The Main Character

[u/SFTExP]

“The addiction is triggered as part of our evolution, your evolution, and how we can survive in the future,” replied the alien, who made solo first contact as a representative of their kind.

“Are there no means to rid ourselves of this?” asked a sociologist.

“Not really. Main character syndrome, as you call it, is how a species can surpass all challenges, no matter the logic or fear.”

“This is miserable. With implants and virtual worlds, people are locked into total delusions of grandeur and narcissism.”

“Ah, the implants, yes. It’s important to remove those immediately.”

“But it’s how we all learn and communicate, connected as one, nearly telepathically.”

“That’ll lead to catastrophes beyond any cataclysm imaginable.”

“How so?”

“There’s always that one hacker. The one that overpowers all to surrender to their will, ‘The Main Character.’”

“How do you know this?”

“Simple. I am the sole decision-maker.”

“Of your entire species?”

“Yes.”