A Night To Remember

by UNCLE SAM THE MAN

(A Crossover Edition of my story, The Unthinkable, With Collaboration by Dax0042) Judy Hopps finds herself thrust into a thrilling adventure on the R.M.S. Titanic when she meets, and ultimately falls in love with the handsome Fox artist/con-mammal Nick Wilde on the Ill-Fated Liner. Rating M for Violence, Language and Heavy Adult Themes.

5. Danger Ahead

It is Sunday Morning, April 14, 1912.

The warms rays of sun peaked in through the windows of the private promenade, the bright light illuminating the trio seated at the table as Jack and Skye tended to them, either by pouring tea and coffee, or removing dirtied plates or bowls as Porsha sat beside Judy while Jimmy sat silently in his seat, a plate of half-eaten toast and eggs was pushed aside.

"Coffee sir?" Jack inquired, a small copper pot in his hand, only to be waved off by Jimmy, the wolf looking coldly at the two girls. And Porsha knew the look on her father's face, and it scared her, but she didn't want to worry Judy.

Jack and Skye, picking up on the tense aura of the room, excused themselves, their nerves on end from the hateful glare in Jimmy's eyes alone as Judy took a sip of her tea, Jimmy releasing a sigh and relaxing slightly as she did.

"I was hoping to speak to you two last night," he said, looking onto Judy, but threw a glance to his daughter who felt his cold, heartless gaze on her.

Judy looked up and put her cup down.

"Oh, Porsha and I were tired, so we just went to bed," she lied, but Jimmy shook his head.

"I guess the two of you exhausted yourselves with that little party down in steerage," he said with a half growl, both girls knowing at that moment that they had been caught in a lie, but to Judy' surprise…she wasn't; sacred. A bit nervous, yes, but ahrdly scared given her response.

"I see you had that undertaker of a bodyguard follow us," she said in an indifferent monotone as she looked squarely into Jimmy's eyes.

"How typical."

Unfortunately, Jimmy did not like this answer as he leaned forward and looked at Judy, his voice as cold as the Atlantic itself.

"You will never behave like that again; do you understand me?" he asked then looked at his daughter who had sunk back in her chair.

"And you will never see that worthless tiger again! Do you understand, Porsha?"

At that moment Porsha felt her heart breaking. She loved Ryan, yet, here was her father; a monster who had raised her, who was now trying to destroy her happiness. But, much like Judy, Porsha found herself filled with great vigor, almost certainly brought on by the threat against her happiness as the young wolf took a deep breath before standing up to her father.

"No!" she said strongly to a shocked Jimmy.

"I'm not afraid of you. I'm going to marry Ryan when we reach New York. Then, I can live the life I always wanted."

Judy, who had been silent, finally spoke.

"I agree. We are not some servants you can just order around. She is your daughter, and I am your fiancee."

Jimmy suddenly felt his anger reach it's limit.

"M-my fiancee?" Jimmy seemed to stutter, a small grin on his face as he appeared to be in shock, only for his face to twist into blinding rage as he abruptly stood to his feet, knocking his chair back from under him.

"My FIANCE! Yes you are! AND SHE IS MY DAUGHTER!" With all his rage powering him, the white wolf grabbed the table and threw it across the room with ease, plates and glass shattering as all Judy and Porsha could do was sit there, shocked at the display, especially when Jimmy then reached out to grab Judy, but Porsha quickly jumped up and tried to stop her father.

"Daddy! Don't hurt her!" she cried grabbing onto his arm.

SMACK!

Jimmy struck his daughter with such force that she went crashing to the floor, her face burned where he had struck her. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes as the angry white wolf then trapped Judy between his arms, his claws digging into the fine whicker chair as he growled in her face.

"Judy, I will not be made the fool. If I ever see you or Porsha with those two steerage trash, I'll see to it that they will never see the light of day again! Is this in any way unclear?"

"No," Judy gasped out, her breath gone as Jimmy's face suddenly morphed back into its pleasant, jovial smile.

"Good," he said, satisfied that his threat was made clear. With that, Jimmy dismissed himself from the room, leaving Judy frozen in fear and Porsha still on the floor sobbing. Ut the moment Judy heard footsteps in the doorway of the sitting room, she looked to see Jack, Skye, and Suki come rushing in. In a desperate attempt to compose herself, the still shaken doe quickly got down on the floor to try and clean up the broken glass and wasted food, especially when she saw Skye was trying to pick up the pieces herself.

"I'm sorry, Skye," Judy said, her voice breaking despite her best attempts to stay composed.

"There was accident..." she said trying to hold back her tears now, all while Suki held Porsha in her arms, trying her very best to comfort the young wolf as Judy kept trying to say things were ok, but no matter how hard she tried, the threat Jimmy made continued to echo in her ears. It wasn't until she felt Skye and Jack both place a hand on her shoulder that Judy broke down crying and it made her feel better.

Later, after everything had been cleaned up, Bonnie showed up and was horrified to learn what Jimmy Crystal had done to her daughter and his own.

One things for sure, she was going to have a few words with Jimmy later that day.

---

The natural sunlight of the cool Atlantic morning bled through the wrought-iron glass dome over the Grand Staircase, the rays gleaming off of the brass trimming and immaculately varnished woodwork. But, as any strollers would observe, a faint sound drifted up from the D-Deck Dining Saloon. As one descended the stairs, they would recognize the beautiful sound of a saloon piano...

Accompanied by singing.

And as one would enter the D-Deck reception room, they would find the sing coming from the dining saloon, where a divine service was being led by Captain Smith, standing at a pulpit, Samuel, Garth and Humphrey to his right, all four with caps removed, as they led the passengers, including the latter three's families, as well as the Hopps-Crystal Party, minus their servants, in the middle, singing one of the hymns selected for the service, the melody drifting through the air.

"O Christ, Whose voice the waters heard

And hushed their raging at Thy word,

Who walkedst on the foaming deep,

And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;

O hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea."

But, not too far from the congregation of passengers, hidden within the ranks of stewards, was Bogo, a keen eye on Judy and Porsha, under strict instructions by Jimmy to make sure they behaved themselves. Bogo even sent a sharp glare towards Porsha as she looked over at her father, feeling the need to scream about how he beat her, but the look Bogo gave kept that from happening. But his attention was suddenly pulled away from the service, the buffalo taking note of a commotion at the entry doors. And when he saw the forms of Salty and Shakey barring a fox from entering, Bogo sadistically smirked at the fact that Nick had been halted by the two stewards. And it was no mystery as to why, since the fox was now back in his third-class clothes, looking out of place.

"Look, you, you're not supposed to be in here," Shakey gently, yet firmly said as he kept his hand outstretched, much to Nick's ire as he tried to explain himself, the situation receiving a sideways glance from Jimmy as he made eye contact with Bogo, who offered a nod at his employers unspoken request as the white wolf continues singing with the others.

"…Protect them by thy guarding hand…"

But even as the singing continued, Nick tried to press on.

"I was just here last night... don't you remember?"

"No Sir," Shakey earnestly said, shaking his head, "I'm afraid I don't! Now please…!"

"He'll tell you," Nick said hopefully, pointing to Bogo as the buffalo exits the dining saloon, staring hard at Nick, who quickly realizes that given the deep scowl on his face, he was not there to help.

"Mr. Crystal and Mrs. Hopps continue to be most appreciative of your assistance. They asked me to give you this in gratitude."

As he spoke, Bogo fished his wallet out of his breast pocket, from which he procured two twenty-dollar bills, which Nick, with a look of clear insult etched on his muzzle, refused to take.

"I don't want money, I just…" he practically growled, only to be sharply interrupted by Bogo, a condescending tone in his voice as he spoke.

"And also, to remind you that you hold a third-class ticket and your presence here is no longer appropriate."

But as Bogo speaks, Nick spots Judy in the crowd…but she doesn't see him.

"I just need to talk to Judy for…"

"Gentlemen," Bogo once again interrupts as he addresses the two stewards, one of the two twenties in both hands as he gives them to the perplexed crew members, "please see that Mr. Wilde gets back where he belongs…and that he stays there."

"Yes sir," Shakey responded with a mixture of convictions…and gratitude for the sizable tip.

"Come along you."

And as Nick was led away, Judy, painfully oblivious to the situation, fished the hymn along with the others.

"O hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea."

Meanwhile, some twenty or thirty miles from Titanic, a single-stack steamer trundled along the icy waters of the North Atlantic, her lone funnel billowing smoke as she travelled at a modest speed of 11 knots. And on the open bridge of the modest single stacked freighter, wrapped warmly in a thick great coat, stood the grey-furred great dane Captain of the Leyland Liner S.S. California, Stanley Lord, sipping at a cup of tea. But, upon noticing a change in flavor, he turned to one of his officers.

"Any more sugar there?"

"Yes sir," the officer, a neatly groomed deerhound curtly responded, offering a bag of sugar to Lord, who took two spoonful's before stirring it into his tea. At that moment, a shortly built, grey-furred wolf came to the bridge has yellow eyes landing on Lord who turned upon noticing the young wireless operator, Cyril Evans, whose can-do attitude earned him the nickname "Candu."

"Yes Candu?" he inquired, a sign for the wolf to come closer, offering a handful of papers to Lord, who after setting his tea aside, took them.

"Ice Warnings from steamers ahead sir," Candu smartly responded in a surrey accent. Lord let out a hum of agreement before motioning for one of his officers, another great dane, to follow him down to the chart room. Once there, they poured over a map of the surrounding area. At that moment they were in the Labrador current.

"Here we are," he said pointing out their position.

"Never seen ice this far south before," the officer said looking at the warnings and charts on the table.

"It's been a mild winter up in the Arctic. Some of this ice must be drifting south on the Labrador Current," Lord responded, only to let out a sigh as he stood up straight, a tired look in his eyes.

"We'll just have to keep steady and be vigilant. Our passengers aren't in any hurry," he said with a laugh.

