Titanic Bound by Destiny

Chapter 27: The Survivors Committee

April 17th, 1912. (1:35 PM)

The once serene weather that had accompanied the Titanic on her journey was now replaced by a relentless storm. Rain pelted the deck, and thunder roared in the dark skies illuminated by lightning. The Rain's rhythmic drumming on the ship's deck was a grim reminder of the survivors' journey. For Nicholas, the Rain was a poignant symbol, as if the heavens were attempting to cleanse the profound sorrow that had engulfed the ship and its passengers. The incessant downpour blurred the distinction between tears and Rain. Nicholas could not deny the refreshing nature of the Rain, and if it weren't for the fear of falling ill, he would have braved the storm without an umbrella, hoping it would wash away the lingering pain. Many other passengers sought refuge within the ship's vast interiors, while a few, like Nicholas, dared to face the harsh Rain that lashed the decks of Carpathia.

Nicholas and Edward, now huddled under a shared umbrella, meandered the deck aimlessly, seeking solace and distraction from their overwhelming grief. The umbrella shielded them from the worst of the rain, but the chill still seeped into their bones. The wet wood of the deck muffled their footsteps, and they moved in a silent, reflective camaraderie, a bond forged in the depths of their shared sorrow. As they passed groups of fellow survivors, Nicholas and Edward overheard snippets of conversations, murmurs of grief, and occasional attempts at hopeful optimism. Despite two days having passed since the Titanic sank, the usual warmth of conversation had yet to return, and Nicholas believed it never would. The shock and horror of the events would forever haunt them. But amidst this, the survivors' resilience shone through like a beacon of hope in the darkest times. During one such moment, they caught wind of a discussion about a meeting—apparently, a Survivor's Committee was gathering in the first-class library. Nicholas was taken aback by the survivors' desire to unite in such a way, but he understood it was a step towards healing.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to escape the relentless rain, Nicholas and Edward decided to investigate the meeting. The prospect of a gathering offered them a chance to be indoors, away from the elements, and an opportunity to engage with other survivors, hear their stories, and begin the collective healing process. As they navigated the corridors of the Carpathia, they felt the ambience shift from the wet, cold deck to the ship's warmer, more contained interior. The sounds of the rain faded slightly, replaced by the quieter hum of indoor activity. Survivors, stewards, and crew members moved about with a purpose, each small act part of the broader effort to comfort and support those who had endured the unthinkable. The ship was like a well-oiled machine, with crew and passengers working around the clock to ensure the survivors were well cared for; some even gave up their cabins for those who had lost everything when Titanic vanished forever. This display of unity and compassion, a beacon of hope in the face of tragedy, was a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise above even the most devastating circumstances.

Upon reaching the library's entrance, Nicholas shook the rain from his umbrella and left it by the door. The room was a haven of warmth and quiet activity, starkly contrasting the turmoil they had endured. The rich wood panelling, soft lighting, and rows of books created an atmosphere of calm and refuge. Yet Nicholas froze momentarily as he looked into the room; his mind flashed back to the second-class library, its grandeur and, more importantly, to Sebastian. he shook his head, trying to dislodge the thoughts. He pushed past it and forced himself to enter the room. Nicholas and Edward found seats towards the back of the room. The gathering crowd murmured as more survivors and passengers entered. The stewards moved gracefully among them, offering comfort and assistance wherever possible. Nicholas and Edward ordered tea from one of the stewards, the warm beverage, which was a small but welcomed comfort. The stewards were working overtime to ensure the survivors were well cared for.

As the room settled, two figures moved to the front: Karl Behr and Maggie Brown. Both had survived the sinking and now took on leadership roles to help guide the survivors forward. Karl Behr was a well-known athlete and businessman who now had an air of quiet strength. His voice was steady and clear as he addressed the room, acknowledging the profound loss they had all experienced. Maggie Brown, a formidable and compassionate woman known for her efforts during the sinking to help others, stood beside him with a determined look in her eyes. As his and Edward's tea arrived, Nicholas turned to focus on the meeting that was going ahead, slowly sipping his tea as he did. The substance gave him no enjoyment; no drink or food had since he had been rescued from lifeboat 11.

