21:00, 04-20-20XX, UNDISCLOSED LOCATION

The metal door leading to the simple dark stone conference room nearly half a mile beneath the earth slides shut. The soft loudly echoes throughout the brightly lit room that only houses a smooth rock floor and a long round table with comfortable looking chairs. The long round table is filled with various seated members representing the various factions cooperating in unison for the project: military/government interest’s, private investors, Cooperation’s, and the medical/technological fields.

At the head of the table a simple non-descriptive man is seated at the table. An ordinary face that had no place being in such a meeting, but still nonetheless was present. The sprinkled greying middle-aged hair did not give great indications to age neither did the very few wrinkles. The eyes were calm and brown this time around, but those eyes often were changed by mood. Contacts took care of that as did the dying of hair or even the hairstyle change or complete hair shave. Weight loss or weight gain helped change facial features, sometimes the face becoming sharper and other times plumper. Even the sunlight aided in this man’s endeavor to be an everchanging chameleon, sometimes he was tan and other times as pale as a ghost. And his voice, it was non-descriptive as well, sometimes masculine and other times neutral with even the voice patterns and accent changing depending on the intended mood. There was absolutely nothing that would help one cement this man’s face in one’s memory. Not that various members hadn’t tried time and time before, but failed inevitably each time.

The man serenely raises his gaze to the seated board members. “Welcome and thank you for coming. I see that everyone is present and well accounted for. Senator Ricks, the meeting is yours,” the man calmly stated, before clasping his hands in front of him and resting them on his lower chest/upper stomach.

The charming face as seen on the news rises to his feet. Wearing a tailored expensive brand suit and shoes, Senator Ricks surveys the room with a carefree gaze, before flashing a charming boyish smile, using those dazzling pearly white teeth to their full potential. The seated members don’t react, but that doesn’t stop Senator Ricks from laying on the charm that served him so well.

“Thank you, sir,” Senator Ricks said with a nod towards the head of the table. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we all know why you are here. You are here for the protection of your country and home. With nuclear weapons and other biowarfare weapons in existence for terrorists and less savvy nations to use, neutralizing such threats has become an ever increasingly difficult job with the public having access to instantaneous media and communication.

Nowadays to complete a simple mission, it is filled with complexities and perilous uncertainties, but even worse being outed and scrutinized by the very public we have been sworn in to protect. While those very same naive citizens of our nation go to bed and sleep soundly safe there in, we are the ones fighting off the monsters hiding under the bed without rest,” Senator Ricks persuasively said as the military and government agency members subtly nod their heads in agreement.

“Now, while all the nations in the world race to build better weapons, the most vital weapon has gone untapped-, the human mind. The human mind holds the secret to not only our evolution as humans, but hold the very key to the future of humanity and our national security,” Senator Rick said as he gazes at the people at the table. Eye contact was always important, creating a feeling of an interpersonal connection and that of honesty.

“Project VAIR, will allow us to transcend every thought and possibility in existence by using a technology that already exists in everyday life. Virtual Reality is already in use in the world as instant means of communication and translation. Everyday business and other type of transactions are conducted there, but even more importantly the possibility to exist and live an entire lifetime in a world that does not exist within our realm of reality. That my friends, therein lies the key and solution to our problems.” Senator Ricks paused dramatically allowing the board members to digest his words before continuing.

“Virtual Reality has advanced our civilization by leaps and bounds, but it can also do the same for the human mind. We have seen those that lost the use of their limbs or other senses miraculously recover use of them. The brain by relearning new pathways, can avoid the damaged areas to access areas thought lost forever! The infinite possibilities contained within a mind are simply unimaginable! However, I am certain that all of you are thinking that is all good and well, but does that have to do with the proposal. Well, I shall tell you.

I am certain, you have all heard of how VAIR is being used to not only treat prisoners but to correct their mindset. What we have discovered is that the concept of reality verses virtual reality is thin or non-existent in the mind.”

The faces of the board members grow confused at the words, but continue to listen despite their confusion. “Now please allow me a bit of leniency with the following questions, but I can assure you this will easier demonstrate my point.” Senator Ricks expectantly looks at the speculative members, but thankfully all of them remain silent. “Now I will ask you a few simple questions, and you needn’t answer them, just think of them. How many of you would like to learn another spoken language, but lack the time? Or learn to play the violin or any other classical instrument? Or even better learn how to cook at a 5 Star Michelin level?” Senator Ricks paused dramatically before saying, “But what if I told you, you could by simply entering Virtual Reality?”

