<<Good morning, Captain.>> Doli's voice pulled me from my deep sleep. <<Your vital signs indicate improved neural function. How do you feel?>>

It took a moment to wake properly, the metallic taste coating my tongue, making me smack my lips together, hoping it would go, but it didn't, and I gagged. Something else was different. There was a clarity to my thoughts. I shifted position in the recovery bed, feeling a lot better, and my movements steadier.

"Better," I finally replied, carefully flexing my fingers. "Sharper. How long was I out?"

"Approximately fourteen hours," she informed me. "The others completed their surgeries successfully. As they said, Dr. Chen and Miss Avast monitored everyone through the night."

Relief washed over me, "Can I see them?"

<<Kerry has been constantly asking for you,>> she continued. <<Despite being last for surgery, she was the first to recover.>>

A soft knock came at the door as if summoned by Doli's words. It slid open to reveal a woman I almost didn't recognize until she smiled.

"Kerry?" I whispered, studying this stranger's face.

"It's me," she confirmed, her voice quite the same despite everything else having changed. She moved closer, placing a bag on the floor, allowing me to take in her transformation.

Her previously round face had been reshaped with subtle, elegant contours. Her nose was now straighter, more defined. The soft freckles that you could barely spot were gone, replaced by smooth skin, a shade paler, if that were even possible. Even her eyes were different—not just the color, which had shifted from hazel to a deeper brown, but the shape as well, now with a slight upward tilt at the corners.

"You look..." I searched for the right word and struggled.

"Different yet familiar?" she offered, sitting beside my bed. "That's what Dr. Chen promised. Change enough to fool identification systems without losing ourselves entirely."

I reached for her hand, then hesitated. Would she feel like Kerry? Was that even a thing? Kerry noticed and took my hand in hers. Her fingers felt the same against mine, warm and soft.

"How are you feeling?" she asked,

"Taste is still off. Everything's like shit," I admitted. "But physically, I feel a lot stronger and even more so coordinated."

"Dr. Chen said the nanites prioritize motor function and neural pathways essential to survival and integration. Sensory processing-like taste and smell, well, they might be... never be the same again."

Her words hung in the air. We both understood what it meant—some things would be sacrificed for others. I might never again experience food the way I once had.

Before I could dwell on this, another knock came at the door. This time, two men entered—both familiar and foreign simultaneously.

"You're awake," came the gruff voice from the taller one, and even though his look had changed considerably, I knew that voice. He had originally been quite heavy-set, with a square jaw and, though he would never admit it, a slightly receding hairline. Now, he had a thinner face, a prominent brow, and a fuller head of hair that was several shades darker than before.

Sylvk had also experienced a stunning metamorphosis. His once harsh, angular features had softened. His high cheekbones, which had given him a continuous severe face, were now less obvious, and his jawline curved nicely. His eyes remained alert, but the color had changed from pale gray to warm amber.

"This is bizarre," I replied, indicating between them. "I know it's you, but..."

"Cognitive dissonance," Sylvk said matter-of-factly, his clipped tone eerily normal. "The brain recognizes the incongruity between voice patterns and facial structures."

Rob chuckled, the familiar sound strange coming from his unfamiliar face. "Quite the transformation, isn't it? Your turn will come after you've recovered some more. You're looking a lot brighter."

"I feel it, thanks," I said.

"Dr. Chen was adamant about spacing out your procedures," Kerry added. "Otherwise, there would be too much strain."

I nodded. Waiting was frustrating but necessary. For the time being, I was trapped with my old visage as the others continued their metamorphosis.

"The profiles are complete," Sylvk declared, activating a holographic display from his wrist. "All documentation, background histories, and digital footprints have been established according to specifications."

Four detailed identity profiles were rotated, each including biographical information, career histories, credential records, and social media footprints. Each included a photo of our new faces.

"Peyton Tachim," I said aloud, testing the name that would soon become mine. "That's who I'll be."

