“No. We’re currently working with Mercedes to integrate the thermal imaging and night vision into their cars. The targeting system, that particular outline enhancement algorithm, and the chlorophyll overlay will be exclusive.”

“So it’s the helmet cam that makes this work,” Pedersen said. “Not my eyes.”

“For the most part, yes. We can process the pixels the human eye brings in, but we can’t create capability that isn’t there, like light amplification or thermal.”

“What about the rear-facing camera?” Smith said. “I noticed there’s one included in the helmet.”

“That’s actually just an artifact of earlier research. You might find it interesting, though.” He tapped a few commands into the laptop and suddenly Smith’s vision went to a full wraparound view. Bailer grabbed both him and Pedersen by the backs of their shirts, steadying them as both nearly fell.

“Some insects handle this view very well, but the human brain can’t seem to assimilate it.”

He returned to the laptops and Smith’s vision went back to forward only. A significant improvement as far as he was concerned.

“We experimented with a semi-transparent rear view similar to a car backup camera, but then abandoned it when we discovered we could generate sensations. Let’s assume that you have two of your own men behind you, one right and one left.”

A pleasant warmth suddenly spread across the back of Smith’s shoulders.

“Now let’s say someone unidentified appears behind you.”

He felt a sharp prick near his spine.

“There are a lot more possibilities,” Bailer said, bringing up the lights and reverting their vision to normal. “Itching, cold, tingling. Each could mean something different. But that’s up to you and your people.”

“What if someone gets ahold of one from a dead soldier?” Smith said as they removed their helmets and placed them on the table.

“Every brain is unique in the way it communicates with the system, which is why you had to do the initial setup. It would be incredibly disorienting to try to use someone else’s unit. Of course, you could set up another layer of security through your military network if it makes you more comfortable, but it would be redundant.”

Smith played with toggling through the various icons in his peripheral vision as he listened. He stumbled on one that made his vision zoom in on the tank in front of him and nearly pitched forward over the table.

“So, Dr. Smith? What do you think of our system?”

He didn’t answer immediately. The truth was that it was the most fascinating and promising technology he’d ever seen. On the other hand, when something looked too good to be true, it usually was.

“I’m honestly not sure. Ceding so much control to Dr. Dresner doesn’t excite me.”

“Understandable, but unavoidable.”

“And in some ways, it makes me think of da Vinci’s military designs.”

“Interesting. How so?”

“Great on paper, but not so practical when you’re standing knee-deep in the mud with people shooting at you.”

15

Hamgyong-Namdo Province
North Korea