Unsinkable (Highlander/Last Vampire/The King and Raven)
Unsinkable
by Benji: The Vampire Confuser
Titanic the movie belongs pretty much to James Cameron. Titanic the ship doesn't. Tut was an actual historical figure. Sita belongs to Christopher Pike, Michel De Verdeur is the main character from The King and Raven by Carey James. Based on the Immortal concept from Highlander.
Sita and Tut walked out of the theater amidst the crowd of movie goers. Despite their millennia of life experience, both had been effected by the movie they had just seen. Between them, they had seen death, and love in all it's varied forms more times then they could count, and yet somehow their hardened hearts had been softened. Around them crowds of people discussed the movie as they walked to their cars.
I didn't think Cameron could pull it off. Tut thought. I didn't think he'd be able to capture the emotional essence of it, but he did it.
"You're being awfully quiet Tut." Sita said, bringing him out of his reverie. "What did you think of the movie?"
"Well, I guess this movie affected me a bit more than most." he said. "I don't think I ever told you before, but I was there."
"What?!" Sita asked. "On Titanic? I didn't think I could be surprised anymore, but you just proved me wrong."
"Yes I was, as a matter of fact-" Tut broke off as he felt the buzz of another Immortal. He scanned the crowd carefully, who knew if it would be friend or foe? Then, on the edge of the sidewalk, a familiar figure caught his eye.
"Michel!" he cried. "Michel De Verdeur!"
The other Immortal raised his head in surprise, he'd been hoping to avoid the gaze of the Immortal he'd sensed nearby, but the unmistakable voice of his friend caught his ear. He turned quickly and spotted him.
"Tom!" he grinned happily.
April 10, 1912
"There she is Michel," Tut said in awe, "Titanic. The largest ship ever built by man."
"Yeah," Michel said, "It's a big boat."
Tut laughed, he couldn't get over his friend's inability to be impressed with this ship. "I thought I was the one who was supposed to be hard to impress."
"You're just getting senile in your old age." Michel smiled. "I will admit, I've never seen anything quite like it. But I've seen where men's pride can get them. And so have you."
"Yes well," Tut acquiesced, "I will admit they're probably asking for it with that unsinkable bit."
"Guess we'll find out eh?"
"Excuse me good man," Michel asked a porter. "I understand we're to check our baggage at the main terminal, could you direct us there?" He handed the man a bill.
"Of course sir," the man smiled. "Just straight ahead, and they'll get your baggage to your
staterooms."
Michel's eye was caught by a passing young lady. "Well well well," he said, "Tut, I believe I may be in love."
"What? Again?" Tut grinned mischievously. "What about that girl in Paris?"
"Oh you're just jealous." he said. "Don't worry, I'm sure she'll have a friend or a sister for you." He started towards the young beauty. "I'll see you on board my friend."
"Have fun." Tut sighed. His friend Michel was notorious for his roving eye. Get him more than a hundred miles from a girl, and he forgot all about her. The plus side was that as long as he was still within that radius, he was the best man a girl could ask for.
Tut headed for the ship, after checking his baggage. He was fully aware of the looks he was getting. Despite his fine clothes, he knew his apparent youth, and his arabic appearance was generating some surprise.
*****
After checking out his stateroom, the usual two room affair with it's own deck, Tut strolled to the deck to join in the farewell wishes.
There was still five minutes before the ship left port, so he had plenty of time. As such he took his time getting there. After almost three thousand years, he'd learned not to rush things.
He stood at the rail, one eye watching the crowd below him, the other watching the steerage passengers in their joyous farewells. The upper class passengers were slightly more reserved.
Tut didn't know anybody on the dock. Methos had vanished years ago without a word, Fergus and Will were out West in America, with their wives, no doubt waiting for his arrival, and his various other Immortal friends were scattered about the world.
Tut and Michel were off to join two Immortal friends who'd recently acquired real estate out west. Tut, who'd been traveling for several years in Europe and Africa had visited Michel at his "Ancestral" home in England, then they were off on the boat train to Southampton.
When the ship finally left port, he strode as far forward as he could, and that still wasn't far enough. Hmm," I know a way to remedy this.
*****
"Aren't ye a little overdressed?" a voice asked. Tut turned to find a young redheaded woman smiling at him. He'd gone to the very front of the boat, letting the wind whip at his coat. He felt almost as if he was flying.
"Yes, I suppose I am." he admitted. He was dressed in his most casual clothes, but even still he stood out. "And," he added, "I'd imagine that an Upper Class man as myself taking a stroll through steerage would cause quite a stir."
"Well," the girl assured him. "Ye're secret's safe with me."
"Thank you." Tut smiled. "I'm Tom." he introduced himself.
"Mary." she shook his hand. "So what does bring ye down here?"
"Well," Tut began, continuing his stroll, the girl beside him, "I haven't always been a rich snob. I'm what the Upper Classes call New Money. As such, I still prefer the company down here."
Mary smiled. "Oh really?" she said. "Ye wouldn't just be sayin' that te' get me te' like ye now would ye?"
Tut laughed. "That is exactly why I like the company down here better."
January 20th, 1998
Sita looked on, pleasantly surprised. This man who Tut was talking to so amiably had the same smell of age and ozone that Tut had, marking him as an Immortal, and yet neither had so much as reached for their swords.
"Michel," Tut smiled, "I'd like to introduce you to Alisa."
Since she was registered at West Virginia University as Alisa Perne, it was unanimously decided by Sita, Tut, and Seymour to call her by that name.
Tut looked at the girl that Michel was with. "And this is?"
Michel smiled. "This is Mary." he said. "She knows." he added as an aside.
"Ah," Tut said, "So does Alisa."
"Good that will make dinner conversation much less awkward." Michel said. "Care to join us?"
Tut looked at Sita. "Alisa?"
"We'd love to." Sita assured Michel. It was evident to her that the two had much to catch up on.
*****
"Were you really one of King Arthur's Knights?" Sita asked Michel.
"No," Michel corrected her. "Not exactly. I served in his court for a long time, and fought for him in the last battle against Mordred. But officially I was a liege night of a lord in France."
"But you're English."
"Yes, it's a long and complicated story, maybe I'll tell it sometime, but I think Tut has heard it too many times."
Tut smiled at this. He'd heard it at least twelve times over the centuries that he'd known this man.
"Suffice to say, that I was born in Britain, Micah of Greenfarm, traveled to France, there I became Sir Michel De Verduer."
"It's actually a very interesting story." Tut said. "You really should hear it sometime. When I'm not around. I could probably quote the tale verbatim."
"You Alisa," Michel said. "Would have been quite popular at the court I'd imagine."
"Why thank you," Sita smiled, "But I doubt that, since I probably could, and would have bested each and every knight in the court in single combat."
"Not Lancelot." Michel said. "He was the finest warrior that ever lived. Perhaps you'll meet him someday."
"He's an Immortal?" Mary asked incredulously. "You never told me that!"
"Oh," Michel muttered, annoyed at his slip, "Must have slipped my mind."
"Michel is afraid of Lancelot." Tut said matter of factly. "They haven't been on the best of terms since the beginning. Oh they respect each other, but Lancelot has made it no secret that he'd like to take Michel's head. `Give the Peasant what he truly deserves` I believe it was."
"Can, we, not talk about that?" Michel said. "I don't like to think about bad relationships."
"Right," Tut said, properly chastised. "New topic. The best film I've seen in nearly a decade."
Michel smiled. "Titanic."
April 12, 1912
"Mr. Ismay, Mr. Andrews." Tut greeted the men, as he sat down to lunch.
"Mr. Kammen." they smiled.
"Mrs. Brown." Tut smiled widely, kissing her hand. "Hello again."
Molly sighed. "Tommy where were you when I was twenty years younger?"
