They died at the hands of the Navy officers, within a few days. Days of agony, I suppose, but the reports didn't bother to go into details, they were ...oo unimportant. An all female crew. Whatever the Navy said, that wouldn't have been a military patrol, or expedition. And there were no indications that they were priestesses, on a ritual mission to one of their island sanctuaries. No, knowing their customs, this all female crew could only mean one thing: their mission had been diplomatic. They. " I have been following your conversations when you were on Earth and also believe in what you call esprit de corps. A Tandra name of a famous ship could be translated, with a little modification, to 'Terra's Pride'. It does not translate that well, but means much more to a Tandra." I like it. How about you Paul?" Sounds good. There is too much pride on Earth now and this may make them see past their petty jealousies. Do we have to talk to Mom or the Nautilus to get their vote?" No, commander.. " Then I shall call you Mikki," she said with meaning. "It's the name wecalled your grandmother. So I don't think she'd mind if you also haveit." She sipped her tea. "Do you like it?"I smiled. "I think its wonderful Mum." I looked at her. "I do like thesound of Mikki." My smile broadened. "You can even use it when I'm in boymode." Why do you think I picked it?" Mum answered. "I know you're calledMickey by your sister."I cringed slightly. My sister Judy only called me that to annoy me. But Iknew. . Your hair looks great too!” “You’re truly gifted with words, Pete.” She gives me the sort of smile that comes at the end of a joke.“What can I say, I’m a modern day Shakespeare!” She laughs and gently squeezes my hand. The waitress brings us over a big plate of sushi rolls we ordered. It’s a sample platter with lobster rolls, salmon, tuna, seaweed. The plate is lit up with different colors, from pink to orange. We dig in. It tastes so amazing! Each bite is just a flurry of different tastes.