Season 2, Episode 7 of "Our Flag Means Death" kicks off with Ed wrapping his leather garments tightly and discarding them overboard, symbolizing a new chapter. He then brings Stede a sumptuous breakfast in bed, expressing his gratitude for saving his life with a heartfelt tale of his merman vision featuring Stede. Izzy arrives with news that they have docked in the Republic of Pirates, where Richard Banes has sent a grand clock to each of Zheng Yi Sao's ships as a mark of their alliance.
Amidst the bustling pirate republic, Olu, Jim, and the others observe numerous recruits bearing Zheng Yi Sao's distinct red knotted cloth. Zheng Yi Sao herself is present but evades Olu's gaze upon spotting him. Meanwhile, Ed and Stede seek solace in a secluded shack, one of Ed's cherished hideaways, where Stede shares tales of his bottled letters sent to the sea. Unexpectedly, a pair of pirates approach, and while Ed initially assumes they seek his autograph, they reveal their admiration for Stede, whose exploits with Ned Low have garnered him a loyal fanbase.
Ed persuades Stede to visit Spanish Jackie's bar, where Stede's fame is in full bloom. Ed offers sage advice on navigating the treacherous waters of 'paper-razzi' and warns of potential assassins. Jackie, despite their past enmity, welcomes the rest of Stede's crew with open arms. Amongst the revelry, they encounter The Swede, who has undergone a striking transformation.
Jackie teases Ed about his recent 'regular person' phase, which Ed suggests may be more than a fleeting fancy. She highlights the stark contrast between Ed's anonymity and Stede's burgeoning celebrity, leaving Ed with a sense of unease. Olu, lost in thoughts of Zheng Yi Sao, confides in The Swede about his complicated relationship with Jackie. Jim and Archie relay to Zheng Yi Sao how deeply Olu has missed her, prompting her to agree to a reunion.
Izzy catches Ed gazing pensively at the fishermen at work, while Stede, surrounded by a throng of new admirers, declares that he and Ed are a partnership, albeit without Ed's presence. A drunken man, fueled by rage, lunges towards Stede, but the Gentleman Pirate deftly flicks a cigarette onto him, causing him to burst into flames. The crowd erupts in cheers, celebrating their hero.
Stede, after a diligent search, finally locates Ed and exuberantly recounts his blissful day. However, Ed's mood is far from jubilant. He laments that perhaps they had rushed into things too hastily with their recent intimacy. He declares their differences, emphasizing that Stede's star is ascending, while he reveals his new job on a fishing boat and imminent departure. Stede's attempts to dissuade him fall on deaf ears, culminating in a scornful label of cowardice.
Meanwhile, Pete and Frenchie capitalize on their newfound celebrity, hawking Stede's autographs, while Wee John inks the pirate's likeness onto willing patrons. It's all a cunning money-making scheme.
Amidst this hubbub, Izzy approaches Stede, broaching the topic of Ed. He concedes that though they complement each other, Ed is a complex soul.
Jim orchestrates a reunion between Olu and Zheng Yi Sao, where Olu offers a heartfelt apology for his departure, and she confesses her longing for him. Back at the bar, they inform Jim and Archie of Olu's impending departure with her. She graciously offers a spot for two more, prompting Jim and Archie to deliberate. Stede, however, misinterprets this as a brazen attempt to poach his crew and stands up to her, sparking a heated argument.
As the dispute escalates into a full-blown brawl, Stede endures Zheng Yi Sao's ferocious attacks yet remains resolute. Just as she raises a plank to strike him, the clocks aboard her ships chime midnight, detonating in unison. The patrons' attention is drawn to the sea, where her ships explode, and a cannonball streaks towards Zheng Yi Sao.
In a post-credits sequence of Our Flag Means Death Season 2 Episode 7, Fang and Roach immerse their feet in a serene pond. Roach applies a face mask, adding a touch of serenity to the scene.
