Virtual

She walked towards the center of the platform, into the structure waiting for her. She placed her feet in the foot-shaped outlines on the floor, and rested her arms on the supports. Researchers with white coats milled around her, checking that she was in position, attaching sensors to measure her vitals. She reflected on her decision to join the program.

They had offered her good money. As a student, the idea of taking part in some online game in virtual reality for that kind of paycheck seemed like a no-brainer.

Her train of thought was interrupted by the countdown.

“Three, two…”