Contract with a Star (On Hold, Possibly Forever)

The Captain and the Star

             Prologue

           Captain Ky Asnin watched the clearing with sapphire eyes, preparing for the slightest change. The silver netting was almost invisible in evening light, but Ky knew exactly where it was. The captain had planned this capture for months, even years if childhood dreams were to be included. Everything had to be perfect; they wouldn't get another chance in their lifetimes. That's why, when the second-in-command of this operation came towards the captain with a piece of old paper clutched in his hand, Ky almost screamed in frustration.

            "I found this with the men. They think we're out here to catch some of the zealots. Should I tell them the truth?"

            Ky relaxed visibly. Taking the paper and temporarily ignoring the other soldier, Ky sat back and took a look at the little trouble maker. It was just another apocalypse paper. Starting with the arrogance of the Techie Era, and then bringing up the world wide famine and the cannibalism that followed, finally talking about the miracle drug that would reduce the amount of useless humans in the world without disturbing the livestock. The drug worked, but a bit too well. The world had died and now it was in a state of waiting. Waiting for the next big spark to give it life once again. If everything went well, the spark would come tonight.

            "Leave them to their dreams. Everyone knows the cannibalistic zealots don't exist." Ky laughed softly, but the blue eyes still rested on the clearing.

            "Yeah, and everyone knows that the stars that fall don't give off energy that has been keeping this world alive against all odds, but we're still out here, aren't we?" He sat beside his captain, turning to watch the clearing too.

            Ky was saved from answering when a bright light filled the area. Leaping up and taking a hold of the net, Ky called out orders to the rest. Each soldier grabbed their part of the pure silver and pulled, reducing as much slack as they possibly could.

            Just before the light became unbearable, they all heard an exhilarated scream and then something slammed into the net painfully hard. The team pulled and pulled and just a hair length from the ground, the net stopped. They quickly came together to close the net, ignoring the creature's wounded screams and desperate writhing. After it had been caught, the area around it was cleared, the men fearing its touch. It tangled itself up so completely, even its wild black mane was threaded through the net.

            Ky pushed through the awestruck crowd and grabbed the little creature by its feet. At the captain's touch, it stilled, curiosity but not mistrust lighting up its features. From a back pocket, Ky took two little silver shoes and slammed them on the delicate little feet.

            When more silver touched her skin, the young girl screeched and tried to tear open the net. Ky helped her out; but as she pressed one foot to the ground, she collapsed, unable to stand on the poisonous silver. Ky picked her up effortlessly, holding her as she cried out her confusion. Soon, she fell asleep, exhausted from her fall to earth and her battle with silver.

            "Ladies and gentlemen, do not be deceived by this appearance. This is not some scared teenager with an allergy to silver and a habit of jumping out of trees. This, is a star. The source of life on this planet since, well, the beginning of time!" Ky was laughing and almost dancing as the little star was put on a bed. The captain called for a celebration that night, and all were joyous. It was a relief to finish the long and mysterious mission.

            Many hours later, Ky sat at the bedside of the girl. As the captain watched her and waited, Ky whispered gently, believing none would hear and even less would remember.

            "I knew the stories were true. No one believed me, but I knew you were real. There was no other explanation for how this world survived. It took me months to track down a falling star that wasn't just a hunk of rock, but the stories were true. Mama was right. 'This world was born because some little star took pity on the sad little planet and gave its energy as a jump start. And every time the world is about to die, another little star gives its life to save it.' If ever our world was dying, it's now. But I don't plan to use your power to revive a few plants." Ky paused, taking up the limp hand with fervor, "No, you and I are going to make a whole new country, one that can survive on it's own. You will be the last little star to fall."

            "Do you promise?"

            Ky jumped violently.  The star searched for dishonesty, and Ky realized it had deeper green eyes than any human could possibly have. "I didn't know you were awake. But yes, if you do your hardest and help me, then another star shouldn't have to fall."

            "How am I supposed to help you?" The little star sat up, her hair looking none the tamer for its rest.

            "I’ve got it all figured out. You are going to use your power to make a border. That border will repel all enemies. If a country doesn't have to protect itself all the time, it can flourish like the ancient Athenians. But you have to keep that border up for as long as my blood runs through living veins." Ky looked sternly at the little one. "In return, I will show you what a human life is like."

            The little star did not know human blood was shared among relatives. She didn’t even know the language he spoke, relying on her natural powers to translate. She nodded and Ky held out a hand for her to shake. When they clasped hands a small gold symbol etched itself on the back of their hands, binding them.

            "Well, it seems we're stuck together, Rena." Ky’s smile was wide and consuming.  The newly dubbed Rena smiled shyly back.

            Rena spent two years with Ky, building the country she had promised. Then, Rena spent another 1,437 years protecting it.