“I’ve never been able to plan my life. I just lurch from indecision to indecision.”
Ylan Richman (19460 – 20160)
[Universe 00653]
[Sector 02156]
“I often wonder what makes up a personality. Is it simply accumulated experiences thrown together with some predetermined structure? Or is it something much more complex, something unfathomable for the common mind?”
“That’s great. Now, what will you be choosing?” A deadpan voice rung through the stale air. It suggested the passing of quite some time since it had last been filled with sound other than the loud contemplating.
The flickering light that had been levitating in front of the booth let out a chuckle, before retorting with fervor.
“You dare presume, one such as I would not know their own nature? Their own personality, the essence of their being? I do say, how audacious!”
The other side of the booth was filled with nothing but a single, massive eye. Blue streaks seemed to appear on the retina, as it once again focussed on the wisp that had been there for a very long time. Somehow, it managed to produce a gender-neutral voice without the slightest hint of emotion.
“I’m sure you’re very knowledgeable. Now, would you please choose?”
For but a second, the light became rather dim, before immediately flashing in a vigorous manner.
“If I wasn’t in such a hurry, I would have had words with your boss, you rude cretin! Now, since I need no further boorish interuptions, I will choose the only path that fits one of my stature. I choose to ‘Rule’!”
Upon speaking the last word, one of the numerous gates that adorned the rocky platform opened. Behind it, a bridge of light shone, drawing all figurative eyes in the sphere. In sanguine silence, the orb of light moved towards the shiny door.
The moment the sentient light floated unto the bridge, the sphere it had just left seemed to collapse into itself, leaving nothing but the bridge it was located upon.
‘Well, that was extravagant.’ The wisp pondered. It had no actual knowledge of how long it had been waiting in that queue, before being able to speak to anything other than those deranged lights. Neither did it have any ideas on where it was, who it was or why it even was in such a place. Not that it would ever admit any of that, as that would be unseemly.
The only information that it was given when it first arrived here, was in the form of a box. It still recalled it perfectly, every time it thought of its arrival.
It still remembered distinctly the further explanation that had followed this message. It had just popped into its mind when it wondered what the abbreviation stood for.
Utterly confused, but wanting to utilize the useful information tool, the light had attempted to ask about this ‘Cycle’.
Nothing came up.
Odd.
For a seemingly infinite timespan, the light had waited in line on a bridge similar to the one it had ended up floating on. Presented with endless amounts of lifestlyles to choose from, a difficult choice had to be made.
Wait until those hesitant peasant-lights chose to live another boring life full of potato-licking and rock-sniffing, or move to the front and declare its own, obviously more refined choice?
In the end, it had decided cutting in line would appear to be bad form, even when comparing to these mouth-breathing excuses for illumination.
“Please select your choice.”
A metallic voice rang out, startling the reminiscing being and bringing its full attention back to the vibrant bridge. It linked the deadpan voice to the floating eye it has previously met. Before being able to reply, a stream of information entered its figurative mind.
‘Why would I even want a choice here? It’s rather obvious, isn’t it?’ the light assessed.
Without even contemplating the other options, or requesting more information, it exclaimed: “I shall have absolute authority!”
Abruptly, the scenery changed, as it was no longer on the golden bridge. Instead, a platform, similar to the one it had resided on before it had spoken with that impolite creature, stretched in all directions.
Gates, made of dark mahogany, as far as the proverbial eye could see.
Again, the metallic voice spoke: “Please select your choice.”
This time, however, there was a massive difference in choice. One that shocked the light in a way it could never have imagined possible.
What.
...
‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ The thought bounced through its proverbial head.
“Eeeehm, can I go back and not choose dungeon? That seems like an awful choice.”
“No! It is not, you half-wit!” the light yelled out, anger seeping through its voice.
“I dare say, how incredibly obscene! This system definitely is defective!” it uttered, in defeat.
In no way did any form of resistance come to mind, as it felt that there truly was no other choice but to comply.
Definitly because of the rudeness and the abruptness of it all.
No other reason.
Otherwise it would absolutely have stood up for itself.
Yeah.
“That’s rather disturbing. I will definitely stay away from such harrowing experiences.” The light muttered, as it pondered over the options and spotted the last one.
Most choices seemed too constricting as well and it had no idea who its parents were, or had been.
“I guess I’ll go with the neutral setting.” It spoke in a hushed manner. No sign of the earlier ardor to be seen.
A shiver ran down its non-existent spine, as the light spotted the option that had a lot in common with the previous ‘Insane’ option. What is this December, and how can it find such abstract things like love in another being? That sounds rather like some sort of weird murderous obsession.
‘I reckon becoming a city will result in the most opportunities for me. People probably wont try to kill me, as the Dungeon description mentioned. I mean, who would fight a city? That’d be silly.’ It reasoned in silence.
‘Damn shame those amazing options were locked, just like this one. I do wonder what incredible things one can do with their own plane of existence.’
Filled with passionate determination, its voice rung like a bell.
“I shall become the mightiest city that ever was or will be!”
Sadly, nothing followed this remark, except for another box.
Utterly shocked, the light stayed silent for over twenty minutes. Then, as if in a daze, it muttered: “Instant-universe travel is possible? Well, I would never have thought that possible.”
A relatively hard slap on both proverbial cheeks brought its attention back to the present.
“I shall bring all my greatness to those in need, I will choose the Stagnated Universe Type!” it proclaimed, striking a heroic pose.
Well, it did not actually move, since it had no arms. That was besides the point though.
‘What choices are there left?’ it thought, as nothing came to mind.
...
‘Those options seem quite.. biased.
Who is writing these descriptions?’
“What to choose. The first option seems silly, why would anyone want to be a gem?” the light contemplated out loud.
“I suppose the choice is between the Monolith and th-”
“Not again, youstupid syste-”
All turned a dark shade of blue, as the light lost consciousness.
If that was even possible for a light.
