CK Campbell took the snap and dropped three steps. In addition to the myriad thoughts juggled by every professional quarterback, CK’s mind also powered the cybernetic implants—the currently less than functional implants—in his reconstructed shoulder.
His receiver sold the fly route hard before planting a foot and pushing inside. Stepping into the throw, CK envisioned his passing motion in order to empower his damaged shoulder muscles to perform the motion. Electricity jolted through his arm at the moment of release. Lamely, he forced his arm to follow through.
The pass hit the mark, but without his trademark zip. “Again.” CK instructed the virtual reality practice routine to reset the same play for the umpteenth time. He rubbed the area around the implants. The decimated muscles relied on the power of his thoughts to operate. They couldn’t physically get sore, but they felt sore.
He ran the same play again. This time he waited a split second longer in effort to tightrope the ball to the receiver’s numbers. Instead the ball fluttered. Reaching back to make the catch, the receiver popped it up, creating an easy interception for the free safety.
CK swore while wiping sweat from his brow. “Continue Christen Campbell practice routine at plus six percent real time.”
A mechanical voice vibrated in his head. “You have twenty-one minutes and thirty-eight seconds of individual practice time remaining for Wednesday, September 15th.”
CK resumed his place under center and called for the ball. He stepped back the moment it slapped into the palm of his hand. Before he could plant his foot, the Alamodome dematerialized and the ball disappeared. He stumbled off of his kinetic isolation pad as its electromagnetic buffer dropped him. “What the—”
“You’ve got three seconds to explain your presence here, or I’ll hail security.”
CK blinked as his eyes adjusted to the dim, blue lighting of the southern equipment locker. He didn’t need his eyesight to recognize the tinny, northern accent of Lonni Fasasno, the equipment manager.
ns 15.158.61.8da2
