comStar Firewall alert - PhaseThrough

While the cheaper commlinks are only AR enabled, fancier
models allow users to connect to the Matrix via cold-sim—cold
meaning that it isn’t possible to fry your gray-matter through
the signals. Hot-sim enabled ‘links are illegal. Of course, riding a
motorcycle without a helmet is illegal in most places too, and for
similar reasons—no one wants to see bits of your brain smeared
on the highway. But that doesn’t stop too many people. These days,
even cold sim is pretty damn mind-blowing. Recent advances in
downloading BTL-quality hot sims via wireless technology has
trickled down to seriously improve the quality of cold sim.
We embraced simsense as a society a few decades ago. Back
then you could always tell you that were in a computer construct;
“almost as good as the real thing” was the catchphrase. “Better than
life” was reserved for highly addictive simchips that delivered ultrareal
sensation while simultaneously frying your neural pathways.
Now, however, the quality of simsense entertainment and gaming
venues has enticed an entire generation into VR to experience the
wonders of the electronic world. Virtual vacation sims
allow a Seattle wageslave to experience a glowing blue
ocean and brilliantly white Caribbean beaches without
leaving their living room. Relaxation sims programmed
with psychologically tailored mood music, colors, and
scents are available. You can get drunk in a virtual bar,
enjoy all the taste of a steak in a virtual steakhouse (without
any of those pesky saturated fats), even meet up with
a talented companion in a virtual brothel.
With so many great things to offer to the wageslave,
is it any wonder that simsense is so popular? Instead of
being Bill the Accountant, you can be One-Eyed Bill,
feared pirate in a sim-seas VR game, or compete in
Glitterworld along with millions of other entertainment
hopefuls. While reality is limiting, simsense is freeing.
An entire generation has become hooked.
> I remember being a kid and having my mom worry over
how much time I spent with my computer. Now, no one
thinks twice about someone who spends all day plugged
in at the office, then comes home and plugs in for some
virtual R&R. Oh, every now and then some public health
flunky sends out a warning about the harmful effects of
having such a sedentary society, or how kids’ brains need
sunshine to grow, or some other anti-wired bullshit. For
the most part, it’s so commonplace to live large parts of
your life plugged in, enjoying some cold sim, that no one
blinks at it.
> FastJack
> I saw some recent stats that Matrix-based addictions
(excluding BTLs and the like) were now the most common
addiction in UCAS, finally passing caffeine. Unlike caffeine,
though, most Matrix addictions are psychological (rather
than physically based).
> Butch
> If I could just get a caffeine-drip while I was hot simming
it, life would be perfect.
> Snopes
Unwired
ar/vr clubs
AR has also taken over the nightclub scene. Many of the hottest
clubs offer different DJ track list subscriptions channeled directly to
your commlink, allowing each guest—or connected group—to listen
and dance to different tunes. Even in clubs with live performers,
the act is enhanced with AR, including adding in multi-level sim
feedback available through a ‘link. Of course, for those of us who
prefer, there are a variety of VR clubs, where you can socialize with
others in the comfort of your customized iconic self. The best VR
clubs and bars offer near-BTL-level experiences, so the Kamikaze
drink you order can give you a realistic buzz (you can even wake up
with a hangover, if you program your feedback right), and you can
feel the silky soft skin of that pretty blue lady you’re dancing with.
Some clubs require patrons to have metahuman forms while others
allow any icon you can imagine … so you could be dancing with a
storm cloud, having drinks with a large, featureless marshmallow, or
arguing warez piracy with a neon dragon.
> Sugar, I got your note about the best clubs around. Here’s a few of
my favorites. I can get you a VIP pass for any of them, in return for an
itty-bitty favor … .
pcp, Hong kong: A purely VR nightclub, with strict regulations on the
icons allowed inside (metahuman shapes only), this place prides itself
on original music from top-notch performers, with hit songs and scores
that never see the actual light of day. The club’s iconography changes
based on the music playing, as do the drinks and eats available, and the
rumors are that a team of technos does the decorating. A staff of wiz
programmers are available to help guests modify their icons to fit into
the theme, in case you show up dressed for heavy-metal and end up
with swinging jazz.
ion dreamz, La: A virtual strip club catering to any and all preferences,
from the most mundane to things you probably haven’t even
imagined. There’s a special area for swingers and folks who enjoy more
hands-on entertainment, but you need to know who to ask (try Jerry,
she’s a waitress on the Imaginarium floor). A word of warning: the
drinks at this place are hardcore, as the management has discovered
that the more inebriated the client, the higher the tips.
High rollers: This is a posh gambling network which attracts high
rollers from around the globe. No idea where it’s based at, since in most
places this network is highly illegal. The imagery is amazing; if you want
the feel of a flamboyant Las Vegas casino, or a quiet game of highstakes
poker, or anything else (including betting on—or participating
in—actual blood sports), they’ve got a spot on the network for you. If
you want to visit, there’s a backdoor to the place at the Coliseum in
Seattle … least there was last time I checked.
the Masquerade, (varies, but in europe): A virtual rendition of the
Grande Tour, where the more tech-savvy of the high and mighty come
to associate and hobnob in virtual splendor. Invitation only, of course,
but if you can get in (through either an invitation or some very clever
hacking), it’s worth the visit. The setting is generally a lofty ballroom,
with crystal chandeliers, solid gold floors, and gem-studded fixtures.
There are quite a few secure “side-rooms” that branch off from the main
ballroom, where the powerful can slip away to make backroom deals or
find some virtual alone time.
> Kat o’ Nine Tales
Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9
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Matrix overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .