Work Text:
Average people look at the world & say 'wow, that's amazing'; scientists look at the world & invent things like microscopes & telescopes to look in more detail and analyse what they see, they want to understand the what, why & how.
Astronomers discovered the planets by looking at small sections of the sky through a telescope and noticing that one of the 'stars' moved. The word 'planet' actually means 'wanderer' - these wandering stars were obviously different to the rest.
The same thing happened later with the discovery of moons around these planets, with higher powered telescopes.
Fast forward a few hundred years and astronomers are using photos of the night sky & analysing what they see - and when you are focused on a small section of sky and compare photos of the same section from one year to the next (over 50-100 years or so), you notice the minute changes - distant stars are slowly, ever-so-slightly moving apart, indicating that the universe is expanding.
When Phryne looks at the sky, she thinks it is still - she is looking at one instant in time, without any perspective or frame of reference and is overwhelmed (visually, not emotionally) by the enormity of it and cannot see the tiny details. At that point in time, she had indicated that she might be a little overwhelmed emotionally by the uncertainty over her father & not knowing what's going on. When you're in the middle of a stressful situation, it's often hard to see your way out. You're looking at the whole situation and can't afford the luxury of time and a critical eye to notice things.
Jack says she is 'not a telescope' which to me, means he's telling her that she is a normal human being, she's not a machine/piece of scientific equipment, she's allowed to feel like this, he will be there for her & eventually it will get better.
As detectives, P & J are always noticing the details, looking for clues as to what's going on in the background that the average person doesn't see. As Jack is removed from Phryne's situation with her father, he can look on objectively and offer a little perspective and of course, his support.
They are both talking in metaphors and parallels.
Phryne understands. And even if she didn't understand the whole astronomy thing, what she does understand is Jack offering his unconditional support to her; she has faith in his belief that her father and her issues with him will get further away - they won't be with her forever - there will be an end to this turmoil and despair she is feeling and he will be there for her if she needs him.
It's like a verbal hug.