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The next day, Joe Don learns, as Captain, that he must mark three Pirates with the Black Spot. Those three will be forced to defend themselves at Pirates' Court, where one will be cut adrift. Joe Don, however, also receives warning to choose wisely because the crew could mutiny and send him adrift. Joe Don meets with his Officers and he informs them that he wants John off the ship since he has bothered the crew since day one. Together, Joe Don and Ben choose Louie, as well, since Ben overheard Louie talking about Mutiny, which is their greatest threat. By making Louie a target, he will be unable to vote, thus hindering the possibility of a Mutiny. The third Pirate to receive the Black Spot will be Joy.
A Bold Move
The Officers inform the rest of the crew about Pirates' Court and they distribute letters to each crewmember. John, Louie, and Joy find Black Spots on their letters. The possibility of being cut adrift angers Louie, brings Joy to tears, and leads John to develop an underhanded strategy to save his skin: he steals both compasses. Now that he has the compasses, John believes it makes sense for his fellow Pirates to keep him in the game because he now has control over navigation. He feels Mutiny is the only option and he hopes to see Joe Don cut adrift.
At Pirates' Court, Louie, John, and Joy have an opportunity to defend themselves. Joy and Louie use their likeable nature and appeal to the friends they've made so far in order to secure their safety. John takes a different approach and reveals the stolen compasses. He informs the crew that they are the only navigational aids and if he goes, they go with him. John urges the crew to vote for a Mutiny so they can send their Captain, who has just pocketed $20,000, out to sea. Joe Don tries to reassure his team that they can continue their voyage without the aid of a compass, but his inability to use the stars to ascertain which direction is north doesn't seem to put the crew at ease. The crewmembers take their ballots and place them upon the dagger. Once the ballots are counted, the vote is unanimous: John's voyage has ended and the Captain cuts John adrift.
With one Pirate gone, who will become the Pirate Master? 
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