In Emily St. John Mandel's "Station Eleven," the protagonist reflects on the distant container-ship fleet, recognizing that the crew aboard these ships is insulated from the chaos gripping the world. This thought provides her with a sense of reassurance amidst the turmoil of the flu outbreak affecting the rest of society.

Although she realizes it's too late for her to join a ship and escape the crisis, the mere idea that there are individuals who remain unaffected brings her comfort. It highlights a glimmer of hope in a devastated world, emphasizing the theme of survival and the different realities people experience even in dire circumstances.