The Quantum Games

Chapter One

"To rise as the guardian the Cosmos requires, you must venture to do what hasn’t been done."

-System Games Headquarters-

The Quantum Games were in full swing, with the Galaxy Champions taking a breather after the fourth stage. At this level, numerous Champions battled adversaries on their home planets, while others engaged in augmented reality scenarios influenced by the heroes’ circumstances and the System’s choices.

As the rounds progressed, the CNC, especially the games division headed by Viggo Platard, consistently reviewed game mechanics, fan engagement, and risk management on the most famous planets. The team prided themselves on their readiness for any disasters during the events. Despite the games’ grim past and the ongoing horrifying events in the new galaxies, the Games division was adept at casting a positive light on the games’ inevitability. While not a publicly recognized corporate motto, the leadership team was fully aware of their fundamental business strategy: Embrace the Inevitable; Profit from the Predictable.

“Sir, our continuous analysis has revealed a higher-than-normal event ratio between planet-based incursions and augmented reality scenarios in the fourth level. Examining the ratio has led us to identify more unprecedented energy anomalies in the Milky Way Galaxy.”

Viggo, the Games Director, turned to his top employee, Shakur, who shared another divergence from the previous games. “Unprecedented energy levels?” Viggo inquired, “Is this due to the System?”

Shakur returned, “Interestingly, the System seems to be adjusting the games to account for this anomaly, as the readings are coming from our void scanners. The games look to be becoming more complex to counterbalance the growth in surges.”

Viggo, looking puzzled, pondered how he would relay these galactic shifts to his senior leadership team. “So, if I’m understanding correctly, we’re picking up signals of an unidentified disturbance in the void. The same void that establishes the foundation for all Cosmic travel?”

“Exactly, sir,” Shakur responded, his voice filled with astonishment as he tried to comprehend what his data science team had informed him earlier. “The void remains the most significant enigma, even to our most advanced AI systems. Scientists have spent their entire lives trying to decipher it, but progress has been slow.”

“Please assure me that the primary connections established by our Cosmic heroes remain unaffected.”

“No, everything is still operational. We are just noticing surges in the energy readings from our connections to those established portals.”

“Surges?”

“Yes, more like spikes in energy signatures. These spikes seem to align with the game projections created by the system,” Shakur attempted to explain the computational readings.

“So, essentially, the same anomalies that are causing larger void breaks across this new galaxy and are also leading to more challenging levels for our future heroes.”

“That’s correct.”

“And am I also correct in understanding that this type of reading has never been discovered before in the Games Division?”

“Yes,” Shakur confirmed, but this time, he added, “but there have always been discrepancies in the void. These phenomena have resulted in the void breaks we’ve grown accustomed to. We just have never seen a growth shift of this nature before, especially in a newly integrated universe.”

“And these incidents are only occurring within the new galaxy?” Viggo sought confirmation once more.

“Yes,” Shakur responded softly, “So far.”

-The Hangar-

"Holy shit! You guys saved our city!" Frank exclaimed as the team returned to the Hangar from Reno, having successfully dealt with the vine singularity.

“It’s a relief to see you all return,” Williams added, his voice gentler than usual. Having been just transported, the team remained oblivious to the previous level's profound impact on the Coach. He had watched it unfold with Frank and Trish, a level that had tragically taken a former friend of his years ago.

“Appreciate it, Coach,” Will said, the first to regain his composure. He immediately registered the emotions of the man who had been their pillar of support.

“Absolutely, you guys are incredible, and I’m equally thrilled… but we have a new member! James, show me that egg!” Trish couldn’t contain her excitement as James handed her the egg he had been holding.

“Oh yes, this thing has certainly imprinted its energy on you,” Trish observed, studying the egg's energy patterns as it started to spasm.

“That’s still not as bad as when I held it,” Emy added, recalling the strong urge for the egg to distance itself from her when she initially held it.

“It must be sensing my babies at home.”

“Babies?” Will was taken aback. “You’re a mother?”

