Author's Note:
This is a Repost / Rewrite of a story I wrote, and scrapped, on a different profile. but rest assured, this is my Fic.
As such, Act 1 is already complete, and will update every Sunday.
• Press conference:
- POV; Wade Watts.
Username: Parzival.
ID Tag: First to the Key #0000
"Parzival!"
"Parzival!"
"Parzival!"
The various reporters called from the crowd. A Sea of Avatars, from various races. Various Furries, Saiyans, Covenant Elites, and even plenty of "My Little Pony" Ponies. And before them, speaking through a holographic screen into each of their offices... stood the High 5.
"People, relax," As per usual, it was Aech that spoke first. She, as she was currently in her real world body, was always the most outgoing of the High Five. It made him, errr her, good at shepherding the media.
Parzival was supposed to use female pronouns, for when Aech was in the real world. Like now, as that was where they were transmitting, into multiple news studios, throughout the Oasis.
Parzival tried his best to keep to the pronouns, but he was just used to Aech being a boy, from their years as friends in the Oasis. As well as the fact, Aech legitimately saw themselves as a boy, and just insisted on Female pronouns, well in the real world, because he wanted to avoid the stigmas many Transgender people faced.
Also he hadn't exactly had a talk with his fairly closed minded parents.
SHE, remembering to honor Aech's wishes, casually whipped her hair with her off hand and smiled at the crowd. "You would think you have never seen a life changing breakthrough in science before. We do this about once a week. You really should be used to it."
Her grin had the perfect percentage of teeth and, although charming, rung a bit too cocky. However, what can you expect from a child prodigy. Who had been keeping the world spinning for decades.
Global warming had hit hard. It wasn't exactly helped by over population. Nor the world's most rich and powerful men and women, fleeing the planet. The 1 percenters had found a way to revive Mar's core, and were able to colonize it... then left everyone else to die.
The High 5 chose to stay behind. To find some way to save everyone. Or until then, at least make their lives easier.
While Parzival was feeling the weight of that, Aech continued.
"Now mind your manners," Aech teased. "And wait until the questions portion of the interview."
Sho, the youngest of the group, though now in his early 40s, smiled at the reporters. "You're probably wondering why we called this meeting. When we decided to stay Earth-side, it was with the promise that we would save you all. Now, I'm happy to report, we found the way..." The boy trailed off, getting the reporters to sit on the edge of their seat. The boy really did love toying with them, far too much.
It only took a moment for the reporters to begin bursting with questions. Impatient to hear the discovery that could save humanity. Aech was able to calm them down again, before encouraging "The Great Parzival" to speak.
Parzival gulped, before steeling himself. Calling on the same drive he used during his speech, to call the world to his aid, at the battle for the Oasis. He would need that determination now.
Parzival began explaining, "We have found a... pretty extreme procedure, which can permanently implant a human mind, into the Next-Gen Oasis build. We've spent the last few years, perfecting the technology, and believe we can now mass produce it.
"We even found a way to contain all remaining life, not just human, but everyone's pets, and our zoo animals."
Art3mis took control of the conference. "They say necessity is the mother of invention. Well I am here to tell you, the near extinction of the human race, has led us to create a means of giving everyone on the planet true immortality, in a digital paradise.
"I will be the first to admit that the procedure to grant this is a few miles from 'extreme' but unfortunately it is our only way to survive. This heat will only get worse until it shifts into a frozen wasteland. No children are being born, Earth's population was officially sterilized over a decade ago. So it is unlikely our species will even live long enough to see the end of the world.
"All animals are nearing extinction, and the only ones still around are those we brought into our domes. Resources are getting more and more scarce. As it is no longer safe to mine for them. All the while, scavenging is becoming more and more dangerous.
"I will tell you now, we need this procedure before the Earth becomes 100% uninhabitable. By our calculations we have only another 17 years before we aren't even able to step outside the domes, even with our radiation suits... and it is my eternal regret to inform you, before that time is up, Gregarious Games will be closing its doors.
"We plan to install ourselves into this virtual world. We stayed on this planet to find a way to save everyone, and we believe we have found it. For those of you too scared, or too stubborn to take it, we wish you the best of luck, but know this is your only chance at salvation. The 3rd and final installment of the Oasis franchise ends with 'Oasis Matrix: Jelly Brained' and will mark the salvation of mankind."
