THE NOTHING MECHANISM: The Black Fish 1:1

The Black Fish, and her twenty-five human and one extraterrestrial passengers were two weeks into the renewed Vadasz Expedition and everything was going well. The weather was cooperating, offering calm waters and blue skies. The expedition team, which included seven men and women, including Penelope, was getting along splendidly with The Black Fish’s rugged salty crew. To pass the time, the passengers played cards, read books, smoked tobacco, played music and danced, and best of all, engaged in bare-knuckle boxing matches.



It was evening, on the fourteenth day. Penelope was sitting with Blue and Captain Ernest Somerset, on the bridge, watching a boxing match, below, on the upper deck, when one of the crewmen came running toward them.

“There’s been a terrible accident!” The crewman was ranting, covered in blood.