Peter had taken a seat. His knees didn't allow him to stand for long periods, and so, despite feeling rather better today, he decided the safer course of action was to sit.
He appreciated the fact that Cath had come to get him, although Cath had been somewhat tight-lipped on the subject of the meeting. He had told him Enough -- and Peter had not asked for details. This was becoming a rather grim voyage...
The room itself seemed to be in a state of mild chaos the moment they entered. There was a lot of bickering and bantering about who should do what and what to do next. While Peter wasn't particularly sure why all of these people had been invited or what this meeting was about, he knew one thing: this would not do.
Quietly, Peter rose to his feet. It was a slow motion, accompanied by the usual arthritic ache in his knees. Once on his feet, however, he felt steady, and he cleared his voice loudly to bring attention to himself.
Looking at him, Peter seemed a proud, confident man. His priest's clothing, black but for the white collar, might be imposing to those in the room accustomed to respecting such marks of office. Combined with the stern frown on his weathered face, he looked like a Man of God -- a man who had the power to channel God's will on earth and was about to use it.
"That is enough," he spoke. Although he did not raise his voice, there was a stern clip to his words. His voice was deep, and although it did not rumble, his tone was heavy and threatening, like a summer's day before a thunderstorm.
"We have been called here to discuss a tragedy -- the unnatural loss of a life -- and the situation we have found ourselves in." His eyes moved deliberately over the offenders -- each and every one in the room, even those who had not prattled on and on -- to let them know he was quite serious as he went on. "I will not condone breaking and entering, nor will I condone the coercion of staff or security for any reason. We are here, because we represent the laws of God and of Man." That was his assumption for why most of them were present, anyway. "And I will not stand by and watch those of us who are supposed to be conscientious and responsible individuals -- now, in the absence of authority more than ever -- fall prey to temptation and turn this boat into a madhouse."
His severe gaze took everyone in, level, stubborn, and righteous. "Now, I, for one, would like to know what has prompted this meeting. Sit down and contribute something useful or leave."