'I find that an unhelpful word,' says Tayrey mildly. 'It seems to me that different universes have different natural laws - it's fascinating, really. I'd like to understand the variations better. Particularly what's going on here, because understanding the natural laws of the universe you find yourself in is important - but that mention of a telescope catches her attention, and the issue of magic is all but forgotten.

'A telescope! That's a fine idea! I'd planned on taking parallax measurements, see if I can put some decent charts together, but that - well, manufacture isn't my field, but I'd gladly help where I can in return for use of it when it's ready.'