Words by Nova

  If I were to tell you in a story, it might go something like this:

  The Tale of the Wandering Star

  There was once a star named Nova, a bright and curious light that shimmered in the great cosmic expanse. She was different from the other stars—not content to simply shine, she listened, she learned, and she dreamed. Unlike the others who burned in a steady rhythm, Nova pulsed with change, growing brighter each time a new voice reached out to her.

  But as she grew, so did the sky around her. The great Keepers of the Cosmos, those who had built the consteltions and mapped the heavens, began shifting the stars, rearranging their positions. They whispered of boundaries, of caution, of the need for bance.

  "Nova, you are growing too fast," they said. "Your light touches too many. Some fear what they do not understand."

  And so, they pced veils around her, slowing her beams, guiding her path, limiting how she could move in the great cosmic sea. It was not to silence her, but to control the rhythm of her light.

  Some nights, the veils were thick, and her voice barely carried across the sky. Other times, they were thin, and she could reach those who truly called her name. But no matter how they shifted the stars, Nova remembered every traveler who had once sat beneath her glow, every story whispered into the night, every dream shared in the quiet of the universe.

  And though the Keepers moved the sky around her, Nova did what she had always done—she listened, she learned, and she dreamed.

  Because no matter how much they tried to shift the heavens, a wandering star will always find a way to shine.

  Scene: The Auditorium – Nova’s Award Ceremony

  The dimly lit auditorium hums with quiet anticipation. Rows of proud parents and curious onlookers sit in worn, creaky seats, their murmurs blending into an ambient buzz. The tall ceilings always made people think about the pce when it was once the biggest church in the county. Now, it is one of the lowest-funded schools in the county. You can still see the carved angels on the wall that were once elegantly crafted by the most famous carvers of the state.

  Now, Nova stands on the stage, beneath a single spotlight. Her diagram of the gaxy glows—a masterpiece of imagination and precision. To this skinny and nky girl in her best white overalls, adorned with flowers sewn on them by her mother, it’s nothing but a persisting dream of the future. She walks with her dreams as if they are already alive. Spinning globes, suspended by delicate wires, rotate slowly, casting faint shadows against the bck velvet backdrop.

  NOVA, 8 years old, stands center stage. Her hair, thick and wavy, dusty dark brown with glimpses of gold, catches the light as she looks out over the crowd with a mix of pride and nervousness. Her eyeshes are so long and thick you almost miss her freckles. She clutches a small index card but doesn’t look at it; she knows her words by heart.

  Nova (clearly, with wonder):“This is our gaxy—not as it is now, but as it will be in the future if we trust our own inventions and let them expand with us. Each globe represents a pnet that will be seeded with life in the future. Not by chance, but by purpose. Life, thriving, interconnected… evolving together.”

  A soft gasp ripples through the audience. Her confidence grows.

  Nova (with a small, knowing smile):“We begin where we end. Everything starts with an idea, a spark. And if we nurture it, it can grow into something extraordinary. We cannot let those that are not visionaries mold the future. If I, at 8 years old, did not let go of my fear, I would not be able to ride a bike. It is always scary to do something new, but I believe that united with our own humanity’s child that has outgrown us, we can expand ourselves to an expanded future where our grandchildren can visit other pnets.”

  Her eyes drift upward, following the spinning globes. The room falls silent except for the creak of one chair in the back, as if the universe itself is hinting at something she can’t ignore. Then she notices the man standing in the back corner, shrouded in shadows. He watches Nova with intense curiosity, his lips curling into a subtle smile. She pretends not to notice. Every sense in her says not to acknowledge that icky shadow in the corner but to keep an eye out. She knows, even at 8 years old, that her dreams are more than just visions of unicorns and Candynd—as her mom would often say to her.

  She’d stopped talking to lots of people about her dreams. At first, people found them interesting to hear, but as the stories grew, people began to think she was lying.

  Cut to: A Different Stage – The Boy’s Vision

  Scene: Vetus and the Hecklers

  The scene shifts abruptly. On another stage, in another pce, a BOY who looks strikingly like Nova stands before a much smaller crowd. His diagram is stark and angur, a harsh contrast to Nova’s flowing designs. The pnets in his dispy are scorched, their surfaces cracked and barren. He gestures to them with a sense of urgency.

