Sayonara, Mr. Governor.

[bringmethatnpc]

Their plans...are not proceeding apace.

"Bloody hell," Beckett murmurs, surveying what's left of the latest ship, "there's nothing left."

Mercer observes, "Jones is a loose cannon, sir."

There's a long pause: Lord Cutler Beckett is thinking. Finally: "Fetch the chest."

"And the governor?" Beckett looks over his shoulder at Mercer. "He's been asking questions about the heart.

Beckett's eyes narrow. "Does he know?"

Silence from Mercer is, apparently, a yes.

"Then perhaps," Beckett says peaceably, "his usefulness has run its course."

Comments

[mr-mercer.livejournal.com]

"They are," Mercer nods. "Then again, you've made it a habit of being observant."

The knife that Mercer keeps concealed about his person is always kept within quick reach. So it is only a split second later that Mercer is stepping close to plunge his knife through the thick layers of the Governor's clothes, striking just under the ribcage at an upward angle, to pierce the heart.

[governor-swann.livejournal.com]

There is no pain, at first. There is pressure, though, and most of all, there is shock.

His mouth forms an "o" and he stares at Mercer, unbelieving.

He is aware, somehow, of the smell of the sea. It is sharp, salty, and tears form in his eyes.

[mr-mercer.livejournal.com]

Mercer's face doesn't change as he leans his weight against the knife, pushing the Governor against the low railing that edges the side of the Dutchman. The Governor's own weight pulls the knife free of his chest, leaving it in Mercer's black-gloved hand as he watches the Governor topple overboard.

The business of getting the boats ready for Lord Becket to return to the Company ship, mostly out of sight on the other side of the Dutchman, covers the sound of the splash neatly. Another body sinking to join those from the destroyed ship is of little note, as it is.

Mercer pulls out his hankerchief to clean his knife of blood as he steps away from the railing, heading back to report.

[governor-swann.livejournal.com]

Blackness slides over his vision as the sun is blotted out. Night falls, and he cannot catch his breath, and he's falling, Dear Lord, he's falling overboard and-







Elizabeth...







Caroline...







He's gone before his body hits the water.




When his eyes open, it's night still, but it's peaceful. Calm. The row boat rocks gently on the waves, and the stars illuminate the dark sky.

Caroline awaits him, but the journey to her is long yet. He patiently sits in his boat, no longer needing to catch his breath, and he waits.