Chapter 7: The Efforts of Situ Nan

I am Stony, we met last time! May I ask you a question?

Smith has spent his entire life at sea, having encountered all kinds of winds and waves. "An old horse knows the way," and he is indeed an excellent captain; otherwise, he would not have been appointed as the first captain of the Titanic

Oh, I remember you. Stony, I really like your piano. Please feel free to speak up!" Andrew said with a smile, feeling a certain fondness for Situ Nan, at least thinking that Situ Nan was somewhat different from the other crew members.

When Situ Nan mentioned that the low temperature of seawater makes steel plates brittle, Andrew was slightly surprised. Although this principle is not particularly difficult, it is indeed interesting to discuss how the low temperature of seawater causes steel plates to become brittle with a young crew member and a renowned ship designer

Smith began to envision the sensation that the Titanic would create upon its arrival in America next week, as it was not only the most luxurious but also the fastest ocean liner. Retiring as its captain was also a great honor

Mu stared at Situ Nan, unable to comprehend how this cousin could have such thoughts

Even if Mu is the cousin of Situ Nan, he surely would not believe such nonsense! Situ Nan recalled that there were so many people on the ship, feeling quite conflicted. He thought to himself that if he did not speak up, he might regret it, but if he did, it might be of no use; it seemed that it couldn't turn out too badly either.

Seeing that Andrew did not believe his "nonsense," Situ Nan said with some disappointment, "I must have overthought it! Thank you for your response"

Until Situ Nan pointed out that the current steel industry cannot completely remove sulfur, Andrew felt that this sailor was somewhat extraordinary, being musically inclined and knowledgeable about certain industrial production issues; if he had not received a good education, then he must have been very diligent in his studies

The collision of the Titanic with the iceberg was the result of a series of errors, and at that time, no one anticipated that it would sink, much like how no one in a previous life could have foreseen an event like 9/11.

Is there something wrong? Andrew was puzzled as the crew member looked somewhat familiar.

In fact, the maiden voyages of most of the ships of the White Star Line are entrusted to Captain Smith, who has diligently served for thirty years. The majority of the new vessels of the White Star Line have their inaugural journeys assigned to Captain Smith.

Situ Nan felt a bit desperate, but unfortunately he could not recall the exact time of the collision, only knowing that the Titanic sank after striking the iceberg around dawn

In fact, this issue has already been confirmed in a previous life; Situ Nan recalled it after researching the information about the Titanic in his past life

Well, I have one last question. If a large ship is about to collide with an iceberg, aside from slowing down and reversing, is it better to simultaneously turn and pass by the side or to directly collide with the iceberg to dissipate the ship's kinetic energy? I believe that directly colliding is safer, as this would damage the bow of the ship while keeping the watertight compartments in a safe state. On the other hand, I think turning to pass by the side is very dangerous, because the low temperature makes the steel plates brittle, and the ship has such a large amount of kinetic energy that the iceberg could create a long gash along the bottom of the ship, leading to more watertight compartments taking on water, which could potentially cause the ship to sink.

This statement reflects a somewhat optimistic form of evasion

Andrew immediately became displeased when he heard Situ Nan mention that there were issues with the Titanic, as if his own child were being criticized. Nevertheless, he patiently continued to listen.

Jack and Fabri once said in the bar while gambling: "What is there to worry about when you have nothing at all?"

In the past, you would never have said this to me. Recently, you have become less talkative, and now you suddenly come to me with these nonsensical words. I really don't understand you. Have you been hurt in the head and not recovered yet

In the afternoon, Situ Nan went to find his cousin Mu and shared his thoughts with him, stating that once they encountered the ice, they would charge straight ahead.

It is like this, I feel that there is a problem with this ship, of course, it is not an issue with your design; your design is excellent. You see, the temperature is so low now, especially the temperature of the seawater is even lower, which can cause the steel plates of the Titanic to become brittle. It is important to note that even the shipbuilding steel produced by the British Empire contains sulfur, which increases the brittleness of the steel plates. If it were to collide with an iceberg or run aground, then..." Situ Nan did not continue, but the meaning was very clear.

