Everson stopped, panting, his forehead glistening with a sheen of sweat. The orb stopped as well, considerably less taxed by the game of chase. The thought of his idyllic childhood spent collecting insects on his grandfather’s farm gave the soldier sudden inspiration.
The orb seemed to watch curiously as the soldier bent slowly over and picked up the apron. He gripped two corners in both hands and held the apron out in front of him as if preparing to set a table. The orb remained immobile. With a leap and a swoop of cloth, Everson brought the apron down upon the orb and quickly gathered the edges in both hands.
He yelped loudly in surprise when he was jerked off his feet. Everson was suddenly airborne and being dragged around the room by the trapped and inconceivably powerful little bal
