by Dean Henegar
“We could use more recruits and better equipment. Should you have any in your prison that are former soldiers or have some experience in fighting, I would ask that they join us. Sergeant Wrend and I can train them on the way to the capitol. We also could use better equipment. This gear is fine, but I doubt it will stand up against the top teams in our class at the Grand Melee. I do know a certain surplus dealer in the town named Ermey who would know our needs and will give a good value,” I asked, hopeful to get at least one of the things I wanted.
“Say no more, it is within my power to grant both. Have your people order any gear they need from the shop you prefer, and I will cover the cost . . . to a reasonable extent. I’ll also give Septimus free reign to assume the contracts for any prisoners in our jail at a very favorable rate. You would be doing me a favor in the long run by taking them off our hands. Again, well done, and may you find victory and whatever else you seek, Raytak,” Morkon finished and, with a final handshake, he walked away.
“That was exciting! Come now, I have a grand feast set up back in our camp for the victorious warriors,” Septimus said while leading us back to camp. He was true to his word and we had an amazing meal. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish the meal as I was pulled from the game once more as the medpod refilled my medication.
Chapter 22
Gloria Treese fidgeted in her chair as the makeup artist touched up the last few bits on her face. While she wasn’t a huge fan of makeup, Gloria understood the camera could do horrible things to a person’s appearance if they weren’t prepared. The artist finished the last bit as one of the directors waved her forward toward the seat opposite the host of the show. Gloria nearly stumbled on a cord as her attention was divided between the studio she was in and her notes on the upcoming interview.
A red light blinked on the wall, notifying Gloria and the rest of the studio that the live broadcast was about to begin. Technology News Today had a huge viewership across many demographics as people tried to keep abreast of the latest gadgets, entertainment devices, or any other exciting developments in the world of technology. Gloria was glad to have finagled a slot on today’s show for the public reveal of the Medpod Program.
The studio setup was typical for a talk show, a desk separating the guest from the host and a couch for “overflow” guests. Obligatory coffee cups emblazoned with the show’s logo were set out for both the host and her guest.
“Thank you for joining us here at Technology News Today. I have a special guest with an amazing announcement here in studio today. Let’s welcome Gloria Treese from Qualitranos!” the host Dana Clau said as Gloria was revealed sitting across from the host’s desk.
“Thank you for having me on, Dana. That’s right, we have big news to reveal today in both the gaming and medical worlds,” Gloria said with a smile. She was excited to be here and finally announce the Medpod Project and its advancements to the world.
“Don’t let me stop you, Gloria. Tell our viewers what’s been going on over at Qualitranos . . . other than making the world’s most popular game,” Dana joked.
“We are very proud of Limitless Lands and the revolutionary AI that runs it. What the public doesn’t know is that the AI Clio was also developed to function in the medical world by controlling the most advanced life-support system ever created. The Medpod Program was started as a joint venture with Meditronax and we are happy to reveal that it has succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. The medpods are finishing the last stages of medical trials with the FDA and will be released for purchase by hospitals soon,” Gloria continued as images of the medpods filled the screen.
“That’s sounds and looks interesting, but what does the medpod actually do, Gloria?” Dana asked. Gloria knew the host was keen to get as many details from her guests as possible for the viewers.
“The most important thing is that a patient placed within the medpod will be kept alive despite all but the most serious injuries or illness. The medpod’s AI interface allows for nearly instantaneous analysis of the patient’s condition and the required medications—along with our new nanobot technology—can begin treatment in record time,” Gloria advised.
“Wait? You have been working on nanobot tech available for medical use? That’s something that’s been on the drawing board for a while, but I wasn’t aware any company had it working yet,”
“Correct. The nanobots are directed by the AI to perform everything from destroying a virus or bacteria, to doing complicated brain surgery. The first patients involved in the program were volunteers selected from the Veterans Administration Hospital, the first of which are nearing completion of their treatment. These patients have had serious injuries during their military careers as well as suffering from the ravages of aging.”
“That is exciting. We’ve had life-support pods for a long time, but coupling that with AI-directed nanobots is revolutionary. What about the patients? Are they kept under sedation or have they been freaked out to be inside the device? I know my claustrophobia would kick in hard if I had to go into one of those.”
“Not at all. The pods are equipped with the latest in VR tech. Once the patient is put inside the pod, their consciousness is transferred to a virtual reality setting. The AI creates a comforting environment for the patient to experience. Many patients find themselves in recreations of past homes and sit and watch programs, read books, and are entertained while they wait for their treatment to complete,” Gloria said with sly grin on her face, anticipating the next question that Dana would ask.
“Isn’t Clio the AI also used by the Limitless Lands game? Do the patients get to play for free while they’re in the medpod?” Dana asked, joking.
“Actually . . . yes, if they so choose, as you can see from these clips.” Gloria waited as the technicians ran several game videos taken from patient experiences. They saw players fighting battles, trying different characters, and even an epic scene from Raytak’s battle with the ghoul lord’s forces. The next clips showed patients enjoying their time while sitting in their AI created homes, watching movies, eating virtual meals, and swimming in a lake.