Aech continued with the next bit, as was planned, due to hardware stuff being easier to swallow, coming from him, errr her. "Each Player will be connected to their own personal super computer and Server, which will stream data directly into their brain.
"The Server Towers are the most advanced that have ever been constructed. Capable of storing dozens of compact, super computers. Each similar in appearance to a 2000's model harddrive, no bigger, no Smaller... but they are so much more.
"Each "Drive" contains over a Yottabyte of RAM, a thousand Yottabytes of memory space, the most advanced graphics card, and everything a computer could need to play games, or store an eternity's worth of information.
"Each is a fully operational computer. With systems more advanced then anything ever imagined by man. The height of engineering perfection, achieved overnight.
"And we have the combined help of the Optimizing AIs, to thank.
" Each player will start with 9 of these Drives:
• One to store a digital assistant, for the player.
• One to act as storage, for all the Player's accumulated knowledge. Basically being an Extended Harddrive for your memories.
• Then another Drive, to store the player's profile. That's all their private and public information, including a list of their virtual belongings, or creations.
• One to hold all the Townsfolk and creature programs.
• Another to store Family AIs, which are far more complex, and customizable, then other Townsfolk.
• Another to store the Hub World server.
• Then the next Drive, allows the player to access the Public Servers, of any MMOs they are interested in. As well as store all Saved Data, from those MMOs.
• With the Final 2 drives, storing saved Data, from Chat Rooms and games."
It was Daito's turn, just to break up who was talking. It was important the High 5 were seen cooperating. "From there, the player can have 42 additional Drives, to store their own Shards in MMOs. Unfortunately, making your own chatroom, instead of accessing the public ones, takes up a drive slot. As that requires it's own Server to support the world, and the people visiting it.
"Each Shard, Like the Hub World, is the player's own private world. Which they can enjoy with their AIs. Even invite other players, from their 'Friends List', to join them.
"With the ability to unlock 'Townsfolk AIs'. Which Parzival will go into more detail, later."
Art3mis continued, "What we will say now, is Townfolk will be virtual companions to the player.
"With the option of uploading a copy of their conciousness, into your other Shards. With the ruling Optimizer AI, making edits to their program, but only as much as needed, for them to fit into different worlds.
"See, Townsfolk aren't as advanced as an Optimizer, nor a Service AI. As their program was designed as closely as possible, to a human's consciousness. While not exact, they are the best AIs, when it comes to comprehending humans.
"Unfortunately, this resulted in them not being as efficent as other AIs. Especially when it comes to multitasking... Like how most AIs can be in trillions of places at once. Completing different tasks, while carrying on just as many separate conversations, with no difficulty."
"Townsfolk, due to their more human brain, can't even comprehend being in two places at once. So, we needed a way around that.
"We decided to install a type of Hive Mind. Copies of their program will be installed into all your MMO Shards, sharing thoughts and memories between each other. While still being separate individuals, that think exactly the same way.
"The edits to their program, give each AI a form of individuality. While keeping them apart of the Whole. With their original, in the Hub World, acting as a type of Command Mode.
"Much like how the Halliday AI, acts as the Command Mode, to all the Optimizer AIs. Their role is too will Order, in the Chaos.
Sho butt in, completely unscripted. "Since we'll be immortal, and to make sure you don't regret the decision, Ya have to play an MMO for 5 years, before you can unlock your own shards. That's 5 years of in game playtime. Obviously, I was against that."
Aech did his best not to glare, and chose to move on. "Another reason there are only 42 slots in your Computer Server. The Townsfolk literally couldn't handle more. Although the technology insures they will remain comfortable with all 42 copies.
"For an additional cost, we can give our players a similar Hive Mind. Everyone will receive the implant, to allow this, during installation, but it won't be activated until the player chooses.
"While not quite the same as your Townsfolk, it works very similarly. Creating an exact copy of the player's mind. Even allowing the player to tweek the program. So their copy behaves how they wish they were. That should help keep things interesting, while still experiencing the different MMOs.
