Tancredi considered grabbing hold of a deck rail, then remembered a calming technique he’d invented. He began to tap the side of his nose with his index finger, telegraphing a soothing message to his brain. As the vibrations worsened, his tapping became more intense.

‘Time to activate our new technology. Pin defence mechanism, engage!’

With this, the screen showed a picture of the First Officer. He had taken his place alongside the Captain and other senior crew on stage. Sure enough there was a jolt, then the officers performed a synchronised wiggle for good effect.

The passengers gawped as the picture on the screen changed to one of the vessel. As the monster moved upwards, Tancredi saw a cloud of space vapour cascade from its fiery engines. Just as the ship reached the doorway to space, it hung in the air, as if uncertain what to do. Suddenly the screen went blank.

‘Ha! Now we’re invisible. Per favore, enjoy the trip.’

III
Tamany’s Story

Tancredi was enjoying the view of the stars on deck when a couple approached him to ask whether he had seen their son Tamany. He was seven, small for his age with blonde hair, wearing a blue-and-white-striped top. Tamany had a galaxy of freckles and glasses just like his. They didn’t seem too concerned. Tancredi looked blank.

‘Keep an eye out for him, will you?’ they asked, and ambled off without waiting to learn whether he would.

Momentarily the ship shuddered. To Tancredi’s alarm, a crack opened in its mast which shortly expanded into a hole. He considered another somersault, but the deck was vibrating too violently to be sure of a safe landing. Instead, he went over to investigate the damaged area. A few moments later, a young boy fell through the hole, landing at Tancredi’s feet. He dusted himself off, looking guilty.

‘I’m so sorry,’ cried Tamany, his eyes filling with tears. ‘I think I’ve done something terrible.’ He began to shake.

This was an unexpected twist. The word ‘sorry’ was unknown in the human lexicon. Tancredi picked the child up, carried him to a quiet corner, and sat him down. He much preferred children to adults, and felt almost compelled to comfort him.

‘Don’t worry, I’m sure it wasn’t your fault. Tell me what you think you’ve done, I might be able to help.’

Tamany had never been spoken to in this way before. He blinked and looked up into the large brown eyes focussed on him. There was something about Tancredi which he trusted. He took a breath of air and began his story.

‘I was a mistake, as my parents never tire of telling their friends. It took ages for me to be born – I guess I knew I wasn’t wanted. Also, my bones are soft, I’m like a mouse. Wherever my head fits the rest of me follows, which is just as well. I’ve spent my life hiding.

‘When I was three, I disappeared up our fireplace on deck. I loved the silence and secrecy. After that I followed our dog down a rabbit hole. My parents were busy, they pretended to care, but I knew they didn’t.