How does it work over long distances though? I thought mesh was more for local communications between devices, and then relays into internet for anything wider. If internet goes down, aren't you limited to your neighbours?

Your book sounds really interesting -- I've read one or two generation ship themed books, but they always end violently (religious priest overthrows corrupt leader, or population kept naive to the ship and all questions are stifled out, etc)

By Mediterranean food, you mean like decent salad (lemon, vinegar, olive oil) and bulgur pilaf?