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When The Planet Evolution In Progress Bar Appeared, Raquin Said, ‘Okay, Now It’s definitely time to go.’
‘It is,’ Barlo conceded.
The pair said goodbye to everyone, then Gelda walked them out.
At the door, Barlo hugged her tightly. ‘I’m so happy you’ve found something meaningful, Grandma. I’d love to see you play some more.’
Raquin’s hug was shorter but just as warm. ‘Me too, Ma. It’s the perfect thing for you right now.’
‘Thanks, love. It’s hectic but fun.’ Gelda laughed. ‘I can’t believe I’m building a biosphere of mini worlds!’
‘You’ll do great. Keep us in the loop on your progress.’
‘It’s a shame you both can’t stay longer to see how it all turns out, but you’ve got a great adventure ahead of you! Are you excited?’
‘Very much so!’
After a second round of hugs Gelda said, with a tear in her eye, ‘I’m going to miss you both so much, but have a memorable trip!’
‘Thanks for an amazing party, Grandma. I love you! Tawawa!’
‘Tawawa!’
Waving goodbye to them from the door, Gelda took a moment to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the silence. It was well past midnight, and the neighbourhood was quiet. Back inside, she considered tidying a little but decided to leave it to the cleaners in the morning. Lights dimmed and doors closed, she returned to the lounge room.
All eyes turned to her.
‘We’ve made an executive decision,’ Bryll announced with arms folded over chest in a defiant gesture. ‘We’re not going home until you finish building your Universe.’
Hazzy shrugged. ‘We figured you might as well. It’s already way past your bedtime,’ she pointed out.
Odgio nodded. ‘Imagine waking up to a Universe biosphere that you built yourself!’
‘Yes, how good would that be!’ Hazzy sought parallel enthusiasm from those around her. From within an elixir stupor beside her, Fansy mumbled. ‘Even Fansy agrees!’
Everyone laughed.
‘And you’ll be a third of the way into the game,’ Bryll pointed out.
‘Kind of,’ said Shellany. ‘Adaptation is almost twice the length of Construction, and there’s no telling how long Unity will take.’
‘What happens after the game ends?’ asked Hazzy.
‘It doesn’t really end. You continue to monitor it and intervene when something goes wrong, or if your Universe steers off-course with its evolution – which can sometimes happen, especially when they grow complex.’
As they talked, Gelda sipped her fifth jova and took a bit of a puffly. When they waited for her reply, she simply smiled and said, ‘I’d already decided to keep playing.’
Hazzy harumphed dramatically. ‘Why didn’t you say?!’
‘I couldn’t get a word in,’ Gelda teased. It was quite odd that she suddenly felt rather good. It was as though her energy levels had flipped or been given a magical boost – or perhaps mind and body had simply succumbed to the notion of no sleep and reluctantly gave all they had. Whatever the reason, she was simply glad for the zest to continue. ‘Let’s get to it then, shall we?’
To soft dramatic music, the progress bar filled with green and Planet evolution complete appeared underneath. Five animated gold stars bounced onto the main overlay then the message, Your DNA has fostered excellent diversity in the Universe. It now supports advanced and complex species that have evolved in many and varied ways and possess maximum potential for eternal evolution.
‘Five stars is the most you can earn, and look, you’ve earned maximum bonuses!’ Shellany pointed to an animated gold ribbon in the top left.
‘Congratulations!’ said everyone.
As rows of simple organisms appeared in the foreground, Gelda said to her Universe, ‘Yet. Let’s see what you’ve got.’ With Help’s audio still muted, she read: ‘On 89% of habitable planets in Universe, microbes have evolved into multi-cellular organisms. It is now your task to steer their evolution until they are sophisticated beings that think and feel.’
Passing level three would complete the first of three stages of the game and she would earn the Creator badge.
What a night this has turned out to be! thought Gelda as she pressed Yes to confirm play.
Phase One was called Merge to Evolve. It involved playing a subquest called Start the Smart where the aim was to merge species to create sentient and sapient beings.
‘I love merge games!’ exclaimed Bryll.
On the overlay, a game board appeared with rows of species pre-selected by the game system. They were based on planet cultivation results from the previous level.
