Alan sat there for a few hours in a stupor. It was only after he savored a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and took a hot shower, that his brain began to catch up with his circumstances. It was slow. He’d at times go to his computer, scan a few sites, jot a few notes, than move back to his bed. Occasionally, he’d find himself picking up his cell phone, scrolling through the contacts. He wanted to call family, friends, anyone just to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. To share the news to the world, and tell his story. But he resisted.

He only held back because of his previous life. Due to his last 10 years in the harsh void of space, and what had eventually become declassified information around Cosmos’s release which curbed his desire to spread the truth.

Thinking back, he’d remembered that Cosmos had been ‘gifted’ by an alien race, who helped to propagate its release to the public via various world governments. Later when these officials were asked why they had not told more to the public, they were informed any leak not only would impact them, but humanity as a whole. Knowing the severe way both the government and aliens would deal with leaks, he didn’t want to end up attracting too much attention. It was far too dangerous. Alan concluded at the end of his morning reflection that he ought to be cautious. At least for now.

It didn’t mean he had to replay events as they had occurred before. “All right. I’ve been given a second chance. I can do something different. If I’m lucky, I might be able to change things for the better for not just me, but for so many more.” He spoke firmly, with just a hint of trepidation. “However, at least for now, I’ll work on my own.”

He’d spent some time dwelling on this last part. Going through all the possibilities of how to best set up himself, and those around him for success. He’d thought of lots of possibilities, but had settled on a few steps to give him a chance for success.

Alan grabbed his phone, disconnected his computer, and carried it out to his car. A red 2010 Honda Civic, he had been hoping to trick out, but never had quite enough cash.

Walking out to his car he passed Mrs. Dubai puttering away in her garden. She gave him a frosty look without so much as a hello. Smiling faintly, Alan nervously picked up his pace, and only sighed with relief as he closed the car door. He checked a folded paper he had in his pocket titled, To Do List, throwing the car into gear he drove off.

A while later he found himself in a seedy little strip mall with nearly every shop he needed for his plan. It housed a bank, pawn shop, quick loan, and precious metal exchange.

He’d traveled with his parent’s a lot growing up, and it seemed that every city had one, if not many of these little haven’s for the financially desperate. Well today was his day to take advantage of these institutions.

The first thing he did was to pawn his computer, a brand new gaming model, he’d received as a graduation present.

Alan headed next to the bank. As any post high school grad will tell you, getting a credit card is easy. Too easy. He already had a few, but it didn’t hurt to grab another one. He also withdrew whatever savings he had left, which had a thousand dollars from student loans he’d had earlier. He was currently enrolled at the community college. But the bank didn’t mind to lend you out as much cash as possible for ‘education expenses.’

Next he pulled out as much cash as he could earn for the title of his car. It was another few thousand dollars. Then got a cash advance on his next paycheck. Finally, he went to the gold store, and purchased not gold, but as much platinum as he could buy. Leaving a little bit left for gas in his car, and what he needed for the second step of his plan.

“Grandpa would be rolling in his grave if he’d seen the financial whirlwind I just started.” He’d agreed to pay interest anywhere from 19% to 409% on his future loans.

He didn’t mind. If it all worked out, he would be debt free in a matter of days.

A few minutes later after driving on the freeway he took an exit which led to an industrial part of the city. He pulled up in front of what looked like the love child of an Apple store and Costco. The newly built complex was the local offices for Cosmos. Parking the car, and walking up to the entrance. Large glass panels allowed an unobstructed view into the main lobby. While the main building was framed in steel and concrete. It was practically vacant as he walked into the sleek looking entry. Only a bored looking attendant sat behind a sleek white desk. He seemed surprised, at seeing Alan.

“Welcome to Cosmos, Gateway to the Galaxy. How can I help you?” The attendant asked cheerfully, immediately changing from his previously bored expression.

“I would like to rent the services of a pod.” Alan stated.

“A pod? I see, It seems you’ve heard a little about our Company, Cosmos. We have plenty of pods available for the adventuring type.”

Adam thought humorously. ‘Who hadn’t heard of it?’ The company had been advertising heavily for the last 3 months. Bil-boards, web ads, commercials. You’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard of it.’

“Yes, I'd like to rent a standard pod for the week.” Alan stated, hiding his grin

The attendant hesitated briefly in his presentation. “Ah...one week sir, the total for the use of 1 pod will be $600/day. Which will be $4200 total.” He waited, almost anticipating the expected outrage and rejection. .