"The Copy will behave exactly as you would, or wish you would. Where you can see what it sees, feel what it feels, and share you're very thoughts between you.
"Unfortunately, we decided not to allow this, until you rack up 10 years worth of play time, in that specific MMO. That way their is minimal risk of the Player growing bored of the world they trapped themselves in.
"However, any chat rooms you create, you can immediately upload your conciousness into."
Sho jumped in, as it was important for him to have at least some speaking parts... even if he was the least charismatic out of all of them. "And don't think we would just abandon the current Oasis. The next-gen build, is completely backwards compatible. With the procedure being free for all players.
"All public servers will be frequently updated with new campaigns. Which, after completing, you can buy a copy of, for your own Shard. And replay it however much you please.
Aech moved on, with more technical stuff. "Our facility to store us will be completely self sufficient. Controlled by sophisticated AIs that use, and build, robotic drones as puppets. They will protect us and provide us with our every need. You will even have your own personal AI looking out for you, in the form of a 'Hub Computer'. However there are safety protocols in place. A voting system for players, AIs must honor, respect, and most importantly, implement.
"All Public Servers will be largely self governing, with an elected Governor for every map in each Server. With a Map being made up of multiple locations, such as cities and combat zones.
"But rest assured, there will also be a Council of elected players. They will be the Ministers, to keep order in their city, while also keeping the Governors in check. Through the ability to veto their Governor's decisions with a majority vote.
"They will have the ability to pass or veto Bills. Bills that can be written up by any Citizen of that Map. Which only go up the chain of command, if enough fellow citizens 'Like' the bill. Attaching a 'Dislike' to the bill, won't stop it from reaching the Councillors. But it will show them how many citizens are against the bill.
"However, the Maps won't be totally independent, as the elected officials will be held accountable, by the direct Optimizer AI, who looks after that MMO. With each Optimizer looking after several MMOs.
"They will ensure council members, nor even Governors, will be able to accept bribes, and won't be able to vote on a bill, unless they actually read the whole thing. With the Optimizer's Service AIs, acting as advisers to the elected officials. Helping them understand the potential outcome, of the bill."
Art3mis turn again, "Players will only be considered 'Citizens', of a Governor's territory, if they own property in that city. Which can only be done, if they have accumulated up to a year's worth of play time on that Map.
"Within the Oasis Matrix, YOU will be permitted to write up your own bills. Which other players, of that game, can vote on. If it gets enough likes, by a specific time since posting, it will be implemented in that map. When a Bill is posted, all players of that Map will be notified."
Sho butt in, "Be aware, the Governor has the power to veto the bill, if they feel it would not be in the best interest of their Map. Though if you don't like that they did so, you can vote them out of office come next election, which is once every 10 years. and AIs will have the ability to vote for bills as well, in order to ensure they don't become a slave race and thereby grow resentful of humanity."
Now Daito was up again. "While every MMO has their own government, the entirety of Oasis will be looked after by a Senate. Which will be made up of the 42 Programmers that designed the game (such as Ogden Morrow, us of the High 5, and various other men and women who helped made this new virtual paradise a reality). We will work in connection with all the Optimizers, to ensure the game continues to run smoothly.
"Any player can right a bill, which effects the whole Network of games, and send it to us for approval.
"This new government has been discussed at length with all the current leaders, of ALL the Domes. Who will be acting as our first collection of Councillors and Governors, until the next voting period. Ten years after the new Build's launch."
Parzival finally spoke up, the reporters sitting on the edge of their seats to hear what he had to say. "None of this will affect your involvement in the actual game. It will feel like your body. Any type of body you want. And you will live forever inside your own paradise.
"You will rule over your own personal Hub World, as Mayor and protector. Where it doesn't matter what the rules are in other MMOs. You decided the rules for your Townsfolk. You create their culture. Their norms and Taboos. You're pretty much God King, answering only to your own Hub Computer.
"All media, including fan creations, will exist in a cloud, that you can stream or straight up download to your personal Drives. From there, you can save and create your own games, or even make crossover games of your favorite franchises. All of which you can share with friends, and invite them to play with you. The virtual world we have created is a paradise, especially for you. With the ability to edit it as you please.
"However, within your own Hub Server, you make the laws. You build the buildings. And you protect your Townsfolk.
