She turned back to him, "Why certainly! What is it?"
Matt looked around, but no one was listening, "I was wondering if there were those among the Whale People who don't have much of anything to live for. People who might not mind dying too much if you know what I mean."
Elizabeth swallowed and looked deeply into his eyes for a moment before asking, "Why would you want such people?"
"I need them for my crew. I don't want people who have families or obligations to others. Understand?"
Elizabeth nodded slowly and said, "Several months ago we had a bad disease break out on one of the platforms. Several families lost their children and a few men lost their wives as well."
"Could you send them to me Elizabeth?"
She nodded and started to leave, when Matt restrained her arm and said, "It would be best if you didn't say anything of this to anyone."
Elizabeth nodded, as a single tear made its way down her cheek.
"Oh and before I forget again I need you to send all the pieces of metal that you can find to my ship. I need anything small enough to fit down the barrel of a cannon. Knives, forks, tin soldiers, even pieces of porcelain or glass balls and beads will work."
"I'll see what I can find."
Three hours later numerous satchels filled with metallic odds and ends were carried below the iron plated deck of Matt's ship.
"That should do the job I'd say Elizabeth. Thank you!" Matt said.
"Wait!" Elizabeth said.
Matt turned to the older woman questioningly.
She struggled for a moment to pull something off one of her arthritic fingers. It came after a moment of tugging and she quickly put it into Matt's hand.
"I can't blow your wedding ring out the barrel of a cannon Elizabeth! It wouldn't be right! Here take it back! Please!" Matt exclaimed.
Elizabeth wouldn't take it back, but instead she hugged Matt tightly for a long moment before drawing back and wiping at the tears on her face as she said, "It isn't right for one to stand by and offer nothing of value when there are those willing to give everything. May God keep you!"
Matt in return hugged her to him for a long moment.