Sunday April 14, 1912 10:16 am

Helen had woken with an invitation to a late breakfast with Dr. O'Loughlin, which she gladly accepted. She sipped her tea and watched the clear sky slip passed the window. For practical reasons, they were indoors.

"It's strange the way time moves. I suppose because we are traveling westward. We've traveled three days and 2 time zones. "

"Tell me, what plans do you have for your day off?" Helen smiled. Dr. O'Loughlin shrugged. "I believe there is a lifeboat drill that's mandatory for all. Then I thought I would walk about. Perhaps try my hand at photography. There is a fully stocked darkroom on board. I promised my wife many pictures. She's always wanted to see New York. They say the buildings touched the sky." He smiled. "What about you, Dr. Magnus? Any plans for you?"

"I haven't really been making any plans." Helen admitted. "I just let the day take me where it will." Helen sighed to herself as the sense of being lost once again swept over her. For all her distractions and grandeur, the Titanic didn't solve anything. It was an all too temporary solution to a much too permanent problem. Helen was lost and alone with no drive. No rudder. An increasing expanse of time and nothing to fill it. A never-ending life and no one to share it with. Helen gave a shiver that had nothing to do with the weather. Helen was cold from within.

"Dr. Magnus?" Dr. O'Loughlin touched her sleeve gently. She painted on a small self-conscious smile.

"Sorry my mind is elsewhere."

"Well I think if you want a nice place to unwind and let your mind flow free, I would recommend the Turkish bath." He smiled. "Most soothing I heard. *benefits of a steam bath*"

Helen smiled softly "Is that your professional opinion Doctor?"

"It is indeed. And I'll get the captain to order it if I need to." The doctor waved Captain Smith over.

"Good morning Doctor" The captain smiled. Helen stood politely.

"Quite well. And yourself?" The Doctor smiled. "Permit me to introduce Dr. Helen Magnus, a passenger who has been a huge help to me. This is Captain Edward John Smith, RD, RNR an English naval reserve officer, and ship's captain. The officer in command of the RMS Titanic. "

"Ah yes. I heard the name mentioned a few times. Your reputation precedes you. I understand proper thanks are in order." Captain Smith kissed her hand lightly.

"You don't have to go through any trouble on my behalf." Helen blushed.

"Oh nonsense my dear! It's more trouble to owe you a debt of gratitude and letting you leave this ship without repaying it. Will you join us for lunch? Just a small group. Some of the men who made this ship possible and keep it running."

"I would be honored." Helen smiled sincerely.

"Excellent. 1:30 this afternoon. First class dining hall. Dr. O'Loughlin, Your welcome to join us." the captain broke off as a young man walked toward him. He had a fresh scrubbed look to him. As though he recently cleaned an excess of dirt from his skin.

"Captain. Might I have a quick word?" He asked, with a polite nod to Dr. O'Loughlin and Helen.

"Mr. Barret. Of course." The captain smiled.

Helen waved the new arrival to an empty seat and poured tea for the captain.

"Sir you said you would like an update. There's been no problems with the starboard bunker in the aft corner of Boiler Room No. 6. All systems are go."

"Ah excellent." The captain smiled and buttered a scone Dr. O'Loughlin passed him. "Mr. Ismay will be very pleased to hear that. Would you mind if I had a spot of tea?"

"Not at all. And you as well Mr. Barret. Have a seat." Helen smiled.

"This is Fred Barret. Head Fireman. He has 324 men working under him. Coal shovelers." The captain said in way of introduction. "This lovely young lady is Dr. Helen Magnus."

Helen caught the slight flicker in Barrets eyes and sighed. "I know what you're thinking. And yes. Women can be doctors."

"Tell me your report." the Captain smiled to the bewildered Barret. "Are we all set to go full speed?"

Barret nodded. "Just give the word. Whenever you're ready sir. And Sir, I know we are 40ft under the surface, but the noise is back. And well a lot of the men are nervous."

"Nonsense. Mr. Andrews has gone over every inch of this ship, in and out. Solid as a rock."

"Well some of the more... superstitious men think it could be something more sinister."

"Lands men's stories that's all. Idle chat to amuse the learned old sailors and scare the younger." Captain Smith took one last scone and stood. "Terribly sorry to gatecrash and run, but we have lifeboat drills after church services so I had best be ready."