Page 76 of Starrily

“I know,” he said.

“I could’ve met him back then.” She stared wistfully at the actor, who stood in front of the door to his trailer, checking hisphone. “He was at a convention, but I didn’t have the time to go. Too many exams.”

“Couldn’t go meet a spaceman because you had to become a space woman. Well, it’s never too late.” He took her hand and led her toward the actor.

“What are you—”

“Mr. Anselm!” Simon greeted.

Anselm looked up.

“Sorry to disturb you,” Simon said as they stopped before him. “Big fans. Especially my friend here.” He pushed Callie in front.

She looked up at the actor. “H-hi.” Her throat closed, and her mind was suddenly emptier than the Boötes Void.

“She loved you in Starship Andromeda,” Simon said.

“I-I-I did,” she managed to get out.

“That’s nice to hear.” Anselm gave her a polite smile.

“I’m sure you hear it a lot.”Please, don’t giggle like a deranged fangirl. Please.

“Never gets old, though.” He winked. “How can I help?”

“Could you sign …” She reached for the pockets of her pants, only to realize they’d been left in the trailer, and all she had was this stupid jumpsuit.

Simon tore a paper note off the trailer. “This will do.” He offered it to Anselm.

The actor took a pen from the breast pocket of his jumpsuit and clicked it. “Huh. Actually works. You never know with props these days.” He put the paper against the wall. “Whom to?”

“C-Callie.”

“C’Callie. Lovely sci-fi name.”

“No, I meant—”

He laughed; a deep, low rumble. “I’m kidding. Callie. Here you go.” He handed her the autograph. “I believe I have a scene to prepare for.” He started walking backward and extended hishand, saluting with intertwined fingers. “May you never walk in fear …”

“Only in wonder,” Callie finished, making the same salute.

Simon waited until Anselm left, a wide smile spreading across his face. “I love it when you get all nerdy. Oh, and look.” He spread the autograph in front of her face. “He didn’t spell your name as Kelly. I’d call that a win-win.”

Another fifteen minutes of skulking around the set bore no more sightings of Theia. Callie had been scouring the back of one trailer when she heard a whispered summon from Simon. He was kneeling down and extended his arm to show her to approach carefully.

“Over there,” he whispered, like they were observing wild animals on a safari.

Callie kneeled next to him and looked under the trailer. On the other side was Theia, ruthlessly demolishing a piece of fabric.

Simon put a finger to his lips and led Callie around the trailer. “You get her.” They paused around the corner.

She nodded and stretched her shoulders. She rounded the corner. “Hey, baby.”

Theia looked up.

And ran away.

“No, Theia! No!” She started chasing after her.