"Mr. Ismay," Tut said. "The ship is an absolute marvel. A credit to Irish ingenuity Mr. Andrews." he complimented the two.
"Why thank you lad." Andrews smiled. If you'd like, I could give you a tour."
"That would be wonderful."
The Next Day
"Mrs. Brown," Tut smiled. "What a delight to see you again."
"Ah, Tommy," Molly Brown grinned. "You old charmer. Y' just saw me yesterday."
"Oh, but it seems like ages." Tut liked this woman. She was smarter than the others in first class. Because she was new money, she understood how it was to have nothing. Tut had lived as a man with nothing many times.
"There you are!" Michel called, coming up behind them. "Tom, I see once again you are monopolizing the lovely Ms. Brown's time?"
Michel had a girl on his arm. Naturally.
"Sarah," Michel introduced. "This is Thomas Kammen. Thomas this is Sarah Fleet."
"Pleased to meet you Mr. Kammen." Sarah said.
"The pleasure is all mine." Tut said, kissing her hand. "And where did Michel find such a beautiful girl?" Tut asked, seeing her smile. Michel wasn't the only charmer on board.
As Michel held her seat for her, Tut whispered. "Where's the friend or sister you promised me?" He grinned to show he was kidding, and sat.
Tut was finding his trip most satisfying. Just today he'd received an invitation from Mary to visit after dinner, made use of the gym and the Turkish baths, and even beaten Jacob Astor in a game of racquetball.
*****
"And Mr. Brown had no idea I had hidden the money in the stove," Molly continued, reaching the punchline to this already amusing story. "So he comes in drunk a hog, and lights a fire!"
The laughter was genuine. The woman's good nature was infectious, one just couldn't help feeling tremendous affection and respect for her. No matter the fact that she was only New Money.
"Well," Colonel Gracie said. "Would the Gentlemen care to join me in a brandy?"
"Delighted." Michel accepted. He stood along with the others. "Ladies," he said. "Thank you for the pleasure of your company."
Tut also rose, but for a different reason.
"Joining us Tom?" Michel invited.
"Thank you, no." Tut said. "My evening has barely begun."
Michel gave him a devilish grin. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
That doesn't exclude much. Tut thought wryly.
*****
The music was loud, the beer was cold, and Tut loved it. It was a shame Fergus was not here, the music would have just been his fancy. Irish.
"Are ye enjoyin' yerself Mr. Kammen?" Mary asked.
"Mary," Tut chastised her good naturedly, "I told you a thousand times to call me Tom."
"Aye I know." Mary winked. "I just wanted te make sure ye meant it. Now are ye goin' te drink all night or are ye goin' te ask a girl te dance?"
"Do know anyone who's interested?" he teased her.
"Aye, I might."
"Well, too bad for her." he smiled. "Because I've got my heart set on you."
"Lucky for ye that me father doesn't hear ye say that. He'd have ye in front of an alter before ye could say yer name."
January 20, 1998
"I do believe you're making Alisa jealous." Michel smiled.
"Not at all." Sita assured him and Tut. "I've had my share of boyfriends in my time."
"This story is fascinating." Mary said. Michel had said she was a Titanic buff.
Out of the corner of her eye, Sita could see two men sitting at separate tables nearby. One she recognized as Tut's Watcher. She assumed the other must be Michel's. She hadn't told Tut about them. One appeared to be writing frantically in a notebook, while she could hear a tape recorder from Tut's Watcher's table. She guessed that both Immortals' Watchers had gone down with the ship and this record had been lost.
"So what happened then?" Sita asked. She'd seen the headlines when Titanic had gone down, but never thought in a million years she would hear, firsthand, the story from an actual survivor. And from her lover no less.
April 14, 1912January 20, 1998
Tut swallowed. The thoughts of that night were always painful to him, but tonight, after seeing James Cameron's recreation, the memories were especially vivid.
"I can't help wondering," he said, "If, they hadn't said the ship was unsinkable, would it in fact have sunk? Even excluding the concept of tempting fate. Maybe the crew would have just been more cautious.
"I've wondered the same thing many times." Michel said. "I think everybody has."
April 14, 1912
The door of Tut's room opened slowly, and Mary stepped out. Tut lay sleeping in the bed they had shared not half an hour ago. She'd left him a note telling him to meet her in Steerage when he awoke.
The Upper Class decks seemed almost forbidding to her, and she'd been unable to stand them any longer. She hoped he would understand.
She went to her room and lay down in her bed. She'd never thought it would happen to her, but she did believe she'd finally found love.
It was just as the her eyes closed to go to sleep, that a shudder woke her. She sat up in bed, her bunkmates doing the same.
"What was that?" she asked. "It felt like, something just brushed against us or something."
"Don't worry about it." one said. "I've been on boats like this before, felt like we dropped a propeller blade. Go back to sleep."
*****
Tut rose from his bed, cursing. The trembling of the ship had not been great, but it had woken him none the less. "What the hell was that?" he muttered. He stumbled for a moment in the darkness before finding the light switch.
He noticed three things right away. First, that Mary was gone. The second, that there was a note on his desk. And the third, that he was absolutely freezing.
He quickly dressed and then read the note. Smiling, he stepped out into the hall. He noticed other people standing idly in the hall, all wondering what had happened.
His original intention had been to go strait to steerage, but curiosity got the better of him and he headed for the deck to see what had awakened him.
*****
Michel had been walking on the deck when it had happened. He'd seen it all, and knew, perhaps before anyone else had, that Titanic would sink.
My God. he thought. Half of the people on this ship are going to die. He remembered well that there were not enough boats for everyone on board. "Damn the man that first called this ship unsinkable." he muttered. "They tempted fate, and God. They should
have put more boats on board."
*****
Tut stopped a passing Steward on his way to the deck. "Pardon me," the Immortal started.
"Nothing to worry about sir." the Steward said automatically. Seemed he'd been asked the same question a couple times already. "There's talk of an Iceberg, but it's nothing serious."
"An Iceberg?"
"Yes, scraped along the starboard side. Nothing to worry about."
Tut wasn't so sure about that, but he let it go. He stood, for a moment on the stairs, then headed back down.
*****
The shudder of the ship had wakened, but not worried the occupants of Mary's room, but the next sensation did. The ship had stopped.
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph." Mary muttered, sitting up. "Now what?" She put her feet on the floor, and stopped. The carpet was damp.
She rose, her heart pounding in her chest. Quickly donning a coat, she headed into the corridor. There, she joined a group of five who were traveling farther forward and below to investigate.
*****
Now fully dressed for the cold, Tut headed once more for the deck. But something was different. The stairs did not feel quite right, as if the ship was tilting slightly. "Ra's Eye," he cursed. "This is bad, this is very bad."
He hurried up to the deck, where he found several passengers passing along a small white object.
"Here Thomas!" one, a young Yale man shouted, Tut didn't remember his name. "Catch!"
Tut easily caught the thing, though it proved slightly slippery. It was a chunk of ice, about the size of a baseball.
"I see the Iceberg story wasn't exaggerated." Tut mused. "Did you see it?"
"No, 'fraid I missed all the fun." the man smiled.
"No," Tut muttered. "I think the fun may just be beginning."
*****
Tut descended the grand staircase, donning his life vest as he went. A few minutes after he arrived on deck, he'd been asked by, Murdoch he believed it was, to don his lifebelt and go to the boat deck. He'd gotten a vest, but rather than stand on deck waiting, he opted to find friends.
"There you are!" Michel called. He was standing with Molly, Col. Gracie and John Astor. He hadn't said to any of them what he knew to be true. He did not think the news should come from him. "Where have you been?" he asked Tut, who joined them.
"Nowhere in particular." Tut said. "Did you see it?"
"I didn't see it myself no." Col. Gracie told him. "I only felt it."