Attribute

Value

Description

Mods

Name

Peyton Tachim

 

 

Age

24

 

 

Species

Human

 

 

Height

6'2"

 

 

Weight

186lbs

Non-Military Build

 

BMI

22

 

 

Fitness

35% (+13%)

Enhanced by nanite treatment

 

IQ

203 (+31.2%)

Cognitive processing improved

Nanite Neural Reconstruction

CAR

13.5 (+4.3)

Coordination/reaction enhanced

 

Education

Data Systems Architecture

Cover identity background

 

 

 

 

 

Endoskeleton

2 (+1)

Governs agility and movement

Hinada Prototype Tech V1 + Nanites

Mental Energy

9 (+4)

Swiftness of the mind

DOLI - nano chip + neural enhancement

Perception

4 (-3)

Senses degraded (taste -67%, smell -43%)

DOLI - CI Assistant not public

Dexterity

7 (+4)

Motor control significantly improved

Neural Link to Doli + nanites

Toughness

8 (+1)

Body and internal fortitude enhanced

Nanite reinforcement

Special Notes:

Facial reconstruction pending.

Metallic taste (340ppm copper equivalent).

Memory consolidation issues (temporary).

 

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"Sylvk, you're now Lev Vaytas," Rob said, pointing to one of the profiles. "Independent security consultant with specializations in remote systems and defensive architecture. Former military service with the Centauri Coalition."

He nodded with approval. "The military background maintains access to relevant skill sets while providing a logical explanation for my security expertise."

Attribute

Value

Description

Mods

Name

Leviticus Vaytas (Lev)

 

 

Age

26

 

 

Species

Human

 

 

Height

6'0"

 

 

Weight

245lbs

Heavy Military Muscle

 

BMI

30.8

Muscular (not fat)

 

Fitness

98%

Peak Military Fitness

 

IQ

138

Tactical intelligence

 

CAR

9.1

Combat reflexes

 

Education

Centauri Coalition Military (8.3 years)

Cover identity

 

Endoskeleton

8

Military training

 

Mental Energy

7

Focused tactical thinking

 

Perception

9

Security awareness

Advanced tactical systems

Dexterity

8

Combat precision

 

Toughness

9

Military resilience

Nanite reinforcement

Physical Changes: Angular features softened, cheekbones reduced 18%, jawline curved +12°, eyes grey → amber, overall, more approachable appearance.

"I'm Sorrel Kosta," Kerry said, examining her profile with curious detachment. "Specialized medical researcher focused on neurological rehabilitation. Born on Proxima Station, educated on Earth."

Attribute

Value

Description

Mods

Name

Sorrel Kosta

 

 

Age

22

 

 

Species

Human

 

 

Height

5'8"

Athletic Build

 

Weight

155lbs

Strong, Athletic Physique

 

BMI

23.5

Muscular/Athletic Range

 

Fitness

75%

Military/Medical professional conditioning

 

IQ

142

Medical expertise

 

CAR

8.7

Precise medical coordination

 

Education

Earth Medical Institute - Neural Interface Therapy

Cover identity

 

Endoskeleton

6

Medical training agility

 

Mental Energy

8

Sharp analytical mind

 

Perception

9

Enhanced medical observation

Medical scanner integration

Dexterity

9

Surgical precision

 

Toughness

5

Average physical resilience

Nanite reinforcement

Physical Changes: Face reshaped (12% structural changes), nose refined (+0.8mm definition), skin 2.3 shades paler, eyes hazel → brown with 7° uptilt, freckles removed.

Rob pointed to his own profile. "Mac Taves. Transportation logistics and supply chain specialist with connections throughout the outer settlements. Useful for explaining my movements between systems."

Attribute

Value

Description

Mods

Name

Mac Taves

 

 

Age

25

 

 

Species

Human

 

 

Height

5'10"

 

 

Weight

218lbs

Solid Military Build

 

BMI

27.8→23.9

Heavily Muscled

 

Fitness

92%

Military Conditioning

 

IQ

129

Logistics expertise

 

CAR

7.2

Excellent coordination

 

Education

Kellerman Freight Systems Operations

Cover identity

 

Endoskeleton

5

Average physical capability

C1 Port Upgrade – Hinada Tech Level 1

Mental Energy

7

Good planning ability

Enhanced AI - Level 10

Perception

6

Logistics awareness

Eye Implants x 2

Dexterity

6

Standard manual skills

 

Toughness

6

Average resilience

Nanite reinforcement

Physical Changes: Frame reduced 23%, prominent brow added, hair fuller and darker, face significantly thinned, most dramatic transformation of the group.

