The White Singularity: A Choose Your Own Adventure

Chapter 25. A Little Mermaid

The next few weeks pass by in a blur.  You and your wife move in temporarily into the sumptuous quarters Eco assigned to you.  All of your needs are taken care of: clothes, food, even entertainment.  Zell is given her own wristband with access to Atlan, who guides you to life in Atlantis.  You spend the time roaming the city, soaking up information in the digital library like a sponge (the lengths to which science and technology have advanced here are nothing short of astounding, and you find yourself almost struggling to keep up with the volume of things that you have to learn and re-learn), and talking to Atlanteans from all walks of life.  Almost everyone you meet is friendly and accommodating, although you do encounter a few cold shoulders, especially when you don't have either Eco or one of her emissaries with you.  

Every day, you receive updates from the marine Atlanteans about the status of your daughter, and to your relief, she appears to be thriving.  When you hit the 2-week mark, which would be the equivalent of her ninth month, you ask for permission to see her and celebrate her "birth."

"It would be dangerous to move her right now," Mira tells you apologetically.  "But we can arrange for you to see her virtually, at least."

Zell sighs.  "I don't want to endanger her unnecessarily.  A virtual visit would be fine."

"Be ready within fifteen minutes, then."

You and Zell wait expectantly in the living area of your quarters.  After a few minutes, the display abruptly flashes, then fades into an incredibly lifelike picture of a term infant floating in crystal-clear fluid in the middle of an artificial womb, still attached to her umbilical cord.  The baby blinks, showing clear gray eyes, and stretches lazily. She appears plump and healthy. 

Tears stream down Zell's cheeks, but they're tears of joy.  

"She's gorgeous," she whispers.

You can't help but agree.

"We have to name her," you say.  "Have you thought of one?"

"Mireya," your wife answers lovingly.  "It means 'miracle' in Spanish."

"That's perfect."

You fawn over her for an hour before she falls asleep.  Unfortunately, her doctors tell you afterward that they have to work on her more intensively now to find a way to stop her accelerated aging and that you can't see her until you do.

The next several days are agonizing.  You can barely stop yourself from pacing back and forth all day, and neither can Zell.  You lose all interest in studying quantum physics or architecture and concentrate almost solely on medicine and genetics, hoping to find some way to aid your daughter.  

One week passes.  Then two. 

On the third week, you're halfway through a text about telomeres and chromosomes while Zell is reading about genetic mutations when your wristband lights up.  

"Please proceed to the viewing chamber," Atlan says politely.

You and Zell look at each other apprehensively.

"What's going on? What's at the viewing chamber?"

"All will be revealed there," Atlan says serenely, who was apparently instructed not to say anything more.

You and your wife rush out of your quarters and head for the spherical chamber where you sent off your daughter.  

A curious sight greets you at the entrance of the chamber.  There's a small crowd of Atlanteans waiting there, including Eco, Mira, Shein and Cal.  They gaze at you with solemn smiles. 

"What happened?" Zell asks tentatively. 

Without a word, they part, still smiling.  You walk slowly into the room and are met with the most wonderful sight you've ever seen in your life. Zell gasps and begins to sob.

Floating just outside the forcefield is a stunning little girl of about four years.  She has lush silver locks that stream around her like an aura, silvery eyes, gill slits on her neck, and webbed hands and feet.  She is dressed in a form-fitting jumpsuit that gleams subtly in the light coming from the chamber.  

You know instantly that this is Mireya.  

The girl locks eyes with you. Hello, Father.

She looks at Zell, whose eyes widen, and you know that they've also communicated telepathically.

I'm so happy to see you.  I want to know all about you.   

Hello, Mireya.  We want to know all about you, too.

Zell walks backward, never taking her eyes from our daughter, and grabs the first Atlantean she touches, who happens to be Shein.  "I want to go outside into the water with her.  Is there a way for us to do that?"

He laughs, understanding her excitement.  "Of course.  We can outfit you with suits and breathing gear so that you can withstand the pressure and stay outside for as long as you wish."

"Fine.  Let's get me in one.  Now."

Shein leaves the room, and your wife follows eagerly.  You glance back at your daughter.  

Wait for us, Mireya.  We'll be right there.

She smiles contentedly.  Of course, Father.  I'll always be here.

This is it, you think contentedly to yourself.  Now, our lives can truly begin. 

THE END