As the stars shifted, the moon set and the sun rose. By the time the sun climbed to its zenith, the rolling waves glittered with reflected light.
The gray-black Submarine had dropped anchor and rested on the surface. On its deck, Xia Lun leaned against the railing, fishing as he waved directions to the survivors.
"Yes, take the Carbon Dioxide-to-Starch Converter below. It'll be safer in the cabin. Manhunter, you and the Attendant install it."
"Carson, put the Seawater Purifier beside the old water filter. It doesn't need installing; just unfold the stand and secure it. Don't worry about the waves. I'll keep an eye on it while I fish."
"Just leave the Safe fragments and broken planks with me. I'll make a Smoked Fish Rack when I have time. If we're going to survive at sea long-term, we'll need one."
"Aislin, you're asking when we'll eat? Finish your work first. I should have dinner ready by then. Everyone can look forward to a feast tonight."
Code 18 had plainly left them in a bad situation, but they still had to live. For now, their main task was setting up the spoils from their underwater expedition.
As they worked, they installed the devices that would help them survive and spread their food and water stores across the Submarine. Slowly, the bare vessel began to feel lived-in.
By the time the orange-red sunset stained the sea, their work was finally done. As everyone dragged themselves back into the cabin, Xia Lun finished cooking their feast in the Jade Wolf Pot.
The main ingredient was their newly acquired Tomato-Flavored Nutrient Paste. As before, Xia Lun cooked it into a thick porridge with purified water and salt. This time, he added pounded fish paste for protein.
The savory richness of the fish mingled