As the twenty-first century was coming to a close, it was apparent that the world was becoming increasingly more dangerous. To counter-balance this, the world's leading research groups were constantly at work striding towards the next big technological advance. Of these advances, the one with the most potential was a new type of machine called a "Reflection"

The problem with normal robots was that no matter how hard people tried, they could not program an AI that was even close to being on par with the human brain. The police tried using robots to fight crime because they had a much higher potential for physical strength and it would spare humans. However, criminals too often were able to expose AI flaws and out-smart the robots.

It was because of this that the concept of the Reflection was devised. Mixing robotics with virtual reality, Reflection was a special type of robot controlled directly by humans. The human, called a "Controller", would be hooked up to a terminal similar to that used in virtual reality. The Controller's brain would then sync with the Reflection, allowing him/her to essentially experience life as the robot. They were called Reflections because the user's consciousness was transferred to them much like a mirror would transfer an image.

There were a couple of flaws with the technology as it currently existed, however. One was that since the Controller experienced everything that Reflection did, he/she could also feel pain from any damage the Reflection sustained. In the worst-case scenarios, this could potentially create a mentally-damaging shock. Another problem was that the Controller was completely defenseless while using the Reflection. There was no awareness of what was going on with the Controller's real body, and thus someone could easily walk up and disconnect the synchronization, thus rendering the Reflection useless. Even worse, someone could cause the Controller harm while he/she was hooked up to the terminal. Controllers would have to be well-guarded to make up for this. The police did not want to use them for high-profile cases yet, since the more dangerous criminals would stop at nothing. There was a good chance that they would find a way to kill the Controllers while they used the Reflections.

In testing of these Reflections, a select few people were chosen. They were young and in very good health, ideal for a test of the technology. One such individual was a young man named Logan Thresher. Logan stood just under six feet tall with short brown hair that spiked down and away in the front, just missing his eyes. Logan was dressed very casually, sporting a white tank top, black jeans, and black sneakers.

"You missed training again, didn't you?" a voice called out to Logan. He turned to see the speaker, a man he recognized as Austin Stryker. Austin was another Reflection tester. He stood at about five-foot-seven with neatly combed black hair. His eyes were pale green and seemed to glare at Logan a bit. He wore a light jacket and windbreaker pants, both blue in color in addition to a pair of black boots.

"Eh...one missed class isn't going to kill me...."

"An attitude like that will, though. Commanding the reflections isn't like playing some video game. They can only make whatever movements you yourself are capable of doing. If you don't know how to fight properly, your Reflection will fail as well."

"I know how to fight, Stryker...."

"If you call those brawls on the streets 'fighting', then you're even more pathetic than I originally gave you credit for...."

"You know...I don't feel like listening to your crap again today. Try talking to someone who actually cares about what you have to say."

"If you go in unprepared and just end up having your Reflection destroyed, that costs us a lot of money. I'd rather not have good machines go to waste like that."

Having heard more than enough, Logan ignored Austin and continued on to his destination. A few minutes later, he arrived at the testing center. He was greeted by the center operator upon arrival.

"Ah, good day, Logan."

"Hey, what's the latest news?"

"The police tried the first test of a Reflection handling a bomb threat earlier today."

"Oh really? How did that go?"

"The bomb exploded and the Reflection was lost. It seems that there wasn't enough dexterity to properly disarm it. The Controller was an expert at such things, but he couldn't seem to get his Reflection's fingers to make the precise movements that he wanted."

"Wow, that sucks..."

"Fortunately, he was able to move the bomb far away from where it was found, so no humans were hurt. The Controller doesn't seem to be affected by the explosion either."

"That's good. What about the prototypes?"

"We believe we've made good progress on them. What I have here for you to test is far more advanced than what was used in that bomb threat. We're about ready to stop using generic models and actually give all of you custom Reflections."

"Hey, that's cool."

"There is one possible problem, though."

