Alex woke in her bed. Her body hurt more than the last time she had woken up. She didn't know how long it had been this time. The darkness through the curtains told her it was nighttime in the sphere. She tapped her fingers on the table. The lights started dimly first. She left them there.

She hauled her aching body up and relieved herself in the bathroom. From beyond the door, she heard a monstrous thud. She slowly slid the door to the bathroom open with a wave. The door to ...