The Olympian Sisters #3 The Gilded Age

Chapter 19

NEW YORK OCTOBER 28 1919 "MAJESTIC"

It was called prohibition and it started suddenly and unexpectedly in the United States. I had once enjoyed going to New York, now I dreaded the crossings. It was a Great War in itself.

This time, the submarines were the liquor bottles stowed onboard. Britain fortunately hadn't followed the US's congressional measure but as a result, thousands of first and second class passengers would book their passage round trip, sometimes on the slowest ships to enjoy the liquor for as long as possible.

White Star's legendary luxury became an advantage over speed as our ships could carry the better liquor and allow our passengers to enjoy it longer. And while Cunard greyhounds Aquitania and Mauretania still maintained a loyal passenger following, it had declined significantly.

"The immigrant trade all but disappeared during the war, trade has declined for everyone." Olympic told the frustrated Cunard leader. "We're losing millions of dollars in revenue, not that I care about money but people are getting frustrated. Your ships can carry more of the better drink than we can. You're slower than we are so your voyages last longer, and therefore the taste of liquor does. The public loves you." She complained.

"They love you too, Maury." Olympic replied. "Apparently speed isn't all it's cracked up to be." Mauretania muttered. "Of course it is." Olympic assured her. "Maury, to go your speed, to hold the Blue Riband and improve on your record each time you cross, is something that any White Star ship, including me, would die for to try and get. We don't try 'cause we know it's not possible anymore."

"You do have one ship who has a chance." Mauretania muttered. "Who?" Olympic asked. "Majestic." She replied. Olympic frowned. "Majestic has a cruising speed of about 24-25 knots with a flank speed of 27." She said. "It's fast enough to beat me." Mauretania said.

"I know what we should do." She went on, an idea forming in her mind. "What?" Olympic asked curiously. "We should hold a race for the Riband. Winner takes it." Mauretania replied. "And lots of passengers would want to ride a potential holder, despite the pitchy and rolly ride." Olympic added.

"Perfect!" Mauretania exclaimed. "It will be a real race, you know. Winner takes all." Olympic warned. "You sure you'd be willing to give it up?" She asked. "Yes." Mauretania replied.

Olympic nodded. "Alright then." She said. "Which one are we after?" She asked. "Westbound." Mauretania replied. "Ok then." Olympic replied.

A challenging light appeared in Mauretania's hazel eyes. "It's your call to say when." She said. "May 7." Olympic replied. Mauretania nodded. "Next year?" She asked. Olympic smiled. "What, scared?" She teased. "Never." Mauretania growled.

"Good." Olympic replied. "You're planning something." Mauretania noticed. "I'm not going to cheat if that's what you're thinking." Olympic snapped. "Then what are you planning?" Mauretania asked. "You'll see soon enough." Olympic said ominously.

Mauretania laughed. "You were always one for secrets, Olympic." She said. "So are you." Olympic countered. "See you out at sea?" Mauretania asked. Olympic dipped her head. "Yeah, see ya." She replied and left.

Back at the docks she approached me. I could see them talking but I wasn't about to eavesdrop, that would've been very rude and I wasn't Baltic. (What, you know it's true Prank Sea. I saw you do it all the time.)

Anyway, Olympic came over to me. "How long do you think you can maintain your flank speed?" She asked. I shrugged. "I was making enough resolutions for flank speed from here to Norway and back, so about 3000 miles. Why?" I asked. "You think you could do it again?"