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“Beach the ferry?” Murph said

Eric nodded “If we get it to shalloater, that would at least keep it froet here to evacuate the passengers”

“Chairot Max”

“Put hih” When Hali nodded, Juan said, “Max, how’s it looking over there?”

“We had a hairy tiet people off in a hurry One of the English-speaking passengers confirmed that the crew is dead”

“Change of plans We’re going to tow you Get ready to tie up some lines”

“Roger that We’ll go to the bow and get ready to receive them”

Juan had Eric pull the Oregon ahead until the stern was next to the ferry’s bow The deck crew tossed over three weighted nylon lines that let Max and the others pull three heavy ropes over to the ferry These were lashed around the forward capstans, and Eric eased the Oregon ahead until they were taut The ferry was one hundred feet directly behind them

“Start increasing your speed, Mr Stone,” Juan said

The ainst the ferry’s load Eric was careful not to accelerate too quickly for fear of snapping the ropes Soon, they were at ten knots, and steadily increasing

Max called in and said, “It looks like the lines are holding at our end I’ to check the flooding to see if they can close the valves manually”

“What about the time?”

“I think Locsin was right At the rate we’re settling, I’d say ten enerous”

Juan glanced at the clock and then at Negros Island on the screen growing slowly in the distance “See what you can do”

Eric didn’t take his eyes off the controls, but he said, “Chair to need all ten of those et to the beach”