Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Titanic characters. They all belong to their respective owners and to history. I make no money off this fan fiction; it is for entertainment purposes only. All non-Titanic characters are mine and made by me.

Chapter One

I had never thought that one day I would be making history. Rather, I suspected that I would be a sailor, hopping from ship to ship, and one day retiring, or more likely, being buried at sea. It was ironic in a way as my family preferred to be buried on land and it was expected that I would be the same one day. Despite this I always had the feeling somewhere in my head that the sea would be my final resting place. For some reason I couldn't explain that idea always comforted me.

I always loved the sea. I had loved it since the first time that I saw it with my own eyes. It was an invisible yet visible force that I could see and feel. I could feel the water pour around my open fingers as I touched it. One time as a young boy my older brother had to drag me away from the docks. I had been lying on my belly with my sleeves rolled up to my elbows, my arms dangling over the edges, and my hands touching and playing with the water. I had balked when I was told it was time to leave but a threat of telling our father about my behavior was more than enough to make me flee from the docks.

I had been spending some time with my uncle and enjoying some freshly baked cookies my aunt had made. I had always loved her cookies and would devour them until I was punished with an upset stomach.

Worth it!

I had finished off one cookie and was about ready to sacrifice another when I felt a slight pain in my jaw.

Damn.

I would have to see the dentist sometime and get a tooth filled, or worse, pulled. I had inherited my father's bad teeth and dentistry was pretty much "fill it" or "pull it." I would've given a lot for more advanced dentistry. Privately some part of me was frightened that I would be accidently killed when being put under for work on my teeth. It would be easily to accidently over dose someone.

The pain wasn't that bad so I suspected I would be alright for a little while longer. My fears were good enough to keep me from the dentist's office until the pain became so great it would make my strong will crumble. By that point I would gladly accept being put in a chair and having teeth pulled if it meant an end to the agony.

There was a knock on the door that made me look up. For a second I expected to hear my uncle's rapid footsteps as he was one to hurry to the door. When I failed to hear his footsteps I got up and walked to the door and opened it.

On the other end was a young man, someone just out of childhood really, standing with some paper in his hand.

Before I could ask "Can I help you?" the boy spoke, "James Moody?"

"Yes," I said.

He thrust a piece of paper into my hand, "Telegram, sir!"

"Thank you."

He stood there awkwardly and I felt my cheeks blush lightly. He was waiting for me to give him some coins! I mumbled a quick apology and handed the boy a few coins from my pocket.

"Thank you, sir!" The boy said before running away.

Turning I shut the door behind me and stared at the folded up paper. I opened the paper and began to read the contents.

I was to report to a ship called Titanic. I had heard of her but never imagined that I would be an officer on her! A sixth officer but still an officer!

I could have screamed in a combination of surprise and joy but somehow I managed to refrain from doing so.

Ideas began to flood my mind. I had to pack! I had to tell my uncle and aunt! I had so much I had to do I didn't know where to start!