As work progressed, Titanic grew more curious about what had been going on in the world above while she was gone. Ballard called into Washington and had a whole series of files downloaded. Titanic had no trouble accessing it just like she had no trouble accessing the rest of the ships electrical outlets. Knowing what she could do, Titanic sometimes thought it fun to play the occasional prank on an unsuspecting crewman. A toilet that would plug up suddenly, the lights flickering on and off, harmless things but Ballard knew she could be capable of a lot more. She could render Knorr powerless if she wanted to and there was nothing Ballard could do to stop her. But Titanic seemed agreeable for the most part. When she learned about the World Wars she wasn't just astonished, she was horrified. "100 million people, dead?!" She whispered in shock. "Around 40 million and 60 million respectively." Ballard replied. "How could anyone be capable of such a crime?" She whispered. "I don't know." Ballard sighed. "I really don't know."
The next 24 years were a cycle of Knorr or some other ship returning during the calm summer season. One thing Ballard noticed over time though was how Titanic's spritely attitude dwindled. As the years dragged on she became older, sicker and often barely had the energy to tap into his video feeds, leaving him to do his work. More than ever he wished he could see her, touch her. On the last dive of 2010, he got his chance. It was a 2.5 hour descent, an hour for every mile they went. All was darkness, the subs lights penetrating no more than a few hundred feet and then there she was, appearing out of the dark haze like a ghostly apparition.
Titanic's crimson eyes penetrated the hull of the sub, peering in through its windows. That's when she saw him. "Robert." She whispered. With noticeable effort she stretched her nose out to gently touch the window of the sub. "Titanic..." Ballard breathed, pressing a hand to the cold glass, the only thing separating him from the ship of his dreams. Nevertheless, Titanic closed her eyes and sighed as if she could actually feel Ballard's touch. The man then realized though it was because she was exhausted.
"Titanic?" Ballard asked, concerned as the ship started coughing. "H-How long do I have Robert?" She rasped. "Tell me honestly." Robert sighed. "Despite our efforts you're decaying rapidly. At this point you're more likely to collapse if we try and bring you up to the surface now. But if we left you alone you'd collapse by 2020 and be completely gone by 2060." Titanic nodded. "I thought so." She groaned. "One little problem with that though. I don't want to be left alone." "Titanic, if it makes you live longer..." Ballard began. "No life is worth living if one is forced to live it this way." She retorted. "I'd soon as rather die right here and now than linger!" Ballard ducked his head. "Tell me something Robert." Titanic said. "Anything." He replied. "Is there no hope for me anymore?" She asked. "Am I doomed to remain here forever?" Robert sighed. "Your chances otherwise are not good, but that doesn't mean its hopeless." He replied after a moment's thought. "Then I suggest you get a move on and raise me up already. I won't collapse, I won't let myself collapse." She said. "I'm giving you... erm 2 years at most. If you're not ready by 2012 then I'll find a way to kill myself down here." She said. "I won't let that happen!" Ballard growled. "I'll be ready." "Good, then get to it old man!" She snapped. "Old?!" Ballard laughed. "You're older than me by a lot." She snorted. "I can last longer than you can obviously." She grunted. "Now move it!" He knew better than to argue with her.