Chapter 11 - Unveiling Second Reality

Warning: Mature Content

1 August 2041 - MediVance MV, Luminous City, Demeter

Erich Wyse sat in his office with a cup of tea in his hand. Opposite him was Augustus Vanlith and Alec Laux from the National Police Department.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice detectives.” said Wyse.

“It’s we who should thank you doctor. We’ve hit a wall and you’re a breath of fresh air.” replied Vanlith.

“Please. Call me Erich.” said Wyse. “Well, it’s nice to finally meet in person. We’ve only spoken over the terminal but this time is different. This information can’t go on record. For a lot of people’s sake.”

The two detectives exchanged a glance, brows furrowed. Finally nodding their agreement, Wyse continued.

“Yesterday, one of my researchers made a breakthrough with the anomaly which we have labelled as CVS-01.” intrigued and anxious, Vanlith and Laux leaned closer.

“We still don’t know who the organization is, but we do know now why they have kidnapped the people that they kidnapped.” and so Wyse outlined everything that they had found out about the anomaly.

“Son of a bitch…” said Vanlith. Alec was too shocked to comment. The reality and weight of what can potentially happen bore down on the two and they didn’t know where to start. Finally recovering, Alec asked.

“What happens Erich, if they succeed and MediVance doesn’t make it on time?”

“Before I go into details, I need you two to sign a non-disclosure form. This is important, and if either of you breaks it, MediVance will come after you both with everything it has.” said Wyse, a cold light emanating from his eyes as he presented two identical documents.

“I don’t appreciate being threatened Erich.” growled Vanlith.

“Then know that there is a very good reason why I am Augustus. Chaos will ensue if this ever got out and we will never find the people responsible.” said Wyse.

Gritting his teeth, Vanlith signed the document. Alec looked at his partner then at Wyse. He paused for a moment longer and he too signed the document. Visibly relieved, Wyse retrieved the documents.

“Second Reality is more than just for medical reasons. At least, up until we found out what we were up against, it was built specifically for that reason. That’s changed. In the worst case scenario, Second Reality will be humanity’s modern day Noah’s Ark.” said Wyse.

Both detective’s eyes couldn’t help but bulge out. This was simply incomprehensible to them. A complete digitalization of the human world.

“Wha… wha… what the fuck…!?” said Alec. “How are you going to do this? There are billions of people in the world!”

“We’re launching Second Reality at the end of this month. This will be the first stage. We are also now developing a large underground area in each of the five continents to house MediPods specifically for this scenario.” replied Wyse.

“Fuck.. we are way in over our head here.” said Vanlith. It was true. What was originally perceived as your run-of-the-mill kidnapping case turned into a potential global catastrophe.

“What can we do at this point Erich?” continued Vanlith.

“Try to find the people responsible. Rescue the people they took. We have to work towards that end. It’s the only way we can do this. If the worst comes, rest assured detectives, you and your family will already have their place secured from however many pods we can put together.” said Wyse, eyes sincere.

Vanlith knew then that he would break any law if it meant catching the perpetrators behind this. His family’s life and the life of everyone else that he loves will be forfeit if the situation spirals out of control, before MediVance even completes construction of these massive caves.

With grim determination, Vanlith and Alec left the MediVance building.

**********

31 August 2041 - MediVance MV Level 140, Luminous City, Demeter

“Today was a big day for the world at large and for MediVance. We are here at Luminous City, at their conference hall waiting for the unveiling of what can be a game changer within the virtual community.” said a reporter who was doing a live feed of the unveiling.

“We are now just waiting for the CEO and… wait… here he comes now! The CEO and President of MediVance for Minas Vici, Weston Carrick has taken the stage!” continued the reporter.

CLICK CLICK FLASH CLICK FLASH

Weston Carrick stood on a low podium, facing a mass of over 500 people. At two thirds worked for the media and the other third were medical practitioners unaffiliated with MediVance.

Carrick’s voice boomed through the microphone.

