Dr. Julia Smith finished her introductory speech on ‘Discovering the Source of Qualia’ with some final words:

  “With my experiment, it should prove we’re spirits or avatars.”

  “Religion, Professor?” asked a volunteer.

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “No, allow me to demonstrate.” Dr. Smith flipped a switch.

  The volunteers awoke in a giant dome-shaped arena, strapped to chairs, screaming while they saw rows of others shackled—with their brains connected to electrodes.

  A blue-green holographic planet—with orbiting artificial satellites—spun at the center.

  An alarm blared: ”We have a breach in Prisoner Rehabilitation Sector 8-235-14. Initiating an immediate emergency simulation restoration, terminating all escapees.”