Many Worlds Theory

‘Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Quanta Industries. We’re delighted that you could join us tonight, for what is a special evening for all of us here at Quanta, and indeed for the world. We have an amazing new discovery to share with you, but we’d like to begin by reminding you of how we got where we are today…’
The host of the evening is not the CEO of Quanta Industries, or any of the Scientific team who have become household names through their research. The host is Cece Lamar, as famous for her style and beauty as she is for her diverse acting roles. She dominates the podium, each burst from a camera flash seems to energise her, each shouted question only increases her poise. This is the woman who has been chosen to tell the world that reality as they know it is about to change.
‘In 1957, a man named Hugh Everett first posited the theory that everything that possibly could have happened, did in fact happen. That every decision that was ever made, spawned a new world. This formed the basis for Bryce Seligman-Dewitt’s work, and the coining of the phrase “Many-Worlds” to describe the theory. By the late 1970’s there was an acceptance of Many-Worlds theory, both within the scientific community and in the wider world. The idea of Many-Worlds captured the art world, and in particular, the imagination of Science Fiction writers and film makers.’
As she speaks, a large screen behind her displays images that give visual context to her speech. They begin in black and white, showing the scientists at work, giving lectures, and gradually move into colour. From there they flash through book covers and movie posters, eventually finishing on one of Ms Lamar herself. As the hall reacts with a ripple of applause to the image from her Oscar winning performance, Lamar smiles and holds up a gracious hand.
‘We are not here tonight to recognise the artistic accomplishments that Many-Worlds has inspired, but thank you.’ Lamar waits until the hall settles back into silence before she continues.
‘Here at Quanta Industries, the scientific team have long been at the forefront of discovery when it comes to Many-Worlds. It was our very own Professor Ava Lourdes who theorised that not all decisions would spawn a new world. She began to seek out what it might be that caused a world to be created. As you all know, Professor Lourdes made history when she discovered the Signifon.’
Again the room erupts into applause. A reclusive woman, Lourdes was never seen in public but her pioneering work in the identification of Many-World particles had made her something of a folk hero and feminist icon.
‘Quanta Industries has worked unceasingly since that discovery to find practical applications for the use of the Signifon. Tonight, we are delighted to tell you that we have done just that!’
There is a collective gasp followed by an apparently spontaneous round of applause.
‘As you know, Signifions are present at any decision that results in a new world being formed, but that’s only part of the picture. We also know that not all worlds are stable, some collapse immediately and others after a period of time. Quantum Industries have developed a technology that enables us to instigate such a collapse.’
There is no round of applause at this announcement, just puzzlement. The collective question hangs in the air; why on earth would you want to collapse the reality in which you are existing?
Lamar treats the room to one of her most glorious smiles, ‘Bear with me, I’m sure that sounds like a troubling prospect but…imagine this. You make a decision, and it spawns a new world. But that world is not what you would wish it to be. You made a mistake. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if you were able to collapse that world, and return to the point where you made the choice? To choose again?’
A ripple of interest runs through the room, with a heavy undercurrent of disquiet.
‘That is what Quanta Industries is able to offer to you! By using the Signifon Generator, you will be able to make sure that any choice you make is utterly reversible. If it turns out to have been a poor one, you simply initiate collapse of that world and reset reality to the point where you chose. Imagine the possibilities! The Signifon Generator removes the risk from any decision that you wish to make.’ Lamar smiles, an amused twinkle in her eye cueing the audience to expect a joke. 'Imagine the savings on your insurance premiums!'
The room is eerily quiet. The audience is holding its collective breath, trying to think this astonishing idea through. A lone voice cuts through the stillness.
‘You can’t play God!’
A woman begins to sob loudly, her words are incoherent but her distress is perfectly communicated.
‘Let me guess, there’s a huge price tag on using this equipment? Only the rich get a do-over?’
‘My…my God! This technology in the wrong hands…’
Lamar begins to look uncomfortable, the crowd has gone off script and she is ill prepared to follow. She glances up towards a set of tinted windows near the ceiling.

In a control room high above the auditorium, a man in a suit turns to a group of men in white coats.
‘Marketing screwed up again, they’re not buying it. Initiate collapse. We’ll try the launch again with a revised pitch.’