<<You're going to be late,>> Doli—Lia chided me as the chime from our door echoed in the bathroom.

"Don't rush me," I replied.

"Peyton?" a familiar voice called. "You ready yet?"

I paused, momentarily confused by the name, still not fully adjusted to my new identity, before remembering. Right. Peyton Tachim. That's me now.

I stood, pulled up my trousers, and angrily washed my hands. "Can't even use the dang toilet in peace."

<<Sorry.>>

When I exited, Kerry, no, Sorrel now, I reminded myself, had let Miss Avast into our small hallway.

"Good morning, Mr. Tachim," she said, using my new name. I'd guess calling me Mr. Smith was a big giveaway that it wasn't my name. Ah well.

"I didn't expect a personal escort," I replied, gathering the small bag Sorrel had prepared for my overnight stay. The name switch was harder than I'd expected.

"Dr. Chen insists on certain protocols for his private patients." She gestured toward the corridor. "Shall we?"

As we stepped out, she continued. "Transport is waiting for us."

"Only the best for private clients?"

"For someone of your caliber, yes."

I studied her for a moment. She had always been polite, but our circumstances were not normal; she had to be wondering about us and about her future with us.

"How long have you worked with Dr. Chen?" I asked as we boarded the private transport a few minutes later.

"Over eight years, professionally." She considered the question before answering. "But we've known each other considerably longer."

"Friends are good to have," I said.

I settled into the pod's comfortable seating, watching Cali Station's residential sectors flow past through the transparent walls. "Personal history makes for better professional partnerships, right?"

"Trust is essential in our line of work." Something in her expression softened. "Especially when dealing with clients in... unique circumstances. We all need trust and friends, both professional and... personal."

<<Is she hinting at you and Sorrel?>>

"All just friends," I replied. "Partners, we're setting up a business together."

"That's exactly what we did. We started out as friends, then business partners, then..." Her hand moved briefly to her abdomen.

A gesture so quick I might have missed it if not for the voice in my head. <<She's pregnant.>>

<<Clearly,>> I replied. <<But that explains a lot of their thought process. Higher stakes.>>

"We're actually expanding that partnership." Her smile spread to her eyes. "In about five months."

"Congratulations," I said, genuinely pleased despite everything that was going on around me, I should have felt…

"At our age, it wasn't exactly planned," she admitted. "But we're both looking forward to it. I never thought I'd want children till it happened."

Those words... I'd never thought about children either. But now... would I? Could I?

Her words hit me unexpectedly. After my ex and best friend's lies, I'd never… Then it was the whirlwind of the Academy, then survival, and then this elaborate reconstruction of identity. Would Peyton Tachim ever have that option? Could someone with my neural architecture even provide stability for a family?

<<I'm sorry,>> Lia said. <<I never…>>

<<Neither did I,>> I replied.

<<But you do?>>

The thoughts were real, the sudden longing…. I stifled my emotions, and Lia didn't ask anything else, thankfully.

Silence spread between us, and the station's various sectors flowed past—residential modules giving way to commercial districts and finally the gleaming towers of the medical sector. It showed every angle of the wonderful station.

"May I ask you something about today?" I ventured, breaking the quiet. I'd stared at the potential new face for a very long time last night. But… it wasn't sitting right. I didn't like that version of me.

"Of course." But she looked worried.

"Dr. Chen's new image of me, well—" I paused, the decision I'd reached over the past day still feeling momentous. "It's just not me. I want something more comprehensive."

Miss Avast turned to study me directly. "That would require significantly more extensive surgery. Much longer recovery time, increased risk of complications, and substantially higher cost."

"I understand that. But this is about more than just hiding. It's about entirely becoming someone new."

"May I ask why?" There was no judgment there, just curiosity.

I considered how much I should reveal about my motivations. <<Security assessment of their facility?>> I asked Lia. <<Pretty sure they'll have run some basic scans, right?>>

<<No external surveillance detected,>> she confirmed. <<Their security systems operate on isolated networks with military-grade encryption. No data breaches or unauthorized access attempts were recorded.>>

<<So we can speak freely.>>

<<Within reason, yes.>>

"Well, the neural changes have already transformed me quite substantially. My sensory experience, my memory access, my neural architecture—they're all fundamentally different now. Having a face that still resembles the old me feels... discordant. Like wearing clothes that no longer fit."

