Synopsis: After a many years’ hiatus, legendary producer and director, Stanley Roiber announces a secret project.  Yet another television show with a tried and true formula doesn’t sound all that exciting, but Mr. Roiber has staked his reputation on something that will, “till the stale soil of the small screen and break unexpected, new ground”, and guarantees that his new show will be a hit.

Upon its release, the show is critically lauded for its innovations.  But as it limps along, struggling to gain traction, people start to wonder if Mr. Roiber can deliver on his lofty promises or if it is fated to be canceled.  Finally, an episode near the end of its abbreviated pilot season breaks through thanks to a noteworthy performance from the youngest cast member.

Amelia Blyby is an aspiring actress who, against all odds because it was her first real audition, somehow landed the role of the family’s youngest daughter, Kaya.  At first, everything about television production is new and foreign and exciting.  She works hard while shooting the first season to learn on the fly and roll with the punches.  Blessed with natural charisma, believable movements and line delivery, impeccable comedic timing well beyond her years, and a beautiful expressive face, the adorable little blonde steals every scene she appears in.  When she cries, you feel it in your bones, when she makes a silly face, you just have to laugh, and when she flashes that pretty, dimpled smile of hers, you can’t help but share her happiness.

When the studio makes a surprise announcement that it is renewing the show for multiple seasons, Mr. Roiber is vindicated.  Many people point to Amelia’s performance as the deciding factor and even celebrate her for “saving” the show.  With terms like “America’s sweetheart” and “star in the making” being tossed around, her mother eagerly signs her to a lucrative contract that matches the duration of the show – however long that may be.  But Amelia is less than excited about it for one, big reason: the costumes.

Young Kaya has a unique and quirky perspective on the world.  Amelia does her best to embody the free-spirited character and bring her to life on the screen.  But many of the character’s clothing choices are quite concerning.  They may not bother Kaya, but Amelia would never wear such revealing things around even a single other person, much less in front of the whole country!  Her mother tells her it’s just part of acting and that she shouldn’t be concerned about it.  After all, she was only eight and still very much a child when she got the part and filming for season one first started.

But the early scripts for season two are even more alarming.  To Amelia, it sure sounds like Kaya’s unusual relationship with clothing story line is being taken to its logic conclusion.  Her worst fears are confirmed when she first reports to the set to begin filming season two and spots her costume cart.  It’s practically empty!

Locked into her role by contract for the foreseeable future, Amelia expresses reservations, but her mother just doesn’t understand.  Probably because she’s just cashing the checks and doesn’t have to perform for the camera and the country wearing nothing but a perky smile.  Doing it as a nine-year-old is hard enough.  But what happens when she turns ten, eleven…twelve!

Themes: enf, public nudity, coming of age

A bonus story set in the “Bystander” universe.