Pulling The Dragon's Tail by Kenton Kauffman Read Free Book Online Page A

sharp sensation inside his brain indicated the
warning prompt. Chad had predicted that a first time user would
need it. Without its stern warnings to keep the supercomputer
programming moving along, users of the robotic interface would
never leave.
     
    * * * * * *
     
    “So how does this thing work?” Herschel had
asked, tentatively, when he was first introduced to the Jesus
Machine earlier that day.
    “Nervous?”
    “A bit. I’ve never used such a realistic
robo-hologram. I’ve heard stories about how taken people are with
this thing.”
    “Well, I’d have to compare it to someone who
used to drive a Chevy. Suddenly they trade it in for a Ferrari. Ya
know what I mean?”
    “Uh-huh.” Yes, I remember those days and I
know you do too .
    “Are you sure you’re not nervous because of
other reasons?” queried Chad.
    “Well, I’ve heard of some side effects.
Sometimes memory imprints re-emerge at unannounced times in your
conscious awareness, like a hallucination, so they say.”
    “Naw!” insisted Chad. “That effect’s rare and
overblown. I was referring to how most churches still frown on the
use of the Jesus Machine. You surely must know that its use is
discouraged, and some churches downright prohibit their members
from experiencing it.”
    Chad’s brown eyes had sparkled with passion as
he continued. “But what’s wrong with the use of technology when it
strengthens and solidifies faith? I founded Heaven on Earth with
just such a purpose; that is, to seek any means possible to enhance
the believer’s Earthly life. Technology plays a vital role in that.
Embracing this technology has enhanced countless lives. What could
be wrong with that?”
    Herschel had heard that tone of voice many times
in the past. That tone and passion had enabled Chad to make
billions of euros in entrepreneurial endeavors. It was as if Chad
was once again leading a board of directors, painting a picture of
his vision for the company, and vigorously selling the product.
    That same passion and drive had helped Chad win
Herschel over in regaining a spiritual foundation. Herschel had
dedicated his life to Christ thirty years earlier.
    But now he looked deep within himself. Times
have changed. Chad is still the same old, that is, young, Chad. But
I can’t go on like this any longer . “So show me how this
works.”
    With the deft art of a car salesman, Chad
explained. “You program what you want Jesus to look like. If you
want to call it God, that’s all right by me. Some would freak out
though. You can choose from a pre-selected image or make one up
from your childhood fantasies. Then you program it with questions,
you know, your problems or dilemmas. It then translates these
parameters into a lifelike being. You can have Him speak to you
from a distance, on a throne, in a chair next to you. You can get
more intimate by having Him hug, or even carry you, just like that
old poem about footprints in the sand. You can even set it with
your favorite scripture translation. I must say that the most
popular one is still King Jimmy- even if the words are so
archaic.”
    “Can I make God female?”
    Chad had been momentarily taken aback.
“Well…maybe people have tried but I think it’s only programmed for
male role models. But, it’s up to you, because it’s as confidential
as anything can be. The programming is set up to erase everything
immediately after it has occurred. There’s no trail, except your
memory of it. We’ve put a lot of safeguards in to ensure that this
experience, a confessional, or whatever people want from it, is for
your senses only.”
    “So don’t people become addicted to the
thing?”
    “I suppose it’s possible, but I wouldn’t worry
about it.” Chad averted his eyes. “So are you ready to give it a
good test run?”
     
    * * * * * *
     
    Confusion reigned within Herschel for a moment.
Heaven. Earth. The Experiment. The Dilemma.
    He breathed heavily. His consciousness swam in a
haze. At the