At precisely 12:00 PM Earth time, in a parallel universe's Mars base, 24 elite scientists from various countries gathered around a conference table.
"We're convening today to address two primary topics," began Peggy, a middle-aged woman with a serious expression. "First, how to retrieve Dr. Rita Weitzel from the parallel dimension. Second, whether or not to inform Earth about this discovery."
A heavy silence filled the room. The first issue could be debated and planned out, but the second one was more complicated. If Earth learned of the confirmed existence of parallel universes, it could have unpredictable consequences. Although they were scientists first, each of them held significant national affiliations, representing their home countries in this Martian research alliance.
"To avoid unnecessary panic, I propose we delay informing Earth about this," suggested a man with brown hair as he stood up. But before he could sit, a woman from Y country sneered at him.
"Just afraid some people might leak it to their own governments before the rest of us. Isn't that right, John?" she said.
John raised his eyebrows. "Anna, are you insinuating something? Be specific—who do you mean by 'some people'?"
Anna smirked. "No need to get so worked up, John. Everyone here knows that M Country excels in covertly slipping information back home."
"What did you just say?" John snapped, glaring at her as the tension mounted. The others grew even more reluctant to speak, unwilling to engage in their dispute.
After a few minutes of watching the argument devolve, Peggy sighed. "Let's just take a vote, then. I support informing Earth."
"I disagree!"
"I agree."
"Disagree."
...
In the end, the votes were split, 11 in favor, 11 against, with two abstentions.
"Xu Hao, Sophia, you two represent Eastern Country and Country E in the Earth Federation's council meetings and always abstain. Now you're doing the same here?" John grumbled, rocking in his chair.
Middle-of-the-road diplomacy? He thought disdainfully. Only those without strength cling to neutrality.
Peggy frowned. "I hope everyone remembers that we're here to serve humanity first and our countries second."
Xu Hao adjusted his glasses and interjected calmly. "Before we go any further, let's not forget that Major Chu Hang and Dr. Rita Weitzel are both from Eastern Country and Country E, respectively."
John scoffed. "So what? Even if they're from your countries, remember, we're only able to view things from Rita's perspective on the display. We have no way to communicate directly."
No one disagreed that the device—some kind of small beam projector—was something they all desperately wanted to study. But as John pointed out, all they could do was watch, unable to interact.
"John, since this is a parallel universe, how can you be so sure that this Chu Hang doesn't exist in our own timeline?" Xu Hao's calm question made everyone pause.
Yes, if this truly were a parallel universe, then perhaps there was a version of Chu Hang in their own world too. And if that were the case, perhaps their own Chu Hang could acquire this miniaturized beam projector.
"What you're suggesting is still just a theory," said another scientist. "And it's not what we're here to discuss."
"Yes, we can't stake everything on the chance that this person exists here," John added, crossing his arms. But the seed of thought had taken root in the room.
Seeing that her comment had stirred things up, Sophia spoke up. "Let's consider the benefits of informing Earth. If parallel universes exist, couldn't we break through the barriers of space-time to find new ways for survival?"
"But how do you know entering other dimensions wouldn't accelerate our own destruction?"
Silence fell again. They realized that their debate seemed to lead back to the same uncertain place: Earth would likely rely on this team to continue the particle accelerator research no matter what.
"Here's my view: Earth should be informed," Peggy finally said, a knowing smile crossing her face. "This could demonstrate that the Dyson Sphere project is misguided."
From three years ago, Earth had been experiencing inexplicable phenomena, with more voices speaking out against particle accelerators every day. Now was the chance to illustrate that the Dyson Sphere was not a viable solution.
"Look at the alternate timeline," she said. "They experimented so much that Earth actually exploded."
It seemed reasonable to use the alternate reality as a cautionary tale. They could convey that enduring isolation on Mars, surviving alone, might inspire Earth to reconsider.
With this thought, the votes were unanimous. All 24 scientists agreed to notify Earth.
---
"Hey, you really think that circuit board will fit here?"
"What else do you expect me to do? Got any other suggestions?"
"Could you be a little gentler? Don't mess up my apple trees," Chu Hang complained.
"Relax. I'm always careful," Rita replied, crouched on the floor as she dismantled a circuit board.
Inside the cultivation room, Chu Hang watched her, feeling a sense of exhaustion. He wondered if it had been a mistake to let her work here. Wasn't this supposed to be an upgrade? It felt more like she was tearing everything down.
He heard a prompt in his mind: "Alert: Your little apples are in a frightened state. Please comfort them immediately."
Without hesitation, Chu Hang rushed into the glass enclosure and began gently wiping the apples' skins with a soft cloth.
"There, there, don't be afraid. Just close your eyes, and it'll be over soon," he whispered soothingly. "Does that feel better?"
"Your apples have relaxed slightly. Experience points +10. You have earned a new title: 'Friend of the Apples.' Under the influence of this title, the apples will present you with a small gift every 30 days."
Delighted, Chu Hang laughed. "You guys really know how to take care of me," he said, giving each apple a quick kiss.
Rita, who had been watching, felt her entire worldview shatter. Was this guy a maniac? Who kisses apples like that? Well, he had been alone here for a long time…perhaps it had affected his mind.
"Ahem! Major Chu Hang, sorry for interrupting," Rita said awkwardly.
"Could you stay out of the way? Can't you see I'm busy?"
Rita looked at the wrench lying on the floor, feeling a pang of jealousy. She was just a blooming young scientist, and yet this man seemed more interested in apples than her presence.
"Oh, when will I ever get out of here?" she muttered softly.
"Keep it down! If you want to scream, go do it elsewhere."
Resigned, Rita sighed and flopped onto the floor, too drained even to lift her head.
...