Free Sedulity 2: Aftershock (Sedulity Saga) by David Forsyth

says it’s still a disaster area with all the broken dishes, and such, but
his team is cleaning up and preparing some basic meals to be served later this
morning. A dozen of the hospitality staff have been busy getting the tables and
chairs in order in the dining room.   They
reported some water damage, but the flooding wasn’t too severe there. Being at
the stern, only a few side windows were broken in the main dining room. They’ve
been covered with plastic and canvas to keep out the rain.”
    “Excellent,” the captain nodded. “I’ll be going down to
address the passengers and crew in the theater soon. I’d like to be able offer
them the option of going to the restaurant, since most of them no longer have
staterooms. The least we can do is feed them and let them stretch their legs.
Get me a report on which public areas have the least damage and can be opened
to the passengers today. I don’t want them going stir crazy, or be forced to
watch the terrible news on TV in that theater.” The first officer nodded and
continued taking notes while the captain turned to stare out across the dark
sea, towards the unseen source of this disaster.
    *****
    Down in the theater Lieutenant Reiner was nearing the end of
his patience, as were many of the passengers sequestered with him. The GNN
broadcast of panicked crowds in California, running for their lives, did
nothing to calm the mood of passengers aboard the Sedulity, especially since many of them were from that area. Reiner
had tried to change the channel briefly, but that sparked a minor riot among
those who demanded to be able to watch the terrible news unfold. Reiner
relented, but felt sorry for those who hid their faces in their hands and would
obviously prefer not to be exposed to such horrific scenes of disaster.
    The constant demands, complaints, and pleading from angry and
confused passengers were becoming unbearable. He was praying that Captain
Krystos would arrive soon to provide more answers and better leadership than
the Lieutenant was capable of. Reiner was missing Staff Captain Stevens more
each second too. He would have known how to deal with this crisis, but the staff
captain had been burned to a crisp and washed overboard. Reiner had seen it
happen. So here he was, in charge of keeping more than a thousand distraught
passengers seated in the theater for more than ten hours now while the world
was destroyed in full HD right before their eyes.  
    Tensions were rising and Reiner was relieved to see Mr. Cohn,
the security chief enter the theater with four of his security guards who
spread out to join other members of the crew guarding each main exit. Reiner
was a bit surprised to note that they carried pistols openly on their belts,
but realized that they would project authority far better than the lieutenant’s
soiled uniform.  
    “Mr. Cohn,” he said as the man reached the main stage. “It’s
good to see you. These people are close to panic here. I’m not sure how much
longer I could have kept control. Will you relieve me?”
    Cohn shook his head sadly and said, “I can’t do that, son.
You’re still the ranking ship’s officer here, but my men and I will do our best
to help you keep a lid on things. The captain will be down himself soon. I’m
here to get these folks in the mood to receive him properly. Can’t have them
badgering him, or worse, when he arrives. Would you care to introduce me to the
passengers?”
    “Yes, Sir,” Reiner replied gratefully. And rank be damned. In
Reiner’s opinion, the chief of security should outrank a lowly ship’s officer
in a situation like this, if not strictly in maritime law. He stepped up on
stage and signaled for the sound of the television to be muted, but left the
video feed running. Then he addressed the restless crowd.
    “May I have your attention please? This is Mr. Cohn, our chief
of security. He’d like to give you some information about conditions on the
rest of the ship and explain why we