CAN'TANSWERTHAT, GOLA, JUST KNOW IT IS FOR PEOPLE LIKE US. BUT ARE YOU REALLY READY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT???? MAKE A DIFFERENCE, LIKE WE SAID?????? YOU AND ME HAVE COME A LONG WAY, TOO, BUT IN A SHORT TIME.
Elena turned away from her laptop screen and looked at Danny to her right, and then at Marcie Deveraux, who was sitting on her left.
'Be careful,' said Deveraux. 'You know what to say. Exactly as we've discussed, and nothing more.'
Elena nodded and her hands went back to the keyboard.
I THINK I'M READY.
There was a short delay before the next pop-up appeared on Elena's screen. THINKING ISN'T ENOUGH. YOU'VE GOTTA BE CERTNN BEFORE YOU TAKE THAT ULTIMATE STEP.
Deveraux leaned closer to Elena. When she spoke, her voice was insistent, but calm and assured.
'Ask the question. Just as I told you. And maintain contact and keep him online for as long as you can.' Elena hit the keys again.
BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU??? WOULD YOU DO IT???
THOUGHT YOU'D ASK THAT!! AND I WILL DO IT, WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. BUT FOR HOW IT'S MY ROLE TO HELP OTHERS, LIKE THE ONES WHO'VE GONE BEFORE. LOOK, I UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY IF IT'S TOO MUCH FOR YA. THERE ARE OTHERS OUT THERE WAITING.
'Don't ask about the others,' said Deveraux quickly. 'Keep it on you, and your commitment.'
Elena nodded and took a deep breath. Just writing about what Black Star was proposing was enough to make her shiver. But she nodded again and began to type. NO, I AM SURE. I'M CERTAIN!!! WE HAD ENOUGH! I WANNA SHOW EVERYONE EXACTLY WHAT I THINK OF THIS CRAP WORLD!!!
There was a longer delay, and Elena glanced anxiously at Deveraux. This was usually a sign that Black Star was about to close down.
'Maintain contact,' said Deveraux quickly. 'Ask about his real name. He knows yours. Ask him!'
But before Elena could begin to type, Black Star came back on screen. OK. GOTTA GO NOW. WE'LL TALK AGAIN VERY SOON, MAKE PLANS. THIS CRAP WORLD'S GONNA DISCOVER WHAT A SPECIAL PERSON YOU ARE, GOLA!!!!!!!!!!