'I know that.'
'I just want to do the paper.'
'That's OK. Me too.'
'It's important, and it's fun, and there's no point in spoiling that.'
'Absolutely not.'
They both nodded.
'Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Captain speaking.'
Captain Smith's voice crackled out of the public address system. Jimmy and Claire looked up at the speaker on the wall. All over the ship, people stopped what they were doing. In the engine room the engineers paused; in the kitchens the catering staff wiped their hands and stood listening; by the swimming pool mothers stopped applying sun cream and children quietly trod water.
'We are now setting sail on the second voyage of the Titanic. Our journey will take us along the east coast of the United States of America. We at White Star Line and the Titanic take very seriously our responsibility to our passengers and crew. We have already been through difficult times, and you may be sure there will be many more ahead, but it remains our primary duty to ensure your safety. Only the good Lord above knows how long our journey will be, but it's important that we all work together to ensure our continued survival. If you're a doctor at home, volunteer here. If you're a carpenter or an electrician, a baker or an accountant, we need your help. Even if you have no profession, you can be trained. The Titanic is the greatest ship ever built, but it needs your support. Thank you for your cooperation, and enjoy the trip.' There was a short pause. 'And now for an important message from First Officer Jeffers.'
'Thank you, Captain.' Jeffers cleared his throat, then gravely announced: 'The public toilets on Level Four are blocked, please avoid using them until further notice. And Dr Hill has reported an infestation of fleas which is believed to be due to a small dog that boarded at St Thomas. If you spot this dog, please notify a member of the crew immediately. Approach it with extreme caution. Thank you.'
THE END
* * *
notes
Примечания
1
Actually, I've just remembered 6, which is why Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is called 'Lucky' Jimmy Armstrong. It's a sarcastic joke. Ever since Jimmy's great-grandfather went down on the Titanic the family had been plagued with ill luck. The Armstrongs attract accidents and controversy the way summer flowers attract bees. This 'Lucky' Jimmy Armstrong, thirteen years old, was simply following in the family tradition.
Titanic 2020 Page 23