Chapter 1: A Chance at Redemption
The Past forever locked in regret, but what if the past could be changed? Thirty years had come and gone since the night that saw the end of the world, MY world. The Service needed an agent on the Titanic, they chose me. I was to wait for a signal from my contact, so I remained in my cabin; I left only once, Georgia was on board. And that's when it came, there would no second chances; it was Sunday, April 14, 1912, too late, you see, for the Titanic, for me. But what if I had met with my contact, prevented disaster; what if the past could be changed? What would've happened then?
These thoughts floated around in my head like the ocean, they played over and over in my head until a knock dispersed them and brought me to reality, although my headache still remained.
I sat up and looked around the room I was in; it was very Second Class, with decorated wooden walls and panels. A Washstand and basin stood near my porthole window. A large steamer trunk was next to the sofa I was lying on; I got up and went to the washstand's mirror-yep, there was no doubt about it, I was back on the Titanic.
I was twenty eight again, but my stubble and wrinkled clothes remained I had to fix that right away, I grabbed my cream and razor and shaved until not one hair was left standing on my chin, then I checked my closet, threw off my wrinkled clothes and put on a black suit.
Perfect, now I could look more upper class and attract less attention, since I was a spy, It was important that I blend in with other people-in other words: Talk like they talk, dress like they dress…Eat like they-you get the point.
Anyway, I was just about to put on a necktie when I heard a knock at my door, who the Hell is that? I thought, I decided to find out; I opened the door to find a middle aged man with Balding brown hair and a white Suit.
"Good Evening." he said with a slight Irish Accent, "I am Smethells, your steward, and-if I may say so, it is good to see you up and about. you have stayed in your cabin the whole voyage, a touch of the Mal de mere', was it?"
"Uh…what is Mal De Mere, if I may ask?" I asked him.
"Seasickness. It can be quite unpleasant, especially on one's first crossing. I've a correspondent for you," he took a note from his pocket and handed it to me, He muttered to himself as I read, "Two Thousand and two hundred on board, and they all want messages delivered promptly, even if it is 1912, and the Titanic, the most advanced means of sea conveyance ever devised; I still have only two hands…"
The Note read "Meet me at the Electric Camel, NOW!" P.P" I remembered P.P, it was Penny Pringle, my contact. My mission was about to begin. I pocketed the note.
"Here," Smethells handed me a large rolled up map, "A Map of the ship for you, complements of the white star line, I have taken the Liberty of marking your cabin, C-73, Of Course, on a Sunday night at this hour, there won't be many people out and about."
"Yes," I told him, "I Concur. Thank you, Smethells; you may take your leave."
"Thank you, if you need any assistance; please ring the bell to the right of the door. I bid you goodnight." I closed the door as he left.
I looked around the room to make sure I didn't forget anything, I grabbed my satchel and pocket watch, and then I noticed a note on my nightstand, it read… "Meet me on Deck tonight, Tell no one! Georgia" I remembered Georgia, she and I became an item very long ago in London; she was currently married to Lord Charles Lambeth, a London billionaire. I had lost all contact with her because my position in the Service wouldn't allow me much free time. I felt guilty for losing Georgia, but to hear that she was on the Titanic and wanted to meet with me…I decided to not hope for too much, I had work to do.
I stepped outside and locked my Cabin, and headed for the Gymnasium, where the electric camel was located, I remembered this because of a tour I had taken a few days back. I found the Gymnasium without much problem, and I saw a thirtyish Woman with Curly Brown Hair wearing a white travel dress and hat with pearl earrings. She was staring at a painting on the wall, not paying attention, but as I approached her, she turned and saw me, a look of surprise on her face.
"Glory be!" she exclaimed, pointing a finger at me, scolding, "It's about time, you're late! Another five minutes and I'd have canceled the entire mission." Well, that was one way to meet a fellow agent!
"I only received your message just a minute ago, where were you?"
"I was supposed to be booked into second class where you were, so I could meet with you. However, those bastards booked me into the cabins on F-deck; it was painfully hard for me to figure out how to contact you, it's a miracle you got my message."
"A Miracle, indeed," I Replied, "Penny Pringle, I presume?"
"Yes, Penny Pringle." she replied, we shook hands
"Frank Carlson, pleasure to meet you," she nodded, "Anyway, to business; what is this about?"
"Look at this," Penny took a photograph from her purse and extended it towards me, I studied it carefully: The Photo showed a Man in his Mid-Forties, with Balding Brown Curly Hair, a small brown mustache and a mysterious complexion, he wore a German Officer's uniform with a black turtleneck.
"Who is he?" I asked Penny.
"A German Colonel by the name of Alfred Zeitel; he's traveling on Business to America to inspect their Embassies in Havana, Washington and Mexico City. But we know better."
"What do you mean?"
Ten days ago the bureau got word that Zeitel has in his possession, a priceless copy of the rubyiat' of Omar Khayyam, which was stolen two months ago in Paris, shortly after its purchase by a very highly placed member of His majesty's government."
"This is quite a mouthful," I responded, "What is this Rubyiat?"
Penny showed another photo, this one showed the Rubyiat, a fairly medium sized brown book decorated with fancy symbols and gold carvings. "The Rubyiat's a book: a collection of Medieval Persian Poetry, a passion of his Lordship's" I examined the photo; the book was indeed fancy and valuable. Penny grumbled as I read the photo, "Poetry...Persians…the German High command must think it's important enough to have their top man smuggle the lot on board"
"Is Zeitel traveling alone?" I knew that If Zeitel was traveling with something valuable, he wouldn't travel unaccompanied?
"No, he's with a Protégée, Name of Haderlitz, Willie Von Haderlitz, I believe. The two spend a great deal at the café Parisian'…nibbling pastries…" she scoffed, as if the very thought annoyed her. She then spoke quickly and urgently, "Get into the Wireless room! I don't know or care how; Officer Morrow won't let me in. See If Zeitel's sent or received any telegrams concerning the Rubyiat, there's a cryptograph in your trunk; it can unscramble any German codes for you, "She pointed a finger and snapped, "You use the brains God gave you! Watch people, Listen and above all….trust no one." she paused to let it all sink in; this was definitely a lot to put on my chest.
"I know what you mean," I said, I started to get a chill down my spine, I heard footsteps outside, "I think it's best we split now, we've talked too long."
"I agree," Said Penny, "When you find the Rubyiat, knock on my door, my cabin is F-34. Remember, this is your big chance, don't fail!" she walked out the door and was out of sight.
After Penny left, the Gymnasium was quiet. I was alone. I had to find the Wireless room and find any German telegrams, but first I headed for the boat deck, I had business to tend to.
Very important Business.
Hope you like it, plz Review. And plz note, I will continue writing until the story is finished. Next chapter coming soon
