Vin'nyla leans forward, scrutinizing the monitor. The digital display reads 00:48:53, and the room is bathed in the dim glow of monitors and control panels.

"Now, let's pull back," s/he instructs, their voice steady. "You'll notice the curvature of the horizon."

The seconds tick by, and the timestamp advances to 00:49:00. Vin'nyla's brow furrows in concentration. "Well, surely from that, we can work out an approximation of the overall size. Let's pull back a little more."

The display transitions to 00:49:51, and Vin'nyla starts adjusting the magnification. 

The images flicker and shift rapidly – 1000, 100000. Vin'nyla studies the evolving scenes on the screen, their expression transitioning from confusion to realization.

"Not the most flattering of pinups nor the best way to spend a furlough. Thanks for all your help," s/he chuckles.

Vin'nyla turns their attention back to the monitor, a thoughtful expression on their face. "Yes, I'm beginning to see the problem. I'd like you to take a look at that monitor."

The display showcases seemingly mundane objects – a grain of pollen, a section of fractured polystyrene, and a piece of shattered wheat. "What would you say this is?"

"Well, before your demonstration, I would have said a lava formation of some kind," s/he admits.

"Actually, it's a section of fractured polystyrene. It's incredible. Here's another from the structure in the center." 

Vin'nyla squints at the monitor.

Vin'nyla leans back.

"It's a vast area, almost completely unexplored," s/he acknowledges.

Vin'nyla muses.

"Space is infinite both ways – outward and inward."