midnight
Although it was not strong enough to harm spacecraft , the microwave probes were no match for its power . As the pulse swept past the probes , they winked out in flashes of golden light . On the master screen aboard the Tempest and in Richard Starlight 's office , viewers watched the golden net disappear . Although it was past midnight , Richard and John Rwakatare were wide awake with their eyes glued to the screen . From the center where the asteroid was indicated , an expanding circle of darkness went forth , gradually swallowing up all the probes . It was obvious to Richard that the microwave net was doomed . `` Computer , '' he said in a dull voice .