Murdoch looked out the window at the calm sea. The ship cut through the sea like a greyhound racing for home. They were making good time. At this pace they’d win the pennant for the fastest crossing. Suddenly the phone from the crows nest rang.

“Iceberg, Right Ahead”. He could see the great ship was charging at the mountain of ice rising from the sea.

If I order full reverse, I might not be able to stop in time. Will she turn quickly enough to avoid the berg? Do both? He considered then rejected the thought.

“Hard port, flank speed,” he cried to the helm. Increasing the speed of the engines caused more water to flow past the rudder and turned the ship more quickly. The ship heeled hard and a few seconds later glided by the iceberg with a dozen yards to spare.

The phone rang and he answered it.

“Why the abrupt course change?” Captain Smith asked.

“To avoid an iceberg, sir.”

“Very good. It wouldn’t have done the White Star line much good to have the Titanic bash into an iceberg on her maiden voyage.”