She found herself robed and ready on time, which was expected - a lack of synchronicity is a sin. Her mother and father stood to either side of the door, ready to enter at her side. They would offer her to the Colony, supporting her as she adjusted to the input. She shivered at the thought of it, but had been advised it was controllable. Practice would provide some autonomy and mastering the filters would limit unwanted intrusion.
Gabe righted himself, rotating to press his feet against the pads and pressing against his hold on the tether. Releasing the tether, he launched towards the red start position. It was smooth sailing across the 15 meters or so, gliding to the platform over the heads of his fellow trainees.
“Guess what, class?” Mrs. Higglemeister waved everyone to silence. “I’d like us to welcome Katie back today. She’s able to join us from home until she can return to school and you can see she’s in her desk as if she was here.”