May 7, 1915. 2:10 pm.
Fifteen minutes before the Lusitania sinks.
The screams of those aboard the doomed ship reached Areth's ears, as he looked out at the sight.
Despite wanting to be involved in the war, and wanting to fight, Areth found no pleasure in innocent bloodshed such as this.
"The U Boat is close, Sir, what should we do?" The radar Operator asked the Captain. "Do nothing. This ship can withstand a torpedo attack without issue. It is important that we do not attack first," Areth interrupted, leaving a bad taste in the Captain's mouth. "What about those below deck in the engine room?" He asked his king.
"Do you think I would tell you to stay put if I wasn't one hundred percent sure that my subjects lives weren't at risk?" Areth replied in a far more aggressive tone. "Do not forget that I am the one who designed this vessel."
The Captain was still reluctant, but chose to place his faith in his King, nodding his head, before returning back to his post. Back down near the Lusitania, the Life Boats of the Titan had arrived, helping those in the water aboard.
The rescue operation was going as smooth as it could possibly go with such a tight deadline. All of Titan's lifeboats had been filled quickly, resulting in them turning around, and driving back to the titan. hundreds of women, and children were brought aboard as blankets were quickly brought out onto the deck, yet Areth paid them no mind.
He was far too focused on the U Boat, which only he could see right now. Clearly, the U Boat had either ignored orders, or not gotten them at all, as it slowly got closer, until its torpedo tube was line up with the mid section of the ship.
"Go on you bastards, make my day~" Areth silently said as he followed the movements of the submersed vessel, until they finally did what he'd been wanting.
"TORPEDO PORT SIDE!" The radar operator shouted, causing screaming to erupt onto the deck. "Calm yourselves," Areth commanded, using his authority to force fully hush the screaming and crying coming from the rescued civilians, who all looked at him in slight aww.
The Torpedo hit, shaking the vessel slightly as the sound of the explosion reached everyone's ears.
Ten minutes were left before the Lusitania would be claimed by the sea, making the sailors coordinating the rescue operation sweat profusely. "Captain, load the guns, and unleash her wrath. I don't want a single German aboard the submersible to see the light of day," he calmly ordered. The lack of emotion in his voice sent a chill down everyone's spines as the Captain did as he was told.
Eight 1,400 pound armor piercing shots were fired at the U Boat, secretly being guided by Areth as they all made a direct hit.
U Boat U-20 was completely decimated, her crew nothing but bits of flesh that would sink to the bottom with her destroyed shell.
The Lusitania's lifeboats have finally arrived near the Titan, while the fourth load of survivors had arrived from the Titans own lifeboats. "Load em up, boys," the captain ordered, regaining his confidence as he hastily went about organizing the rescue effort.
A secondary explosion occured on the Lusitania, likely a result of the hot coal-powered engines encountering the fifty degree water. Those still alive aboard the ship were forced to make a jump for it, quickly being scooped up by the sailors.
Of the 1,959 people aboard the RMS Lusitania, 1,789 had been saved before the ship made its final plunge deep into the Irish Sea.
170 crew members had perished. Most of them likely died instantly as a result of the Torpedo striking the engine bay.
Compared to how the event played out in his world, 1,028 more people were saved in this time. "Contact the Brits. Tell them that the RMS Lusitania has been sunk by the Germans. We're making our way to their ports," Areth instructed before standing in front of the survivors.
"Listen well, because I will not repeat this." The chattering amongst the rescued quieted down, allowing for them to hear. "I am King Vendencia of Aurora. You are onboard the ARS Titan, a battleship with the purpose of defense of my Country." Murmors began to break out in small bits, before he continued.
"We have set course for Liverpool, where the British Government will escort you off the ship. It will be an eight hour trip. If anyone wishes for food or water, make yourselves known."
Despite the intimidating aura surrounding the king, every single person rescued thanked the man personally, before doing the same to the sailors.
Perhaps it may have been a bit suspicious that the King would just happened to be in the area, but Auroa's Royal family were known to be... Eccentric.
All they knew was that they were safe, and while the floors of the Titan weren't comfortable, they were far better than the cold waters of the sea.
'Everything has come together.'