An explanation...or several!

'So,'continued Captain Bill,'Norma said to me, do you think we should call it off? But I said that it was essential that we moved ahead with the testing of the Mark VII Water Impact Survival Device, which was why we were pulling Annie out of the dockyard when you arrived!'

Admiral Cholmondley Waldegrave St Clair drew in a very long breath.

'Yesssssssssssssssssssssss!' he said at last,'interesting...and the Penguin?'

'Geraldine,' said Norma.

'Top sailor,' added Captain Bill,'excellent in the water, good with fish, always handy that if you're a bit lost and in need of directions and of course if you sink...'

But at that moment one of Norma's horns seemed to catch on Captain Bill's tail and he never completed the sentence.

'Hmmm,' said the Admiral and he indicated to the Lieutenant that a note should be made.

Anyway,' he continued,'about our visit...'

And Captain Bill turned a little pale.