The VR Event
by A Contributor
(modified/edited)
i
Zac had been surprised when he emailed the town university psycho-research dept for some ideas of how to help his suicidal friend Ronard, and had received in reply an appointment to meet the head of faculty in his local - The Red Lion.
Both arrived early. Then following introductions Zac explained to renowned experimental psychiatrist Dr Travis the dilemma that had plagued Ronard for more than a year, concluding with his analysis.
“Correct, Zac” said Dr. Travis, then downed three-quarters of a pint in one gulp and stared at the far wall where hung an oil painting of a poodle.
“It's such a bloody waste of life,” Zac added, shaking his head. “All Ronard does is lay on the sofa playing stupid video games.”
“Really?” said Dr. Travis, “That’s interesting. I’ve been part of a group looking into gaming as therapy.”
“For relaxation and distraction?”
“Far more than that: complete treatment and rapid recovery. Naturally there’s scepticism and resistance from the counselling profession. It would, after all, considerably reduce their income if successful.”
“Follow the money,” said Zac with a smile.
“Too true… years with paying clients reduced to one or two sessions with a computer. It's a significant change.”
“So how does it work?”
“The client wears a VR headset connected to a high-end computer. The computer provides realistic moving imagery from a substantial catalogue. The 'operator' doesn't even need to be especially skilled, just selects appropriate imagery to enable the client to work through trauma or fears, re-establish confidence, etc. It's highly effective in all our tests; revolutionary even. Think of it as ultra-hypnosis in 3D, a totally immersive motion picture you are directing.”
“Sounds good,” said Zac. “could we try it?”
“You can.” Replied Dr Travis, “I have one of the systems at my office on trial. I’ve used it with around 20 volunteers for small evaluations so far”
“Excellent! But how the hell do I get Ronard to come along, he’s suspicions of everything?”
“Well, the offer’s open if you can persuade him. As it’s not currently a recognised treatment, there are no legal issues with me as a professional treating him this way.”
ii
Sunlight was creeping through a gap in the curtains. Zac hit the alarm-off button before it bleeped, and dashed downstairs with the deftness of someone 50-years younger. There was time for a quick breakfast on the patio and to plan his approach before Ronard would call.
It was 10am when the phone rang and a slurred distant voice said, “Do you wanna collect the washing later?”
“Hi Ronard” said Zac. “Hope you’re feeling OK today and not in pain?”
The question was met with complete silence.
“There’s something you’d be really interested in.” said Zac.
Ronard said “What,” in a drawn-out dismissive, irritated fashion.
“I met someone who’s testing video games and it sounds really interesting. He said we can come and see his set-up and try out virtual reality...”
“No!” snapped Ronard before Zac had a chance to present further details.
“Why not? This really sounds a rare chance to try something that might not be out for years.”
“Not interested!”
Zac grabbed a local newspaper from the coffee table and silently turned the pages. He soon saw an advert for the X-box with a load of games and squinted at the company names, then he saw something called ‘Activision'.
“He said it was for Activision or something like that, never heard of them so probably it's nothing much as you say.”
“No.” Ronard responded, sounding weary but interested, "They are big. I've got some of their titles.”
Zac was keen not to overstate the situation. “I’ll come round and get your washing shortly.” He said.
iii
“Why do you talk to these people” said Ronard accusingly, while Zac humped a big pile of washing down the stairs.
Zac chuckled, then said, “Dr Travis started the conversation and I just listened.”
“You don't know anything about this stuff. Who is he, where does he live?”Acting casual, Zac said, “He's only up on the ridge, pleasant enough guy. I have his number so if you change your mind let me know.”
“Tomorrow about three,” said Ronard.
Zac knew it would only have quelled Ronard’s interest to show his approval.
As the car descended Bay Tree Hill, Ronard winced and gripped the door handle. Zac was used to this. Ronard was silent; he wondered if Ronard suspected a plot. They pulled up at number 32. Ronard seemed surprisingly happy. Was it a facade, while inside he was actually in panic?
Dr. Travis was friendly and welcoming. Zac had briefed him on what not to say, but he was used to people like Ronard.
After some small talk and a cup of tea, Dr. Travis directed Ronard to a leather chair and turned on the computer.
“Try this out and let me know what you think, Ronard” he said.
“Is there a controller?” asked Ronard/
“It uses thought control,” Travis replied, “picked up by integrated metal contact studs over the temples in the headset.”
Ronard appeared confident. He settled in and slipped on the VR goggles and headphones. Zac and Dr. Travis could see what was fed to the goggles on a large screen beside the computer. Initially it showed a simple static picture of a skyscape.
“Ronard can't hear us Zac,” said Travis, “unless I press this and talk into the microphone.”
Dr. Travis pressed the button and spoke: “Ronard you will first be travelling on a train down some gently sloping tracks.”
Trevis pressed the screen, went to the catalogue, and selected a thumbnail image from hundreds of small tiles that the operator could scroll through. An image of an old steam train leapt onto the screen and started rolling down gentle sloping tracks. The point of view was from being perched on top of a pile of coal in the tender looking forward.
Travis said, “To Ronard, this is 3D and fills his entire vision, peripheral as well. What would you like to happen next Zac?”
As he spoke Dr Travis noticed some weird kind-of vibration from the VR headset, and Ronard was beginning to shake. Within seconds the vibration and shaking became violent. Dr Travis quickly reached out and grabbed Ronard as he toppled sideways. “What’s happening?” cried Zac.
“I don’t know.” Shouted Dr Travis, “It’s not supposed to do this.”
He tore the headset away as Ronard collapsed completely, sliding off the chair and onto the floor still shaking.
“What’s wrong?” yelled Zac, grabbing Ronard, trying to stop him shaking, “What did you see?”
Ronard groaned, then mumbled, “I told you I wanted to die….” He swallowed and his face contorted as if in pain, “So… so I thought… leap in front of the train... and now I’m…”
He slumped down, lifeless.
Dr Travis checked his pulse. “Nothing!” he said.
Zac turned Ronard to start a revival procedure. “So much for bloody ‘thought-control’!” he snapped, pumping Ronard’s chest.
Dr Travis and Zac spent half an hour trying to revive Ronard, then (as he began to stir) phoned for an ambulance.
THE END
