MacNichols grinned when Mabel took the rum bottle from his clutches and drank from it, meaning it this time. “You know, my father always said a partnership wasn’t finalized until both drank on it. I guess that means we’re both in this venture together now.” His expression grew serious and somber immediately afterwards, the man gave Mabel an affirmative, slow nod. “Aye, I’ll be ready to spill a man’s life if it comes to it, but I pray to whichever god is listening that this bloody mutiny doesn’t force my hand.” Like the woman before him, MacNichols’ hand found its way to the worn steel head of his boarding axe, a familiar friend over the past several years. No matter what turmoil he found himself in, he knew it was at least one friend he could depend on. 

[I]I promise I’ll get you a new handle after this is done.[/I] he thought to the inert weapon at his hip. It had been buried deep in more than one man’s chest before, and it was sure to taste blood more times in the years to come. He looked down at the town, listening to the merriment and revelry filling the air. It was so easy to miss the violent undercurrent beneath it all. “Alright, here’s what we do. I’m going to make the rounds and check on the lads, making sure to make a show of support for the captain, and doing my best to talk down the brash notions of violence when they come up. Seems more than a few need to be reminded that we do things by vote, not by blade. You see if you can muster up some more loyalists through more quiet means and we’ll try to tip the balance away from the instigators.” He said, taking the bottle back from Mabel before drinking again. He let it burn for a few moments longer. He sighed, returning his gaze to his partner and offering the bottle once more. “Look, Mabel. I know you stand to suffer as much indignity as the captain, if not worse, if this all goes wrong. I just want you to know that I’m going to do my damnedest to stand by you if anyone gets any improper ideas. You’ve fought and served as well as any man, and that alone deserves respect. You’re going to remain a part of the crew even if we lose Brailham, I’ll personally make sure that the others understand that. I might have to knock out a few teeth, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.” He said with an apologetic shrug. 

((Who knows? :D I like it. She's already a well-defined and believable character.))