"They wouldn't be with us if they were. But see to it these messages are forwarded, would you?"

"Yes sir," the officer responded as he and the captain left the room.

Meanwhile, back on Titanic, Mr. Andrews found himself leading a small tour group, which mainly consisted of the Hopps-Crystal Party, minus their servants, including Bogo, and one straggler, Lilly Maverick, who had grown quite attached to Porsha since they met at Cherbourg. And at the present time, the group were in the ships state-of-the-art gymnasium on the boat deck, some machines recognizable to some, and others not. Nearby a female white-tailed doe pedaled away on a stationary bicycle in a long dress, looking rather ridiculous in the process. And not too far from the group, Jimmy is working the oars of a stationary rowing machine with a well-trained stroke, a smug grin on his face as he does.

"Reminds me of my Harvard days," he says cheekily, rising to his feet before reaching for his jacket and top hat which have been laid aside, all while the gym instructor, a Mr. T.W. McCawley, a bouncy little pig in white flannels, is quite eager to show off his modern equipment, all while Judy and Porsha look around, curious as how to get away from Jimmy.

"Care to try your hand at the rowing, m'am?" McCawley inquires of Bonnie, who merely scoffs at the idea, unaware of how ironic her response would be.

"Don't be absurd…I can't think of a skill I should likely need less."

Seeing that the group was ready to move on, Andrews gestured for the door.

"Alright ladies and gentle-mammals, the next stop on our tour will be bridge. This way, please."

But as the group exited the room, Porsha lagged behind, her attention on a speed bag suspended from the ceiling, the bag itself soon taking the form of her father's face in her eye. And so, with a savage right hook, Porsha bashed the bag with all her strength.

"Bastard!" she growled before catching up with the party.

Meanwhile, at the aft well-deck, Nick walked with great determination, his face dead serious as he is followed closely by Ryan and Finnick, who feel their nerves skyrocket as the fox quickly climbs the steps to B-Deck, stepping over the gate separating third and second-class.

"She's a goddess among mortal mammals, there's no denyin'," Ryan said, hoping to snap Nick out of this foolhardy state he was in, clearly not paying attention to his friend's words.

"And Porsha…GOD! I would do anything to be with her. But they're both in another world, Nicky…we have to forget 'em. They've closed the door."

But much to Ryan's pleasure, or displeasure, Nick had been listening…but he just won't take the tiger's advice.

"It was those stiffs, not them."

And after taking a moment to look around the deck, Nick nods to Ryan.

"Ready... go."

Ryan merely shakes his head resignedly, but still puts his hands together, crouching down. As Nick steps on his hands, getting a boost up to the next deck, where he scrambles nimbly over the railing, onto the first-class promenade on A-Deck.

"He's not bein' logical, I tell ya," Ryan says to Finnick, who, after remembering his new relationship with a certain gazelle who he didn't share a common language with, offers a shrug and sly smirk in return.

"Love is not logical."

But, much to the two male's displeasure, they were caught, being sent back to where they belonged.

But as they made their way back to their own deck, Ryan stopped when he heard his name being called, his eyes lighting up as he sees Porsha run up to hi, the wolf throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace as she began to cry, not giving the tiger a chance to speak s she vented everything to him, much to his shock. Unfortunately, the two were interrupted by a low, but clearly angry growl.

"PORSHA!"

Both she and Ryan turned to see Jimmy coming storming towards them.

"Get away from him!" he growled bearing his teeth, but as Porsha cowered behind the feline she loved, Ryan stood firm.

"She's done being your punching bag, Crystal, now fuck off!" the tiger shouted.

Jimmy couldn't believe it.

This steerage passenger was standing up to him. Well, he wasn't about to let his position of power be challenged. The white wolf with all his might delivered a punch to Ryan's gut, bringing the tiger to his knees. Porsha tried to help him up, but that gave Jimmy the opening he needed as he reached and grabbed his daughter by the arm and dragged her back to the tour…

Unaware that the scene had been witnessed by a very perturbed Eve Maverick up on the boat deck.

---

Samuel was back on the bridge, finishing his 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. watch that had been abridged so that he could attend the Sunday service. But all was not so bad. While the temperature had dropped, due to Titanic about to enter the Labrador Current, the weather was clear, and the sea was calm. Almost picturesque as Samuel observed.

"And here we are, Ladies and Gentle-mammals," a soft Irish tone sounded from the port side of the navigation deck, pulling Samuel from his thoughts. Turning to the source of the voice, Samuel smiled warmly at the sight of Mr. Andrews, escorting Lilly, whose arm was hooked in his, leading his tour group onto the bridge.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Andrews," Samuel called as he approached the group, leaving a smiling Bill Murdoch behind to continue the watch. Turning to the new voice, Mr. Andrews smiled warmly at the young Irish-wolf.

"Afternoon, Mr. Davis," Mr. Andrews resounded with a laugh, clapping Samuel on the back, earning a grunt from the latter, resulting in a round of laughter from the group, who as Samuel noticed, were clad in warming clothing, from overcoats to shawls.

"So," Samuel continued after recovering from the hard pat, "out on tour I see."

"Yes," Mr. Andrews said, "I thought I might treat them to a 'well informed' romp around the ship."

The group let out a laugh at Mr. Andrews joke, though Judy and Porsha's laughter was greatly forced, which did not go unnoticed by Samuel, who also took notice of Bonnie's seemingly guilt-ridden frown toward Jimmy Crystal. But Samuel didn't have time to focus on this as a new voice entered the fray.

"Excuse Me, Sam," the Irish voice intruded, causing everyone to turn their attention to the ginger-furred wolf handing Samuel a few slips of paper.

"More Ice Warnings from steamers ahead. These are from the Baltic, Noordam, Californian and Amerika."

"Thank You, Mason," Samuel responded, taking the slip, "I'll be sure the Captain sees this."

Raising his gaze to meet the others, Sam should see a look of concern cross their faces.

"Oh, not to worry," Samuel reassured, a warm smile gracing his muzzle, "it's quite normal this time of year."

But soon, that warm smile vanished with the sudden appearance of Captain Smith on the bridge, the mastiff offering a bit of news that made both Samuel and Mr. Andrews trade a deep scowl.

"Yes indeed…in fact, we're speeding up. I just ordered the last boilers lit."

But, as he tore his perturbed gaze from Smith, Samuel couldn't help but notice that Mason's attention was fixated on a certain white-furred beauty, whose muzzle sported a deep and timid smile when her violet eyes met amber ones. Casting his friend a teasing smile, Samuel elbowed Mason, pulling him from his stupor. Realizing he had been caught staring, not just by Samuel, but the rest of the group as well, some sending him sly smiles, while the Captain sent him a stern one, Mason uncomfortably cleared his throat before addressing Lilly.

"My apologies, Miss," he said, slightly bowing his head as he did so, which only earned a small giggle from Lilly.

"Lillian Reynolds and company," Samuel began, placing a hand on Mason's back, "may I present Assistant Wireless Operator Mason Fenrrir...one of my oldest friends from Belfast."

Upon hearing this, the group sent Mason kind smiles, which seemed to relax him.

"So Mason," Sam continued, "heard things were rough last night."

Mason, upon hearing this, let out a grown as he turned to the others.

"Yes," he whined, "lost power on the set last night. Jack and Harry were up all night trying to repair it. Now we are backed up to the stern with messages."

"I'm sure it doesn't help that you're within range of Cape Race now, does it?" Mr. Andrews joked, earning around of laughs as Mason moaned again.

"No, it does not," Mason responded, letting out a small laugh as he did so, before deciding it was time to return to the wireless room. But not before bidding the group farewell.

"Oh, and Mrs. Reynolds," Mason said before leaving, a bashful smile on his face, "if I may be so bold...your husband's words on your beauty...they hardly do you justice."

With that, Mason quickly left, leaving Lilly with a deep blush showing through her fur once again. Luckily, Samuel was first to break the tension.

"Oh Lilly," Samuel sighed, "the affect you have on men...it would seem you're a siren."

The joke itself succeeded in making everyone laugh, even Smith, who after receiving the ice warnings from Samuel, went on his way. And, for the next few minutes, Mr. Andrews and Samuel showed the group the bridge, explaining how each instrument worked and demonstrating proper course navigation. This went on until the watch change came about, with Henry Wilde and Garth Reynolds taking over from Mr. Murdoch and Samuel, the latter of the two deciding to go join his wife and father-in-law for afternoon tea.

Meanwhile, on the aft A-Deck promenade, a lion could be seen playing with his son, who was spinning a top with a string, the older feline's overcoat and hat sitting on a deck chair nearby as Nick emerged from behind one of the huge deck cranes before calmly picking up the coat and bowler hat. And once he had both in hand, slips away, slipping into the coat as he slicks his hair back with spit, before putting the hat on at a jaunty angle.

At a distance he could pass for a gentle-mammal.

But further forward, Mr. Andrews leads the tour back from the bridge along the boat deck.

"Mr. Andrews," Judy said, a confused expression on her face as she spoke, walking alongside Mr. Andrews, who was void of his companion's company of his arm, Lilly and Porsha escorting each other as the good friends they had become.

"I did the sum in my head, and with the number of lifeboats times the capacity you mentioned...forgive me, but it seems that there are not enough for everyone aboard. Now, I may be a dumb bunny…but we are good at multiplying."

Despite the very crude joke, one that actually made a slight blush bleed through the Irish-wolf's fur, Mr. Andrews decided to confirm the bunny's suspicions.

"Not dumb at all, My Dear…About half, actually," Mr. Andrews responded, stopping in his stride to look at Judy.

"Judy, you miss nothing, do you?"

This earned a laugh from the group. Even Judy couldn't help but chuckle at Mr. Andrew's observation.

"In fact," Mr. Andrews added in, directing her attention to the Welin davits by each lifeboat, "I put in these new type davits, which can take an extra row of boats here."

