 Back on the Titanic , Captain Hardaker dismisses the ship 's officers from the bridge . Citing regulations , that require at least two officers remain on the bridge at all times , Midshipman Alonso Frame stays . After the group returns from their excursion , Hardaker drops the vessel 's protective shielding and <unk> the hull . This causes nearby meteors to be pulled toward the ship on a collision course . Midshipman Frame attempts to reactivate the shields but is shot by Hardaker as the meteors collide with the ship . The collision causes hull breaches , most of the 2 @,@ 000 passengers and staff are killed , and the vessel begins plunging toward the Earth . The Doctor makes contact with the wounded Midshipman Frame , who stabilises and maintains the power from the damaged engines . 
