[02] Sinking Ship!

[Victoria]

“That’s some story,” Albert replied as he wiped his brow with a filthy hand. “You should write a book, make some real money, if we survive this anyway.”

“We’re going to get out of here,” she said, rubbing a dirty hand against her dress. “The story, it’s going to end well too.” She smiled lightly, and with aching muscles she began to shovel coal once again. They had been working for twenty minutes, talking between shoveling. Albert was an upbeat kind of guy, the kind of guy she would have liked to have really met. She knew that he was simply code, not a real person, but she couldn’t help but get along with him.

“So this Gamer guy, he underestimates his prisoners,” she continued, smiling as she worked. “They break through his defenses, and beat up all his thugs.” She changed the story; the youth beside her obviously lived in a world void of superior technology. Whatever this place was, it was not Earth.

“All of the thugs? They must be pretty strong.” He commented from the furnace he was working at.

“They are, and he didn’t account for their determination. His prison could only hold them for so long, plus they were smart.” She spoke matter-of-factly. “They got out, beat up those thugs like they were pups, and then went straight to the man who had taken them in.”

“Gamer, that was his name? Funny name if you ask me.” He wrinkled his nose at the name of his creator.

“Yeah, I know, right? So they fight him, all working together, and beat the ever loving shit out of him. He would never hurt another person again.” She said, grinning at the very thought of getting revenge on the teenager ruining her life.

“Shit, Victoria, did they kill him?” Albert looked at her suddenly, eager to hear of the mastermind’s gruesome death. For him, the story was a welcome distraction. It made their work easier, and the impending doom further away.

“Yes, they killed him,” she nodded, but inside she did not know how much truth would be in her reply. As angry as she was, she couldn’t predict what would happen when they did get their revenge. “So after they kill him, in a very suitable manner, they all go to the nearest pub and get right smashed.” She declared, and then laughed.

“A well earned drink, I’d say. Taking out a devious man like that, they would get a free round, I bet.” Albert shook his head and smiled while he worked.

A loud groan filled the ship, much like earlier. Victoria looked up quickly, and then over at Joseph. He held a hand to his brow, and looked around at his nervous worker. “Keep up the work, men, keep the fires roaring!” He yelled, and turned to run up the stairs he had been standing by.

Vicky furrowed her brow and stared at the fire. He’s going to stay here until the end, isn’t he? she looked up again, feeling pained at the fate that would befall these people. I can’t stay down here until the end, but I can try to save them, regardless of what he said. She set her shovel down and Albert looked at her curiously.

“Had enough already?” he asked with a chuckle.

“Well, if I did all the work there would be none left for you.” She said, shrugging lightly. Albert averted his eyes quickly, blushing under the sooth on his cheeks. “Sorry,” she laughed, “I have to find something out, I need to see what else I can do.” She explained. “Just think about the story, think about the determination in them to survive.” She walked up to the worker, and touched his shoulder. “Not all hope is lost; when you think it might be, there’s always hope deep inside.” She tapped his chest with the knuckles on her other hand, and then leaned upwards to peck him on the cheek. Despite the dirt, and the sweat, she gave him that small kindness.

“You’re a sweet lass, you go on and kill that Gamer.” He grabbed her about the waist, tipped her down, and planted a juicy brute-style kiss on her lips. He lifted her back up, grinned, and turned back to her work. A few of the other works whistled at them, and then resumed their own work.

Victoria, although flustered, left the sweltering furnaces and approached the stairs. The men here know how to sweep a girl off her feet. Vic blushed and started up the stairs, she located Joseph at the top, looking across the vast engine room.

“Too much for you?” he said without looking at her.

“Not exactly,” she started, and held her hands together, “I need to see if there’s something more I can do. My help here is minimal, your men are doing more work than I ever could.” She said, she stepped beside him to look at his troubled face. “It’s getting worse, isn’t it?”

“That groaning, it’s a sign of the ship beginning to sink. The more water that pours in, the more we go down. Soon the lower decks will be flooded, and the ship will be pulled in nose first. The water will swallow the Titanic, and anyone who doesn’t get off of Her.” He said this quietly, calmly.

“There are lifeboats, right?” Victoria asked, the panic was in her voice, but she tightened her fists to control it.

“Aye, there is, but not enough.” He shook his head. “The Titanic was supposed to be unsinkable,” he said in mild disbelief, “but here we are.” He waved a hand, and turned to look at Victoria. “There aren’t enough seats, girl, you need to get out of here.” He pointed towards the door to the engine room. “We’ll keep this boat alive until we go down, but you don’t belong down here, just like I told you when you came. Will you leave now?” he implored her.

“Yes,” she lingered for a moment, “I won’t stop looking for a way to stop this.” She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. “I’ll find a way, and no one will have to die.” She turned away, near to tears, and left the engine room. Gamer, how could you make such a horrible story?