[02] Sinking Ship!

[Victoria]

“Here’s your tea, Mrs. Victoria,” the man set her tea down at the small table. She watched him quietly, absorbing the atmosphere and change of events. It had happened instantaneously, she found herself sitting in this lavish room with a man serving her tea, just like that. Victoria picked at her dress; the garb was not what she typically wore. It was an old style of wear, a long gown with frilly bits and a low cut around her bust, strapless. As elegant was it was, she did not feel comfortable. Not one to refuse free food or drink, she nodded to the gentleman in the suit and glanced at the table.

“Anything else, madam?” he asked, watching her gaze at the beautiful delights on the silver platter.

“I’d fancy three cubes o’ sugar, if that’s alright.” She replied, and then held a dainty hand to her mouth. The words had come out to say what she wanted, but in a way she did not intend. Not only did she speak formally, but her voice had warped beyond usual, becoming accented strangely. “I, well, I don’t feel so well.” She held a hand to her brow and looked around the room frantically.

“Yes, the news has shaken us all. I’m sure the captain and the engineers will have it all sorted out. No need to worry.” The man said, his cool voice attempting to calm her. “We’ll be in New York on schedule, I’m sure of it.” He sounded optimistic, but she could see sweat begin to form on his face.

“Good sir, I believe you might be right, but please, explain the problem once more?” she implored, looking up from her seat.

“Yes, of course,” he bowed shortly. “The RMS Titanic as been struck by an iceberg and the captain has instructed all of the passengers to remain calm and wait for further instruction. I’m sure they’re handling it well, but you see, a panic wouldn’t do well for the captain and his crew right now.” He chuckled nervously.

“Do we know the extent of the damage, is it repairable?” she asked, shifting slightly in her seat.

“Oh, well, they have yet to say. I only know rumors, but they say there’s been a slight leak, nothing to worry about I’m sure.” He waved a hand nonchalantly. “I would enjoy your tea and wait for further word.” He added, gesturing to her tea.

“I think I need to use the levy.” She said and stood from her seat. She headed towards the door, and the man interrupted her.

“The washroom is over there,” he pointed across the room, and she hesitated.

“I don’t like that one, I’m going to find another.” She stuck her nose in the air like the upper-class she was and exited the room. The man stammered a response, an attempt to make her stay, but she hitched up the beautiful gown and began to jog down the hall away from her would-be captor.

“What the hell have I gotten myself into?” she asked aloud, her accent surprising her once more. She didn’t enjoy this, not one bit. The dress made her movement clumsy, her hair was done the wrong way, and her voice was not her own. “I’d rather be killing something.” She muttered and turned down the hall.

A low groan filled the ship; it sent a chill down her spine. He said there was an accident, and this is a ship. What if the accident was a lot worse than the rumors? Could the ship be sinking? She wondered, having slowed to a walk now. She adjusted the top of her dress, afraid that certain assets would be out of place. This is some twisted game. She narrowed her eyes and followed the sound of talking.

“This ship isn’t sinkable, it’s going to be fine.” A whispered voice said.

“You didn’t hear the engineers, they’re having a heyday. This is going to end badly, we should get ourselves to the rowboats before there’s a panic.” Another voice replied.

Victoria started down the steps, two men stood talking at the bottom of the first set, and they were wearing uniforms. They stopped when they saw her coming down the stairs.

“Sorry, Miss, can’t let you down here.” They straightened and blocked her way.

“Why not?” she demanded, clenching her fists tightly. To them she was a rich brat not getting her way, but she was hardly a brat, or rich.

“Orders, Miss, now get back to your room until the situation has been handled.” He replied and crossed his arms. His partner looked down, and then to the side nervously.

“I heard what you said, I’m not stupid. I’m not staying holed up in that room anymore, you’re letting me by, or you’ll regret it.” She said, looking down at them with a certain air. What the hell, why am I acting like a prissy bitch? It must be this dress, and this place. She surmised.

“Just let her pass, Danny, what’s the harm?” the nervous worker cut in.

“Order’s are orders, if we let people past, it could start a mess we don’t need right now.” He replied to his friend.

“Look, fella’s, I’m not about to start trouble,” she held up her hands. “I’m nothin’ but a girl needing to stretch her legs. Just let me buy, and I won’t say a word.” She winked and used her smooth accent to charm the boys. They both looked at each other, and then at her.

“You’ll head back to your room soon, then? You’re just taking a quick stroll?” The first man asked, still unsure about letting her past.

“Yeah, yeah, of course! I’m a lady, I wouldn’t lie to you ‘gents.” She smiled warmly, and stepped further down the steps.

“We’ll come looking for you in ten, Miss, don’t you worry.” The nervous worker replied, bowing his head. “Wouldn’t want’cha getting lost, not with the crisis and all.” He motioned for her to pass. His friend still doubted the idea, but didn’t say a word as Victoria walked by.

“Sweet boy, I’ll remember you.” She touched his cheek with her hand, making him blush, and she proceeded down the second set of stairs.

Shit, great job they’re doing. Guys get all gooey over a girl, don’t they? She shook her head and hurried down the stairs. The stairs led into another hall, which led to a large ballroom. She stopped just short of entering, gripping the dress in her hands. She had to find out what was going on with the ship, which would mean checking the engine room herself, or finding the captain. “First I’ll find a map, I’m sure there’s one somewhere around here.” She said, muttering in her accent. She entered the large extravagant room and hurried towards the other side, the sooner she figured out the game, the better.