"Mr. Runner, your 2 o'clock just arrived." Rip Runner, age 25, was at his desk going through files on his computer about a new acquisition, when he received a notice from the lobby secretary.
"Send them to meeting room C on the 3rd floor," He replied as he saved the files and packed his laptop. "I'm heading there now." Work bag in hand, he left his office, the door declaring 'CEO Rip Runner' closing behind him. He had spent a lot of time and effort to get this far, to see this day.
His father had always ignored him in favor of his brother Rev, something neither brother quite understood. Maybe it was just because their father was stubborn, once he'd decided on something it was nearly impossible to get him to change his mind. The problem was he'd decided Rev would take over the family business when the two of them were still little kids whose skills and interests had yet to become clear.
Rev certainly liked science and building things, and he could memorize facts and formulas no problem. However he had difficulty working under pressure, and their dad had put so much pressure on him over the years to be perfect, that whenever he was working on something to show to their dad, he always let his thoughts become jumbled, and he often failed to piece together what was needed to make his ideas work. Rip on the other hand was a natural at maintaining a clear head. When he applied himself, even if it took him more time than Rev, he could organize his thoughts, and form a coherent image in his head of what he was trying to achieve. He also had no problems admitting to himself when something was beyond his current knowledge and studying the topic in detail. This somehow seemed to give their father the impression that he was 'lazy,' when in truth he just wasn't in a hurry to declare a project as complete because his father always seemed to hold him to some impossible standard. He'd become somewhat of a perfectionist which only improved the quality of his work, but that never mattered when his father wouldn't even take the time to look at what he'd done or made.
At some point in early high school Rip had given up on making his father proud of him. He had no friend back then due to having spent his free time in the years prior to keeping straight As or making gadgets. He felt isolated and fell into depression, something only his brother seemed to notice despite them spending so little time together. To Rips parents, he was just starting a rebellious phase, so the criticism only grew worse. If it hadn't been for Rev's emotional support at the time, perhaps Rip would have taken his own life. Rev had managed to negotiate Saturdays as a day when the two brothers could spend their time together, Rip had never bothered to ask how. Sometimes they would go out somewhere in town to enjoy themselves, other times they would stay at home and talk about their personal troubles. Such days were the only time Rip saw his brother break down into tears. Until then he had come to resent his brother for being the favorite, but it made him realize that Rev's struggles had been no less than his own, perhaps more so.
After Rev finished high school, their father was ready to send him off to get both an engineering and a business degree. The original plan was for Rev to commute from home as it wasn't too far into the city, but Rev insisted on learning some independence and wanted to get his own place. Their father agreed that learning to live on his own would be good for him, so Rev moved out leaving Rip feeling like a stranger in his own home at times. At this point he decided that's essentially what he was to his father, and had no real desire to change that.
He had already started to make his own plans for the future. He found out that there were no age restrictions to filing a patent, and so he went over all his designs and inventions and got as many patents as he could. While most of them just sat around in some database, after a while a few started earning him money from licensing, and in one case selling the rights outright. Doing this without his parents noticing was harder than one might think, mostly taking care of the filing process and receiving the paperwork and documents. He would often wait on the mail truck just to intercept it, after all his dad would probably think anything from the patent office was for himself. Of course even if his parents found out he probably wouldn't care too much, but he felt like at least his father didn't have any right to be involved with his personal affairs when all he did to support him growing up was the minimum legal requirements as his father.
Once a year had passed with Rev gone, things had changed though. Rev had dropped all his business courses, finally standing his ground against their father. While he said he would have no problems taking over inventing for the company, managing the business aspects was just something for which he had no interest, and little talent. This did not go over well with their father, and he stopped paying for Rev's living expenses, and would only pay for half of his tuition. He was still willing to pay for Rev's school since he still wanted Rev to get an engineering degree as well, but he was basically telling Rev that if he wanted to live on his own terms, then he needed to make a living on his own. Rip felt bad for his brother who ended up applying for a loan and getting a lousy fast food delivery job with a sleazy boss, but that was short lived.