To emphasis his point, Mr. Andrews gestured to the deck-space on which they were standing. However, his smile dropped a little when he remembered the incident with the Board of Trade that resulted in the davits' true purpose to be nullified.

"But it was thought... by some...that the deck would look too cluttered. So I was over-ruled."

"Waste of deck-space as it is for a ship that is practically unsinkable," Jimmy added with a laugh, kicking one of the boats for emphasis as he led a still frowning Bonnie along the deck, soon followed by the others, with Mr. Andrews giving Judy some final assurance that the ship was perfectly safe.

"Sleep soundly, young Judy. I have built you a good ship, strong and true. She's all the lifeboat you need."

As the group went on, Jimmy looked over at his daughter once more. He smiled as he saw her quiver in fear, which did not go unnoticed by Lilly. The white furred beauty looked at the white devil before her. "You're a monster," she mouthed, but Jimmy only scoffed and followed closely to keep an eye on his lovely ladies.

And before long, the group was on their way to the engine room. But as they passed boat 7, a gentle-mammal turned from the rail, walking up behind the group, tapping on Judy's arm, earning a startled gasp from the bunny. But the moment she saw those green eyes beneath the brim of the bowler hat. Judy is simultaneously happy….and pained. But that doesn't stop Nick from quietly ushering her into he now vacant Gymnasium, closing the door behind them. But as Nick checks to make sure they are alone, Judy is already talking in a most irritated tone of voice.

"Nick," she practically pleaded, trying to make her way back out the door, "this is impossible. I can't see you. Jimmy will kill you if he catches us together."

But try as she might, she just can't get away from Nick, who takes her firmly by the shoulders, making her look him in the eye.

"Look Carrots, you're no picnic... you're a spoiled little brat even."

At that moment Judy begins to feel her resolve melt, the deep, genuine affection Nick conveying through his gaze and voice making her legs feel like jelly.

"But under that you're a strong, pure heart, and you're the most amazingly astounding girl I've ever known."

Judy is touched by Nick' words, but all the same she is battling a raging war in her head.

"Nick, I…" she tries to get out, only to be interrupted by the fox again.

"No wait," Nick said, the fox struggling to speak a coherent thought as he racked his brains for the right words.

"Let me try to get this out. You're amazing... and I know I have nothing to offer you, Judy. I know that. But I'm involved now. You jump, I jump, remember? I can't turn away without knowin' that you're goin' to be alright."

At that moment Judy feels tears coming to her eyes, the bunny deeply moved by Nick being so open and real...not like the cocky tod she had met two nights ago, and not like anyone she has ever known.

"You're making this very hard" she rasped out, only to force a smile a moment later.

"I'll be fine. Really."

But Nick wasn't buying it as his expression hardened.

"I don't think so," Nick responded, his hard gaze and cold tone sending a shiver down Judy's spine.

"They've got you in a glass jar like some butterfly, and you're goin' to die if you don't break out. Maybe not right away, 'cause you're strong. But sooner or later the fire in you is goin' to go out."

"It's not up to you to save me, Nick," she whispered, the desperation and sorrow in her voice betraying her true wish that it could be.

"You're right." Nick responded after a few torturous moments of silence.

"Only you can do that."

And as he said this, Nick brought his hand up to gently cup Judy's cheek, the bunny unconsciously leaning into it, only for her eyes to snap open with a gasp as she gently, yet firmly, pushed Nick away.

"I have to get back, they'll miss me," she whispered, her eyes and face conveying that's he wished she could stay. But before she left Nick alone, she returned his earlier gesture by placing a soft, caring hand on his cheek, tears falling down her face as she once again pleaded with the fox.

"Please, Nick, for both our sakes…leave me alone."

And with that, they were both relegated to their own worlds once again.

But as Judy made her way back to the others, she saw an unbelievable sight—Her mother and Eve Maverick had cornered Jimmy Crystal by one of the steam winches on the deck amidship and were really chewing him out for how he had treated Porsha and Judy.

"Listen to me, Mr. Crystal. If I ever hear that you laid a hand on my daughter, I see to it that the Crystal name will be tainted for the rest of your life," Bonnie threatened, but it was Eve who got him to take them seriously.

"If you step out of line and hurt your daughter again, I will personally rip out your eyes and shove them down your throat, so you can see my claws tear your carcass open!" she said loudly, catching the attention of a group of passengers who all backed off with a gasp.

Judy had no idea that she and Porsha had so many supporters.

Unfortunately, Jimmy had a rebuttal that was said to be just low enough so that only Bonnie could here, the older doe being left alone with the wolf after Eve had made her point known.

"I would be careful on who's name you would taint, Bonnie," he said with a sickening chuckle.

"After all…you are not fairing much better."

"Don't even play that card, Jimmy."

"Why not?" he responded to the seething fury of the Hopps matriarch.

"Your situation is precarious…even Judy knows the money is gone."

With that, Bonne and Judy stilled, the younger doe keeping out of sight behind the steam winch as she listened in on the conversation.

"Her father left you and her with a legacy of bad debts concealed by a good name. And don't forget it was you who jumped on the opportunity to arrange the marriage between me and your daughter."

"A decision I am now starting to sorely regret," Bonnie responded, plenty of bite in her voice still, but now with a hint of sorrow and remorse, one which made Jimmy smirk as he was getting the matriarch under his thumb, much to Judy's heartbreak.

"Well," Jimmy said with a faux smile of compassion, "I can end the engagement if that is how feel."

But then his face fell into one of mocking concern.

"But do you really want your daughter to see you working as seamstress?"

Judy's stomach clenched at this. Was Jimmy really blackmailing her mother to keep the engagement on.

"To see all your fine things sold at auction?"

He was.

"All your memories scattered to the wind?"

And much to Judy's further pain, all her mother could do was lower her head in defeat, the doe left alone by a now triumphant Jimmy as he went to the engineer's entrance on the deck to rejoin the others, leaving Bonnie alone with Judy, who had made herself know just as Jimmy had left.

And all they could do was look at each other sadly as they followed Jimmy.

Later on, in the first-class lounge on A-Deck, the most elegant room on the ship, done in Louis Quinze Versaille style, Judy is sitting with a group of other women arrayed around her. From her mother, the Countess Rothes and Eve Maverick, all but her are engaged in a lively conversation over tea, all while Judy silently sits as still as a porcelain figurine as the conversation washes around her.

"Of course," Bonnie said with a groan, "the invitations had to be sent back to the printers twice. And the bridesmaids dresses! Let me tell you what an odyssey that has been..."

The conversation is lost on Judy as her gaze suddenly shifts to a mother, a lovely ewe, having tea with her four-year-old little lamb. And as Judy observes, the girl is wearing white gloves as she daintily picks up a cookie. And throughout their time in the lounge, the mother is correcting her on her posture, and the way she holds the teacup. And it is very clear to Judy that the little girl is trying so hard to please, her expression serious. And it was at that moment Judy was no longer looking at a little lamb…but herself at that age, living vicariously through the relentless conditioning once again...

The pain to becoming an Edwardian geisha.

But the moment Judy feels a gentle hand on her own, she turns to see her mother, a sad smile on her face as Eve and the Countess carry on their conversation, the matriarch having clearly watched the same scene as her daughter.

"It's so unfair," Judy whispered, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

"Of course it is," Bonnie responded with a sad chuckle.

"We're women…our choices in life are never easy."

But at that moment, Judy, after a spontaneous moment of clarity…

Was about to make the easiest choice of her life...

And Suki vice-versa, as she smiled at the confused wolf before her, Porsha's eyes glued on the very simple and cheaply made dress, blouse, black shoes, and a simple sunhat being offered to her.

"Um…what's this?" she inquired, which earned an eye roll from Suki, who offered the only explanation needed.

"A disguise…go to him."

Needless to say…Porsha was beyond grateful.

---

Titanic steamed onward in the dusk light, as if lit by the embers of a giant fire. And at the very tip of her bow, the wind ruffling his hair and the fur on his face, is Nick is there, right at the apex, which apparently has become his favorite spot.

But as he closes his eyes, letting the chill wind clear his head, Nick hears her voice, behind him...

"Hello Nick."

And as he turns, Nick is met with the true image of beauty…a nervous smile on her face.

"I changed my mind."

Nick can't help but smile at her as his eyes drink her in, her eyes sparkling and her dark-grey hair blowing wildly in her face.

"Finny said you might be up…"

But just as Judy begins to speak, her feet already moving to meet him, Nick stops her with a finger to his lips.

"Sssshh…Come here."

At first very nervous, Judy closes the distance between them, careful not to trip inside the well that housed the ship's third central anchor. But at the moment, she doesn't care about that as Nick puts his hands on her waist, as if he is going to kiss her.

And right now, she wished he would.

"Close your eyes," he whispers, his smile growing larger as she does. And once he is sure Judy is not peaking, Nick turns her to face forward, the way the ship is going, before pressing her gently to the rail, standing right behind her. Then he takes her two hands and raises them until she is standing with her arms out stretched on each side. And all the while, Judy is going along with him. And when he lowers his hands, she takes the hint to keep her arms up...

Like wings.

"Okay," Nick whispered in her ear.

"Open them."

And when she does, Judy let out a gasp in awe.

There is nothing in her field of vision but water. It's almost like there is no ship under them at all, just the two of them soaring as the Atlantic unrolls toward her, a hammered copper shield under a dusk sky. Where there is only the wind, and the hiss of the water 50 feet below.

"I'm flying!" Judy softly exclaims in amazement as she leans forward, arching her back, Nick putting puts his hands on her waist as she does in order to steady her.

He wasn't too keen on having to save her again.

But, the giggle he got as he sang in her ear reminded him of how he would save her again and again.

"Come Josephine in my flying machine..."

