“That was a long session, Mr. Nobel,” said Richard as Nathan exited the pod. “Is there anything I can get you?”.

  Nathan took stock of himself, feeling all the old wounds and aches that he used to be so familiar with, but which now seemed somewhat fresh again. Not to mention his lame legs. In addition, he felt a bit nauseous, and his body was shaking just a little bit. Was his heart beating too fast? Probably nothing. “Yeah, maybe you could get me a bottle of… let’s go for water.”

  “Sure thing.” Richard left the room to find the water, but kept talking from the kitchen area. “You missed one of our rehabilitation sessions, so I rescheduled that one for later today. Also, Craig Zimmerman asked that you call him back whenever it is convenient. As I understood it, he wanted to give you a heads up before the first 'Immersed' commercial hits the net.”

  While Richard had his head deep inside the fridge, Nathan managed to lift himself out of the pod and into the wheelchair next to it. “Sorry about the rehab. I was doing a quest in a mine together with a couple of others, and there was never a good time to log out.”

  “It was assumed that this would happen… fairly often, actually, so don’t worry. The game and your performance there is priority number one, but your body is important too, and we have to find time for it when we can. Perhaps tonight?”

  “I agree, and tonight should work. About Craig, I’ll give him a call after I’ve had a trip to the restroom and grabbed something to eat.”

  Later, after a long, hot shower and a sandwich, he was ready to speak with the director.

  “I’m not going to take up too much of your time, Nathan,” Craig started after the initial greetings. “I know you are working hard and appreciate what you are doing to get us what we need. I’ve seen some of the raw video that’s been processed so far, and while it’s low quality and lacks a lot of background details, you’re certainly delivering exciting stuff.”

  Nathan was a bit embarrassed. “Honestly, I’m not thinking all that much about the show. I just play the game, do what I want to do, and hope that you guys are happy with the result.”

  Craig laughed. “Well, so far it seems to be working, so just keep doing what you’re doing.”

  “Sure, no problem.”

  “Now, the reason I wanted to chat is that we will release a trailer tomorrow to reveal the show. Nothing major, as we haven't been able to prepare too many details yet, so it will just be some short clips from your first day. Your face won't be shown directly, but we can’t avoid some profile shots. Possibly enough to recognize you. Not that it matters all that much, as I imagine you’ll be an instantly recognizable in-game celebrity once the first episode goes live, no matter what. But that is then, and this is now. Anyhow, thought I’d give you a heads-up.”

  "You know,” Nathan answered a bit embarrassed,” I haven’t fully considered the celebrity angle and how that might change things. I should probably try to be a bit more incognito. Now I’m just strutting around without a care in the world.”

  “Could be smart, but not sure how much it’ll help. You’ll figure it out, I’m sure.”

  “Yeah, I suppose. How long is it until the first episode?”

  “That would be in exactly five days and one hour. It’s going to be a blast!” Craig was smiling so hard that Nathan could hear it.

  “No doubt. Let’s catch up the day before, just so I know what’s coming.”

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  “Sure thing. Until then.” Craig hung up.

  “Good news?” Richard asked, having overheard half of the conversation.

  “Hm? Well, they are releasing a trailer, and it seems I might be a celebrity by this time tomorrow, so... I don’t know,” Nathan admitted before he laughed. “Could be good, but honestly, for me, it’s probably bad. Still, too early to tell.”

  “Bound to happen sooner or later. Are you ready for some mobility training, or do you need some rest first?”

  Nathan didn’t feel all that great, but figured it was better to get it over with. “Let’s do it!”

  The next hour was spent in the gym, going through a bunch of different exercises designed to help stimulate Nathan’s legs. Richard explained that while the goal was to achieve feeling and potentially also some movement, this was something that would take a long time – probably years – if at all possible. They went through a bunch of core exercises, some bending and stretching, and also some chiropractic tricks.

  Nathan had at one point in his past been the subject of a long and excruciating torture session. He’d been shot more than once and even stabbed. Despite that, he had to admit to himself that on the pain scale, this was up there - in the parts where he could feel something, at least. Either that, or he was getting soft. Probably a bit of both.

  “This was good,” said Richard when he finally allowed Nathan some rest. “You are... not in great shape, but you’re putting in some good effort, and that is the most important thing at this early stage. If you don’t believe it is possible, it certainly isn't. Continue like this, and I am certain we’ll see some progress eventually. Since this is the first time, I’ll allow you to rest tomorrow, but pretty soon this will be a daily thing.”

  “Looking forward to it,” Nathan lied. He crawled over to his wheelchair with the little strength he had left and struggled to lift himself. “Ah, I could go for a drink right about now. Do you know if there is any whisky around? Or gin? Perhaps we need to stock up? Can’t go down to the pub every day. Are there any pubs here, by the way?”

  “Ah...” Richard said uncertainly. “No pubs out here, I’m afraid.”

  “Figures,” Nathan scoffed. “Guess you need to do some shopping, then.”

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you with that.”

  Nathan was confused. “What? I thought that was why you were here? Help me with groceries and such.”

  “Groceries, yes. ‘And such’, not so much.” He sighed. “Listen, I don’t know the reason for this, but I have been instructed in no uncertain terms not to, under any circumstance, help you obtain alcohol. Or drugs. I was told I would be fired. I was hoping you’d been told.”

  “What the fuck? Who said that? John? Is this some sick joke? That motherfucker!” Nathan couldn’t believe it. Here he’d traveled halfway around the world to help, and they didn’t allow him a lousy drink? “Isn’t this supposed to be a free fucking country?”

  “As I understand it, you are free to go to a bar or buy whatever you want. Neither I nor any of the others have any intention of stopping you. We just aren't allowed to help.” Richard hesitated for a second. “This was a new instruction that was added on after you arrived. I don’t know more than that.”

  “What the fuck are you good for then?” Nathan could feel a headache coming and started to massage his temples. “Just get out.”

  Richard nodded sadly. “I will come by early tomorrow...”

  “No,” Nathan interrupted, “I won’t need your help tomorrow.”

  “Are you sure? I think...”

  “JUST GET THE FUCK OUT!” Nathan yelled; all traces of civility lost.

  Richard was rocked backwards. He hesitated as if to say something before he nodded to himself, packed his things, and left.

  Nathan just sat there for a moment, considering his options. After a while, he started for the door himself, intending to find the closest watering hole – with or without help – but his body wasn’t cooperating and everything was much more difficult than it should be. Not only was he tired, but the shivers from earlier had become even more severe.

  He thought about getting some more food before leaving and started back towards the kitchen, but halfway there, he realized that he didn’t have an appetite. He felt indecisive about what to do. His head was spinning, and it was difficult to structure his thoughts. Eventually, he realized that he was still in his gym outfit and in need of a shower, but at that point, he was so tired that he gave up. Reluctantly, he managed to roll his way to the bedroom, where he promptly collapsed on the bed.

  Even so, tired as he was, it was a restless sleep.