Their new identities had been crafted with meticulous care, each building on existing skills while creating plausible backgrounds that would stand up to scrutiny. More than just names and faces, these were entire lives, constructed from careful analysis of official databases, pattern recognition of normal biographical progression, and insertion of just enough imperfections to seem authentic.

"Peyton Tachim," I read from my own profile. "Former data systems architect turned independent contractor after a neural injury during a shuttle accident." The cover story explained both my interaction with Doli and any lingering neurological issues that might be seen.

"It was a good call," Doli said.

"Yours?"

"Of course, both Nexus and I helped with these. They're, as Lev says, 'bulletproof.'"

They might need to be," Rob added. "We're going all out once we're free."

"Our new profiles have been seeded across all major networks," Sylvk informed us. "Digital histories extend back approximately twelve years, with gradually increasing presence to avoid triggering anomaly detection algorithms."

"Who's responsible for these?" I asked. "They're impressively thorough."

"Sylvk arranged it all," Rob replied. "Through an associate who specializes in... identity resolution. Someone called Markov, my friend Talia. You met her. She helped with some other issues."

"Talia?" I couldn't place her.

Rob and Kerry exchanged a look.

"Short-term memory loss?" Sylvk stated though they all thought it. "Dr. Chen said that might be affected too."

I tapped the side of my head. Annoyed, but Kerry took my hand in hers again. "It's expected, things will settle."

"I hope so," I replied. "I don't want to feel inadequate."

"I doubt that," Rob added.

"All this, this must be costing...." I raised an eyebrow.

"It is," Kerry confirmed. "But Dr. Chen has covered it all, leaving us enough money to start out properly."

"Talia was helping me move funds without it being traceable, with a little help, of course."

"You're money laundering?" I asked her.

"Preposterous," Doli said, then laughed. "Only to a certain extent. Anyone looking will see all your funds move, but never to where. It will leave them very frustrated."

"Having a military-grade, smart as fuck AI--"

"Times two," I said.

"Times two gives us all the advantages."

"Well, as long as Dr. Chen isn't taking advantage...."

"We'll be tasked with some shipping for him," Doli said. "I've checked out the locations and the cargo. Trust me."

"I do," I said. "Give me a day or so, and I'll be running over everything with you, okay?"

"Deal," Doli said.

I wasn't entirely comfortable being a research subject, but the arrangement had provided us with what we needed, a fresh start, away from whatever had happened at the Academy.

"I'll forward our complete profiles to Markov," Sylvk said, making adjustments on his device. "Final verification and network integration typically requires seventy-two hours, so we're hanging out here for a few days before we can really move."

I glanced around each of them, letting their new features settle in my mind. "Hanging out sounds good. Movies and snacks?"

They all gave me the side eye, but Kerry was nodding. "That sounds perfect."

As they discussed the technical aspects of our new identities, I carefully swung my legs over the edge of the bed, testing my balance. My body responded with surprising cooperation, movements that would have been challenging just days ago were now so much easier.

"Dr. Chen says you've responded exceptionally well to the first treatment," Kerry noted, watching my movements with nothing but clinical assessment. "Better than expected, even with the sensory processing trade-offs."

Rob moved closer, lowering his voice despite the room's privacy screening. "Once you're cleared for discharge, we need to discuss next steps, especially that for the ship, we have options now, we didn't before."

"Because of Dr. Chen?"

He nodded. "I like Doli's first plan, and we do trust her, but I want us all to think about this. It will affect every move we make afterward."

I nodded, understanding the implications.

The door slid open, and Dr. Chen entered with his assistant. His clinical demeanor appeared unchanged as he reviewed my monitors, but it was clear he'd been up all night.