"What's that?"

"Well, the synchronization between human and Reflection is rather complex. We're not sure how often or how well any given person can resynchronize with multiple Reflections. Because of this, we want to stop using the generic models on those who will be commanding custom ones as soon as possible. If your brain becomes too used to the generic type, it may not be capable of getting in sync with the new custom type."

"I see...but you still want me to run this test on the generic model?"

"It's essential that our current technology be tested before we put too much money into creating more. Reflections are far from cheap to produce."

"Right. I understand. Hook me up."

He sat into a chair in the center of the room that faced a glass pane. Behind the pane was another, smaller room. The operator picked up a device that looked like some sort of virtual reality helmet and placed it upon Logan's head. After a few seconds, his consciousness was shift to inside the room where a Reflection sat. The Reflection just looked like an average man with short, brown hair and no real distinguishable features. He stood up and looked back through the glass at himself. The operator's voice came to him though a speaker.

"Test out the mobility of all limbs."

He balled his hands into fists and then opened them again a few times. He then wiggled his fingers around before throwing some punches into the air. He followed this up with some kicks with either leg.

"Everything seems fine," he told the operator.

"Great. Now see that wall over to your right?"

He turned to look, seeing a partition that ran across the room that appeared to be made of concrete, possibly reinforced.

"Yeah? What about it?"

"I want you to break it."

He nodded and drew his fist back, preparing himself to strike. He then swung his fist forward with full force, shattering the wall on impact as easily as if it were the glass pane instead. He looked at his fist afterwards, amazed.

"Wow...this thing is powerful."

"Indeed. The primary purpose of using these for combative purposes is the strength that they contain."

"Yeah, normally I'd probably have broken my hand trying that."

Logan sat his reflection down and the operator removed the helmet, returning Logan to his own body once again. He then continued the conversation with the real Logan.

"Well, I think that's good enough of a test. All the basic functions appear to be working fine. You should have your custom model within a week."

"Great. But how custom is it? Do I actually get a say in its production?"

"You don't know any of the technical aspects behind creating a Reflection. What would you say? Custom just means that it will be made to look somewhat in your image."

"So the robot me is supposed to look like the real me? That might get a little confusing...."

"It's believed that this will aid in synchronization because it will help you to feel like you're in your own body still."

"Interesting...."

"Indeed. Either way, we won't need any more tests until the new models are finished, so we'll call you back in a week. Until then, enjoy yourself."

"I'll do just that!" Logan smiled and waved as he walked off. As much as he liked aiding this research and looked forward to piloting a Reflection, he certainly wasn't about to complain about some time off. He didn't really have much chance to really relax or have fun since he began on this project. He began to think out loud as he exited the facility. "I think I'll start by hitting up some bars..."

"I don't think so...."

Surprised, Logan turned to see Austin. "Hey, I don't have to do any more testing for a week," he informed Austin.

"I know that, idiot....I'm a tester too. But that doesn't mean you're going to waste all of this time partying. You still need to train to be prepared for using the new models when the come around."

"Hey, if you want to train, that's great. But my life is my life and I'll do what I please."

"I told you that I don't want you to be a waste of a Reflection. You're going to train whether you like it or not."

"Screw you!"

Austin suddenly grabbed Logan by his shirt with his left hand and drew back his right fist. As he swung it forward, Logan quickly put up a hand to catch the fist. Austin let go to throw a punch with his left hand, which Logan dodged by backing up. Annoyed, Logan threw a punch back in return. Austin simply turned sideways to avoid the attack and grab Logan's arm at the same time. Austin gave Logan a quick punch to the gut and then flipped him over onto his back.

"Every time I see you from now until the new models are released," Austin began, "I'm going to attack you just like that. If you're actually able to fend off the attack, I'll stop bothering you. Otherwise, I'll continue. The only way you'll be able to stop be from putting you on the ground like you are now is to focus on your training, as it's obvious that you can't out-fight me at your current level."