‘Aw, look at those cute little critters!’ Hazzy pointed at the organisms tumbling in their rows on the display.
‘They all look the same,’ was Odgio’s opinion.
It was true that at first glance they were difficult to tell apart, but closer inspection revealed subtle differences. As Gelda merged the organisms in sets of three or more, new and more complex organisms were created. Their differences grew more distinct as bacteria, plants, and other things without skeletons morphed into more physically complex things that could float, swim, climb, fly, and walk.
‘You’re getting the hang of it fast,’ Shellany observed.
‘She’s a natural,’ Hazzy agreed.
‘Almost like it was made for her,’ said Bryll.
Fansy woke with a cough and a groan. ‘Where am I? What’s happening?’ She stretched and sat up. ‘How long was I asleep?’
‘A few hours,’ Bryll told her, distractedly.
‘And you’re still playing?’
No one bothered answering.
She grumbled something about the bathroom then staggered out.
The happy music reflected the joys of satisfying play. The coin meter filled, the bounty box overflowed, bonuses were awarded. By the end of the level, the simple cellular organisms became beings with hair, eyes, arms and legs, wings, and brains sophisticated enough to process and understand, and that possessed the fundamental skills needed to survive inside the emerging Universe biosphere.
‘I’ve played a lot of games in my times, but this one is extraordinary,’ Odgio remarked.
The game system returned each species to its origin planet then Assigning Primes appeared with a progress bar.
‘This is a critical point in construction,’ said Shellany. ‘The game system determines what is the most advanced civilisation in each galaxy then designates its planet as the galactic prime, which means it becomes the foundation civilisation for every other cultivated planet in its galaxy.’ She wore a serious expression when she looked up. ‘This is probably the biggest turning point in the whole game. The Primes of your Universe determine its intelligence and whether it survives for always, for a long time, or for barely a glimpse of the eternal timeline.’
A long silence followed as everyone soaked up the magnitude of it all.
‘It might not survive?’ Gelda asked in barely a whisper.
‘Maybe, maybe not, but it will hold on for as long as it can. It will even struggle if it has to.’
‘How awful!’ said Hazzy.
While the game system assigned the prime planets, Gelda sat back and closed her eyes, grateful for a break from concentrating, but the oohs and aahs of her friends had her opening them again. On the display, a galaxy zoomed to the foreground. Its habitable planets took turns being the centre of attention until one remained with Prime above it, then another galaxy took its place and the process repeated itself. To the side was a time scale gauge coloured in a gradient band from red to green. It indicated how long the Universe would survive. On one side in red was the fleeting timespan of an Age, followed by Epoch, Period, Era, Eon, and Icod. On the other side in green was the maximum timespan a Cosmo Dome player could accomplish for their biosphere, Eternity.
As primes were assigned, the arrow lifted into Epoch and crawled slowly towards Period.
‘I can’t look.’ Hazzy turned away.
Bryll did the same, but the others watched on. As the galaxies were assigned suitable primes and the arrow crept to Era, Shellany got up to stretch her legs, inspiring Gelda to do the same.
Fansy returned from the bathroom. ‘Whoa, you could cut the tension in here. All so serious over a game.’
‘It’s way more than just a game,’ said Odgio.
With a soft chuckle, Fansy squeezed back on the sofa and closed her eyes. ‘More than a game.’ She chuckled awhile then fell into a snooze scattered with mumbles and snores.
With only a few galaxies left, the arrow on the gauge reached the Era segment then tipped into Eon.
‘It’s almost in the green!’ Odgio softly exclaimed as the arrow reached Icod.
With two galaxies to go, Hazzy pried open an eye to see the arrow almost reach Eternity.
‘Eternity!’ Odgio cried out as the arrow reached the farthest side of the gauge and applauded.
‘No, Icod. Um, Eon.’ Shellany informed a second later. With one galaxy to go, the arrow fell.
‘Era,’ Gelda noted as it fell more. ‘What’s going on?’
‘I bet it’s that pesky planet again,’ said Bryll.
‘Shh! You’ll jinx it!’ Hazzy cautioned, but it was too late.