"Good morning," he greeted us collectively. "I see our main patient is already testing his improved motor functions. Excellent."

"The changes are remarkable," I told him honestly. "Both physically and..." I gestured to my friends' altered faces.

Dr. Chen nodded. "They've all done extremely well, though they did sneak out of their rooms before getting clearance."

Rob and Sylvk shied away, but Kerry didn't. "We're all fine, but your security systems might need an upgrade."

"I'll hold you to that," he said with a tired smile. "I had hoped for just a little more rest this morning."

"Sorry, Doc," Sylvk said.

He waved him off. "I trust you're all adjusting to your new appearances?"

"It's disorienting," Kerry admitted. "Catching my reflection unexpectedly is... startling."

"It typically lasts seven to ten days," Dr. Chen explained. "Your brain is reconciling internal self-image with new sensory input. The dissonance will gradually diminish."

Kerry hopped off the bed while he proceeded with a comprehensive assessment, testing my motor functions, cognitive processing, and neural integration with Doli's systems. The results confirmed what I already felt—significant improvement in physical capabilities and cognitive processing, alongside continued degradation of certain sensory functions.

"Your neural efficiency has improved by twelve percent since the initial treatment," Dr. Chen reported. "Physical strength measurements show a seven percent increase, with coordination and fine motor control improving by fifteen and eighteen percent, respectively. Cognitive processing speed has increased by twenty-three percent in specific domains related to spatial reasoning and pattern recognition."

The improvements were substantial, considering my condition upon arrival. Yet I couldn't help wondering what other costs might emerge as treatment continued. If taste and smell were already fading, what other sensory experiences might I lose in exchange for these gains?

"We'll proceed with the second treatment tomorrow morning," Dr. Chen continued. "Based on your response pattern, I've modified the protocol to better stabilize sensory processing pathways, though some continued degradation is likely unavoidable."

After he departed, Kerry stayed behind while Rob and Sylvk—Mac and Lev, I reminded myself, left to make arrangements for our eventual departure from the medical facility.

"You should try to eat something," Kerry suggested, gesturing to the meal tray that had been left and I'd not touched. "Even if it doesn't taste right, your body still needs it."

I grimaced at the thought, my stomach somersaulting, but I nodded.

Despite the metallic overlay that affected everything, I could still distinguish the primary characteristics of each breakfast item. Kerry encouraged me to describe them aloud, creating detailed verbal records of these experiences, the sharp sweetness of Doliman berries, the layered heat of Finnia pepper sauce, and the complex umami notes of Earth mushrooms.

"This might help preserve the sensory memories, even if the direct experience fades," she explained. "Neural pathways for memory can be reinforced through detailed verbalization."

The spicy pepper hit my tongue, and for a moment, I tasted something entirely different. Not metallic, but wrong in a different way, like my brain had momentarily cross-wired taste with another sense entirely.

<<Neural pathway cross-connection detected,>> Doli noted privately. <<Sensory input routing error.>>

I didn't mention it to Kerry. The momentary glitch passed, and I forced myself back into the pleasant rhythm of the tasting session. Laughter filled the room as I made exaggerated faces at particularly intense flavors.

As I reached for the final offering, an expensive chocolatier's creation, Kerry's tablet chimed with an incoming message.

"Dr. Chen," she reported after reading it. "Your second treatment has been approved for tomorrow morning. After that, we'll be cleared for discharge within forty-eight hours, assuming no complications."

I nodded, "Sounds good." Soon, we would leave this facility as different people, not just in appearance but in identity. Peyton, Sorrel, Mac, and Lev would step out into Cali Station, leaving behind almost everything that was Razor's Academy.

As Kerry packed away the remnants of our impromptu feast, I caught my reflection in the window overlooking Cali's artificial landscape. Still my old face, but it's soon to change. Different names and different appearances, but the same purpose would remain.

"Are you okay?" Kerry asked, noticing my distant expression.

"Just thinking," I replied. "About who we were. Who we're becoming."

"Some things don't change," she said simply, squeezing my hand.

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