The boom thundered from the darkness hiding the derelict ship. Pentam cursed as he tried to see through the spyglass, but it only magnified the black void.

Others lined the rail with him, watching, praying. A cheer went up when a speck of light appeared.

"Someone's moving over there." Dr. Franklyn said.

Pentam put the useless glass in his pocket, then stood watch at the rail. The others gradually faded away, back to duty or bed. He stood staring at the tiny flickering ...