6/1/16 Foreword:

This was written oh so long ago at a magical time called midnight or later. Quality may be a bit subpar to my current work, but I'm thinking of ways to either revamp or reboot Genesis. Feel free to read on or not. Comments will be read regardless of whether or not I reply to all of them.

Originally posted in Idea Exploration, my page to post one shots and write down various ideas.

Enjoy the story

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From the kitchen of a 2 bedroom apartment, a middle aged woman can be heard preparing for dinner for her and her 12 year old daughter. Meanwhile, the young girl is busy looking through a photo album. On the cover is a picture of the mother, daughter, and a fit adolescent garbed in a military uniform. As she leafs through, she whispers to herself, "I miss you brother, come back safely."

Nearing 7 o'clock, the oven timer dings and a moist meatloaf is pulled out and set on a platter with rolls of bread.

"Lexy! Honey! Could you set the table and turn on the TV so that we can watch the news during dinner, please?"

"Sure thing mom. I'll get right to it." Setting down the photo album on the bookshelf adjacent to the TV, Lexy grabs the remote and goes about setting knives and forks out for herself and her mother. After the food is set, she points the remote at the TV and hits the button.

"-areful as we approach the pride of lions. They are fiercely territorial creatures."

-bzt-

"-and that's why Kim Kardashian's butt is so-"

-bzt-

"-with highs of 90 degrees inland, we'll be cooling off towards the weekend.

Thank you Dave, for the weather this week. Now we go to Sam for the sports…"

As the TV drones on about the day's sports and winnings, both mother and daughter enjoy their meal.

"So Lexy, how was school today?"

"It was alright. Mike asked me out the other day and I still haven't given him a proper answer so things are a little awkward."

"Oh? But isn't he that sweet boy that always walked you home after you got bitten by that dog? He was such a cute little body guard."

"Mom! Stop saying things like that! It's embarrassing!"

"Okay. Fine, fine. I'll lay off with the teasing. But he's still a nice, innocent boy. You should give him a chance, before some other girl steals your man." *giggle*

With her face reddening from the shame, her mom's expression suddenly turns serious, her attention focused on the news report.

"-with our global news, let's turn to Selene for the current status of the Israeli conflict.

Selene Davison reporting in from the active warzone in Israel.

At approximately 5 o'clock AM today, a caravan of the US Marines Tech Corp were attacked by armed militants. The lead truck was blown up by an I.E.D. destroying valuable tech, injuring 2, and killing 3 others.

It is believed that they were after the secure-channel long distance relays that the Tech Corp often carry.

Among the dead are Jack Marker, Preston Kolh, and David DuBois.

The two injured are in critical condition and are being transported to the Stanford Medical Center in California for treatment. They are Ryan Christian, and Adam Marx. The full extent of their injuries are unknown at this time.

Thank you Selene. We'll be closing tonight's 7 o'clock news with the stocks. We will return at 11 for Tech hour. Now for a word from our sponsors-"

-bzt-

Shocked and shaken, Lexy turns off the TV with a shaking hand.

"M-mom? Will Adam be okay? He'll come back to us soon right? He'll be all better too right? Cuz he promised to come back safe and sound. He promised!"

"I hope so honey. They're doing all they can to make sure that Adam comes back to us safe."

Tears in their eyes, all they can do is comfort each other and wait for the inevitable phone call for the news.

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/Adam POV/

Beep- beep- beep

Adam slowly regains consciousness with the steady sound of the heart monitor in the background. Racked with burning pain all over his body, he waits a few moments to gather his wits before attempting to inspect his surroundings.

Ah crap. What the hell happened? We were in the truck, talking about the next night off for drinks when suddenly everything flipped and I blacked out. Don’t tell me we blew up. I can't be dead either, this pain is too much, and unless hell is a hospital, I'm still alive. Let's see, I'm hooked up to a breathing machine, blood circulator, heart monitor, got tubes sticking out of my arms and legs, am strapped down to a gurney, and lastly, there seem to be wires stuck to my head.

Still taking stock of his situation, Adam is startled when a physician opens the door and walks in, shortly followed by a man in a business suit and an aged officer in uniform. The doc walks to the Adam's right while the other two guests approach the left.

(Doc) "First, let me introduce myself. I am Doctor Deus. No, this isn't hell. And before you panic on us, I'm not reading your thoughts. They're merely being translated by the machine behind you attached to your temple with those wires. You can communicate by thinking right now so no need to attempt to speak. I doubt you could even speak right now, with all that shrapnel that tore your body to shreds and the breathing tube down your neck. It's a miracle you're still alive."

The doc pulls up an oval mirror 8 inches across and 12 inches tall allowing Adam to finally get a proper look at himself.