And as Nick sings to her, Judy closes her eyes, feeling herself floating weightless far above the sea as she smiles dreamily, before leaning back, gently pressing her back against Nicks chest, Nick slightly pushing forward to meet her as he slowly raises his hands, arms outstretched, meeting hers... fingertips gently touching as their fingers begin to intertwine until they are caressing through and around each other like the bodies of two lovers.

And as the wind blows through their fur, Nick tips his face forward into Judy's blowing hair, letting the scent off her wash and over him, until his cheek is against her ear. And when she feels the surprisingly soft fur on hers, she turns her head until her lips are near his. And in a span of seconds that felt like minutes, Judy turns further until she finds his mouth with hers as he wraps his arms around her from behind. And to Judy, the kiss is electric as she cranes her head back, surrendering to him, to the emotion, to the inevitable.

And as they kiss, slowly and tremulously, and then with building passion, Nick and the ship seem to merge into one force of power and optimism, lifting her, buoying her forward on a magical journey, soaring onward into a night without fear.

And at the fantail of the ship, the two pressed tightly together in a standing spoon, Porsha and Ryan also share a passionate moment, their lips locked, their hands entwined and all they can feel is love for each other.

Porsha could feel her life of freedom drawing closer.

But to one pair of aging eyes, the couple soon disappear, the pristine bow now dissolving into a heap of rusted metal two-and-a-half miles beneath the surface of the North Atlantic.

And all the old bunny can do is look sadly at the ruin on the screen, slowly turning to the others, who were now, for once, more invested in her story, than finding the Zumpango Diamond.

"That was the last time Titanic ever saw daylight."

Right in front of Judy, Charlie, with a deep sign, not so much of annoyance, but dread, as he knew what came next as he changed the tape in the minicassette recorder.

"So we're up to dusk on the night of the sinking," he said, a sort of sorrow to his voice.

"Six hours to go."

And not far behind, Po is ranting over the absurdity of how easy it would have been steer the ship out of danger.

"Don't you love it?" the panda practically growls.

"There's Smith, he's standing there with the iceberg warning in his fucking hand..."

At that moment, Po, now feeling very bashful upon remembering that Judy and Sasha were in the room, composed himself as he apologized for his language.

"Excuse me... in his hand, and he's ordering more speed. And you may think me a horrible person, Sasha…but your grandpa was a real tool."

Much to Charlie's surprise, Sasha didn't seem at all offended. In fact, she almost seemed to agree with Po.

"Cain Adams may not have gotten under Sam's skin, Sasha…" Charlie gently explains, hoping to lift Sasha's spirits, which seemed to work as a soft smile spread on her lips with what he said next.

"But I think your grandpa WAS proud of his father's accomplishment. So much so that, while he would never admit it, he agreed with Cain. As for Smith, he has 26 years of experience working against him. And with what is aid Sasha, between him and Sam they figure anything big enough to sink the ship they're going to see in time to turn. But the ship's too big, with too wide a pivot...it can't corner worth shit."

A pause as Charlie offers a very dark, but still profound conclusion.

"Everything they know is wrong."

But unknown to the group, Judy is ignoring the conversation as she slowly turns to the art-nouveau comb with the jade butterfly on the handle in her hands, her eyes shift to the monitor as a loving, reminiscent smile comes to her as she returns to watching a monitor, which shows the ruins of the sitting room of the parlor suite, which transforms before the old bunny's eyes as the muck and gunk recede to reveal the beautiful woodwork and satin upholstery, the very appearance of such Luxury leaving Nick overwhelmed by the opulence of the room as he sets his sketchbook and drawing materials on the marble table.

"Will this light do?" Judy inquires, shutting the door behind them.

"Huh?" Nick answers back, his mouth wide open in awe, clearly not paying attention Judy, who merely rolls her eyes.

"Don't artists need good light?"

At that moment, Nick is pulled form his stupor as he looks to Judy, whose nose crinkles in confusion as Nick seems to scowl in disgust. But the moment she heard his horrible attempt at a French accent, the bunny burst out laugh.

"Zat is true, I am not used to working in such 'orreeble conditions."

But the, his eyes light up as they land on one of the paintings Judy had bought.

"Hey... Monet!" he exclaims as he crouches next to the paintings stacked against the wall.

"I know," Judy gushes, kneeling with Nick as they examine the maculate water lilies on the canvas.

"Isn't he great... the use of color?"

"Yeah," Nick said as he gingerly traced his fingers over the canvas.

"I saw him once," he explains, "through a hole in this garden fence in Giverny."

But as Nick turns to look at Judy, he finds that the bunny is no longer by his side, the lovely doe having gone into the adjoining walk-in wardrobe closet. Rising to his feet, Nick follows, the fox entering the wardrobe as he watches Judy work the combination on the safe, fascinated.

"Jimmy insists on lugging this thing everywhere."

At the mention of Judy's smug fiancé Nick grows very nervous, the fox looking cautiously from one end of the small walkway to the other.

"Should I be expecting him anytime soon?"

Judy snorts out a dismissive laugh.

"Not as long as the cigars and brandy hold out."

CLUNK!

With that, the safe is unlocked. And as Judy looks up, she meets Nick's eyes

in the mirror behind the safe as she opens it, removing the necklace before turning and holding it out to Nick, who takes it nervously.

"What is it? A sapphire?" he asks, his hand trembling slightly as if the gem weighed a ton.

"A diamond," Judy corrects, a mystified zeal to her voice as she spoke.

"A very rare diamond, called the ZUMPANGO Diamond."

With that, all Nick can do is gaze at the wealth beyond his comprehension, unware of the nervous stare that Judy gives him.

"I want you to draw me like that Italian jaguar," she suddenly says, a hint of trepidation in her voice as Nick continues to satre at the diamond.

"Wearing this."

"OK," Nick responds, clearly paying more attention to the gem than Judy, who only gets his undivided, and very surprised attention with what she says next.

"Wearing only this."

Yes, Nick was certainly surprised.

Meanwhile, outside on deck, The weather had grown colder.

Down on the stern, Porsha and Ryan sat huddled together on a bench, cuddling and whispering sweet nothings to each other. The two of them were happy, but little did they know that soon their chance at a happy life would be put at risk.

So cold in fact, that the officers on duty, being Charles Lightoller and Humphrey, briefly returned to their cabins to grab their great-coats and gloves, both lynx and wolf desperate to warm themselves as the brisk sea air blasting their faces forced them to seek shelter on in the navigation deck. But one thing that was definitely noticeable about that night, was that everything was eerily calm.

No moon, no wind, and the sea appeared smooth as glass.

"Clear," a voice sounded from beside the two officers, who jumped a little only to relax when they laid eyes on Captain Smith, who was holding a cup and saucer of tea.

It is 8:37 P.M.

"Yes," Mr. Lightoller responded, his eyes mesmerized by the sight that lay before them.

"I don't think I've ever seen such a flat calm...after 25 years at sea.

"Like a millpond," Smith laughed, earning a chuckle from the two officers, "not a breath of wind."

However, this small comment did cause a troubling thought to enter Humphrey's mind.

"It will make the bergs harder to see," he said, his voice laced with concern, "with no water breaking at the base."

Smith, taking this into consideration, let out a hum of agreement before deciding to turn in for the night.

"Well I'm off," he said, turning to Light and Humphrey.

"If we run into haze or ice, whichever comes first, we are to slow down. Until then, maintain speed and heading Mr. Lightoller."

"Yes Sir," Lights responded as the Captain left the bridge to retire for the evening, but not before giving one last order.

"And wake me, of course, if anything becomes in the slightest degree doubtful."

---

Nick would be lying if he said he didn't feel some arousal as he was laying out his pencils like surgical tools, his sketchbook open and ready as Judy suddenly emerges from the adjoining walkway, dressed in a stunning violet kimono with black trim, the oriental garment giving her an air of elegance. And just the very sight of Judy in the kimono, combined with the seductive, lustful look in her eye, Nick found himself becoming incredible aroused.

Though he was barely able to control himself.

"The last thing I need is another picture of me looking like a china doll." she says with a teasing smirk, the bunny seaming to glad over to Nick, who accepts a symbolically offered dime before stepping back.

"As a paying customer, I expect to get what I want."

And once Judy has stepped back, she parts the kimono.

To say Nick was stunned would be an understatement, as he eyes at first focus on the diamond, only for a slight blush to bleed through his fur as he noticed the gem tucked between her modest breasts, which are only two parts of her lithe, but still curvaceous figure. And his eyes dance over her form, Judy feels her heart is pounding, though a small smile on her face as Nick looks so stricken, it is almost comical.

And the moment the kimono drops to the floor, Judy moves to the room's divan, which has been moved by Nick so that the lighting from the electric fireplace could give him the optimum shade for his work. And once Judy sits herself down, she begins to adjust her position so that she is laying down.

"Tell me when it looks right to you," she says as she begins posing on the divan.

"Uh..." Nick said, pulling himself from his stupor jut enough that he could focus.

"Just bend your left leg a little and... and lower your head. Put for right hand by your face and the other behind your head grabbing the pillow…Eyes to me. That's it."

And once satisfied with Judy's position Nick starts to sketch, only to drop his pencil, the sight making Judy have to stifle a laugh."

"I believe you are blushing, Mr. Big Artiste," she teases, the warm orange light from the fireplace actually allowing her to see the dark ginger fur on Nick's face turn a darker shade.

"I can't imagine Monsieur Monet blushing."

At this point, Nick is sweating, small droplets dampening the fur on his forehead as he sends a warning glare towards Judy.

"He does landscapes."

But, after taking a few deep breaths, Nick manages to compose himself as he looks at Judy over the top edge of his sketchpad. And despite his nervousness, he draws with sure strokes, and what emerges is the best thing he has ever done; Her pose is languid, her hands beautiful, and her eyes radiate her energy.

But as time passes, those eyes seem to wither into a multitude of wrinkles, aging 84 years as they no longer beheld the fox from her youth, both captivated stares of her younger audience, the males, and even a couple females fighting in their seats or doing a little antsy two-step on their feet.

