541, Boundless Land

The cruise ship stopped moving forward; it was like a leaf halted at the center of the ocean, where moving on had lost all meaning after the captain had decided to shut down the engines and then killed himself in his room.

The first officer, upon hearing the news, did not publicize it but quietly handled the captain's body and then continued to organize the crew to distribute food, which was now even scarcer, and tensions aboard had escalated. People had plunged into total panic, with the number of suicides doubling.

"Everyone, please do not give up hope for life; we are far from despair."

The first officer's voice came through the broadcast, "Our food and fresh water can last another ten days. Believe that someone will come to rescue us."