With an ending figured out, I am making decent progress on my WIP. That being said I have a long way to go before I can declare my novel complete. Seeing fellow writers on here successfully following through and fulfilling their dreams of publishing their book, really inspires me. Someday that will be me. Perseverance and self discipline is key.
A title means a lot to a novel and whether it will draw attention to a book. Right now, unless I think of a more attention-grabbing title, I named my WIP, "Insight" based on the tech research facility that will play a major part in my story. The title is also based on the intrigue and fascination of the characters as each one gains insight to the one thing that truly fascinates them.
Following is an excerpt from my WIP as it introduces the main character, Donovan, to the research facility. I should note that this story takes places where unfathomable technologies like teleportation and invisibility exist and are normal occurrences.
WIP Excerpt
Donovan stood in front of the teleporter and stared at it for the longest time.
ENTER YOUR DESIRED DESTINATION
There were teleporter spots placed in various locations within a two-mile radius from each other. Teleportation didn’t work exactly how Donovan had always imagined it. As convenient as it was, somebody just couldn’t teleport from anywhere.
Taking a deep breath, Donovan typed in Insight Technologies. He was one step closer to teleporting.
PLEASE WAIT FOR BLUE LIGHT BEFORE STEPPING ONTO TELEPORTER
In just a few seconds, the perimeter of the circle glowed an electric blue indicating that it was now ready.
Donovan moved cautiously at first, but then quickly stepped into the circle before he had another chance to second guess himself. As soon as he was inside the circle, static electricity coursed through his body. He felt dizzy and everything went black for a few seconds. It was beyond anything he had ever felt, and he couldn’t even begin to describe it. If he could describe it, teleporting was like briefly going in and out of consciousness.
The next thing Donovan knew, he was standing inside a different teleporter at a completely different location. Stepping off the teleporter, he could still feel the remnants feelings of static electricity throughout his body.
So, this is what teleporting is like? His hesitancy of teleporting was now subsiding, and he was as excited as he had always imagined he would be. The strange feeling would take some getting used to, but now he had no doubt in his mind that he would use the teleporter again.
What research did Insight do exactly and what did they create? It was a bold move to even consider walking in there and asking questions. What would he even say? A mere college student, he had no qualifications to partake in research there. All he had was his strong passion for science and futuristic technologies. He had to at least give it a try. Maybe it would give him an answer as to how he ended up here.
Donovan approached the entrance of the research facility. The building had a clean symmetrical appearance and stood out from the rest of the buildings. The glass sliding doors were sealed shut. This was a highly secured place. Now, he really wondered what went on in there. Maybe something top secret.
He started to look around for a doorbell or a speaker box but couldn’t find anything of the sort. The doors lit up and transformed into a mirror so that he could see himself. It scanned his face and gave a negative rejecting beep.
Donovan frowned, frustrated. He just had a few simple questions no matter how ridiculous they were.
“Uh, excuse me? Hello? I just want some information,” Donovan spoke out loud.
Just then, an image of an older man about in his early sixties appeared just in front of the glass doors. Donovan caught his breath taking a step back. A hologram!
“Good afternoon. You have reached the research facility of Insight Technologies. I am Dr. Maverick, lead researcher. Do you have an appointment?”
Unprepared, Donovan fumbled with a reply. “No appointment. I’m just interested in learning more about your research facility.” He only expected to visit the facility for a few minutes just to gather some information.
Dr. Maverick’s long serious stare made Donovan feel even more awkward. He probably shouldn’t have come here. He mentally prepared himself for rejection.
“Are you inquiring to become one of our research assistants here?” His tone was serious, and he wanted an answer now.
Research assistant? He wasn’t even remotely thinking of becoming a research assistant! He didn’t have the qualifications to do that. Not even where he was from.
“Could I have some more information about that first before I answer? I only came here to get some questions answered,” Donovan answered.
“Please wait here,” Dr. Maverick replied.
In just a moment, the doors made a low humming sound and slid open smoothly. The lead scientist, Dr. Maverick, that Donovan had seen as a hologram now stood in front of the now opened doors.
Donovan walked in and stood within the lobby of Insight observing everything he saw and listening intently to everything the lead scientist. Their voices echoed within the lobby. The lobby was the most pristine and spacious lobby that Donovan had ever seen.
“So, you are requesting information about the position of a research assistant here?” Dr. Maverick asked.
“Yes,” Donovan replied. It wasn’t his initial intention, but the more he thought about it now, the more intriguing the idea of being a research assistant and working with all of these incredible technologies became. He knew he didn’t have a good chance of getting accepted here, but it was worth a shot. At least he would leave with some interesting and hopefully valuable information.
“At Insight Technologies, we pay the most careful attention to detail to each and every one of the technologies that we create,” Maverick said walking ahead in a slow and calm manner. “It is our goal through everything we do.”
Donovan followed.
“Our sole focus is to provide thorough research in creating technologies that improve the lives of the citizens here in. If you are accepted as one of our entry-level research assistants, will you, to the best of your ability, help improve the lives of everyday citizens with your knowledge and contributions?”
Donovan nodded. “Yes, of course, sir.” He was beginning to feel unsure. He knew nothing whatsoever about any of this strange technology. Technology that he still had a hard time believing to exist. He was just looking for a way to get back home, back to his reality.