"My heart was pounding the whole time. It was the most erotic moment of my life... up till then at least."

The semicircle of listeners stare in rapt, frozen silence, the story of Nick and Judy having finally and completely grabbed them.

"What, uh... happened next?" Po eagerly inquired, the panda clearly hoping there was a steamy end to this part of the story. And needless to say, Judy sent the panda a teasing smile, and a response that made everyone chuckle.

"You mean, did we 'do it'?" Judy said with a chuckle as her memory returned to that night in 1912, her eyes looking over Nick's shoulder as he signs what he believes to be his great masterpiece.

"Sorry to disappoint you Po, but Nick was VERY professional."

"Date it, Nick," Judy coos, her kimono back on her frame as she gazes at the masterfully made sketch.

"I want to always remember this night."

And he does.

April 14, 1912.

---

About five minutes later, Judy is scribbling a note on a piece of Titanic stationery. And while Nick is close by with his sketchbook, Judy's drawing at the very top, he is unable to see what it says. But, once Judy has finished the letter, she accepts the sketchbook from him before heading to the safe in the wardrobe, putting the diamond and sketchbook the in the safe, the note on top of it, before closing it with a CLUNK!

---

Jack Phillips tapped away at the telegraph key, bags under his eyes at the lack of sleep he was experiencing.

It is 9:40 P.M.

But, the black cat's ears perked up some when a message came through...

Another ice warning.

(From Mesaba to Titanic. In latitude 42 Degrees N, to 41 Degrees by 25 Minutes W, to longitude 52 Degrees by 30 Minutes W…saw much heavy pack ice and great number large icebergs, also field ice, weather good, clear.)

Taking pencil in hand, Phillips began writing down the message, though not with great urgency as the message itself did not carry the Master Service Gram (MSG) prefix, meaning it would have been a priority message for the captain or bridge. He had just finished when he heard the sound of the door being opened, turning to see Mason returning from the purser's office on c-deck...carrying a bundle of more messages.

"You got to be bloody kidding me," Bride, who was just in the Silent Room, groaned as he stepped back into the main room.

"Afraid not," Mason responded, letting out a yawn soon afterward.

"Set 'em there," Phillips grumbled, briefly turning away to pick up more correspondence from passengers. Mason, doing as he was told, set the small stack on the table...

Unknowingly setting them right on top of the Mesaba's message.

Stretching his back, a few pops filling the room, Mason gave one final yawn before looking at the clock hanging over the desk.

"Well," he said, "if it's all the same to you lot, I'm gonna go grab some shuteye. Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight Mason," Bride responded before deciding to turn in himself, leaving Phillips alone, the Mesaba message now long forgotten.

---

Humphrey was preoccupied with the thermometer on the wall separating the navigation deck with the wheelhouse, the small instrument showing the temperature dropping to near freezing point.

"You sent for me, Sir?" an Irish voice sounded, causing Humphrey to turn and see Dax.

"Yes Dax," Humphrey responded with a smile.

"Temperature's dropping. Have Mr. Bell keep an eye on the freshwater tanks, we don't want them freezing over."

"Aye Sir," Dax promptly responded before leaving to return to his duties. Before long, ten o'clock rolled along…

Time for the watch change.

"Did you ever find those binoculars for the lookouts?" Samuel called to Humphrey as he and Bill, along with the dashing wolfhound Mr. Boxhall and Mr. Moody, came to relieve Humphrey, Lights, Mr. Pitman and Mr. Boxhall for the watch. Humphrey, with a shrug, responded.

"Haven't seen them since Southampton," he called, before turning on his heels, leaving Samuel and Mr. Murdoch on the starboard bridge wing, both with great-coat collars popped to fight against the cold.

"Anyway," Humphrey called again, "Lights and I are on our rounds. Night."

"Goodnight Humph," Mr. Murdoch called before he and Samuel turned their attention to the vast, dark sea ahead. And as Humphrey walked along the boat-deck, electric torch in hand, he stopped at one of the lifeboat davits, giving the ropes a good jiggle to ensure that they were properly tied. But, as he turned to the entrance to the Grand Staircase, Humphrey jumped a bit as a feminine yelp sounded from the corner just beside the door, revealing a young couple in a romantic embrace. The female was pressed against the wall as the male placed gentle kisses on her exposed neck. Giving the couple a warm smile, Humphrey turned off his porch before making his way into the staircase foyer, unaware that if he had studied the couple a little closer, he would have found Sweets and Dax in a heated embrace.

But Humphrey went on his way all the same, bumping into his old friend Shakey in the process.

"Good Evening Humph," Shakey greeted warmly.

"Hello Shakey," Humphrey responded with a smile, immediately shedding his great coat and gloves.

"While I have you, would you mind putting these in my cabin?"

"Off course," Shakey responded warmly, both friends making their way into the warm confines of the staircase, both descending to the A-Deck land, Humphrey, cap tucked beneath his arm, making his way aft, and Shakey making his way to the forward staterooms. And as he made his way aft through the reading and writing room and the first-class lounge, Humphrey soon found himself in the First-Class smoking room, reserved for men only.

"Hey Humph," Salty called as Humphrey entered the room, which was filled with billowing clouds of smoke, courtesy of the cigars, pipes and cigarettes being smoked by the wealthy men of Titanic.

"Salty," Humphrey greeted with a smile, the smile soon turning playful as he noticed a certain black-furred apprentice play card with John B. Thayer, the Vice-President of the Pennsylvania railroad, and J.J. Astor.

"Winning a lot is he?" He inquired.

"Eh?" Salty inquired.

"Adams."

"Yes," Salty said, releasing of sigh of a laugh.

"Well keep an eye on him," Humphrey said, clapping his friend on the shoulder.

"We don't want him swindling too many people. Gives the ship a bad name…gives you a bad name."

With that, Humphrey continued on, until…

"Here's someone who might be able to tell us…HUMPHREY!"

Turning his gaze, Humphrey was met with the sight of his father-in-law rising from a chair at one of the tables, being joined by Tony, King, and Benjamin Guggenheim. Walking upon to Winston, who had a freshly lit cigar in his fingers, Humphrey reached out to shake the older wolf's offered hand.

"What can I do for you, Winston?" Humphrey inquired.

"Well," Winston began with a teasing smirk, "we were discussing a rumor we heard."

"Of?"

"We hear," Guggenheim added, a glass of brandy in the bobcat's hand, "the captain is going to open up the engines tomorrow, see what they can do. Can you verify this."

"Oh," Humphrey said with a laugh, "I don't think I should tell you that."

"Why not?" King added in curiosity, causing Humphrey to send the Spaniard a teasing smile as well.

"Well…wouldn't you feel bad betting on a certainty."

This earned a round of laughs from the other males, who decided to let Humphrey go on his way, soon returning to a business conversation that they had started earlier that evening.

"So," Tony said, "I hear that the oilers are trying to convince the big wigs that their jurisdiction doesn't fall under the Sherman Act."

"That's what Rockefeller says," Winston added, taking a puff of his cigar, "but the supreme court isn't swallowing it."

Ass the group continues to converse, Bogo enters from the Palm Court through the revolving door, crossing the room toward Jimmy, who upon seeing Bogo, excuses himself from the game that Cain was winning hand after hand, much to the other's annoyance, sees Bogo and detaches from his group, coming to the buffalo to get an update on the little "project" he gave him.

And it went without saying, Jimmy was not happy.

"None of the stewards have seen Miss Hopps. And Ms. Lane hasn't seen hide nor hair of Porsha."

"This is ridiculous," Jimmy seethed in a low but forceful tone.

"It's a SHIP! There's only so many places they can be."

And after taking a moment to calm himself, Jimmy gives a very short, but clear order.

"Bogo…find them."

Meanwhile, some twenty miles away, Candu was inside the Californian's wireless room, the Surrey native being visited by the brown-furred foxhound second officer Stone, the officer having always had a fascination with Morse code and the wireless.

"Hear that?" Candu said with a smile as he held up the headphones to Stone, the other wolf leaning in to listen to the loud mix of dits and dahs.

"That's the Titanic."

"What's she saying?" Stone asked giddily.

"Just private stuff," Candu said, returning the laugh as he continued to listen in. Meanwhile, on Californian's bridge, Lord stood next to the artic fox third officer, Mr. Groves, watching with binoculars around neck as two seamen went to the forward most point of the bow, the duo soon receiving a shouted message from one of the men.

"ICE AHEAD, SIR!"

"AYE AYE!" Groves shouted back, soon receiving an order from Lord as the captain brought his binoculars to his eyes.

"ALL STOP!"

"ALL STOP!" Groves repeated, making sur ethe telegraph was ringing to STOP before turning back to Lord, who let out a low growl at what he saw.

"That's field ice, Mr. Groves," he said, removing the binoculars from his eyes.

"I'm not trying to find my way around that until daybreak. Get our position and send a message out to all ships in the area."

"Aye sir," Groves responded before leaving the bridge, soon being followed by Lord as he prepared to turn in for the night.

"Fun times," Candu said with a faux look of dreaminess on his face as he relayed more private correspondence to a laughing Stone, "wish you were here."

At that moment the door opened, making way for Groves, who immediately handed the paper to Candu, soon taking notice of the headphones in his hand.

"What do you have there, Sparks?" he inquired.

"Titanic, Sir," Candu responded.

"On her maiden voyage. She's talking with Cape Race."

"Well, get a message out to all ships in the area. We're stopped on account of ice. That's our position."

With that, Groves left, leaving Candu and Stone alone, the two males shrugging as Candu quickly placed the headphones back on his ears, unaware that twenty or so miles off, Titanic continued to glide across an unnatural sea, black and calm as a pool of oil, the ship's lights mirrored almost perfectly in the black water. And to the heavens, the sky is brilliant with stars.

A meteor even traces a bright line across the heavens.

