"Once this immunity wears off other forces within the Game may, and will, attack us. And, should another force take over the planet, take the right Control Points, they will be given the territory they conquered in-game. They will control the taxes, the laws, and the collection of natural resources." The senator gripped the podium.

"Should we not develop ample forces fast enough or forge the proper allies, Earth will be lost, gone from human control. Thus it is imperative for you"—she pointed at the crowd—"who are about to enter this game to remember Earth. Remember humanity. Remember—”

GET OUT NOW, Eve screamed into Alan’s brain.

Alan leapt up, looking around. A few people looked at him, but most were intent on the senator’s speech.

Suddenly, a burst of gunfire was heard outside.

What—

OUT NOW IF YOU WISH TO LIVE. FOLLOW THE GIVEN PATH.

Alan dashed outside, following a blue line that showed up on the ground in front of him. He sprinted forwards, oblivious to his surroundings, following Eve’s directions.

He didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, but continued to run along the blue line. The sound of gunfire grew louder.

The blue line led Alan into a nearby hangar, then stopped.

Hide, Eve commanded.

What? What’s going on? Alan asked as he hid behind the hangar doors, crouching down.

The base is under attack.

What!?

Question unclear.

A gruff male voice began speaking over a loudspeaker:

“People of Earth. You are being deceived, lied to with traitorous propaganda. The United World Government is already in the palms of the Haxlards. If you hope for there to be an Earth free of alien control, there are two things you can do:

"Join the Legion of Man, or die.”

Where is this coming from? Alan asked Eve.

Another user within the network. It is their backdoor I used to access the network, Eve responded.

Wait… so you knew these rebels were here? Can you get them out of the network? Why did you tell me to get out of the tent?

Yes, the AI delivering the message was one of the other seven users within the network. I am unable to disconnect them. I detected a bomb within the tent, thus for your safety—

Wait, there’s a bomb in the tent?

Yes.

Okay, can you broadcast that? Wait no, broadcast the following: Everyone should evacuate the big white tent because a bomb is inside. You should be able to since you have the same permissions as these rebels.

Very well.

Overlaid on top of the voice that was speaking on the loudspeaker, saying something about the tyranny of the United World Government that had arisen, was a female mechanical voice. It said, “Everyone should evacuate the big white tent because a bomb is inside. You should be able to since you have the same permissions as these rebels.”

Wincing at the addendum, Alan waited, hoping people were able to hear the warning.

A few seconds later, a huge explosion went off. The concussive force rocked the hangar Alan was in, but no signs of damage appeared. Eve had gotten him far enough away. And, while the explosion was loud, it wasn’t enough to set Alan’s ears ringing.