[ the captain could feel the hit to the head with the glare. he didn't want to hear eustace say that, but he knew it had to be said-- it helped him cope with the fact that yes, he had no real leverage in the fight. but of course, it didn't stop the feelings of inadequacy in him.

but the captain was captain for a reason, and he knew that others have told him why. so instead of complaining, he'd take the challenges head on. yeah, he couldn't stop them, but he managed to get eustace the help he needed. there had to be pride in that, and he was going to take it.

so he brushes the budding tear aside and speaks with a cheeky smile. ] Well, you'd still be my crew member, that's what.

[ but even through that, he speaks sincerely. ] I'll keep that in mind. Now you focus on getting better. I was told it wasn't easy to get everything out of you.