The SS Covid

Trapped in an air pocket in the uppermost region of the capsized ship SS Covid, a tapping sound is heard on the hull. Voices below rejoice.

"Hello? Is someone up there? Save us, please! Air is running out!"

"Yes, we are from the City. We have acetylene torches ready to cut through the metal."

"Thank God! Please hurry."

"We can't start yet. There's a debate on just how sustainable getting you out would be."

"Sustainable? What the fuck? Just get us out first and figure the rest out later."

"Sorry, but we must think of the long-term socioeconomic implications of your freedom. This could be perceived as a socialist act violating our ideological ideal of every man for himself. Bailing you out could set a bad precedent and ruin our way of life."

"Is this some sort of sick joke? We were on this ship bringing food to the City. And this is how you repay us?"

"You must understand there's only so much acetylene to go around. We already used much of it on getting out those who bribed us with jewels and precious metals. Then they needed further cutting done to get out their fast cars and fine clothing."

"Cars and clothing! Is that what you value over human life?"

"Why, yes, frankly. Doesn't everyone? Living well is the best revenge, haha!"

"Fuck your living well, you monsters!"

"See? It's that sort of class warfare attitude that makes helping you so politically difficult. But I can tell you there is some very good news for you as it's been decided to cut air holes in the hull which will greatly delay your death! Kudos for us!"

"What's the point of delaying our death just to let us die later??"

"Because I'll be out of office by then so the next person will get the blame, not me. Clever, eh?"

"The time to help is NOW, motherfucker!"

"Don't interrupt our party with your poverty!"

"This selfish attitude of yours is reprehensible and lessens your chances. And if you can't refrain from foul language you'll leave us no choice but to leave you down there. We have our morals to consider and on that we shall not budge an inch!"

"What the hell is moral about murdering us!"

"Murder? I see no murder going on here! In fact, on the next section over we're having a party congratulating our gracious efforts to date."

"There's no reasoning with you! You're out of control! I can't believe my ears! You party while we drown!"

"You'd have us wallow in misery? It's becoming obvious there's no living with your type."

"There's literally no living with you!"

"Whatever, there's nothing we can do to help you. It's been determined by people who know that we are doing what God wants, that God has used this capsize to judge you unworthy of life, therefore your death is of no consequence. Yay, us! Yay, God!"

"God does not know you! You take the Lord's name in vain."

"If I've said even the slightest of lies, let God strike me down! But see? Nothing happens! We are the Twilight gods, both foul and futureless, eating our poisoned cake yet living still, as God's chosen winners. But - if you really believe God is on your side - don't forget to pray!"

Alas, instead of learning to live together after the capsize, treachery ruled the day, thus setting the stage for the sinking of the ship for everyone both above and below the hull. But none of it had to be.