About a month after the semester ended, in June of 2772, all hell broke loose. A meteor struck the planet changing its axis leading to numerous changes in the seasons and weather patterns. If that weren't enough the impact released unknown energies across the globe, with the concentrations being greater closer to the impact site. Said impact site was just outside the central part of the city, and Rev was among those that got hit by the initial burst of energy. To say there was chaos would be an understatement, the amount of destruction caused by the tremors was enormous, and people suddenly waking up with supernatural powers freaked out the general population. Then there were also the monsters that would start appearing from dimensional rifts that appeared all over. The police force and military were unable to cope with all the new threats by themselves.
When a wealthy benefactor put out a call to assemble a team of super heroes to deal with the more extreme situations, many jumped at the chance, including Rev. Turns out that in addition to outright causing mutations in people exposed to higher levels of the meteor's energy, even lower levels of it activated dormant genes in several species including roadrunners. This resulted in his family, minus Rip, gaining super speed; Rip managed to be part of the 12% of the modern roadrunner population without those dormant genes, while Rev being near ground zero became extra fast, and gained some sort of spatial awareness/tracking ability on top of it.
While Rip just became lazier in the eyes of his father, who refused to believe Rip wasn't just being slow as part of his rebelliousness, a new argument started up about Rev. Their parents didn't want him doing anything dangerous, their father especially didn't want to lose his heir even if he didn't outright say it. Rip understood how they felt and didn't want to see his brother hurt, but ironically Rev was just as stubborn as their father once he'd made a decision, he was just normally the kind of person to go with the flow of things.
The team was eventually formed with six anthro-sapiens, and Rev got his wish to be part of the team. Rip thought it was funny when the final members were announced and his father lost it at Rev working side by side with a coyote. This of course resulted in another argument over the phone, which ultimately came to nothing, though Rip managed to get a chance to congratulate his brother on making the cut, as well as catch up with him on their lives.
Rip talked a bit about heading off to college himself in the fall and essentially going through the same course load that their father had planned out for Rev. While Rev was worried about Rip still trying to earn their father's approval, Rip told him that not only was this purely for himself, but he also planned to start his own business since their father had already written Rip off. After Rev was finally convinced his brother was doing okay, they talked a bit about how Rev was fitting in with his new roommates then ended the call after promising to keep in touch.
The next few years seemed to go by rather fast for Rip, he moved out so he didn't have to deal with his father anymore, and essentially went no contact with him. He would still talk with his brother frequently, keeping track of him and his team's various exploits, and he did make sure to call his mother on her birthday or mother's day, as well as send her a card during the holidays, just her. He would always refuse to talk with his father if she tried to put him on though, so anything having to do with him was heard through either his mother or brother.
During his school he made several new friends, both among those in business courses, as well as science courses. His best friend, and now business partner, was met through a mutual friend from the engineering courses. Rory "Roar" Lyon, was a few years older than Rip and studying biomedical engineering. The medical devices and technologies he was working on pushed the boundaries of what medical science considered possible. The achievements he made could be considered second perhaps only to those made by a certain coyote superhero, but because those were only made as needed to respond to a crisis, Rory could be considered to be at the top of his field. While initially Rip was somewhat put off by Rory's extremely outgoing nature, and the lack of volume control that earned him his nickname, the two eventually became inseparable. So when Rip was prepared to open his own business, it was only natural that he asked Rory to be his business partner focusing Biotech and Medtech R&D.
The beginning of RipRoar Inc was difficult of course, while they had the designs for various equipment, manufacturing them was another matter entirely. They only managed to afford a small factory with their business loan, and so they had to pick what to make themselves and what to license out to other companies. With the technology field already so big, there were other businesses who would often try to put pressure on them one way or another to acquire them, but Rip managed to avoid any major pitfalls, and built things up slowly while working on the project that would change the industry forever.