"Everyone on the ship must have felt it. Certainly didn't feel like anything much. I'm sure
this is just a precaution." Astor assured them.
"Woke me out of a rather pleasant dream." Tut said. "What's happening now?"
"Not a clue." Michel lied. He knew Tut would be able to handle the news, but he still didn't want to say anything.
"I'd like to know that myself." Molly said. "They've got us all trussed up and now we're just cooling our heels."
"Oh it's just in case." Guggenheim said, passing by. "Just in case the ship sinks." He smiled as he said it. He, like most were confident that this would merely be an amusing story to tell tomorrow at breakfast.
*****
Mary had seen the water in the lower decks, and knew, as did her companions that the ship was sinking. At this moment, she led a group down the passages that would take them to safety. This was the same route taken by her and Tom. Some in the group had luggage with them, but Mary kept only the clothes on her back, and a photograph of her family, in the pocket of her coat.
Suddenly, a faint sound reached her ears, a thumping. Following the noise, she found a jammed door, with a man locked inside.
"Let me out!" he cried.
"Hold on!" she answered. She turned to a man who'd followed her. "What do we do?" she asked.
"Stand aside miss," the man said. "I know what to do."
He stood back from the door, then crashed into it, breaking it open.
"Thank the lord." the trapped man said, emerging from his cabin.
"Hey!" an arrogant voice cried from down the hall. "That was company property! I've a good mind to have you all arrested!"
They merely gave him dark looks, then ignored him.
*****
Tut spied Andrews nearby, heading for the staircase. "Well I intend to find out." he told them, and headed for the ship's designer.
"Mr. Andrews," Tut called, Michel right beside him.
"Yes Mr. Kammen?" Andrews said tensely. Tut almost didn't have to ask. He could see the answer in the man's eyes.
"We are sinking, aren't we."
Andrews hesitated. "Yes," he admitted. "I'm afraid so."
Tut wasted no more words. He ran past Andrews, up the stairs, with Michel hot on his heels. They burst out on deck, where the evacuation was just getting under way.
"We are loading only women and children at this time!" the crewman in charge called out to the crowd.
Tut took in the scene. "Women and children," he muttered to himself. Grabbing a passing crewman he asked; "I see only first class up here. What's being done for the steerage passengers?"
"I don't know sir!" the man answered, breaking away.
Tut swore.
"What's wrong?" Michel asked him.
Tut laughed incredulously. "What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong, the ship is sinking, the water's freezing, and there aren't enough boats! Over half the people on this boat are going to die!"
"You couldn't possibly be thinking of your own life," Michel reasoned. "What are you worried about? These people up here can take care of themselves."
"What's wrong with you?" Tut asked Michel intently. "I was born rich, you were born a peasant, with nothing. Yet I am the one who thinks of the lives of the lower class passengers."
Michel's face paled. "My God," he realized, looking around him, "You're right, the captain only called the upper classes to the main deck."
"Right." Tut said. He turned towards the door. "Let's go make sure the others get fighting chance." From where he was standing, he'd not seen the fore and aft decks filling with Steerage Passeners. He paused briefly, noting the strains of ragtime lofting in the air. "And the band played on." he muttered.
*****
"Go back to the main stairway!" the steward insisted. "Everything will be sorted out there!" The passengers clustered on the other side of the barricade did not listen. They continued to
frantically push and shove on the barrier, shouting in several languages, hoping against hope that they could get through.
"Let us out!" Mary screamed, nearing hysteria. She'd been to the main stairway and had had no luck there. They weren't even letting women or children out.
"Let them out." a familiar voice ordered.
"Tom!" she cried, hope returning.
"Let them out." Tut repeated, grabbing the man by the shoulder.
"Look," the man stammered. "I told them to go back to the main stairwell-"
"Shut up!" Michel ordered the man. He grabbed him from Tut. "I'll keep him out of the way."
"What are you doing?" the man protested, struggling in Michel's grip.
"Mary," Tut said. "Get the others back from the gate."
Mary, though not sure what Tut was going to do, complied. "Come on," she soothed the panicking passengers. "It's all right, just stand back for a moment."
When the way was clear, Tut reached into his coat, and drew his sword. Even though he did not seek out battle, he always carried it sword with him.
Raising the sword, he struck the gate, just at the point where the two halves joined, with all his strength. With a screech of metal, and a shower of sparks, the gate gave way.
Mary tore open the gate and rushed Tut. Throwing her arms around him, she held him fast for several seconds while the other passengers rushed past them.
"Michel," Tut said, "I'm going to get Mary to a boat. Go find other steerage passengers and direct them here."
"Good idea." Michel agreed.
*****
"I don't want to leave ye," Mary said as they hurried to the deck.
"And I don't want to leave you." Tut answered. "But I can't leave until I know I've helped as many people as possible get a chance to survive this. Starting with you."
Mary opened her mouth to protest, but Tut silenced her. "I will brook no argument." he told her. "I will see you get off this ship safe and sound."
They soon arrived on the deck, where the panic was beginning to set in among the upper class passengers.
"Women and children only!" was a common sound heard above the shouts and cries that increased in volume.
"Come on." Tut said, seizing her hand. "I've got a woman here!" he shouted. "Give me room!" Soon, he had her through the crowd.
Mary turned, just before boarding, and kissed Tut with all her might.
"I'll see you soon," Tut promised her.
*****
Michel ran through the unfamiliar corridors of steerage, giving directions to any passengers he came upon. Up ahead he heard the panicking crowd at the main stairway.
Fighting his way through the crowd to the top of the stairs, he finally came to the gate.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" he remonstrated the crewmen on the other side of the gate. "Let these people out so they at least have a chance!"
"I'll tell you what I told them," the man replied, rapidly losing patience. "It isn't time to go to the boats yet!"
"It'll never be time to go to the boats by your schedule you bloody idiot! By the time you finish evacuating the first class, there won't be any more boats!"
"Keep quiet!" the man shouted, drawing a gun. "You'll cause a panic!"
"Cause a panic? These people are already panicking thanks to you!" Michel lost his patience. He reached through the bars of the gate and grabbed the man by the throat. "Now let them out!"
Two muffled gunshots rang out. Michel released the man and looked incredulously at the two wounds in his stomach.
"You arrogant," he struggled to get the words out, "Son of a bitch." With that, he collapsed into the people behind him, falling limp to the stairs.
*****
Once Mary's boat was safely in the water, and away, Tut looked at the rapidly growing crowd on deck. It's falling apart. he thought. Then he saw another boat being launched. "That boat isn't full." he muttered incredulously. "At this rate more than half the first class passengers will die anyway."
Tut stood helplessly. He had no idea what to do. He wanted to help, but beyond getting steerage passengers up to the deck, which Michel was already doing, he was at a loss.
A sudden boom above him caught his attention. They were firing rockets. He guessed that when that had started, that those who still hadn't figured out what was happening started to get the message.
"Look Mommy," a little girl said. "A light!"
Tut spun, peering off into the distance. Sure enough, a light from what must be a ship shone. It couldn't have been more than ten miles away. Tut grinned in relief. The ship would surely see the rockets and come to the rescue.
A woman screamed as she was forced away from her husband, and into a boat. Wading through the crowd, he soon came upon Gracie, Woolner, and the Strauses. Ida, it seemed, refused to leave
her husband.
"Mrs. Straus," Tut chimed in, "You must get to a boat."
"No." Ida said firmly. "I will not leave you." she declared to Isador. "Where you go, I go."
"I'm sure nobody would object to you going too." Woolner suggested to Mr. Straus. It was an unlikely gambit, that failed.
"I will not go before the other men."
Tut wished them good luck, and headed into the crowd.
"Where are you going?" Gracie asked him.
"There aren't enough boats for everybody." Tut whispered, not wishing to scare anybody. "I'm going to get some floatable objects in the water for the rest."
