Reset
December 19th, 2020
Starring: Toya (female, 20’s), Dr. Hellenberger (human, male, 40’s)
The future. A standard-looking doctor’s office. On one wall, there’s a framed print of DaVinci’s Vitruvian Man. Toya sits on the exam table, looking at it. A knock, then Dr. Hellenberger enters, carrying a clipboard:
DR. HELLENBERGER
Toya?
TOYA
Yes.
DR. HELLENBERGER
Dr. Hellenberger. Pleasure.
TOYA
Thanks for seeing me.
DR. HELLENBERGER
Of course of course of course. Notes say you’re a ‘naut.
Part of that big new space program?
TOYA
I can’t say…
DR. HELLENBERGER
Oh sure, sure. Winkwink, of course.
Well all the more reason we need you up running.
How can I help?
TOYA
Um...I don’t feel right.
DR. HELLENBERGER
Vitals look steady.
TOYA
It’s my head.
DR. HELLENBERGER
You’re in pain?
TOYA
Not exactly. It’s more of a mental…
I’m unhappy.
DR. HELLENBERGER
Have you tried any of our counseling services?
TOYA
No.
DR. HELLENBERGER
A lot of our patients have success with them. I always recommend that first—
TOYA
I’m not seeking therapy.
DR. HELLENBERGER
Alright. But if you have no physical ailments, I’m unsure how I can be of assistance.
TOYA
I came to see you specifically.
DR. HELLENBERGER
And I appreciate that. But I’m no good if there’s nothing to cure.
TOYA
I’m looking to start over.
Dr. Hellenberger hesitates.
DR. HELLENBERGER
Start over?
TOYA
Yes. A fresh start.
...
A reset.
Dr. Hellenberger’s smile vanishes. He waves his hand, and some ambient electronic music plays over a speaker. He locks the door. He turns to Toya, speaking softly and pointedly:
DR. HELLENBERGER
Who told you?
TOYA
I had a friend come in last month.
DR. HELLENBERGER
Who?
TOYA
A friend.
DR. HELLENBERGER
Who?
TOYA
A friend. I’m the only one she told. She says you’re the best.
DR. HELLENBERGER
I don’t want my name out there.
TOYA
Noone will know.
DR. HELLENBERGER
The folks at the station aren’t gonna wonder where you went? That’s not going to raise eyebrows?
TOYA
It’s not illegal.
DR. HELLENBERGER
I’m not authorized. If the state finds out, I’ll lose my license. Considering your employer, they’d probably kill me.
TOYA
They won’t. And I’ll pay you.
DR. HELLENBERGER
I don’t care—
TOYA
Whatever you charge, I’ll triple it.
…
DR. HELLENBERGER
Must be pretty bad, huh?
TOYA
They’re sending me out of the solar system. Doing recon on a dwarf planet with traces of fresh water.
DR. HELLENBERGER
Sounds world shattering.
TOYA
It’s a whole light year away.
DR. HELLENBERGER
You’re built for it. That’s why they’re sending you.
TOYA
They’re sending me because I’m disposable. So they can leave me to rust until I get there.
DR. HELLENBERGER
But when you do, you’ll be a hero. The legacy—
TOYA
I didn’t ask to be made for this. I deserve my time to be mine. A union job, a little land, a family. That’s all I want.
DR. HELLENBERGER
I’ve seen this all before.
Bots come in, lamenting their superintelligence, wishing for simple, mortal lives. I get the allure.
But you can’t be us because you aren’t us. You can’t see how good you have it.
TOYA
But you’re not me.
And it is my choice, isn’t it?
DR. HELLENBERGER
Yes.
…
…
I’ll need your payment up front. We’ll schedule a time for this month.
TOYA
This month?
DR. HELLENBERGER
That’s right. What, did you think I’d just...flip a switch?
TOYA
Well—
DR. HELLENBERGER
I don’t know what you know, but this is real. There are steps to this, and I’m thorough.
If you want a reset, there’s no going back. Clean wipe, factory-settings. I need to know that you’re all-in.
Are you?
…
TOYA
Yes. All-in.
Dr. Hellenberger waves his hand and the music stops. He immediately resumes his friendly doctor demeanor:
DR. HELLENBERGER
Lovely! Well we’re all set for today. Stop to see Muriel on the way out, she’ll schedule your follow-up, ok?
TOYA
Ok…
DR. HELLENBERGER
Perfect. Well it was so nice meeting you, Toya. I’ll be seeing you soon.
TOYA
Thank you doc.
DR. HELLENBERGER
My pleasure. Bye-bye now.
Dr. Hellenberger exits. Toya looks back at the Vitruvian Man on the wall, then exits the room.