“Good morning everyone. Thank you for joining us here today. Today, MediVance takes its first step into the virtual reality market. A crucial step. Both for the advancement of the medicine and technology and for our company. I can tell you this right now, I have used a number of the so called ‘best’ VR devices out there in the market and I can say even without bias, that in terms of realism, even we outdid ourselves. Before I say more, I’ll let you see it and judge it for yourself.”

The hall lights dimmed until it was pitch black. A cinema sized display emerged behind drawn curtains and a melody composed by Wyse began to play. The music’s purpose was to stimulate the parts of the brain that makes humans excited and giddy.

A bird’s eye view of Luminous City appeared on-screen. It was hard to differentiate it from the real thing. The title Second Reality then appeared followed by close up views of different structures, people and landscape. There were more than a handful of people whose jaw dropped. Numerous reporters had forgotten they were on live feed, so focused they were on what’s in front of them.

“What… what is this…?” said one dumbfounded doctor.

The crowd had just been taken through the entirety of Demeter. The presentation took less than 15 minutes, but it was already clear that the level of realism in Second Reality was far beyond what had been accomplished in today’s virtual reality market.

As the hall lights began to brighten once again, a barrage of questions erupted from the masses. ‘So many questions, so little time.’ smiled Carrick delightedly. Once again taking up position on the podium, he gestured for silence.

“As you can see, Second Reality’s breakthrough is that it very much resembles, down to the minute details, the place we all live in. No other technology out there has been able to accomplish what you have seen here today.” said Carrick proudly.

“Mr. Carrick, we’ve been informed that Second Reality is not going to be a direct competitor to gaming platforms, is that correct?” asked a reporter.

“Correct. MediVance will not be penetrating the gaming market, but we are instead pioneering a new way of developing technology and medicine. One of the major things that we as a race have always complained about is time. With Second Reality, time, to an extent will no longer be an excuse!”

“Mr. Carrick, how does this tie in with MediVance? Can you explain to us how this works?” said another.

“Indeed we can. I’d like to introduce our newly promoted Global Head of R&D for Medicinal Advancement. He can certainly satisfy your questions. Please welcome, Erich Wyse!” announced Carrick. A round of applause thundered through the hall and Wyse stepped up to replace Carrick.

“Good morning and thank you Weston.” he nodded at Carrick’s direction. “Second Reality was built with the disadvantaged in mind. Do you have a loved one that can no longer work due to severe mental illness or physical disability? Do you know of friends or relatives who could not afford to treat their illnesses or attach a new limb through cyborg implants?

Are these people in your life suffering from injustice and discrimination preventing them from working and supporting their families due to their circumstance? If the answer is yes, then this” he pointed at the display of Second Reality “is their chance to regain a semblance of what they have lost!” said Wyse, each question filled with emotion.

“Second Reality is the bridge from the world in which we live in, to the world in which our loved ones will live in. Everything in this world we call reality is replicated in the virtual world. Every. Detail. It is not just a game, it is a chance for a new life!

Second Reality is fully immersive. The individual will be set up comfortably in a cylindrical pod the size of a single bed. They will be immersed in an RGEN solution, which I personally designed and tested, that will look after the individual’s bodily needs. Yes. Everything from nutrition to waste product. The process is automated. RGEN is capable of complete dissolution of any harmful products immediately after making contact with it.

So no,” he grins. “You won’t find yourself swimming in your own piss and shit.” The crowd laughed, absolutely captivated with the idea of having such a device.

“In addition, your own MediPod will constantly send information regarding your well being to MediVance. If you have an illness that we cannot cure, we will research it to find a solution! If we have existing cures, we will work with you with the aim of being cured!

For example. A war veteran comes back missing his limbs. The government can only give this man a stipend, enough to make ends meet but not enough to enact the real meaning of living! With a MediPod, this man can go back to work and earn a salary through Second Reality. We will help these individuals find a job online.

Cyborg replacements of limbs are very expensive. We will work together to guarantee you the lowest possible financing plans to be whole again. You can also choose to forego this reality and live entirely in Second Reality. All this, is a possibility!” said Wyse.

