'There were only five million or so of us in the first Elizabeth's time but we counted,' she said.
We sat on. There was planning, as well as the reorientation, to be done.
'As soon as we can get the Midge ready?' I asked. 'I think we've still more than enough fuel to take us that far.'
'Yes. As soon as we can,' she told me.
She went on sitting, with her elbows on her knees and her chin on her hands, looking far away. It was getting chilly again as the sun sank. I moved closer and put my arm round her.
'What is it?' I asked.
'I was just thinking . Nothing is really new, is it, Mike? Once upon a time there was a great plain, covered with forests and full of wild animals. I expect our ancestors hunted there. Then one day the water came in and drowned it all and there was the North Sea .
'I think we've been here before, Mike . And we got through last time '