Alan smiled at the attendants reaction. He remembered that though it was advertised all over, the pricing was intentionally never shared. Of course it didn’t take long for the ‘most popular game in the galaxy’ and its pricing to find its way onto the web. Six hundred dollars a day, for a game, no matter how great just seemed too ridiculous. What’s more, neither the attendant, nor anybody else could ‘guarantee’ how great the game was. No one had ever played it. Needless to say, it was treated by the gaming community, and the world at large, as a get rich scheme to swindle people out of money.

Alan knew differently. He knew who funded the whole enterprise and who provided the info as well as why the pricing was so high. This only came out weeks, months and even years later. But for now keeping everything top secret was still a priority.

Hence you had an empty parking lot, very bored attendant, and a skeptical world asking who would pay for such a ridiculous scheme.

“Yes, you heard me right. I would like to rent it for one week in advance. Is it possible to pay daily?” Alan inquired knowing full well the answer.

“Why of course sir, we can reserve your pod spot up to 7 days in advance without payment upfront. However, failure to pay will result in losing your spot for the pod.” He recited cheerfully.

Alan could tell that the poor guy probably had no idea why such a regulation existed. It probably seemed to him that there would never be a demand.

“What is the price for purchasing a pod?”

The attendant continued dutifully. “I’m sorry sir, but the pods are proprietary, and cannot be purchased outright. However, you may lease a pod permanently for the cost of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars with only a minor maintenance fee. There are limited permanent pods sir, and it is likely space will fill up quickly.”

“I see.” He paused pretending to consider. In his past most of the first line of permanent pods were sold within a month. Those who owned them could then sub-lease them at a substantial profit. “Can I reserve one to purchase later? Just in case.”

“Yes Sir, I can hold a pod for purchase for one week. Please be aware that only a single pod can be leased per person.” He continued on script.

“All right let's do it.” Alan handed over one of his remaining credit cards and the attendant completed the transaction. Only mildly surprised by the liberal use of multiple cards.

“Please be aware sir your pod will be available tomorrow moring at 8 am sharp and you will be required to either disengage or pay for you next day by 9 pm.” He paused a moment before dutifully reciting what he had been told to say. “Do you have any interest in our Matter Rings?”

The Matter Rings, like rings of holding from the fantasy games, were a key to phase one of his plan. Each of these rings could transfer matter from Cosmos to Earth and back again. This was alluded to in the advertising. But no one knew what to think of it, and thought it was some sort of gimmick.

Without missing a beat Alan responded, “Yes, what sizes do you have?”

“Um... yes sizes,” The attendant tried to recover quickly at the surprise that someone would actually want the ring. “We currently carry the basic 1 cubic meters, up to our elite holding size of 200,000 cubic meters. The basic model starts at $2500 . And rises to 25 million for the most elite. However, we have a special where basic model purchasers will receive a gift of 500 credits the first week.”

He paused nervously seeming to gather the courage to share the next bit of information. “Please note that the rings will take Vervetic Energy to activate and use. This will only be available in game.” He cringed, nearly imperceptible, when he said Vervetic Energy.

Alan suddenly had a strong desire to ask how much the attendant was being paid. He must have had every reason to believe he was selling snake oil when he mentioned Vervetic Energy. But he’d followed the script religiously, zealously even, sharing what must have sounded like a giant scam. ‘Buy this ring, of course it will only work if you have this energy you’ve never heard of in a game you’ve never played.’ Alan sometimes envied those who could put on such a face. He’d try to sell magazines in high school and no one wanted to buy them from someone who couldn’t promise the moon.

“Sir, since you seem interested in the matter ring, we currently have a bonus gift for the first 100 buyers of the 5 cubic yard rings for only $10,000.”

‘Wow he even tried to upsell.’ Alan had a sneaking suspicion the guy made a commission on sales. “What’s the gift?”

“It is a weak genome serum. It is a highly valuable and useful item in the game.”

Alan was caught off guard forgetting the attendants act. A weak genome serum, though not the highest of quality, was a great item to start off with. Alan actually needed the item. But growing tired of the attendant's confidence decided to give him a hard time. “Ok, so what does it do?” knowing perfectly well the man had no idea.

“Ah, yes...well I understand it provides a great boost for any player in the game.”

“Such as?” Alan pushed the point

“Well, you see, it’s supposed to help with the genome of course.” The attendant was pulling at straws.

“And how does that work?

“It of course helps with the player's performance. Are you interested Sir?” He quickly added, hoping to not have to give details he didn’t know.