Hidden in an asteroid belt were ten opportunities that no one with half of a brain would miss out on: to join the ranks of the elite race. The Bastian race was as close to perfect as could be found in the galaxy, in all respects. They could rule supreme, if they had wanted to, but, fortunately for all other races concerned, the Bastians were a peaceful and fun-loving race. Which was all the more reason for why so many had taken a liking to them.

    Jonathan knew that the chances of finding one of the ten prizes was slim, and that even coming across one of the many fakes wouldn't be common. But he was bound and determined to be one of the lucky ten, for his family. He felt that, as a Bastian, he would be able to support them and provide better living conditions.

    However, even though he found one of the markers, after weeks of searching, his first reaction was one of doubt. He could hope, sure, but the odds were really stacked against him and his meager efforts.

    Then, just as he had decided to toss it away, it had begun to glow. Could it be? Or was it a trick?

    He was surprised when a light shot forth from the glowing marker, and made contact with his head. Fear and excitement filled him, and he didn't know whether to see it through or move away. It could be a marker that played a trick, after all.

    But he calmed himself and prepared for whatever would happen. And soon he felt strange, light-headed, and before he knew it he got to experience how it felt to have one's consciousness conveyed through space and time.

    When he came to, he was startled by a loud announcement, which said, "Congratulations! You're our third lucky winner!"

    Once his eyes adjusted to his surroundings, he noticed that he was in a studio with cameras directed at him. He then looked down at himself and realized that what he had seen, heard and felt wasn't a part of some dream. Tears soon came to his eyes and, bashful in front of the camera, tried to wipe them away with his new attire.

    After he was asked a few questions on air, he was let in on the secret of the markers. All of them, including the number of fakes, were real. It wouldn't've been a fun game to them without an unknown element. While only ten were chosen, each were chosen if their hearts and minds were acceptable to the Bastians. They simply didn't want the greedy and selfish, among other sorts of people, counted among their number. They had a reputation to live up to, after all.