Unthinkable, Unsinkable

Victor smiled sadly and slowly shook his head as he counted the bow portholes from down on the pier. 'Sixteen...hmph'.

This was the "Titanic" the second and almost identical ship of its class in the White Star Lines fleet. It was being launched with considerably less fanfare and media interest. Sure, people knew of her and heard she was unsinkable, they just weren't coming out to look. They'd already seen the Olympic. Today she sets off on her maiden voyage, understaffed, and to muted fanfare.

"Luggage Sir?" shouted an approaching Steward over the din of the crowd of passengers waiting to board.

"Ah, yes..." Victor answered turning to his employer's luggage covered motorcar; "These items are to go to Mr. Guggenheim's state room 82-B. These items belong to Mr. Pernot and the rest are for storage. I have everything separated and labelled."

"Very good sir! I'll see that it's done!"

Victor thanked the man and went to ensure that Mr. Benjamin Guggenheim was set to board. They had work to do.

~~~~

Captain Edward Smith was perhaps the most experienced captain in the world, and one of the only sea captains with any experience on the new Olympic Class ocean liners. So it seemed a befitting honour to bestow him the Captaincy of the Titanic.

Unfortunately, Capt. Smith's experiences had not been so great recently. As Captain of the Olympic he had collided with a tug boat causing some damage to the Olympic. Not long after, there was the collision with the naval vessel HMS Hawke which tore open the hull of the Olympic and caused extensive damage to the driveshaft and rudder. Capt. Smith was found to be at fault, and insurance was not paid out. The Olympic was repaired but could never be restored to pristine condition. His appointment to the Titanic felt bittersweet. A chance to save face. A duty to make restitution. Capt. Smith came to the bow end of the upper deck and entered the bridge.

"Good morning Mr. Wilde" Capt. Smith said to his Chief Officer. "How are we set?"

"Everything in order sir. RMS Oly... Titanic, ready to embark on schedule." Henry Wilde said.

"Very good. I have some correspondence. I'll be in the radio shack for the next hour."

"Aye, Sir." Henry nodded. Then muttered under his breath; 'I still don't like this ship... I have a queer feeling about it...'

Captain Smith exited the rear of the bridge towards staff quarters and the communications room. There were some private messages from Captain Lord of the Californian. It was important they coordinated their efforts. He had work to do.

~~~~

Victor stood with his employer and his employer's mistress waiting to have their tickets checked and board the Titanic.

"I'm just going to take care of this business on board. Then when we get to New York, I will finish my dealings with Seligman; make my position clear... and we'll return to Paris for good." Ben was explaining to Ninette.

Victor was only half listening in on the conversation, he was more focused on scanning the crowd. He had already marked the Vanderbilts were here and their luggage was loaded. He saw that that Margaret Brown woman had brought the Astors. And Jack's new wife is pregnant I'm told. That should give some added leverage. Whatever story they'd told Brown to say to get them to come, it worked.

Now where was Straus? There's no point getting Vanderbilt on board without Isidor Straus...Ahh! That looks like he and and his wife over there! Perfect!

Wait...what!? What are the Vanderbilts doing?

~~~~

"Mr. Vanderbilt? There's a phone call for you."

George Vanderbilt disappeared through the crowd of boarding passengers to take a phone call at the White Star Lines ticket office. He returned to his wife among the waiting crowd a short time later.

"That was Susan!" George told Edith.

"What did she want?"

"She's adamant we not sail on the Titanic. Her voice was oddly trembling."

"And your mother's premonition..." Edith whispered.

"She said we could still book aboard the Olympic."

The Vanderbilts stood for a moment as they thought it through, then Edith nodded.

"Frederick! My good man. Edith and I will not be able to board as it turns out." George said to his servant; "But all of our luggage is already on board. I will need you to travel with it and make sure it's delivered properly in New York."

"Of course sir!" Frederick answered smiling. He was suddenly to have a free ocean voyage vacation with no one to tend to.

With that, the Vanderbilts collected their carry on items, bid their servant a safe voyage, and left the boarding area. They had no idea Guggenheim's servant was watching them intently.

~~~~

It would have to do, Victor thought as he made his way towards the bridge on the fourth day aboard. As long as Straus was on board, it didn't matter so much that Vanderbilt wasn't. Maybe his Grandfather; Cornelius Vanderbilt had come around already? No matter, I can only do what I am able to do, Victor decided.

As he approached, Victor saw the Captain standing just outside the bridge on the passenger deck checking his watch.

"Good afternoon Captain! How are you on this fine Sunday?" Victor said.

"Quite well..." Capt. Smith studied Victor for a moment, while Victor stood motionless with a sly smile; "Are you him?" Smith finally asked.

"I am from the Order, yes."