She nodded slowly. "Identity consonance. Dr. Chen has published several papers on this phenomenon. The psychological need for external appearance to align with internal changes."

"Is it possible? To go further with the surgery?"

"Technically, yes. Dr. Chen is more than capable of comprehensive facial restructuring. But he'll want to discuss the psychological implications with you directly." She paused. "For what it's worth, I understand the impulse. Sometimes a clean break is easier than constantly navigating the space between who you were and who you're becoming."

I moved to watching out the window once again, lost in thought.

The transit pod slowed as we approached the medical facility, not the main public entrance but a discreet private access point on the building's eastern face. As we disembarked, Miss Avast's professional demeanor returned fully.

"I've alerted Dr. Chen to your changes. He's waiting in the preparation room." On my frown, she added. "He'll review all options with you thoroughly before proceeding. Don't worry." She escorted me through a security checkpoint where my biometrics were scanned and confirmed against my new identity profile. "If you do choose the more extensive procedure, we have everything on hand for your recovery. We will look after you."

"Thank you," I replied. "You both make me feel comfortable enough to do this."

<<Your stats don't say comfortable,>> Lia said

Pre-Surgery Readings (Transport Pod)

Stat

Baseline Reading

Current Reading

Neural Integration Levels

~88%

~91%

Cognitive Load Index

~65%

~72%

Neural Stability

~89%

~85%

Adrenaline / Cortisol Levels

Adrenaline 1.8 / Cortisol 1.5

Adrenaline ~2.4 / Cortisol ~2.1

Implant Stress Markers

15%

23%

Psychometric Markers

3

6

Identity Consonance Index (New)

N/A

42% Significant Dysphoria

Emotional Stability

Nominal

Fluctuating

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Hand Tremor Frequency

Baseline

Elevated Pre-surgical anxiety

Neural Interface Strain

5%

18%

This time, when we reached the medical facility, we went in a different way. This was very different from the previous times. It's comfortable furnishings, were worn, and the atmosphere felt more reminiscent of a family hotel than a hospital. I realized this private wing catered to a very different clientele than the public medical sections.

Miss Avast took me to an office, and Dr. Chen greeted me at the door, waving me quickly inside. This room at least did look like the others. It was equipped with advanced holographic projectors and surgical planning systems. Not – Family Hotel.

"Are you feeling better this morning?" He grinned. "Ready to face the day?"

"Kind of, I had some—"

He brought up a detailed scan of my current facial structure.

"Yes, Miss Avast tells me you're interested in a more comprehensive transformation," he said, studying my expression. "Something beyond our original plan."

"Yes," I confirmed. I want to look completely different. Not just a variation on my original, but someone completely different."

Dr. Chen nodded, manipulating the holographic display to show alternative facial configurations. "There are several approaches we could take. Some would require more extensive reconstruction of the underlying bone structure. Others focus on soft tissue remodeling. All are within my capabilities, but the more comprehensive options involve longer recovery and adaptation periods."

He displayed a series of potential face models, each representing a different degree of transformation from my original appearance. The final option showed a face that bore almost no resemblance to Piotr Argassa. It had different bone structure, altered eye shapes, and a completely restructured nose and jaw.

"This would be the most comprehensive option," Dr. Chen explained. "Essentially creating an entirely new facial identity. Recovery would take approximately ten days instead of three, and you'd experience significant discomfort during that period."

I studied the projection, feeling strange, nervous and excited. "That's what I want. A complete break from who I was."

Dr. Chen studied me with clinical interest. "May I ask why this particular face appeals to you?"

"It feels... right," I said, struggling to think properly. "Like it matches who I'm becoming internally."

"Identity consonance," he nodded, reiterating Miss Avast's earlier comments. "It's not uncommon in cases of significant neural restructuring. The external self-adjusts to match the internal changes." He manipulated the display with two fingers, tapping here and there, making subtle adjustments to the face. "We can refine certain aspects to better align with your neural reconfiguration patterns if you'd like."