Logan got up, watching as Austin walked off. He mumbled some obscenities to himself as he held his abdomen and began to head home.

WOW, I got really intrigued with the beginning of your story. I felt it was kind of like The Matrix, The Thirteenth Floor and Surrogates all rolled into one. I really loved how detailed you were with each scene. I could actually picture it in my mind. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head. I think you did an incredible job. I look forward to reading more and finding out it all turns out. Great work!

Wow I like that you put so much details in the story. I was start to think to think of the people you describe. The introduction was very great, and I like that the robot was more stupid than a human.

SunflowerGaming :
Mobouis1 :

Really? My description was good? I'm really shocked to hear that. Post other places I've posted stories, I've been told my description is poor and that I don't do a good enough job setting up the scenes. People say my strong point is dialogue and the interaction between characters but that even that can be flat at times because I don't describe what people are doing as they're speaking to fully paint the picture of the scene.

I'm glad to hear people liking my narration for once, since I've really never heard that sort of compliment before. I'll be sure to post the next chapter whenever I get around to finishing it. I started it a while ago, but lost the file I was working on, so I'll have to re-do it and hopefully remember what I had @.@

Crazy Li : I honestly think you wrote it very well. You set up each scene in your introduction, and then had the characters interact. It kept me intrigued and also helped me to anticipate how it's all going to turn out. I think you have amazing writing skills. I used to write a lot so I know how much work and thought goes into writing. I also LOVE reading so I am sure I'll be reading all of your work. I really enjoyed it. I felt like I was reading the beginning of a book.

Crazy Li : Sorry for the bit late respond. I agree that it is well written and you have the potential of being a writer if you keep practicing. 

Chapter 2:

It had been a hellish week for Logan. All the run-ins with Austin were really getting to him. He was a little sore from it all. He was forced to actually hone his skills just like the little bugger wanted, because he didn't see any other way to be left alone.
At least today, he had something else to occupy his mind. The first line of customized Reflections were being rolled out today. He would actually receive one personalized to him that would be his to use from now on.

As Logan entered the facility, he noticed a familiar woman and called out to her, “Hey, Staci.”

The woman, Staci Marks, turned around at hearing her name. “Oh, what’s up, Logan?” she replied. Staci was the only female test pilot at the facility. This didn’t really bother her too much, though. She was used to hanging with the guys, as she always seemed to mesh better with them than other girls. She wasn’t the most feminine of woman and didn’t take to many ‘girly’ things. She didn’t often wear things like skirts or dresses. In fact today, she was wearing a black tanktop, faded blue jeans, and a denim vest.

Logan smiled. “Same as you, I’d imagine. Here to test the custom models.”

“Oh, right… that makes sense,” she replied somewhat awkwardly.

Logan sighed a bit. “I’ll be good to get some Reflection use in after the week I’ve had. That prick, Austin, wouldn’t stop bothering me. He keeps attacking me, saying I need more training or some nonsense.”

“You can’t let that jerk push you around, Logan,” she replied in a somewhat reprimanding manner.

“Believe me; I’m not doing it by choice.”

“Well either way, we had better get going. People are waiting on us,” she told him, turning and heading towards her destination.

Logan didn’t say anything else. He just followed her. Though he would never tell her this, Logan did find Staci to be fairly attractive. She had sparkling blue eyes that seemed to light up her whole face. That’s probably what drew him in the most. Her hair wasn’t especially long, but still past her shoulders in length. It was a dirty blond color and would probably look better if styled in some manner. It was obvious that Staci didn’t concern herself with such minor details, though. Logan actually appreciated that about her. It showed a lack of vanity. Similarly, she never seemed to wear much makeup that
he could notice.

As the two entered the testing area, they saw Austin already there. He seemed to be having a disagreement with one of the staff members when they walked in. “You didn’t have to make it so short!” was all that Logan caught from what Austin was yelling.

