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.

END OF PLAY


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