GALILEO’S findings have offended the Church and, now, he should either declare his research to be wrong or be executed like Copernicus. Galileo wants time to finish some of his critical experiments, which demands that he lives, which he can do only by giving an apology in the court of the Bishop.

There is a roar of approval from the gathering when he says: "It does not move." The Bishop is not finished, however; he knows that Galileo’s heart is still in experiment and not theology. That someone lives on his land and preaches new science cannot be forgiven. Bishop: "Galileo, you cannot buy time forever. Time is a predator, which eventually gets to you, no matter how hard you delay it. There is no escape from it… it destroys everyone and everything, like it will destroy you and your science."

"I have powers to bestow riches or a curse on anyone… which no science can do. Prove now the powers that you may have or pledge not to conduct offending experiments ever."

Galileo: "I can be at two ends of the city simultaneously." Citizens: "He lies. How will he do that?" Galileo: "There are bell towers at east and west ends of the city; let all citizens be witness, I shall move from the East Tower to the West Tower and ring both bells at the same time." The Bishop, now, has a deal with the scientist who is known for his crazy experiments." A night before the demonstration, Galileo sends a cipher letter to his friend at the West end of the city. When deciphered, it will read as follows: "Wear the brown cloak and begin from the West Tower at 2 pm tomorrow for the East Tower. When you reach there, ring the bell thrice."

With citizens gathered around him, Galileo, who’s in a brown cloak, begins at noon to walk from East Tower to West Tower, and his friend begins walking at 2 pm from West Tower to East Tower. They meet on the road at five minutes past four and each man reaches his destination at exactly the same time. The bells ring together, signifying that the experiment has been successful. That night, Galileo addresses a letter to the Bishop: "Time is not a predator, but a sweet companion that travels with you, telling you to cherish every moment, for it will not return. One thing more… it does move." At what time did Galileo and his friend arrive at the towers? Write at Mind Games, Windows, The Tribune; or adityarishi99@yahoo.co.in.

— Aditya Rishi