April 14 1912 1:37 pm
"Dr. Magnus! Good of you to come." Captain Smith beamed at her approach. Helens smile grew strained as she recognized the thin, proud, arrogant profile sitting across from Captain Smith. Ismay wore a smile that seemed just as wary. But the others, Andrews and Lightoller and someone Helen had never met smiled brightly at her. "This is Alfred Cunningham He's an apprentice fitter and one of our guarantee group. You've met Mr. Andrews and Ismay I understand?"
"Yes. Of course. I could never forget either of you." Helen replied, truthfully enough. She tugged self-consciously at her coat sleeve and took her seat. The men followed suit as the first course was served.
Ismay chatted amiably (almost boastfully) about the success of Titanic
"We have the largest grandest most luxurious ship on the earth. "He grinned smugly and poured himself another glass of Merlot. Helen hid her laughter in her own glass. The self-assurance of the tall thin man reminded her of a certain wine loving vampire she knew.
"And at full speed we might even arrive a day early. Wouldn't that be something?"
"Something of a mess!" the captain replied "reservations carriages arriving Cargo to unload. And pick up. It's all on a schedule, Mr. Ismay. Our passengers are expecting us to arrive on time. Too early or too late and they have to scramble for cabs, hotel rooms baggage claims. More than one would lodge a complaint."
Ismay sulked and poured himself more wine. He looked up as a steward handed a note to the captain.
"From the Baltic Sir. Another Ice warning." He bowed. Helen looked up in alarm
"Anotherwarning? How many have there been?" She asked as Smith passed the note to Ismay.
"One last night and just two this morning." Smith answered with a light chuckle. "It isn't anything to worry about."
Ismay smirked "This is one of the finest ships on the ocean, crafted carefully by Mr. Andrews. *history line* Built to be utterly unsinkable. I challengethese icebergs to try and sink us. Iceberg warnings indeed! Such trivial hazards are for smaller less sturdy ships." He announced grandly.
Captain smith pulled out the other ice warnings and spread them across the table. Helen examined them carefully
"Have just passed through heavy field ice and several icebergs."
'Captain, Titanic west bound report bergs, growlers and Field ice in 42*N, from 49* to 51*W, compliments, Barr'
'Greek steamer Athenia reports passing icebergs and large quantities of field ice today in latitude 41*51* N, longitude 49*52* W wish you and Titanic all success. Commander'
"That looks like a lot of Ice." She said uncertainly. She didn't know a lot about sailing, but it seemed to her they were heading straight into the large hungry mouth of Charybdis.
"I will plot the course accordingly." Captain Smith reassured them as he collected up the ice warnings. Ismay placed the newest in his own pocket and mumbled into his *meal* about ice warnings.
"Don't worry Miss Magnus." Lightoller smiled. "Captain Smith is the best there is. He has made this crossing countless times. Many a vessel set out on stormier seas with less seaworthy men and made it safely to the shores of America. You can rely on us."
Helen nodded slowly. There was no point worrying about things that might not happen. Especially since nothing seemed to go awry thus far. Clear skies and smooth sailing since they left France. Nothing had gone wrong since the harbor in Southampton. And Helen saw firsthand how well the crew had handled that.
"It's Doctor Magnus." She corrected automatically as she stepped away from the table, barely registering Ismays response.
"Women make for excellent Doctors" He intoned. "There is no reason to assume otherwise."