The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

ASTRID stared at himself at the full body mirror in his room.  He was wearing simple yet stylish clothing.  A loose cream-colored sweater, its front tucked in fitted black jeans.  Pairing it up with black boots.  He also fixed his hair a bit, giving him a youthful vibe. 

[This is okay, I guess.]

He didn’t want to look overdressed.  But it’s also important to look presentable.  It’s his first audition after all.  He should leave a good impression.  His appearance was already very eye-catching.  If he wore something that was even more eye-catching, he would definitely just attract hate.

He picked up a ring and put it on.  It looked like a simple platinum ring but it had another function – lowering down his mental strength level to S.  He had two of such devices.  This ring and the other was a choker.

They would be going to the space port where a check on one’s mental and physique level was needed.  So, the officers in-charged could check if the level appearing on their machine matched that on the one’s official ID. 

In order to avoid any possible problem, he had to wear the ring. 

Reas’ voiced suddenly sounded in the room.  “Aster, are you done?”   

  Astrid turned towards his brother’s direction and saw Reas leaning on the side of the door.  He was wearing all-black, from his shirt to his combat boots.  Even the cap he was wearing was black. 

“Well, hello there, Mr. Bodyguard,” he teased.

Reas would be coming with him to the audition.  He had already asked Mr. Rogers of his brother could go with him and he agreed.  But even if Mr. Rogers didn’t agree, Reas would definitely do something to convince him.  The other probably also knew that, that’s why he didn’t even think twice before agreeing. 

He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but it seemed like Mr. Rogers was quite scared of his brother.  Reas pushing him to the floor might have left a bit of a psychological shadow on him. 

“I will indeed be your bodyguard for today,” Reas said.  “I got to dress the part, right?”

There’s no way he wouldn’t accompany his brother during his very first audition.  What if some of the actors there looked down on him just because he’s basically a newcomer?  Or worse, what if some people at that movie crew tried to harass him?  That last one was very likely.  Because whenever the two of them went to a new place, there were always stupid people who would do that. 

He could no longer remember how many people he beat up because of that.  He didn’t mind though.  The moment he realized how special his brother was, he knew that he should always be there to protect him.  Because many dangers could be brought by this ‘specialness’. 

He had never once thought that it was a hassle.  The both of them were twins.  They were together before they were even born into this world.  It’s only natural for them to protect each other.  Even until the end of their lives, that feeling would probably remain the same.

“Shall we go now then?” Astrid asked. 

The time when they’re supposed to meet Mr. Rogers were near.

Reas nodded and the two left the apartment.

———-

After half an hour of drive, the two finally arrived at the space port. 

“Are you confident with this audition?” Reas thought of asking as they walked inside.

“Don’t worry, your brother will pass this audition with flying colors,” Astrid said confidently.

Although he was only given two-page of a script, the scene where the ‘god’ appeared was explained in a very detailed manner.  Even the emotion that he should feel was written there.  And that was enough for him.

Of course, it would be better if he had the whole copy of the script.  So, he could better understand and interpret the role’s emotions.  But giving him the whole script was simply impossible.  He’s not yet part of the crew.  If he had the whole script and he turned out to be a big blabbermouth, then that would be a big disaster for the movie production.

Hearing his confident reply, Reas didn’t doubt that that’s exactly what would happen.  Even though his brother had never joined any theater play in school or any acting performances for that matter, but he had been with Astrid almost everyday of his life.  So, he knew how good the other’s acting was. 

His brother could act any way he wanted as long as it suited the situation.  A lot of people had been pitted by that tremendous acting skill.  Even the prince of this Empire fell for it.

So, if Astrid said he would pass the audition, then he most likely would.

Astrid sent a message to Mr. Rogers and he just received a reply.  Telling him that he was already waiting for them at the departure area.

“Mr. Rogers is already waiting for us at the departure area,” he said to Reas.

They walked towards the departure area of the space port. 

Just before they reached the checkpoint, someone called them. 

“Mr. Townsend!”

Astrid turned to the direction of the voice and saw a man wearing a formal suit running towards them.  His eyes were the same brown as his cleanly swept back hair.  He somehow looked familiar.  Astrid had to narrow his eyes at the guy to think of where he had seen him.  It probably took about five seconds before he recognized the other.

“Mr. Rogers?” he asked to make sure.

The man nodded, confirming his guess.  Both twins were surprised seeing him all-cleaned up properly.  The way he looked now was so different from how he looked yesterday – all messy and ‘dirty’.  No wonder they hadn’t recognized him that quickly.

“You clean up real nicely, Mr. Rogers,” Astrid said.

Mark embarrassingly scratched the back of his head.  Until now, he was still embarrassed thinking how unkempt he looked yesterday.  That’s why he wanted to at least look his best today.

“Shall we all go?” he just asked.

“Please, lead the way,” Astrid answered.

Mark walked towards the checkpoint and the twins followed.