Final answer:
The figurative language reveals that Professor Knowles is shocked to learn that the damage to the research station was intentional, thus answer C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's use of figurative language in the sentence, “Then it hit him like a punch in the stomach: It wasn't a shark at all but was a vessel high-tailing it away from the scene of its crime,” reveals that Professor Knowles experienced a sudden and intense realization. The metaphorical language emphasizes the shock that Professor Knowles feels upon discovering the truth. This type of figurative expression is often used in literature to convey complex emotions and reactions without stating them outright, allowing readers to engage more deeply with the characters’ experiences.
Based on the context provided in the sentence, the correct answer would be C. It reveals that Professor Knowles is shocked to realize that someone had deliberately damaged the research station.