By the way, how did you know that Daisy set up the shield generator incorrectly?

I have been monitoring the actions of everyone who gave me access to their interface.

Wait, when they agreed to let you configure their minimap, they also gave you permission to see what they see?

Indirectly, yes.

Okay, so when you say you saw non-standard human behavior, this was when you were watching what they were doing? Wait, by non-standard, do you mean they’re all aliens or do you mean behaving oddly or do you mean people have been discussing betraying us or something like that?

My conclusion did result from observing the other players from their point of view. By non-standard I mean there have been arguments and displays of both attitude and strength not normally associated with law abiding teens or young adults.

Alan rolled his eyes, he doubted most teens would act in a rational, “law abiding” way when inside a virtual world free to do what they wanted. Was he going to ask Eve for specifics, though? It seemed like an invasion of privacy, but better safe than sorry…

Can you give me specifics?

A few seconds passed.

… Negative. I have been prevented from providing you with details. Additionally, my privileges have been revoked by an Administrator, and I have received a warning. I am to only view the Game through the information you receive or cameras I am able to access through you.

Huh, interesting, so there is an Administrator observing us, no doubt evaluating our every action. Odd though that they didn’t do anything until I requested the information directly. Whatever, back to the Game.

Eve remained silent.

Alan looked over to Kitana, who was kneeling over the brown furred creature that she had killed earlier. It was so disfigured that Alan couldn’t make out what it was. Kitana had her eyes closed.

“Have you figured out what it was?” Alan asked.

Kitana opened her eyes. “No. I am ready to return to the base though.”

The body disappeared as Kitana looted it, a large brown pelt appearing in her hands.

Should we return? Alan asked.

Yes, though you should first reload the gun and reactivate the safety.

Oh, right.

Alan reloaded the gun with Eve's guidance. He put the gun in his back pack, double checking the safety, as it was too big for his pocket, unlike the knife. Alan and Kitana began a light jog back towards the base. Looking over at the message that described the first round, Alan saw that only seven enemies remained.

Once they were halfway back to the base, only three enemies were left. Thiago and the rest had made decent progress. It was starting to get dark, though, and none of the street lights had power. It was odd, jogging along city blocks as the sun set. Alan noted the lights downtown were on.

Upon cresting a hill a quarter of a mile from the base, a giant cat leapt out at Alan from a tree. In the moment before it leapt and hit Alan, Kitana unsheathed her katana and cut at it as Alan sidestepped out of the way. Mid-air it somehow leapt aside and darted behind a building.