Hmm. He had fallen a little to the laconic side and Buffy resolved to perhaps ask a few less questions -- especially those that had little to do with the task at hand -- concerned that Jack might call into question his First Mate's appointment. It was only that she was far more accustomed to having this information or intuiting it. She could still intuit much at the moment but it was, she could perhaps admit, a rather new novelty to have someone she considered an expert at her side.

But Buffy folded her arms on the rail and watched the progression of the ships. So, so very far away. Just as the enemy's had been when the shot had splintered the mast. Like watching something on a drive-in screen or a picture in a book that happened to have a little bit of far-off movement to it.

Or like game pieces, dutifully lined up. The Slayer reached over the rail and seemed to trace a shape between all three ships. And she held her breath. And she waited to witness the broadsiding.