You are listening to a Clarksworld magazine podcast with your host and narrator Kate Baker.

Greetings, Clarksworld citizens. I hope this podcast finds you well. Welcome to our fourth story for

the month of February 2023 issue 197. As always, whether this is your very first story that you're

listening to or it's over something like seven or 50, I actually have to do that count because I

have no idea. But we've been doing this for a very, very long time. And the best part is that we

can't be doing it without you. So thank you for your ongoing support, whether you're listening,

whether you're telling a friend, whether you're subscribing to the magazine, or whether you're going

to patreon.com forward slash Clarksworld and checking us a dollar a month or more. Thank you.

We simply could not do it without you. Our story is titled an ode to Stardust and is by R.P.

Sand. R.P. Sand, who can be found at the website rpsand.com, is a theoretical physicist turned

scientific advisor for literature and film, science communicator and educator and writer of

speculative fiction whose words have made the locus recommended reading list. Cats, coffee,

cosplay and colorful socks are a few of her favorite things. And if you like what you hear,

go back to the last civilian and ask the fireflies. So my dear listener, I hope you can sit back,

relax. And let me tell you a story.

My cat hops up to his favorite spot by the window to observe the nebula. The pitter-patter of his

paws and a low hum rumble of the engine. The only sounds in the room. Missy tendrils,

amber past, glimmering and cloud-like, carrying an entire medley of warm hues. And his black coat is

gilded with a lamppant pink. Midnight's tale flicks the way it does when I wind up one of his mice.

I envy his contentment. I allow myself an unwerried moment to imagine his thoughts,

pying a star, perhaps, or snatching a fish from the great cosmic sea.

Better to ruminate on Midnight's fancies than face the task before me. The lump in my throat

...