"Yes," Abaddon said. "Their culture is matrilineal."
The shuttle bumped against the Phonecia.
"The airlock is sealed, Sir," Sergeant Raum informed them.
Abaddon helped his very pregnant wife heave her expanding midsection up out of her seat. Sergeant Raum and a contingent of airmen zipped up their wetsuits and prepared to storm the Merfolk vessel, but only if it was necessary.
The hatch opened. His men moved out, and from beyond the doorway he could hear the sound of his men hitting the water. Pulse rifles were designed to work in any environment, even under the water, but the high-pitched whistles of greeting which met his men were friendly, and within moments Sergeant Raum stepped back to inform him everything appeared to be in order.
The Mi'kmaq had a narrow walkway to load and un
