Charting the Sphere

I advanced across the walnut carrel toward a massive sphere mounted upon an arched brass frame. Bracing my heater shield against my flank, I grasped the curved meridian ring with my left gauntlet, testing its tension against the desk. The metal held resolute. With my right hand, I gave the varnished paper globe a steady, measured push. Continents and dark oceans drifted smoothly in a silent orbit beneath the morning light, until the contours of the Mediterranean basin swung into view. Tracing the faded coastlines with the tip of my finger, I took my bearings over distant holy lands before bringing the revolving world to a firm, deliberate halt.