Page 23 - Three Adventures

Voyage of the Pomeranian

What did he mean? True, once coal replaced wind as the primary
motive force in seafaring, the chemical by-products of steamships
became ubiquitous in the world’s oceans. But surely not to an extent
threatening the very existence of marine life and stimulating its more
intelligent members to find a means of escape! At that point I had
spent hours in the tank and could not physically stay longer. Now,
having recorded this conversation, I again doubt my sanity. Is this all
a hideous dream? I hope I will be able to sleep: tomorrow, if all goes
well, I shall have my kraken!

May 22, 1884. Georgetown, Ascension Island.

It is with a heavy heart that I take pen in hand to relate the events
concluding the voyage of the Pomeranian. The day began early. Land
was sighted as we approached Georgetown close to the same route
we had taken on departure. I urged Casimir to assemble every man
on deck not necessary for the operation of the ship. I explained that I
had very good reason to believe the giant squid was beneath these
waters, and that I would first free the octopus so the tank could be
cleared for its new occupant. I ordered the engine speed cut and we
began drifting not far from where the octopi had been snared. After
ascertaining that the crew was properly stationed, I joined Tristan for
our final conversation. I hated to lose him, but I intended to keep my
end of the bargain—and he had the power to command a kraken to
surface, not I.

As usual the octopus approached me and wrapped one arm around
my left wrist. With a pang I realized I might never feel that touch
again. Man and beast had made contact in a more profound fashion
than ever before. But I would not allow myself any expression of
sentiment, nor would Tristan have understood it, much less
sympathized. I told him that we were at the appointed location. He
replied that if we were not too late he would descend and bring up
the kraken vessel. I frowned. Please repeat, I tapped. He produced
the same message. Why did you add “vessel?” I asked. He answered
that the words were not different; perhaps I had misunderstood. I
began to reply that kraken were living beings, not inanimate objects

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