When I saw this scene, I immediately thought it looked like a new platoon leader meeting his platoon sergeant. Especially in a dire situation, like combat. It is one of the strangest arrangements we have – a young, fresh soldier is placed in charge of a few dozen men, many of whom are older and more experienced.
The tit for tat exchange in the beginning of the scene is similar to what will happen over time in a new platoon leader’s experience. Members of the platoon will test the leader by pushing the limits of what can be said in his presence, the other members of the platoon (in this case, the boat) looking on, waiting for the reaction.
Later in the scene, Theon meets his First Mate – which is really more akin to the platoon sergeant in this case. The bald guy in the beginning is more like the super-aggressive squad leader. The First Mate welcomes Theon, and says “They’re not going to respect you until you prove yourself.”
Here’s the text of the first scene above:
Theon: You’re the crew of the Sea Bitch? I’m your commander. Welcome.
Stop.
STOP!
Your captain commands you to stop!
[laughter]
Rymolf: Where are we headed, captain?
Theon: The Stony Shore. To raid their villages. There’ll be spoils in it for you, and women, if you do your jobs well.
Rymolf: And who decides if we’ve done our jobs well?
Theon: I do. Your captain.
Rymolf: I have been reaving(?) and raping, since before you left Thelon’s balls. Don’t reckon I’ve got much use for ideas on how to do it. Don’t reckon I’ve got much use for a captain at all. I’m thinking I can do the job of captain real well myself. All I need is the ship. You don’t know where I can find myself a ship, would ye?
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Carrying the Gun 