Putting down the phone Natasha can only sigh. Two days ago her heart broke because her husband couldn’t stay faithful to her, even while she has been a devoted and loving wife. And today her attorney tells her she has to attend mandatory counseling before the court will hear her case for divorce. Her attorney set up the initial meeting for this morning and it went well, for the most part. Julian claimed she didn’t take care of his needs enough, with her stating he only climbs into bed at 2 in the morning after having gamed the whole night. The couples portion of the session devolved from there. Luckily stopping just before an outright shouting match asher hurt had turned into anger. The separate sessions was a lot better with Natasha giving voice to her feelings of betrayal and abandonment. Natasha walked out with a sense of peace, having said what needed to be said. Now this call. Seems the counselor has sent her and Julian an email already with recommendation for the next 30 days. Going downstairs to her husband’s gaming room she tries to operate the keyboard at the back to get into her emails, but since he is still logged in she isn’t getting anywhere. Giving up in frustration she thinks,’ Screw it, he isn’t coming back no matter what he tells the counselor or court, I am resetting this machine.’ Going ahead she flips the lid covering a little red button conveniently labeled ‘Hard Reset’. As the machine shuts down for the reset Natasha picks up the never used manual still in it’s original sealed plastic bag hanging from the bottom of the system. Tearing the package Natasha start reading, immediately realising the machine is called a Pod and not a machine. The Pod allows her to have her own virtual space, where she can check her emails and even work from apparently. Finding the instructions relatively simple Natasha climbs onto the seat provided and places the neural-link necklace and the Sensory Immersion helmet over her head. A sudden bout of claustrophobia hits her but is replaced by wonder as the is suddenly sitting on a couch in a white 20 by 20 meter big room. Working through the menu Natasha adds in a simple AI (better known as an Artificial Intelligence) that would help her in setting up her work room and also be her virtual, personal assistant. Deciding on a bit of change she instructs her AI to call her Tasha, as her father always did. She also names her AI Warrick after her fathers seldom used middle name.

Fully set up Natasha asks Warrick to read her email to her form her counselor. ‘Tasha, I have summarised the contents of the 12 page email into the relevant points, I can read the full email should you wish?’ Warrick says in the voice John Erwin from her favorite series as a child, He-Man. ‘No, please only give me the summary please, I have no time for all the legalese.’ Tasha replies thinking she will have enough legal phrases and latin inserts for the rest of her lifetime long before this mess with Julian is sorted out.‘The main requirements as set forth by Tracy the counselor is as follows; Julian must continue paying the current monthly bills which must stay within 10% of the last years average;He is not allowed any contact with the children till their return at the end of the spring break;He is also not allowed to visit the house for the same duration.

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‘That sounds great! Was not looking forward to seeing him again anytime soon.’ Natasha says as her shoulders relax for the first time in days. Having an atmosphere in her home, having to constantly watch out for Julian pitching up would not have been her idea of fun. ‘There are also the things you need to adhere to Tasha.’ Warrick interrupts her train of thought. With a sigh Tasha says, ‘Fine, fine. What do I need to do?’ Warrick continues as if there was no interruption, ‘You are required to maintain the house in it’s current state should you reconcile with Julian and -‘.‘Fat chance of that, that asshole can go and “reconcile” with his skank.’ Tasha spits out, eyes blazing at the thought of Julian in her home again.‘Further,’ Warrick continues ignoring Tasha’s outburst, ‘you are required to play for 5 hours daily on the Pod. There is a note here that says this was requested by Julian specifically, mentioning something about you understanding him better. Before you have another emotional reaction, please note the counselor was adamant this be done, starting today.’ Having a fierce internal discussion with herself Tasha agrees to the demand. ‘What game Warrick?’Warrick is silent for a full 10 seconds before saying, ‘Based on the information at my disposal I recommend “Waratar”. The game was also the one your husband was playing and it allows for venting of any aggression on your part. Setting is a war zone with specified missions, you will be handling guns which given your time on the range with your father should not be a problem. Also, you can convert credits earned in game to actual money at a exchange rate of 50:1 which given the nature of the game should be able to safely take care of your own expenses as well as your children.’

+×Sitting down on her virtual couch, one of those comfy ones where you get swollowed by the soft snuggly cushions. Thinking it over Natasha agrees with Warricks assessment on what she would enjoy. She played computer games in the distant past but gave it up when it became uncool for girls to play computer games in high school. She always liked the stealth characters that could also dish out some proper hurt up close.‘Just a side note from the game manual Tasha, the realism is intense and “as good as being there”.’ Warricks voice floats again from the white walls.Thinking back at conversations with her father Natasha recalls one spesifically. It was after her Dad saw her playing a game where she was fighting in World War II. She only realised he was standing behind her when she completed the mission and he clapped hands, almost happier than she was for completing the mission. He looked down at her with a twinkle in his eyes and said, ‘Well done Tasha, always complete the mission, always.’ She tried to ask him what he meant by that, but never got the chance again. A mudslide in the pass pushed his car over the edge, pushing the vehicle to a fall of 80 meters. The paramedics on the scene says he died instantly. Only later did she find the letters of commendation for his service in the army.Shaking her head at the bittersweet memory she says, ‘Warrick, get me a copy of the game, install it and let me know when you are done please? I am heading out to meet with a friend.’