Detours in Time by Pamela Schloesser Canepa

Author:Pamela Schloesser Canepa [Canepa, Pamela Schloesser]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independently published
Published: 2017-06-15T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Bandwagon with Bandwidth

As they walked, Milt noticed how sleek the buildings looked. Very new, with a lot of glass. There were many Asian fusion, sushi, and Japanese restaurants. He recalled, from the back of his mind, something Polly had said about an alliance with Germany and Japan. Who would have imagined? A century can really change things.

There was another breakfast shop, with a line almost filling up the sidewalk for a block. He wondered how long these breakfast shops stayed open. Maybe it was only for a few hours? Everyone had to get in before they closed? What was their capacity limit? He met these curious thoughts by shoving them down into the dark recesses of his mind, where his worries for Brandon resided.

"It's like those speak-easies in the 1920's," Pinky remarked. "Although, they technically were illegal. But people knew they were there, right?"

"I suppose," Milt answered distractedly.

"People all have to go to this place to smoke. Unless they also do it at home. Well, there have to be some places open at night for them! What would they be called, I wonder?"

"A night club? I mean, as long as they don't serve food. These breakfast places serve food, but I think no one in there is eating food there. Perhaps that's the law."

They appeared to be entering into an electronic haven of retail shops on International Lane. Gadgets, robots, Matts, Angelas (a type of robot companion), mobile cooking units, all for sale. There was a sales office for cryogenic preservation, which made Milt want to seethe. There was a dark shop with heavy curtains, with a salesman outside in front of what looked like three telephone booths, only there were locks on the doors. Each had a small computer unit inside.

"Come on over, have a try. Don't be bashful," the gregarious man called. "You really should give it a try."

"What is it?" Pinky asked.

"A simulation experience. Cocaine, Heroin, LSD. You need about an hour afterward to return to normal. So, no hangover. And, no detection on a drug test. An experience that won't make you lose your job or land in jail!" He spoke so proudly. Pinky turned to Milt, looking horrified.

A well- dressed young man in a coat and tie walked up from the other way. "I'm here to try it. Cocaine." He placed paper money in the salesman's hand, and was handed a clear plastic clipboard with some writing on it. How much money, Milt was not sure, but he felt he really didn't need to know.

"But, if he's never tried it before, doesn't he risk getting addicted?" Milt asked.

"There is no physical addiction, though I suppose psychological could occur. Oh, sign it, young man, it's all in the contract. Read it if you like." The young man glanced it over.

"I do allow repeat customers." The salesman winked at Pinky and Milt. There was a sign outside the shop that read 'Try, or use, at your own risk. Signed contract required.'

"What's the difference between ‘try’ and ‘use’?" Pinky asked.

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