So, this story is based on the ITV1 mini series of Titanic, but for anyone who hasn't seen it I will be putting in the scenes from the show. And please keep in mind that i haven't written a story since I left school which was like 5 years ago, so let's start praying and enjoy the show.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters and I don't own Titanic or Olympic, i'm just borrowing them.

Monday, 2 April 1912

Murdoch was reaching for his cup of tea in the office room onboard the Titanic, when the captain turned to him and asked, "Anything to report chief, anything we should know about before we begin the trials?" after taking a sip of his tea, Murdoch thought for a moment before coming to a conclusion. "Nothing yet, sir".

The captain smiled happily "Aye, good. How about you Mr Lightoller?" Lightoller turned from his duties to report to the captain. "We are taking men here in Belfast and then on in Southampton, no problems so far, sir". The captain turned to David Blair "Mr Blair?" the young second officer smiled at the captain. "Well if a second officer is allowed to complain, sir, the stoorage space is limited, i'm packing equipment all over the place".

Lightoller and the captain chuckled. "Well make sure someone knows why it is, we don't want to be caught short if you fall over board". The captain joked. Murdoch, who had been listening, wanted to ask the captain something but didn't know quite how to put his question forward, so he decided to keep it plain and simple. "Are we taking any measures against the anachists, sir?" the captain blinked looking confused at his chief officer's question "What?"

"These are dangerous times" Murdoch said trying to explain further but to no avail as the captain still seemed to be confused over his question. "I think what officer Murdoch means to say is, that a ship as famous as Titanic is an obvious target, sir" Lightoller said quickly to back up his friend, Murdoch turned around to face Lightoller, giving him an thankful look.

The captain placed his tea on the table beside him and sighed "Gentlemen, all white star liners carry guns and i don't think a bomb would do enough damage to take us down but i'm afraid that's all I can say to reassure you" the officers nod in acceptance to his answer. The captains picks up his tea and turns to look at a big map, which is placed on the wall. "Truth is man may sink us even if nature can't" and with that the officers turn and start walking towards the bridge.

As Titanic headed out to the Irsih sea to begin her sea trials, Murdoch stood there inhaling the salty sea air and closed his eyes as he felt the cool breeze hit his face, when he opened them he found Captain Smith standing next to him. "Begin the trials, chief" the captain ordered with a smile on his face. "Yes, sir" Murdoch said without hesitation, keen to follow the order from the captain.

Murdoch started the trials by doing a 'crash stop' in which the engines are reversed from full ahead to full astern, bringing the ship to a stop, which Murdoch calculated took 3 minutes and 15 seconds. Other tests included her turning ability and her speeds, all in all the trials took over 12 hours to complete.

Titanic returned to Belfast at 7pm but unfortuantly for the crew there was no time to rest as they were schueled to leave for southampton within the hour. There was just enough time for Murdoch and the other officers to do their rounds, making sure that Titanic had everything she needed for her trip.

At last Titanic was ready to leave Belfast for the first – and last – time as she headed out for southampton. After a journey which lasted for 28 hours Titanic finally arrived at her destination at midnight, 4 April. Murdoch and the other officers did a final round before retiring for the night, having no idea of the nightmare that awaited them on this doomed ship.

Yay. One chapter done! The bit about the sea trials wasn't actually in the program but i thought i'd give you some fun facts about Titanic. Btw the real plot in the story line won't actually come up until chapter 3 but i need you all to know the background stuff you see, so all this has a purpose