Barrington thanked the barmaid for her kindness, and left saying -- or was he asking? -- "See you later".
When they reached the Captain's Lounge (an auspicious name, if ever there was one, given what he was going to say), and certain members followed him in, he shut the door and turned the key to lock it. With a gesture he invites the others to sit.
"Nia Steeleyes, it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is James Barrington." He smiles, and does a polite little bow with his neck towards her.
"I heard part of your offer outside, but felt that it was necessary to have some privacy before the conversation continues. You must forgive me if I continue with a conversation we were having before before we hear your proposal."
What I say, I say to Señora de Corazon. You know I do not say this in anger, but it is a matter that must be brought into the light. I chose some privacy so that I would not in any way cause recriminations on your reputation.
Your negotiations with du Tourbillon were weak, and you weakened the position of everyone who would be on a crew with you. You asked my opinion, and I offered it. When I did, your recriminations to me showed du Tourbillon nothing except that you cannot control yourself.
You refused the opportunity for additional funds up front, and in so doing showed that you set yourself ahead of the safety and wellbeing of this enterprise.
By turning away funds now you risk ever achieving funds in the future. In so doing you show yourself to be selfish.
You invited me to participate in the conversation, and when I did you chose not to listen to my words but to attack me verbally, claiming to speak for the majority of those here present. When you do so you characterized it as being because you felt you needed to test me. Well, madam, in this test it is you who have been found wanting.
You say you are a leader, but you have shown yourself to be impetuous, selfish, risk-prone, entitled, and proud. Everything you have said so far has been about you, and nothing about those whom you would ask to call you captain.
I have no interest in being abused for advocating for the safety and security of a ship, or for seeking the best footing from which to commence this business. I also have no desire to quarrel with you.
If this is not a fair summary of the negotiations on the balcony, I will never need serve beneath you on a ship's crew.
But I would ask you to think carefully about your next words, for not only will I judge you by them but so will the rest of the people here assembled."
Barrington eyes Steeleyes particularly with this last comment. He sits down in the most comfortable chair he can see, but does not make eye contact with Katerina.
