Astronaut Samantha Roberts prepared for an expedition through the wormhole.


    "Hey Sam," said her partner, "I heard you''re going to use emulation."


    "Yep!" Samantha smiled. "This neural chip allows me to interact within the aliens'' digitized reality."


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "But, Sam, all past explorers transitioned to the non-corporeal."


    "Right? And they''ve never returned—we only get messages."


    "Yes, true. The explorers said they felt so euphoric they couldn''t revert."


    "Suspicious ... Anyhow, I prefer to stay human."


    "Even if that means not embracing a new way of life beyond your wildest dreams?"


    Samantha smiled and shrugged. "I''m just too set in my ways."