“Shit.” Felipe turned off the TV, frustration clear on his face. “The news is useless. It’s just panic, panic, panic. No real info.”
Alan scrolled through his phone, “Social media isn't much better. There's a flood of YouTube videos with people ranking the different programs, trying to figure out which one’s the best. And check this out - both the president and vice president are now Earth Ambassadors. People are tearing into them, calling them cowards. But, weirdly, a bunch of congressmen went the universal bureaucrat route.”
Felipe raised an eyebrow, “You think that’s weird? The stock market’s been shut down. Someone made a killing—two billion—by shifting from currency and financial markets straight into tech and communication companies. Everyone's suddenly doubting the worth of our own money but then hyping up space tech like it's the new gold rush.”
Alan blinked. Then the familiar feeling returned. Yes!
SYSTEM MESSAGE: PROGRAM SELECTION RESULTS AND APPRECIATION
Greetings, citizens of Earth,
First and foremost, the Universal Council (UC) extends its profound gratitude to each and every one of you for your cooperation and active participation in the program selection process. Your collective determination, curiosity, and initiative have been truly commendable.
Here are the results of the global program selection:
Universal Bureaucrat: 5% (288.6 million)
Earth Ambassador: 14% (838.1 million)
Intergalactic Commerce: 25% (1.443 billion)
Universal Spiritualist: 10% (577.2 million)
Cosmic Vanguard: <1% (27.72 million)
Remain on Earth: 45% (2.597 billion)
The UC is elated to note that a remarkable 55% of your populace has chosen to extend its horizons beyond Earth. This collective decision not only epitomizes your species' adventurous spirit but also ensures that the integration process will be both harmonious and productive.
For those who have elected to remain on Earth and not partake in universal integration, kindly be informed: This will be the last message you receive from the Universal Council. We respect your choice and wish you the very best in your Earthly endeavors.
Again, welcome to the Universe, Earthlings. A realm of limitless possibilities, boundless horizons, and untold mysteries now awaits your exploration.
Please be informed: Program-specific tutorials will commence in approximately [123] [human] [minutes]. Prepare to embark on your chosen destiny.
End of Message.
Alan rose. The Universal Council had told him that his journey would begin in almost exactly two hours. It was nice of them to provide a timeline.
He picked up the half-filled trash bag that Felipe had started, Alan continued to collect waste. His friend had already taken care of almost half of the rubbish.
Felipe, almost sobbing, remained in his chair, afraid.
“I gotta go, man. I gotta say goodbye to my abuelita.”
“I understand. Thanks for coming to see me,” Alan told him. “I’ll hopefully see you again.”
“Be careful. Hasta la vista!” Felipe said before walking out the door.
Alan's best friend, Felipe, moved to another state to live with his father ten years ago. They both kept tabs on each other online during the first year apart, but as time passed, their friendship faded. Felipe had, as Alan’s late mother often lamented, a lot of neglected potential.
Though Felipe's parents were not engaged in developing his mind, he had a keen intelligence and an autodidactic nature. Felipe always got straight A's, he also picked up Japanese from TV and neighbors, becoming fluent in three languages with no classes.
When they were both fifteen, the last time they saw each other, Felipe, carrying a backpack that seemed twice his size, delivered the sad news. “It’s today,” he said, steeling himself and looking up. “This isn’t goodbye, man. Let’s promise each other that we’ll both study hard. Maybe something in business administration or marketing. Then we’ll start our own company as partners and do whatever the hell we want.”
At first, Alan couldn't find the words, so he simply offered a heartfelt hug. Poor Felipe almost tumbled over, unable to manage the weight of his enormous backpack. “Make sure to come back. Then we’ll talk business ideas.”
“Take care of yourself. I’d better get back before my mom decides to start drinking and forgets to take me to the airport. Hasta la vista!”
Different situation. Same last words.
Alan knew he would see Felipe again, and if this entire Universal Council galaxy integration scenario turned out to be true, perhaps they'd meet in a distant galaxy. But for now, he would treasure his best friend's visit as he prepared for the end of the world.
Time to get ready!
