Whesto Dwanian

[Whesto]

H+ Clinic - Part 2 - Artificial Reality

"AI?" Whesto asked both himself and the H+ clinic specialist. He knew the Guildmaster had access to his own and also Guardian Taden Harrs had his, with their vessels.

"Correct, Centurion. Part of your neural upgrade is the AI assisted augmentation, it needs to be uploaded to the hardware integrated with your brain. Later on it will also integrate with the ships you fly or command".

Whesto sat down in the chair, looking over at the equipment and yet another panel with information the specialist was operating. Whesto wasn't sure what to expect and had questions, something that must have shown in his face. The specialist informed him that this particular AI is a tool, and won't take over his mind. It will assist with analysis, information, tasks, identifications and communications, in battle, among other things.

This was reassuring to some extent. "Sounds good", Whesto said. "I don't want some hostile autonomous Gammu AI in my brain". He laid back and closed his eyes by instruction from the specialist. The upload itself was uneventful, Whesto was told to sit back and relax.

"Upload complete, Centurion. Commencing boot and sync sequence now. Try to focus, it may be overwhelming and disorienting at first".

Whesto braced with anticipation but tried to stay calm and open minded. A massive influx of sensory stimulation came charging in, through Whesto's neural system, augmentations and body. He was involuntarily shaking slightly in the chair, but it was manageable. The tension and stimulation slowly eased. Whesto opened his freshly augmented eyes. Data, numbers and text started to appear in his view. Information also seeped into the back of his mind. Nothing major at the start, a peculiar experience nonetheless.

"Good, Centurion. AI integration status is a success. We will now dedicate some time to learn the essence of operating it".

For the next several hours, Whesto got to not just learn how to use the AI integration, but also his other augmentations and get a feel for his new body. He was taken to another part of the compound to move around, jump, climb, lift as well as hand-to-hand combat- and firearm practice. The more Whesto used it, the more pleased and rejuvenated he felt, his senses and reflexes now also boosted. He also got less distracted and less overloaded with impressions. This reminded him again why he was there, what had happened and his mission moving forward.

A silent rage ignited.

Whesto respected the H+ Clinic deeply, although he was now eager to be done. In the end, he was very pleased to have survived and gotten what he asked for and more. Much thanks to the Guildmaster, his Rheinland mercenary and Guardian Harrs. Not to mention the rest of Whesto's Core compatriots who had been outside in space, waging relentless war. Their fates he did not know for now.

Thinking about it filled Whesto with adrenaline and anger. A rehabilitation- and combat trainer specialist entered the hall Whesto was in.

Centurion Stella Pleiade

"Centurion Dwanian, This is Centurion Stella Pleaide, she was also in the battle, suffering similar amounts of damage, and later treatment here, as you did. You are to train together for a while before leaving. Centurion Dwanian, your new combat armor is also here for you".

Unbothered at first, Whesto turned around, at least thinking it was pleasant to see another Core compatriot again. His anger settled immediately. Centurion Pleiade stood unfaced, looking at him. Seemingly as eager to leave as Whesto was. "Hello, Centurion Dwanian. Shall we get this final augmentation calibration over with?". Stella had her combat armor on already. Whesto recognized they had suffered a similar fate, and saw some augmentations that he had gotten, like the eyes, faintly glowing in a light blue hue.

"Yes, Centurion Pleiade. Lets." Whesto said and put on his new Core armor with a faint smile.

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