Eve currently showed the ship in space, the nine other passengers and three other beings in the cockpit. The dropship was now passing by Saturn.

Wait, we’re passing by Saturn already? Alan sent. Damn, the Game must have given these ships some improvements.

Negative. Such speeds should be achievable in real life as well with the correct materials.

Wait, really? That’s impressive. Hey, why didn’t you answer my question this time?

It was deemed rhetorical.

Oh, right, keep up the good work.

“Interesting,” the final person who hadn't introduced himself commented. He looked Chinese and wore a black suit with a black shirt. Holstered to his side was a submachine gun, making him look like a gangster.

“I am DaLong," he said. "We should be approaching the Titan soon then. It’s on a space station beyond Pluto, outside of our solar system. Another reason you shouldn’t worry about the Haxlards: their ships and agents above a certain rank aren’t allowed into our solar system.”

Yeah, but you did just tell me they built a space station right outside of it, Alan thought. He didn’t say anything aloud though. He was on a Haxlard ship, and felt like a certain degree of paranoia was necessary.

Alan hadn’t ever really liked picking sides in games before - he more enjoyed picking sides apart. Playing the rogue mercenary, loyal to whomever paid him the most. Now that the fate of humanity and the control of Earth hung in the balance, maybe he should reconsider his main goal of trying to make a bunch of money…

Negative, Eve sent. Remember the debt you owe Icewolf. Current objectives of wealth and power best course for ability to impact the fate of humanity.

Uh, okay. Sure Eve. Is it dangerous if I start thinking of Eve as a crazy dictator? Wait, she heard that, didn’t she? Shit.

Negative, as my master I exist to ensure your safety and growth. Also, I did hear that. However, as you have directed I will never divulge information about what you think or act in such a way that would harm you.

Uh, great. Cool. Good job me for programming you… sort of.

“Alright, this will be fairly helpful," Thiago said. "As you noted you don’t have any combat experience, I feel like it would be best if you went out with one of our more experienced members, Ace or Kitana.”

Alan looked over at Kitana hopefully.

“I will be paired with Alan,” she said.

“Excellent. Is there anything else someone would like to say?” Thiago asked.

“Uh, well unlike you guys it is probably fairly clear I don’t really have connections. So, um, I’m a couple million in debt, and I’m going to try to play this game to make money,” Alan said, wincing as he remembered how much money he owed.

“Yes, that’s fine, even expected. We don’t expect you to play solely for the sake of humanity. But if Earth is invaded, you would hopefully help defend it. I’m not sure how this all works out, but certain guilds are often stronger than governments, so I’m not going to tell you how to play. We all have different plans,” Thiago said, looking at everyone else, implying something. Alan wasn’t quite sure what.