So he set a two-hour timer on his watch, and headed to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth and showered with purpose and a newfound excuse for living.
It didn't matter.
What mattered was that his mother would be proud. After a bit of scavenging and some luck, he found a brand new razor inside his bathroom cabinet, tucked beneath a small drawer. Alan had started growing quite the wizard’s beard and, although he thought it looked badass, he wanted to make a good first impression on the aliens.
He donned his favorite set of athletic gear and put a small load in the washer. Then, he tidied up his apartment some more.
Only a few things remained—a pile of dirty dishes, changing his bed sheets and thirty-seven minutes on his timer.
The dirty dishes disappeared within the next eight minutes, and the apartment underwent an astounding transformation. Every trace of the man who lived there soon vanished, replaced by the reborn 'Cosmic Vanguard.’
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
He sat on the sofa with six minutes left on his timer; today had, in fact, been a good day.
Nine minutes went by.
“My first complaint to the Universal Council will be about punctuality,” he said, hoping the whole thing wasn't an elaborate ruse. Or maybe they’re having issues with their time conversions. The whole ‘123 human minutes’ was kinda awkward.
That was when reality broke, his living room rumbled, and his apartment’s walls peeled out of existence. One-foot-wide strips, from ceiling to floor, began to detach and dissolve. And with each strip that vanished, a blinding white void took its place. In mere seconds, everything that he owned was gone—the worn-out couch, the coffee table, the TV—replaced by an endlessly bright dimension and a familiar insectoid alien.
Z'klik-thrr sat behind a desk that looked as if it were rendered. It seemed to sprout from the ground of the white room, remaining connected to it, and was covered with a black digital grid.
Alan fell down with a thud. At the end of the tumultuous phenomenon, his anticipation swelled like that of a kid on Christmas morning. He stood up with a cheerful greeting, “Hi Zee! It’s nice to see you again.”
“Greetings Alan D. Newman. Pleasing, your energy and craving for adventure. Humans' reactions to integration...volatile minds, so unlike. Let us hope, no problem comes. I am...fatigued, as you say. Begin now, we must.” The Zentari's antennae drooped momentarily, and a chair materialized in front of his digital desk as he gestured for Alan to sit.
“Yes! I am ready!” Alan exclaimed as he carefully sat down, fearing that he would pass through the digital rendition of a chair.
“First, something to share. Vanguard path most perilous. Zentari can extract before extinction. But safety not guaranteed - variables affect process. Last chance to withdraw. Certainty absolute about continuing? If withdraw, deny integration, return to Earth. No access granted to Mana.”
Alan’s vision blurred. A huge, uncomfortable knot formed in his chest. He tried to push it down, but it was like trying to contain a wild animal. He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply, the longest exhale he had ever taken. “Yes, I am sure,” he said with so much resolve that even Z'klik-thrr adjusted in his seat.
“Very well. Queries before proceeding further? Speak now.” Z'klik-thrr said.
“Yes! thousands! But I guess most importantly, what exactly does a…cosmic vanguard do? Oh and do I get any high-tech gear, or am I attending an academy-type training on another planet? Actually where are we right now?”
“Cosmic Vanguard...the UC's military force. Training provided, until potential shines...or lacks, we shall see. Stand out, join Cosmic Corps. Mediocrity leads to lesser squadrons. Or solar protector, most likely. Future far, far ahead, focus now on training. Tutorial first, advancement later. Gear talk later.”
Ok…
Alan only understood half of that. But he got the important points, and was ready to move on to whatever was next. “In that case, I’m ready to start this training right away.”
The unsettling insect remained silent for several seconds. After blinking his multifaceted eyes asynchronously, with one lid closing slightly ahead of the other, he scrolled through a sort of holographic tablet for a few moments.
“Is everything alright?” Alan asked.
“Apologies. A clip to play for you, then done.”
Z'klik-thrr flipped his tablet around to show Alan. It read:
SYSTEM VIDEO CLIP: COSMIC VANGUARD INITIATIVE - INITIAL BRIEFING
The screen flickered to life, revealing a vast expanse of star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. The view then transitions to a rotating holographic emblem of the Universal Council. It was simple and elegant. It reminded Alan of a triquetra, but it had nine rings instead.
