psl | ofmd

[ Martinique, then. Ah, well, still French soil, they say, though upon arrival, Michel wasn't so certain that was a definition he'd immediately ascribe to. It didn't smell like Paris here, which might in most cases be for the better, and the guvernor's mansion was quite grand and luxurious, but he'd left his wife, now former, and his son, now uninterested in talking to him, back on real French soil and had shipped out to this job, only because it seemed gentler on all of them. Easier. And because his father would have been proud.

The reasons a man can find to move to a different part of the Earth and most likely end his life there, really. Were they good? Who knew. Would it pay off? Who could say. Life!

He's up late tonight, as he is most nights, because since his arrival a month and a half ago, his new home has been overrun by people, politicians and merchants and captains who want deals and treaties and contracts, to make their life easier. And because Michel can extend that favour to them, he does. Much of it is his job. The rest is his fancy. If nothing else, the menagerie of characters is somewhat interesting to witness.

He's reading over the final contract he's just finished for a M. Bernard, importer of alcohol and spirits, allowing him an advantage of several percentages in distribution pricing. Sell it cheaper, sell it more, yes? Signing it lazily, Michel finally stands up, pushing the parchment out of the way and walking over to the windows, looking out onto the dark streets below. The governor's mansion is smack in the middle of Fort-de-France, everybody should be allowed convenient access, after all. Isn't that why the governor is there in the first place?

That's why Michel is here, at least. So It seems. He stretches, hands clutching at his lower back while he grunts slightly. Below, he can hear the servants milling about, someone calling out quietly, a door opening.

Ah, another midnight guest! Isn't that what life's about?

Michel turns around slowly, awaiting the newcomer with a far-from-credulous smile. ]