I will look into it, though I fear if there were a program to bring ones loved ones into this world, everyone would take advantage. It seems something that's left to fate.
I did smile, though I suppose you can't see through the screen. But I'm afraid that's more accurate than you might suppose. Before Temeraire was hatched, I did have a promise with a woman that I'd grown up with, though I'm afraid that the arrangement came to an end once I was put into harness. Temeraire must, of course, come first, and there are few women who'll accept being second chair to a dragon.
I do know the phrase, yes, though I'd like to think of it as a bit of a misnomer. Though, I suppose that it likely refers more to those who served on merchant ships than those in the King's Navy.
I'd not say no to any of the above. I'm afraid I'm still unfamiliar with many of the establishments here, but I've a few that I can quite confidentially recommend either for dinner or drink, whichever's your preference.