I know, I know. Much, MUCH too long since my last update. All I can do is offer my most sincere apologies, along with this lovely (albeit shorter than usual) morsel. I have already begun work on the next chapter. Please stick with the story, it needs you for motivation! As do I.
Smee stood as if frozen on the spot. His eyes remained unblinking, not a muscle moved visibly on his body. He even seemed to be holding his breath. It was as if the first-mate was afraid that the slightest twitch on his part might throw off the entire balance of the ship. Indeed, it was not the ship he was worried for.
He currently stood in the captain's quarters, in front of the enormous desk of which we previously spoke. Smee had been in this room countless times before. Being first-mate to such a captain as Hook, he was constantly being summoned into the great room for this and that and other things. This, Smee did not mind.
However there were times when Smee did not feel as welcome in the captain's cabin. At times such as these, the captain's eyes would burn red as he stalked about the room, sometimes wreaking havoc on whatever lay in his path.
Smee stood now in the elegant room, dreading his every moment there. The captain had not made any inclinations of violence as of yet. He paced the room with heavy steps though, which was enough to make Smee remain rooted to his spot, barely daring to glance at the dangerously silent Hook.
The footsteps ceased abruptly. Smee heard his captain sigh heavily as he sauntered back to his seat.
"Do take a breath, Mr. Smee. I have no need for a blue-faced assistant."
Smee, comforted by the fact that Hook's eyes had lost their fiery hue, let out a breath and attempted to breathe naturally once more. Hook eyed the stubby man for a moment before continuing.
"Mr. Smee, what were your intentions in bringing the Darling girl aboard my ship?"
"Well, C-cap'n, I was hopin' we could use her – against Pan, that is." Smee swallowed heavily at the use of the boy's name, but Hook made no movement to berate him. "We was hopin' it might raise your spirits a mite. You know, get you back in the fightin' mood."
Hook smirked. With the way Smee spoke, one would never believe him to be a thieving pirate. Truly, the man was a bit of a coward, and rather dim. But his actions almost seemed endearing at times.
"I thank you for your concern for my spirits, Smee," Hook chuckled amusedly. "But they are no concern of mine at present. Although I appreciate your forward thinking in bringing Miss Darling here, my order stands: Pan no longer holds any interest to me, or this ship for that matter. We will continue as planned."
"But what of the lady, Cap'n?"
"She will stay."
"Aye, Cap'n." Smee frowned slightly. He wasn't particularly attached to the girl, but he hated to leave her to fend for herself on the island. He supposed she would be able to find Peter Pan eventually, which would help matters. "I'll have some men row her to shore before we set sail."
"No, Smee. I mean she will stay on the ship." At this, Smee's eyes widened to an absurd size and he began to sputter incoherent syllables for the umpteenth time that day. Hook sighed. Was this really what his crew consisted of? "I'm sure we can finde some use for her. There's plenty of cleaning to be done, for certain. Spread the word, Smee, and let us take our leave of this place straight away."
Smee gulped and nodded vigorously in reply before heading for the door.
"And Smee? Send the girl in here. We have some business to discuss."