The Very Black

"The Very Black" by Dean Evans is a science fiction narrative written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the challenges faced by test pilot Eddie Anders as he navigates both his personal relationships and the technical hazards associated with flying a cutting-edge experimental jet, the XXE-1. Central to the plot is the interplay between human emotion and advanced technology, as well as the concept of imagination manifesting in unexpected ways. The plot follows Eddie Anders, who is conflicted about flying a dangerous new jet fighter while grappling with his feelings for Margie Hayman, the daughter of the jet's chief engineer. As he prepares for the test flight, strange events unfold, including a surreal encounter with a bioplastic being that claims to be a manifestation of his imagination. This entity provides a psychological struggle, urging him to abandon his love for Margie to secure its own existence at his expense. The story culminates in a dramatic test flight where high-speed challenges push Eddie to the brink, leading him to realize that part of his identity and love for Margie is intricately linked with his survival. Ultimately, Eddie's journey explores themes of love, fear, and the boundaries between reality and the imagination.