At midnight the CQD call and titanic's code MGY were sent six times in quick bursts.
That night she switched to the new distress signal: SOS.
The World had just agreed upon it; titanic became the first ship ever to send it.
The man hammered the key with all his weight; at that moment he carried the lives of 2,200 souls on his fingertips, sending the signal to every rescue vessel on Earth.
In the boundless night the invisible signal melted into a sea of radio waves... and soon an answer returned.
Frankfurt, Virginia, Temples, Burma... calls poured in, yet all were too far away.
"Recall. Borrower sprites."
Sen Getsusa trailed Rose through the crowd; in her palm countless motes of light streaked in from every direction, converging into a single card.
Two tiny sparks burst open at her shoulder.
Arrietty and Kina leapt out.
"I just sent someone to your cabin!" Arrietty was frantic, while Kina on the other shoulder stayed calm.
She clapped reassuringly. "I told you: Her Majesty will take the cards back in a crisis. We only need do our part and wait for the summons."
Arrietty had to admit that this time Kina's judgment had been better than her own; she nodded, but Kina only sniffed and turned away.
Sen Getsusa lifted the card for inspection.
"All here?"
Arrietty answered firmly, "Yes, Your Majesty. When you call, we answer. You're safe now."
Sen Getsusa pointed at Rose hurrying ahead. "I have something to settle; you two return to the courtyard first."
The two sprites dissolved into motes and slipped back into the card.
In first-class Sen Getsusa followed Rose at a distance; after dealing with the Attendant she had kept behind the other woman, watching her run anxiously toward Caledon Hockley—and then—
—receive a ringing slap.
Smack!
You little whore! Slut!" Caledon roared, lunging like a madman and nearly snapping her arm.
When I speak, you look at me!" His face twitched and twisted, eyes glaring, terrifying Rose.
For the rest of your life you belong to me, just like the Heart of the Ocean! I bought it—paid for it—so you'd better behave!
Otherwise...
Otherwise I'll tear your head off, Mr. Hockley."
Sen Getsusa arrived late, still in time to slip into the black dress she had coveted for ages—she had planned to wear it for a stroll today.
Let her go," she said, gliding forward on silent heels over the carpet, black hair loose, skirt swaying, a black shawl across her shoulders, eyes dark and mysterious.
Caledon's bloodshot gaze swung toward her.
She's my fiancée, you bitch! What have you taught Rose?" Forgetting rank, he jerked his chin at Lovejoy; the bear-like man advanced, hand moving to his back.
With a savage glare Caledon dragged Rose away.
A nearby steward repeated the warning he had already given them: "Miss, sir, please—life-jackets on, assemble on deck!"
Lovejoy ignored him, drawing an old service pistol and stepping forward.
Sen Getsusa tilted her head. "Going to kill me?"
Madam, come quietly; my Master doesn't wish you harm."
Lovejoy narrowed his eyes.
She saw the pistol was already cocked.
You don't know what your brother did, and you dare insult Mrs. Buck—today—
Pfft.
A sound like a zipper, soft and slick.
The steward watched the burly gunman face the girl—
—and in the next instant his right arm parted from his body, as if it had never been attached.
Blood gushed from the shoulder, spraying the corridor walls.
Schiller looked at the severed arm on the floor, then at Sen Getsusa.
Aaaargh! My hand—y-you..."
He thrashed in the crimson puddle forming beneath him.
No one keeps shooting after pain like that.
Sen Getsusa tossed the sharp dinner-knife into the pool of blood, stepped over Schiller's back toward where Caledon had gone, and kindly reminded the trembling steward: "You'd better head for the deck too—thank you."
Her heels clicked a cheerful rhythm amid the chaos while people surged like frantic flies; she strolled along the wall.
She spotted Rose forcing her way back.
Hey, Miss Rose—over here!" She waved; Rose caught sight of her.
I got away—come on, we have to save Jack!" Rose grabbed her hand and broke into a run, their words flying as they raced along.
Ruth: "Jack's locked in the compartment below the bow!"
Sen Getsusa: "How did you shake off Mr. Arrogant?"
Ruth flushed, then admitted, "I kicked him in the nuts!"
Sen Getsusa glanced at the pointy heels on Ruth's feet.
"Hahahahahaha!"
The hatch flew open under Sen Getsusa's kick.
Inside, Jack dangled in handcuffs, chained to the rail, water already at his waist.
"Hey, Mr. Hanhan, we're here to rescue you."
With a casual greeting, Sen Getsusa sloshed through the water; before Ruth's stunned eyes her five pale fingers snapped the cuffs like chalk.
Clack.
"Time to run, Jack—look after your Rose; she just crushed someone's jewels."
Jack looked at Ruth; she lifted her chin, proud as a swan.
"Exactly! Watch yourself from now on!"
"Let's move!"
Sen Getsusa took the lead, too lazy to detour—she simply kicked aside locked doors, massive beams, and cabinets.
Jack and Ruth gaped as if their Child had suddenly mutated, following the short girl in disbelief while she cleared a straight path to the deck.
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