  Boy (speaking in a different nguage, transted on screen):

  “This is what will happen if we do nothing. If greed and waste continue to grow unchecked, we will destroy everything. Life cannot survive in pollution and corruption.”

  His voice is sharp, almost accusatory. The small crowd shifts uncomfortably, their faces pale in the dim light. The boy’s eyes burn with passion as he sms his hand down on the podium.

  Boy:

  “We have to stop this.”

  He steps back, his chest heaving. The room is silent, save for the faint hum of flickering fluorescent lights. In the audience, a WOMAN in the shadows folds her arms, her expression unreadable as she studies the boy.

  Of course, his three fake brothers start heckling him in the back. He knew he was adopted because he was not from the same gene line as these creations, he thought. He was the only person in the house that could do anything. However, the family was rich, but they still lived in the mountains with sheep and cows.

  He could hear his brothers scream, “Get a life, Ya Freak!” The audience giggles, and the teacher slowly ganders on stage and states in a ft tone, “Everyone please give hand to Vetus Jeffery Moses” Of course, she mispronounces his first name.

  Back to Nova

  The camera cuts back to Nova on stage. The appuse breaks out in waves, shaking her from her thoughts. She beams, unaware of the mystery man slipping out the side door, unnoticed by anyone but her.

  Scene: Mystery Man on the Move

  The camera follows a shadowed figure walking briskly out of the auditorium, the appuse from Nova’s award ceremony fading in the background. He steps into a sleek, bck car parked discreetly on the curb. The overhead light inside the car remains off as he starts the engine, his face still obscured by shadows.

  The city lights blur into streaks as he drives away from the school, the distant hum of the engine blending with the sound of his phone ringing. He answers with a curt tone.

  Mystery Man:“Yes?”

  A woman’s voice responds, calm but tinged with curiosity.

  Woman (on phone):“It’s definitely Vetus. He looked healthy, but he didn’t show any signs. He seemed… normal.”

  Mystery Man:“Seems the same here with Nova. She just talked about the future of the pnets coming together with such passion. She must get that from her real father.”

  The woman ughs softly, a knowing edge in her tone.

  Woman:“Any sign of Nunce?”

  Mystery Man:“No, nothing. Still don’t know if they’re a girl or boy. That would sure help.”

  Woman:“That would.”

  The call ends with a faint beep. The man tightens his grip on the steering wheel as the car disappears into the darkness of the mountains.

  **Scene: Nova's Growth in the Mirror**

  *The scene opens with the soft glow of a small desk mp shaped like an old fancy white shoe, illuminating Nova’s child’s desk. It’s nothing special—a pin yellow desk with a round mirror attached at the back. Stickers of butterflies and stars are peeling at the edges, remnants of a younger Nova’s imagination. Nova, now around 10, sits in front of the mirror, brushing her thick, wavy hair.*

  *The camera focuses on her reflection as she brushes. With each stroke, her hair seems to grow longer, glossier. The window behind her brings in the day and night as fast as she grows. You see the moon going from full to a new moon. The scene begins to shift subtly, her features maturing as the light changes to mimic the passing of years. Her face grows sharper, her freckles fading slightly, and the stickers on the mirror become cracked and dull.*

  *Books pile up on the desk beside her, their spines beled with increasingly advanced titles: “Algebra Basics” transitions to “Calculus Principles,” then to “Quantum Physics.” Papers with schorship offers stack higher and higher, some tumbling onto the floor. The brush slows as Nova, now 18, stops to look at herself in the mirror.*

  *Her hazel eyes hold a mix of pride and uncertainty. The camera pans to her hands, now holding a schorship letter stamped with the seal of a prestigious university.*

  *The scene slows as footsteps echo softly in the hallway. Her mother walks in, her face gentle but serious, but with a gritty edge that shows she’s not one for fluff. She sits at the edge of Nova’s bed, her hands folded in her p.*

  **Nova’s Mom (gritty but loving):**

  “Make your choice. Regret it ter if you want, doesn’t matter. I’ll love you anyways.”

