>Also, I should note that the specific callout of Pleasanton as a
>seaport way back in Exodus 1:3 was an inside joke; at the time
>that scene was written, Zoner and I worked in Pleasanton, and
>the thought of it being anywhere near the sea amused us too much to
>pass up.

It's been a long time since I read NXE, that must have slipped by high school me. =)
It being in the middle of a valley threw me this time.