Jack had never been in a helicopter, and was quite tense after overhearing of the air collision on the news. The nurse who had been taking care of Jack came with him on the journey, both worried for his health and intrigued about his knowledge about the Titanic. She observed the old man who was sketching something quietly. He was not much of a talker; she had seen pictures of him when he was younger. He was quite handsome, well groomed blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Judging by the photos he was well off for money. The helicopter made a smooth landing and the door opened to reveal Brock Lovett and his crew waiting with anticipation. Jack put away his sketchpad and climbed down to greet him.

After exchanging small talk for a while, Jack decided it was time to see his drawing. Brock and Mr. Bodine took him down to the lab where a familiar object caught his eye. A waterlogged, but still recognisable, green safe. Jack ran a wrinkled hand over the safe, still recalling the combination that opened it. Brock explained the history of the diamond, and decided to test the authenticity of the old man's story.

"I tracked it down through insurance records... and old claim that was settled under terms of absolute secrecy. Do you know who the claiment was, Jack?" The old man nodded. "Someone named Hockley, I should imagine." Mr. Bodine and Brock shared a hopeful nod, knowing that this was indeed Jack Dawson. "Nathan Hockley, right. Pittsburgh steel tycoon. For a diamond necklace he bought in France, for you to present to his daughter as an engagement present. A week before he sailed on Titanic. And the claim was filed right after the sinking. So the diamond had to have gone down with the ship."

Jack examined some of the things from his stateroom, a tidal wave of memories drowning out all of his other thoughts. "Are you ready to go back to the Titanic?" questioned Brock softly. Jack nodded and the nurse wheeled him to the imaging room. Bodine showed Jack a technological screening of how the Titanic sank as Brock went to retrieve a voice recorder. Jack drew in a long breath and stared out at the wreckage. The doors to the first class dining area were right in front of them. Jack remembered the night that he saw the dining room, the whole ship for that matter; fill with the icy cold water of the Atlantic. He put his head in his hands, trying not to allow tears to escape his eyes. "I'm taking Jack to rest" says his nurse caringly.

"No!" said Jack in a voice much stronger than the voice of a frail old man. "It's been 84 years…"
"Just tell us what you can" urged Brock.
"Do you want to hear the story or not Mr. Lovett?" said Jack plainly.
Bodine smirked at the old man's wit as the whole room filled with anticipation. "It's been 84 years, and I can still smell the fresh paint. The china had never been used, the sheets had never been slept in. Titanic was called the ship of dreams, and it was. It really was…"

April 10th, 1912.

There stood the ship of dreams, towering over the crowd of people there to see her off on her maiden voyage. People were getting ready to board in their respective areas of first class, second class and third class or steerage. Somewhere in the middle of the crowds a car horn beeped obnoxiously, bringing itself to attention of the spectators. The car slowed to a halt, as a young man with sandy blonde hair in a crisp suit exited the vehicle.

It was Jack Dawson, a young man aged eighteen who had no particular interest in the Titanic at that point. He hurried around to open the door and take the hand of his fiancée Catherine Hockley as she gracefully climbed out. He didn't particularly want to marry Catherine, she was self-centred and controlling, arrogant and almost childlike at times. His mother Ruth insisted that the two of them marry, keeping money amongst the rich. Jack's father had taken off with his mistress, leaving him and his mother penniless.

This marriage would ensure that they would stay financially supported, due to Nathan Hockley promising them fortune. Nathan Hockley was a man rich beyond belief, and would stop short of nothing to guarantee his daughter's happiness. He was quite particular about which suitor his daughter would have for a husband, but knew that the Dawson's needed money and his daughter needed a husband. But whilst Jack was displeased by the arrangement, Catherine was more than delighted. From the moment she saw Jack, he was like a helpless fly in her spider web.

Nathan Hockley immediately started barking orders, demanding that his bags take priority. Jack went around and helped his mother out of the car. Ruth fanned herself and stared at the ship while gentlemanly Jack helped out the maid, Trudy. Jack saw Nathan take out his pocket watch and he waved them over "We'd better hurry, this way." They made their way towards the boarding area for those who were also in first class. Jack surveyed the massive iron ship, his heart sinking as he realised that the idea of an arranged marriage was very real.

Present

Jack looked sadly at his nurse, who was eyeing him sympathetically. "It was the ship of dreams… to everyone else. To me it was a slave ship, taking me back to America in chains." Jack paused and looked at the crew who were anxious for more. He rubbed his cold hands together and prepared to continue telling his tale.