The right-hand wall behind the head of the bed was completely covered in instrumentation, readout screens and medical apparatus, only some of which Wang recognized. There was a small L-shaped desk in the corner that met the glass wall. A man in a white coat was seated there. He watched them with some interest but did not rise to greet them as they entered. To the right of the door was a conversation seating arrangement consisting of a large couch, several overstuffed chairs and a round table. Left of the door was a small kitchenette that ran along the wall to a closed door that probably led to a restroom. The balance of the left-hand wall was taken up by a massive Digim/Holo screen. Holo projectors hung from the ceiling in each upper corner of the room. The back of the bed was raised; the knees slightly up in the classic recliner position. The emaciated man in the bed was Thomas Wellman. He wore a hospital gown and a close fitting white skullcap; several sensors were taped to his arms. To the left side of the bed stood a small rolling table holding a silvery helmet with two heavy cables leading back to an apparatus on the wall. Standing on the right side, by the head of the bed, was a very beautiful young woman. She was dressed in a simple Chinese dress of maroon silk. She was tall and exotic with long dark hair adorned with a single white flower above her left ear. Her skin was flawless; her lips soft and full with no artificial color. Her eyes beneath the epicanthic folds were startlingly green. She appeared to be Hawaiian or perhaps of mixed race (as the Hawaiians of his childhood would have said, ‘hapa-haole’). She seemed to shimmer slightly and Wang realized she was, in fact, a hologram. Wang stepped forward, extended his hand to Wellman and said, “I am Paul Wang. I believe we met briefly some years ago. This is my Digim/Holo man Tony Naughton. Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Wellman.”
“It’s Tom, if you please.” Wellman’s grip was firm and his eyes were bright. “I certainly recognize you from your news broadcasts, Paul. Pleased to meet you Tony. Thank you both for coming today. I believe you have already met my ‘nurse’, Dr. Madelyn Chapman and the gentleman at the desk is Dr. Maynard Block. This lovely virtual lady is Laiinet. Tony, Maynard will help you get your equipment set up so we can get started.”
“Thank you, Mr… ah… Tom. Pleased to meet you all. Tom, we didn’t know you were ill, is this not a good time?”
“Oh, I’m perfectly fine for a dying man, Paul. I am in the terminal stage of metastasized pancreatic cancer but I’m doing quite well today. We can explain all of this medical business during the interview if need be; but that’s not really why I’ve asked you here. Tony, you really may go ahead and set up.”
“Thank you, Tom. Pleased to meet you Dr. Chapman, Ms. Laiinet and Dr. Block. Where do I set up?”
Block stood and swept an arm towards his desk, “Tony, you can just call me Maynard. You can use my desk I won’t need it while you’re here. There’s power and a place to work. We’ll tie you into the room’s systems. You will find them quite up-to-date and complete. Tom, we will be a few minutes getting our act together over here.”
“Thanks, Maynard. Paul, Laiinet and I can use a little time to get acquainted before we start. Maddie, you can continue your prep, just butt in if you need something.”