Nico covered his nose with a pristine white scarf, looking at the scene of the blast before him with disgust. When the smoke cleared, the black hole, originally only two meters wide, had expanded into a gaping mouth as large as a house.
The Narwhal's soft ladder was lowered from the opening, and the entire crew lined up, stepping onto the ladder to descend. Apart from various essential supplies, the engine team also carried a bizarre, fleshy airbag used to prevent nearby objects from transforming into anomalies.
Just as Nico was about to follow, Bandages blocked his way. "Is something wrong, First Mate?"
"Do you... really... think... the Captain... is fine?"
"Why wouldn't he be? He's been with me this whole time and hasn't left my side once."
Nico raised both hands, distractedly glancing at his neatly trimmed nails in the glow of distant flashlights.
"No... I can feel... the suspicion... in your heart... You're also... doubtful..."