The Assigning Primes progress bar stopped moving and flashed red. Below it in small red type: 151-34/36 Error.
‘That’s not good,’ Hazzy remarked.
They all looked to Shellany who shook her head and frowned. ‘I should have known we’d run into problems. Universe is notoriously glitchy.’
‘What? Why didn’t you say?’ Gelda was a little miffed that she didn’t know sooner. She unmuted Help who very pleasantly recited the same message on repeat, ‘To ensure overall sustainability of your Universe biosphere, please select a suitable prime planet for this galaxy.’
‘Help’s no help.’ A quiet chuckle escaped Odgio at his unintentional choice of words.
Gelda clicked on the galaxy’s info icon. ‘342MW-11. It’s the same one as before.’ No one said anything, even when she opened its data and viewed its planets. PEACH flashed red. Its stats revealed its evolution had stalled at 48%.
‘No!’ cried Hazzy.
‘48%?! It’s supposed to be the most advanced civilisation in its galaxy,’ Shellany grumbled. ‘I should have known it would glitch!’
‘How would you know?’ Gelda wondered, but Shellany only shook her head.
‘What a shame!’ Bryll sighed. ‘And you were so close to earning your Constructor badge, Ma Varda.’
Gelda scrolled through the data of the problematic galaxy. ‘This is weird. All of its potential primes are dulled out, but the planet codename PAACU is at 96% suitability.’ She brought PAACU to the foreground, and they admired its progress. The flora and fauna were well balanced and diverse, and its stylish societies had many functional structures and technological advancements.
Gelda clicked on its history to see hamlets turn to villages then develop into towns and cities, while its people became smarter and more sophisticated. In awe, she watched people hunt and forage, build homes, invent tools and machinery. Families shared meals, children played, communities grew.
‘Imagine not knowing you’re inside a tiny dome being controlled by someone playing a game!’ mused Odgio.
‘Someone so big, you can’t even see them,’ Shellany pointed out.
‘Unfathomable!’
‘But it’s lovely!’ said Hazzy, the eternal optimist.
‘It’s indeed similar to Leffon,’ Bryll noted. ‘They’re quite advanced, too.’
‘It really does have a pleasant vibe,’ Gelda agreed.
‘I’d live there,’ Bryll decided.
The PAACU stats revealed that its advanced civilisation used sense and reasoning, symbols and language, and were capable of creating complex social structures. What Gelda found most encouraging was the balance between the natural environment and what the planet’s people made to keep them progressing and fulfilled.
‘It’s almost perfect. Why wouldn’t the game system choose it instead?’
‘I’d say PEACH is supposed to be the prime, but something went wrong,’ said Shellany.
‘Again,’ said Hazzy.
‘So something stopped it from evolving,’ Bryll suggested.
‘A certain cat who likes to paw things off counters,’ grumbled Gelda. She slumped back in her armchair, her miraculous energy boost now depleted by yet another failure.
Shellany studied the data for a while then thought for a moment. ‘It could be a civilisation error or a time stabiliser issue.’
Gelda waited for her to say more, but Shellany stared off into the middle distance for a moment then returned her attention to her aide. It was all the encouragement Gelda needed to decide it was time to call it a night. ‘That’s it then.’ She hoisted herself out of the armchair.
‘You’re giving up?’ Hazzy enquired.
‘I’ll finish in the morning.’ Gelda looked around while figuring out the least amount of tidying and switching of things off to do before she could sleep.
Bryll stood with a shake of his head. ‘I don’t know, Ma Varda. Maybe it’s too broken to play.’
‘You tried your best,’ Odgio acknowledged as he also got to his feet.
‘As much as I hate to say so, it does seem like a lost cause,’ said Hazzy, joining them.
Everyone grumbled and mumbled in defeat until Shellany sprang to her feet. ‘No!’ she blurted in a contrary manner to her previously soft-spoken tones.
Everyone except Gelda sat down again, sending worried glances her way.
Upon seeing their reactions, Shellany turned her head away then leaned in to Gelda and whispered, ‘Can we talk somewhere private?’
Trying not to worry, Gelda nodded and led Shellany outside where there was no one around. They stood near the pool.