"Good idea." Gracie commended him. He began to formulate a plan to lead women to the remaining boats. Especially the ones under his formal protection, whom he seemed to have become separated from in the confusion.
Tut glanced over to where he'd seen the light of the other ship, but it was gone. "Son of a bitch." he swore quietly.
*****
Michel came to with the top of his head in the water. He sat up quickly in shock. The gate was still closed, there were only a couple of people still trying to get through. Most had long since tried another way. But now, there was no going back unless one could hold their breath for a long time. The crew had abandoned their posts.
"Get out of the way." Michel said, rising to his feet. The water had risen again, and now lapped at his feet. His voice cut through the panic in the minds of the people present. They stood aside as he drew his sword. Hope this works. he thought. I hate drowning. He was not as old or as powerful as Tut, so he wasn't sure his strength would be up to the task.
His second pass severed the lock, the gathered passengers surged through and out of sight. He followed as quickly as he could, the ship groaning around him.
Emerging on deck, he saw that much had transpired during his brief death. The two slugs must have done more damage than he'd thought.
From what he could see, all the boats seemed to be gone. Panicked passengers fled the oncoming water while others threw floatable objects into the water.
Behind him, the band was still playing. Michel didn't know whether to be appalled or impressed. Absently, he noticed they were playing Nearer My God To Thee.
The ship was sinking rapidly now. Instead of creeping, the water was now rushing towards the stern. A sudden shout brought him out of his reverie. Nearby, the last couple of lifeboats were hastily being cut free from the ropes securing them, as the freezing water came on.
"Help us!" a young steerage man cried to anyone who would listen.
"Get out of the way!" Michel answered. He drew his sword again, and with one swipe, cut through the ropes. Then, the ship gave a sudden lurch, and a huge wave swept the deck, washing Michel and anyone else not holding on overboard.
*****
Tut was lost in the crowd of refugees heading for the stern. Many jumped overboard, screaming for help. He started in the direction the passengers were going, away from the onrushing water.
He pushed his way past others, past a man of the cloth leading some in a final moment of prayer. Past a man and wife kissing each other, one last time. Past a mother, trying to calm her children, while a baby in her arms screamed. The panic and despair, numbed his mind, and he stopped thinking until he had gone as far as he could. He stood at the railing, holding on to keep from sliding down the deck, which was rapidly approaching vertical. Around him, people lost their grip, and slid into the water below.
At that moment, the lights flickered, then went out. It seemed to signal the ending of hope
for many people, who simply let go, and fell to the sea. Over the screaming of panicked
passengers, Tut could make out the unmistakable sound of everything that wasn't nailed down falling towards the bow of the ship.
Then, with a snapping, grinding sound, the ship tore itself in half. After a brief feeling of vertigo, as the stern fell back level, he felt the ship begin to sink anew.
The death of Titanic. he thought. As the stern was pulled completely vertical, Tut hung on to the railing, as several people fell to the water below.
Then, with the help of a baker, who sat crouched on the railing, Tut pulled himself to a more stable position. It was then that the final plunge of the great ship began. Like an elevator,
the stern descended into the water.
Just before he was plunged into icy darkness, the Immortal took a deep breath. This will be unpleasant.
*****
Michel thrashed to the surface, his brief drowning over with. He gasped for breath in the freezing water, then felt a hand grasp his collar.
"Pull him up!" a familiar voice called. "Heave!"
Michel kicked, propelling him out of the ocean, aiding his rescuers in dragging him atop the overturned lifeboat.
"My thanks Colonel." Michel thanked Gracie.
"No thanks are necessary my boy."
"Not much room for more." the Immortal observed. The boat sagged under the weight of
almost thirty men.
Then, soon after, the shouting started. The survivors of the actual sinking were calling for help.
*****
"Help us!" Tut shouted, treading water. His life vest kept him afloat, but he needed to keep warm.
"Return the boats!"
Around him, the shouts of the others rose and fell, then, gradually, horribly, they began to grow faint.
Tut found him self growing weak. "No," he whispered, the cold taking it's toll, "I will not die like this." He didn't want to have to swim from here to land.
He was not even aware of it happening. Before he knew it, he was jolted awake, he'd frozen to death without even knowing it. He felt a moment of panic, it was absolutely silent in the water. Was he the only one still alive?
The water was still cold, and he could feel it slowly begin to kill him again.
"Hello!" a voice, that sounded far off in the still air called. "Is there anybody alive out there?"
Frantically, Tut searched for the source of the sound. Out in the darkness, he could barely make out the shape of a boat, in the light of a single flash. One boat. Out of almost twenty.
"Hello!" the voice called again.
"Here!" Tut shouted. He gathered all his strength in the shout. He saw the boat coming. He was saved.
*****
Michel shivered, numbed and exhausted from the long night of standing and shifting his weight. The overturned boat had begun to sink, and in order to postpone this as long as possible
Lightoller had them stand and shift their weight with the motion of the sea.
The sun began to rise, and on the western horizon, a ship could now be seen. But Michel and the others hardly noticed. It was at least four miles off.
Suddenly a shrill whistle snapped Michel out of his exhausted near trance. Lightoller was signaling some boats nearby.
They were soon rescued from the collapsible, and transferred to the boats, which soon set out for the ship.
*****
Only two men on the boat had any experience sailing. Lowe, and Tut. By the time Lowe gave up looking for more survivors, Tut had well recovered and was able help set up the sail, and they headed for the ship, stopping twice to tow one boat, and get passengers off another as it was swamped.
*****
"You need any help?" Tut asked Lowe, as he and the officer were the last two on the boat. Lowe was taking down the sail.
"Thank you very much," Lowe said, "But no. Go get something hot in you. I'll tidy up here." Tut nodded and struggled wearily up the ladder. Finally he set foot on the deck, immediately
someone wrapped a blanket around him and handed him a cup of hot coffee.
"Thank you." Tut muttered. He stood, gazing absently over the rail at the spot where Titanic had sunk. Then, snapping out of it, he turned. He had two people to find. And by God, he'd better find them.
*****
Mary sat, huddled in the blanket given to her. After boarding the boat Tom had put her on, she'd watched in rapt attention as the ship had disappeared in the waves, then huddled meekly as the Quartermaster threatened Ms. Brown. She held little hope that Tom had gotten aboard a boat. Ms. Brown had been right, it was their men out there shouting for help, but she was afraid.
As the night went on, she'd been comforted by Molly, then joined in when the women were finally given a turn at the oars.
"Mary?" Her head shot up, despite her weariness.
"Tom?" She stood and turned, barely daring to believe her ears. But there he was, looking none the worse for wear. "Tom!" she cried, throwing herself into his arms. "Oh God, Tom," she weeped, "Oh God."
"Shhh," Tut whispered in her ear, "It's over. Shhh..."
Mary continued to weep, then a cup of hot chocolate was pressed into her hand.
"Mary," Tut said. "I believe you know Mr. Verduer."
January 20, 1998
"Ours," Michel said, holding yet another cup of coffee, "Was one of the few, happy endings. When we docked in New York, we avoided the reporters, cleared up our affairs, and headed west.
We skipped the Senate hearings, but sent in prepared statements that never got admitted to the hearing. Tut married Mary, told her of his Immortality, and they lived happily ever after until about 1935 when Mary died in her sleep, of natural causes."
"I have lived," Tut said softly, "For over three thousand years. In that time I have seen war, plague, famine, and injustice. But I have yet, in all my years, to see a tragedy to equal the
Titanic." It might be an exaggeration, but tonight, with the memories still fresh, it didn't feel like one.
Michel raised a his cup in the air. "To the Titanic." he proposed. "And all who went with her. May they rest in peace."