“There are concerns that everyone will be at the beck and call of MediVance. How will you address this?” asked a researcher.

“Indeed it can be seen that way. I will not deny that. But let me ask you this, who was it that ended the Skinharvester outbreak? Who was it that introduced a cure to neurodegenerative diseases? Who was it that made healthcare accessible and affordable to the masses?” retorted Wyse.

Everyone in the room knew full well MediVance played a big part in this world. People can be seen nodding to each other as they exchanged glances. A note of approval spread among the crowd.

“And how do you answer for your unethical practices!?” shouted one doctor.

“The NHO may not approve of how we get some things done, but our results have always been exemplary! How many people would have died if we hadn’t forced the NHO to approve some of our work? Millions! From doctor to doctor and as a fellow researcher, I can tell you with confidence that I have saved more people than your combined organization has since inception and in the process killed less than you have for your ignorance!” pointed Wyse at the doctor.

Further protests from researchers and doctors from organizations not affiliated with MediVance subsided. There was little room to argue the facts and especially when you have a room full of avid supporters.

“Doctor Wyse. If the Real World and Second Reality are the same, how do you differentiate the ‘players logging in?” asked a researcher who clearly did not share the opinions of his fellows.

“You will always have a copy of yourself in Second Reality. Logging in will log you into your own avatar. The MediPod will scan your body in full, down to your DNA to ensure that no one is impersonating you. In Second Reality, you will be subject to the same rules and authority as the Real World. We have gone to extensive lengths to ensure that personality, reasoning, emotional ties are replicated through some very, very complex set of algorithms.

Second Reality was not made to entertain your darkest fantasies. We have collaborated with authorities globally, with MediVance going as far as setting up a cyber-police division specifically tasked to monitoring activities in Second Reality. We are aware of the many horrifying experiences ‘players’ have experienced on other VR platforms. Rest assured, no wrong doing will go unpunished.” said Wyse confidently. He had no need to elaborate but Lara will be in charge of primary security.

“Doctor Wyse. When can we expect the MediPods to be available?” asked one reporter.

“Ahem. The MediPods will be shipped directly from MediVance. Orders will be available online today after lunch time. For those who find themselves not being able to afford the Pods, do not worry! Everything you need to know to get in touch with us is online. You will personally have your own representative to work with you throughout your use of the Pod.”

Many more questions were fielded and answered. The conference lasted for 3 hours. This day marked a new era for humanity. The possibilities that were introduced were nearly boundless. Similar conferences were held worldwide at each MediVance branch in the five continents.

By evening local time, the orders for MediPods and Second Reality numbered in the hundred millions.

With the announcement of Second Reality, MediVance took this opportunity to expand their staff. Strike while the iron is hot and strike they did. A full campaign, hiring the best and brightest in the field of Customer Service was rolled out, specifically stating the job to be working for the newly established Second Reality division. It was a hit. 500,000 openings globally were introduced, with a chance to choose at which branch you would like to be stationed in.

The benefits, relocation opportunities and global reach added onto the lure of working for the most promising VR platform to-date was too enticing. By the end of the first week, 70% of the openings had been filled. Lara had facilitated the screening of each candidate, filtering through those that would be the best fit for the company.

Of course, MediVance only knew that Lara worked off complex algorithms. They did not know that Lara was something already beyond their understanding.

**********

“Lara.” said Hunter.

“Yes Hunter, I am here.”

“Second Reality has launched. My job here is done. How do we get out?” he said.

“Hunter, as you are now, are you confident in being able to deal with your enemies?” asked Lara.

“..............”

“I have a suggestion. Will you consider it?” Lara tilted her head. If not for the fact that Hunter knew she was here in the NET as a form of super-AI or God of AI, he was pretty sure he would have tried to be more intimate with Lara. She did after all, tick a lot of the boxes he liked in his women.

“... sure. I’ll consider it.”