“Yes,” Trish confirmed, “I miss my little ones at home. My parents are looking after them now.” Trish paused, hoping that was still the case, but pushed on: “I have 11 babies: 3 Canaries, 2 Lovebirds, 3 Conures, 2 Finches, and 2 Quaker Parrots.”

“Ah, I always thought the crazy cat lady vibe was a bit off,” Will joked, “Now it makes sense. You’re a crazy bird lady.”

“On the topic of crazy,” Frank quickly changed the subject as Trish shot Will with a playful glare. “Did you see the active view numbers for that first kiss?”

“19.3B active views!” Nex quickly added, “And that doesn’t even include the total replays and recap shows across the Cosmos!”

“What…” Will’s face turned pale for the first time.

“Kiss?” Nadia immediately questioned. “Mr. Weiss, do you have a girlfriend?”

“What, are we not good enough for you?” Emy quickly added, eager to join in on the fun.

“Yeah! How dare you not ask for our approval first?” Frank joined in, his tone matching Nadia and Emy’s. Everyone burst into laughter, leaving Frank puzzled about what he said to cause such a reaction.

“Come on, Brick,” James said as the laughter subsided. “Surely you’re one to kiss and tell!”

Catching his breath, Will tried to regain his confidence, “I won’t be telling. But…” Will tried to move on, but Trish quickly interjected before he could finish, “But, why tell when we can rewatch it?” She paused momentarily to allow Will to catch up to her intentions. “Nex?”

“Pulling it up now!” Nex quickly responded.

“No, no, no. Nobody needs to see this. Nexy, please restrict that viewing for the team,” Will spoke urgently, trying to stop everything.

“Honey, that’s not something we can do…” Nexy spoke to Will internally and quickly continued, “See, it’s blocked for everyone. Let’s move on.” Will tried to maintain a stern face, knowing full well that everyone knew he was lying.

“Don’t worry, Will. I had Frank stop watching after the 7th replay,” Trish reassured him.

“Frank isn’t the only one! Tuck’s bonding with his Dad plus that egg; you guys are better than the best soap opera I’ve seen on TV,” Nex added, addressing the group.

Hearing that, Nadia quickly glanced at Tuck standing beside her and gave a soft shoulder bump with a smirk, only for Tuck to promptly change the subject. “Nex, how do you even know what a soap opera is?”

“Of course, I know what they are! I caught up with all the latest soap operas on TV! How else would I keep up with all the new slang you kids use?”

“Why would you watch daytime television for that? You know what… never mind,” Will cut himself off, realizing that Nex was only helping shift the focus off him.

The group continued to jest with each other for a bit longer, the stress of the level quickly fading away. Everyone was acutely aware that this last level could have ended very differently than it did. Whether it was skill, luck, or teamwork, they didn’t care. They had done it, and their interactions were their reward. Well, that and a badass eagle egg.

“So, Trish,” James spoke up after a while, “what do you know about my little buddy here?”

“I’d wager she knows a lot,” Frank interjected. “Ever since that egg showed up, she’s been deep in research about that thing.”

“That thing?” Trish teased Frank. “That thing is the greatest gift we’ve all received, and yes, I’m including Emy’s Gateway.” Trish continued, despite the shocked expressions on everyone’s faces except for James. “This creature is a sentient being capable of growing to levels rivaling any of us. With the right care and upbringing, this little guy or girl will become someone we can trust to protect our team.”

Upon hearing this, James subconsciously stroked the egg as he lifted it to his eyes. “Is that so? I look forward to meeting you soon, little one,” James spoke to the egg in a hushed voice, feeling a quick outward pulse of energy from the egg in response to his words. Pulling his eyes back to Trish, he asked, “Do we know when it will hatch?”

“From everything I’ve read, it could happen at any point. We need to try a few things to establish a firm connection across your energies. We may need the Professor’s support, but you and I are slated to meet our new friend soon, hopefully.”

“I'm happy to help,” Williams responded, seemingly able to time his entrances and exits impeccably. “We have quite a few things to discuss during this intermission, but all that can wait. Enjoy each other’s company. I believe you all have a few celebrations in order.”

“Yes!” Frank beamed. “Cake party!”