Alan blinked and saw his apartment. The event didn’t even last a minute, but the words remained clear in his mind. It wasn’t like anything he had ever experienced. He wondered if he had started to lose his mind. Given how he’d chosen to live his life throughout the last year, he might not even realize if he had gone insane.

He sat on his sofa, scrutinizing what he had witnessed and contemplating what it all meant. Felipe stood beside him, and the bag full of trash slipped out of his hands, scattering half its contents back onto the floor.

Alan poked Felipe’s forearm.

The man didn’t react at first; he remained dumbfounded, giving Alan the impression that he had felt the same experience. Felipe eventually directed his gaze to Alan, but only for a second, before snapping his attention to the trash bag on the floor.

Alan wondered again if he had indeed suffered a mental breakdown. If Felipe had also seen the message, he was acting as if nothing had happened. Part of Alan hoped the ominous message was real, the weirdness of the situation almost sparked a curiosity he hadn’t felt in a very long time.

And he wasn’t about to let that spark die out. He stood up with purpose, becoming aware of how weak his legs had gotten and grasping Felipe’s arm tightly.

“What. What, what are you doing?” Felipe grumbled.

“Did you see…hear, I mean feel the message?”

“Fuck, fuck. I fucking knew it,” Felipe said, ignoring Alan’s question. “The fucking aliens are here.”

Alan moved to the sole window and pulled the blinds aside. Sunlight instantly flooded the small apartment, momentarily blinding him.

“And now you decide to wake up? I can’t believe this.” Felipe threw the bag to the side, displaying an array of emotions that Alan couldn’t quite pinpoint. “Shit man, it took the end of the fucking world for you to snap out of depression—”

“It’s not the end of the world.”

“As we know it,” Felipe clarified.

“Do you think…it was only heard in Boston?” Alan said slowly, considering every word.

“Of course not. Did you even read it? THE MESSAGE WENT OUT TO THE ENTIRE GALAXY!”

The world muffled again.

And he found himself back in that overwhelming darkness. Deep darkness. Deeper and more terrifying than his worst day when both his physical and mental states had paralyzed him; bound to his sofa for forty-eight hours without eating, sleeping, or moving — so immobilized that he hadn't even made it to the bathroom.

And yet, he felt powerless here, deprived of all his senses.

Only able to see the message.

SYSTEM MESSAGE: IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Welcome once again, [Alan D. Newman].

To provide clarity: Your world has now become a part of a vast interconnected universe, overseen by the Universal Council (UC). As you adjust to this newfound reality, it is imperative to understand your place and potential roles within this grand cosmic tapestry.

To ensure compatibility and optimize individual success within the integration, a non-invasive psychometric scan has been conducted on each individual. This scan, which respects your privacy and personal data, has considered factors such as past experiences, inherent abilities, strengths, and aptitudes. Based on this scan, each individual will have two optimal programs available to them.

Each program offers a unique journey and set of opportunities. To aid your transition and understanding, a specialized tutorial will be provided for the program you select. We urge you to choose wisely, taking into consideration your aspirations, skills, and desires. If no program is selected, you will return to your regular Earthly life, with the limitations aforementioned.

[Please note: Program choices are not available to undeveloped minds, ensuring the well-being and safety of our younger members.]

[Psychometric Scanning Protocol (PSP): The PSP uses advanced quantum resonance methods for a non-invasive, instantaneous analysis, ensuring comfort and a seamless experience. With hyper-conductive neural networks, scans complete in mere attoseconds, guaranteeing 100% precision. This holistic approach assesses everything from cognitive abilities and emotional ranges to latent talents, providing a comprehensive evaluation for each individual.]

Your journey begins in [7] [human] [seconds]. The cosmos awaits your decision.

End of Message.

Potential programs? Psychometric scans? Is this a dream? No. It feels real. Why did they come today? What is this…are they…hiring us?

Sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, all of his senses faded in and out. The experience was overpowering. One second he was empty, the next he was aware.

His surroundings shook. He felt it every time he regained control, similar to the annoyance of someone flicking a light switch on and off at increasingly faster intervals.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Just as he got used to the sensory whiplash, the world became bright. At least he could feel in this…dimension; in fact, he was hyper-aware.

Information appeared again. Information that thrust his already chaotic world into deeper disarray.

SYSTEM MESSAGE: SPECIFIC PROGRAM SELECTIONS FOR [ALAN D. NEWMAN]

Greetings, [Alan D. Newman],

Based on our meticulous and thorough psychometric assessment, the system has delineated the optimal programs best suited to your unique skills, experiences, and potential:

Universal Bureaucrat:

Embark on a journey to serve the Universal Council (UC) directly. Engage in the pivotal realms of intergalactic administration, policy formulation, and universal governance. Play a crucial role in sculpting the universal law, participate in influential dialogues, and ensure the seamless orchestration of the integrated universe.

