We Got You Covered

When I groggily woke up in my bed, Anna told me I was brought home by Game Freeze technicians. They also left a VIP invite to the game launch in two days.

"Edward, you stayed inside the game for so long, couldn't you have come home a few times, at least to let me know you're alive? You have not even called me once!"

"Ugh, I'm sorry Anna, but they couldn't let me go as it was a secret beta test." I live in a two bedroom apartment with my cousin and she has always been my best friend. Because she is not into games, when we are together I can see other things life has to offer.

This is my best argument, she's thinking and will hopefully agree the fault is with the game company and all the NDA's they forced me to sign.

"Ed, my dear Ed, what's the need for so much secrecy in a game? I understand you're a game addict and chose this prize but.. They haven't given you any extra money at all! Let me explain in a way you can understand. The government income will not be enough to buy the newest games.."

She has a point. First, are they scared of competitors? Honestly, the game was incredibly realistic, a huge improvement over current virtual reality games. They abandoned the headset for a capsule, and albeit being called a prototype it was nevertheless incredible.

About the money, I asked them and beta testers can play for free so no problem here. Now how can I steer the conversation away from this topic...

"Cousin, my good cousin, how about just forgetting it for now and going out a bit? Maybe eat something with my mouth, and not have nutrition injected into my veins for a change?"

...

Anna creaked open the door to "Zacharia's Café" and we both entered.

"Hey Carolyn, are you working today?" Anna waved her hand excitedly to a young lady on the balcony. From what I remember this is my cousin's best friend since they were kids.

Carolyn Martins, a young lady of sixteen, the same as my cousin, is the café owner's sole daughter.

"Of course, I need to take care of my inheritance. More importantly, you haven't been here for awhile now, huh. By any chance, you don't like the environment or the food? We are open to suggestions and criticisms." Carolyn asked my cousin with a serious expression, perhaps trying to imitate her father mannerisms.

'She is cute' I thought, and Anna, the cutest of all, replied "No, of course not, I was just waiting to come with my cousin. Do you remember him? Anyway, please prepare that drink I liked the most when I last came here, what was its name, tropicania?"

Carolyn winked at me and said "Tropicalia! See, you even forgot the name of your favorite drink. You need to come back next week or I'll be very sad, ok?"

Before Anna could answer, all screens near us changed and started to show the following message:

— — — Unified Nation Official Message — — —

Attention citizens.

A disaster class asteroid is coming towards Earth, but don't panic, we got you covered.

Every government official above third secretary and a few civilians of interest knew about it, but we decided to keep their mouths shut to prevent panic. We have a plan and everything will be alright. Please go to the nearest government outpost next weekend and cooperate with the military.

Alert - those who don't comply will be convicted for treason.

Please tell all your friends! Thanks and have a great day.

— — — End of Message — — —

I bet half the world is thinking 'isn't Saturday in two days? Is the world really in dire straits, why can't I feel it? They should just destroy the danger and not even bother us, since we didn't even got informed at the start'.

I know I was thinking like that.

But no one realized it would be long untill we could come back to Earth.