Going to Weather

Panel 1 [Captain looks up, haggard, as Mathews ducks his head into the cabin and addresses him. Mathews looks low, hostile.]

MATHEWS:
Captain. Thought you said we was bound for the Pacific. You’re keepin’ the crew in the dark ‘bout our location, but I know we been circling the Atlantic nigh five months.

Panel 2 [Barzillai turns, looking tired, irritable]

BARZILLAI:
The agents had us set for the Pacific. But you know we had great success in these cruising grounds last voyage. I was hoping we could take a number of whales closer to home…

Panel 3 [Pulled back shot of Mathews stepping into the room closer to the captain. Barzillai turns to look over at him, posture tense.]

MATHEWS:
Well, we ain’t. And I’m having a hard time parsin’ the meanin’ of it. Are you really chasin’ stale luck, or are you just tryin’ to keep your lady close to her shores?

Panel 4 [Shot over Barzillai's shoulder as Mathews continues to speak to him, irate.]

MATHEWS:
I and all these other men signed on this vessel to make a livin’. Not run a woman’s pleasure cruise. She makes a different man of you—and that ain’t me payin’ any compliments.

BARZILLAI:
Mention my wife in that tone again and I’ll put you in irons, man.

Panel 5 [Mathews looks unswayed by the threat, scowling slightly]

MATHEWS:
Quick to threats; that’s not changed. But threats won’t bring any more whales.

Panel 6: [Barzillai gives Mathews a warning look, frown deepening.

BARZILLAI:
We’re near Horta. We’ll resupply there, get recruits, and then make our way around the Horn. I’ll hear no more from you, Mr. Mathews.