At home
My body begged for comfort in the darkness. I switched on only a holocandle, crackling softly.
I received a reminder from Takashi: the selunary research meeting with the GMC and ARGOS (Advanced Regulation for Global Operating Systems).
S-2878 • L3 Sintoluna • D14 Irrali
"Sintoluna raises the song of the world. Irrali radiates silver in gold. The air becomes a guide to encounter. The story weaves luminous presence."
I connected virtually, as did the ministers of the dominant cities.
Holograms floated, projecting faces in high definition. The interface, impeccable.
The ministers from London, the Tenth City, and Sydney, the Fifth, were the warmest and most receptive. Those from Tokyo, the Ninth, and Dubai, the Third, were the strictest and most uncompromising.
Beyond them, an additional presence: the ARGOS representative. In the upper corner of the interface, the static hologram of Chief Auditor Markus Anselm, from ARGOS's Nanotechnology Regulation Division (NRD-ARGOS).
Upright posture. Eyes of a surgical blue. A face as impassive as an automaton's. ARGOS merely oversaw the voting. Yet its observations could be decisive.
Hideaki began the meeting. "Welcome to our eleventh selunary meeting. Study No. 267-45, Project Jaburu, conducted by Dr. Akiko Akiyama in São Paulo. CogniSynth is connected to living humans. Its purpose is to view, analyze, access, and record memories." Her voice calm. Formal.
Her gaze passed over each of us. "First, Akiyama will discuss the research's current stage. Then we will open the vote. All in agreement?"
A unanimous yes reverberated through the virtual room.
"You may begin, Akiyama."
I took a deep breath and began. Explained the advances. Despite having recently lost a patient, I highlighted the promising results. A 230% increase in new neuron formation. A 30% reduction in the neuronal death rate.
I mentioned the side effects: vomiting, dehydration, loss of movement, speech difficulties, and reduced concentration.
I shared the documents over the network.
Hideaki nodded, satisfied. "Very good, Akiyama. I'll review the files carefully. I'm pleased with the results. I vote for CogniSynth's continuation. Ministers, I now turn the vote over to you."
The votes appeared beneath the holograms. When Tokyo and Dubai voted against it, a chill ran down my spine. Predictable, but even so, something inside me tightened. They could draw others along with them. I needed to breathe deeply to avoid showing tension.
"Dr. Mahara Al-Amin, Minister of Dubai, you have the floor."
She tilted her head. Sharp eyes gleaming with disdain. "I'll send my observations over the network. Nothing further." Screen off.
My hands sweated. Short breaths.
"Dr. Hidetaka Yamamoto. You have the floor." Calm. Fingers tapping on the desk. An irritating rhythm. "The positive results are interesting. But… how are the adverse effects being treated?"
I swallowed hard. "A multidisciplinary team provides treatment: physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, nerve blocks, and functional nanoelectrical stimulation." My voice firm. A meticulous answer.
"Medication is administered for severe symptoms: loss of speech, vomiting, dehydration. Stem cells are used for regeneration, alongside constant psychological and emotional support. We'll resort to nanomedicine only as a last resort, given the continuous connection to the nanites."
Yamamoto nodded. A critical gaze. "All right. I'll analyze the documents and send my observations. I look forward to our next meeting."
Agent Anselm finally spoke. His voice was calculated and practical. "Dr. Akiyama, ARGOS will review your technical report. The Technological Safety Committee will assess the long-cycle impact of continuous connection to nanites. If necessary, additional containment protocols will be imposed."
Containment. A euphemism for total restriction.
I took a deep breath. "Of course, Auditor Anselm. I'm available for any clarification."
Anselm nodded with a clinical gaze. ARGOS watched things run their course, but if it decided to intervene, it was unstoppable. Anselm stared at me for a second longer than necessary. His clinical gaze, unwavering. No further words were needed.
CogniSynth's fate might already be sealed. I just still needed to find out how.
Hideaki cleared her throat. "The vote was eight to two in favor of continuation. Until next time. I declare this meeting adjourned."
One by one, the holoprojections switched off.
The tension in my chest finally hit me. My head throbbed. I let out a long sigh and sank into the chair. "Ah, Takashi… what a day."
He placed a chocolate on the desk. "Doctor, you know what this means, right?"