Hans nods when Elizabeth asks weather it was happening. He keeps speaking in a hushed voice.<br/><br/>"It is."<br/><br/>Just as he says so, a lot of noises can be heard on deck. Metal clashing against metal. Shouting of curses and calls to arms. Feet shuffling on deck, and the screams of dying men. The whole spectacle lasts for no more than two minutes, then a cheer can be heard from above. Hans keeps quiet throughout it all, huddling close to Elizabeth. It's not until a grinning Peg-leg Jacob climbs down and addresses both of them that Hans stands up straight.<br/><br/>"'Tis done, mon. Magnus be gone an' ting, de ship belong ta de crew once again. Come an upstairs, mon, ya have a vote in de election for captain an' ting."<br/><br/>He looks at Elizabeth.<br/><br/>"Not you, lil' girl, sorry. Only Hans. But I be tinkin' ya' might have some good news after all, when dis is all over an' done wit."<br/><br/>Hands looks at Elizabeth before addressing jacob once again.<br/><br/>"Can she come with me up, at least?"<br/><br/>Jacob shrugs.<br/><br/>"A dun' tink de scene upstairs is a scene for a lil' girl, but if she wants to, de crewmen will not complain. Dey fond of 'lil Liz by now."<br/><br/>He grins and manages to scramble back upstairs. Hans follows, leaving Elizabeth to decide for herself.<br/><br/>As he gets up, a grisly scene awaits him. The night sky is clouded and pitch black, but the ship's lanterns illuminate the scene on deck well enough. Several of the captain's trusted men and lieutenants lie dead, and a handful seem to betied up in the middle of the ship, around the mainmast. The captain is hanging from the rigging of one of the gallantsails, and blood and entrails are everywhere. The midshipsman, William, was addressing the crew.<br/><br/>"It's as we thought, lads! Our 'beloved' captain's been holdin' out on us! Gold, weapons, rum, he's been takin' it all for himself!"<br/><br/>The statement is met with a furious roar from the crew.<br/><br/>"No matter, lads! We're in control of the Widow now, an' all tha' remains is electin' a new captain, as free men!"<br/><br/>That statement is met by a cheer. Hans stands by, watching, mesmerized.<br/><br/>"Nominations have been made, an' it's time ter vote! All ye who vote fer Jacob, stomp and shout aye!"<br/><br/>A few men, mostly the black ones, shout aye, but not nearly enough. Jacob just laughs.<br/><br/>"Me wit dis leg o' mine wouldn't be a gud captain anyway, Bill! Ya just keep on shoutin', mon!"<br/><br/>General laughter.<br/><br/>"Arite, lads, those o' ye' who want me as yer boss, stomp an' shout aye!" William laughs, not expecting much of a turnout.<br/><br/>Indeed, the only thing that happens is a bit more laughter and one man who shouts "Get on with it, guv!"<br/><br/>William raises his hands in surrender. "Arite, then! First mate Johnathan?"<br/><br/>The crew begin to stomp and shout as one. It seemed to be decided. Johnathan steps up to the help, smiling. "Yes, yes. Alright, boys, let us not get ahead of ourselves. I have a few things to say. My first decree, if you will."<br/><br/>The crew falls silent.<br/><br/>"As you all know, a few months ago, we picked up a wayward girl named Elizabeth. Our oh so malevolent captain wanted to sell her into slavery, but I say that we, as free men, will not traffic in human cargo. All who vote for letting her go when she wants to, and otherwise allowing her to earn her keep like the rest, shout aye!"<br/><br/>The crew in general seem to agree, though the only one to really<span style="font-style: italic">shout</span>aye was Hans. The rest of the crew turn to look at the by, and most smile. The accord is repeated, this time a bit more heartily.<br/><br/>The new captain then nods at the men. "Well done, boys. I suggest we all go to sleep and dump the bodies in the locker. We can clean up this mess in the morning."<br/><br/>General acquiesence dominating the crew, most head downstairs for a drink before they go to sleep. Hans moves over to Elizabeth, smiling. "Did you hear that, Elizabeth?" He seems genuinely happy for her.