In Chapter One, Rasha has been discovered by the Overseer, and Taj has only a few moments to act – or not act. Readers chose to have Taj run into the Overseer's home and help his friend by attacking the Overseer.
But what would've happened if they'd chosen something else? How would the story have been directed if Taj had performed any of the other choices?
This is a spoiler-free zone; if these choices affect anything in later chapters, they will be marked as "More To Be Revealed." As our story progresses, I will go back and add to these choices, so keep an eye on them!
Choice A: Taj stays put, hiding and hoping that he won’t be noticed. He waits to hear from Tavo.
This choice establishes that Taj tries to avoid trouble with authority. It also shapes him as a character that is more of a follower than a leader; he'll risk waiting for Tavo, to see what to do next, but he won't risk going in to help Rasha. If this chapter had played out, Taj and Tavo would have escaped this scenario, leaving Rasha behind. In the morning, the corpse of Rasha would be presented to the workers as a warning to all who would step beyond their "rights." The life of the slaves would become much harsher, and the Overseer would be given full authority to be as heavy-handed as he wishes. The relationship between Tavo and Taj would be strengthened as they both agree never to let anyone know about their involvement in Rasha's death. The relationship between Taj and Jia'nen would sour, as she would not be able to forgive either of them for what she would see as betrayal. There is more to be revealed on this choice.
Choice B: Taj runs like mad, returning to his cabin and pretending to sleep.
This choice establishes that Taj puts his own safety over the safety of others, even his own friends. It gives Taj a definite sense of self-preservation to the exclusion of other things. In this scenario, Taj escapes and returns to his bed. In the morning, he reconnects with Tavo as the corpse of Rasha is presented to the workers. As in choice A, life for the workers becomes a lot harder and Taj and Tavo agree never to let anyone know about their involvement. The relationship between Tavo and Taj becomes a little strained, however; the night becomes a “sore point” for Tavo, that Taj ditched everyone, including him. This might become a bargaining chip in the future, if Tavo ever needed one. Jia'nen's relationship with Taj sours in this option as well. There is more to be revealed on this choice.
Choice D: Taj runs in to try to help Rasha, saying this was all his plan. In doing so, his goal is to divert the Overseer’s attention.
This choice establishes that Taj has a heroic streak...and a bit of a martyr streak, as well. Taj's wounds would have been a lot worse: loss of body parts, etc. As in the actual Chapter 2, Rasha would have escaped to warn the Master. The rest of the chapter would advance as it already has, with some exceptions: in the future (and assuming Taj survives the encounter with the Overseer and the Master), Taj would gain a reputation for being the mastermind behind the attack...along with all the ups and downs that such a reputation would bring him. The relationship between himself and Jia'nen strengthens; she respects and honors Taj for his sacrifice and his willingness to protect Rasha. Jia'nen's relationship with Tavo sours, and Taj's relationship with Tavo becomes a little rocky, though this is enacted by Tavo, more for jealousy's sake – he was the mastermind behind the plan, after all. There is more to be revealed on this choice.
Choice E: Taj runs to fetch the Master.
This choice establishes that Taj has a sense of authority and a respect for the "proper channels," being more likely to go the "proper route" before taking matters into his own hands. The Master, Bonjato, and the other guards arrive in time to save Rasha, although he is hurt significantly worse than in the actual Chapter 2. Assuming Taj survives the encounter with the Master and the Overseer, Tavo's relationship with Taj is strained due to what Tavo considers "cowardice." The relationship with Jia'nen, however, strengthens significantly due to the fact that Taj listened to her "wise" advice. There is more to be revealed on this choice.
The story-choice that won was:
Choice C: Taj runs in to try to help Rasha by attacking the Overseer.
In choosing this option, Taj now has a heroic streak, and has shown himself to be more of a leader than a follower. He puts the safety of others over his own. He's willing to take matters into his own hands before going through the “proper channels” if it seems to be a wise decision at the time. Moreover, he is not afraid of getting in trouble with authority if it means he's doing what he believes to be the right thing.
There is more to be revealed on this choice as well, but you're going to be reading about it in chapters to come!
Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter of “To Embrace the Sun!”
