floor. "Good night." The Commodore turned and exited the door, closing it quietly behind him. Once outside in the narrow hall, he walked up to the deck and turned his closed eyes towards the sky. He sighed deeply, and breathily said to himself, "It was the right thing to do. It was. She'll understand. It's for the best." He dropped his head, put his hands behind his back, turned on his heel, and headed back towards his empty cabin. "It was the right thing to do," he muttered to himself once more before opening the door. "The right thing to do."

The next morning, Stella began to see pinpoints of sunlight burn through the cracks in the wooden cabin walls. She had always loved the sunrise, but today it was a dreaded coming. She hadn't slept at all the night before, knowing that death would come with morning. A knock at the door startled her, and she jumped, falling onto the floor. "Rise 'n shine, Missy!" the man snarled, still knocking and laughing from behind the door. Stella rose, and slowly pulled on her dress from the corner. She silently took one long look around the cabin, then opened the door. A tall stout man stood menacingly at the door. He grabbed her by the arm, and pulled her up towards the deck.

When they reached the light, Iago called, "Wonderful! Glad to see you awake! You know we can't start without you!" He and several of the men laughed a bit, then turned their attention back to her. Norrington stood a few feet away, with a grim, somber expression on his face. She was escorted by the large man over towards him, and then left there to stand beside him. They were standing what she considered dangerously close to the edge of the ship; only a couple of feet from the long plank of wood off which they would fall to their deaths. Seeing the board, her eyes suddenly began to water, as if she had only just realized what was to happen.

"Ahem, well then, I suppose we can start now that we're all assembled!" Iago started. "Who would like to do the honors? "he inquired of the crew, holding out a length of rope to any volunteer. "Hmm...quite shocking. I suppose no one's in the mood for killing this morning. But that won't stop us, shall it? "He stepped over to where Stella and Norrington stood. He paced around, so that he was standing right over the Commodore's shoulder, and in a low, whispery voice said, "Perhaps the Commodore would like to assist, hmm?"

Norrington looked up at him pleadingly, then, stepping away from Stella, looked at her apologetically and whispered, "I'm very sorry. I hope you understand." Stella's eyes grew wide, and the tears that had been hiding within them fell onto her cheeks. She looked about, confused, then back at Norrington. "What?" she whispered, "What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry," he replied. "It's for the best. You will know that you died for the sake of the safety of your country."

Stella's eyes wandered to the crowd surrounding Iago. A man with long black hair, tied back behind his head was talking quietly with him. She thought it might be Jack, but wasn't sure, as the night before she had barely been able to see his face for the dark. She couldn't make out all of what they were saying, but from the man's motions and facial expression, she could tell he wasn't pleased with the proceedings. Iago seemed to scoff at him, and pushed him backwards onto the deck. "Could we hurry it up a bit?" he called to Norrington, "We haven't got all day!"

"Yes," Norrington murmured. He turned to face Stella, and un-wound the rope. "Um, could you please, um..." he nervously began. "Your hands, please."

Stella continued to stare at him, still in shock, as she turned, placing her hands behind her back. She felt the rope tighten around her wrists, and cut into her skin. She held back a tear as the final knot was tied, the rope so tight on her wrists she could feel the blood throbbing in her hands. Iago had swaggered over towards her, and spun her around to face the crowd. She could see the man who had been pushed down by Iago earlier, standing off to the side, looking somber and nervous, eyes darting, much in contrast to the wickedly smiling faces of the rest of the crew. "Commodore, thank you. I'll take it from here." Iago snarled. He grabbed her by the arm and began leading her towards the edge. Her heart beat insanely fast, as she took one last look back at Norrington and the smiling crew. "I'm not ready," she murmured as she was pulled to the end of the board.

"No one's ever ready," was the reply from the grinning Iago as he shoved her off the edge. She fell backwards, soaring towards the water.

Iago turned back to the crew and cackled loudly, leading the chorus of wicked laughs. He stopped abruptly and snarled, "Get back to your jobs, men! Commodore! Come to my cabin. I'll be needing those coordinates!"

Norrington took one last look out at the water, then began to walk towards the hall.