One Life - Prologue

            Virtual Reality. Although “Virtual Reality” headsets had been available for years, they merely made clever use of lenses and software to help give the illusion of immersion. True virtual reality was different. For one, instead of a lightweight goggle-display design, the system was designed to look more like a motorcycle helmet. Instead of lenses and special graphics programming, it used quantum waves to mimic brainwaves and alter a person’s perception of reality. Although one could call it a hi-tech hallucination, it was more like being transported to another world.

            In tests, athletes were put in simulations which required them to perform various feats of skill. As they did so, special sensors in the helmets and on their bodies faithfully reported all brain activity and motor nerve function. To their astonishment, the brain activity of the athletes exercising in the virtual world were identical to that of an athlete exercising in reality. The body itself displayed various physiological responses present during rigorous training such as increased heartrate, blood flow, sweat production, and motor unit recruitment. Furthermore, when the athletes suffered an injury inside virtual reality, such as a sprain or a bone fracture, inflammation would become present at the site of the “injury.”

            This technology was kept secret for years. It was used to train the elite special forces belonging to the world powers. However, the scientists that developed this miraculous technology could not stand to see their creation used for the purpose of war, so they leaked all aspects of the design through secret underground intelligence networks. As soon as they were discovered, these scientists were captured and tried for treason, however, the world did not stand for this. Researchers realized they could perform experiments inside of virtual reality which would be impossible or too dangerous to perform in the real world. Top experts from every field saw great potential in this technology and begged for their release.

            During imprisonment, these scientists were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for creating technology which could improve the quality of life of millions of people around the world. Even so, they were not released. Worldwide protests and riots ensued, and still the world powers would not budge. It wasn’t until the greedy corporations stepped in to negotiate a deal that the world powers agreed to release the scientists. The corporations offered to pay an astronomical sum for the rights to the technology and to secure the release of the scientists. The world powers agreed, knowing that once the technology was released, they could earn even more from taxes. The scientists, in exchange for their freedom, and a hefty salary, agreed to help commercialize this technology and make it safe for consumers. In the end, money is all that matters.

Inspired by “The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor” by Heesung NAM. Go read it!

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