Chapter 6: Selected

ABC News Live “Good evening, everyone. I’m Geena Davis. Thank you for streaming with us.” Geena greeted the audience with a radiant smile, her captivating presence filling the screen.

The female announcer continued, her voice filled with enthusiasm, “We are now just one week away from the highly anticipated Apocalypse Game, Year 4. Today, we have a special guest joining us, Lieutenant Ethan Sinclair, who is currently stationed at the East Coast Training Center. Good morning, Lieutenant Sinclair. It’s a pleasure to have you here on this beautiful day.”

As Geena spoke, the screen split in two, and Lieutenant Sinclair’s face appeared next to hers. He was a middle-aged man, distinguished in his military uniform, with neatly styled hair. Offering a polite smile, he greeted Geena and the viewers, “Good evening, Geena, and good evening to all of America.”

Eager to delve into the main topic, Geena turned her attention to Lieutenant Sinclair. “Lieutenant Sinclair, could you please share with us the current situation at the East Coast Training Center? I’m sure our viewers are eager to know.”

“Certainly, Geena. As you can see,” the screen transitioned to a live feed of the training center, revealing a sprawling field filled with thousands of people. “Many Americans have come to join us on the first day of the training regime we have set up. We are still awaiting the arrival of many more, and we will be here until the day of the game.”

Geena nodded, her interest evident. “That’s great to hear, Lieutenant Sinclair. At this point, our viewers are particularly interested in the Lottery that has recently been delivered to their homes. Do you have any comments or messages for those who have been selected?

Lieutenant Sinclair’s gaze turned earnest as he addressed the camera, speaking directly to the viewer “To all those who have been selected, I understand that you may be feeling anxious, but I want to assure you that our survival rates have significantly increased over the years, while the death rate continues to decline. It is crucial that you come to your respective training centers as soon as possible. We have meticulously prepared everything to support and guide you through this journey.”

Geena beamed at Lieutenant Sinclair’s words. “Those are truly reassuring words, Lieutenant. Thank you for joining us today and providing valuable insight to our viewers. Perhaps, this could be the year we emerge victorious.”

With a final wave to the camera, Geena concluded, “That wraps it up for me, Geena Davis. You heard it here first on ABC News.”

####

The East Coast Training Center anticipated a staggering 10,000 participants for the first round, while a million from around the world would join in this global event. The thought of potentially saving countless lives weighed heavily on Alan’s mind.

For some time, Alan had contemplated his role in this unique situation. Initially, he hesitated to alter history significantly, believing that he should avoid interfering with the natural course of events. By maintaining this approach, he could still leverage his future knowledge to gain an advantage in the Apocalypse Game.

However, Alan gradually realized that he alone could not change the future’s outcome. The enormity of the impending catastrophe required collective action and strategic intervention. As a result, he made the decision to compile the information he deemed crucial onto a USB drive and clandestinely deliver it to someone he trusted—the reliable and capable Colonel Weeber.

Though the amount of information was limited, Alan believed it had the potential to save numerous lives if utilized effectively. He understood that his actions might alter history, but he accepted this responsibility, knowing it was precisely why he had been sent back in time.

With only one week remaining before the commencement of the Apocalypse Game, the media buzzed with excitement, covering a wide array of topics and stories surrounding this momentous event.

This year, the media’s intensity seemed to surpass that of previous Apocalypse Games, as the participation of civilian players added a new dynamic to the proceedings.

Governments worldwide recognized the need to address public concerns and prevent unnecessary panic. They launched extensive campaigns to emphasize the positive aspects of participating in the Apocalypse Game.

By highlighting the potential for personal growth, camaraderie, and the opportunity to contribute to humanity’s survival, these campaigns aimed to alleviate fears and foster a sense of unity among the chosen participants.

####

In a quiet suburban house, the news played on a television screen. An elderly woman watched the broadcast with a mix of concern and anticipation as a young man entered the house, carrying bags of groceries.

“Mother, I brought home dinner,” he announced, a hint of excitement in his voice.

The son had prepared a sumptuous feast, a sight the small family hadn’t experienced in quite some time. The aroma of the freshly cooked meal filled the air, momentarily lifting the weight of their daily struggles.

As they sat down at the dinner table, the elderly woman couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of unease. She turned her gaze towards her son and asked, her voice filled with worry, “Daniel, where did you get the money for all of this?” 𝗈𝗏𝑙𝐞xt.𝔠𝑂𝗆

The young man smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and hope. He began carving a piece of succulent roasted meat for his mother and reassured her, “Don’t worry, Mother. From now on, we won’t have to worry about food anymore.”

The past three years had been incredibly challenging for the family since the arrival of the aliens and the subsequent loss of the father, who had been their pillar of support.

Unemployment and hardships had become their daily companions. Thus, the sudden feast was meant to bring them joy and relief. However, the elderly woman couldn’t shake off her apprehension, and it weighed heavily on her heart.

“Daniels… how… did you manage all of this?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Setting down his cutlery, the young man reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope filled with money, a total of $10,000. He handed it to his mother, his expression filled with both determination and a touch of sadness.

“Mother, I’ve been selected. I will be leaving for the camp tomorrow.”

Her eyes widened in shock and disbelief, tears welling up as she pleaded, “No… no, Daniel. You have a bright future ahead of you. Please don’t go.”

Standing up, the young man walked over to a nearby display case holding several football trophies, each inscribed with the words “Quarterback of the Year.” He turned back to his mother, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and determination.

“I’m sorry, Mother, but there’s no future left in this game. It’s all in the past now.”

Trembling, the elderly woman looked up at her son, her voice filled with a mix of fear and love. “Daniel… promise me that you’ll survive. Promise me that you’ll come back to me.”

With a solemn nod, the young man embraced his mother tightly, whispering words of reassurance. “Don’t worry, Mother. I will survive this. I promise.”

As the morning sun rose, Daniel picked up his bag, filled with a mix of trepidation and determination, and gave his mother a tender kiss goodbye.

To his surprise, a familiar figure awaited him outside.

“Mr. D… why… why are you here?”