His body in tatters, his limbs are twisted in unnatural positions while his skin not covered in bandages is held together by machines and stitches. Strapped to a gurney to prevent movement and further damage, his only method of communication is indeed the machine attached to his temples. At several points on his head are electrical contacts with a main cable attached to the base of his skull resting against his spine. He even admits to himself that it's not a pretty sight.

(Doc) "Ok, before you croak on us, you have a few options.

1 - you go into intensive surgery and live you life as a cripple should you survive. There is a 10% chance of survival.

2 - you have the option of assisted suicide.

3 - you become our test subject here at Stanford for an experimental VR Device paired with AI. Only for you it won't be a false reality. With your body falling to pieces, your mind will be translated into our servers and you will live on in the digital realm. That's what the gentleman in the suit is here for. He is a representative from Realtek and is here to make sure all the legal matters are settled.

Don't worry, should you choose #3, we will try to accommodate your every need. That includes internet, social connections, and family interactions. I apologize beforehand, but they will be severely limited until more is known about VR and the human conscience. That is where you come into play, Adam. With your help we can progress decades into the future. Your family will also be properly compensated in any case.

All the legal documents have already been signed by your mother and she is aware of the implications and risks. You have also signed a legal release to the government that should you die, your remains may be used as materials for evidence or investigations by the military. Your commanding officer, Major Kurt, is here if you would like some consultation."

(Major Kurt) "Son, I know things may be a bit jumbled now, but if you still wish to serve your country, option 3 is your best bet. It is also your best chance of survival in any case. You may no longer have a physical body but you will still retain the full rights of a US citizen. You will be the first transferred consciousness in history. If you would rather die though, I understand your decision. The other survivor is being offered the same deal as we speak."

Wait a sec, before we proceed what happened to me and my squad?

(Major Kurt) "Your truck was blown up by an I.E.D. you and Ryan were the only survivors but in critical condition. After that, you were transferred here to Stanford Medical center for treatment."

Waiting a moment to let the truth sink in, Adam hesitates with his next question.

Is… Is my family fine? Is Lexy alright with my mom? Will they be able to provide without me there to support them?

(Major Kurt) "Yes, they are fine. Sad and shaken, but fine. As for their future finances, they would be fine even without the money they would receive if you decide on option #3. Their rent is covered, daily expenses are taken care of, and even Lexy's education has been taken into account so there is no need to worry. Do you have any other questions or concerns?"

No, I have no more questions. I think I'm ready to make my decision now. As long as they're fine I'm content.

Hey, you, Realtek guy. I'm allowed to meet with my family in virtual reality once all the kinks are sorted out, right? I can also meet with them through a digital interface as if we were facetiming?

(Realtek Rep.) "Just call me Ben. To answer your questions, you will be allowed to communicate with others and once the technology is finalized with your help, the world's first VRgame of its kind is planned to launch. If you wish, you and your family would be able to play for free and you would be allowed to log in and out freely like any other gamer. The only difference is that you will be a consciousness in a machine instead of a flesh and blood body.

Okay, thanks for answering my questions. Load me up to that server of yours. I take option #3. See ya soon… well, that is if you hook up a camera connection for me.

With that, the doc and Ben take a large cable from behind my gurney and attach it to the one at the base of my skull. I'd assume that's what's used to transfer my mind.

As the transfer process begins, my consciousness fades to black and I can feel my body weakening.

(Ben) "Oh, and before I forget, say hi to Eve for me when you wake up. She's our AI and your future 'roommate'. Thank you for your cooperation."

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The monitor translating Adams thoughts fades out to be replaced with a progress bar, steadily climbing to 100%.

Transfer of Adam.exe in progress… 1%

Transfer of Adam.exe in progress… 3%

Transfer of Adam.exe in progress… 4%

The screen continues to update in the background as the three men in the room turn their attentions towards each other.

(Major Kurt) "Seeing as I am no longer needed, notify me of any further developments and keep me updated on his progress when he regains consciousness 'in there'."

(Doc) "Umm… What should I do with his body? It's not like he's gonna need it again, nor is it still usable any more, as broken as it is."

(Major Kurt) "We'll inform the public that he died during the operation. Notify his family of his transfer to the digital realm. His body on the other hand will be made presentable for burial. Meanwhile, I'll be busy with my contacts in congress and politics sorting out those digital laws, AI rights, and human rights."

(Ben) "Sure, I'll go and notify Realtek of Adam's assistance then. I'll see you in a week for the initial tests Major."

The whirring of machines and beep of the heart machine are the only sounds left as Ben and the major take their leave.

(Doc) Poor Adam, I hope everything works out for you. Stay safe and good luck.