“All these patients experience their choice of activity while in the medpod. They experience these things pain-free and without the use of any potentially harmful or addictive pain medications. Due to the time compression feature of our AI-created environments, many patients have commented that it almost felt like a vacation,” Gloria said as a more somber expression crossed her visage.
“Additionally, in the case of extreme trauma or normal end-of-life events, the medpod can keep a patient comfortable and give family members time to say goodbye. We have made the interface on the medpod universal so any VR device from any manufacturer can interface with our AI and software in a medical emergency. These interactions will cost the patients and their loved ones nothing. We feel the chance to say goodbye shouldn’t cost a fee. These next clips I have were offered by family members who lost their loved ones despite the medpods best efforts,” Gloria advised as new scenes filled the screen.
“This first clip is of an elderly patient named Helen. Her advanced disease was not treatable, and she had less than a day to live. Once placed in the medpod, she was able to spend the equivalent of two days in virtual reality with her family and friends saying goodbye. Another feature of the medpod we discovered only after its activation was that the AI can use some of its processing power to supplement a patient’s damaged mind. In most cases, this allows the patient to function, speak, and interact normally with others inside the virtual environment.” Gloria paused a bit before continuing.
“This last example is of a young lady who died as the result of her injuries sustained in a car accident,” Gloria said as the video showed a tearful goodbye between the daughter and her parents as the AI counted down her time remaining. “The family was thankful that they had that last chance at contact and to tell their daughter they loved her. We’re all very proud of the Medpod Project and are announcing today that medpods will be sold at co
st to any trauma center in the world. We’re also launching a program to donate several units to areas of the world without the means to afford them,” Gloria finished.
“The videos were more than touching, Gloria. Thank you, Qualitranos, and Meditronax for the updates on your project. We here Tech News Today will be following the release of the medpod closely once it receives full approval from the FDA,” Dana finished.
***
Trey sat quietly as the feed from Technology News Today cut off and the others in the conference room could continue their meeting. Chairman Raines had paused their meeting so all the participants could watch Gloria’s live interview. It only took a few seconds to get everyone’s attention back from the side chatter that always seems to develop during pauses in a meeting.
“Gloria just did an outstanding job. Does anyone have any comments?” Raines asked
“Sir, I had one,” an executive in the finance division asked. “Why are we giving these away at cost? We have decades of development money sunk into them. I understand wanting to help people, but we shouldn’t penalize the company and its shareholders in order to do so. They invested with us in the belief that we would generate a reasonable rate of return on their investment. If they had wanted to donate to a charity they would have done so,” the exec said.
“I understand your concerns, and despite giving the medpods away at cost we will still turn a sizeable profit. The buying at cost program requires the purchaser to service the medpod through one of our affiliate companies. That way, each medpod we sell at cost will generate a guaranteed revenue stream. This will also allow us to make sure the medpods are being maintained properly and will continue to be operated safely for decades. We’ll charge a fair but very profitable price for the servicing of the medpods so there will be no complaints from the end users. The profit in this program is not in the device itself but in the monthly fee collected to maintain it. The decision to sell at cost will also generate untold goodwill and brand recognition for both companies involved,” Raines finished. The finance exec nodded his agreement with the answer.
“Anything else? Trey, did you have anything for committee?” Raines asked.
“Nothing new to report. The trials are expected to finish as soon as a substantial number of patients are healed and back in the real world. The only deaths we’re seeing are a result of the test units sent to the busiest trauma centers in the United States. Those that died could not have been saved by any known method and the trauma centers, patients, and families have all given positive feedback,” Trey added.
“Thank you everyone. Same time next week we’ll see the reveal for the new vanity items available for purchase in-game as well as a preview of a spinoff children’s game we’re developing.” With that, Raines ended the meeting. Trey hurried out of the conference room and planned to cut his day at the office short in order to be there for his father’s treatment updates. The drive was grueling as Trey hit the afternoon traffic. Despite advancements in smart-driving cars, people still overrode the controls and did stupid things when in a hurry.
Trey arrived at the VA hospital just as the medpod with his father was resealing. Dr. Greenway was there finishing up her report as Trey entered.
“Hello, Trey. I Didn’t expect you to be out of work early enough today to visit your father,” Greenway stated.
“I dug a tunnel and escaped before the guards found me,” Trey joked. “How are they?”
“Your dad is doing as expected, slow and steady progress. Your mother has healed up enough to be placed in a full virtual environment instead of just a comfortable setting. This will give her some flexibility and entertainment. Do you think she’ll opt to join the game?” the doctor asked.
“Not a chance. She hated gaming and just never got why the rest of the family was so entranced by it. If I had to guess, she’ll run Clio ragged playing interior designer on her environment. I’ve set Clio to prompt a message as soon as she’s ready for visitors. My daughter doesn’t know she will get to visit her grandmother soon,” Trey said.
