Transcend Ch 1

I have always believed in the system, after all, I helped create it. A person lives their life until the age of 60, and then they transition to a paradise created with virtual reality. Their consciousness goes on inside a computer, but their physical body expires.

When I invented the system, I thought it was the answer to all the world's problems. Overpopulation is no longer a problem. Grief is a thing of the past, as loved ones can simply log into the system and meet with the virtual version of their deceased beloved at any time. Dying is no longer painful, and it is no longer the end. I created the perfect world.

Yet, now as I sit outside Dr. Harper's office awaiting my transition counseling, I feel a weight on my chest. My heart is racing. I am writing this simply to keep myself occupied so I do not vomit on the beautiful hardwood floor I paid to have installed throughout the lab last year.

There is no way to deny this feeling. I am afraid. What a hypocrite, you must be thinking. That is OK. I have been thinking the same. I should have no doubts. I have spent my life helping others transition to a virtual paradise.

Yet, sitting here about to take the trip myself I do have questions. Do I actually want my consciousness to go on for eternity? Won't life at some point become mundane in a virtual reality where all needs and wants are met? Will I know that I am but a computer program? Will I feel the moment my physical form separates from my consciousness and takes its last breath?

Dr. Harper is the top counselor in our facility and has never failed to give a patient peace before their transition. I knew the first time I met him he was the best counselor for this project. It was 20 years ago when that 23-year-old kid fresh out of college had walked into my lab full of ambition. He hasn't let me down yet, but I suspect today will be the day.

Dr. Harper is used to patients who tell them their fears. I, however, cannot tell him that I am petrified of the very thing I created. I can't look him in the eyes and admit I have had him sell thousands of scared patients on the idea of an eternity I myself am not certain I want. I will have to lie and pretend I am excited to make my journey to the paradise of my own creation.

Besides, any leak to the media that I had doubts would be devastating to Transcend. The company had enough controversy from the religious holdouts already. Emily Bower, founder, CEO, and face of Transcend cannot have doubts. That would be the end of the multibillion-dollar company I gave my life to create. I won't do that. Lying is the only option.

Admittedly, that would be a lot easier to do convincingly if my palms would stop sweating, my knees would quit shaking, and I could sit still. I will of course have to destroy this document before my transition. No one must ever see this feeble attempt to keep calm.

I hear papers rustling inside Dr. Harper's office now. He must be looking over my file. In a few moments, he will appear at the door. We will have a 4-hour session. Then, 24 hours later I will die. I will die!!! What an absolutely terrifying thought. It doesn't help to know that my mind will go on. I will be dead, and I will have walked into the slaughterhouse willingly. I built the slaughterhouse!! This is absurd!!