Captain Smith drew a deep breath and nodded. "Everything is in order, I've been in communication with the SS Californian. They are maintaining a close parallel track. They're carrying few passengers, equipped with blankets and supplies to mount a rescue as the moment arises. Captain Lord has proven skill in rescue situations."

"Good, good. Be sure of the timing. Too soon, and it will look like he had foreknowledge of your scuttling. Too late and there might be unnecessary casualties.' Victor said.

"Of course. The stage is set, however; I've sent out wires to indicate we're trying to break a speed record, and we've received warnings from various other vessels about the potential of running into an ice field. Generally, a ship this size should be able to steam through ice without issue. We should appear on record to be bold, not reckless." Captain Smith explained.

Victor nodded his understanding; "Thank you for your time Captain, please do let me know if anything arises requiring I resort to contingencies."

Captain Smith squinted and gave a curt nod as Victor turned to walk back down the passenger deck towards his and Guggenheim's cabin.

As victor passed one of the lifeboats, he noticed the canvas tarp had loosened some, and the brass nameplate was partly exposed showing the last two letters "I C"...and part of a "P"!

They missed one! Victor thought, and looked up and down the deck to make sure no one was nearby. He took out his pocket knife and began removing the name plate from the life boat as inconspicuously as possible. Hiding the unwieldy thing under his long coat, Victor checked the opposite side of the boat..."Titanic"! They had just missed the one, or so he hoped. If there were others it could cause real problems.

Victor awkwardly lit a cigarette holding the brass nameplate with his arm and went to stand by the railing between the life boats. He waited for a couple to stroll past and then frisbee'd the 'Olympic' nameplate as far over the side of the ship as he could.

~~~~

Benjamin Guggenheim was getting dressed for dinner when his personal servant, Victor Giglio came into the cabin looking perturbed.

"Ahhh, Victor! Can you help with this tie? I'm all thumbs." Ben said.

Victor paused a moment, then put on his servant's smile; "Of course Ben." And stepped in to tie his employer's bowtie.

"So, you're clear on your objective this evening?" Victor asked Ben.

"Yes. I'm to convince Isidor Straus to cooperate with the upcoming monetary overhaul in Washington."

"Right. He's not to use his political influence to oppose monetary reform; even if that means allowing the government to absorb the Mutual Alliance Trust... There will be an entirely new banking system."

"Agreed, and then my duty to my wife is fulfilled, my father in law will be made whole, Seligman will be off my back and we can return to France. Er, will you be staying on as my assistant Victor, or does this conclude our dealings as well?"

"My orders haven't extended that far yet, but I'm sure you'll be rid of me all in good time. Now, I've been busy setting things up, you're to have cigars and brandy with Astor, and Straus after dinner. You do this right, and I can guarantee yours and Ninette's safety. Right?" Victor said as he finished adjusting the ends of the bowtie.

"Safety?" Ninette asked, just walking in to catch the end of the conversation; "We are on an unsinkable bateau, non?"

Victor smirked at Ninette as Ben turned to hold her hand.

"Of course my darling. This is the safest ship ever built! You know Victor..."

"Mais oui, I know him." Ninette cut in.

"He's always concerned about our safety." Ben finished.

Victor glared at Ninette for a second, then said; "Well, sir. If there's nothing more, I will leave you two alone and see you at supper." Victor turned and left.

~~~~

John Jacob Astor IV arrived at dinner with his wife Madeline. Madeline was pregnant and beginning to show.

They were seated at the same table as Ben Guggenheim and Ninette, Margaret Brown, Ida and Isidor Straus, and Jonas Templeton a coal magnate who was travelling to New York with his wife Lizzy and daughter Isabelle.

Conversation over dinner remained light and jovial for the most part. Swaying only occasionally towards matters of finance, or political rumblings of war. But in mixed company with children present, someone always brought the conversation back with a well placed joke.

At the end of dinner, Ben leaned over to Ninette and asked her if she would be alright making her way back to their room.

"She can come with us, Benjamin." Madeline Force said; "We ladies were going to go for a stroll on the promenade this evening."

Victor was standing nearby their table and as Madeline looked at him, he gave her a quick wink.

"Isn't that right, Ladies?" Madeline added.

"Of course, we'll catch her up on all the gossip. Y'know I don't think we've had much chance to talk this entire trip." Margaret Brown said.

"Oui, I think I will be fine. I am in good company Ben." Ninette smiled.

"Excellent good! Then, gentlemen should we retire for cigars and brandy?" Ben asked standing up from the table.

