Virtual Fire

Four Who Changed History: Meet the Narrators of VIRTUAL FIRE


Paul Simmons: Computer Nerd

In 1970, Paul "Tesla" Simmons and his best friend Toby Jessup were college seniors more interested in computers than politics. President Nixon's escalation of the Vietnam War and their friendship with student activist Meg Wells drew Paul and Toby into the antiwar movement and a choice between violent and non-violent protest. Today, Paul is a leading software designer. HYDRA, his visionary new program, will alter the course of history.


Meg Wells: Activist

Today, Meg Wells is a dedicated social justice advocate, a Nobel laureate, and the director of Vietnam's Mekong Clinic. In 1970, she was a college senior and an organizer in the anti-Vietnam War movement. Her gift? Call it leadership, persuasiveness, or the courage of her convictions. Call it manipulation. For better or worse, Meg's gift is getting people to do things, whatever things she decides need doing—even if it means reshaping history.


Toby Jessup: Most Wanted

In 1970, all Toby Jessup wanted was a college education, time on Wellston University's IBM 650 mainframe computer, a good game of pinball, and a pepperoni pizza. His ideals and his friendship with Paul and Meg led him to oppose America's involvement in the Vietnam War. His unwavering commitment to non-violence changed history. Today, Toby is a fugitive.


Melora Kennedy: Hacker

Today, Melora Kennedy lives in a world where access to computers is limited by law to a select few military programmers. Despite her youth and lack of formal education, she became a cyber genius who revolutionized autonomous warfare for the United States military. Together with Toby, Tesla, and Meg, Melora's choices in the face of her generation's war will determine our future.