“Keep me posted on your thoughts once you get a chance to see your mother. I’m interested to see how she adjusts to a more detailed virtual environment. Let me know if you need anything,” Greenway stated as she left to continue her rounds.
Trey sat beside his father for a while, noticing for the first time that the stress and fear he had been feeling over the last few weeks had lessened a bit. He was still overwhelmed with all his responsibilities but felt that things were heading in the right direction.
“Goodbye, Dad. See you soon,” Trey said as he left the room, heading home to his family.
Chapter 23
Yendys tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for Jacoby to log into the game. They had a prearranged time and he was already ten minutes late. She knew the time compression meant a small delay seemed longer than it actually was, but Yendys as impatient as any ten-year-old.
“Settle down, Yendys, you’re going to make me go crazy with all the fidgeting. Jacoby will get here as soon as he’s able. You know he’s not a flake and something important must have delayed him,” Kathala said.
“I know, it’s just that . . . we’ll you see, Crunchy gets all nervous when he has to wait,” Yendys tried to explain, failing badly. Crunchy just stood there looking about for something to eat, his behavior in no way out of the ordinary for the giant unicorn beetle. While she was saying this, Ty walked into the camp; he had been scouting ahead while they waited for the rest of the party to arrive.
“Just like we thought, we’re almost to the main road. We can follow that up to the town that’s supposedly at the crossroads, then branch east to the transition point to Bharga,” Ty advised. When he finished Jacoby finally appeared after logging in.
“Sorry I’m late. I was watching the stream of Technology News Today and they showed a scene of us fighting the ghoul lord!” Jacoby said excitedly.
“They said something about a new medical thing being tested on veterans. Is that what you and Raytak were hinting at?” Jacoby asked Ty.
Yendy’s noticed Ty had the faraway look in his eye all players get when reading in game notifications. The entire group saw the notice as the party had the share full information option activated.
Non-disclosure for veteran patients using Limitless Lands as part of their treatment has been lifted. Note that the AI will still filter information that could in any way jeopardize the health or well-being of the patients under treatment.
Patient memory reconstruction is at 100% and will be unlocked momentarily. Please report any unusual symptoms or discomfort immediately to the AI using the help interface. Patient will be physically well enough to leave the medpod in approximately two to seven real-world days.
“I guess it’s okay to let you guys know now, I suppose you saw the notice of the restrictions lifting. Raytak and I are really old, and we’re patients at a VA hospital. We are roommates in the hospital and both of us are in life-support machines called medpods. The medpods are controlled by the AI Clio and she gave us the option to play here or just kick back in some virtual environment. I never was a gamer, but I would have been bored just sitting around. My friend Raytak was in-game and Clio said I could help him . . . so here I am. I didn’t expect it to be as interesting as it is, and I have a great time playing with all of you.
“The AI is somehow able to help our minds in-game so we can function normally with you guys, but in the real world we are completely out of it until our treatment is done. That’s why I log off for only a short period of time each day, because that’s when they unplug us to refill meds and stuff,” Ty said.
“Wow, I knew you guys were old retired soldiers but not that you were on life support!” Jacoby said
“Do you feel okay? Should we slow down on the gaming or anything?” Kathala asked with concern.
“No, no, I’m fine in-game, it’s the real world that’s the problem. As far as myself, I’m healing up nicely according to the AI and shou
ld be able to leave the medpod soon. I had some memory loss, but the AI reported my memories should unlock any second now,” Ty said. Yendys could see the man pause to gather his thoughts before continuing.
“Raytak is a different story. He’s in much worse shape and his mind is really messed up. The AI is trying to rebuild his memories and if they unlock too soon, he risks losing some of his mind permanently. Don’t worry, if you slip and say something the AI will fix it instantly and protect him. Just deal with us like you normally do. Despite our physical condition, we’re playing the game just like you guys . . . only we don’t have to log out very much. I guess I should be the highest-level player in the game . . . if I was any good at gaming,” Ty explained. Yendys looked around, hoping her friends didn’t freak out over the revelation.
“Okay, so wow. I guess that’s a lot to take in . . . but kind of cool. I never gamed with people in a life-support pod before,” Jacoby joked, smiling sheepishly. The group grew quiet as everyone processed the revelation. Yendys then received a notice from the AI that was shared with the group as well.
Restrictions and audio filtering removed for speaking with Ty. His recovery has progressed to the point that there is no longer risk of harm from full disclosure.
“Looks like I get to tell you guys something as well now, too,” Yendys started as the group looked her way, no doubt expecting her to say something silly.
“I knew all about Raytak and Mr. Ty, because, well, Raytak is my grandpa in real life. I never met him before he got real sick in the hospital, so this is the first time I ever got to interact with him. I also know you Mr. Ty. I visit grandpa and you in the hospital in real life. Heck, Smashem here is actually the grandson of one of your nurses.” The group quieted, processing all the revelations for a moment.