An authoritative, yet calming female voice, possibly non-human, began to speak.
Greetings Cosmic Vanguard Candidate,
If you are witnessing this transmission, you have elected to be a part of the Universal Council's Cosmic Vanguard Initiative, as outlined in the [Universal Council Integration Instruction 98-503]. Your ambition to stand at the forefront of the universe's defenders and explorers is both commendable and essential.
This esteemed program offers an array of branches and specializations, tailor-made to harness and hone your unique potentials. However, your journey begins with a foundational tutorial, meticulously crafted and supervised by the hosting intergalactic major power bloc.
Z'klik-thrr pointed to himself.
Upon triumphant completion of this tutorial, you will be granted privileged access to the following esteemed Universal Council tools:
[Universal Council Cosmic Vanguard Registry]: A comprehensive database of all Cosmic Vanguards, detailing their skills, achievements, and ranks.
[Universal Council Mission Database]: An up-to-date repository of available missions, quests, and universal imperatives.
[Universal Council Galactic Archive]: An expansive knowledge hub, containing chronicles, maps, and essential data from every recognized corner of the universe.
Moreover, to ensure uniformity, integrity, and optimal performance, you are mandated to remain compliant with the [Cosmic Vanguard-Standard-991H] regulations at all times.
Your decision today marks the onset of an unparalleled journey. The universe awaits your valor, vision, and contributions. Stand tall, Cosmic Vanguard.”
The emblem faded, the stars in the background shimmered briefly, and the clip ended.
“Queries about introduction?” Z'klik-thrr asked, flipping the tablet back toward himself.
“That was actually well explained. But, how long is this tutorial?”
“Transport coming to initiation realm. Finish, wake in tutorial. Fifteen stages, long path ahead. Complete all, graduate and join Vanguard ranks.” Z'klik-thrr continued to emphasize the lengthy tutorial process.
The insect eyed Alan up and down. “All you brought? Weapons?”
Alan unzipped his jacket’s left pocket and took out a small notepad and a pen. “I brought this, hopefully it’s allowed.”
“Yes, allowed,” Z'klik-thrr replied.
“The instructions weren’t clear. I didn’t know I had to bring anything.”
“Bzzzz...understood. A note to amend Handbook. Weapons not needed, but sometimes helpful.” Its antennae twitched pensively as it made a mental note. “Integration flawed if items required. But comfort brings confidence for some species. A misstep in manual.”
“Sure…ok.”
“Zentari Dominion awards you 100 credits - for starting equipment. Spend now only chance. Unused forfeited.”
A large holographic screen materialized between Z'klik-thrr and Alan, displaying what seemed like an endless list of items. On the right side of the screen, there was a small humanoid silhouette, which he could use to navigate the inventory. He could also filter by various effects.
“You weren’t kidding when you said ‘starting equipment’,” Alan chortled. All of the items were simple, medieval-style equipment: cloaks, swords, axes, maces. The effects were listed next to each item, and they included things like +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Health Regeneration, etc.
“Questions?” Z'klik-thrr asked.
“No, I get it. Well, unless you have any suggestions as to what’s best for this tutorial…” Alan said as he scrolled through the options.
“Item choice yours.” Z'klik-thrr replied.
After two minutes of scrolling through the options, Alan’s eyes started glinting as he stared at the item on the screen. Without hesitation, he picked it; it was one of the most expensive ones, costing 60 credits. It seemed the Zentari Dominion only provided enough for two items, or three at most. With his remaining 40 credits, he spent 30 on a ring that provided +1 Mana Regeneration and used the rest to buy two common health potions.
The whole situation was absurd, eerily similar to online shopping. As soon as Alan clicked ‘confirm,’ Z'klik-thrr spoke up. “Preparations complete. Items delivered tutorial.”
“Very well. Luck wished for journey, Alan D. Newman of Earth. We now kickstart mana. Good luck!” Z'klik-thrr nodded and vanished.
“Thank you Zee. Have safe…space travels.”