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An Excerpt From: EIGHT DAYS ABLAZE
Copyright © ANGELIA SPARROW, 2008
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing,
Inc.
A completely integrated sensory experience. No
endorsements, no hyperbole, no exclamation marks marred the box, just the
clean, simple lettering.
Adina felt her stomach lurch. She’d coveted one of these
since she’d seen the first advertisement. Her father, with his usual sense
of occasion, had placed a “Do not open until Hanukkah” sticker on the flap,
right over the factory seal.
The holiday itself was five days away. Adina slit the
sticker with one short, impeccable scarlet thumbnail and opened the box
anyway.
She took out the VirtualClone generator, a hard plastic
case the size of two personal data readers and as tall as her palm, then
set it on the table. The instruction manual was small and simple.
VirtualClone
offers the first totally integrated sensory experience and is a
breakthrough in personal holographic entertainment technology. Before
using, please consult your medical provider. To begin use, simply activate
the power switch, place the wireless contact sensors on your temples and
think of the experience you wish to have.
There
was more, all about how VirtualClone created the experience by drawing on
its programming, the internet, planetary databanks and the subject’s own
memories. She skimmed, noting only the failsafe feature. VirtualClone reset
itself after three hours. It would cease all programming and take an hour
to recharge.
She activated the power switch and attached the sensors
to her temples.
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