chapter 1

“Delivery for Miss Valerie Anderton”

Valerie opened her door and allowed the delivery men into her home; she had been expected the delivery but was still unsure whether or not she had made a wise decision with her most recent luxury purchase. She had been walking through her local furniture store, looking for a new couch when she happened upon a display for “The latest in comfort technology!” It looked to her to be nothing more than a reclining armchair with an attached stand for a tablet computer but she was quickly informed that it was much more than that over-eager salesman.

“Oh no Miss, this isn’t any old armchair that you might find at any regular furniture store. This is the Beloton Luxury Max HD DX Limited Edition! It’s the latest in comfort technology and comes in a variety of fabrics and finishes to fit the individual user to a tee! There’s a whole host of optional extras and service plans available but before we go over any of that why don’t you take a seat and experience for yourself unrivaled comfort!”

Valerie quickly found herself ushered into the display chair and had to admit it was a rather comfortable experience though she wasn’t sure that it was anything revolutionary, of course the handy salesman was only too happy to try and persuade her otherwise.

“Where the Beloton Luxury Max HD DX really comes into its own is the social aspect.” He said as he swung the bracket holding the tablet around to face Valerie and switched the channel on the flat screen TV that was hanging on the showroom wall. It had been running a loop of Beloton adverts but now was tuned into the local news. “What do you like to watch on TV? You a current affairs kinda gal? Maybe you like your soap operas? Maybe you’re a fan of the local sports team, I know I am” he winked as he nudged her, he was really laying it on thick.

“Whatever you fancy, Beloton has you covered. We’re watching the news so if you click on the relevant channel there on the tablet, you’ll see a list of other Beloton ambassadors currently enjoying their Beloton product and watching the news, just like you are! You can communicate with your fellow ambassadors through the dedicated chatrooms!”

Valerie looked on as the salesman pointed out the many other people who were apparently tuned into the same channel as her at that very moment.

“All rooms are equipped with both text and video chat and what’s more, Beloton connects you to their brand specialists all from the comfort of your own living room!”

The salesman then pressed on a link that displayed what appeared to be a well-dressed man in spectacles, he was reclining in his own Beloton armchair in what looked to be a television studio and he was commenting on what was happening on the news. His voice came over the speakers built into the headrest of the chair and he was offering his own analysis, suggesting websites where viewers could find more information on the stories and calling out any bias that occurred. Valerie had to admit she was impressed so far.

“Tell me more” she told the salesman.