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[bringmethatnpc]

There are two things to be said for the military: their propensity to do as ordered, and their very fine pointy objects.

Cutler Beckett, in his office -- his study, he likes to think of it -- admires a very well-crafted sword, since parted from its owner.

Shame.

Examining its length, he says, casually, "There’s something to knowing the exact shape of the world and one’s place in it, don’t you agree?"

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[bringmethatnpc]

Swann seems to have yet to understand: this is Beckett's study. Beckett's study.

In here, everyone plays by his rules.

"I had you brought here because I thought you’d be interested in the whereabouts of your daughter." Almost bored.

[governor-swann.livejournal.com]

He tries to keep the eagerness out of his voice.

"You have news of her?"

[mr-mercer.livejournal.com]

"Most recently seen on the island of Tortuga," says Mercer from the corner, where he is gazing out at the horizon through a telescope, perhaps looking for ships.

Or perhaps positioning the telescope so he can see Mars rise tonight. It has been passing rather close to Pyxis lately, and he is waiting to see them cross.

He straightens and looks over at them, "And left, in the company of the known pirate, Jack Sparrow..." Taking another look through the telescope, Mercer continues, lightly, "...and other fugitives from justice."

[governor-swann.livejournal.com]

"Justice?"

He thinks of the filthy cell to which his daughter, and now he himself was condemned.

"Hardly."

[bringmethatnpc]

"Including," he remarks, idly, as though Swann never interrupted, "the previous owner of this sword."

Which Beckett then sheathes.

"I believe. Our ships are in pursuit, and justice will be dispensed by cannonade, and cutlass, and all manner of remorseless pieces of metal." Rather detached. "I personally find it distasteful to even contemplate the horror facing all those on board."

[governor-swann.livejournal.com]

There is a slight pause. Swann didn't become Governor simply because he looked good in a wig. He knows how the games are played.

"What do you want from me?"

[bringmethatnpc]

It's simple, really.

Beckett doesn't bother smiling. Smiles are for dishonest situations.

"Your authority as governor, your influence in London, and your loyalty –- to the East India Trading Company."

[governor-swann.livejournal.com]

So that's how it's to be.

"To you, you mean."

[bringmethatnpc]

Swann really has no sense of subtlety, does he.

It must be a family trait.

Beckett faces him. "Shall I remove these shackles?"

[governor-swann.livejournal.com]

He's ever been loyal to King and country. He comes from a long line of loylists, and no upstart like Lord Beckett can change that.

His daughter is in danger, and he has little choice here. If he complies, he can not only help her, but he can also make things easier for himself.

The King will know of this, but that won't be for quite some time.

"Do what you can for my daughter."

That's all the vow Beckett is going to get.

[mr-mercer.livejournal.com]

Mercer approaches, pulling the keys from a pocket. He doesn't really bother to be gentle while he unlocks and removes the shackles from around Swann's wrists.

[bringmethatnpc]

This is an opportunity for instruction.

"So you see, Mercer, every man has a price he will willingly accept. Even for what he hopes never to sell."

Cutler Beckett is not instructing Mercer.