"I would, yes."

For the next twenty minutes, we discussed my reasons in more depth. Dr. Chan was thorough and eventually we moved to the actual features and modifications to my face. The holographic model evolved before me showing each tiny adjustment.

A tweak here and there and the whole feel would alter.

Finally, a face emerged that felt strangely comfortable despite being entirely unfamiliar, as though it had been designed specifically for the person I was becoming, rather than the one I had been.

"This is it," I said, a sense of certainty settling over me. "This is Peyton Tachim."

Trait Progression: Identity Fluidity Protocol – 89% ↑

Trigger: Choosing comprehensive facial reconstruction over minimal changes

Function: Complete psychological flexibility regarding identity transformation

Risk: Over-adaptation to change; loss of stable identity anchor

Dr. Chen nodded, saving the final configuration. "I'll prepare the surgical suite. Miss Avast will help you with pre-operative procedures." He paused before leaving. "This transformation you're undertaking is quite remarkable from a neural integration perspective. The willingness to align external identity with internal neural architecture shows impressive psychological adaptability."

"Hopefully, it all feels that way afterward, too," I replied.

After he departed, Miss Avast helped me change into a surgical gown, then she completed a few final medical scans. It was laborious, but thorough, and she reviewed several post-operative care protocols with me carefully before she prepared the drugs.

That's when I found my hands shaking.

"It's normal to feel apprehensive," she said as slid the needle inside the IV. "Even when the change is something you really want."

"I am ready," I assured her, though my heart rate and shakes betrayed a nervousness I hadn't consciously acknowledged.

"I know," she replied with a small smile. "But the body has its own opinions sometimes." She checked the medical monitors one final time. "Dr. Chen is the best there is. You couldn't be in better hands."

As the medication took effect, my thoughts drifted to the team waiting back at the safehouse. Ker—Sorrel, I corrected myself again, Mac, and Lev—all transformed into their new identities ahead of me. Soon I would join them, the final piece of our collective reinvention. I needed it. Now.

"Tell Dr. Chen..." I started, my words beginning to slur as the sedative deepened its hold.

"Yes?" Miss Avast prompted gently.

"Tell him thank you."

The last thing I remembered before consciousness faded was Miss Avast's quiet words, almost like a prayer. "As my grand-pappy said after my transformation, to die in one body is to rise in another, may yours fly this time, Piotr Argassa."

<<Neural patterns stabilizing,>> Lia observed as the anesthesia took hold. <<Initiating protective protocols during surgical interface dormancy.>>

And then there was nothing but peaceful darkness.

***

Recovery from such comprehensive facial surgery was a uniquely disorienting experience.

Ten hours later, I sat examining my reflection. The face looking back at me belonged to a stranger, one I would slowly learn to recognize as myself. The swelling had mostly subsided with the help of healing nanites. They were basic but adequate units here. I really needed to work out how to get those working better for him and us. It would be a good item for us to have onboard for any medical emergencies.

My stats now read -

Post-Surgery Recovery Readings

Stat

Pre-Surgery

Post-Surgery

Neural Integration Levels

~91%

~94%

Facial Proprioception Mapping (New)

0%

87% Rapid adaptation

Cognitive Load Index

~72%

~58%

Neural Stability

~85%

~92%

Adrenaline / Cortisol Levels

Adrenaline ~2.4 / Cortisol ~2.1

Adrenaline ~1.6 / Cortisol ~1.8

Implant Stress Markers

23%

8%

Psychometric Markers

6

4

Identity Consonance Index

42%

78% Significant improvement

Healing Nanite Efficiency (New)

N/A

89% Above average

Facial Tissue Integration (New)

N/A

91% Exceptional

Motor Control Pathways - Facial (New)

Baseline

87% Remapped successfully

Neural Plasticity Index (New)

N/A

96% Extraordinary adaptation

Self-Recognition Protocols (New)

100%

23% Expected dissociation

Neural Interface Strain

18%

12%

<<We have a shipment due to us this week for supplies. Dr. Chen has helped me and Sorrel select what would be more useful for our journey and has taken off what isn't.>>

I paused at the name, still getting used to thinking of Sorrel. It was taking some mental adjustment.

