Episode 2: Meet My Little Friend

Opt-In - Tech Horror, Science Fiction

Read Opt-In from the beginning.

Episode 1: SŌSH

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Episode 2: Meet My Little Friend

Red explains: "Typically, you'd interact with your Avatar on your phone or another device. But we'll keep Karen's Avatar up here for demonstration purposes."

Brad squirms in his chair, then approaches the big screen as if to talk to Bo. The Avatar stands silent.

"Did you log in?" Red asks.

Brad is dismissive as he examines Bo up close. "No, no. I." The Avatar looks like a regular person. He's slightly over six feet tall and in excellent physical shape.

"Brad, sit down, for Pete's sake. It's on pause or something." Monique wants to get going. Brad flops down in his chair like an irritated teenager.

"That's correct," says Red. "I paused it, and I've given you administrative access. With this tool, you can override the user, but right now you're taking the passenger seat, so you get an idea of her motivations."

"I see. Interesting. How do I start?" Monique can barely contain her excitement.

"Allow me."

Red spins around to see the Avatar has booted back up on its own. She slips closer to the laptop.

"Looks like you're ready to take the spotlight," Red says to the Avatar.

"Yes, ma'am!" It winks at Red.

She involuntarily recoils, but no one notices her reaction because all eyes are on Bo.

It smiles and turns to Monique, who has moved to sit closer to the screen.