Tlön was not exactly lost, but he was in uncharted territory. No record of it existed. Neither had he ever ventured this far from the center of the universe, which he knew all too well. He could see only a few stars from his cockpit. Twinkling faintly, most of them were very old. Having checked his instruments once again, he leaned back and adjusted his limbs in his seat. It would take him a while to reach the nearest planet, but he was looking forward to it. If he found any traces of life on them, even life long extinct, he would learn a few things that could be expected closer to the center with due delay. He had already closed his eyes in preparation of a nap when he heard a sound signal. It was barely audible, but he opened his eyes at once. One of the instruments was twinkling steadily. Yes, the planet he was heading for harbored something worth his attention. The signal was unmistakable, too. He closed his eyes again and sprouted a smile. Tlön was asleep soon afterwards, but the twinkling of the instrument in front of him turned faster and faster.