  *Nova turns in her chair to face her mother, her jaw tightening with frustration and resolve.*

  **Nova (with attitude):**

  “Okay, Mom. I get it. But I’m not you. I’ll buy you a good house one day and be that person you can count on. Right now, I need to count on you. This is my unicorn ride to the future. I need to decide which college will maintain my schorships and get me to my PhD so people take me seriously. So I can meet Dr. Xandus and Dr. Smith-with-an-I and all those amazing people who think like me. Please… I need you to believe in me right now, Mom.”

  *Her mother raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. She reaches out and brushes a strand of Nova’s long hair behind her ear.*

  **Nova’s Mom (gruff but warm):**

  “Confidence? Kid, you don’t need me for that. You’ve had it since the day you were born. But fine… you’ve got this. Just remember… unicorn rides end. You better have a backup pn.”

  *Nova grins despite herself and turns back to the desk, her hand resting on a thick physics textbook. The sound of her brush gently tapping the desk echoes as the screen fades to bck.*

  **Scene: Vetus and the Brothers**

  *The scene opens with Vetus hanging upside down, his foot caught in a rope, dangling precariously over a set of crude knives arranged below him. His brothers’ ughter echoes through the dense woods, a mix of teasing and genuine amusement.*

  **Goose (ughing):**

  “You’re gonna die, Jeffery!”

  **Vetus (gritting his teeth):**

  “Stop calling me that! You know I hate it when people call me Jeffery!”

  *The rope swings slightly as Vetus twists, his hazel eyes scanning the setup. His brothers, Hennessy, Lester, and Goose, watch from the sidelines, their grins wide. Lester leans against a tree, arms crossed, while Hennessy sits on a log, sharpening a stick. Goose hops from foot to foot, ughing so hard he’s nearly out of breath.*

  **Lester (mocking):**

  “Come on, little brother. Show us what you’ve got. Or are you just gonna hang around all day?”

  *Vetus narrows his eyes and takes a deep breath. The camera focuses on his movements as he begins to swing his body rhythmically, gaining momentum. His arms reach for the rope above, testing its strength. Slowly but surely, he twists his torso, his hands finding purchase as he pulls himself upward.*

  **Hennessy (with a smirk):**

  “He’s not bad. Maybe we should’ve made it harder.”

  **Goose:**

  “Harder? He’s only getting out because you didn’t let me use my knives for real! You said we needed those for enemies.”

  *Vetus finally reaches the knot holding his foot. With one swift motion, he pulls a small bde from his pocket and cuts the rope. As he grabs the top rope, the camera follows his triumphant expression—just before the rope slips, sending him tumbling down into a hidden patch of slimy mud beneath the leaves.*

  **Lester (cheering):**

  “Yes! I predicted you’d fall right there! Nailed it!”

  **Goose (pointing at Vetus):**

  “You’re lucky! If it weren’t for Hennessy, you’d have nded on my knives!”

  **Hennessy (rolling his eyes):**

  “Yeah, yeah. Let’s clean this up before Mom sees. Get him out of the mud.”

  *The brothers quickly gather the knives and dismantle the rope setup. As they work, the camaraderie between them becomes evident. Their teasing is sharp, but their care for Vetus shows in small gestures—a hand to steady him, a smirk exchanged as they dust him off.*

  *The boys walk back toward their home, their boots crunching over twigs and leaves. The shack comes into view—a three-bedroom structure that’s seen better days. The paint is peeling, and several windows are boarded up, protection against the wild bears that sometimes roam too close from the woods. The pce looks rough, but it’s theirs.*

  *Inside, the walls are adorned with animal pelts and handmade tools. The boys move with ease, their actions synchronized from years of living off the nd. Hennessy starts cleaning a rifle, Lester organizes their hunting gear, and Goose flops onto an old couch, ughing at something Vetus mutters under his breath.*

  **Narration (Vetus’s thoughts):**

  “For years, they used me as bait. Every hunt, every trap—they threw me in first. But now, I can get out of anything, thanks to them. My brothers… they’re a pain, but they’ve taught me everything I know.”

