Governor Prince Ricky rehearses his Christmas speech as a crowd forms outside. He’s wearing a festive nose, shiny brass. Ricky’s speech is sober, anti-crime, anti-deviance. He’s become an abolitionist of all manner of social behavior since his attack on the Republic of Pirates
He orders his long suffering valet to fetch him a glass of water before his speech. His throat is scratchy. The valet retrieves a glass from the kitchen. On his way we see that almost all of Ricky’s house staff has been replaced. Roach, Olu, Wee John, even Zheng bide their time disguised as help
Outside the Governor’s mansion, among the crowd, a new small faction arrives. Jim dressed as a priest (their now preferred disguise), Frenchie as an elderly man, Black Pete and Lucius as roast chestnut sellers. Archie as beggar. All are armed and awaiting Ricky’s entrance.
Meanwhile at the inn, the guests mingle. Ed scans the room, and mutters to Applejack. “These rich wankers are exhausting. Can’t wait to get this over with.” Applejack nods. Yeah the Inn business must be hard. All of these people with all of these demands. He asks Ed if he misses the sea
Ed shrugs. Sometimes. His leathers felt were feeling pretty heavy there for a while. He didn’t mind trading them for the crisp white linen suit he’s wearing now. Applejack: “Blackbeard in a linen suit. Who’d have guessed.” Ed becomes cagey. “Blackbeard? Where’d you get that?”
Applejack: “C’mon, it’s obvious. You have the hair, the same tattoos, it’s obvious.” Ed: “Dunno what you’re on about mate. You flatter me. I never rose above scallawag. Mine was a short career, that’s how I survived.” Applejack: “My mistake. Over active imagination I guess.”
Lucius is getting really put out with people actually trying to buy roast chestnuts from them, and Pete's trying to smooth it over and not draw attention, while they're both watching for the signal
Aaaaaaaaa - David, you make the world a better place. I can't wait for more! More, I says! Please make this into a manuscript and publish it somehow. The world needs more Our Flag Means Death - now more than ever.
I don’t think this is a trap for Stede and Ed, at least not intentionally, Hypatia does say this inn wasn’t her choice for the function. Unless she only says that to keep her cover. I am sus that they’re up to something that isn’t a wedding though 😬
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...it's a nice day to...START AGAAAAAIIIIN!
We are SO LUCKY.
https://open.spotify.com/track/4iK3yOQKoby2b9gvCmUwsR?si=fsDWmkIYQTKjohud6i2dFw
Ah a pity
Apathy I
Tha I pay
Love you Pirate Dad! 🫶🏼