"It's a poor captain who cannot command his crew."

Yet there's hesitation in the words. He doesn't like the uncertainty, but it's there. After all, he has to weigh a volunteer crew who can leave at any time with the press of command. If he cannot hold some authority, they are all worthless in this endeavour. Yet if there is no way to enforce his will, he has no power over them.

And here, there is no way to enforce his will.

Thank God they had no battle to worry about.