Chapter 14 - Teaming up (1/2)

In the real world, Gray was born and raised in the domed city Washington, named after some important guy from the 18th century of a country once known as the United States of America. Long before Gray was born, these domed cities were constructed on elevated areas of land that were still large enough to support them without any major earth moving. Around the world, only twenty domed cities still existed and each one was ran by a major corporation as politicians had proven themselves time and time again to be incapable to manage them effectively. Of the original fifty cities, ten had been lost due to accidents or sabotage by extremists and the other twenty in the eastern hemisphere had all been lost due to negligent leadership hence why the remaining cities used a Corporate Republic system of governance.

Gray's family were all involved in a shuttle mishap when trying to move together. His parents never died fortunately, that would be too cliché, but he was still separated from them due to a miscommunication so he could only holochat with them now due to the city they returned to being partially submerged. This was not uncommon as people did what they needed to do to survive.

"I know Mom, I'm taking care of myself." Said Gray to the holochat of his parents.

"Son, we just worry about you like all good parents worry about their children." Said Gray's mother with a worried expression on her face. "I know you like to game a lot and I've heard stories about some that go without eating or sleeping for days due to addictions."

"Mom… those things haven't happened in decades, where do you get your news from?" said Gray while shaking his head at his Mom.

"Son, your Mother is just worried is all, as long as you are happy and doing well is all that matters... but your Mother and I are both in agreement that we need grandkids so stop playing games and go meet a nice girl!" said Gray's Father with a slightly indignant tone.

"Listen, playing Alterra Online is going to be a great social outlet. I've already met a few nice girls so let's just leave it at that."

This is usually how Gray's conversations went with his parents. It may seem annoying and such, but it did at least show that his parents cared about him, or at least his ability to give them grandchildren… Although he never remembers physically being with them as he was only 3 when they were separated, technology has advanced to the point where they could still interact fully.

"Mom, Dad, I know you spent a lot of your savings on me when I went to college, I want to try and buy you both a VR bed each."

"What for honey? We do not play video games." Said Gray's Mom.

"No, but with full dive VR technology, we can still meet up and it will be almost 100% the same as if we were together in real life." Gray had only considered this after experiencing full dive VR for himself. It felt so real to him that he could understand how some people become obsessed and never logged out.

"We appreciate the sentiment, but you do not need to worry about us, we're happy just seeing you doing well. Save your money for yourself and maybe take a nice girl out some time." Said Gray's Dad.

"Yeah yeah, I'm working on it, there are just so many girls that desire me I can never decide which one to pick!" said Gray boastingly.

"We never raised you to be liar so don't try and pull that with us, just be yourself and you will find someone that accepts you for who you are."

"You make it sound like I'm a charity case Mom…"

"You know what I mean Gray!" said Gray's Mom getting flustered.

"I know, but it's still fun to mess with my parents every now and then!"

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The next morning Gray logged back in to Alterra Online. Apparently Geoff had had the same idea as Gray and took time off from work to also play the game so they agreed to meet up as soon as possible in game. They thought about meeting up in real life, but figured that was pointless for now since they can only play Alterra Online from their VR beds.

"I was thinking, if we create our own team, we need at about as many female members as there are male members." Said Gray to Geoff.

"I do agree that we should maintain a balance." Geoff replied.