Falling Stars

Episode-2 : Change Of Game

Gabriel and Mark emerged from the town hall, the morning sun now high in the sky, casting long shadows over the devastated landscape of Riverdale. They had worked through the chaos, ensuring that as many people as possible had reached safety, but the sense of urgency and dread still lingered in the air. Gabriel could see the strain etched into Mark's features, a weariness that went beyond physical exhaustion.

"Let's take a break," Gabriel suggested, guiding Mark to a nearby bench that had somehow survived the destruction. They sat down heavily, and for a few moments, neither of them spoke. The silence was filled with the distant sounds of crackling fires and the occasional rumble of meteors still falling from the sky.

Mark broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "Gabriel, I... I lost my parents."

Gabriel turned to him, shocked. "What? When?"

"Early this morning, before I called you," Mark replied, his eyes glistening with tears he was fighting to hold back. "A meteor hit their house directly. There was nothing anyone could do."

Gabriel felt a pang of sorrow and anger. He put a hand on Mark's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "I'm so sorry, Mark. Your parents were wonderful people."

Mark nodded, wiping his eyes. "They were. And that's why I need to tell you something important."

Gabriel waited, sensing that Mark had been holding back something significant.

"There's a new initiative," Mark began, taking a deep breath. "The United Nations has formed a special task force called the Celestial Elimination Department. Their mission is to intercept and destroy meteors and other celestial threats before they reach Earth. I was approached to join them a few months ago, but I hesitated. I didn't want to leave Riverdale or my parents."

Gabriel's mind raced. The idea of a global effort to combat the celestial dangers was both daunting and thrilling. "And now?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

"Now, I have nothing left here," Mark said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I want to join the Celestial Elimination Department and do something to prevent this from happening to anyone else. And, Gabriel, I want you to join me."

Gabriel was taken aback. The weight of Mark's request hung heavy in the air. He had spent the past years trying to find purpose in a life that seemed increasingly mundane, but this was something he hadn't anticipated.

"Me? Why me?" Gabriel asked, searching Mark's eyes.

"Because you're the best person I know," Mark replied without hesitation. "You've always had a sense of duty, of doing what's right. And you have the skills we need—your military background, your experience with emergency situations. We need people like you."

Gabriel looked out at the ruins of Riverdale, the enormity of the destruction sinking in. The familiar stirrings of his old resolve began to awaken. He knew Mark was right. He could no longer ignore the pull towards something greater.

"What exactly would we be doing?" Gabriel asked, trying to grasp the full scope of what he was being asked to commit to.

"There's a lot involved," Mark explained. "We'd be trained in advanced technology, working with some of the world's best scientists and engineers. Our main goal would be to detect, track, and intercept celestial objects before they pose a threat to Earth. It's dangerous, but it's also our best shot at preventing more disasters like this."

Gabriel nodded slowly, the enormity of the task settling over him. It was risky, yes, but it was also an opportunity to make a real difference. To find a sense of purpose again.

"Alright," he said, meeting Mark's gaze. "I'm in. Let's do this together."

Mark's eyes filled with gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Gabriel. I knew I could count on you."

Over the next few days, Gabriel made the necessary arrangements to leave his life as a bank employee behind. He submitted his resignation, packed up his apartment, and said his goodbyes. His colleagues were surprised by his sudden departure, but they wished him well, sensing that this was something Gabriel needed to do.

Mark and Gabriel traveled to the United Nations headquarters in New York City, where they were briefed on the Celestial Elimination Department. The scale of the operation was staggering. Scientists and engineers from around the world were collaborating on advanced technologies, including satellites equipped with high-powered lasers and interceptor rockets capable of reaching space.

Gabriel and Mark were introduced to Dr. Elena Sokolov, the head scientist of the project. She was a stern yet compassionate woman, her passion for the mission evident in every word she spoke.

"Welcome, gentlemen," she said, shaking their hands. "We have a lot of work ahead of us. Your backgrounds will be invaluable to our efforts. We need people who can think on their feet and remain calm under pressure."

The training was intense. Gabriel and Mark were put through rigorous physical conditioning, learning to operate the advanced technology that would be their tools in the fight against celestial threats. They studied orbital mechanics, astrophysics, and the latest in missile defense systems. It was a steep learning curve, but they were both driven by a newfound sense of purpose.

During breaks, Gabriel and Mark would reminisce about their past, sharing stories from their military days and their time in Riverdale. The camaraderie between them grew stronger, their shared experiences forging a bond that would be crucial in the challenging times ahead.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day of training, they sat together on a bench overlooking the city. The stars above seemed to mock them, a constant reminder of the dangers they were preparing to face.

"Do you ever think about what we left behind?" Mark asked, his voice quiet.

"Sometimes," Gabriel admitted. "But I know this is where we need to be. We're doing something important, something that matters."

Mark nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I think my parents would be proud of us."

"They would," Gabriel agreed. "We're honoring their memory by protecting others."

As the weeks turned into months, Gabriel and Mark became integral members of the Celestial Elimination Department. They participated in simulations, honing their skills and preparing for the inevitable day when they would be called upon to intercept a real threat.

That day came sooner than expected. A massive asteroid, designated XN-783, was detected on a collision course with Earth. The news sent shockwaves through the global community, and the Celestial Elimination Department sprang into action.

Gabriel and Mark were part of the team tasked with launching the interceptor rockets. The tension in the control room was palpable as they monitored the asteroid's trajectory and coordinated the launch sequence.

"All systems go," Dr. Sokolov announced, her voice steady despite the high stakes.

"Ready for launch," Gabriel confirmed, his hands steady on the controls.

"Three... two... one... launch!"

The rockets roared to life, streaking towards the sky with a deafening roar. Gabriel watched the monitors intently, his heart pounding. The rockets' progress was tracked in real-time, their path converging with the asteroid's predicted trajectory.

Minutes felt like hours as they waited for confirmation. Finally, a cheer erupted in the control room as the monitors showed the successful interception. The asteroid was shattered into smaller, harmless pieces that would burn up in the atmosphere.

Gabriel let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, turning to Mark with a triumphant grin. "We did it."

Mark clapped him on the back, his eyes shining with relief and pride. "We did. We really did."

In that moment, Gabriel knew they had made the right choice. They were part of something bigger than themselves, a force dedicated to protecting humanity from the dangers of the cosmos. And they would face those challenges together, just as they always had.

As they stepped outside, the night sky seemed a little less daunting, the stars no longer harbingers of doom but symbols of the resilience and determination of those who stood ready to defend their world. Gabriel and Mark walked side by side, their steps in sync, ready for whatever came next.