"To them." Sita, Tut and Mary agreed, joining their glasses to his.
The End
by Benji: The Vampire Confuser
Titanic the movie belongs pretty much to James Cameron. Titanic the ship doesn't. Tut was an actual historical figure. Sita belongs to Christopher Pike, Michel De Verdeur is the main character from The King and Raven by Carey James. Based on the Immortal concept from Highlander.
Sita and Tut walked out of the theater amidst the crowd of movie goers. Despite their millennia of life experience, both had been effected by the movie they had just seen. Between them, they had seen death, and love in all it's varied forms more times then they could count, and yet somehow their hardened hearts had been softened. Around them crowds of people discussed the movie as they walked to their cars.
I didn't think Cameron could pull it off. Tut thought. I didn't think he'd be able to capture the emotional essence of it, but he did it.
"You're being awfully quiet Tut." Sita said, bringing him out of his reverie. "What did you think of the movie?"
"Well, I guess this movie affected me a bit more than most." he said. "I don't think I ever told you before, but I was there."
"What?!" Sita asked. "On Titanic? I didn't think I could be surprised anymore, but you just proved me wrong."
"Yes I was, as a matter of fact-" Tut broke off as he felt the buzz of another Immortal. He scanned the crowd carefully, who knew if it would be friend or foe? Then, on the edge of the sidewalk, a familiar figure caught his eye.
"Michel!" he cried. "Michel De Verdeur!"
The other Immortal raised his head in surprise, he'd been hoping to avoid the gaze of the Immortal he'd sensed nearby, but the unmistakable voice of his friend caught his ear. He turned quickly and spotted him.
"Tom!" he grinned happily.
April 10, 1912
"There she is Michel," Tut said in awe, "Titanic. The largest ship ever built by man."
"Yeah," Michel said, "It's a big boat."
Tut laughed, he couldn't get over his friend's inability to be impressed with this ship. "I thought I was the one who was supposed to be hard to impress."
"You're just getting senile in your old age." Michel smiled. "I will admit, I've never seen anything quite like it. But I've seen where men's pride can get them. And so have you."
"Yes well," Tut acquiesced, "I will admit they're probably asking for it with that unsinkable bit."
"Guess we'll find out eh?"
"Excuse me good man," Michel asked a porter. "I understand we're to check our baggage at the main terminal, could you direct us there?" He handed the man a bill.
"Of course sir," the man smiled. "Just straight ahead, and they'll get your baggage to your
staterooms."
Michel's eye was caught by a passing young lady. "Well well well," he said, "Tut, I believe I may be in love."
"What? Again?" Tut grinned mischievously. "What about that girl in Paris?"
"Oh you're just jealous." he said. "Don't worry, I'm sure she'll have a friend or a sister for you." He started towards the young beauty. "I'll see you on board my friend."
"Have fun." Tut sighed. His friend Michel was notorious for his roving eye. Get him more than a hundred miles from a girl, and he forgot all about her. The plus side was that as long as he was still within that radius, he was the best man a girl could ask for.
Tut headed for the ship, after checking his baggage. He was fully aware of the looks he was getting. Despite his fine clothes, he knew his apparent youth, and his arabic appearance was generating some surprise.
*****
After checking out his stateroom, the usual two room affair with it's own deck, Tut strolled to the deck to join in the farewell wishes.
There was still five minutes before the ship left port, so he had plenty of time. As such he took his time getting there. After almost three thousand years, he'd learned not to rush things.
He stood at the rail, one eye watching the crowd below him, the other watching the steerage passengers in their joyous farewells. The upper class passengers were slightly more reserved.
Tut didn't know anybody on the dock. Methos had vanished years ago without a word, Fergus and Will were out West in America, with their wives, no doubt waiting for his arrival, and his various other Immortal friends were scattered about the world.
Tut and Michel were off to join two Immortal friends who'd recently acquired real estate out west. Tut, who'd been traveling for several years in Europe and Africa had visited Michel at his "Ancestral" home in England, then they were off on the boat train to Southampton.
When the ship finally left port, he strode as far forward as he could, and that still wasn't far enough. Hmm," I know a way to remedy this.
*****
"Aren't ye a little overdressed?" a voice asked. Tut turned to find a young redheaded woman smiling at him. He'd gone to the very front of the boat, letting the wind whip at his coat. He felt almost as if he was flying.
"Yes, I suppose I am." he admitted. He was dressed in his most casual clothes, but even still he stood out. "And," he added, "I'd imagine that an Upper Class man as myself taking a stroll through steerage would cause quite a stir."
"Well," the girl assured him. "Ye're secret's safe with me."
"Thank you." Tut smiled. "I'm Tom." he introduced himself.
"Mary." she shook his hand. "So what does bring ye down here?"
"Well," Tut began, continuing his stroll, the girl beside him, "I haven't always been a rich snob. I'm what the Upper Classes call New Money. As such, I still prefer the company down here."
Mary smiled. "Oh really?" she said. "Ye wouldn't just be sayin' that te' get me te' like ye now would ye?"
Tut laughed. "That is exactly why I like the company down here better."
January 20th, 1998
Sita looked on, pleasantly surprised. This man who Tut was talking to so amiably had the same smell of age and ozone that Tut had, marking him as an Immortal, and yet neither had so much as reached for their swords.
"Michel," Tut smiled, "I'd like to introduce you to Alisa."
Since she was registered at West Virginia University as Alisa Perne, it was unanimously decided by Sita, Tut, and Seymour to call her by that name.
Tut looked at the girl that Michel was with. "And this is?"
Michel smiled. "This is Mary." he said. "She knows." he added as an aside.
"Ah," Tut said, "So does Alisa."
"Good that will make dinner conversation much less awkward." Michel said. "Care to join us?"
Tut looked at Sita. "Alisa?"
"We'd love to." Sita assured Michel. It was evident to her that the two had much to catch up on.
*****
"Were you really one of King Arthur's Knights?" Sita asked Michel.
"No," Michel corrected her. "Not exactly. I served in his court for a long time, and fought for him in the last battle against Mordred. But officially I was a liege night of a lord in France."
"But you're English."
"Yes, it's a long and complicated story, maybe I'll tell it sometime, but I think Tut has heard it too many times."
Tut smiled at this. He'd heard it at least twelve times over the centuries that he'd known this man.
"Suffice to say, that I was born in Britain, Micah of Greenfarm, traveled to France, there I became Sir Michel De Verduer."
"It's actually a very interesting story." Tut said. "You really should hear it sometime. When I'm not around. I could probably quote the tale verbatim."
"You Alisa," Michel said. "Would have been quite popular at the court I'd imagine."
"Why thank you," Sita smiled, "But I doubt that, since I probably could, and would have bested each and every knight in the court in single combat."
"Not Lancelot." Michel said. "He was the finest warrior that ever lived. Perhaps you'll meet him someday."
"He's an Immortal?" Mary asked incredulously. "You never told me that!"
"Oh," Michel muttered, annoyed at his slip, "Must have slipped my mind."
"Michel is afraid of Lancelot." Tut said matter of factly. "They haven't been on the best of terms since the beginning. Oh they respect each other, but Lancelot has made it no secret that he'd like to take Michel's head. `Give the Peasant what he truly deserves` I believe it was."
"Can, we, not talk about that?" Michel said. "I don't like to think about bad relationships."
"Right," Tut said, properly chastised. "New topic. The best film I've seen in nearly a decade."
Michel smiled. "Titanic."
April 12, 1912
"Mr. Ismay, Mr. Andrews." Tut greeted the men, as he sat down to lunch.
"Mr. Kammen." they smiled.
"Mrs. Brown." Tut smiled widely, kissing her hand. "Hello again."
Molly sighed. "Tommy where were you when I was twenty years younger?"