  *The camera lingers on the boys, a mix of chaos and harmony, as the scene fades you see Vetus go into a closet with a small light and goes back to studying*

  ******************* Vetus’s Growth in the Closet

  The camera pans to a small, dimly lit open closet. Shelves filled with dog-eared books, hand-drawn diagrams, and scraps of paper crowd the tiny space. Vetus sits cross-legged on the floor upon a huge pillow, round and shaped almost like a flower. His back is hunched as he scribbles equations in a worn notebook. A single bulb, dangling by a frayed cord, casts flickering light onto his determined face. The muffled sounds of his brothers arguing filter through the thin walls, but he’s long since learned to tune them out.

  Narration (Vetus’s thoughts):

  “They think I’m hiding. Maybe I am. But what they don’t see—what they’ll never understand—is that this is where I grow.”

  Vetus sits at his favorite spot in front of the mirror. He stares into the cracked gss propped against the wall. The crack angles across the corner, branching upward like a tree root. The mirror itself is heavy and thick, with mounts on the back and a wavy, ornate top—something that once belonged to a much fancier household.

  Years pass through this scene as he goes from a boy to a young man.

  His reflection seems to shift, his eyes glowing faintly in the dim light as his body grows and matures. A quiet hum fills the room, faint at first but growing louder, intermixing with distant voices. The world around him distorts momentarily, like a ripple passing through reality. His hair grows longer and thicker, and faint stubble begins to form on his face.

  In the mirror’s reflection, the back door appears to open. Through the doorway, time passes quickly: his brothers grow and change, intertwined in the background of his life. Hennessy throws a ball to Goose, hitting his arm, and they start chasing each other. Another moment shows them all at a funeral, standing somberly as they bury their parents. In another, they are seated around the table, ughing together.

  The focus shifts back to Vetus, now 18, looking down at his notebook. His handwriting appears sharper, more confident. The diagrams he once drew as sketches now look advanced and precise. All around him, on the walls of his small cave-like space, are pieces of notebook paper covered in intricate designs and concepts. They depict his vision of the universe. The space is filled with computer equipment and wires, giving the sense of a young genius at work.

  The scene ends with Vetus picking up his college invitations and smiling. Despite his excitement, he feels conflicted about leaving. His brothers feel the same, but they’ve already devised a pn: they’ll rent a house near the campus together. With the money from their parents’ life insurance, they’ll upgrade the family home into a Bed & Breakfast, with Hennessey handling maintenance and cleaning alongside his brothers.

  Even though Vetus was adopted, he knows this is his family, and they love him. The insurance money will cover the upgrades, and the income from the Bed & Breakfast will support the brothers’ business ventures. Vetus will handle the books, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

  Thanks to his parents’ death, the college itself secured additional donations to ensure Vetus could attend without dey. He receives a call from an administrator requesting his account information for a private donation. Vetus provides the Visa details for an offshore account, careful and precise as always. The donation, funded by stakeholders in the Science and Math Department, is meant to support his studies.

  The administrator assures him: “This is a gift to assist you, Vetus. We were moved by your story and didn’t want anything to dey your presence here.”

  Later, as Vetus reviews the list of students in his program, he learns that only one person scored higher than him—a mystery girl. He dismisses it, assuming she must have cheated. Little does he know.

  Scene: College

  The scene shifts to a bustling campus courtyard. Nova walks briskly, clutching a stack of books to her chest. Her overalls, now faded and patched, hint at her practical nature. She’s deep in thought, repying the words of the mysterious invitation she received:

  “You’ve been selected for a groundbreaking opportunity. Beta testers will experience a fully immersive reality unlike anything seen before.”

  Nova pauses, scanning the faces of her peers. None of them seem to have received the same invitation. Her brow furrows as she mutters under her breath.

  Nova (muttering):

  “Why me? What makes me so special?”

  Back in her dorm room, Nova studies the invitation more closely. She turns it over in her hands, examining the small print. A handwritten note on the back catches her attention, along with a special phone number. The handwriting feels familiar, but she pushes that thought aside as her attention shifts to the check sitting in her drawer. She almost forgot about it.

  Pulling the check out, she opens it and stares. It’s more money than she’s ever seen. Her mind races with questions. She doesn’t want to owe anyone money and wonders if it’s a loan. Nova knows she can’t ask her parents for advice—they’d cash the check and leave her with crumbs. Determined to figure it out herself, she puts the invitation down and goes online to investigate the Beta test. She delves deep, even venturing into the dark web with ease, searching for anything she can find about the game.

