I know exactly what you were talking about and meant nothing beyond it. [she's slipping the affectation of an old sea salt into her voice just barely, just enough to sound different. and dryly amused.] A captain's not allowed to call her crewmate hot? Suppose women can't do much of anything these days.

[she nearly takes a drink, but decides better of it at the last second.]

I can't pay you, but if you're in it for the adventure, I won't turn you away. Just recall we're a peaceful crew, sailing on the strength of my reputation and the shadow of our prow. Too much death in the waves already. [the affected voice drops.] Plus the people you're rescuing tend not to like it if you show up covered in pirate blood.

[now's a good time for that drink.]