Wednesday April 10, 1912 11:30 am Southampton

Helen passed the time reading her journal entries on the eating habits of the harpy she recently accepted into her Sanctuary.

"And remember, the Knucker doesn't like a lot of light. They are mostly nocturnal creatures. And don't let the Mogai's eat after midnight. And don' t forget about the new shipment of-"

"Helen relax!" James laughed. "I' ve taken care of the sanctuary before. Nigel and I have everything under control. Don't worry so much."

Helen sighed. "I know. But I still don t like leaving like this."

Nigel looked at his watch and smiled. "Too late now love, it s time to go." he picked up one of her small suitcases as James grabbed another one. "Listen Helen. We know you've been out of sorts. "

"And we know you've been trying to hide it."
Watson added and kissed her cheek. "And we know you better than that. Just sit back and enjoy the trip, Helen. You've been working too hard."

Helen plastered on a smile. She picked up two more of her bags and followed James back to the ship. "I'll see you in 2 weeks then I suppose." After taking her bags from her escort, she boarded the ship. Then looked back and waved to Nigel and James.

"Well now!" A loud voice laughed from behind. "Good to see another passenger in first-class who can put on her own Britches."

Helen turned to see a stout motherly woman. She looked slightly rugged, like she hadn't been born to privilege. She was carrying four or five luggage bags. Helen smiled.

"Well I thought I'd get started on my own. No need to trouble someone to do something I can do for myself."

The other woman smiled widely and put one of her suitcases down. "Well now that's a refreshing idea. Good to make your aquatince. I'm Margaret Brown. But everyone calls me Maggie. Margaret is too formal and Mrs. Brown is just plain Stuffy." she grinned.

Helen smiled and shook the energetic Maggie's hand. "Dr. Helen Magnus. Pleased to meet you"

"Doctor eh? I like the sound of that. What brings you onboard the Titanic? Anyone in America for you?"

"A little R and R. I have an old school friend in New York." Helen replied evasively. She had no intention of seeing Nikola Tesla, as soon as Titanic docked; she was booking the first ship back. But no need to tell Maggie that. "How about you?"

"My grandson fell ill. I booked my way back to New York, as fast as possible. Landed on Titanic. Couldn't ask for a better way. Maggie said. He'll be glad to hear grandma will be with him in a week."

Helen nodded sympathetically. "I wish you both the very best. Do let me know if I can help in any way?"

Maggie smiled and nodded "Sure thing Doc. I really appreciate the offer. Will you excuse me though? I see a friend of mine I want a word with." she nodded and lifted up her suitcase, heading over to a tall man in a grey suit. "JJ! Good to see you arrived." she called.

Helen smiled and turned back to search for her rooms. A steward walked up with a small bow. "Pardon me, Miss? Might I show you to your room?" He asked, taking the bags from her gently. She nodded and handed over two of the luggage cases.

"Please do, I'm all turned around." she followed the sailor across the deck, marveling at the gargantuan ship and all the luxuries it provided.

"Heated swimming pool is over there, the swimming pool is reserved for first class passengers only. Salt water pool costs $1 per person. Woman s hours are 10 am until 1 pm. Turkish bath, squash court, gymnasium and library. All of our 840 staterooms are equipped with electric lighting and heating. Specially designed by an inventor in New York. Uhm Tesla. I m sure you heard of him."

Helen made a light noise of agreement in the back of her throat.

"The main dining hall is here. Meals are at 8, 12 and 5. Tea at 3:30. The smoking lounge is through there if Mr. Magnus wants a brandy." The steward smiled at Helens look of amazement and opened the door to her cabin. "This is your room. Parlor sitting room private bath and bedroom. Shall I help you unpack?" he asked, setting the suitcases on the coffe table. Helen hurried over with a smile. "Oh. No thank you." She said quickly. It would never do to let him see the Cyclops diagram she smuggled in when Watson wasn t looking. "What time will we be casting off?"

The steward checked his watch. "12 noon. So any minute now. Would you like anything else?"

"No. I think I'll get some air." Helen replied. The steward bowed and left. Helen set down her bags and walked out to the stern.

Notes :

Knucker is a dialect word for a kind of water dragon, living in knuckerholes in Sussex, England.

Mogai Is the furry little creature in the 1984 movie Gremlins (and 1990 Gremlins 2) voiced by Howie Mandel . Mogai is a chinese word for monster. There is no specific lore for them.

Magaret Brown is known better now as 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' but she never went by Molly.

The swimming pool was a first on Titanic. It was costum men and women not swim together. To acomodate this, Titanic had morning swim for women and afternoon swimming for men. The salt pool was six feet deep.

Slainte