Author’s Note:

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This is written in monologue format, thus the stage directions.  It’s a comment on our glorification of technology.  Never heard that one before have you?  Also, 10 points to whoever can guess who or what this person is talking to.  (Hint:  It’s not the reader!)  Good luck!

“My monthly report is due tomorrow.  I suppose you know that. I still haven’t decided what to say yet.  The page is before me, but I do not yet dare to write what I must. What I hold here (touches temple) could change the world.  (Laughs quietly) Or I am wrong and all the agony I now experience is the result of an overactive imagination.  I can hardly underestimate my fellow man.  He does have his good points.  Not that this is your concern.  You need only fear on unwary cup of coffee, or a faster replacement.  You who find these results never experience the plague of doubts or the fears.  I almost wish I were… no that is what I am afraid of.” 

            (Leans back in chair and rubs eyes) “I haven’t done this since I was a graduate student.  Late nights are definitely harder to cope with.  Not that I have a choice about being here.  I have to choose.   If I’m right about this I will no longer have to worry about anything anymore, I’ll be able to retire.  Maybe you will even be able to retire with me.  What I have discovered will hurt no one.  I am most likely only being melodramatic.  Dr. Nobel believed the same when he created dynamite.  He too was convinced it would bring about the destruction of our world.  The truth was that it never even came close.  It must also be remembered that I can help.  Knowledge such as this must be shared not hidden.  I would be foolish to destroy such a hope.  If I do not act another will, possible another with a less definite sense ethics.  If I act it will be out of my hands.  I shall no longer be responsible for holding back the world and it will b responsible only for itself.” (Smiles again)

            “There is also the other side of this conflict.  I cannot forget it.  I weigh myself against the world in this.  I would be a hero for destroying this!  (Slumps)  I shall be a forgotten hero, one who has faded into oblivion.  It’s the thought that counts though is it not?  (Pauses) It’s powerful though, so powerful.  I can’t trust them.  I can’t.  Unlike you we suffer emotions and indecisions, yet that is what I desire to preserve: that essential flaw that makes us human, and such so unlike you.  I could solve some of this flaw, and in so doing, destroy all that is beautiful about a human mind.  (Puts head in hands)  I can’t do it.  It’s not my choice.  But even by not acting I choose!”  (Jumps up, pacing back and forth in frustration)

“Why?  Why must I be the one to choose?  I didn’t ask for this, to walk the thin line between two futures, each an abyss beside the path.  How am I to know which is destiny and which is despair?  (Calms and slumps into chair, and turns to face computer)  To think, as children we all desire to be heroes.  (Sets hands on keys resolutely)  To speak means we shall never be able to choose again, and never such doubt.  We would be much like you my friend.  I can’t do that, I will be forgotten, but more impatient things shall not be.  (Begins to type)