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time, Mr. Skale. Have you heard of VRSpecs? They were quite the rage fifty years ago.”
“I’ve heard of them, sure. Of course.” Gunner’s eyes had grown used to the darkness,
and now he could see that George Hartley was an old man, hair like gray mist on his
head, wrinkles cutting up his face. “But I’ve never seen them, except for maybe in a
museum one time. So help me out, here. Are you trying to bring these back? Most
people can afford a Coffin or rent one—and those who can’t figure out a way to do it
illegally. I don’t think—”
“Please.” George held up a hand. “No, that is not our goal, I assure you. Let’s just say
that these glasses hold a bit of nostalgia for us. And we didn’t want to take up your time
dressing down for a Sink in the Coffins. Just as important, we wanted to meet you face
to face. We think we have something that can change the world, both virtual and real.”
Cherry spoke up, rescuing George. “Not to mention that we’re spending every penny
we’ve got just staying afloat. But with your endorsement, Mr. Skale, we think we’ll have
capital rolling in by the truckload.”
“Is that what this is about?” Gunner asked. “You want me to plug some product so you
guys can start making money?”
“Just …,” George said, his hands held out in impatience, “just let us show you what
we’re talking about. The old-fashioned way. You’ve met Cherry”—he gestured behind
him—“and these are my other colleagues, Marta and Kent.” They both nodded. “Let’s
begin.”
Marta—a tall blonde who Gunner guessed to be in her fifties—stepped forward and
handed a pair of the dark glasses to Gunner. More than curious now, he was happy to
give them a try. When he slipped them on, though, all he saw was darkness.
“Okay, I’m ready,” he said. “Wow me with whatever it is.”
“Kent,” he heard George say, “initiate the VR and Dissolve us into the Exhibit Room.”
There was a click and a buzz and something like an electric shock that ran through
Gunner’s temples. Then everything around him transformed, taking him to another
world.