Back Among The Stars (Page 147)

~~~(POV: Scott Autumn)~~~

~~~(Location: Getting out of Bed, Home)~~~

My eyes flutter open, and my head slowly turns to look at my clock. It's 7:23 AM, and I'm getting back on The Aeternus Universe. The other side of my bed is occupied by a sleeping Jess still, and I'd rather not wake her up. Before going back, I want another meal. The bed creaks just a little bit, and I leave my room and head for the kitchen.

The TV turns on with a voice command, and I start to prepare some food as the TV plays. It's the same Gaming News Channel that I always listen to. "Today, there have been record-breaking and record-setting numbers for continuous playing time across the world. Many haven't left their gaming pod in days. Causing some medical emergencies." Not everyone has what I have.

My gaming pod is the best one on the market, and Jess uses the same one. Others who don't have the same financial means as me will have to settle for things that aren't at the level that can support days. "This has caused many to question if playtime should be regulated when it comes to The Aeternus Universe or not." Like that's ever going to happen.

Trying to regulate something as fun as The Aeternus Universe will not end well. Besides, there are plenty of third-party programs to circumnavigate technology like that. I'll even make it myself if I need to. "The real-world economy has taken a major hit since everyone is staying home and playing The Aeternus Universe." That's not a problem that'll have an immediate fix.

The world economy having a hard time can't be solely blamed on one thing. "Is it really that bad?" I nearly jump out of my skin as Jess scares the crap out of me. "Geez, jumpy much." I don't welcome the tease, but it's warranted. She's in a robe and joins me in the kitchen. Grabbing cereal and milk from the fridge. I'm having eggs and sausage.

Jessica is a person that'll pick her favorite cereal over an actual morning breakfast any day. "I think politicians are playing at an angle. But it's impossible to say what it is definitively, but you can be sure money is involved." While my answer is political, I rarely speak like this. My mind can't help but try to find answers and do just that. Give an answer.

She smiles as she heads towards the couch and sits down. I'm still cooking my food. "Just so you know, once I'm done with this cereal, I'm jumping on The Aeternus Universe. There are tasks that I need to do for my in-game company." I'm surprised, to say the least. I thought I'd be the one that would tell her I'm getting on first.

It's awesome that she's getting so into gaming now. "Yeah, I'm getting on after I have some food. By the way, last night was fun." Her head slowly turns with a devious smile. "Not what I meant... I was talking about the date we had... But the part after we came home was pretty good too..." She turns back to the TV with a smile. She enjoys this too much.

I finish making my food and I place it all on a plate. Jess moves slightly to give me a seat right next to her. Once I sit down, she snuggles up closer, and we both eat our food as the news comes back from commercial. "There has also been heavy communication between players and in-game companies trying to find Teller-Bravo." That would make sense. Given how big their bounties are.

We both finish our breakfast, and we make our way to our individual gaming pods. She's never going to forget these moments she's making. My eyes slowly close as the headgear lowers and the gaming pod closes. I can't help wondering what mom and dad are up to. In the span of a couple of seconds. I'm back on Immortalitas, and Aurora pops up next to me. Her arms are crossed in frustration.

I was gone longer than she hoped. "I'm not going to ask what took so long, but we'll need to talk. Things have developed in your absence." She looks towards the front of the Command Deck, and Durado is looking out the window. "We're waiting above a Gas Gaint in an uncharted system. We've made it to a galaxy called Techese." I've read some history about this galaxy.