Alvin's strange expression drew a chorus of boos from the kids...
Alvin had always been the tough-guy type, so seeing him suddenly act like a superfan left the kids curious and amused...
Nemo II was taken aback by Alvin's actions. Then the mild-mannered, bearded man gave Alvin a hearty hug and laughed. "I believe you now. You weren't just being polite when you complimented the Nautilus...
Principal Alvin, you're a fascinating man. I'm sure we'll become friends!"
Alvin sounded a little disappointed. "Shouldn't we already be good friends?
I've always heard Sikhs are a hearty and forthright people. Was what I heard wrong?"
Nemo II looked at Ginny, nestled in Alvin's arms, nodding solemnly in agreement with her dad. He suddenly burst out laughing. "The Manhattan Axe has surprised me again and again...
I thought I was just the captain of an old ship here. I never expected..."
Alvin waved away Nemo II's self-deprecation and said earnestly, "I've always had an inexplicable fondness for anything that's stood the test of time...
I collect old records myself...
The Nautilus may not be the most advanced ship anymore, but nothing could take its place in my heart..."
Nemo II nodded, deeply moved. Then he suddenly unbuckled the scimitar at his waist and handed it to Alvin. "You really are a friend...
I have to prove that your judgment of us Sikhs is right!"
Alvin stared in surprise at the scimitar, which was inlaid with jewels...
In Sikh tradition, a ceremonial blade was a symbol of their people. They regarded it as a symbol of freedom and honor, and would never give one away...
Nemo II seemed to sense what Alvin was thinking. With a hearty laugh, he pressed the jeweled blade into Alvin's hand...
Then, to Alvin's astonishment, he pulled a small