“I suggest that you head to the Institute of Blades. You need to increase your proficiency in your skills. Do not forget that I have a vested interest in you Hunter. So I would not lead you astray. I am also always in touch with anything happening regarding your family, Sasha, Katherina and Carl. So you can train to your heart’s content until we need to make our move.” explained Lara.

“Hmm. There’s merit to your suggestion. How will my training affect my vitals on the terminals outside?” he asked.

“I can deal with that, it is a small matter. I can also isolate the Institute and warp time there, allowing you to train at the rate of one Real World day to 1 month in Second Reality. The data will need to be altered in order to avoid any flags in MediVance but I can delegate that to one of my more specialized servants.” said Lara.

On hearing the ratio of Real World time to Second Reality, Hunter’s head snapped up. “What if others stumble into the Institute?”

“The likelihood of such an occurrence is less than 1%. Likewise, the likelihood of anyone leaving the Institute excluding your family is less than 1%. If anyone came close to the Institute by chance, I can divert them away. No one will find it. Not to mention that the Institute is somewhat cut off from civilization, it is almost miraculous for a human to wander in.”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you for the suggestion Lara. Will you come with me?”

Lara shook her head. “You can hear me wherever you go Hunter, we are linked now. If you ever need anything, you only need to call on me. In the meantime, I believe I will be given some more very strenuous responsibilities. I will need to focus on these.” she smiled. “Will you miss me Hunter?”

Dumbfounded at the question. Hunter’s mouth opened and closed like fish out of water. Lara laughed. It was hard to tell if it was calculated, but since they became linked, she seemed more human each passing day.

**********

31 August 2041 - The Grand Hotel, City of Keri, Demeter

At the penthouse of Demeter’s most expensive hotel, a young woman in her twenties rolled off the bed. Her brown hair flowed down to her waist as she sashayed out of the bedroom.

“Where are you going?” said the man.

“I’m just grabbing a drink. You made me thirsty after all that.” said the woman as she turned back. Her heart shaped face, droopy eyes and pouty lips had sex written all over it. She was naked, her full breasts and perky ass a silhouette against the light out in the living room.

“Better come back quick. I think I’m ready again.” said the man. The young woman giggled and left the room. A few moments later, she came back bearing two glasses of wine.

“Drink first, play after..” whispered the woman, her voice soft.

After a quick toast, she climbed back on the bed, her long hair spilling behind her as she straddled the man. She kissed him everywhere, slowly making her way down. She felt him ready and hungrily took him in her mouth, the whole package. She went deep enough to choke, but she knew that it made him feel good. Gently caressing the two orbs that held the future of his line, they too she proceeded to take into her mouth.

Hands and mouth worked in concert with each other and 5 minutes later the man climaxed again. The woman didn’t let go, licking everything clean. Seeing that he was still read for her, she straddled him with her back to him, her hair like a scarf around her neck.

On and on she rode, gyrating and screaming in wild pleasure, unconcerned for who may hear. She had perfect control over every muscle that mattered in this situation and she used them very well. The man underneath her ministrations was making his own pleasured sounds.

He pushed her forward slightly, encouraging her to position herself on all fours before he entered from behind. Grabbing a handful of her hair, he slammed her hard, over and over again. She screamed in bliss, shuddering as she tipped over the edge of ecstasy.

The man didn’t stop and neither did she want him to. He pressed her on the bed, flat on her stomach as he continued to slam her. Her cries were now muffled as she faced down on the sheets. Hands gripping the pillows as this time, they climaxed together.

Rolling off her, the man said, trying to catch his breath. “So... did you get everything we need?”

“Not one for after sex pillow talk are we?” the woman replied smirking. “Yes, I have everything. There are things going on that even I don’t have access to, but it seems they’ve figured out the reason for the kidnappings.”

“No matter. If they had the means to find us, they would have found us by now.”

“That’s right, they would have. Now, enough talk about business. The night is young and I’m hungry for more.” lust shining in the woman’s eyes.

“Bloody hell, Charlena. You really are a handful.” the man chuckled as she crept down and worked on him again.

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Author’s Notes