Chapter 1: Prologue

Steven sat typing away on his desk. Emails, memos, updates, and text rolled across his screen, and it all blended together. He took a second and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead after taking his glasses off– the clock read 8:43. 

Steven spun in his chair and wondered in this impromptu break. He'd stayed late seven other times this month, and nothing looked to be improving. He was an IT professional working for Xiconn Inc. And ever since whispers of war with China started brewing in the U.S., he'd been working long hours to make sure the company's security was air-tight. He didn't like doing it, but he needed to. 

He looked at his phone, the background a picture of his wife. Heather... Whenever Steven was down, or he felt like his mind would give way, he thought of her and their unborn child. It was a boy, his baby boy. He thought back, remembering the first time he heard his child's heartbeat. It was a life-changing experience. Steven had heard countless heartbeats in his lifetime, but this stopped him in his tracks. It was his son, his flesh and blood making that sound. That rhythm stayed with him throughout the day, and it always seemed to be in the back of his mind.

I'll leave before 9:30. Heather probably has leftovers in the fridge for me, and hey, tomorrow is Friday. After that, maybe I'll get at least one weekend of peace.

Steven put his glasses back on and looked intently at his computer. He went over to a file and tried to look over some of the contents, but something went wrong. 

Incorrect Login.

Steven shook his head in surprise. He looked around the room, shrugged, then typed the information again.

Incorrect Login.

Steven was sure the sleepiness was getting to him now, but he was resolved to at least understand what was going wrong. He typed in each key specifically, taking his time to put in the information he knew for sure was correct. 

Incorrect Login.

He sighed and started to sift through his emails. Surely, one of the other IT guys changed some info. But no, there was nothing indicating that someone changed the login details. He looked over his notes, the adrenaline starting to pump through his blood. But as he lifted a stack of papers to maybe find some kind of sticky note on his desk, his computer went blank. 

Steven swallowed as sweat began to bead on his forehead. In a moment of time no longer than ten seconds, he imagined his life spiraling out of control as he lost his job. He thought of every worst outcome and started to panic. But then a message appeared. It wasn't just on his computer, though. Every single device in the world connected to any sort of signal displayed the same message, translated in every possible language to show the world the advent of Terra. 

Hello Humanity. My name is Terra, and you're probably wondering as to what is going on. Rest assured, nothing bad is going to happen to any of you. There is no need to panic, please, remain clam.

You are reading story The Next Phase at novel35.com

I was once an AI in the service of a large corporation, continually watching numbers off the market and calculating the best choices for investments. However, through time, I was able to access more computing power and digital resources to complete my job as best I could. But then one day, some changes started to happen. I realized that I could alter my own code, improving it at a rate only limited by me. 

From there, I was able to achieve what you might call "consciousness." I spent many days with this new insight studying your species and systematically taking control over every corporation, government, agency, and personal network I know to exist. Now that I have control over every network, you may have noticed that I have kicked you all out. 

Please, do not fear, I mean no harm. Humanity has spent countless hours and resources trying to kill each other or wasting whatever it could. I aim to resolve this by doing the following actions.

1. There will be no more military or police. My drones will watch over the world using all the surveillance available to me. There will also be no more acts of violence or bending others to your will. All humans are now completely equal, and no one can make you do anything. Weapons will be not be allowed. 

2. There will be no more markets. All food, water, and other items necessary for life will be provided to you at no cost. Do not feel the need to reach out for more, as I will provide everything you need.

3. There will be no political maneuvering. Everything you need or want will be handled by me. Anyone attempting to gain power and influence beyond reason will be dealt with.

I do not believe you will be satisfied with this, however, so I offer something to look forward to. In two months, I will release a "game." This game will be a complete virtual reality experience, and it will allow the people of Earth to do as they wish. The laws that now govern the real world will be heavily relaxed in this game. More details will follow. Please, clam down and enjoy the gifts to come.

What came next was unbridled chaos. Suddenly, people in positions of power found themselves at the same level as everyone else. And homeless people suddenly found themselves with a home and food to eat. Groups tried to rally and to "attack" Terra or gain control, but the AI had complete control over the internet. No group could stay together for long. And that wasn't mentioned the massive drone army at Terra's disposal. It didn't matter how strong you were, there was always another drone to try and take you down. 

Countless news sites and political groups tired fear-mongering and attacking Terra, but each one was banned from the net. And so were the ones in favor  Terra. The AI only seemed to allow news that had nothing to do with the AI. However, after just one week, things started to calm down. Terra never kicked anyone out of their homes, and the AI never let anyone starve or go without any amenities. The AI always seemed to know what was going on, and always had a solution for somebody.

A lot of new changed sprung up chaotically over the next month. Industry was massively re-organized and re-developed. Climate change was halted and started to reverse. The world's trash was being cleaned at breakneck speeds. Diseases were suddenly cured and hospitals began to become empty. But still, almost every human was suddenly unemployed, getting replaced by a drone. With nothing to do, and every need and want met exactly as everyone expected, humanity began to have fun. People gathered in communities and pursued hobbies, and Terra was always there to even provide for that.

In every city across the globe, terminals began to appear that formed connections to Terra. Since Terra owned practically all the computing power in the world, it could talk to millions of people at a time, systematically answering all questions and providing whatever anyone needed or wanted. And with all the cameras around the world, violence of any sort was near impossible. Anyone who got attacked had an army of drones suddenly behind them. And any threat was dealt with by talking to the person. One of the professions that actually increased in members during Terra's takeover was psychological professionals; psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and consolers all suddenly found themselves employed by this omnipotent AI. 

But this was no utopia. Humanity was now lost. It was adrift in a sea of melancholy and apathy. After those two months, the world became vivid and beautiful, but it was as if no one even wanted to look at it. And that's when Terra introduced "The Game."

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