Chapter 1713 — He said the magic words

The silence that fell in the room could not have been called heavy. Instead, it was awkward and full of confusion.

"Are we not a crew already?" Ollie asked. "Did I give up my position as first mate to a fake crew?"

The Shadow Talon was absolutely furious, though that may have more to do with it losing to Tiny-Sparkles when it tried to retake the position as first mate, inspired by Pebbles’ stupidity. It couldn’t be helped, the first mate needed to be strong to handle issues in the captain’s absence. As prone to misadventures as Jack was, compared to his crew, he really was the responsible one.

"We are a crew, and a real one at that," said Jack, noticing the confused expressions. "But a lot of you just joined along the way, whether it was out of necessity or a matter of convenience, and it was never an issue. Yet in front of us now is a delicate and dangerous situation. I want you to consider carefully whether you want to stay with the crew, or depart. I won’t hold it against you if you want to leave, and I’ll treat you like family if you stay. For those that remain, we will make a pact to protect one another, keep each other’s secrets, and help each other in their time of need.

"By the way, I’m just going to throw this out there for those of you interested, yes our crew will eventually get a name, but I refuse all names like Tiny Terrors, or basically anything that is a play on size. Be more original, think of something new."

It was obvious at a glance that the crew all wanted to answer immediately, but Jack told them to think about it carefully. This was not a simple decision. So, against their own will, they all sat there brooding.

Jack was about to explain that they didn’t need to sit right there and could take a couple of days, but unexpectedly, Longbeard spoke up about something unexpected.

"The captain does raise a good point," he said, his voice heavy and reluctant. "It might be a good idea to split up while the times are good. Some of us may... may have a past that could catch up with us, and then the rest would suffer because of that as well."

This time, a heavy silence fell upon the room as they all realized that Longbeard might be running from something, and was afraid of implicating the others.

Throughout all this, Bob remained oddly silent, not remarking on anything even once. After all, he already knew the decision he would make. It wouldn’t do to put pressure on the others by saying it first.

The silence, the ominous feelings, the tension, it all began to build. It wasn’t because the choice was tough, but because critical thinking was not a skill the members of the crew were adept in.

"On the day we met, I said kill me or take me, I’m not leaving this ship," said Pebbles as he stood up, with much more gravitas in his voice than Bobling 1 or Bobling 2. "That remains true even now."

Internally, Pebbles laughed. He was already setting the groundwork for his next mutiny. Now he was cute and heroic. What more could one want from a captain?

"Quack," said Goldilicks, and finally sat down. Now that someone had spoken up, it could finally say its peace and stop being so serious.

"I don’t really want to go anywhere else," said the Crystal alligator.

"Amitabha, this is not a bad life. I could live for this, and I could die for this," said Monk, for once being serious.

"I’m obviously not leaving," said Ollie with a snort. "I was the first member of the crew, even if I don’t have the position of first mate - unless Sparkles here drops out."

"I would never," said Tiny-Sparkles, his voice like rumbling thunder. "The captain gave me a new home when I lost my own. Why would I give that up willingly? As the first mate, I would never abandon this crew."

"Well now I’d just look like a right arse if I dropped out... but guys, if I stay... You could get pulled into something really messy," said Longbeard, feigning confidence, though it was quite clear by the way his beard had rolled up that he was feeling quite shy.

"Oh, like following me into the river Styx?" Jack asked, shaking his head. "You’re all a bunch of idiots. I should have expected nothing less than jumping headfirst into trouble from you guys. Bob, what about you? If you wish to depart, now is your chance."

Bob chuckled, twirling his moustache as he did.

"Then let us discard this chance like dirty hosiery," he said, a soft amusement hidden in his voice. "What is a life if it lacks all flavour? Let us set sail for the horizon, chasing it like we chase our dreams, full of passion in our hearts, and a bit of mischief."

Jack could not help but smile despite himself. The reason he had given the crew this option was because he didn’t want to get them involved in his own troubles, but he was kind of glad they decided to accompany him.

Not that Z and Velma and Gerard were lacking as friends, but they were also coworkers. Also, they were practically the only friends Lex had, and had more or less just taken the role of his family as well. For Jack to be able to make friends who would go on crazy adventures with him was truly an experience very few would get from life, and both Jack and Lex were glad that they got to experience it.

"Don’t say I didn’t warn you guys," said Jack as he held out his hands and began to flap his wings, trying to imbue his fairy dust with the traits of a binding oath. "What comes next is going to be a crazy ride."

"How bad could it possibly be?" asked Pebbles as he raised his tiny hand and placed it upon Jacks.

"Oh boy, he said the magic words," said Tiny-Sparkles as he placed his hoof atop both hands.

The others also all placed their hands together, passing one comment after another, laughing and joking along the way.