"Thank you all for coming," Karl began, his voice projecting across the room. "We gather here today as survivors, but also as a community, with a shared purpose. Our mission is urgent-to support one another, especially the women and children who have been left struggling due to the loss of the Titanic." Maggie Brown, a fellow survivor, stepped forward to speak. "Many of us have lost loved ones, and many families are now facing uncertain futures. We must come together, offer help, and ensure that those who need it most receive the support they require. The time for action is now. We cannot afford to wait. We must act and act together." Nicholas and Edward, their hands wrapped around their tea cups, listened intently. The warmth seeped into their fingers, offering a small measure of comfort. Around them, the room was filled with nods of agreement and murmurs of support. Calamity had bred a new odd sense of unity. All classes of Titanic became one, no longer separated by social norms, all united by the same tragic events, and now all working together to push on into a strange new world.

Karl continued, outlining the purpose of the Survivor's Committee. "We will work to provide immediate assistance to those in need. This includes financial support, clothing, and shelter. But beyond that, we will advocate for accountability and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again." Maggie added, "We have already begun to raise funds and gather resources. But we need everyone's help. Together, we can make a difference and honour the memories of those we lost by ensuring their families are cared for." The meeting proceeded with a mix of logistical planning and personal stories. Survivors shared their experiences, their needs, and their hopes. It was a strange but heart-warming situation as people finally let their stories and emotions flow freely. A young mother spoke tearfully of her husband's last moments, urging her to save their children. Well, an older man talked about how he had been pulled into a lifeboat by a stranger's outstretched hand, a gesture of humanity that had saved his life. For Nicholas, hearing these stories was a bittersweet experience. It was comforting to listen to the voices of others who had shared in the same horror, to know he was not alone in his grief. Yet, it also underscored the magnitude of the loss—the many lives cut short, the dreams and futures drowned in the icy waters of the Atlantic.

As the meeting continued, plans were implemented for ongoing support and advocacy. Committees were formed, tasks were assigned, and a care network began to take shape. The survivors were not just victims; they were a community determined to support one another and prevent such a disaster from happening again. Nicholas spoke up to offer his support, which surprised Edward, but something had shifted inside him. He remembered Sebastian's childhood in the Orphanage and decided he could not let other children go through such a horrific childhood; he had to act, so he did—the first step in a long path to healing. Soon after the meeting adjourned, Nicholas and Edward remained seated momentarily, absorbing the sense of solidarity and hope that had filled the room. Nicholas turned to Edward, a small smile on his face. "I think we're going to be okay," he said softly. "It's going to be hard, but we have each other and this community." Edward squeezed his shoulder, his own eyes glistening with emotion. "Yes, we do. And together, we'll get through this."

As they left the library and stepped back into the corridor, the rain continued to pour outside, but it now seemed less oppressive. The warmth of the meeting, the strength of their newfound community, and the shared resolve to support one another provided a light in the darkness. Nicholas and Edward walked together, ready to face the future with hope and determination, knowing they were not alone. The Carpathia continued its journey towards New York, a vessel carrying not just the survivors of the Titanic but also their stories, hopes, and shared determination to move forward. As Nicholas and Edward returned to the boat deck, they felt the first stirrings of a new chapter beginning. It would be a long and challenging journey, but they were not alone, which made all the difference. There had to be a morning after; the sun had to rise again. The Carpathia continued its journey towards New York, a vessel carrying not just the physical survivors of the Titanic but also their stories, hopes, and shared determination to move forward. As Nicholas and Edward returned to their quarters, they felt the first stirrings of a new chapter beginning. It would be a long and challenging journey, but they were not alone, which made all the difference.