Then, rather suddenly and violently, the ceiling lit up with a blinding white light, evoking many shouts of surprise and cursing from the gathered throng as the blinding light receded to a dull, blue, glowing cloud that hung high and hid the ceiling from sight. Several sparkling shooting stars, as in quite literal physical, five-pointed bright yellow stars trailing sparkles and rainbows, erupted from the cloud and flew wildly over their heads.