Before the advent of nuclear submarines, diesel subs had to come to the surface fairly often to recharge their batteries; they were also much slower submerged, since the electric engines weren’t as powerful as the diesels. They spent most of their time on the surface, diving only when they risked detection. I wanted to re-create those limitations for Phoenix, since they drive interesting operational and tactical decisions, and thus drama. Enter Treknobabble!
Most people know Sloop John B. from The Beach Boys, but it's actually a Bahamian folk song. I've listened to a dozen versions while producing this issue, and there's a good reason The Beach Boys' version is definitive. The others aren't bad, for folk music, but I bet you were hearing the best version in your head when you read the page. And if you weren't... go listen to Pet Sounds!
And also, the crew enters full sexy mode for the first time. I suspect this will be popular. More about that next issue...