The other men nodded their agreement, said their goodbyes, to their wives and family and proceeded towards the Lounge. Victor waited a moment and then inconspicuously followed behind.

~~~~

Victor entered the smoking lounge, which had various table and seating areas to allow for multiple groups to enjoy private conversations as well as move about and be social. He noted that Ben had chosen a quieter area near the back wall to limit people overhearing or listening in.

He had gone over some of what Benjamin was to lay out for Straus and Astor; generalities of proposed changes to the banking system, some of the finer points about geopolitics and America's role, if any, in a potential war.

"Such an overhaul to the monetary system would cause major turmoil, it's a scheme to transfer wealth and tilt the table in the favour of a select few." Straus opined.

"I think Americans have seen enough war!" John Astor asserted.

Jonas Templeton, who had followed along from dinner was saying little and listening intently. But overall, Ben was not bringing up anything outside of what was discussed in newspapers.

After some time, Victor decided that things needed to be brought to a finer point and intentions made clear. Ultimatums; if need be. He approached their table and tapped Templeton on the shoulder.

"Excuse me sir." Victor handed the man a note; apparently from his wife requesting his assistance back in their stateroom.

Templeton read the note and discretely excused himself. Victor stood with the rest of the group as Templeton left. After an uncomfortable silence, while the men wondered why Guggenheim's servant had not also excused himself after delivering the message, Victor said; "Gentlemen, it's time to get down to brass tacks."

"Ben? Is this not your assistant?" John Astor asked as he re-lit his cigar.

"In a sense." Ben said; "He was more or less assigned to me."

John Astor raised an eyebrow. Isidor looked perplexed. Both expressions called for Ben to provide more information.

"I am merely a servant..." Victor cut in; "...but for much more powerful interests. I was sent to New York a couple of years ago with clear orders and a mitt full of the proper letters of introduction. I became Mr. Guggenheim's personal assistant on purpose, but more on my purpose than his."

The two millionaires were unconvinced, this sounded like the bragging of a young man who aspired far beyond his station. Both men turned to look questioningly at Ben. "Is this true?" Astor asked.

Ben looked down at the table and nodded slowly. Which surprised both Astor and Straus.

"Don't pity me; he is a great assistant and does a great job keeping everything organized! But I can assure you that it's been made quite clear to me that when he receives orders, it behooves us both to take action." Ben said.

"And that brings us to the point at hand gentlemen." Victor cut in again; "Mr. Strauss; your discomfort with proposed changes to the monetary and banking system have been noted. Your political connections, Macy's and your seat on the board of Mutual Alliance Trust, make you somewhat of a power and a cause for concern to my masters. Should you use your influence and high profile to oppose these coming changes, it could cause...delays."

Straus leaned back from the table. He looked as if Victor had just slapped him in the face.

"I've looked into some of these proposed changes. I've heard rumours of secret meetings at Jeckyll Island. These proposed changes...a central banking system...an agency to artificially manage interest rates...printing money... It may not happen overnight but it will cause a major upheaval. And while power and assets transfer into the hands of an elite few, the markets will be thrown into chaos. Regular people will be wiped out!" Straus said.

Victor nodded and then turned to John Astor; "Mr. Astor. It's been noted that you've grown rather temperate for such a veteran soldier. And again, you're also a high profile individual. You may represent an anti-war sentiment that my masters are not willing to tolerate."

"We are not at war!" Astor chortled.

"No, but our friend is not wrong..." Benjamin motioned to Straus; "...the proposed overhaul to the financial system will cause upheaval and financially wipe out a lot of people..."

"That's right, and so to hide it my masters promise a coming war which will distract everyone and be all consuming. I don't know with whom or when exactly, but I am told that those wheels are in motion."

Victor reached into his breast pocket and removed two sets of folded parchment. He briefly checked the headers on both of them and slid one each across the table to Astor and Straus. Both men opened them and began to read.

"Gentlemen, you are to read these documents and sign your agreement. These are legally binding contracts to be exercised should your cooperation not be fully felt by my masters."

Isidor Straus was incredulous at what he read, and threw the paper back down on the table. John Astor chortled and followed Straus' example.

"Now I know this must be a joke! Benjamin, you really put us on tonight...to what end?" Astor asked Guggenheim.

"Honestly, Ben what are you playing at?" Straus added.

Benjamin Guggenheim shrugged and looked at them pleadingly.

"Gentlemen. This ship is going to sink tonight..." Victor asserted. He needed to get their attention back.

"Hah! This ship!?" Astor said; "HOW?"

"Rescue efforts have been pre-arranged. The question is, will your families be saved? Will you be saved? Or will you all be lost to history to make way for a new order?" Victor continued.

"Oh this is too much-" Straus began to say, just as all the men were thrown slightly off balance when the ship lurched. A vibratory wave seemed to work its way through the entire ship. A low rumble first heard as if from a great distance and then growing closer. It brought with it shaking tables glassware and vibrating steel. Then it moved past growing quiet again.

For a few moments everyone just sat silently waiting for something else to happen. When nothing did. Victor pushed the papers back towards Astor and Straus.

"Gentlemen, we'll be preparing ourselves in room 82-B if you change your minds. Otherwise, best of luck." Victor said and got up to leave. Benjamin nodded at the other two men and followed Victor out.

A short while later, Captain Smith entered the lounge and approached Mr. Astor.

"Sir, you should probably go and wake your wife. We've struck an ice berg, it may be necessary to take to life boats."

