Fourteen
year-old Tom Raines has led a rather unconventional life. His father Neil is a
gambler who drifts from casino to casino in the hopes of winning enough to quit
this life-style. Tom knows better. His mother has already deserted them. His
dad’s drinking is clearly interfering with his judgment. The only one making
any money is Tom- an ace at virtual reality gaming.
When Tom
meets Heather in his virtual school- Rosewood Reformatory Sim- he can’t believe
his good fortune. Heather invites Tom to a video chat the next day. She coyly
says, “What network address will you be at tomorrow, Tom?” Little does Tom
realize that Heather will share the network address with General Terry Marsh
who has been trying to track down Tom to become part of the military.
World War
III is being waged. Combatants control drones remotely. As General Marsh
explains to Tom, “But the Russo-Chinese military went a step further and gave
human beings active control over their combat machines. Strategists.
Unconventional thinkers. Risk takers. Mavericks. Young ones because teenagers
have certain attributes critical to this type of warfare. So now we too have
young people on the front lines, young people playing a critical role in the
war effort.”
Neil
grudgingly signed the papers that allow Tom to travel with General Marsh to the
Pentagonal Spire. But the general hasn’t been completely forthcoming. Neural
processors are installed in all plebs (young military recruits). If Tom goes
along with General Marsh’s plans, will he ever be the same? The chance is too great
to take.
Tom begins
to back away when suddenly Heather appears wearing the insignia of the
intrasolar fighters.
What will Tom decide to do?
Will this be the biggest gamble of his life?
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