In space, Anya has concluded. She has identified what the signal does. It is a hacking signal that finds any VR set and uploads a Space Corp NPC into the game. In every game, the NPC contacts the players and invites them to visit Space Corp and enroll in space missions. They learn how to fly a rocket and how to operate space probes. Every time they harvest resources, they are rewarded with generous endorphins. They feel extremely happy and become dependent.
Anya is shocked by her discovery. She realizes that Space Corp is using VR to create an army of addicted and dependent space workers. She also realizes that Toby is in danger. He is a special kid, and Space Corp will want to use him.
Anya: Jax, I have some news.
Jax: What is it, Anya?
Anya: I've figured out what the signal is.
Jax: What is it?
Anya: It's a hacking signal. It's finding VR sets and uploading a Space Corp NPC into the game.
Jax: What? Why would they do that?
Anya: I don't know. But I think they're using VR to create an army of addicted and dependent space workers.
Jax: Wow. That's messed up.
Anya: It is. And I'm worried about Toby. He's a special kid, and Space Corp will want to use him.
Jax: We have to stop them.
Anya: I know. But how? We're alone in space, and we don't have any resources.
Jax: I don't know. But we'll figure it out.
Anya: We have to.
Jax: Okay. Let's think.
Anya and Jax sit in silence for a few minutes, trying to think of a way to stop Space Corp.
Anya: (To Jax) I have an idea.
Jax: What is it?
Anya: We can hack into Space Corp's VR system and shut it down.
Jax: But how? We're not hackers.
Anya: I am. I can guide you through it.
Jax: Okay. Let's do it.
Anya and Jax start to work on hacking into Space Corp's VR system.
They know that it is a dangerous task, but they are determined to save Toby and stop Space Corp.
Anya to Jax: It's tricky. The only way to hack the system is to use VR sets ourselves. We have to enter VR together and find a virtual console. We have to impersonate Space Corp agents and hack the system from inside the VR. But we don't have VR sets. Let's hope we find them at the repair station.
Jax: That's a risk, but it's our only chance. If we can get our hands on some VR sets, I can help you hack the system. I'm a pretty good programmer, myself.
Anya: Great. I'm sure we can find some VR sets at the repair station. It's a major Space Corp facility, after all.
Jax: Good. Then let's get this show on the road.
Anya and Jax continue to fly towards the repair station, determined to hack into Space Corp's VR system and save Toby.
They know that it is a dangerous mission, but they are willing to do whatever it takes.
Anya to Jax: Mark, the VR set is very strong. It's possible we're hit by endorphins and become addicted ourselves, so we need to find a way to resist. The VR will make us happy.
Jax: That's a good point. I've heard stories about people getting addicted to VR and losing touch with reality altogether.
Anya: We can't afford to let that happen. We have to stay focused on our mission.
Jax: So, how do we resist the endorphins?
Anya: I don't know yet. But we'll figure it out. We have to.
Anya and Jax continue to think about how to resist the endorphins of the VR set. They know that it is important to stay focused on their mission, but they also know that the VR set will be very seductive.
They need to find a way to balance the two.
Jax: (To Anya) Maybe we can try to limit our exposure to the VR set. We could only use it for short periods, and then take breaks.
Anya: That's a good idea. We could also try to find a way to distract ourselves from the VR set when we're not using it. We could read, talk to each other, or do other activities that we enjoy.
Jax: Yeah, that could help.
Anya and Jax continue to discuss ways to resist the endorphins of the VR set. They know that it is important to be prepared, and they want to do everything they can to ensure their success.
Same day, later.
ANYA and JAX are sitting in the cockpit, looking out at the stars.
JAX We need to find a way to become happy fast.
ANYA What do you mean?
JAX Well, we're still a long way from the repair station, and if we don't find a way to boost our endorphins, we're going to get addicted to the VR headset.
ANYA (surprised) But how? We're in space. There's nothing to do here.
JAX I don't know. But we have to figure something out.
The two of them brainstormed ideas for how to become happy fast.
ANYA We could try to tell each other jokes.
JAX Good idea. But we'll need to come up with some really good jokes, because otherwise we're just going to get even more depressed.
ANYA We could try to sing songs.
JAX I'm a terrible singer.
ANYA Me too.
JAX We could try to play games.
ANYA What kind of games?
JAX I don't know. Rock-paper-scissors?
ANYA That's not a very exciting game.
JAX I know. But it's all we have.
The two of them continue to brainstorm ideas, but they can't seem to come up with anything that they both agree on.
ANYA I'm starting to think that there's no way to become happy fast in space.
JAX Maybe you're right. But we have to keep trying.
ANYA I agree. We can't just give up.
The two of them continue to brainstorm ideas, but they're starting to lose hope.
Suddenly, Anya has an idea.
ANYA I've got it!
JAX What?
ANYA We can kiss each other.
JAX (surprised) Kiss each other?
ANYA Yes. It's a scientifically proven fact that kissing releases endorphins. And endorphins make us happy.
JAX (smiles) I like the sound of that.
Anya and Jax lean in and kiss. It's a long, passionate kiss that makes them both feel happy and alive.
When they finally break apart, they look into each other's eyes and smile.
ANYA I think we've found our solution.
JAX Me too.
They kiss again, this time even more passionately than before.
And they continue to kiss until they reach the repair station.
And when they do, they are both happier than they have ever been before.
To be continued... how are Anya and Jax going to escape?