Emotion 365: The Land of Depleted, the Great Ship Ornery

The icy ocean Depleted grows warm. Algae begins to color the water jade. The ice fish die and minnows choke on the algae. Fat creatures swim in the choppy frigid waters, but find less to eat. The once sleek creatures become haggard. The algae sloshes. Whales died and their carcasses sunk into the shoreline. Only single-celled creatures remain—reverse evolution. Ships pass Depleted—there is nothing to see. People live on the shores of Depleted and wait for ships — like the great ship Ornery —  to take them away. Metal Ornery passes by. Its sailors throw heavy, ugly, metal spears at land and water. They frighten all they pass. Visitors board Ornery and over drink stiff alcohol. They take odd pleasure in the sailing life on the metal clanking tub — whose entertainments are drink and spear-throwing —  as it drifts from place to place. Other ships steer clear. When Ornery comes to port, the inhabitants make way and hide until the ship departs. Only the bravest offer the Ornery shelter and drink. A few taverns open.

"Ah, most of the Ornery have terrible, drunken aim," says the Guide, who excuses their boorish conduct. "They mean to intimidate not maim."