Gerald was quiet as the various people discussed matters among themselves, while taking note of several key moments, well, more note than he would have taken of other events that he was keeping track of, mainly, who opposed his position of Captain, or at the very least did not support it. The female elf flat out cast her vote in his favor, keeping short and to the point. An interesting, if blunt, thing. Short an to the point he could work with, as could the others he would hope. The man who spoke next was human, like himself, though it appeared he took a far different path in life than himself, which was respectable enough. His offer to support, in return for the role of Navigator, made him think, rather than just blindly accept the extra support and move on. The man seemed capable and level headed, but his talents as a navigator were unknown. Then again, so were his as a captain, so it was only fair to trust in return. He nodded after those moments of quiet thought, before the next person spoke. [b]"A fair offer, and if you desire the role of Navigator, I will assume you have some skill in the art. I would see to it you assume the role as navigator, aye."[/b]

The half naked elf was going to be a problem, sounding like a religious fanatic of his clan of elves. Other than as fellow crew aboard vessels, such as Ragbeard's own ship at one point, did he deal with them, and he did not terribly like their culture. The will of their god to make this woman, who did not want the role, captain? He did not betray anything on his face, still seated as the elf bellowed out his thing, probably thinking himself clever or the like. He tried not to dislike such beings, of any sort, but he suspected he and this elf may not get along very well. He spoke quietly, in notable contrast to the bellowing, not a man to raise his voice unless circumstance demanded it. [b]"I respect your belief as much as the next man's, but I do not personally feel letting the interpretation of the will of a god, which generally, by their nature, is rarely knowable, decide. If this Jayros would truly make it so, then it will become apparent, despite any actions made by ourselves. Simply my opinion, of course."[/b]

Gerald personally put his faith in another being, but he did not go about madly claiming all the others were wrong and would burn in the pits of whatever hellscape they deserved. He didn't like bringing religion into decision making needlessly, zeal could be blinding, after all. A half orc spoke next, casting his vote in his favor as well, granted, he did not seem terribly pleased with the situation. That was something he would have to inquire about in due time, in case it would prove to be a problem of some sort or another to the ship and crew. The next man to speak also cast his vote in Gerald's favor, offering his talents as a book keep and mage, both of which would be welcome additions. He inclined his head to both the half orc and mage as they had spoke in turn, replying to them as well. [b]"The addition of a mage, and one versed in the care of books, would be welcome. And I am sure your ferocity in battle will be most welcome as well."[/b] The latter half of his sentence was clearly directed at the half orc, he was simply being polite by not calling him a half blood or some such issue.

The other half orc spoke next, calling for a final vote and tally and be done with the event, so they could go about drinking and being merry. Well, they would, if he made Captain, Gerald would be retiring early to investigate what had changed since he last served upon that old ship, but the half naked elf was seemingly oblivious to the current of events still, blowing them off and focusing on the elf woman who was clearly unhappy with crossing paths with this other elf again, and the very end of his rant caught his clear attention. Slavers, he knew which tribe they hailed from, if his name spouting hadn't given that away. A twitch of his eye, ever so brief, was the only betrayal of his inner thoughts, and his voice remained quiet, but had hardened in tone a bit. [b]"Well, allow me to point out that I shall not be engaging in slave trade of any sort. But I digress."[/b] He stood, arms linked behind his back as he faced the other owners of the ship, in agreement with the half orc, though his reasons differed. [b]"If we all have voiced our opinions, a final tally can be made, and those who wish it, may get drunk on ale and be merry. I would request each person give their final opinion, and vote, should no other nominations be made."[/b] It would fall in his favor, but once the issue was decided, they would all go about their business for the evening.