[quote][b]”What could happen if we were to gaze out into the stars for the first time again? Our joys of seeing things beyond our own planet would be overwhelming to say the least. All the stars in the cosmos just in view and yet just out of reach. We’d feel a sense of adventure, an urge to dive headfirst into the unknown, not knowing or caring what awaited us out there. Such innocence, such scarce and precious childlike innocence”[/b] ~ Ł[/quote] [b][u]Norway, December 9th, 1359, 7:35 .a.m.[/u][/b] The sun shone over the horizon casting a shadow over the Norwegian port capital. Mistress Bethyinine woke to the sound of seagulls just outside her window. It took her seven minutes just to get out of bed, and fifteen more just to get dressed. By the time she was done the court steward had walked into the room. Steward: “What plans do you have for today madam?” Bethyinine: “Adjusting taxation for starters, decreasing tariffs on foreign goods could also help the economy. Though I’ll leave both those tasks for the committee to sort out.” Steward: “Yes your grace.” Bethyinine: “Do I have any meetings today?” Steward: “Only one, lucky for you, it won’t be until tonight.” Bethyinine: “Who will I be meeting with tonight?” Steward: “A certain Galileo Galilea from Italy.” Bethyinine: “How interesting, and please send my requests to the committee, that will be all for now.” The steward left, and Mistress Bethyinine followed him before heading down a hallway towards the southern wing of the palace. The next person that she had to see was the captain of the guard. The door to the captain’s chambers was lined with gold trimmings. A pair of ornate swords were carved into the frame of the door. The captain walked over from his desk and opened the door. Mistress Bethyinine walked inside and sat down next to the desk. Bethyinine: “Have the shipments arrived today?” Captain: “No, from what I’ve been told they’ve been delayed a few days.” Bethyinine: “I’m thinking about issuing a conscription. However, it will not be mandatory for the time being.” Captain: “The more recruits we can get, the better, though I would hold off on a conscription for now. The people might think that we’re going to war because of that.” Mistress Bethyinine nodded and left the captain’s quarters. She looked at one of the clocks on the wall for a moment before continuing to the foyer. Other than attending to a few things, Mistress Bethyinine’s duties as queen were rather minor. A majority of the work was done by the committee which she created to rule in her absence. All she could do now was wait until Galileo arrived. So, for the time being, she spent the remaining hours attempting to write poetry. [b][u]6:46 .p.m.[/u][/b] The court steward walked over to Mistress Bethyinine who was sitting at her desk staring out the window. Steward: “Mr. Galilea has arrived, he would like to meet you in the garden.” Mistress Bethyinine nodded and walked down towards the garden. All the hedges were blanketed with snow and the fountain was frozen over. Galileo was sitting on a bench with a telescope next to him. His grey hair shining in the moonlight. Mistress Bethyinine walked over to him and sat down on the bench. Bethyinine: “I’ve been told you required me here?” Galileo: “Of course, there’s something I have to show you.” Bethyinine: “Let me guess, it’s a trade agreement between Norway and…” Galileo: “Italy, good heavens no, if they wanted to trade then they would do so.” Bethyinine: “Well then what is it that you wish to show me, Galilea?” Galileo took his telescope and walked towards a cliff overlooking the sea. After setting it down he peered through it and beckoned Mistress Bethyinine to do the same. Galileo: “What do you see, other than the Moon of course.” Bethyinine: “Stars, stars, and more stars.” Galileo: “Try a different angle, northwest perhaps.” Galileo titled the telescope, looked into it for a little bit, and nodded. Mistress Bethyinine then stared through herself, now gazing at an impossibly bright star. Galileo: “Beautiful isn’t it?” Bethyinine: ”I hear it calling to me.” Galileo: “How? It’s only a star, it’s not a living creature.” Bethyinine: “It’s calling to me, I can hear it singing.” The star seemed to pulse and dance in the night sky. The Moon seemed dim by comparison, and seemed to slowly faded away into space. After a few minutes the star’s glow began to increase in intensity, and after a full half hour had elapsed, the earth shook. Galileo: “What just happened?” Bethyinine: “I have no idea.” Galileo: “Should we head inside?” Bethyinine: “You should get to the palace, I’ll try and calm the citizens.” Galileo nodded, packed up his telescope and ran towards the palace. Mistress Bethyinine stared at the star one last time before heading off the center of town.