Noticing my bewilderment he continued, “We were at school together.” Petrie was a lot hunkier than he had been in school and the full beard that h...e now sported also added to my confusion.“You’re much bigger than I remember,” was all I could muster.Still laughing he added, “And I suppose the beard also threw you.”“Yeah,” I said smiling. We exchanged a few more pleasantries before the efficient secretary suggested that we need to move on. As I walked away it occurred to me that the conversation I. ." The Ensign decided to halt the line of questioning.The Admiral's mansion at Petrodvorets was all but deserted. The senior Gorshin had accepted a posting to the Northern Port of Arkhangel'sk on the White Sea. His Naval staff had all gone North while the domestics had gone East with Yvgeny's Mother, out of danger.The Gulf of Finland had been closed to shipping, Turkey's entry into the War had closed access to the Mediterranean and Russia's only ice-free Port, Vladivostok, required a three and. It is the perfect cover. I also think we should see if we could get Paul pulled away from his bride for a couple of days to go through your security hardware with his people from Seattle. He is the best there is." What about the prostitutes?" Let me talk to Callie about that. We have been trying to recruit one of her girls for field operations. This might be the time to cash in on some chips she owes me. Is there any thing noticeable about these working girls?" Yeah, that's another thing that. "It's been over 500 years," said Jeff. "A lot can change, so it's safe to believe it really is an Earth ship. The bigger question is what do they want from us after so many years? Magnif is an independent world now. I hope this Elizabeth is not here to bring us back under Earth's dominion." What if she is?" asked Kayleigh."Let's not go there until we know for sure. Have the safe chamber prepared for their arrival."A short time later, Captain Nye and three other people teleported from their ship.