The Project

The Story

A Gateway to Darkness

It's 1986, and virtual reality is emerging as the tech of the future. When high schooler Robbie stumbles upon a VR exhibit at the local mall, he gets an idea for the upcoming school science fair - what if he and his friends could build their own virtual world?

Robbie pulls together a ragtag crew of fellow classmates for the ambitious project, each contributing their own skills.

Together, the unlikely team constructs a rudimentary VR simulation that exceeds their wildest expectations. But their excitement turns to terror when a cryptic glitch reveals their invention has also opened a gateway to sinister alternate dimensions hidden beneath reality.

As demonic creatures begin to creep into their world, Robbie realizes they've unleashed powers far beyond their control. An ominous corporation seeks to exploit the weakened boundaries between worlds for profit and power.

With time running out, Robbie's crew must venture into the creeping darkness themselves to undo the damage. Friendships are tested and relationships strained to the breaking point as they race to overcome their greatest challenge yet. Can they repair the fraying fabric of reality before all is consumed by the gathering shadows?

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Meet The Characters

Robbie Kingsley

Behind his quiet determination lies a brilliant mind shadowed by the ghosts of past failures. As he leads the team in their ambitious VR project, Robbie must confront his deepest fears while fighting to prove that one mistake doesn't define a destiny. But will his desperate drive for redemption blind him to the dangers that lie ahead?

Tech Genius Leader

Cassie Simmons

Queen bee by day, scientific prodigy by night. Cassie masterfully juggles two worlds - ruling the school hallways while harboring a brilliant mind for physics that could change everything. As the walls between her double life begin to crack, she'll have to decide which version of herself she truly wants to be.

Physics Genius Popular

Ben Zhang

With programming skills that could rival Silicon Valley's finest, Ben navigates between family expectations and technological dreams. His unique perspective on justice becomes vital as the team ventures into morally murky waters - but will his principles survive when everything is at stake?

Programmer Principled

Shelby DiMario

Don't let her rebellious exterior fool you - behind the anti-establishment attitude lurks one of the most skilled hackers you'll never see coming. As Shelby's technical prowess becomes crucial to the team's survival, she must reconcile her drive to disrupt the system with her growing power to change it from within.

Hacker Rebel

Welcome to 1986

The Dawn of Virtual Reality

"The Project" takes place in 1986, a pivotal time when virtual reality was just emerging as a concept. The story captures the excitement and wonder of this technological frontier, when the possibilities seemed endless and the dangers unknown.

Early Computers

Commodore 64s and early IBM PCs were the cutting edge of home computing

VHS Tapes

The primary way to watch movies at home and record television

Walkmans

Portable cassette players that revolutionized how people listened to music

Arcade Games

The mall arcade was the social hub for teens and gaming enthusiasts

Cultural Touchpoints

Movies & TV

Back to the Future
The Goonies
Aliens
Top Gun
Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Music

Madonna
Michael Jackson
Whitney Houston
Bon Jovi
The Cure

Story Excerpts

The Discovery

"Before Robbie knew it, he was suddenly plunged into darkness, then a pixilated landscape began taking shape before his eyes. He stood atop a mountain ridge with it's depths receding into the distance. He raised his gloved hands and saw them before him, but they weren't really his hands. The motion was delayed and seemed detached from his body. He took a few tentative steps. Robbie was amazed; he had no idea that this was possible."

The Glitch

"As Jay took another step forward, he noticed flashes of images. It was like he was actually at school for a moment. More flashes that looked like snapshots of the school hallway. Jay wasn't aware of any technology that could make a 3D world look this real."

The Warning

"As he made his exit through the mesmerized throngs still swarming the platform, an elderly man in an old brown coat appeared before him. 'Enjoy it while you can, son. The rabbit hole will eventually swallow you.' he warned in a gravelly voice but before Robbie could respond, the old man disappeared into the crowd. Robbie felt puzzled and confused. What did that even mean? The strange words were unsettling."

The Confrontation

"Ben rolled his eyes before staring him down, 'Really, Robbie? You take one karate lesson and you think you are Chuck Norris?'

'No, Chuck Norris, thinks he's me.' Robbie said, as he and Josie chuckled but they trailed off when they saw movement in the trees ahead of them."

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Join Robbie and his friends as they navigate the dangerous intersection of technology, faith, and the supernatural in this thrilling story set in 1986.

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