[ Forty is a considerable number, he knows. But he figured he should be upfront about that, and if the offer is extended to all refugees, then it's all of them, or none.

Jim nods when Hawk repeats the word, then his eyebrows arch in surprise at his immediate conclusion. Before he can help it, he lets out a soft chuckle, lifting a hand right after. ]

No, nothing— nothing like that. Just women. Very capable women, in fact. I just wanted to be sure, since the pirates are so superstitious about it. They don't allow them to move freely on their ships.