The Star Specimen

I slid the star anise pod from my satchel pocket onto the desk blotter, where its eight woody points rested intact. To keep its delicate geometry safe, I retrieved a miniature clear glass specimen vial from my stationery tray. Gripping the fragrant pod carefully between both hands, I eased it through the rim until it rested squarely against the circular glass base. Beside it lay a tapered cork stopper. I centered the cork over the vial's mouth and leaned my weight forward, pressing with both thumbs until it slid snug into the neck with a soft, airtight squeak. My weighed spice was officially archived.