Midnight Optics Table Under Dusty Fluorescent Light

Stark fluorescent tubes cast sharp, cool white rectangles across a cluttered optics table in Rufisque. Dust motes hang suspended in the beams, drifting slowly as if caught in the salt wind pushing against the exposed equipment. Metal mounts and glass lenses sit arranged with deliberate precision on the workbench. The cool season air leaves a faint sheen of moisture on the steel surfaces. Cables snake across the floor, disappearing into the shadows of the room. A laser pointer beam cuts a thin red line through the haze, striking a silver mirror. The light reflects off the polished edges of the optical mounts, creating small, bright flares against the dim background. One lens cap rests on the corner of the table, its black surface absorbing the harsh overhead glow.