‘What is it?’
With obvious reluctance, Shellany said, ‘Your Universe is in danger.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I didn’t want to say anything – I didn’t want to panic you or influence your gameplay experience – but someone’s after it.’
‘A thief? Why? Who?’
Shellany drew in a deep breath. ‘A Gorgon collector.’
‘A Gorgon?!’
‘Yes, which is why you need to finish construction.’
Gelda frowned. ‘What difference does that make?’
‘Once it’s built, they won’t want it.’ Gelda’s confused expression prompted Shellany to explain, ‘It’s pretty messed up, but collectors sever biospheres from their preservation chambers so that they stop evolving.’
‘That is messed up. Why?’
‘They’re worth more when they’re suspended in time. In some worlds severed Cosmo Dome biospheres pass as art.’
‘In Gorgon worlds, you mean?’
‘Yes.’
‘How do you know all this?’
‘An inside source,’ Shellany said quietly.
Gelda gazed absently at the rippling light patterns on the water. Her head reeled. She tried to arrange the many questions that tumbled in her mind, not least of which was Shellany’s true identity, then decided on, ‘Why do I get the feeling you’re not telling me everything?’
‘I’m not,’ Shellany confessed. ‘But I promise to answer all of your questions after you’ve finished construction. I’m not bribing you, it’s just—’
‘They’re coming, aren’t they? The thief?’
After a brief hesitation, Shellany nodded. ‘I’m not sure when.’
‘Here? To my house?’
Another forlorn nod.
Gelda located the nearest deckchair and fell back on it. She closed her eyes and let out a long breath.
Both were quiet for a moment, then Shellany said quietly, ‘We can save your Universe, Gelda. Severing can only happen during construction, then once it’s built, the biosphere fuses with the preservation chamber and it’s protected forevermore. Now you see why it’s really important that you finish construction tonight?’ Shellany sat on the chair next to her. ‘May I ask a personal question?’
‘Go ahead.’ Gelda didn’t bother opening her eyes.
‘How many years past rebirthing are you?’
Gelda couldn’t stop from laughing. ‘Is it that obvious? Almost a century,’ she confessed.
‘What’s stopping you?’
‘I wish I knew. Nothing. Everything.’
‘Hm. Are you ancient?’
‘Yes, but...’ She trailed off into nowhere then asked, ‘Why?’
‘It happened to me a few lifetimes ago. Apparently, it’s happening to us ancients more and more these days.’
‘You’re ancient? You’re so vibrant and dynamic, I thought you were on your first life! Your last rebirth must have been quite something.’
Shellany gave a short laugh. ‘There’s rebirthing and there’s rebirthing. Cosmo Dome will help.’
‘How can playing a game help?’
‘It has this unspeakably profound, almost cathartic, effect on players and Universe is more mind-blowing than all the other models combined. You’ll see for yourself if you keep playing. Will you?’
‘It doesn’t seem like I have a choice. If I don’t, then it won’t survive.’
Shellany lay back, too. ‘I’m sorry, really. I honestly didn’t want to put pressure on you. Cosmo Dome is meant to be played for pleasure, but once it’s built you can do exactly that, and believe me when I say it’s worth it.’
‘You’ve played it?’
Shellany sat up and looked over at Gelda with a nod and a smile. ‘I have so much to tell you, Gelda, but first, your Universe needs you. Coming?’ She held out a hand.
Gelda hesitated and asked herself, If I’d known that playing Cosmo Dome would lead me here, would I still play? The answer surprised her. She took the hand Shellany offered and together they returned to the lounge room.
All eyes were on them when they walked back inside. They had stopped by the kitchen and gathered up leftover desserts and more jova.
‘Leave if you wish, but the game will go on,’ Gelda said before anyone could steer her off the mission to save her Universe.
Hazzy frowned and raised her brows several times.
‘You’re going to keep playing?’ Odgio shook his head in disbelief.
‘Everything deserves to live, even something with a limited lifespan,’ was all Gelda said.
‘Then I guess we need more jova,’ said Bryll and offered cups all around.
Fansy laughed. ‘What a night!’