VR and AR (Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality) had been around for a long time in various forms, mostly pursued as a form of entertainment. The success of the field varied, with the most modern form being a 'holodeck' as they were popularly known. However the drawbacks were highly apparent; they were not only expensive to build due to the large amount of space and high end machinery necessary, but by making the generated objects interactable they also became potentially dangerous, limiting its ability to be used as an immersive video game. While it was possible to code combat in such a way as to avoid harming people, programing mistakes could be made, there were plenty of malicious hackers out there and friendly fire, especially in melee, was still likely when playing in groups.
Rip had decided to revisit both VR, as well as AR, from a different angle. The first generation of his product would focus primarily on holodeck like technology using it not for entertainment, but as a work tool. The simplest version was a holo-workbench called a VirtuaLab that would allow people to create full 3D replicas of objects allowing people to build their design ideas to demo, even working with other people on it over a network. This did of course require a similar physics engine to the ones holorooms, in order to test the design based on its structure and materials, as well as for testing in different environments.
Less expensive versions were also available that could act as meeting tables connecting people long distance, branded VirtuaMeet. It was a circular table that used holograms to show the people seated around it whatever was being presented, either directly in front of the individuals at their seats, or to the whole group in the table's center. When presented to people individually, documents and objects could be made fully interactive. There was also a setting to allow the speaker to appear in the center as well with them appearing to face each viewer based on their perspective. This feature was a result of Rip's personal dislike of having to continue to adjust his seat and look back and forth between different speakers and documents or videos, and was well received according to feedback.
In the present day, Rip walked into a meeting room with such a table in it. He went towards one of the seats to the back of the room, opened up a small recess there and got out his laptop and placed it in there. These spaces allowed for various devices to connect to the table to act as additional interfaces, and to share necessary files instantly. Rip logged in on his computer and put in the meeting details from an earlier email. No one had joined yet, so he went ahead and made himself the host and pulled up the documents he'd need on his computer, while thinking about how this one product had been where things had finally taken off.
Despite the technology being around for so long, and events like the 2020 pandemic having shown how important it is to be able to connect from anywhere and work, no one had ever made something quite like this before. Most likely because lower tech solutions seemed 'good enough,' however typical video calls made it difficult to properly gauge the reactions of everyone when there were multiple small images and you could really only see the upper bodies. Judging facial expressions and body language of your audience was an important part of any business meeting, and replicating the feel of doing one in person while having the convenience of joining in from anywhere in the world made it relatively attractive to those companies that could afford it.
At first it was mostly the VirtuaLabs that sold with a few bigger companies buying some meeting tables as a means to show off and appear cutting edge. The benefits of the workbench were much more obvious for R&D of new machines since they didn't have to spend money to build devices in order to perform most tests. Once the companies that bought a few VirtuaMeets got used to them they noticed it was a far more effective means of conducting virtual meetings. Granted everyone still had to go to an office site with one installed to get the full benefits at the time, but if needed one could still join in via a home computer and webcam. The next product to come out though not only took care of this last problem, but reduced the need to have to many tables.
Man-machine interface has always been a tricky technology to work with. One way communications types, where signals from the brain are captured and transmitted to control machines have been around for a while and were, for the most part, considered perfectly safe now. Technology where info is sent directly to the brain however, has been difficult to develop due to ethical and safety concerns.
The idea of brain hacking isn't completely outside the realm of possibility due to the brain being functionally an organic computer. Therefore the standards for technologies with such functions were extremely strict. Typically they were only used in closed networks or with no network at all, and any data put on such a network or machine has to go through a very strict review.
For a long time the idea of full-dive VR has been incredibly appealing, but the restrictions and concerns surrounding people's safety have been the biggest concern. After all, if your senses and motor functions are blocked by a device, then any fail-safes would have to be able to activate on their own while also being disconnected from the device to avoid being hacked or corrupted. At most the best idea is a timer device that can activate a manual shut off, but most people find it annoying to have to plan their sessions completely around a timer. Sure it's healthier to get up and move around regularly, but hardcore gamers already ignore that fact. Of course adapting it for more day to day purposes where you would only be using it within a set time frame wouldn't be a problem, but it was ideal to make something that could be used for either business or pleasure with one device.
