Night Calibration

In from the patio pavers, straight to mission control on the wooden side table! My capsule assembly stood ready in its cork crater, crowned with the dimpled metal thimble. I unslung my brown rod and wedged its blunt end against the thimble's rim to verify alignment. Tilt, pivot—click! The notched white zip tie and crimped bottle cap I secured earlier formed a miniature tracking station nearby. As the table lamp hummed warm light across the timber, tiny pinholes of glow cast a complete starry grid over the wood grain. Night watch active!