DESTINY 

By Tessa Harvey

    As usual people queued for food, much like a school or college canteen. The food choices were excellent, well presented and appetising. You could choose warm food. Toasted sandwiches were a favourite, or freshly made salads with tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and other options such as fruit.   

    The cheerful banter was sadly lacking. There were not many children or young people on this particular voyage. An older man seemed to be in charge of two boys in their early teens. The boys were nearly always subdued and reticent to engage with others. Two small girls were looked after by a young woman. The three were cheerful and outgoing.

    As the meal finished, workers quietly collected used plates and utensils as quietly as could be managed. Many passengers helped, glad of something to do. The mother of the two young girls gave them some coloured pens and paper.

    "We bought some new equipment from reputable firms, but it has failed us," began the captain. He gestured to some of the engineers to explain more fully. But as they took turns clarifying passenger queries, there was a terribly loud explosion and the ship shook violently......