Most captains didn't keep the same people around them for decades, or even a few years.

The old captain kept time gently with his sinewy hand.

The captain kept part of it for future needs.

The captain kept holding the chair as if it might fall over.

Any captain with sense kept his course well away from them.

That evening, the captain and the mate keep watch together.

The captain kept the surprise out of his voice.

Why would he choose to stay on a ship where the captain couldn't keep his people safe?

"Maybe when we're all together, we need the captain to keep us from each other's throats," he said.

"The days of letting a captain keep his crew together for decades are pretty much over."