"Mr. Ismay," Tut said. "The ship is an absolute marvel. A credit to Irish ingenuity Mr. Andrews." he complimented the two.
"Why thank you lad." Andrews smiled. If you'd like, I could give you a tour."
"That would be wonderful."
The Next Day
"Mrs. Brown," Tut smiled. "What a delight to see you again."
"Ah, Tommy," Molly Brown grinned. "You old charmer. Y' just saw me yesterday."
"Oh, but it seems like ages." Tut liked this woman. She was smarter than the others in first class. Because she was new money, she understood how it was to have nothing. Tut had lived as a man with nothing many times.
"There you are!" Michel called, coming up behind them. "Tom, I see once again you are monopolizing the lovely Ms. Brown's time?"
Michel had a girl on his arm. Naturally.
"Sarah," Michel introduced. "This is Thomas Kammen. Thomas this is Sarah Fleet."
"Pleased to meet you Mr. Kammen." Sarah said.
"The pleasure is all mine." Tut said, kissing her hand. "And where did Michel find such a beautiful girl?" Tut asked, seeing her smile. Michel wasn't the only charmer on board.
As Michel held her seat for her, Tut whispered. "Where's the friend or sister you promised me?" He grinned to show he was kidding, and sat.
Tut was finding his trip most satisfying. Just today he'd received an invitation from Mary to visit after dinner, made use of the gym and the Turkish baths, and even beaten Jacob Astor in a game of racquetball.
*****
"And Mr. Brown had no idea I had hidden the money in the stove," Molly continued, reaching the punchline to this already amusing story. "So he comes in drunk a hog, and lights a fire!"
The laughter was genuine. The woman's good nature was infectious, one just couldn't help feeling tremendous affection and respect for her. No matter the fact that she was only New Money.
"Well," Colonel Gracie said. "Would the Gentlemen care to join me in a brandy?"
"Delighted." Michel accepted. He stood along with the others. "Ladies," he said. "Thank you for the pleasure of your company."
Tut also rose, but for a different reason.
"Joining us Tom?" Michel invited.
"Thank you, no." Tut said. "My evening has barely begun."
Michel gave him a devilish grin. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
That doesn't exclude much. Tut thought wryly.
*****
The music was loud, the beer was cold, and Tut loved it. It was a shame Fergus was not here, the music would have just been his fancy. Irish.
"Are ye enjoyin' yerself Mr. Kammen?" Mary asked.
"Mary," Tut chastised her good naturedly, "I told you a thousand times to call me Tom."
"Aye I know." Mary winked. "I just wanted te make sure ye meant it. Now are ye goin' te drink all night or are ye goin' te ask a girl te dance?"
"Do know anyone who's interested?" he teased her.
"Aye, I might."
"Well, too bad for her." he smiled. "Because I've got my heart set on you."
"Lucky for ye that me father doesn't hear ye say that. He'd have ye in front of an alter before ye could say yer name."
January 20, 1998
"I do believe you're making Alisa jealous." Michel smiled.
"Not at all." Sita assured him and Tut. "I've had my share of boyfriends in my time."
"This story is fascinating." Mary said. Michel had said she was a Titanic buff.
Out of the corner of her eye, Sita could see two men sitting at separate tables nearby. One she recognized as Tut's Watcher. She assumed the other must be Michel's. She hadn't told Tut about them. One appeared to be writing frantically in a notebook, while she could hear a tape recorder from Tut's Watcher's table. She guessed that both Immortals' Watchers had gone down with the ship and this record had been lost.
"So what happened then?" Sita asked. She'd seen the headlines when Titanic had gone down, but never thought in a million years she would hear, firsthand, the story from an actual survivor. And from her lover no less.
April 14, 1912January 20, 1998
Tut swallowed. The thoughts of that night were always painful to him, but tonight, after seeing James Cameron's recreation, the memories were especially vivid.
"I can't help wondering," he said, "If, they hadn't said the ship was unsinkable, would it in fact have sunk? Even excluding the concept of tempting fate. Maybe the crew would have just been more cautious.
"I've wondered the same thing many times." Michel said. "I think everybody has."
April 14, 1912
The door of Tut's room opened slowly, and Mary stepped out. Tut lay sleeping in the bed they had shared not half an hour ago. She'd left him a note telling him to meet her in Steerage when he awoke.
The Upper Class decks seemed almost forbidding to her, and she'd been unable to stand them any longer. She hoped he would understand.
She went to her room and lay down in her bed. She'd never thought it would happen to her, but she did believe she'd finally found love.
It was just as the her eyes closed to go to sleep, that a shudder woke her. She sat up in bed, her bunkmates doing the same.
"What was that?" she asked. "It felt like, something just brushed against us or something."
"Don't worry about it." one said. "I've been on boats like this before, felt like we dropped a propeller blade. Go back to sleep."
*****
Tut rose from his bed, cursing. The trembling of the ship had not been great, but it had woken him none the less. "What the hell was that?" he muttered. He stumbled for a moment in the darkness before finding the light switch.
He noticed three things right away. First, that Mary was gone. The second, that there was a note on his desk. And the third, that he was absolutely freezing.
He quickly dressed and then read the note. Smiling, he stepped out into the hall. He noticed other people standing idly in the hall, all wondering what had happened.
His original intention had been to go strait to steerage, but curiosity got the better of him and he headed for the deck to see what had awakened him.
*****
Michel had been walking on the deck when it had happened. He'd seen it all, and knew, perhaps before anyone else had, that Titanic would sink.
My God. he thought. Half of the people on this ship are going to die. He remembered well that there were not enough boats for everyone on board. "Damn the man that first called this ship unsinkable." he muttered. "They tempted fate, and God. They should
have put more boats on board."
*****
Tut stopped a passing Steward on his way to the deck. "Pardon me," the Immortal started.
"Nothing to worry about sir." the Steward said automatically. Seemed he'd been asked the same question a couple times already. "There's talk of an Iceberg, but it's nothing serious."
"An Iceberg?"
"Yes, scraped along the starboard side. Nothing to worry about."
Tut wasn't so sure about that, but he let it go. He stood, for a moment on the stairs, then headed back down.
*****
The shudder of the ship had wakened, but not worried the occupants of Mary's room, but the next sensation did. The ship had stopped.
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph." Mary muttered, sitting up. "Now what?" She put her feet on the floor, and stopped. The carpet was damp.
She rose, her heart pounding in her chest. Quickly donning a coat, she headed into the corridor. There, she joined a group of five who were traveling farther forward and below to investigate.
*****
Now fully dressed for the cold, Tut headed once more for the deck. But something was different. The stairs did not feel quite right, as if the ship was tilting slightly. "Ra's Eye," he cursed. "This is bad, this is very bad."
He hurried up to the deck, where he found several passengers passing along a small white object.
"Here Thomas!" one, a young Yale man shouted, Tut didn't remember his name. "Catch!"
Tut easily caught the thing, though it proved slightly slippery. It was a chunk of ice, about the size of a baseball.
"I see the Iceberg story wasn't exaggerated." Tut mused. "Did you see it?"
"No, 'fraid I missed all the fun." the man smiled.
"No," Tut muttered. "I think the fun may just be beginning."
*****
Tut descended the grand staircase, donning his life vest as he went. A few minutes after he arrived on deck, he'd been asked by, Murdoch he believed it was, to don his lifebelt and go to the boat deck. He'd gotten a vest, but rather than stand on deck waiting, he opted to find friends.
"There you are!" Michel called. He was standing with Molly, Col. Gracie and John Astor. He hadn't said to any of them what he knew to be true. He did not think the news should come from him. "Where have you been?" he asked Tut, who joined them.
"Nowhere in particular." Tut said. "Did you see it?"
"I didn't see it myself no." Col. Gracie told him. "I only felt it."
