Part Four
The Beginning of Rebellion
Northern Star's twelfth year was a happy one which seemed to pass swiftly. He excelled in his studies and was soon back in top physical condition, after recovering from his injuries. He did well at The Games that year, coming in third behind Morn and The One Like The Lord God. He had no idea of the tragedy that was about to befall his family and himself.
In his thirteenth year he again rose to prominence in The Games, this time, taking second place, beaten only by the running of Morn. He was happy. A few days later as he and his schoolmates were finishing their afternoon sessions and conversing in the hall before leaving their school, he was approached by a man he had seen there several times before; Bright Star, brother of The Lord God, and teacher of alien histories at the city university.
"Greetings, champion Northern Star," he said, "congratulations on your tremendous performance in The Games. I must say, you are so agile and skillful...as your father, even more so."
"Thank you sir," replied Northern Star, "your praise is underserved, for I am but a shadow of my father. But I thank you."
"I understand," said Bright Star, "that you have shown a good interest in alien histories, and are excelling in the subject. You have probably heard, I have an extensive collection of alien literature. Perhaps when you have a couple of hours, you would like to come by my apartment and look at some of it."
"I would be interested," North told him, "I have certainly heard of your collection. It is said to be the best private one in existence. I have a couple of hours this afternoon, if you are not busy."
"That would be excellent," answered the older man. "I, too, have no appointments until later today. Let us be off!"
As they turned toward the exit Northern Star saw one of his schoolmates staring at him and the other man strangely, and wondered why. If he had seen what the young man had done after he and the elder had leaped from the balcony and soared away, he would have been even more surprised, for he ran to the nearest phone and punched out a number that was very familiar to North...his father's private office number. It only took North and Bright Star minutes to reach the elder's apartment. When they entered it, North found it strange. The walls were a peculiar color for a man's home, and the place smelled of perfume, but his attention was quickly drawn to the room filled with shelf upon shelf of books. Some of them were not even on film, but actual ancient volumes on paper. These books were so rare that North even feared to touch them.
"Go ahead and browse," said Bright Star, "I will get some refreshment. Don't worry about handling the books. They are all well preserved, and the more delicate ones have been sealed to protect