Disclaimer: This co-write was written between Sabresrthebest and myself, Irish Story Teller. We make no claims to the Titanic movie characters and we make no money off this story. It is written for entertainment purposes only.
Chief Officer Kristen Petronsky and the water bombs belong to Sabresrthebest. You can read more about Chief Officer Kristen Petronsky in Sabresrthebest's story Hard to Starboard!
Jospehine "Josie" Phillips and Mayda O'Brian are my, Irish Story Teller's, characters.
Of Crew and Water Bombs…
Chapter One
Stewardess Mayda O'Brian had just finished organizing a first class room when she heard the sound of footsteps passing by. Her long back skirts swishing around her she made her way to the door and opened it only to see the back of a steward walking past her.
"The room is as good as it'll get," Mayda told herself. Stepping outside the room she closed the door quietly behind her.
Her hair always seemed to require some sort of adjustment as it was constantly getting into her eyes. Earlier Mayda had started to grow her bangs back and were just at the point they could be tucked behind her ears but were too short to be caught in her hair.
"Miss O'Brian!" A man's voice said.
Turning Mayda saw a tall steward approaching her, "Aye? What is it?"
"You're needed to find an Officer Petronsky."
"May I ask as to why?"
"The Captain wishes for all of us to meet the new officers."
Mayda nodded at that and turned to find her way to the bridge. Now if only she was certain she could remember the way…
It was easy to get lost on this iron leviathan. It seemed just about everyone did at one point or another during their time aboard.
Much to her relief and having only gotten lost once Mayda found her way to the bridge. She could see the backs of two officers, both of them tall speaking to a third.
Mayda cleared her throat. "Excuse me gentlemen," she said. "I'm here to meet an officer Petronsky."
Sixth Officer James Paul Moody turned with a smile, "Of course Miss O'Brian. Officer Petronsky is right here."
Mayda's eyes flicked to Fifth Officer Harold Lowe expecting him to be this new officer.
"She's Petronsky," Harold said in a firm voice while jerking his head towards Kristen.
The two officers parted to reveal the strange woman to Mayda.
A jolt of surprise went through Mayda seeing a woman in an officer's uniform. She had never heard of a woman officer before.
Opening her mouth Mayda said the only thing she could think of, "Ma'am?"
"Oh, no, no, no. M'am won't be necessary here! Kristen, please! What can I do for you?" "Well, I was told to come up here and meet the new officers. Specifically you, m'am." Mayda nodded. She saw Kristen's face break out into a smile, and glanced at the two other officers. One was tall, brown haired, and looking at Miss Petronsky with a gleam in his eye. Mayda had enough knowledge to know that look from any man. As she thought, she shifted her gaze to the other. He was also tall, and brown-haired, yet he had a different look. The look of a best friend. "Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Miss…?" Kristen questioned while extending a hand. Mayda glanced down in surprise, yet took it all the same. "O'Brian. Mayda O'Brian. I'm a stewardess. First time I've heard of you before. Are you new?" "Yes, I am. I've seen you walking around. It's good to finally be able to put a name with a face." she laughed. Mayda wasn't sure what to make of this woman. She was different, yes, but she was kind, and outgoing. She didn't think of Mayda as below her, she thought of her as a friend. "Same here. Now, you gentleman are above Miss Petronsky?' "Nope," the one said. "She's quite high above us, Miss O'Brian," the other added. "Oh, I see. And who might you two be?" "I'm Sixth Officer James Moody, and this here is Fifth Officer Harold Lowe," the one called Moody answered. "I have a voice you know!" Mr. Lowe exclaimed. "We all know Harry, and a rather loud one at that." Kristen laughed. Harold glared at her. "And Miss Petronsky, where do you rank?" "I'm Chief Officer, and very lucky to be so. Harry, don't you have work to do?" she inquired. "Yes, um, sorry, uh, pleasure to meet you, Miss, uh, Mayda." he spit out before walking off. "Sorry about that, Harry is just a bit nervous around women." James smiled.
Silently Harold cringed at the last words James said. Why had James been blessed or more likely cursed with a big mouth?
Harold knew many Celts have been given the gift of gab, but James was English had been given a double dose.
Glancing in his direction Mayda watched the handsome Welshman leave. She knew she had heard his type of accent before but couldn't quite place it.
"Is this your first time aboard a White Star Line ship, Miss Mayda?" James asked, changing the subject. Without thinking about it he took a step closer to Kristen just to stand next to her.
Mayda nodded, "I've been aboard smaller ships but never one as grand as Titanic."
Second Officer Charles Lightoller stepped into the bridge while adjusting his gloves and muttering something to himself. He stopped when he caught sight of a new woman in the room. He glanced from James to Kristen and then to Mayda.
"She's our newest stewardess Mayda O'Brian, Mister Lightoller," James said good naturedly.
"A pleasure Miss O'Brian," Charles said while tipping his hat. "I'm sorry I can't stay. Have any of you seen Mister Lowe? The Captain wishes to speak to him about his oversleeping again."
"We'll pass along the message," James cut in.
"Thank you. That man could sleep through Armageddon."
Mayda found herself being forced to cover her mouth to hide a smile that was threatening to form.
Outside Harry could distantly hear Fleet and Lee discussing something mischievously.
Are they plotting using their water bombs again? Harold wondered to himself. There was only one way to find out.
He made his way up to the Crow's Nest, regretting every step he took. He reluctantly rapped on the door, and let him in cautiously. "What's gotten into you?" "Well, I just wanted to make sure it wasn't Jamsey-boy, or worse, the Wicked Witch!" Fleet laughed. Lee gave him a high-five, and Harold just stood there. "Well, hello there, Stone-head. What brings you here?" "I was wondering if you had any more of those water bombs?" "You honestly thought to ask?" Lee replied, wile pulling out a whole tub of them. "Yes, good. Can I have one?" "Of course! Might I suggest the Wicked Witch." Fleet replied, handing him one. As Harold began to descend, he shouted: "No! Better!" Keeping the bomb closely hidden, he walked back onto the bridge, and saw that everyone was still talking. Being careful not to make a noise, he slowly crept up behind. He held the bomb up, aiming, and he threw. The wind took it to the side a tad, and instead of hitting James like planned, it hit Kristen, square in the back. "Aaaaah!" she yelled, as that was cold water. "Damn!" Harold cursed, running in the opposite direction, however, he was too slow. Kristen had already turned and was chasing him all around. "That wasn't very nice." Mayda commented, as James pulled her out of the way of a very angry Kristen going after a rather frightened Harold. "Ah, well. He was probably going to hit me after what I said, but the wind took it, I'd say." "Is this normal?" Mayda asked, turning around to get a better view. "Of course." "Boy, Harold looks a little….scared." "He has a reason to be. You really don't want to get Kristen angry. Not the smartest idea in the world." James laughed as he watched them run.