Into the Dark, part 8 (after battle)

All of you. Strong.

But no sailors.

Why, talk, so, slow? Irritating.

If you're not abbreviating with acronyms... then all you're doing is wasting time.

Ishmael's mace nicked the harpooneer's mask. She came dangerously close to smashing their skull.

Should've gotten out of my way when I gave you the chance... Now I'm going to have to bash your face in.

But you. You are sailor.

... Right.

... We both are.

Queequeg!!!

In a sudden, explosive burst of energy, Ishmael bolted forth like a cannonball toward Queequeg before holding her in a tight embrace.

Whew... wasn't she saying something about bashing her face in just moments ago?

This embrace is what one does when meeting an old fellow.

You fear they may flutter away unless you hold them tightly so.

Your hair color. Can't forget.

Your name. I know.

But no attacking Captain.

Why...? I'm just...

You attack Captain again, I attack you.

Then kill or be killed. One of us.

…….

Well now, whatever shall you do? Starbuck here has, out of the kindness of his heart, rescued you from jaws of death. Invited you to my village!

Yet you've elected to attack me, as if to spit on that very kindness.

Were we sailing the Great Lake, I would have had all of you tied and thrown overboard to be crushed underneath the keel of our ship, your lungs bloating with the Lake's waters.

There were at least 40 people living in Pequod Town. And that was a conservative estimate.

From their vicious glares, I could tell that every single one of them was a fiercely loyal follower of Ahab.

Here we were in this unfamiliar environment, trapped and lost...

<Things aren't looking so good...>

A single word from Ahab, and they'll all be upon us...

If we were to retreat... behind us is the river of stomach acid. Ahead of us is an unknown territory.

Haha!! Lads, lasses! Cast fear from your hearts.

It is lucky for you, that...

... I am nothing if not merciful. I shall forgive your transgressions thus far.

I have questions I would like to ask you, and I am certain that you have a few for me as well.

If you are willing to talk, then enter the Captain's quarters.

In peace, mind.

Ahab casually turned around and marched into one of the buildings. She carried herself with utmost confidence.

It was almost like she knew that we would follow. That we had no choice but to follow.

... Oi, them blokes that were glarin' at us... They're gone, like nothing happened.

Captain forgave. Then everyone also forgives. I forgive, too.

Huh... To turn her back on someone who was charging at her with murderous intent just moments ago... It's...

Yes. She is confident.

Confident that she's got the numerical advantage, even if we were to press the offensive. Confident that we know there's more for us to lose by attacking her than by going along with her.

With what just happened... she's made it clear as day that, at least while we're in here, she has absolute control of the situation.

<…….>

Talk with her? In peace...? Nonsense...

<It's not like we have a way out of here...>

Ishmael's gaze followed Queequeg, who walked wordlessly behind the Captain.

Haah.

... Let's go.

Let's listen to what that bastard's got to say.

There's nowhere to run, after all.

For her, or for us.

…….