Staci walked up closer to Austin and chimed in, “That’s just accurate, isn’t it? These custom models are supposed to be as much like us as possible so it feels more natural to control them, right?”

“I don’t see how its height is a relevant detail,” Austin grumbled back. It seemed Austin was concerned about his Reflection’s height. He did seem insecure about his own height and this was probably salt on the wound. Though Staci had a decent point, it was more likely she was teasing him about the whole thing. Even Staci was about an inch taller than Austin.

“Okay, I’d like to have Mr. Thresher and Ms. Marks do the first sync up test and then a mock battle,” instructed one of the researchers. The two nodded and went to their respective stations to prepare.

Before hooking up, they took a moment to look at their customized Reflections. It was a bit surreal. There was an amazing likeness between the person and machine. The biggest glaring difference that made the Reflections obviously machines was the lack of color. They were entirely grayscale. They also weren’t dressed in casual clothing, but rather had armor
fused to their bodies. Logan looked at the left forearm on his to notice it was encased in thick armor plating with a large guard jutting out from the fist. He figured he could use this to defend attacks while his dominant hand issued the attacks. He was definitely liking this design.

Staci was the first to begin synchronization. The scientists at the facility kept a close eye on the numbers flashing on their equipment. “Brain waves look normal… vitals fine,” one began commenting.

Before Staci knew it, her perspective became that of her new Reflection. “How’s it look?” she called out.

“Synchronization is at 98%. Everything’s green,” came a response through a communication device. “Try moving around a bit.” Staci complied, opening and closing her fist then throwing a few punches in the air and hopping around a bit. Everything seemed to function perfectly. She had solid command over the machine.

After that checked out, it was now Logan’s turn. He was hooked up and began the synchronization process. After a few seconds, warning noises began to come from the machinery and the numbers were flashing red. “Controller’s heart rate rapidly accelerating. Synchronization rate only at 75%. Vitals strained. Should we abort?”

“What an idiot!” Austin cried out in frustration. “You should have just sent me into this test. That guy isn’t anywhere close to a worthy Reflection operator.

“Just calm down,” Staci said to Logan. “Take a deep breath and relax. There’s no need to force it. This stuff should be natural. You used the generics. This should be cake.”

Logan was becoming very frustrated, but he tried to heed Staci’s advice. The last thing he wanted right now was to look like a failure, but the more he focused on that, the less likely he was to actually succeed.

He could at least see through the eyes of the Reflection at this point. “What’s the sync rate?” he decided to ask.

“88%,” answered a scientist. “That’s still below ideal levels. You won’t have enough control to safely work through critical situations like that.” Logan knew this. He was told before that he would never get sent into the field unless he could obtain better than a ninety percent mental synchronization with his Reflection. Anything less would be too risky.

The head researcher suddenly suggested, “This is only a test. Let’s push through it anyway. There’s no real danger in a controlled environment. Move some and see if using it increases the synchronization.”

Logan did as told. He actually found himself struggling to move the limbs around, though. The machine felt sluggish… as though it was being weighed down by something. He kept trying to press on, but it was clear to everyone that things weren’t running smoothly.

“Let’s try some simple battle scenarios. Get into something you know. Throw a basic punch at her,” instructed the head researcher. He drew his arm back, but his movement seemed hindered. He managed to get out a punch, but it was incredible slow. Staci just leaned sideways a bit to dodge, wrapping her arm around his and bending it behind his back. She held for a few seconds before letting go and pushing him forward. He turned around to face her again.

As they tried combat, the researchers continued to comment on the synchronization status. “It’s up to 91%, but his actual performance doesn’t match up. He shouldn’t look that poorly operating it.”

“Maybe he’s just a bad Controller,” Austin scoffed.

