The White Singularity: A Choose Your Own Adventure

Chapter 16: Stay

Zell grabs your hand.  "I really want to stay," she says intensely.  "Just imagine how lucky we are to be here--all the circumstances that had to align.  Your invention of NESCA, her idea for the white singularity, the committee's funding, even the earthquake that drove us to hide in this crevice--it's like we were meant to discover this place.  We can't pass up this chance! This place offers us the potential for personal growth, fulfillment, and a life beyond our wildest dreams." 

You hesitate, still thinking about everything you'll be leaving behind. 

"Just imagine what kind of life our baby will lead," Zell urges.  "She'll be raised in an environment that no one from above has ever seen, full of wonder and knowledge.  She'll never want for anything, and she'll live for 300 years! Isn't that what we want for our posterity? A life filled with endless possibilities and opportunities, a life that stretches far beyond what we can imagine?"

You manage to focus on only one thing in Zell's impassioned speech.  "She?"

Zell grins sheepishly and glances in the Praetor's direction.  "Eco told me."

You know that Eco probably told her more juicy details about your unborn child, but you table that discussion for later.  If you proceed with this decision, you'll have all the time to interrogate her, anyway.  "What will we do about our families and friends?"

"We'll send them a message," Zell says decisively.  "We'll tell them that we discovered something momentous, but it's not something we can disseminate because it's not our secret to share.  We'll say that this discovery means we can never go back, but it's a decision we're at peace with.   At least then, they'll know we're in a better place. We can also send instructions on how to finish or pass on the rest of our projects to deserving scientists.  That way, we won't leave any loose ends."

You think hard, but you've run out of arguments.  Besides, you want to stay, too.  You just want to reassure yourself that you thought of everything before making this irrevocable choice.  Once you commit yourselves to Atlantis, there's no going back.  

Sensing your resolve, The Praetor approaches you and Zell.

"Have you made your decision?"

You stand tall and hold hands. Zell puts her other hand on her stomach.  This is it.  

"Yes, we have," she says firmly.  "We're coming with you.  All we ask is that you allow us to send a last message to our loved ones."

Eco nods solemnly.  "That request is acceptable as long as you don't mention anything about Atlantis."

"We won't," you promise.  

"In that case," Eco touches your shoulder briefly.  "We will be returning to the Delfinos.  We'll give you an hour to send your final goodbyes, after which we will guide you to Atlantis to begin your new life."

"That will be enough," Zell says.  "Thank you."

You return to the dashboard to formulate your final messages, almost trembling in anticipation.  You can't believe that before this day ends, you will be exploring the lost city of Atlantis!

Proceed to Chapter 17.