We were all still awaiting the helicopter’s arrival, and everyone was jockeying for the best vantage point. I tried to stay close but was careful not to get in the soldiers’ way or annoy them with any careless gestures. But I soon realized my fear was unfounded. These were all great guys, mostly in their early twenties, just doing their job and happy to be here. These events obviously suited them. Our ship was far more interesting to them than their carrier. They didn’t try to keep their distance or maintain some stoic military silence; instead, they chatted with me gladly. As much as I wanted to learn something from them, they had just as many questions for me. Since that was the case, we both took advantage of the situation. We talked like best friends.

According to them, their happiness knew no bounds when they found out they were coming to help us. Military maneuvers, it seems, are incredibly boring and repetitive. So, this situation with our ship came as a godsend. Our ship is definitely much prettier than theirs, so they acted almost like tourists themselves. Excellent, if that’s the case, it will be much easier for me to do what I have to do. Meanwhile, the operation was beginning.

On the aircraft carrier, we could see a helicopter lifting off and heading in our direction. Since the distance between us was very short, it arrived in less than a minute. It reached our vicinity, stopped, and… stayed there. It hovered for two or three minutes without any attempt to proceed, and then turned back? We were all confused. What is happening now?

We got the explanation five minutes later over the PA system. The coordination between the teams seemed solid because information traveled fast. The Cruise Director informed us that the situation was still not safe. The helicopter wouldn’t begin the food transport until guests cleared Deck 10…