"Everyone on the ship must have felt it. Certainly didn't feel like anything much. I'm sure
this is just a precaution." Astor assured them.
"Woke me out of a rather pleasant dream." Tut said. "What's happening now?"
"Not a clue." Michel lied. He knew Tut would be able to handle the news, but he still didn't want to say anything.
"I'd like to know that myself." Molly said. "They've got us all trussed up and now we're just cooling our heels."
"Oh it's just in case." Guggenheim said, passing by. "Just in case the ship sinks." He smiled as he said it. He, like most were confident that this would merely be an amusing story to tell tomorrow at breakfast.
*****
Mary had seen the water in the lower decks, and knew, as did her companions that the ship was sinking. At this moment, she led a group down the passages that would take them to safety. This was the same route taken by her and Tom. Some in the group had luggage with them, but Mary kept only the clothes on her back, and a photograph of her family, in the pocket of her coat.
Suddenly, a faint sound reached her ears, a thumping. Following the noise, she found a jammed door, with a man locked inside.
"Let me out!" he cried.
"Hold on!" she answered. She turned to a man who'd followed her. "What do we do?" she asked.
"Stand aside miss," the man said. "I know what to do."
He stood back from the door, then crashed into it, breaking it open.
"Thank the lord." the trapped man said, emerging from his cabin.
"Hey!" an arrogant voice cried from down the hall. "That was company property! I've a good mind to have you all arrested!"
They merely gave him dark looks, then ignored him.
*****
Tut spied Andrews nearby, heading for the staircase. "Well I intend to find out." he told them, and headed for the ship's designer.
"Mr. Andrews," Tut called, Michel right beside him.
"Yes Mr. Kammen?" Andrews said tensely. Tut almost didn't have to ask. He could see the answer in the man's eyes.
"We are sinking, aren't we."
Andrews hesitated. "Yes," he admitted. "I'm afraid so."
Tut wasted no more words. He ran past Andrews, up the stairs, with Michel hot on his heels. They burst out on deck, where the evacuation was just getting under way.
"We are loading only women and children at this time!" the crewman in charge called out to the crowd.
Tut took in the scene. "Women and children," he muttered to himself. Grabbing a passing crewman he asked; "I see only first class up here. What's being done for the steerage passengers?"
"I don't know sir!" the man answered, breaking away.
Tut swore.
"What's wrong?" Michel asked him.
Tut laughed incredulously. "What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong, the ship is sinking, the water's freezing, and there aren't enough boats! Over half the people on this boat are going to die!"
"You couldn't possibly be thinking of your own life," Michel reasoned. "What are you worried about? These people up here can take care of themselves."
"What's wrong with you?" Tut asked Michel intently. "I was born rich, you were born a peasant, with nothing. Yet I am the one who thinks of the lives of the lower class passengers."
Michel's face paled. "My God," he realized, looking around him, "You're right, the captain only called the upper classes to the main deck."
"Right." Tut said. He turned towards the door. "Let's go make sure the others get fighting chance." From where he was standing, he'd not seen the fore and aft decks filling with Steerage Passeners. He paused briefly, noting the strains of ragtime lofting in the air. "And the band played on." he muttered.
*****
"Go back to the main stairway!" the steward insisted. "Everything will be sorted out there!" The passengers clustered on the other side of the barricade did not listen. They continued to
frantically push and shove on the barrier, shouting in several languages, hoping against hope that they could get through.
"Let us out!" Mary screamed, nearing hysteria. She'd been to the main stairway and had had no luck there. They weren't even letting women or children out.
"Let them out." a familiar voice ordered.
"Tom!" she cried, hope returning.
"Let them out." Tut repeated, grabbing the man by the shoulder.
"Look," the man stammered. "I told them to go back to the main stairwell-"
"Shut up!" Michel ordered the man. He grabbed him from Tut. "I'll keep him out of the way."
"What are you doing?" the man protested, struggling in Michel's grip.
"Mary," Tut said. "Get the others back from the gate."
Mary, though not sure what Tut was going to do, complied. "Come on," she soothed the panicking passengers. "It's all right, just stand back for a moment."
When the way was clear, Tut reached into his coat, and drew his sword. Even though he did not seek out battle, he always carried it sword with him.
Raising the sword, he struck the gate, just at the point where the two halves joined, with all his strength. With a screech of metal, and a shower of sparks, the gate gave way.
Mary tore open the gate and rushed Tut. Throwing her arms around him, she held him fast for several seconds while the other passengers rushed past them.
"Michel," Tut said, "I'm going to get Mary to a boat. Go find other steerage passengers and direct them here."
"Good idea." Michel agreed.
*****
"I don't want to leave ye," Mary said as they hurried to the deck.
"And I don't want to leave you." Tut answered. "But I can't leave until I know I've helped as many people as possible get a chance to survive this. Starting with you."
Mary opened her mouth to protest, but Tut silenced her. "I will brook no argument." he told her. "I will see you get off this ship safe and sound."
They soon arrived on the deck, where the panic was beginning to set in among the upper class passengers.
"Women and children only!" was a common sound heard above the shouts and cries that increased in volume.
"Come on." Tut said, seizing her hand. "I've got a woman here!" he shouted. "Give me room!" Soon, he had her through the crowd.
Mary turned, just before boarding, and kissed Tut with all her might.
"I'll see you soon," Tut promised her.
*****
Michel ran through the unfamiliar corridors of steerage, giving directions to any passengers he came upon. Up ahead he heard the panicking crowd at the main stairway.
Fighting his way through the crowd to the top of the stairs, he finally came to the gate.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" he remonstrated the crewmen on the other side of the gate. "Let these people out so they at least have a chance!"
"I'll tell you what I told them," the man replied, rapidly losing patience. "It isn't time to go to the boats yet!"
"It'll never be time to go to the boats by your schedule you bloody idiot! By the time you finish evacuating the first class, there won't be any more boats!"
"Keep quiet!" the man shouted, drawing a gun. "You'll cause a panic!"
"Cause a panic? These people are already panicking thanks to you!" Michel lost his patience. He reached through the bars of the gate and grabbed the man by the throat. "Now let them out!"
Two muffled gunshots rang out. Michel released the man and looked incredulously at the two wounds in his stomach.
"You arrogant," he struggled to get the words out, "Son of a bitch." With that, he collapsed into the people behind him, falling limp to the stairs.
*****
Once Mary's boat was safely in the water, and away, Tut looked at the rapidly growing crowd on deck. It's falling apart. he thought. Then he saw another boat being launched. "That boat isn't full." he muttered incredulously. "At this rate more than half the first class passengers will die anyway."
Tut stood helplessly. He had no idea what to do. He wanted to help, but beyond getting steerage passengers up to the deck, which Michel was already doing, he was at a loss.
A sudden boom above him caught his attention. They were firing rockets. He guessed that when that had started, that those who still hadn't figured out what was happening started to get the message.
"Look Mommy," a little girl said. "A light!"
Tut spun, peering off into the distance. Sure enough, a light from what must be a ship shone. It couldn't have been more than ten miles away. Tut grinned in relief. The ship would surely see the rockets and come to the rescue.
A woman screamed as she was forced away from her husband, and into a boat. Wading through the crowd, he soon came upon Gracie, Woolner, and the Strauses. Ida, it seemed, refused to leave
her husband.
"Mrs. Straus," Tut chimed in, "You must get to a boat."
"No." Ida said firmly. "I will not leave you." she declared to Isador. "Where you go, I go."
"I'm sure nobody would object to you going too." Woolner suggested to Mr. Straus. It was an unlikely gambit, that failed.
"I will not go before the other men."
Tut wished them good luck, and headed into the crowd.
"Where are you going?" Gracie asked him.
"There aren't enough boats for everybody." Tut whispered, not wishing to scare anybody. "I'm going to get some floatable objects in the water for the rest."
