A new island, 165 miles long, suddenly emerges out of the cold Atlantic ocean, just off the coast of Cape Cod. It’s about 1000 feet high. One side is composed of blue-gray rock–both unique and attractive, just the thing tourists might want to chip off as a souvenir of their island trip. But tourism is a long way off as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States federal government meet to discuss who will own this island, test it for hazardous materials, develop it with infrastructure, and set up a brand new government for a place that’s not even populated yet. The suddenly circling and chattering dolphins mysteriously provide the world with some answers for the Rising.

Technologically, the island may be suitable for fish farming and great for research and educational enterprise, solar & wind energy projects, and many other eco-friendly pursuits. But would the allure of alcohol, drugs, entertainment-fueled nightclubs, golf courses, theme parks, self-indulgent vacationers, cruise ship passengers, real estate developers, and Dubai-style high-rise hotels win the real estate ground war instead?

Only time would tell if this new place built from the ground up would be a sustainable world or one ripe for exploitation.