One of the great joys of the CYOA books is the distinctive personalities of the writers who produced them, and the ways that these differing personas shone through the writing. There were obviously no clearly defined set of moral guidelines for the authors to adhere to whilst writing so they were essentially allowed free reign to promote their own personal sensibilities and viewpoints into these choice-riddled stories. And with this remarkable ending, I think we are seeing an essential and indelible side to Ray Montgomery. The side that made him the ideal custodian of this series. The side that championed risk and adventure above all other values. Sure, voluntarily entering a mysterious spacecraft without one scintilla of information regarding it’s origins and intentions may seem insane, but Montgomery seems to be telling us, in essence: You only live once. Who knows when you’re going to check-out of this hostile and unpredictable world–so be bold! Take that insane chance when it comes along! Better to die young than live a life of regret! If you can’t laugh at death, what’s the point of living?