Cognitive Intrusion (Story) Part 2
The story of how technology can become..two-faced!
Malcolm Murphy is driving in his Tesla behind the Tesla Semi that is being guarded by many army vehicles on the highway. Essentially, all of Murphy’s research was being moved from a new base of operations to a military base; Area 69. When he had heard of the name two months ago as General Eobard had contracted his company “New Horizons” to successfully develop ‘cognitive intrusion,’ the research that took six painful, relentless, but exciting years, he thought the number was seen as a cursed number 60 years ago but they were way past that.
All ‘New Horizons’ had left to champion was the final stage; human trials. He hadn’t been able to establish a brain link between two or more subjects using the biofeedback headsets that connected each other. His theory was that when the subjects proceeded to go in the “patients’” subconsciousness, the mindscape would be someplace familiar to the patient. However, in theory, if you strayed over an hour in the mindscape, the subjects (the people who are going in the mindscape) would be trapped forever in that person’s mind.
The military was happy to fund the project AND give them a supply of test subjects. Malcolm tried to look at this as a win-win for both sides; the military would have an advanced way to conduct interrogation and he would be able to implement cognitive intrusion in the medical field. He thought of the greatness he could achieve with this and someone but something was nagging him. The subjects would be put in theoretical danger but he had shut the thought out by assuring himself that it would be a small price to pay and that the test subjects were criminal.
“At least they could do some good now considering what they’ve done”
After everything was unpacked in the labs, the soldiers gave a “tour” of the base to Murphy and his team.
As an end came to the tour, Murphy was back to shaking hands with General Eobard.
Behind him were soldiers that had a trio of people, wearing an orange jumpsuit. Murphy immediately realized that these were the criminals.
Then he remembered where he had seen these men. These men were responsible for the bombing of the numerous bombings in Barkley, an overpopulated city in Turnbull. These men were murderers.
For the first minute, he was alarmed and it did take some mental time to process that he was in the presence of these people. Then he remembered where he had seen these men. He knew this day would come…But he didn’t feel prepared for this. He should have.
When he entered the room, he was glad to have all the equipment ready; the chairs, a bracelet that would shock the user out of the mindscape, and the biofeedback headsets ready on the table nearby.
“Doctor, can you brief us on what you are doing today so our Privates would also be aware of.?” General Eobard spoke up behind a shadow of his team.
“Yes sir. We will be creating a brain link between these men and this will be part of Phase 1 testing. Phase 1’s primary objective is to make sure that we know what the mindscape would be for some people and figuring out how long it will take for the mindscape to collapse along with the brain link that could theoretically result in death. Is there anything I should say, General?”
I quickly realized I should have said “Sir” as that would’ve been more polite. I would curse at myself if my principles weren’t above using vulgar language to diminish myself and destroy my potential.
“Yes. You forgot to explain Phase 2. Phase 2 will be about learning how to use cognitive intrusion for interrogation purposes…”
He shot a glance at me and continued saying, “And how to revolutionize the medical field. You also forgot to declare that we are making history.”
I chuckled. This may have been the first time I heard General Eobard say something so profound. Astonishing!
Immediately I saw some Privates write in their journals writing swiftly everything I just uttered. I was able to catch a glance of what someone had written;
As soon as all the men were seated in the chairs with the headsets on, all I had to do was turn on the headsets and the brain link would be established.
The General speaks up, “This is your chance to do something good. Cooperate.”
But my conscience arrived moments early.
“Is this a good idea?” My conscience asked. And I responded, “This is the future mate. Of course.” I turn on all the headsets and I move away from them.
It takes a minute for their minds to realize then they entered the mindscape.
As a kid, I was always fascinated by the technology around him and of the future. This interest led me to birth this idea. Now I need to make sure it works.
“Why does this place look like our base of operations,” says one of the criminals.
“Agreed. This is mad freaky.” said the other criminal. The two criminals who spoke up were the criminals who entered the OTHER criminal’s mindscape. My mind was going to have a nuclear meltdown because I wasn’t able to label who was who. I named the 2 criminals, “Bad & Ugly” in my head of course and the other “Scarred.” Scarred gave off a “dark” vibe and he was scarred on his face. I think he may have committed arson but back to the test!
“This is everything from my point of view. The plans that…I made. The detonator I bought from.” Scarred spoke up.
General Eobard suddenly slammed the table and yelled, “Who did you buy the detonator from. Whoever will tell me will be rewarded.”
“His name is ɾoɥn poǝ.” Someone spoke up and I didn't see who.
I realized that the General turned the project into Phase 2 out of the blue. We were just supposed to be passive.
When the mindscape nears 50 minutes use, Ugly speaks up and says, “All I’m feeling is pain. My mind feels stuck. GET ME OUT.”
“Pull the plug!”
He and Bad started screaming and I immediately shocked their bracelets. As they entered the physical plane, they seemed disoriented. I didn’t understand why they said: “Pull the plug” when there wasn’t any…
“So never stay in the mindscape for more than an hour. Otherwise, this was a success. Per the scientific method, we need to attempt several more times and if we get the same answer of success, then Phase 1 is complete.”
