One night, over a large city in the northern polar region, an unusually big and bright star had suddenly appeared in the sky. Or at least the people there had assumed it was a star. People all over the city of Polaris came outside in the cold winter night, and gathered together. Bright faces filled with hope lit up the entire crowd. Together they sung peaceful hymns to greet the star with as a warm welcoming, and many held up various offerings. The people of Polaris believed what they were seeing was the North Star, which would bring forth angelic beings, and rain down gifts and treats for them.
But Santa knew better. Although usually bright and cheerful himself, he was not as quick to behold the divine gifts that may or may not come. For he remembered what had happened the last time that star had shone. Whether or not it was even a star at all, he had yet to figure out. Astrology was not one of his strong points, so he left such technicalities to his wife. Quickly preparing himself, Santa flipped a switch that activated the red alert system. An alarm sounded throughout his entire base, which echoed through the city as well. He made his announcement to his army through a loudspeaker. "Attention, attention!" he began, with a voice as big as the sea. "All troupes, ready your weapons and prepare immediately! Red alert, I repeat, this is a red alert emergency! That North Star is not what the people think it is! It is a portal to another world, where a new enemy will emerge and strike. Their numbers are sure to be enormous, and they are powerful beings who can use dark magics. Yes, you heard me, they wield dark magic! Grab your weapons, armor, magic tomes and artifacts, and everything else you'll need and prepare yourselves for the battle of a lifetime. Your generals will be given instructions for your positions, orders and other specifics."
After that announcement was made, he made a separate one to the townsfolk through a news broadcast. It was a warning of the threat to come, and an order for the civilians to evacuate at once. The warning was advertised on live television that interrupted each and every program, all radio stations, on people's iPhones, so forth. But to Santa's surprise and horror, not one of the civilians complied. They remained outside under the North Star, which brightened the inky black sky enough to make it seem like a new moon.
Cella was outside her home when she heard the announcement, basking in the radiant starlight with the rest of the neighborhood. She was about to put her iPhone away after taking a picture of the North Star, but then she got a message. Opening her inbox, she heard the announcement replay itself again, and order her to report to the base. Putting her iPhone away, she sighed and moaned her annoyance at the whole thing. She was supposed to have the day off. And today of all days, when she thought the North Star would bring the people gifts. What a terrible thing to miss out on, but when duty calls duty calls.
Almost grudgingly, she went home and put on her green tunic. Units in Santa's forces who wore green were considered lesser ranks, not that Cella minded or anything. Taking up her bow, quiver and other supplies, she headed to the base to receive her orders.
****
When Cella arrived, she saw many others there waiting in unison. Some commanders were already barking orders at their troops, some were not even present yet. Her commander was Saint Nick himself, who had yet to arrive. She began to wonder exactly what this new threat was. Dark magics? she mused. Of all things, dark magic? From people that come from the North Star? This isn't fair, she grumbled inwardly, unaware that it showed. I was really looking forward to what good things were being offered, too...
There, she waited for Santa and the rest of her squad to arrive.
