A rush of adrenaline crashes into my synapses leaving my mind blurry and panicked. My body turns to lead as my legs lose their strength. I reach for the light post and cling on as I try to prevent my limp body from falling to the ground.

  Time passes and I eventually regain some awareness of my surroundings. I get goosebumps as a slight cool breeze passes and can hear rustle of Palm trees in-between the empty road and the California coast. The occasional sound of cars screaming across the old worn-out highway had completely stopped.

  Greetings Planet DD321 (Earth), you have been selected for evaluation by System. (Processing…)

  Planet “Earth” has been ranked a T2 civilization. As a bonus for such a low rank civilization, planet “Earth” has been awarded a 2-year protection from outside invaders.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Due to location of Plant D321 (Earth), you have been awarded the position of Nexus. (Your planet will become a center for all planets within region G5821.)

  I’m in shock. These words flow through my mind as if I had been reading them on paper. They aren’t obstructing my vision yet they feel like they are right in front of me. I walk along the beach contemplating my life.

  My name is Tal and I’m a cook at the local seaside restaurant. It’s nothing fancy, but the food we serve is fresh. I hadn’t always planned on staying in the small town of Morro Bay, where I grew up. I had dreams when I was young of hopping from country to country experiencing different cultures. These were unrealistic dreams given my circumstances and eventually I had to let them go and focus on reality.

  Now, with the world seemingly changing I have an opportunity to change. I don’t know where I’ll end up or what I’ll be doing after becoming acclimated with The System, but I’m determined get the most out of this opportunity.