Starlight Returns Home

The comet, a shimmering ball of cosmic giggles and misplaced sparkle, shuddered. It had never encountered anything quite like the sound that was currently vibrating through its very core. It was a high-pitched, warbling, utterly ridiculous noise that tickled its stardust-filled belly in a way that was both alarming and, Astra suspected, rather enjoyable. She’d expected a battle, perhaps a chase, maybe even a stern negotiation involving galactic treaties and promises of extra shiny asteroids. She had *not* expected this.

“Keep going, Astra!” Gleep grumbled from his co-pilot seat, his four eyes blinking in rapid succession. “It’s… vibrating. That’s a good sign, right? Don’t stop until it’s singing opera.”

Astra, her face a mask of concentration, blew with all her might into the gleaming cosmic kazoo. The instrument, a gift from a particularly eccentric uncle who’d once been exiled for attempting to teach nebulae to yodel, was usually reserved for birthday parties and the occasional intergalactic talent show. Never had she imagined it would be her weapon of choice against a starlight-thieving comet. The notes careened, wobbled, and occasionally squawked, but they were undeniably effective. The comet was practically vibrating out of its celestial socks.