And as Nick looks out through one of the open windows of the private promenade, he soon finds that even his thick fur and borrowed coat can't protect him from the cold. And so, blowing hot air into his hands, he returns to the sitting room, where he finds Judy, fully dressed now.

"It's getting cold," he said with a laugh, earning a giggle from Judy. But almost a second later, they hear a key in the lock. Eyes wide, Judy takes Nick's hand and leads him silently through the bedrooms, just as Bogo came through the sitting room door.

"Miss Judy? Hello?" he calls, having sworn he had heard a voice from outside the door. But the moment he hears a door opening and closing from the end of the adjoining hallway, he knew his suspicions may very well be confirmed in a few moments as he goes through Jimmy's room toward hers, where just seconds earlier Nick and Judy had come out of her stateroom, closing the door. But, just as they are halfway down the corridor leading toward the grand staircase, the door to Judy's room opens, Bogo practically barging out comes out just in time to Nick and Judy.

The gait is slow at first, very brisk in fact.

Until…

"Come on!" Judy yells as she and Nick break into a run, surprising the few ladies and gentlemen about as Bogo, after taking a moment to register what was happening, bolted after them with surprising speed, briefly losing site of them as Judy leads Nick past the stairs to the bank of elevators…

Where a they run into a shocked Suki.

"Miss Judy?" she asks incredulously, only for the saluki to find herself nearly knocked off her feet as said bunny and her fox companion bolted past her into one of the elevators shocking the hell out of the operator. But, much to Judy and Nick's shock, Suki, after looking around the corner to see what the hurry was, suddenly returned, the saluki surprising Judy by laughing a very playful guffaw as she hastily helped the Nick close the steel gate.

"Take them down. Quickly, quickly!" she frantically orders through her laugh, the dog returning a grateful kiss blown to her by Judy as the operator scrambles to comply as Bogo runs up as the lift starts to descend, slamming one of his hands on the bars of the gate in great frustration. And as the elevator descended, Judy offers Bogo a very unladylike gesture, which resorts in a snort of laughter from Suki, who merely returns Bogo's angry sneer with a defiant smirk as the buffalo rounds the corner to the staircase, hopping to cut Nick and Judy off.

However, he was tripped by Sweets who had just said good night to beloved stoker Dax just a little bit ago. Bogo went crashing down the stairs but managed to get back up on his feet.

But, as he gets to the lowest level the elevators can go, which is E-Deck, Bogo arrives just in time to see the operator taking his now empty cab back up. So, Bogo runs around the bank of elevators and scans the foyer... no Nick or Judy.

In a final gambit, he tries the stairs going down to F-Deck, which is a functional space, with access to a number of machine spaces for fan rooms, boiler uptakes, etc. And in one of the corridors, Nick and Judy, panting from the excursion, are leaning against a wall, laughing.

"Pretty tough for a valet, this fella," Nick breathlessly laughs.

"Seems more like a cop.

"He was," Judy laughs just as breathless.

"He's an ex-Pinkerton. Jimmy hired him to keep Porsha out of trouble... to make sure she always got back to the hotel with her wallet and watch, after some crawl through the less reputable parts of town."

"Kinda like we're doin' right now" Nick said with another laugh, only for his face to fall the moment he sees Bogo spot them from a cross-corridor nearby.

"Uh oh," is all Nick can say before Bogo charges toward them, he and Judy running around a corner into a blind alley. Their chance of escape is one door, marked "CREW ONLY", which Nick flings open without a second thought. And once he and Judy were inside, he slamed the door shut, latching the bolt to the door as Bogo slamed against it a moment later. But, after taking a moment to finally look at where they were, Nick and Judy clutch their ears as they realize they have entered a roaring fan room, with no way out but a ladder going down into a what could only be described as hellish place.

But, Nick, figuring "what the hell," grins at Judy, pointing to the ladder.

"After you, M'Lady."

And after a few minutes of helping Judy not so elegantly climb down the ladder, both bunny and Fox found themselves standing on the footplate of Boiler Room 6, both looking around in amazement, as it was like a vision of hell itself, with the roaring furnaces and soot-covered figures moving in the smoky glow.

"NICK, JUDY?!" a familiar Irish voice sounded, causing both young lovers to look behind them, meeting the shocked face of Dax who had just concluded a conversation with Chief Stoker 'Scar" Barrett.

"What are you two doing down here? You shouldn't be down here, it could be danger-WAIT!"

Before Dax can even finish, Nick and Judy are running away from him, both sprinting the length of the boiler room, dodging amazed stokers, and trimmers with their wheelbarrows of coal.

"Carry on!" Nick shouted over the din, his impromptu words of encouragement making Judy laugh as they ran.

"Don't mind us! You guys are doing a great job! Keep up the good work!"

Before long, the two are running through the open watertight door that leads into the firemen's passage, running the whole length of the vacant corridor, only stopping at the two spiral staircases to watch from the shadows, both spotting the stokers working in the hellish glow, shoveling coal into the insatiable maws of the furnaces as the distant thunder of fire reached their ears.

Meanwhile, amid unparalleled luxury, Jimmy sats at his card game, sipping brandy, trying hard to figure out where Porsha or Judy were.

"We're going like hell I tell you," Gracie says, his next statement making a smug smirk form on Cain's muzzle.

"I have fifty dollars that says we make it into New York Tuesday night!"

But Jimmy just looked at his gold pocket watch, and scowled, clearly not listening, unaware that several decks below, Nick and Judy enter and run laughing between the rows of stacked cargo in one of the holds, the bunny hugging herself against the cold, after the dripping heat of the boiler room.

But, before long, they come upon a very impressive sight; First-Class passenger William Carter's brand-new Renault touring car, lashed down to a pallet, looking like a royal coach from a fairy tale, its brass trim and headlamps nicely set off by its deep burgundy color. And upon reaching the immaculate automobile, Judy climbs into the plushy upholstered back seat, acting very royal as Nick jumps into the driver's seat, enjoying the feel of the leather and wood.

"Where to, Miss?" he called back in a horrible cockney accent, the glass partition separating the driving space and rear compartment opened from Judy's side as the bunny leans forward, whispering lustfully in Nick's ear.

"To the stars."

And before Nick can react, Judy's hands come out of the shadows and pull him over the seat into the back, the fox landing next to her, his breath seeming loud in the quiet darkness as he looks at her smiling face.

It is the moment of truth.

"Are you nervous?" Nick asks, his frame trembling a bit at the excitement coursing through his veins.

"Au contraire, mon cher," Judy responds as Nick strokes her face, cherishing her.

And when their eyes meet, all it takes is one order from Judy to throw all inhibitions out the window.

"Put your hands on me Nick."

And that is all Nick needs to hear before pressing his lips to her as she slides down in the seat under his welcome weight, the two in that small bubble of theirs…

All while Titanic was but a speck of light in the middle of a vast, black abyss.

It is 10:55 P.M.

---

Jack Phillips was still hard at work, tapping away at the key.

That is until another message came in...and loud.

It was the Californian, who had sent Titanic an ice warning earlier in the day, one that had reached Captain Smith and was currently posted in the chart room. Unfortunately for Phillips, the freighter was so close that the frequency nearly deafened him. And the message itself made him groan.

(Say old man, we are stopped by ice...)

Phillips, who noticed that there was no MSG Prefix, did not have time for what he thought was idle chatter, angrily keying...

(Keep out, shut up, I am busy, I am working Cape Race.)

On the Californian, which was now a good ten to fifteen miles from Titanic's position, Candu had to remove his headset to prevent himself from being deafened, before bringing the apparatus back to his ear, only to give an incredulous look to Stone.

"Arrogant Bastard," Candu says, quite annoyed, "I'm trying to warn him about the ice, and he tells me to shut up...and listen to that spark he must be right on top of us."

"Leaning into the offered headset, Stone could definitely hear a strong signal. Bringing the headset back to his ears, Evans continued to listen.

"What's he sending now?" Stone inquired.

"More private stuff," Candu responded before letting out a short guffaw.

"Maverick and Reynolds want their private railcar to meet them in New York."

Stone also chuckled at the message, only to step out of the way as Candu stood from his seat.

"Well, that's it for me," he said, throwing the knife-switches on the wall.

"I'm shutting down."

With that, Californian's radio went silent.

And as Candu goes out with Groves on deck, both pause to look at the fear inducing sight before them.

The ship is stopped fifty yards from the edge of a field of pack ice and icebergs…

Stretching as far as the eye can see.

But at the present time on Titanic, all Nick's eyes can see are the alluring bunny standing over him, his overcoat like a blanket under them as their other clothes are strewn amongst the Renault, both completely in the nude.

And as Nick lay on the coat, all he could do was stare up at this incredibly bunny, the sight of her rubbing her leaking slit as she stood over him making his cock grow harder and harder by the second. But much to his confusion, and not noticing the mischievous twinkle in her eye, Judy turned her back to him, giving Nick a perfect view of big, bubbly posterior. But, just before he could voice his confusion, Nick let out a grunt as Judy suddenly plopped herself down on top of him, her soaking sex now just inches from Nick's face. And as Nick marveled at his love's glistening slit, Judy found herself captivated by Nick's rock-hard member, knot and all.

"Oh Nick," she moaned as she gave a few strokes of the impressive member, causing Nick to groan in response as his hands soon found purchase on his love's ass, "I didn't know you were so big."

Nick, upon hearing this, soon felt a new wave of confidence over sweep him, any hesitance he felt of making love to Judy gone as he began to shamelessly kneed her bum, his strong hands gripping and molding the luscious lumps, spreading them part to get a good look at her puckered star. Judy was so aroused by Nick's treatment, she upped the ante of her treatment of his shaft, using both hands to stroke the impressive phallus, her supple breasts pressed against his stomach as she did so. But soon, Nick began to grow bored of just playing with his Judy's rump, and so, sticking his tongue out, he began to drag the rough appendage along her swollen slit, stopping just below her star.

