Page 45 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
She asked Lola a few more questions until a group of passengers entered the corridor. “Thank you for your help.”
“You’re welcome.”
Millie headed topside and began her next round of events. The hours passed and the crowds grew as passengers returned from their day in Puerto Plata.
A quick check of her watch and she realized the ship’s departure time had come and gone. She hurried down the steps to the gangway, noticing a group of the ship’s security staff near the open door.
She caught Suharto’s eye and strolled over. “What’s going on?”
“We’re having some sort of mechanical issue.”
Her radio blasted. “Delta, Delta, port side on the dock.” The engine room supervisor barked orders for several of the maintenance crewmembers to meet him on the dock.
“Delta means damage to the ship or a mechanical failure,” Suharto said.
“Great. This can’t be good.” Millie took off, taking the stairs two at a time. She reached the bridge and found Nic and other senior officers standing near the controls.
She caught a word or two, and when she heard the word Azipod, Millie knew it was serious. Long moments passed with Nic and his staff chatting back and forth with the mechanics.
“Clear to depart,” the mechanic finally radioed over.
“Let’s go.” A look of relief crossed Nic’s face. “Bring the crew back on board and release the ropes.”
Disaster averted, Millie made a beeline for the apartment. Scout stood by the door, waiting to greet her.
She scooped the small pup up and stepped outside. The gangway was gone. Ropes no longer secured the vessel, and the familiar churning of the water was clearly visible.
The massive ship slipped away from the dock and drifted past Fortaleza de San Felipe, reaching open water.
Relieved to know they were on their way, she returned to the bridge, empty except for the usual team of officers and assistants.
Nic stood at the controls, watching as she caught up with him. “Hello, dear.”
“Hey, Nic. What happened?”
“The Azipods froze.”
“I know the Azipods are important, but remind me again what they do.”
“They’re what moves the ship.” Nic went into a long, technical explanation of their purpose, most of which went over Millie’s head. What she did know was that if the Azipods weren’t working, Siren of the Seas was in deep doo. “I’m not sure if it was a glitch. The engine-room staff is monitoring the situation.”
“I doubt many of the passengers even noticed.” Millie’s schedule app chimed, reminding her of the new diamond elite art gallery exhibition, an event she’d come up with after receiving feedback from the top-tier cruisers, requesting more exclusive events.
She arrived to find Brenda, the gallery host, filling crystal flutes with champagne. “Hey, Millie.”
“Hello, Brenda.” Millie gave her a quick hug. “How was your break?”
“Wonderful. I got to see my kids and family. How was Alaska?”
“Beautiful, full of adventures.”
“I’m sorry I missed it. Maybe next time. This is for you.” Brenda handed her the list of VIPs who had confirmed they were attending. “I’ve ordered some scrumptious appetizers with more than enough Dom Perignon to keep them happy along with goody bags for each of them.”
“Goody bags?”
Brenda motioned for Millie to follow her to the other end of the bar, away from where the servers were setting up. Tucked off to the side was a cluster of glittery gold foil bags with the Siren of the Seas’ logo and a photo of the ship on the front.
Millie let out a loud whistle. “Fancy.”
