When the sun finally peaked over the horizon, William Turner was already hard at work. He had learned the previous night that the Commodore had been reassigned, and though Will had learned to respect the man, he couldn't say he was sorry Norrington was leaving.

It had to be around eight when his diligent work was interrupted by a visitor.

"I'm sorry to disturb, sir," the well-dressed servant said. "But I am here to pick up an order."

"Of course," Will answered. "And who are you representing."

"Lieutenant Gillette, sir."

Will's face went slack, a rock knotted in his stomach.

"The lieutenant knows it is a few days premature, sir," the servant continued, unaware that Will surprise was not that the lieutenant called upon the sword early. "However, he felt that with the pirates about, the improved balance and stability of a new blade would serve him well."

Will was at a loss of what to say. "I'm sorry…" he stumbled," but his order is not yet ready."

"Very well," the servant said. "I will no doubt return later. Is tomorrow an appropriate amount of time?"

Confused and shocked, Will could only nod. 'What was going on here?'

Near the docks, Elizabeth watched with regret the Dauntless crew going through their rounds. How many times through the last few years had she seen that ship here in the docks? The largest ship Port Royal had to offer; the ship that had protected her and her family. Soon, it would be gone, possibly forever. She sighed.

The morning was unusually warm, and as such, Elizabeth had chosen to wear one of her lighter garments. She had left her suffocating, gold hemmed gowns at home.

"Ms. Swann," a familiar voice said from behind. Elizabeth turned. Norrington half-smiled. "…Elizabeth," he said, more unsure.

The awkwardness of his introduction soon diffused into the air, and Elizabeth was finding herself more and more uncomfortable. "This is a regrettable day, Commodore Norrington," Elizabeth said, hoping that the sudden formality would get rid of the tension. It didn't.

"But, quite possibly a necessary one," Norrington answered. Elizabeth did not answer. Several moments passed in which neither of them spoke. The docks were crowded. Several sailors who had been loading supplies onto the Dauntless were now in the final stages of preparing the ship. Soldiers were monitoring the area; many and possibly most also dreading journey.

"Perhaps you would like to tour the ship once more before we leave," Norrington suddenly suggested. Though Elizabeth wasn't sure if she was comfortable with that idea, she nodded. It might hurt his feelings if she refused.

As they boarded, Elizabeth glanced back at the city. Will might have wondered where she had run off to. But since no figure seemed to be approaching from the town, save a group of sailors, Elizabeth had to set aside her sudden chill. Besides, if Will knew it was the Commodore's last day at Port Royal, he would have to understand her seeing him off.

Norrington lead the way to the Captain's quarters, opening the door for her. He didn't close it after she stepped in, but kept it open, allowing the sea breeze come through. "There is something I must say," he began nervously. Elizabeth sat down at the desk upon his request and long minutes passed before he spoke again. "The last few days…have been…a very trying time," He said slowly. He kept his eyes lowered, not allowing himself to look at her. "Though I have allowed myself to ignore the severeness of my emotions…when the orders came…I couldn't bury them anymore."

He glanced at her, seeing only an uncomfortable stare. Wincing he turned away, looking out the open door. "Ever since the day…Mr. Turner aided in Mr. Sparrows escape…and you…" He trailed off. "I feel I need to say that…"

A large crash from above and the shouts and orders following stopped Norrington in mid-sentence. Fearing the worst, he ran to where Elizabeth sat, hoisted her out of the chair and dragged her to the other side of the room. There were more hollers, this time a bit more panicked. The ship rocked as it began to leave port. Norrington thrust the single bunk away from the corner, till there was just enough space between the two walls, the foot of the bed and a dresser, to safely hide Elizabeth. "Hide here, and don't move!" He ordered her, as he threw a sheet over her head.

He didn't have time to check if she was hidden well enough or not, because just seconds after he turned someone strode in. It appeared to be a woman, but her murderous posture aiming a loaded pistol at him made Norrington forget about her gender quickly enough.

"I apologize Commodore, for this rude interruption," the woman said. "But you'll be needin' ta join yer crew outside a bit." She motioned with her weapon for him to step out.

Erect and refusing fear, Norrington stepped outside, making sure not to look back for any reason. The woman followed, apparently oblivious to Elizabeth's presence. He could only hope that this was the case.