p. 297

As S begins to finish his writing, he notices that Maelstrom and the other sailors are standing in the doorway of the secret room. The crew enters the room and dramatically prepare for the sewing of S’s lips. This scene marks a change in S’s character, for he is no longer different from the rest of the crew. He is finally a part of them.

A fish hook most likely similar to the one that Maelstrom used to sew S.'s mouth shut.

A fish hook most likely similar to the one that Maelstrom used to sew S.’s mouth shut.

Within the margins, there is simply commentary from Jen that did not warrant responses from Eric. First she says, Straka had to keep agreeing, though – every step of the way. Even if he didn’t think that’s what he was doing. With this commentary, Jen is highlighting the tight predicament that Straka was in. Even if he wanted to escape the group, he had no choice, and instead had to continue agreeing. Jen then states, further down the page, in reference to S getting his lips sewn shut, So it’s what he really wants? Although Eric does not respond, the text, through the fact that S does not resist when they go to sew his lips, makes it clear that it is quite possibly what he really wants.