He thought and reconsidered. If he stayed here for just a little longer, maybe he would discover even more incredible technologies. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what else existed here.
Dr. Maverick studied Donovan looking for sincerity. “Since I have no doubt in my mind that you are genuinely interested, I will give you all of the information you need to apply, but I will be honest. It is certainly not easy to get accepted here. We go through a very comprehensive process in selecting those who will be our next researchers. If you still do decide to apply, you will be given a very thorough exam consisting of 30 questions that tests both your knowledge of our technology and your sincerity of following through with Insight’s mission. You must get 25 of these questions correct to pass.”
Donovan felt his stomach drop. He might as well have been taking a test on rocket science. He knew nothing about any of the technology in this world. There was no chance that he would pass such a test. He should have apologized, thanked Dr. Maverick for his time, and left right then and there.
“I read the article about teleportation,” Donovan said attempting to loosen the increasing nervousness he was feeling now. “Can’t believe there’s still some hesitancy. Teleportation is so convenient.”
“As I’m sure you are aware, teleportation has existed for a substantial amount of time. Of course, you know that the first object that was successfully teleported was a pen. We then ran various detailed tests to ensure teleportation was ready for human use.”
Donovan nodded.” If he spoke as if he knew about the technologies that Dr. Maverick explained and mentioned bits and pieces from Insight’s magazine, he could pull it off that he was just another normal person here.
“What are some other devices that Insight created?”
Dr. Maverick paused and glanced at Donovan in skepticism. “As someone who is passionate about technology as you say you are, I’m sure you’ve heard of how we innovated the Personal Connection Device, one of the very first breakthroughs of Insight.”
Donovan felt Dr. Maverick’s expected stare. “Yes, of course,” he quickly feigned.
Dr. Maverick continued down the hallway. He paused at a door that was larger than the doors they had passed at the end of the hall. It seemed to take up the whole side wall.
“This is our research lab,” Maverick said as he stood in front of the doors waiting for the sensor to recognize him. “This is where we conduct all of our research to create the next device.”
The door slowly slid open as Donovan followed Dr. Maverick into the research lab.
The lab was immense, very organized, and high-tech. Donovan paused and observed everything going on in the lab feeling both nervous and excited. Its whole appearance almost intimidated him.
Each and every researcher was occupied with what they were doing and showed a sincere dedication. A few only looked up briefly before resuming their work.
These appeared to be respected and professional scientists engaging in and analyzing the most advanced technologies that Donovan could barely comprehend to exist. He was completely fascinated.
“If you pass the exam, your first task as an entry level research assistant for Insight will be to collect data on people’s perspectives on how their lives can be improved. You will be expected to play a significant role in developing the next idea.”
Donovan nodded. He never even anticipated becoming a member of Insight. He initially went to Insight simply to gain information on teleportation.
What was expected of him at Insight intimidated him even more. He still considered politely declining yet with every bit of new information gained, the more Donovan wanted to become involved. The idea of becoming involved with Insight was a completely unbelievable idea but maybe, just maybe, if he did get in, it would allow him to gain access to a possible technology that would allow him to return home.
Dr. Maverick paused at one particular individual, who appeared to be in his thirties. Everything was neat and precise about him down to the way he dressed. He had a strong and confident composure to him as if he had a whole world of knowledge inside of him. He focused contently on a screen hovering in front of him.
“Impressive work as usual, Maddox. What is the progress of device IN05237?” Dr. Maverick said.
The individual named Maddox glanced down at some notes and gave a calm composure, not being at all phased by the compliment. “I still have a few tests to run through but yes. From the data we have gathered thus far, device number IN05237 is making superb progress.”
As Dr. Maverick finished up the tour of the lab and exited, that one researcher was still on his mind. Donovan asked, “That person you spoke to… It looks like he really knows what he’s doing here. I take it he’s been here a while.”
Dr. Maverick’s face lit up. “Ah, Maddox. Maddox is one of my most dedicated researchers here. He has been with Insight Technologies for several years now and has picked up on such a significant amount of information from the very beginning. Maddox actually helps me oversee the technological developments here at Insight as second in command.”
Dr. Maverick paused, studying Donovan for any shift in interest.
“So, Donovan, are you still interested?”
Donovan nodded despite being still unsure.
“Excellent! I just need the data from your PCC before I can give you your exam,” Dr. Maverick said.
Donovan just stared at Dr. Maverick quite perplexed.
“Your Personal Connection Code,” Dr. Maverick clarified.
“I don’t think I have one of those,” Donovan said. He hoped whatever it was, it wasn’t yet another requirement to get into Insight.
“No, Donovan,” Dr. Maverick said calmly shaking his head and giving a soft laugh. “That would be impossible. We all have a Personal Connection Code. It’s assigned at birth.”
Donovan thought for a second. “Ohhh! Like a social security number!”
“Excuse me?” Dr. Maverick said raising an eyebrow staring at Donovan. “Please remove your jacket. Just for a moment.”
Donovan didn’t understand the reason behind Dr. Maverick’s request but obliged.
Dr. Maverick reached out and touched Donovan’s right arm and examined it as if he was looking for something.
“Impossible!” Dr. Maverick shouted taking a step back. “Absolutely impossible!”