The board members instantly sit up at those words. “We have discovered the means and way for such a feat to not only become a possibility but to become a reality. Think of the infinite possibilities, soldiers who not only are physically equipped for war but mentally. A solider who can speak every language there is and able to utilize such an ability in combat and more importantly against enemy forces. A soldier who can instantly assess a perilous situation and not fail. A solider who surpasses any feat that was thought to be impossible by simply thinking it and therefore allowing it to become possible.

We can surpass every feat of humanity by changing mental/brain pathways via virtual reality. I am sure many of you think that is an impossible feat, but it is not! The mind can surpass all limits placed on a body placed there on for safeguard to increase reaction times, strength, to numb pain tolerance, etc. And all it takes is for a mind to live out a life time via virtual reality, what is simply days in our reality is an entire lifetime in virtual reality. And in doing so, each lifetime lived the brain nerve pathways are retrained to simply allow for the impossible to become possible.

Simply imagine the world, where not only our soldiers can react or outthink evil, but the world without criminals. The world where a human can be successfully rehabilitated and more importantly our world where are our children can literally complete the impossible. The world where we, all of us humans, humanity can evolve into our better selves,” Senator Ricks lightly ended.

The room is silent for a moment before the room is filled with silent, but firm clapping. Senator Ricks nods in a small bow of thanks, before elegantly striding back to his seat. The only member not clapping is a balding man representing private investors. “Senator Ricks, thank you for that charming and most emotional speech, but this is not a political rally. Frankly, I am not convinced by your emotional speech.

PROJECT VAIR is based off on the original existing project, PROJECT CYPHER, which frankly was an utmost failure. I need more than pretty words and charm, I need assurances, that the project will be a success. Or the investors that I represent will not participate in this farce of a project,” the disgruntled man flatly said, before hastily adding, “No offense, Atlas.”

“None taken, Bernard,” the non-descriptive man sitting at the head if the table calmly replied.

Senator Ricks glances at Atlas as he takes his seat. Atlas straightens up in his seat and says, “Bernard, how long have we known each other?”

“Over fifteen years, Atlas,” Bernard speedily spat out.

“Yes, and whenever, have I not come through?” Atlas lightly asked.

“Your reputation is impeccable Atlas, but PROJECT CYPHER was an utter failure. And I am not willing to risk everything on an uncertainty, not even with your candid assurances,” Bernard firmly declared before leaning back into his seat. Some of the newly convinced members of the room begin to look torn as they reassess the project’s value and success rate. Seeing that the tables are about to turn, Atlas frowns at having his hand forced.

Atlas sighs and says, “PROJECT CYPHER was not a failure, but an utter success.”

“Impossible,” Bernard barked as the other members look just as speculative.

Atlas presses his lips faintly tighter and calmly answers, “No, there was a successful asset that not only completed every test but excelled at every challenge. However, when the project came under scrutiny, to ensure the assets survival, the asset was declared an utter failure and hidden away until a final test could be run.”

Bernard raises an eyebrow and gazes pointedly at two white lab-coated members. “Can the original project members confirm the assets existence?” Bernard harshly asked.

The white lab coated members eye each other and Atlas. The female scientist speaks up in reply. “Yes, sir, the previous statement is true. The asset is firmly secured, under constant watch and care,’ the female scientist honestly said, have omitted several vital details. The perilous mental state of mind of the asset and mortal deadliness of said asset or the most important detail of all, the lack of control over said valuable asset.

Atlas drily says, “I hope that has convinced everyone of the situation.”

Bernard nods his head towards Atlas. “My apologies, Atlas, but I had to be certain. Atlas, you will have my full cooperation and support,” Bernard firmly declared.

Atlas nods in satisfaction as the female and male scientists stand up. The male scientist clears his throat awkwardly and nasally says, “Ladies and gentlemen, if we could turn your attention to the folders before you. We will walk you through the project details and any questions that you may have at this time.”

The sound of the rustling the papers can be heard as the members comply. Atlas contently leans back in his chair to watch and listen. However, periodically his eyes flicker over Senator Ricks. Despite Senator Rick’s valiant efforts and contributions to the project, Harold’s words resounded in Atlases mind. Atlas eyes flicker periodically at the senator’s figure throughout the entire discussion, but the only visible reaction seen on the senator’s part is that subtle flinch of emotion at the mention of the asset. Perhaps it was nothing, but then perhaps not. He hadn’t survived thus long without being cautious.