Task 5: Recovering Eros’ bow and arrow 

a-gentlemanscall:

Dustin waited outside the boat; he didn’t want to get knocked over in the hustle to get on. He watched Max carefully, sizing him up as a leader. Dustin had no problems taking orders he would just like them from a reliable source. He wanted to live and although he might be able to do it on his own it was easier with a team. The leader appeared hopelessly uncoordinated or overly jumpy, either one made Dustin slightly nervous. He didn’t want the leader to fall off the boat or trip on the island. That would just slow them down. Dustin wanted out as fast as possible. He thought everybody else might want the same thing.

By the time Max had begun speaking everyone but Dustin had gathered in the boat. He held the edge of the stern with one hand and gracefully pulled himself over with the other, barely rocking the boat. Although he had already been worried about Max’s coordination he found comfort in his voice not just the words he said but how clear they came out. They carried to every ear, no chance of misunderstanding.

Dustin also agreed with his rules and wouldn’t find it to difficult following any of them. He doubted any plants would be more tempting than their own food. Even if they lost all supplies he had read up as much as possible on exotic vegetation. That knowledge really wouldn’t protect him as this particular island had no specialty books or sites to study. Talking and staying together were easy. Dustin rarely spoke unless necessary, he enjoyed silence and time with his own thoughts, making friends wasn’t his priority. Surviving was.

Dustin stepped forward and stretched his hand out to Max. “Dustin Hoffman sir. We have met before and it is a pleasure to be here. I happen to have knowledge of sailing.” His dad had taught him on a trip in the Bahamas, the water was warm and clear. Easier than the ones they were on now but Dustin was confident he knew enough to get there. It was faster and easier than paddling. If they did that everyone would tire themselves out. “I’m ready to go if you are?” He directed at Max.

A tall blonde stepped up to where Max stood, and he glanced up with a look of pleasant surprise. Dustin. A rare smile found its way onto his face. “I remember.” He took the hand offered to him with a nod, and a firm shake. “The ‘sir’ won’t be necessary, please. We’re all team mates now. I’m not any better than you.” There was a brief lull in conversation as Max took a quick stock check. Muscular - that definitely wouldn’t go amiss. They needed all the fire power they could get with his own weedy contribution. And tanned; Max wasn’t surprised Dustin could sail. He looked like he’d had his fair share of excursions abroad. 

“Thank you, that’s a great help. If you know where we’re going, then I believe it’s all anchors away.” Gesturing for Dustin to take his place at the front of the boat, Max turned to the remainder of the group. “Everyone set? Let’s get going.”

(Source: max-simmons)