Sunrise found the three airships hovering over the South China Sea, no land 
visible. The ocean was relatively shallow here, but only Hackworth and a few 
other engineers knew that. The Hackworths had a passable view from their 
stateroom window, but John woke up early and staked out a place on the diamond 
floor of the ballroom, ordered an espresso and a Times from a waiter, 
and passed the time pleasantly while Gwen and Fiona got themselves ready for 
the day. All around them he could hear children speculating on what was about 
to happen.