"Nick!" Judy gasped as she suddenly sat up straight, effectively smothering Nick between her lower cheeks. However, Nick was not about to complain, for Judy's sudden actions had caused his tongue to prod into her tense sex. And needless to say, her juices had an almost aphrodisiac effect on him. And it was with his in mind that Nick, after grabbing a firm hold of Judy's thighs, began to dig his tongue deeper and deeper into her tight slit, the female soon letting out shameless moans of pleasure as she felt Nick's long, broad tongue thrust and wiggling its way into her tight sex, tiny tail wiggling erratically from the feeling.

"Yes Nick," She groaned as soon lowered herself back down to face his throbbing member, "eat my pussy…while I eat this delicious cock."

Before Nick knew it, he was met with the amazing feeling of Judy's tongue swirling around the head of his cock, the young female letting out a low moan at the musky taste of the cock combined with the precum leaking from the tip as she began to slowly sink his cock deeper and deeper into her maw.

Nick soon found himself having to fight the urge to blow his load the moment he felt Judy start to swirl her tongue around his cock. Before long, Nick found himself lost in absolute pleasure as Judy pleasured him with her mouth, the extreme pleasure causing him to bury his tongue deeper and deeper into her delicious slit. Judy was so overcome with pleasure herself that her juices were flowing like a river, dripping onto Nick's neck and chest like a waterfall, all while her walls clenched around his tongue.

But alas, all good things must come to an end…literally.

"Carrots," Nick groaned as he withdrew from her pussy, "I'm gonna…"

"It's alright sweetie, let it out" Judy announced with a smile, removing her mouth from his cock with a slurp and a pop, the male soon reaching his peak as he suddenly thrust his hips upward, a long, thick rope of spunk erupting from his cock, the pearly white substance landing across Judy's muzzle, some even accidentally getting into her hair, not that she minded. Almost immediately, after a second, less powerful shot came, this time landing across her chest.

"My, My," Judy cooed, licking at the cum that stained her breasts, the salty taste making her moan in delight, "I suppose being at sea can get one a little pent up."

"I can't help it," Nick responded, "you're just so beautiful."

"Why thank you my dear," Judy responded with a blush, the red tint barely visible through the fur on her muzzle. But, after a few more minutes of cleaning herself of the delicious cum covering her, Judy lifted herself up so that she was now straddling Nick's chest. But, to Nick's surprise, and further arousal, Judy turned herself around so that she was now facing him, her face just barely visible to Nick as it peaked out from over the previously cum-covered hills of flesh. And with a mischievous smile on her face, Judy placed her hands on Nick's strong shoulders before sliding her lower half down his torso, his tone muscles rubbing against her clit, causing her to moan in delight. And the moment she felt his re-hardening cock touch her slit, both lovers let out a low groan of delight.

"I hope you still have some in there, love," Judy said as she laid her chest fully on Nick's, reaching back with both hands to clench her butt-cheeks, folding both around the hard dick so as to capture them in soft, luscious valley.

This alone sent Nick over the edge. Within an instant, Judy let out a loud, shameless moan as Nick reached down and grabbed her ass, swatting her hands out of the way before roughly sandwiching his cock between the heavenly cheeks. Before Judy knew it, she was letting out loud grunts and gasps as Nick began to roughly thrust up into her hips, the feel of his cock sandwiched in her ass sending him to new heights. And all Judy could do was moan as she felt the hard member rub against her pussy and asshole, small amounts of pre shooting onto her cheeks as he did so.

"Nick," Judy groaned, bringing her hands up to gently cup Nick's face, the young artist gazing into his love's beautiful violet eyes. And what she said next, Nick was all too happy to oblige.

"Fuck Me."

In an instant, Judy found herself on her back, Nick having rolled them over, the valley between her ass cheeks now empty as Nick lined his cock with his Judy's pussy. But Judy would soon find that she made the mistake of trusting Nick to be gentle with her. In a matter of seconds, Judy's eyes rolled back, a moan caught in her throat as her mouth hung limply open as Nick rammed his memeber into her wet, needy pussy.

"Too much at once, Carrots?" Nick teased with a smile as he began to slowly thrust into Judy, her tight walls soon loosening up as she began to reaccustom herself to his size. At some point, Judy was even able to finally vocalize her pleasure, small gasps and grunts of ecstasy escaping her throat as she felt her tight love canal stretch to accommodate her hung son. And before long, Judy was moaning loudly as Nick ruthlessly pounded her pussy.

"Damn, you're so tight Carrots," Nick moaned as he pressed his front against Judy's, her breast pressed against his chest, her nipples growing hard as they rubbed against Nick's fur.

"And you're so big, my handsome tod," Judy cooed, finding the strength to hold Nick close to her, the female cupping his check in tender affection, their eyes meeting with pure lust. In an instant, the duo's tongues were battling for dominance, their moans mixing as Nick's balls tightened, the male desperate to empty them inside of the bunny's tight womb. Feeling the thick cock start to expand in her tight hole, combined with the growing speed of Nick's thrusts, Judy found herself thrown into a mind numbing orgasm, making her shriek once again. This, combined with the tight contractions of her walls, proved too Nick.

"SHIT!" he shouted, "I'M GONNA CUM!"

Digging his claws into Judy's hips, Nick began to roughly thrust against Judy's nether-lips, looking to knot her as he came. And before he and Judy knew it, Judy felt Nick's knot push into her with a pop, the panting fox starting to unload strand after strand of white hot cum into her womb, painting her walls white as another orgasm overcame her, her entire frame shaking as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Running her hand down her stomach to her pussy, the girl shuddering once again when she felt a faint bump, causing another mini-orgasm to overtake her.

And as the duo began to come down from their orgasmic high, Nick collapsed on top of Judy, his body resting fully on his love, the spent couple panting heavily as they attempted to catch their breath. And as they recovered, Judy once again captured Nick's lips in one more deep, passionate kiss. And as they broke apart, Judy stared longingly into her love's eyes before whispering.

"You're trembling."

Which was met with a response of…

"It's okay, I'm alright…I can feel your heart beating."

With that, she hugs his head to her chest, and just holds on for dear life, all while the water rushes past them outside the steel plating, the bow slicing through the water. And as the ship powered up, up high on the foremast, in the tiny crow's nest crow's nest, stood the two lookouts, the spindly donkey Frederick Fleet, and his shivering puma colleague Reginald Lee, both stamping their feet and swinging their arms in the 22 knot freezing wind, which whips their breath away behind, wishing they could be as warm as the two lovers far below.

"You can smell ice, you know," Fleet said to Lee, striking up a little small talk in order to distract himself from the cold.

"When it's near."

"Bollocks," Lee scoffed, his attention directly ahead to keep an eye out for the ice itself.

"Well I can," Fleet defiantly insisted, before focusing his tear filled eyes forward as well.

Meanwhile, deep in the bowels of the ship, a stoker, over the roar of the furnaces, pointed two stewards in the direction he had seen a certain fox and bunny run. And at the same time the tow made their way to the forward holds, Jimmy was standing at the open safe, staring at the drawing of Judy, his face clenching with fury as he reads the note for the umpteenth time…

Darling, now you can keep us both in your safe,

Judy.

"Anything missing?" Bogo inquired, stepping into the wardrobe, only to freeze when he sees the source of Jimmy's rage as he looks over his shoulder at the drawing. And at that moment, Jimmy crumples Judy's note, soon turning his attention on the drawing, clenching it in his hands as if to rip it in half.

He tenses to do it…but stops himself, a sinister grin on his face as he turns to Bogo, looking past him to see a very nervous Suki, forced to sit on the accursed divan after having been apprehended by Bogo, the saluki's eyes filled with great trepidation and fear for what Jimmy had planned for the poor couple.

"I have a better idea."

And at the moment Jimmy started to put his plan in motion, far below, two stewards had entered the number 2 hold, electric torches in hand as they played the beams around the hold. And soon, one of them spotted the Renault with its fogged up rear window, before approaching it slowly. And when the light shines on a passionate hand-print, still there on the fogged up glass, he quietly walks around, careful not to make any noise as he slowly reaches for the handle…WHIPPING THE DOOR OPEN!

"GOT YA!"

But his face falls.

The back seat is empty.

---

The air had grown even colder, made even worse by the constant flow of air over the prow of the massive vessel. With no moon or wind about, the sea was a flat calm, the night eerily still. And yet, as Samuel observed, something seemed off. Staring ahead into the distant, Samuel strained his hazel eyes, keeping an eye out for one thing and one thing in particular: icebergs. But the sea spray was making it difficult, as he would have to constantly remove his round spectacles to clean off the water droplets that formed on them.

Upon replacing his spectacles upon his muzzle, Samuel turned upon hearing the sounds of approaching footsteps on the wooden deck. Samuel offered a smile to Mr. Murdoch. Returning the smile, the older wolf stepped up onto the low perch on the wing of Titanic's bridge.

It is 11:35 P.M.

"Anything out of the ordinary, Mr. Davis?" he asked, his eyes glancing over to the young wolf beside him. Shaking his head, Samuel answered.

"Nothing as of yet, Mr. Murdoch," he said with a chuckle, his lite Irish accent adding to the levity of the current atmosphere, "but nothing gets by us ow, does it?"

Offering a hearty laugh in response, the Titanic's first officer clapped his junior offer on the back before they both resumed their watch, only for Samuel to playfully nudge Mr. Murdoch before nodding his head to a tender moment on the well deck.

"Here's something," he laughed as Nick and Judy, fully dressed, came through a crew door onto the deck, both barley able to stand as they are laughing too hard in each other's arms, their breath clouding

around them in the now freezing air, but they don't even feel the cold.

But as the revelry died down, Judy, with a deep look of longing in her eyes, gently caressed Nick's cheek.

"Nick," she said gently, "I've decided…When this ship docks, I'm getting off with you."

Nick was aghast.

"This is crazy," he laughed, only for Judy to laugh with him at the absurdity of it.