Rip's design required one to be fully conscious to use it's safeguards. While this meant that the desirable time dilation effect experienced when sleeping wasn't possible, it did still allow for high levels of immersion once one got used to it. There were actually several different set ups available that allowed for increasing levels of immersion. A stand alone helmet was the cheapest and only allowed one to experience sites and sounds properly, though there were some with features for smell as well. Taste was still something they couldn't handle at the time, but by laying in a specially designed VR capsule with an included body suit, one was able to get a near full sensory experience of a VR world.
The key to these devices was in new non-invasive brainwave sensors, that could pick up commands and signals from the brain without needing any sort of surgical implants. When someone initially buys a device they need to set up an individual profile and go through a calibration period for it to learn their brainwave patterns. After that was what could only be compared to a rehab exercise. Moving one's actual limbs around in real life when playing something was potentially hazardous, but one needed to be able to in order to immediately remove the helmet or hit an emergency kill switch inside the capsule. Therefore there was a training program installed to teach everyone how to move their avatars separately, in a way similar to moving imaginary or phantom limbs. While different people take longer than others to get used to it, the mind tends to be remarkably adaptable in such a case, and since the body is completely virtual the computer is able to make adjustments and provide assistance in moving them around.
The biggest challenge now was in creating robust servers and updating all their old software for compatibility. At the same time, it was planned to upgrade the physics engines to be far more accurate and allow for it to simulate chemical and biological reactions to expand the scope of possible research. While Rory was capable of handling most of the required biology and medical knowledge, for a truly accurate physics engine Rip reached out to his brother Rev, or more specifically his soon to be brother-in-law Tech.
Almost a year and a half after Rev had become a superhero, their parents wanted to visit their base to see how he was living, and of course for his father to convince Rev to come back and join the family business. When Rip heard about this he took the time to come and join as well despite having to be around their father, in case Rev needed the moral support and someone to stand up for him. Rip and Ralph hardly acknowledged each other the whole time, and Ralph tried pushing at every one of Rev's buttons. Rip noticed he wasn't as needed as he thought though as Tech seemed to have, at some point or another, become Rev's major emotional pillar. Rip also suspected Tech had feelings for Rev as well, not just because of how he maintained composure in the face of their parent's speciesism, but because afterwards Tech was willing to continue to be around them in order to help Rev with an invention to impress their father while being willing to take no credit for it. Rip didn't think there were many people who would be able to put up with that kind of abuse for someone who was just a friend, even a best friend. He could have been wrong or course, but time showed that he wasn't when Rev called and told him they were dating. and then later on that they were engaged.
Rip knew the fact Rev was marrying a coyote was killing Ralph Runner, but he didn't resort to anything drastic like Rip expected. From what Ma had told him, he was going through a midlife crisis after having both of his adult children 'rebel' against him, and wanted to avoid losing Rev altogether at this point. Rip actually felt a bit sorry for him during this period but his father still felt like he hadn't done anything wrong in raising them, so Rip still avoided direct contact.
Rip was grateful for Tech's help, and made sure to send him a pair of high end capsules with the ability to host their own private server as thanks. Tech was extremely grateful for it as it meant less lab accidents when working on new designs alongside Rev. Apparently Rev would accidently blow up, disintegrate electrocute or otherwise incapacitate the coyote on a regular basis. Regenerative ability or not, Rip wondered how Tech could stand that all the time, let alone fall in love with the person who causes it, but all that mattered was that they had it worked out among themselves and were happy together.