“There could be a defect in the machine itself. We’ll need to do more analysis before we can clear it for the field. Even though the sync rate is acceptable, I’m making a special case here,” noted the head researcher. “Okay, Mr. Thresher. We’re going to power down your Reflection. We still need to test Mr. Stryker’s.” With that, he hit some buttons and disconnected Logan. Austin soon took his place, preparing to sync up with his personal Reflection.

The scientists watched as process began. “Vitals good. Sync rate at 97%. Everything’s green.”

“This is how someone with actual talent does it,” Austin mockingly commented.

“No need for that. You’re all on the same team here. Now start moving,” the head researcher ordered.

Austin flexed the Reflection’s limbs a bit. “Everything feels natural on my end.”

“Good. Now for the combat testing.”

Austin shook his head. “Against her? I’d rather not hurt her.”

“Hey, don’t go easy on my account,” Staci challenged. “Just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I can’t take a hit.”

“That’s not it at all,” Austin plainly replied. “You're actually of some use, being able to operate your Reflection properly. An injury to a useful member would be a waste.”

Staci smirked. “You really think it’ll be that easy? You haven’t forgotten that these things are built for battle, have you? They don't smash easily.”

The head researcher than intervened. “He has a fair point, Ms. Marks. We still haven’t been able to eliminate feedback from the Reflections. You may not stand a risk of physical injury while operating one, but you will still feel pain as though you were. Too much of that would be bad for anyone’s mental state. That said… things will be fine as you keep things basic.”

Logan tried to watch the spar between Austin and Staci, but he couldn't really find himself focusing on it at all. He was too concerned about his own results. What was wrong with him? Was Austin really right? Was he too much of a slacker? Did he even really have any talent? Part of him wondered why he was even chosen to become a Controller. Why did he agree?

He wasn’t anyone special with any kind of real motivation to do it. He was just a regular guy who did a little street brawling here and there to get by. Maybe he was tired of that life. Maybe he thought a real job where even a nobody like him could have useful skills to offer would be better. The program certainly paid well. Still, he had a lot of doubts.

After all the testing was done, Logan approached Staci. “Hey, Staci? Could I ask you something?”

She turned to him caught a bit off-guard. “Hmm? What is it?”

“Why did you become a Reflection Controller?” he asked.She stopped as though she had to take a moment to consider his question. “Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”

He didn’t want to tell her the real reason. Instead, he said, “I’m just curious.”

She shrugged. “It’s no noble reason or anything. I just wanted strength. I don’t like people viewing me differently or weaker because of my gender. I’ve always tried to be tough to be strong enough to shut up anyone who looked down on me.” She closed her eyes, reflecting for a moment before continuing. “I still can’t seem to overcome physical disadvantages sometimes though. When I heard of the power of Reflections. I thought maybe I could learn to control them really well and level the playing field.”

“But doesn’t the Reflection just amplify your own strength?” Logan questioned. That’s how he remembered it being. “If someone else has one that was strong to begin with, they would still have the edge.”

The tomboy chuckled a bit at this. “Yeah… I figured that out after I enrolled in the program. But maybe if I’m better at controlling… if I synchronize more accurately or something… maybe I can still gain that edge. At least, that’s what I hope. I had the best sync rate of the testers today at any rate.”

“Yeah… the test…” Logan commented, beginning to drift back to his earlier thoughts. He was interrupted though when Staci slapped him on the back.

“Hey, don’t let that get to ya! They said it’s probably a defect. They’ll figure out what went wrong and you’ll be good to go,” she said trying to reassure him.

“I hope you’re right,” he told her.

“Anyway, I’m going to head out now,” she said to Logan, grabbing a black biker’s helmet.

“Alright. Take care,” he said with a casual wave. He then watched as she put the helmet on and went over to her motorcycle—a black Harley.

Logan still felt great uncertainty. Even if Staci’s reason was selfish, it was still a reason. She had motivation that drove her to succeed. What did he have? Should he even be bothering to continue? He contemplated quitting the program entirely as he began to walk home.