1 Prologue

A smart looking man steps forward from the shadows of a room lit by only a single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling.

"Do you have what it takes to save humanity?"

His eyes look at the camera as if it was only natural, as if he was talking directly to you.

"Is your Intelligence at least 18 or higher?" His voice was steady and calm as he spoke. Like his words had purpose and meaning beyond just the syllables.

"Not afraid of being alone for prolonged periods of time?" His stone like face, firm and unemotional, finally shifts to a slight grin. "Then we have a job for you."

It was the same commercial repeated since the crisis began.

In 2020 it all started with a plague, then led to riots. Then SpaceY brought the human interest back into space travel.

In 2025 a new technology was released globally. An interface system that categorizes your physical and mental abilities on par with an MMORPG using implants and nanotech.

Now everyday people could measure their stats and keep track of skill progression as if it were a game.

The Gamer population took to this like wildfire. They began living like it was going out of style, improving their stats and working like mad people to get the edge on others. They became competitive athletes and most took to combat sports.

Those who prefered building things, making things, cornered the market in production goods and construction. It was a new world that caused many older generation fear for their livelihood. But it was not all peaches and cream.

There were downsides to such things. A subset of people began experiencing a dissociative effect and no longer believed life was real and instead became what they called, "PKers" or "Player Killers" like any other game.

For a couple years there were movements and infighting that had the higher officials worried about the choice of allowing this tech. Many though, pushed to protect it as it had a greater effect on improving life.

By 2040 things grew more unstable. Natural resources finally began to dwindle to the point of no return. Many feared that the world could no longer support us and communities were formed to fight the growing unrest.

One solution was proposed.

A program designed to help spread out the population. It was time to look to the stars for answers to our continued existance.

Deep in the underground bunkers of powerful men and women, a committee was formed for just that purpose.

"We have the numbers already. Everything to make this a viable option is in place. We just need to select to right candidates for the job."

The voice came from a solid bodied man that sat in a military uniform with ribbons and awards on his chest. His hard eyes were looking at everyone around the table as he waited for any response.

A thin man with wire framed glasses resting on his nose, cleared his throat for attention. His eyes were darting around nervously and he did his best to hide the tremor in his voice.

"The science is solid as well. We have been running test after test and we believe once we have found the right people, we will be able to send them where they need to go. The only thing we are really waiting on is the secondary hardware to arrive on point. Other then that it would only need time and the A.N.D.R.O.S will be ready."

There was hushed conversation around the table as some talked to their neighbors.

"Are we dead set on that name? I was never a fan of such acronyms." Said a blond haired woman wearing a smart pantsuit.

The others made alternating noises and the thin man spoke again.

"Yes. It is what it is. Advanced Neuronal Data Reconstructed Over Systems. We are basically sending a persons mind through space."

After that the topics changed to how they would find candidates and who would make good ones. Of course the military was the first choice but unfortunately they were not up for prolong exposure to solitude of the required degree.

Humans were just too social of creatures. Just when it seemed the meeting would end in such a sour note, a young woman with brown hair, eyes that seemed to draw people into them, lips that spoke of more than words and a body many would kill for, rose her hand.

"Why not the Gamers? They are all shut ins."