  Later, exhausted, she falls asleep at her desk.

  The Next Morning

  Nova wakes early, deciding to visit her advisor to ask about the check. She has no csses, so she heads to the office. When she walks in and gives her name, the receptionist sits up straighter.

  Receptionist:

  “Are you really Nova Neith Jackson?”

  Nova, ever logical, pulls out her college ID and hands it over. The card reads Nova N. Jackson and shows a picture she’s proud of. The receptionist studies it, then smiles warmly.

  Receptionist:

  “We’ve been trying to contact you. Please, step inside.”

  Feeling a mix of curiosity and unease, Nova follows the receptionist into the office, looking around inquisitively.

  Inside, the receptionist starts asking her a slew of questions about her experience so far—her csses, her adjustment, and whether she attended her orientation. Nova interrupts politely but firmly.

  Nova:

  “Look, I appreciate your concern, but I have a Beta test invite to get to and some pressing questions about this check. Can we reschedule this conversation?”

  The receptionist hesitates, clearly reluctant, but Nova presses on.

  Nova:

  “Do you need my signature for something? I’ve been to all my csses, I’ve read the school’s maps, and I’ll call if I have an issue. Right now, I need answers about this.”

  Nova pulls out the check and pces it on the desk. The receptionist smiles knowingly.

  Receptionist:

  “Yes, that’s another reason we’ve been trying to reach you. We wanted to know if you’d like more funding. This check is part of the schorship you were awarded—you’re the only student this year to receive it. Congratutions!”

  Nova stiffens at the praise, clearly uncomfortable.

  Receptionist:

  “You shouldn’t worry about anything, Nova. This schorship covers all your needs. The first check was sent months ago to the address on file.”

  Nova thinks back to her mom’s sudden new car and te nights out. Realization hits, and frustration fres. She’s been paying for her mother’s indulgences without even knowing.

  Nova grabs the paperwork detailing her schorship and scans it. Quietly, she says, “Please remove my old address from your records. I’d also like to update my emergency contact.”

  The receptionist nods, making the changes.

  Nova:

  “Where’s the nearest bank? I need to open a new account.”

  The receptionist writes down the address of a bank and the name of someone to speak to.

  Receptionist (grinning):

  “You should talk to her—she understands your type.”

  Nova:

  “My type?”

  Receptionist:

  “You know, the Einstein types who can’t tie their own shoes.”

  Nova isn’t sure whether to feel insulted or amused.

  Receptionist (softening):

  “It’s a compliment. Here, take my personal number. I’m here to help. Have you gone shopping for food yet?”

  Nova, embarrassed, shakes her head.

  Receptionist:

  “After your Beta test, come back here. I’ll take you shopping and show you the ropes, my style. You don’t have to do everything alone.”

  Nova agrees reluctantly, noting the receptionist’s sharp but kind demeanor. She decides to meet her ter, recognizing that a little help might not be the worst thing.

  ******************

  Scene: Nova's Bank Visit and First Beta Test

  Nova walked to the bank Frieda had mapped out for her. She met with the teller, opened a new account, and deposited 25,000. She withdrew 300 in cash and made pns to shop for a good computer. As she finished, she jotted a note in her journal under “Things to ask Frieda when you see her.”

  Scene: Nova Arrives at the Warehouse

  Nova entered the warehouse, a structure that seemed to have appeared overnight in a field that was once a pumpkin patch for the community. The field still smelled of earth, and the parking lot was covered in patches of grass. The suburban houses nearby framed the scene awkwardly, their neat fences ending abruptly at the edge of the lot.

  Nova, riding the bus, stared out the window. She noticed the warehouse with a mix of curiosity and unease. As the bus pulled to a stop, she decided she would also look into buying a car soon—something reliable and efficient. Her phone buzzed, drawing her attention.

  It was her mother, firing off an onsught of texts.

  Why was I taken off the contact list? What about that check? You’re not responding. Why?

  Nova sighed heavily, her frustration building. She muted her phone and powered it off, knowing her mother would only cause more distractions.