"Good idea." Gracie commended him. He began to formulate a plan to lead women to the remaining boats. Especially the ones under his formal protection, whom he seemed to have become separated from in the confusion.
Tut glanced over to where he'd seen the light of the other ship, but it was gone. "Son of a bitch." he swore quietly.
*****
Michel came to with the top of his head in the water. He sat up quickly in shock. The gate was still closed, there were only a couple of people still trying to get through. Most had long since tried another way. But now, there was no going back unless one could hold their breath for a long time. The crew had abandoned their posts.
"Get out of the way." Michel said, rising to his feet. The water had risen again, and now lapped at his feet. His voice cut through the panic in the minds of the people present. They stood aside as he drew his sword. Hope this works. he thought. I hate drowning. He was not as old or as powerful as Tut, so he wasn't sure his strength would be up to the task.
His second pass severed the lock, the gathered passengers surged through and out of sight. He followed as quickly as he could, the ship groaning around him.
Emerging on deck, he saw that much had transpired during his brief death. The two slugs must have done more damage than he'd thought.
From what he could see, all the boats seemed to be gone. Panicked passengers fled the oncoming water while others threw floatable objects into the water.
Behind him, the band was still playing. Michel didn't know whether to be appalled or impressed. Absently, he noticed they were playing Nearer My God To Thee.
The ship was sinking rapidly now. Instead of creeping, the water was now rushing towards the stern. A sudden shout brought him out of his reverie. Nearby, the last couple of lifeboats were hastily being cut free from the ropes securing them, as the freezing water came on.
"Help us!" a young steerage man cried to anyone who would listen.
"Get out of the way!" Michel answered. He drew his sword again, and with one swipe, cut through the ropes. Then, the ship gave a sudden lurch, and a huge wave swept the deck, washing Michel and anyone else not holding on overboard.
*****
Tut was lost in the crowd of refugees heading for the stern. Many jumped overboard, screaming for help. He started in the direction the passengers were going, away from the onrushing water.
He pushed his way past others, past a man of the cloth leading some in a final moment of prayer. Past a man and wife kissing each other, one last time. Past a mother, trying to calm her children, while a baby in her arms screamed. The panic and despair, numbed his mind, and he stopped thinking until he had gone as far as he could. He stood at the railing, holding on to keep from sliding down the deck, which was rapidly approaching vertical. Around him, people lost their grip, and slid into the water below.
At that moment, the lights flickered, then went out. It seemed to signal the ending of hope
for many people, who simply let go, and fell to the sea. Over the screaming of panicked
passengers, Tut could make out the unmistakable sound of everything that wasn't nailed down falling towards the bow of the ship.
Then, with a snapping, grinding sound, the ship tore itself in half. After a brief feeling of vertigo, as the stern fell back level, he felt the ship begin to sink anew.
The death of Titanic. he thought. As the stern was pulled completely vertical, Tut hung on to the railing, as several people fell to the water below.
Then, with the help of a baker, who sat crouched on the railing, Tut pulled himself to a more stable position. It was then that the final plunge of the great ship began. Like an elevator,
the stern descended into the water.
Just before he was plunged into icy darkness, the Immortal took a deep breath. This will be unpleasant.
*****
Michel thrashed to the surface, his brief drowning over with. He gasped for breath in the freezing water, then felt a hand grasp his collar.
"Pull him up!" a familiar voice called. "Heave!"
Michel kicked, propelling him out of the ocean, aiding his rescuers in dragging him atop the overturned lifeboat.
"My thanks Colonel." Michel thanked Gracie.
"No thanks are necessary my boy."
"Not much room for more." the Immortal observed. The boat sagged under the weight of
almost thirty men.
Then, soon after, the shouting started. The survivors of the actual sinking were calling for help.
*****
"Help us!" Tut shouted, treading water. His life vest kept him afloat, but he needed to keep warm.
"Return the boats!"
Around him, the shouts of the others rose and fell, then, gradually, horribly, they began to grow faint.
Tut found him self growing weak. "No," he whispered, the cold taking it's toll, "I will not die like this." He didn't want to have to swim from here to land.
He was not even aware of it happening. Before he knew it, he was jolted awake, he'd frozen to death without even knowing it. He felt a moment of panic, it was absolutely silent in the water. Was he the only one still alive?
The water was still cold, and he could feel it slowly begin to kill him again.
"Hello!" a voice, that sounded far off in the still air called. "Is there anybody alive out there?"
Frantically, Tut searched for the source of the sound. Out in the darkness, he could barely make out the shape of a boat, in the light of a single flash. One boat. Out of almost twenty.
"Hello!" the voice called again.
"Here!" Tut shouted. He gathered all his strength in the shout. He saw the boat coming. He was saved.
*****
Michel shivered, numbed and exhausted from the long night of standing and shifting his weight. The overturned boat had begun to sink, and in order to postpone this as long as possible
Lightoller had them stand and shift their weight with the motion of the sea.
The sun began to rise, and on the western horizon, a ship could now be seen. But Michel and the others hardly noticed. It was at least four miles off.
Suddenly a shrill whistle snapped Michel out of his exhausted near trance. Lightoller was signaling some boats nearby.
They were soon rescued from the collapsible, and transferred to the boats, which soon set out for the ship.
*****
Only two men on the boat had any experience sailing. Lowe, and Tut. By the time Lowe gave up looking for more survivors, Tut had well recovered and was able help set up the sail, and they headed for the ship, stopping twice to tow one boat, and get passengers off another as it was swamped.
*****
"You need any help?" Tut asked Lowe, as he and the officer were the last two on the boat. Lowe was taking down the sail.
"Thank you very much," Lowe said, "But no. Go get something hot in you. I'll tidy up here." Tut nodded and struggled wearily up the ladder. Finally he set foot on the deck, immediately
someone wrapped a blanket around him and handed him a cup of hot coffee.
"Thank you." Tut muttered. He stood, gazing absently over the rail at the spot where Titanic had sunk. Then, snapping out of it, he turned. He had two people to find. And by God, he'd better find them.
*****
Mary sat, huddled in the blanket given to her. After boarding the boat Tom had put her on, she'd watched in rapt attention as the ship had disappeared in the waves, then huddled meekly as the Quartermaster threatened Ms. Brown. She held little hope that Tom had gotten aboard a boat. Ms. Brown had been right, it was their men out there shouting for help, but she was afraid.
As the night went on, she'd been comforted by Molly, then joined in when the women were finally given a turn at the oars.
"Mary?" Her head shot up, despite her weariness.
"Tom?" She stood and turned, barely daring to believe her ears. But there he was, looking none the worse for wear. "Tom!" she cried, throwing herself into his arms. "Oh God, Tom," she weeped, "Oh God."
"Shhh," Tut whispered in her ear, "It's over. Shhh..."
Mary continued to weep, then a cup of hot chocolate was pressed into her hand.
"Mary," Tut said. "I believe you know Mr. Verduer."
January 20, 1998
"Ours," Michel said, holding yet another cup of coffee, "Was one of the few, happy endings. When we docked in New York, we avoided the reporters, cleared up our affairs, and headed west.
We skipped the Senate hearings, but sent in prepared statements that never got admitted to the hearing. Tut married Mary, told her of his Immortality, and they lived happily ever after until about 1935 when Mary died in her sleep, of natural causes."
"I have lived," Tut said softly, "For over three thousand years. In that time I have seen war, plague, famine, and injustice. But I have yet, in all my years, to see a tragedy to equal the
Titanic." It might be an exaggeration, but tonight, with the memories still fresh, it didn't feel like one.
Michel raised a his cup in the air. "To the Titanic." he proposed. "And all who went with her. May they rest in peace."
"To them." Sita, Tut and Mary agreed, joining their glasses to his.
The End