Before launching their VR system, there was one more thing they did that made the company such a success. They created a program for it based on the same one used with the VirtuaLab with all the upgraded features, and the program itself would be available for free. What made them money were the additional services provided by the program. When anyone made anything using it, or helped make something, the program automatically tracked their participation and how much and what they contributed, although individuals always had the option to waive their contribution rights. The data was never saved server side unless cloud data was purchased on a subscription basis, and part of the EULA for the cloud stated ownership of such data remained with the account holder. At any time it was possible to use the designs within the program to apply for a patent, with the contribution percentages available to prove ownership. If they lacked the money and resources necessary to do so, RipRoar Inc would work to negotiate a license to use any potentially worthwhile innovations in exchange for handling the costs procedures. Sometimes this would involve negotiating with other companies that would be able to make better use of the patent, but RipRoar always made sure to protect the rights of the creator(s) during this period, even providing them a contract stating they would provide legal representation of the client's choice.
The VR systems also allowed one to log into meetings hosted through the same systems as VirtuaMeet, so anyone with a system at home could join in a way that felt a bit more natural than sitting in front of a computer, and the devices would translate facial expressions and presumed body language with high accuracy. Companies of course had to update their dress codes with sections on acceptable avatar appearances as many younger employees would push what they could get away with at times. The games industry was of course where some of the biggest changes would happen. By being able to stimulate 4 of the 5 senses, people could experience worlds and adventures that felt almost real. There were some practical limitations that would likely prevent MMOs on the same level seen in sci-fi, though something similar could probably be expected within his lifetime.
With the launch of these products, there were huge waves in the planet's economy and development. Many large companies made offers to buy them out, though they were ignored. Others negotiated contracts for priority when referring creators of certain technologies to businesses, each of which was reviewed and several big names were accepted.
This allowed for their current rapid, but steady growth that has gradually expanded into nearly every technological industry. While improvements continued to be made to their main products, they began merging with and buying other businesses struggling to adapt to the changing market. There were many instances of them buying out small locally owned companies. Including the particular family owned business they were buying out today.
As he finishes preparing the necessary documents, Rip's partner Rory comes into the meeting room, his business suit accentuating the lion's well maintained physique perfectly. "So are you nervous?" He asks, "I know you've been hoping for this for a long time."
Rip looks up as Rory takes his seat and says "a little bit, but it's time to finally settle this so we can move on. I don't want to have any regrets later on in life." With how the company was coming along, Rip was ready to begin the next step of his life, and start a family of his own. He had someone whom he loved and who loved him back, and was prepared to propose after this deal went through. He still wasn't sure if he wanted children yet, he had no idea how to be a good father, just an idea of some of the things not to do, but he and his partner would figure that out together. First though, he had to settle matters with the family he did have.
At two minutes to 2, their guests finally arrived in the meeting room as a few of his companies other executives logged in. Rip put on his best business smile, got up and walked over to shake hands with one of the three guests saying "Ralph, it's been a long time." Rip's father, Ralph Runner, took his hand awkwardly after being called by his first name and said "calling me Ralph feels a bit to formal, you can-" Rip let go of his fathers hand and held it up to stop him. "Since this is a formal business meeting, and since we both share a last name, I feel we should go by Ralph and Ripley to avoid confusion, don't you think?" Rip rarely ever used his full first name outside of introducing himself which was usually followed by 'call me Rip.' He was basically telling his father that he considered him to be barely more than a stranger, which was essentially the case at this point.
Ralph just silently admitted defeat while agreeing with his estranged son, and took a moment to introduce the two with him, after which Rip followed suit starting with Rory who was his fellow co-founder as well as the CSO and CTO, before following suit with the CPO and CFO. For so many high level executives to attend an acquisition of such a small company was highly unusual, but none of them wanted to miss meeting the father of their CEO that they'd hear so much about, especially considering how ironic the situation was.
With everyone seated now, Rip finally started the meeting. "So you're willing to sell us Runner Enterprises." Ralph made an awkward smile at the statement. "We've prepared an offer we think you'll find reasonable," Rip sends a file over to the space in front of Ralph where the document floated as a hologram, "but if there are any other terms you'd like to go over, such as I'm sure we can come to an agreement." Rip paused for a moment before adding "I'd also like to take the opportunity to request dinner with the family, I think it's time we actually got to know each other for a change."