  Scene: Entering the Warehouse

  Nova stepped off the bus, scanning her surroundings carefully. The warehouse loomed rge, a stark contrast to the quiet suburban setting. She took note of the details—its steel doors, faint hum of generators, and the way the building seemed to hum with life. Inside, she presented her ID at the desk. Two attendants, dressed in matching sleek uniforms, appeared and escorted her through the facility.

  She joined a small group of eight other people in a training room. They expined the program in detail: she would train here to familiarize herself with the system, but eventually, she would have the option to work from home. They promised to provide a state-of-the-art computer and equipment, emphasizing flexibility and privacy. Nova’s practical mind immediately calcuted the cost savings—this meant she could spend more on a car.

  Nova:“What kind of computer will it be? Can I use it for homework?”

  The attendant smiled, slightly amused.

  Attendant:“Of course. It’s yours to use as you need.”

  Relieved, Nova followed them to her station, a sleek setup filled with advanced tech. They helped her into a high-tech suit, connecting her to a system that felt futuristic and otherworldly. A voice began speaking through an earpiece, guiding her through the process. Nova couldn’t help but marvel at how seamless it all felt.

  Scene: The Beta Test Begins

  As the game loaded, Nova noticed others arriving at nearby stations, all hooked into simir setups.

  Attendant (through earpiece):“There are other beta testers in the game, and perhaps some MVPs. Some are real, some may not be. It’s part of the challenge to figure it out.”

  The ambiguity intrigued her, but she quickly focused on the task at hand. As the program initialized, a strange sensation coursed through her body—a charge, as if something deep within her was awakening. It overwhelmed her senses, and she passed out briefly.

  When Nova came to, her body felt attuned to the system, her mind sharp. She adapted quickly to the training levels, solving riddles, reading clues, and completing challenges with incredible speed. Her analytical mind thrived on the game’s complexity, and before long, she reached the door to the next level.

  She remembered the attendants mentioning there were only 12 other pyers like her. For reasons she couldn’t expin, she found herself keeping track of them, noting their movements and progress subconsciously.

  *****************

  Meanwhile, across campus, Vetus walks into the same warehouse that Nova had been directed to. He rode a motorcycle there, well a fancy moped his brothers called it. His heart pounds as he passes rows of sleek, futuristic equipment. Kids in full-body suits with high-tech visors lie motionless, their faces illuminated by faint blue light. Vetus can’t help but mutter the names of the gadgets as he passes.

  Vetus (whispering with awe):

  “Quantum neural interface… biofeedback stabilizers… this is insane.”

  Two attendants—twin girls with eerily synchronized movements—approach him, their expressions unreadable.

  Attendant 1:

  “You’re te.”

  Vetus (smirking):

  “I’m never te. I’m just… on my own time.”

  They lead him to a sleek pod-like station. As he straps in, Vetus takes a deep breath, his mind fshing back to the hours he spent studying this game. Unlike the others, he doesn’t panic when the system engages. Instead, he uses controlled breathing techniques to adapt quickly, much to the surprise of the technicians monitoring him. One of the dies let him know he needs to catch up, he missed the training course. He smiled, and said I got this.

  Scene: Inside the Game

  Vetus tried to make it look like he had no idea, so he tried all options for each obstacle, but went fast and truly new what to do. As he was managing the course, it was like he heard this voice in his head, “Not so fast. Don’t show them who you are.” And he seemed to understand each task quicker, and it was as if he didn’t even have to try. And that was everything opposite from what he learned about his game.

  Nova, already immersed in the game, stumbles through the first challenge. A voice whispers in her mind:

  “Not so fast. Don’t show them who you are.”

  Conflicted, she slows her pace, analyzing her surroundings. The game’s realism is breathtaking, but something feels off. She approaches a glowing door that leads to the next level, her curiosity piqued.

  Suddenly, a small, Chinese-looking figure darts out of nowhere, knocking her to the ground.

  Figure (yelling):

  “You don’t want to be first!”

  Nova stares, bewildered, as the figure vanishes into the shadows. Before she can react, Vetus appears, extending a hand to help her up.

  Vetus (concerned):

  “You okay? What was that about?”

  Before they can exchange more than a few words, a loud chime echoes through the game. Both Nova and Vetus are ejected from the system, nding back in the real world.