"The Hub World is a Combination of Minecraft, SiMs, and Animal Crossing. Where you are the ruler of your own personal island. Building it up into it's own thriving city. And taming the harsh lands around you. Filled with deadly monsters, from whatever franchise you want.
"You can unlock AIs, from any franchise, to live in your Hub World, by completing a 'Virtual Gaming Program', or VGP. Which is... basically running around, in any story you want. With the reward being the option to purchase AIs, from that story, after you complete it.
"But if you don't have a lot of coin? Or just don't want to spend it. There is an option to do specific missions, in the after credits portion of the VGP, to unlock each character.
"If you want AIs from the Harry Potter franchise, you must complete a VGP, based on all 7 of the original books.
"From there, you can play other adaptations, reboots, and Fanfictions. Which let you unlock new gear, clothes, personalities, memories, and potentially even new races for their Avatar, for all affiliated characters you unlocked. You can mix and match, and choose up to 10 personalities for your Townfolk to adapt to.
"You can even buy duplicates of your Townsfolk, which you will have a nice discount, for any Townsfolk you already have, and give them different personalities. Which can be fun if you want to ship the same character, with different families.
"Although you should be careful what games you finish. As Townsfolk automatically upload all memories, from any relevant game you play. Unless you specifically tell your Hub Computer not to upload the memories from a VGP.
"Townsfolk are programmed to love you, unconditionally. To default to whatever personality you set for them. However, they are not simple toys. The core of their person remains the same. Even if you switch their personalities around frequently. They might perceive things differently, even act differently in some cases, but they are still the same person at the core of their programming.
"Like with the MMO shards, other players can only visit your Hub World, if they are on your 'Friends List'. Then can only enter your World if you have the 'Online' mode activated."
After Parzival big speech, Aech clapped "Her" hands together. "Let's move on to the questions portion."
The reporters all started speaking at once again. Sho raised his hand, to calm the crowds, before selecting a specific reporter from his screen. It was decided he would choose the reporters for us, since he didn't have much of a speaking role.
The reporter stood, with a particularly sour face, "Doesn't this contradict your original message of 'reality is the only thing that's real'?"
Daito, the oldest of the High Five (by a few months), snorted, "That is before the world ended and billions were left here to die."
The next reporter was selected, and stood tall. Clearly well aware of the fact she only had a job, because these people created the means for her to do so. Still, she had to know, "You keep bringing up that the procedure is 'extreme'. What, exactly, does it entail?"
Daito sighed, "We remove the brain." The whole room went dead quiet.
Aech stepped in with the technical jargon. To distract the world from the horror of that.
"The AIs have helped us, not only create a better preservation gel, that continues to stimulate the brain. But a byproduct, of the electrical impulses, is the gel generates a tremendous amount of power.
"Unfortunately, this does mean removing the brain from the body, and attaching a number of implants and wires to it.
"From there, we can place the brain into a jar, made out of clear titanium, which is filled with additional circuit boards.
Daito reassured, "Now the procedure is completely painless, and anyone over the age of 25 can apply, free of charge."
"What about the children!" A reporter screamed, without being called on. And immediately everyone wanted to know the plans for them.
Parzival informed, "As we can't, in good conscience, permanently stunt a child through the preservation gel. Children will not be allowed to be installed, until they are 25. As that is when the brain finishes developing. Until then. They will be cared for by the AIs, within the Domed cities. At which point, they will be allowed to choose to permanently emigrate into the Oasis."
After it became obvious children weren't being born anymore. The Military took all children from their parents, and put them in a facility designed to care for them... parents didn't even get to see their kids, outside the Oasis. It wasn't like this new level of separation would affect families too much... as terrible as that was.
It wasn't like the military listened to the High 5's protest, as children were stolen. They were largely figure heads, with no real power. Much like the other scientist and programmers.
"However," Parzival assured, "They will still be able to communicate with their parents, thanks to the Dreamscape helmets. Next Gen Dreamscape Helmets will be given to children, as soon as their parents are installed into their pods."
Art3mis added, "Due to less humans, in the real world, and more drones, controlled by AIs. We project the kids will actually be safer, staying out here, until they are ready to join us."