"Well, we certainly don't need to be formal," Stone says dryly, and makes the mental note to go with "Klaes" from now on. "All right. First things first, floating. If all else fails, this might at least keep you alive longer."

He puts a hand in the small of his back. "Take a breath, lay back, and let your feet come off the bottom. I'll keep you from going under if it's necessary."