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.


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    “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.”