~~~~

John Jacob Astor signed the agreement and dropped it off at Guggenheim's cabin. In so doing, he secured a spot for his wife and child to be on lifeboat #4. This was also considered a success on Guggenheim's part, which secured Ninette a spot on a life boat. Isidor Straus refused to sign. It was made clear to him that he would die on that hill. Isidor's wife, Ida, refused to leave him knowing he would not live. Isidor may have told her she would be barred from trying to get on a life boat.

Victor put the agreement papers in the safe in their stateroom. He then directed a steward, Henry Etches, from the hallway to help Benjamin and Nanette get their life vests on. Then the three of them made their way to the upper deck where Ninette and her maid boarded onto a life boat.

"Women and children only!" yelled the Steward loading the boats.

Ben Guggenheim, reassured Ninette that they would see each other soon; "This is only a safety precaution, they'll do a repair and call the boats back in. Tomorrow we'll be under way."

Just then a flare was fired off the bow of the ship and exploded in the air. Everyone stopped to look for a moment. Victor, however was somewhat concerned.

"Mr. Guggenheim, I need to go and check on our status." Victor said, then disappeared through the crowd.

Ben stayed and watched as Ninette's boat was lowered to the water. He then helped load women and children into the next boat.

A short while later, Victor returned to find Ben near the remaining life boats.

"So, Victor. What is the plan for us? Is this a minor repair? Is the rescue ship on the way?" Ben asked.

"Indeed. Victor...what is the plan for us?" Astor asked, having decided to linger near Guggenheim after his wife was off.

Victor was clearly dejected. "I've been to see the Captain. I don't know if Smith ever intended to mount a full rescue or if he... The coordinates were wrong, the Californian is not responding, the closest ship is 4 hours away, and we have nowhere near that long before we sink...Everything is messed up"

"Hah!" Astor chortled, having heard enough, he started to walk away; "The best laid plans..."

"Buck up my fine friend,..." Benjamin said to Victor, and started to remove his life vest. "...in the end we are all expendable it seems. If this is our fate, we'd best face it in our best possible way."

Guggenheim and Victor returned to their stateroom. Both men changed into their best suits. Victor retrieved the agreement papers from the safe.

"They never really cared if these were signed or not!" Victor sulked, and lit the papers on fire. He left them to burn in a bowl on the side table.

"It's not a good feeling is it?" Ben said to Victor; "My estranged wife insisted I be on this ship, that I owed it to her and her family to carry out this mission for her father...I wonder if she knew what was in the works."

The two men left their state room and returned to the upper deck, having stopped off to grab a bottle of brandy and glasses on their way.

They set themselves up in some deck chairs where they could see the commotion, and the two men sat calmly toasting the great things that had happened to them in their lives.

The Steward, Henry Etches, saw Mr. Guggenheim sitting there and was about to suggest they try to get to safety, but Ben cut him off.

"We've dressed in our best, Mr Etches, and we intend to go down like gentlemen." Ben said; "Oh, and Etches? If something should happen to me, tell my wife in New York that I've done my best in doing my duty."

~END~

Post Script:

This is a work of FICTION.

There is very little known about Victor Giglio aside from who his parents were, and where he went to school. It was also somewhat of a mystery how he managed to become Benjamin Guggenheim's personal assistant.

On 25th May 1910 he was listed as a passenger arriving in New York aboard the White Star Liner Teutonic.  He had no occupation and had paid his own passage.

No one is clear on how he became the valet/personal assistant to one of the most powerful men in the U.S. Only a short time later.

It was because there was so little information to be found about Victor Giglio that he captured my imagination.

While doing my research for this story, I made a great deal of notes, read a lot of stories, and watched several films on the topic. I got side tracked into various rabbit-holes of conspiracy theory. Some revolved around the Federal Reserve; which came to be in 1913. Some revolved around J.P. Morgan and White Star Lines committing insurance fraud; supposedly switching the damaged Olympic for the maiden-voyage Titanic in order to collect insurance money and reclaim some losses.

This was all enough to capture my imagination and play a writer's game of "what if?".

I tried to write this around a framework of actual quotes and factual information to make is seem plausible. But in the end it was a game of "If we accepted the conspiracy theory, maybe it could have happened like this..."