In the hours following Michael’s initial appearance on television, he had been contacted by Ikti government officials and the computer had been moved to a secure room in the capital building. Michael had kept contact with his friends but hadn’t had face-to-face contact with them since the morning when he had left for Ikti University. Hiss and Professor Sular were both in the room with Michael which had security guards defending them. They were all sitting at a large wooden conference table and were waiting when an elderly man with a slight limp entered the room. “Greetings sir,” said Hiss.

“Good day to you Mr. Ermal, and good to meet you Professor Sunar and Mr. Chapman,” said the elderly man.

Professor Sunar got up from his seat. “It’s an honor to meet you, President Raku,” said Professor Sunar.

Michael also began standing in respect for the president. “Thank you, but you may be seated,” said President Raku.

Michael and Professor Sular took their seats and President Raku joined them at the table. Two assistants to President Raku entered the room closing the door behind them. “So, Michael, you’re from the container world. Can you tell us a little about how you got here?” asked President Raku.

President Raku asked a few more questions of that nature which Michael was already prepared to answer when he asked something else. “What is your purpose for being here on Ikti Prime?” asked President Raku.

“Well, since I got here from the power surge I’ve been trying to find a way out so I can stop the Tardigrades from attacking my home planet. I heard that Ikti Prime was the best place to go,” said Michael.

“Well, we are renowned for our advanced sciences and our knowledge so you have come to the right place,” said President Raku with a warm smile.

“Do you think you could help me to get out of here and to stop the Tardigrades?” asked Michael.

“Well, what you have said about the Tartigrades is rather concerning as any threat to the container universe would be a threat to this universe, so I will be doing all in my power to aid you,” said President Raku.

Michael felt a sense of relief and gratitude toward President Raku for his willingness to help. The computer made a sound as a new message appeared.

Ryan: How are you typing so fast?

Michael: I’m not typing fast. I am typing at my normal speed.

After a minute or two of Ryan not responding Michael wrote another message to Ryan.

Michael: Where do you keep going? You keep leaving each time I write something.

“So, what can we start doing so that I can try and get back home to save my home planet?” asked Michael.

“Well, I will ask that you excuse me while I go and make a few phone calls really quick,” said President Raku.

President Raku stood up and left the room while one of his assistants followed the other remained in the room with Michael, Hiss, and Professor Sunar. Professor Sunar was shaken from the experience. “I can’t believe this is all happening. This surely will be the highlight of my career. First someone unlocks the computer, then I got to meet the president, I can’t believe it,” said Professor Sunar.

Azav was contacting Michael on his galactoband again and Michael picked up the phone. “Hey Azav, what’s up?” asked Michael.

“Michael, I just want to know you’re alright. Where are you?” asked Azav.

“I am at the capital building right now. I just spoke with the Ikti president,” said Michael.

“I’m on my way,” said Azav before hanging up.

“Is he just going to… show up?” asked Professor Sunar.

“I doubt they’ll let him in,” said Hiss.

President Raku entered the room once again. “Hey President Raku one of my friends said he was on his way over here. Could he possibly join us?” asked Michael.

“I don’t see why not. I’ll tell security to let him in,” said President Raku.

Azav arrived a few minutes later and entered the room “Greetings, I am Azav,” said Azav taking a seat at the large table.

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“Hello Azav, and what is your relation to Michael?” asked President Raku.

“I am one of his mentors, and an ally,” said Azav.

“Well, welcome. We are discussing plans to gather more information on the container world as well as to develop a plan to help Michael return to his home world and to alleviate the threat of extinction by a Tardigrade attack,” said President Raku.

“Yes, I’m well aware. This isn’t the first time Michael has explained the circumstances and situation on his home planet,” said Azav.

“What do you mean this isn’t the first time you’ve heard this. If you had prior knowledge on this why didn’t you let us know?” asked President Raku.

“A multitude of reasons went into my decision. First being that I suspected the threat was not immediate. As Michael had admitted before he believed his planet to be in imminent danger, but there seems to be some kind of inconsistency with time that passes here as compared to the time on his home world as we would’ve almost certainly been obliterated by now had time operated at the same rate here and there. The second reason I didn’t report this immediately was the distance from my home base to here on Ikti Prime, and also with all due respect for you Michael your story might sound completely unbelievable as it does to most,” said Azav.

“Well, I suppose there is not much to be gained debating it now,” said President Raku.

The sun began setting as the day was ending on Ikti Prime. “Well, thank you all for coming in. It’s getting quite late, so you may all stay the night here if you wish, but please get some rest we can pick this up in the morning,” said President Raku.

“Thanks, is there somewhere I could sleep?” asked Michael yawning.

“Of course, show him to a guest room,” said President Raku pointing to a guard.

The guard walked Michael to a guest room. Inside was a large, neatly folded white bed with pillows and blankets. Michael laid down on the bed which was the most comfortable bed he had been in his whole time in Nova Galactica. He began to rest his eyes and doze off to sleep.

The next day Michael awoke to the sound of music as well as a knock on the door from a guard. Michael walked up to open the door and the guard walked Michael to a breakfast bar where a meal was already prepared for him. Michael ate his breakfast alone and when finished was walked by the guard back to the conference room from the previous day. Inside were several advisors there to have a meeting to talk with Michael. They were a committee dedicated to helping Michael return home. Upon request by President Raku Michael recounted the story once again. He never mentioned that Nova Galactica was a game and instead referred to it as a computer simulation. Michael checked the computer which had a new message.

Ryan: I’m not going anywhere. I’m at your computer right now.

Michael wrote a message back.

Michael: I understand. My friend reminded me of something. Time moves differently here in Nova Galactica than it does back on Earth, so for you, my messages are instant but for me time moves faster here so your messages come across as taking a very long time.

The committee proposed to Michael the creation of a new massive space structure to attempt to tear a hole through the universe so Michael could return back home. Michael agreed seeing it as a good option as they were experts. Michael was introduced to Head Scientist Omenil who was assigned to lead the scientific research for Michael and to help with the construction of the space beam that would attempt to create conditions allowing Michael to leave. After the meeting with the committee concluded Michael was taken to a ship with the president and taken to another part of the planet. “Where are we going?” asked Michael.

“We’re going to the Intergalactic Council,” said President Raku.

They arrived at a large open space before to large building. Fountains sprayed water displays on the left and to the right of Michael and President Raku. A guard opened the door and President Raku thanked him, Michael did the same. They walked along the path and above the door was the logo for the Intergalactic Council. After walking through a hallway they arrived at the Intergalactic Council’s main room with a podium surrounded by seats in the shape of a semicircle. There were alien diplomats of all different nations Michael recognized from Nova Galactica. Michael followed the president up to the main desk and took a seat to President Raku’s left. President Raku went on to speak to the council giving information about Michael and his origin of being from the container universe. President Raku asked for support in the mission both in scientific and monetary contributions. He also talked about the threat of the Tardigrades to the container universe. During the meeting, Michael wasn’t asked any questions directly and just sat next to President Raku until President Raku stood up. “We can go now,” whispered President Raku.

Michael stood up and followed him. “Sorry, kind of boring I know,” said President Raku.

“No, it’s okay. I appreciate it,” said Michael.