"I know! It doesn't make any sense…"

A pause as she leans in.

"That's why I trust it."

And with that, the two lovers' lips meet a passionate embrace, the sudden display of affection making Samuel and Mr. Murdoch stifle a laugh as they averted their gaze, both officers decided to be respectful of the private moment. Unfortunately, Frederick Fleet wasn't as such.

"Hey," he harshly whispered to Lee, gesturing him over to look far down at the two embracing figures, both soon sporting wide, mischievous smirks.

"Cor... look at that, would ya," Fleet said, the donkey sporting a wide grin.

"They're a bloody sight warmer than we are," his puma friend responded, only to be playfully shoved back by Fleet as they resume their place in the crow's nest.

"Well," Fleet responds with loud guffaw, "if that's what it takes for us two to get warm, I'd rather not, if it's all the same."

The two have a good laugh at that one as they once again focus their attention toward the horizon. For another few minutes, the pair watched the calm ocean with great diligence, though with occasional glances at the scene down below. But after returning their gazes from another peak, Fleet noticed something strange ahead, which also seemed to be noticed by Lee. Straining their eyes, they saw that a patch of the stars seemed to be blocked out, as if a shadow had been cast over the bright celestial objects. But as the great ship drew closer, the shadow grew.

It is Fleet whose expression fell first, the color draining out of his face.

"Bugger me!"

As he curses, Fleet reaches past Lee and rings the lookout bell three times, the signal for danger. The resounding clang catches the attention of Samuel and Mr. Murdoch, both turning back forward, straining their eyes just as Fleet grabs the telephone, calling the bridge, waiting precious seconds for it to be picked up, never taking his eyes off the black mass ahead.

"Pick up, ya bastard.," he growled, bouncing anxiously as Mr. Moody walks unhurriedly to the telephone with a cup of tea in hand, the young stag letting out a sigh as he answered, only for his sense to be heightened by the urgency in Fleet's voice.

"Is someone there?"

"Yes," Moody responded, his gloved hand to the receiver as he inquires to the urgency of the lookout's message.

"What do you see?"

And in that one second, Fleet's panicked voice pierced the tranquil night.

"ICEBRG RIGHT AHEAD!"

"Thank you," is all Moody can say before he ends the call, the stag running with great speed to the door of the wheelhouse to relay the message to the officer's on watch. But by the time he reaches the door, Murdoch is already there.

"ICEBERG RIGHT-!" he begins to yell, only for Murdoch to side-step him and yell at the mammal at the helm.

"HARD TO STARBOARD!" he yelled to Quartermaster Hitchens, a stocky, black bear who then began to quickly turn the ship's wheel. In that time, Sam had already jumped into action. Running to the engine order telegraphs on the bridge, Sam quickly rang the brass instruments to STOP. As he began to run back to join Mr. Murdoch on the bridge wing, Samuel could hear the Cornish accent of Hitchens from the wheelhouse.

"HARD OVER!"

"HELM IS HARD OVER, SIR!" Moody confirmed as the threatening mass of ice seemed to loom closer to the mighty ship.

Meanwhile, down in the engine room, Chief Engineer Bell was just having a cup of tea with another one of his engineers, the drink having been heated on the hot steam pipes, when the bell from the responder telegraphs rang. Looking to the instruments, and Bell and the engineer had to do a double take when they saw the indicator arrows pointing to STOP.

With the sudden order finally sinking in, the Scottish Terrier gave the order.

"ALL STOP!"

In an instant, the engineers scrambled around, rushing to close of the steam pipes that lead to the engines.

In the boiler rooms, a loud bell sounded, alerting Scar, who had been speaking to Dax, to an illuminated indicator panel, each with a speed setting. When he noticed that the light behind stop lit and the red light beside the panel started flashing, he sprang into action.

"SHUT ALL THE DAMPERS!" he called to the other stokers who quickly moved to shut the furnaces and seal the dampers, reducing the flow of air over the burning coals, which aided in bringing the engines to a stop.

As all this was happening, back on the bridge, everyone held their breath. For a few seconds it seemed as if nothing was happening, which made Fleet even more nervous.

"WHY AREN'T THEY TURNING?!" he practically yelled, unaware of all that the officer's could do at the moment.

"IS IT HARD OVER?!" Samuel screamed in panic to Moody.

"IT IS, YES SIR, HARD OVER!" Looking ahead once again, Samuel and Mr. Murdoch held their breath as they loomed closer to danger by the second, the familiar and welcome thrum of the engines ceasing as they were stopped.

"Come on," Samuel heard Murdoch whisper, "come on, come on, tuuuurn."

"Turn your big arse for us, girl," Sam whispered as of the ship could hear him, a nervous sweat forming on his brow. Soon, the nervousness began to subside as, slowly but surely, inch by inch, the great vessel began to turn to the left.

"That's it girl, that's it."

And, after thirty-five seconds of waiting, just as it seemed they were about to clear the berg, everything fell apart. Within seconds, the ship began to shutter and shake as the sound of breaking ice could be heard on her starboard side.

Frederick Fleet braces himself as the iceberg bumps and scrapes along the side of the ship. Rivets pop as the steel plate of the hull flexes under the load. In hold number 2, the stewards stagger as the hull buckles in four feet with a sound like thunder. Like a sledgehammer beating along outside the ship, when suddenly the berg splits the hull plates and the sea pours in, sweeping them off their feet, the icy water swirling around the Renault as the men scramble for the stairs.

On G-Deck, Finnick is tossed around in his bunk by the impact, his ears picking up a sound like the greatly amplified squeal of a skate on ice.

In Boiler Room 6, Dax and Scar stagger as they hear the rolling thunder of the collision, turning just in time to see the starboard side of the ship buckle in toward them, only for them to be swept off their feet by a rush of water coming in about five feet above the floor.

Meanwhile, back up top, Samuel's eyes widened in terror as the iceberg began to glide past, large pieces breaking off and falling onto the ship's forward well deck, where Nick and Judy break their kiss, looking up in astonishment as the berg sails past, blocking out the sky like a mountain, jumping back to avoid being hit by the pieces of falling ice.

"HARD TO PORT!" Mr. Murdoch ordered, although Samuel was in such a state of shock, he couldn't register what was said. But luckily, he managed to come out of the shock as something came to mind.

"I'LL CLOSE THE DOORS!" he yelled to Will, running back to the wheelhouse. Upon entering the wheelhouse, Samuel threw the switch that would seal the Titanic's many watertight doors.

Down in Boiler Room 6, Scar and Dax, who had managed to regain their footing after being knocked off of their feet by a rush of water spraying in from newly formed gashes in the ship's hull, watxche din horror as the cold sea water came into contact with the heated metal of the boilers and the burning coals of open furnaces, a deafening hissing sound filling the room with billows of blinding steam.

But then, Scar heard a sound that made his heart fill with dread...

An alarm, followed by tumbling gears.

"GET OUT LADS!" he called.

"THEY'RE CLOSING THE DOORS!"

Luckily, Scar was able to get out of the flooding boiler room before it was sealed, followed close behind Dax who helped the lead stoker to his feet, finding themselves in the dry Boiler Room 5, only to find to their horror, that water was spraying out from the coal bunker.

"COME ON, UP TOP BOYS!" he called to the stokers, many not needing to be told twice to climb up the ladders leading up and out of the boiler room.

On the bridge, after about half a minute, all lights on the indication panel lit up, showing that every door in the ship had been closed, trapping any water that may have entered the ship in the damaged compartments. By this point, the iceberg had glided past, the collision a distant memory fading in the dark, even as Nick and Judy leaned over the starboard bulwark of the well deck to get one final glimpse.

On the stern, Porsha and Ryan had broken their own romantic moment as they felt the ship shake, both hearing the sound of the ice burg scraping the Titanic's hull, only for their eyes to go wide as they saw the massive berg like a sail on an old galleon.

And in the Café Parisien on B-Deck, a certain saluki sat hunched over a glass of whiskey, Suki drowning her sorrows after having been "dismissed" from her duties as Mr. Crystal's secretary.

Who knew that the mogul would be sore about his once "loyal" secretary helping his daughter sneak around with a steerage tiger behind his back.

"Hey, Sonny," she growls in a slight slur, a southernly twang to her usually even and proper voice as she shakes her drink toward a steward.

"How about a little ice?"

"Yes Ma'am," the steward responds, both oblivious to the fact that Suki got a bit more ice than she asked for as the burg glided by the windows behind her.

But on the bridge, there was procedure to follow.

Mr. Murdoch, who had entered the wheelhouse a few seconds earlier, turned to Mr. Moody.

"Note the time, enter it into the log," he ordered. By this point Mr. Boxhall, who had been making tea at the time, had joined the group. A few seconds later, Captain Smith, walked onto the bridge, a calm, but nonetheless, alert expression on his face.

"What was that, Mr. Murdoch?" He inquired of his most trusted First Officer.

"An iceberg, Sir," Murdoch answered nervously.

"I put her hard to starboard, Mr. Davis rang the engines all stop but she was too close. I tried to port 'round it, but she hit it."

Unnerved by this news, Smith turned toward Samuel.

"Have you closed the watertight doors?" he inquired of the young wolf, who nodded in response.

"The doors are closed sir," he confirmed. Nodding solemnly, Smith knew that they needed a full status report of the vessel before he could make a definitive answer on how to proceed with the voyage.

"Mr. Davis, find the carpenter. You two will go below decks and sound the ship," he ordered.

"Yes, sir," Sam responded with a crisp salute before leaving the wheelhouse. Once Samuel was off, Smith addressed the rest of the crew that was present.

"Rouse the rest of the officers," he ordered.

"Mr. Moody, fetch Mr. Andrews and tell him what's happened. For the time being, we will proceed with caution. Ahead slow Mr. Murdoch," Smith finished after looking at said officer, who offered a quick salute before making his way to the telegraphs. One thing was certain…

This was surely to be a night to remember.