"Where are you going, Captain?"
Hook turned around and almost lost control of the row boat. He hadn't thought anyone was around.
"Ah, Smee. I was just going to spend some time on the lagoon," he replied, setting the row boat into the water.
"Are you going to talk to the mermaids? It would be great to have them on our side."
"No, I wasn't going to talk to the mermaids."
"Oh. I see. You're just going out for some solitude to strategize against the enemy."
"Yes, that's it," Hook lied, hoping that Smee would leave him alone.
"Excellent. I look forward to hearing your brilliant plans," Smee said, rubbing his hands together. Then he turned and began to stroll down the beach.
Hook stepped into the boat and pushed away from the shore. In all honesty, he did want some solitude, but he had no interest in creating schemes to torment the others. He rowed methodically and sighed, thinking of what a mess this had all become.
Now that Tink was attempting to enforce boundaries in Neverland, a petty war had broken out. Everyone had taken a side: they were either with Tink or against her. Hook had sided with Tink since it was in his best interest to keep Neverland safe, but he couldn't quite agree with all of her demands. The others in their group were Whibbler, Starkey, Smee, and a rather reluctant Curly. The past few days had been filled with each side trying to win over the other, sometimes in long debates, but most of the time in stealing possessions, withholding food, and vicious pranks. His pants had been filled with tickling hamsters twice now, and he was getting sick of it.
While the skirmishes has been mildly distracting, Captain Hook couldn't shake the feeling that Neverland was turning into an endless nightmare. The thought of going back to prison still filled him with dread, but the monotony of his current situation was beginning to seem worse. In the brief time he had spent in London and then with Angela Darling, he had realized that the lack of purpose in his life was decidedly depressing.
"If you've come out here to die, today is a good day."
Hook flinched and looked around until he saw Cora peeking over the back of the boat.
"Cora, my dear, you really do have a skill for sneaking up on people."
"What can I say? I have a lot of time to develop my talents."
Hook gave a tentative laugh. He was always a bit uneasy around the embittered, purple-tailed mermaid. "By the way, Cora, I was never able to properly thank you for helping us when we went to get the treasure."
"Hm. Speaking of life-threatening situations, I hope you haven't come out here to ask the mermaids to join your cause. Nibs tried that this morning and nearly got himself killed."
Captain Hook shook his head. "No, I'm actually hoping to negotiate some middle ground."
"Well, at least you guys have a choice whether to go or stay," Cora said, slapping her purple tail against the water in irritation.
Hook considered the dark-haired mermaid. He felt a twinge of guilt at her unique situation. Matilda had already started her experiments when he came to Neverland - the girl's had been so young then - but he should have tried to stopped her.
"Anyway," Cora said lightly, "be careful on your way back. Nerissa is still livid about the treasure."
"I will. Thank you, Cora dear."
The mermaid disappeared beneath the water, and Hook turned the boat around and headed back to the beach.
*****
"Captain Hook! I'm glad you're here! I have this poison ivy powder that I need you to put in Nibs' bed."
Hook walked slowly in to central control, dreading the conversation he was about to have with Tink.
"Just make sure you wear gloves," Tink continued. "If you go quickly you should be able to do it now because nobody's in the tree house."
"Miss Tink, why are you doing this?"
Tink blew a strand of her red hair out of her face. "To show Nibs that we're serious and he needs to back down."
Hook sighed and made a large gesture with his hands. "No, why are you doing all this? The incentives and the restrictions?"
"I would think it would be obvious to you, of all people," Tink replied. "We can't risk more people infiltrating Neverland."
"That's true, but I don't know that trapping everyone in is the best way to go about protecting it."
Tink huffed. "But the more people we have going in and out draws more attention to Neverland."
"Then perhaps we should focus on implementing better security, or building an entrance that's not so conspicuous."
"Maybe," Tink conceded, "but people should also feel a sense of loyalty to Neverland."
"Well, they won't feel that if it's forced on them."
Tink screwed up her face, looking as if she was about to cry. "Why don't you care more about this?" She yelled. "You have the most to lose if Neverland is discovered!"
Hook stared at the floor. "Yes, and I'm almost prepared to accept that."
Tink's face fell, apparently realizing she had no leverage.
"Miss Tink, we can't hide Neverland forever, nor can we force people to stay. There is a chance that one day our sanctuary down here will be compromised. I suggest that you seriously consider a plan for when that day comes."
For the first time in all of his conversations with her, Tink had no response. He gave her a small bow and let himself out.