However, it seems that the facts are about to turn out that way

In fact, Situ Nan merely wanted to verify how the Titanic sank. People are reluctant to believe in tragedy, yet sometimes a very low probability event occurs. Now even the designer of the Titanic cannot be convinced; should Situ Nan go to the sixth officer, the helmsman Mu, and say: "Hey, buddy, if you see the ship about to collide with an iceberg, don't turn the wheel, just go straight ahead."

Si Tu Nan would never have imagined that he had aroused the curiosity of a stranger woman. Over the past few days, he had specifically paid attention to the situation of the transport boats on the ship, and after counting in his mind, he realized that there were indeed only 20 boats. If the ship were to sink, these transport boats, which now seemed somewhat superfluous, would be the lifeline for the people on board

Alright, Stony, let's not discuss this matter any further. Why do I feel like you have changed into a different person ever since you weren't knocked out anymore

"Stony, you are truly impressive to have thought of so much. Let's talk again when we have time; I have other matters to attend to." Andrew declined to continue the conversation.

Andrew's expression became serious, his brows furrowing, "Are you talking about the Titanic, right? Although I admit you have a point, such a situation will absolutely not occur, I assure you. Smith is an experienced captain, and we must trust that he will handle it well"

Next time? Next time we can only discuss it in God's old home. Situ Nan slandered.

Do your best and leave the rest to fate, give it a try! Situ Nan encouraged himself

As the chief officer on the ship, I must lead by example and adhere to all regulations and rules. How could I possibly heed the nonsensical remarks of Situ Nan?

The Titanic continued to advance at full speed of 23 to 24 knots, slicing through the surface of the Atlantic Ocean like a swiftly extended long knife. This magnificent sight filled Captain Smith with confidence in the Titanic, so in the following days, even as he received maritime ice warnings from nearby vessels, he remained unconcerned.

Joking aside, even if Situ Nan said it was true, if he did not change course, would he not still be held accountable? If it were to go awry, it would no longer be his responsibility

"What you said is very constructive, but I don't think such a thing will happen. Besides, I am just a designer, and there are some things that I cannot control," Andrew sighed and said

Hello! Mr. Andrew. Just as he encountered Andrew, the designer of the Titanic, Situnan couldn't help but call out to him. Last time at the first-class dinner hosted by Hawke, Situnan and Andrew had exchanged nods, but whether Andrew remembered Situnan is another matter.

Andrew believed that such a thing would not happen; how could it be so easy to collide on the ice? This is absurd! He did not want to discuss this unpleasant topic any further, yet he held a newfound respect for Situ Nan.

Maintain full speed ahead. I am off work now, and I will be with you. Smith said to the first officer Wallace

Si Tu Nan did not want to die; even if he could not prevent the sinking of the Titanic, he at least wanted to find a way to secure a place on one of those lifeboats

Mu, I am serious, listen to me, remember not to change course

Unfortunately, Smith is unaware that such obstinacy and a sense of complacency can sometimes lead to irreparable losses

It is akin to a driver being told, "Buddy, if there are obstacles on the road ahead, do not turn; just drive straight through them"

Although such thoughts are quite selfish, the fact remains, and there is nothing to criticize! Situ Nan secretly made up his mind.

The sea was calm, and the Atlantic resembled a pond, yet Si Tu Nan felt a strong sense of unease in his heart, as if beneath the tranquil surface lay immense danger

This ridiculous idea is truly absurd. Am I not the captain of the ship, and do I not know how to handle it? If it were someone else, Mu would have already slapped them across the face, but Si Tu Nan is my own cousin, and I must take care of this poor fellow

Now even Mu does not believe in himself, so what can be done? Everything that should be done has been done