Cosmic Vanguard:

A call to the valiant and intrepid. Venture into the uncharted abyss, confront the enigmas of the cosmos, stand firm against universal adversities, and etch your legend across the stars. This program beckons those with the passion to sculpt the annals of cosmic history. (WARNING: This program is marked by both immense peril and unmatched reward. Data indicates a 37.3% rate of participants confronting an irreversible termination of their voyage. Tread with discernment and fortitude.)

Remain on Earth:

Elect to persevere in your Earthly existence, eschewing significant integration into the cosmic fold. (WARNING: Such a choice may curtail your access to the vast reservoirs of universal mana and myriad other cosmic resources. It is not the endorsed route for those seeking exponential growth and boundless opportunities.)

Choose wisely, Alan. Your destiny in this vast cosmos awaits your decree.

It is pertinent to note, Alan, that the esteemed Zentari Dominion in conjunction with the revered Chrono Enclave are the appointed custodians of the Milky Way galaxy's integration. Their monumental task is to safeguard the transition and ensure its seamless progression.

In recognition of your potential and to facilitate your understanding, a representative from the Zentari Dominion has been commissioned remotely for your assistance.

End of Message.

Alan panicked, his thoughts bouncing between the three ludicrous options. Each option, an absurdity in every sentence—sentences from the Universal Council?—seemed to mock his dismal existence. Yet, this is what it took to spark an interest.

A projection materialized before him, gradually becoming sharper.

After a couple of seconds, the image was as clear and three-dimensional as having someone stand in front of you. An insectoid figure. It stood on two legs, similar to a humanoid stance, but its body was decidedly insect-like.

Atop its head sprouted two antennae, swaying gently as if responding to Alan’s presence. The creature was draped in ornate robes, bright and flowing. Intricate geometric patterns adorned the fabric, looking almost like a map of stars and trade routes.

“Salutations, Alan D. Newman, of Earth. Purpose of my presence...to answer queries about program options.” Its antennae wavered as it emphasized presence and queries. The creature’s speech had a choppy cadence and a buzzing undertone.

Was this the representative? Alan wondered. “Are you from the Universal Council?” he said softly, examining the insect’s features.

“Err, no. I am speaker for Zentari Dominion. Your...frequencies detected. Analyzed. Discordant songs in realm. But harmony possible.”

“And, what’s your name?”

“Human speech has limitations. Names not pronounceable. But I am called Z'klik-thrr.” The buzzing undertone was especially prominent on the unpronounceable Zentari name. “Now, do you have queries about the programs? Seeking specifics?” Its multifaceted eyes blinked rapidly awaiting Alan’s response.

Alan already knew what he would choose. He wasn’t going to return to his sofa; this was his chance to escape its clutches.

Administration, policy formulation, universal governance…he’d done that, it was too dull, it was the same as returning to his current life. He wasn’t about to embark on a journey to become a Universal Bureaucrat.

“No. I already know what I am choosing. I want to be a Cosmic Vanguard.” Alan’s voice gradually became louder as he spoke.

“Are you certain absolute? Is program selection final?” Z'klik-thrr leaned in, studying Alan’s face for any hesitation.

“Very well. Your request processed. Await next message from UC. Standby.”

Alan found himself alone in the endless bright white realm. The projection of Z'klik-thrr, whom he had decided to call Zee, disappeared a moment after uttering its last word. The act reminded him of an old box TV shutting off.

His hands were shaking.

Motivation. Intrigue. Above all, promise.

He’d feared he would remain buried. Trapped in his mind. Yet the universe itself had handed him a shovel and something else – something irresistible and exotic, something that might just make life worth living again.

“Shit, shit, fuck man. I’m freaking out,” said a muffled voice.

Alan blinked and found himself back in his apartment. The sun still shone through the window, just as bright as where he’d been moments ago. Felipe was pacing frantically around the tiny living room.

“Are we gonna talk about it?” Alan asked.

Finally, Felipe stopped pacing. A gentle smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he calmed down. Carefully, he pulled out one of the dining table’s chairs, placing it in front of the sofa before sitting down with a sigh. His once-eccentric black hair now seemed subdued.

“Okay, you’re right. So, what did you choose?” Felipe inquired.

“Cosmic Vanguard.” Alan said quickly.

“I went for Intergalactic…um, Trader or something like that. I also got the ‘something-bureaucrat’, but it sounded too uptight. Besides, I've been thinking about starting my own business for years. This might be the universe forcing me to finally do it.”

“I also got the bureaucrat option. You didn’t consider remaining on earth?” Alan asked.

“That’s what I wanted, but there was an… how do you translate it…‘advertencia’... Warning! That made it sound like a dangerous option.” Felipe said.

“Hold on, you got the messages in Spanish?”

“Yeah, I guess because it’s my first language. The insect dude spoke Spanish as well, I think. So what happens now? Do we have to go somewhere?”

“I don’t know. Zee said to wait for the next message,” Alan chortled.

“Where’s your remote? I want to see what they're saying on TV. Also, check social media.”