Analog Science Fiction and Fact - June 2013

precarious one—each shining bead rolling
with unusual speed along the metal rails, and
then the rails simply parting to let slip one errant
pearl.
But forget, thereafter, all about the folding
of those same rails back into place, and the
cargo bay doors gradually reclaiming the other
gems in turn, and the red and flashing lights
signaling some form of serious alarm within.
Observe, instead, the darkness and the points
HYDROPONICS 101
JUNE 2013
of distant starlight reflecting off one half of
the sphere then drifting gently out; the dazzling
white light gleaming off the side set toward
the ancient, black-bodied sun.
It won’t take long.
Count to ten, perhaps, and think good
thoughts.
Watch the little round of glass bloom a pale
but sturdy blue. ■
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