Crack!
Hollum's eyes closed of their own accord. Though, even with his eyes closed, he could still see the blossoming red welts upon Nagle's back, the looks of enmity on most of the crews faces, and the look of reproach on Jack's face.
Crack!
He'd have given anything to avert this scene, this display, but his hands were tied. He couldn't have spoken for Nagle, as it would have been deemed weak by more than just the captain. Being that he couldn't avert the flogging, he sorely wished that his presence was not needed at the proceeding.
Crack!
A glance around told him that Blakeney and the ship's doctor were of like mind. He could tell by the thin and tense set of the Doctor's lips, that he and Jack had most likely suffered an argument over the situation.
Crack!
To add insult to injury, Hollum knew without it being said, that if only he possessed that natural leadership, that demeanor that demanded respect, and the ability to do what was needed without over thinking things or being indecisive, none of this would have happened. The crew would not be harboring ill will towards him, Warley would not have died, and he could have been secure, knowing that he did his best.
Crack!
No, it was not so. He knew his flaws. He knew that no matter how much knowledge he held within his head, he did not belong on the ship, confined by the naval discipline. No, he and his indecisive awkwardness would find no respite as long as he walked the decks of the Surprise, far away from hearth and home.
Crack!
The sailors could abide a great deal many things, but they would not abide a Jonah... for he now believed that was what precisely he was: a Jonah.