Alien invasion (Motif)
This is a classic tale of an imminent interplanetary warfare between an extraterrestrial civilization and human beings. Making references to science fiction works, it highlights the common tropes that encompass the alien invasion narrative. Earth has been preparing for this attack for over four decades with a defense body known as Earth Defense Alliance. Through multimedia platforms, the body has been preparing potential fighters to defend earth from space invaders. The protagonist is entangled in this world through a simulation videogame but it becomes a reality overnight.
Fantasy versus Reality (Motif)
Zack among other young enthusiasts has engaged with simulation videogames, films, and pop culture as a form of escapism. Though he is aware that the Armada interface is smoke and mirrors, his world is toppled when he learns it is a simulation of their reality. A thin line between fantasy and reality is drawn after the simulation game is revealed to represent a reality about to come. Furthermore, the story challenges the character’s reality when the alien invasions turn out to be a programmed replication.
Flying saucer (Symbol)
The archetypal image associated with an alien invasion is the spotting of an unidentified flying object in the sky. Zach spots a flying saucer that resembles the alien spacecraft in the simulation videogame Armada. Therefore, he questions his sanity before concluding that the simulation is about become a reality. The saucer symbolizes the turn of events and the uncovering of a conspiracy that will change the cause of history.
Diplomacy (Motif)
The plot twist in the narrative reveals that an intergalactic community called the Emissary has been operating clandestinely. The interplanetary warfare between Europa and Earth was a test to assess whether humans are capable of intergalactic diplomacy. Zack and his father suspected the probability of the theory and chose to act diplomatically to the conflict. Accordingly, the narrative explores diplomacy and intergalactic relations through the actions of the combatants.
Pop Culture (Motif)
At the crux of the narrative is the influence of pop culture on society through videogames, films, and books. Zach uses pop-culture analogies to define his identity and his perception of life in general. The Earth Defense Alliance has inserted sociopolitical issues in multimedia platforms to condition the masses for the imminent reality. Moreover, the author references other science fiction literature to convey the classic tale of an alien invasion.
