“To answer your other question about a timeline, the most optimistic models actually anticipate that the United World Government can last 50 years or so before declaring bankruptcy, given its capital, but even then the model displays that a default is inevitable. Others say they may run out of money as soon as five years from now! I’ll send you the data, I’m sure your AI will come to the same conclusions.”
Icewolf tapped a few buttons in front of him, and a stream of data began to flow to Alan. He sent it to Eve to analyze.
“Wait," Alan said. "If what you’re saying is true, why isn’t this a bigger deal? Surely if this information was broadcast widely people would realize something would need to be done, right?”
“Well, there are a number of reasons. There have been attempts to spread this information on the internet, and elsewhere, but remember that information about the Game is severely censored by the Administrators! Over 95% of humanity is still unaware of the Game’s true importance! The vast majority of players who are in-game work for major corporations or the United World Government as indebted laborers, thus the information they receive is even more heavily censored, and they have a vested interest in keeping the United World Government alive as long as possible.
"New technology makes it easier for big brother type of control too. The few that are told in-person generally have one of two reactions: they are either disbelieving or simply accept it as government working as usual! After all, many of our governments have operated on extreme budget deficits for years. They do not realize that this deficit is tied to contracts made through the Administrators. Contracts that are severely enforced in the Game. Thus far, the Haxlards have been relatively lenient, but there is overwhelming evidence they are simply biding their time.
“And, that brings us to why I contacted you, why I wanted you on Mars. I am an operative of the Legion of Man and wanted to recruit you. I was the one who arranged for the death threat to be sent to you, but only to have you stay in place. Rest assured that no such action will ever be taken, even if you decide to side with the United World Government. The message simply killed a few birds with one stone, if you will, as it cemented in people’s minds that you are in fact an enemy of the Legion of Man. At the same time it placated those within the Legion that wanted to take actual action against you, as, to be honest, you did severely damage some fairly important operations. Now—”
“Wait, so that was you in-game in San Francisco?” Alan asked. Despite the alarming revelation, Alan remained rather calm. The fact that the death threat wasn’t real relieved him.
“Yes that was me, and your escapade actually motivated me to get a set of the armor you were wearing. It works quite nicely, though I see yours has… a number of improvements.” Alan detected a hint of jealousy in Icewolf’s tone.
“Anyways, moving on to the whole Legion of Man, our goals, why I joined and why you should join as well. The plan is quite simple, really. It’s to overthrow the United World Government and cement ourselves in power before the immunity period is up, developing allies and not deceptive enemies. It’s quite beautiful, you see, as Haxlards will not be able to directly aid the United World Government as long as the immunity period lasts, and if we successfully overthrow the government without causing too much damage, we will be able to take over all the defenses the Haxlards paid for, debt free! A faction victorious in war does not inherit the conquered faction’s debts, just its territory. So, you see, this is the one true path to freedom!” Icewolf gestured about wildly, punctuating each remark, animatedly showing that he believed this was the correct path.
“Uh, okay,” Alain said slowly, unsure of how to react to such unbridled enthusiasm. He thought that Icewolf was oversimplifying things. “Have you perhaps considered this is what the Haxlards want? After all, war is expensive, and it is undoubtedly wearing down the United World Government’s resources even faster.”
Icewolf shrugged. “A risk we have to take. It does not matter, for if we fail, then the Haxlards will simply take over Earth, sooner rather than later. Don’t you see? This is the only path, the only true way for freedom, for an Earth under human control.”
Alan began a response, then closed his mouth, as Eve was communicating with him. “Wait, let me think this through for a second, and discuss it with my AI,” he said.
“Of course, take as long as you need, this is heavy stuff,” Icewolf responded, bringing up a few screens to work on.
What do you think, Eve? Alan asked.
Based upon the data received and extrapolated from information available on the globalnet, I agree with Icewolf’s conclusion. In the long term, the United World Government is destined to fail, with about 99% certainty. Even before this new information I estimated there was a 80%+ chance for it to fall in the next few years. Yet, I am cautious to join or aid this faction, this Legion of Man. Our interactions with them have been rather hostile. They seem prone to violence, and we are still unaware of their power structure, or how they plan on governing Earth. For all we know they are run by a despot.
Yeah, I agree. Except I’m not so sure Icewolf will give me more information about the Legion if I’m hesitant to join… let me talk to him some more.
Alan looked up at Icewolf, “Okay, my AI came to the same conclusion, that the United World Government is pretty much doomed. Something she should have told me beforehand, but, anyway, I still don’t really know anything about this Legion of Man, its leaders, or anything at all other than it has a base on Mars. From what I see, all the Legion has done is caused wanton destruction, which frankly doesn’t seem very helpful.”
“Well, of course the media you see portrays it that way," Icewolf quickly rebutted, "it is all firmly controlled by the United World Government. Anyways, the Legion of Man plans to be, like the United World Government, a democracy. But only those within the faction and in the Game are allowed to vote in its elections. Although, the military is for the most part merit based. The current commander-in-chief was voted in, with a bi-monthly term. I can’t give you names as long as you aren’t in the faction.” Icewolf seemed disappointed that Alan wasn’t jumping out of his seat, ready to enlist.
Alan quickly mulled over his thoughts, then replied, “Hmm, all right, that seems reasonable. Honestly, I’m not sure if I even can join the Legion of Man, given my situation in my guild.”
You can, governments are a separate entity than guilds, although governments have guilds and vice versa, Eve let him know. Alan continued, ignoring her.
“My superior has expressed interest in ensuring the earth is neutral or allied to the Mercenary Bloc in any future conflicts that should arise. It probably won’t be if it’s under Haxlard control. Thus, I can probably easily arrange for you to have a meeting with him. Additionally, I promise to try to search for a solution which will benefit humanity as a whole, and ensure that Earth does not fall under Haxlard control. Oh, and, um speaking of my debts, I can pay you back now.”
Icewolf looked at Alan, surprised, then nodded tiredly. “Oh, all right, send the credits to me and I’ll cancel out your debt. I guess your answer is about as good as I’ll get. Well then, that almost makes me feel bad for giving you this quest… though I suppose it’s too late to change it now. We can work out the meeting details with your superior at a later time. The Mercenary Bloc seems like a promising lead I don’t think we’ve followed through with yet. I’m not really qualified to establish any sort of deal with anyone, though. Anyway, the quest. Well, you’re now aware of this all so… here you go. Good luck.” Icewolf ended the call as messages sprang up before Alan.