This is the beginning of Chapter 3: The Emersion of S.

Because Ship of Theseus is the only Straka novel to have actual chapter titles, we can assume the names of chapters are of significant importance. Here, S.’s “emersion” can be likened to a rebirth. We can draw that this chapter will most likely about S. rediscovering himself after the incident on the ship, which is interesting because he’s already trying to discover who he is after waking up in the Old Quarter. Maybe the ship defines S. to the extent where needing to find himself is irrelevant, and now that he is no longer on the ship he is back to square 1.

The chapter begins with S. resting beneath a pier on a bed of sharp rocks with nothing on but a pair of trousers. He is extremely cold–“…too numb to register any more cold.” and realizes that he has left the overcoat and the piece of paper back in the cabin.

It seems as though S. is more lost than ever now, with the trousers he is wearing his only connection to his past. The combination of the numbing cold and the pain from rocks suggest one of S.’s lowest points since waking up in the Old Quarter. It sets up the idea of emersion and rebirth perfectly; he now has the opportunity to bounce back from something.

Here Jen and Eric spend most of the page discussing the title of chapter. Jen offers a couple definitions for the word “emersion,” one being:

the re reemergence of a celestial body after eclipse or accultation

Eric responds in a flirtatious manner:

You’re not saying S. is a celestial body, are you?

I don’t know. I haven’t seen him.

(((RIMSHOT)))

Jen also makes a couple interesting insights:

(In response to Eric’s “rimshot” remark) I just think it’s interesting given what happens w/ stars in Ch. 2.

and

(Referencing the paper with S. written on it) I keep thinking about that paper. We know the S. symbol is on it. What else? Does it matter?

Eric replies:

Most people think it’s just a MacGuffin.

Eric makes an interesting point here because it seems like several images and motifs in S. are MacGuffins. Is this an attempt to mislead readers? Why? Maybe to help preserve the mystery of V. M. Straka?