<<I don't even know what's been available.>>

<<Trust us; we've done a full, thorough breakdown of the ship, top to bottom.>>

<<I do trust you, all of you. You know that.>>

For now, though, as I turned my face side-to-side, the mirror revealed the true architecture of my new appearance: stronger jawline, higher cheekbones, slightly wider-set eyes now a different shade of green, and a nose that bore no resemblance whatsoever to my original one. My hairline had also been adjusted, receding slightly at the temples to create a more mature appearance. "You even gave me grey hairs?"

"No," Dr Chen said. "Those are likely from stress."

"Damn, makes me look over thirty."

"Exactly," he replied. "You look like a very different man. This is what you wanted, right?"

"It is, but... It's crazy to see it."

"It will continue to settle over the next few weeks, "he said, putting his datapad down. But the changes will be minimal from here on out. Your neural adaptation to the new facial structure is progressing exceptionally well. Lia appears to be helping the process there."

"Mapping is at 87% completion," Lia confirmed. "Motor control pathways have been successfully remapped to accommodate his new facial musculature."

I was nodding to her words still getting used to how different the movement felt. "It's very strange, kind of like my face is just longer, wider."

"That's entirely normal," Dr. Chen assured me. "The brain requires time to incorporate a new self-image. However, your neural plasticity is extraordinary. Most patients take months to fully adapt. You're already well advanced in the process."

"Some never fully reconcile with their new appearance," Sorrel added as she entered the room with Miss Avast. I caught myself almost calling her Kerry again—this name adjustment was harder than I expected. "But those are typically cases of trauma or unwanted modifications. Your situation is different—this was a conscious choice."

I met her eyes. "Was it, though? Necessity doesn't feel much like choice."

"Perhaps not," Dr. Chen conceded. "But your engagement with the process has been remarkable. Your active participation in selecting facial features suggests a level of agency many in your position wouldn't exercise."

"Are all his neural readings stable?"

"Yes," Miss Avast said. "Integration pathways show excellent connectivity. Just like yours."

"Do you remember your original face clearly?" I asked Miss Avast.

"How did you know?"

"The way you discussed recovery processes. Professional knowledge combined with personal understanding."

She hesitated momentarily before responding. "It was several years ago. Less clear in my memory now. When I try to visualize my former self, I see someone I used to know rather than someone I used to be."

"Is that comforting or disturbing?" I pressed.

"Both," she replied. "The psychological distance provides safety, but there's loss involved as well. Eventually, you develop peace with the duality."

"Now that facial reconstruction has been completed successfully," Dr. Chen interjected, bringing up the holographic display of my neural architecture, "we can resume nanite protocols for continued neural pathway optimization."

"What if I wanted to return to my original appearance?" I asked suddenly, surprising even myself with the question. "Not that I intend to, but—is reversal possible?"

Dr. Chen's expression became serious. "Technically? Yes, with extensive reconstructive surgery. Practically? No. The tissue memory has been thoroughly rewritten through nanite-assisted healing. Any attempt to recreate your previous appearance would be approximate at best, and the psychological impact of multiple identity transformations can be... problematic."

"You're Peyton Tachim now," Sorrel said, her tone gentle but firm. The name coming from her lips seemed to reinforce my own new identity. "That's not just a new face, a new life. Forward is the only viable direction."

<<She's right,>> Lia said. <<And the statistical advantage of this appearance is significant. Facial recognition systems searching for your previous biometrics will find no matches.>>

I sat in silence for a while.

"How do you feel about the results?" Dr. Chen asked, studying me carefully. "Is there something you don't like?"

I took another long look at myself, was there? "It's strange," I replied. "I don't hate it. I don't love it either. It's just... different. Functional." I paused, struggling with my words. "I suppose that's the point though, isn't it? Not to become someone I love being, but someone no one will recognize."

"Function and identity aren't mutually exclusive," Dr. Chen observed. "Many find that a new appearance opens unexpected doors to different aspects of themselves. The face we wear shapes how others respond to us, which influences our self-concept."

"Mind following face," I murmured. "Rather than the other way around."

Sorrel nodded. "It's a feedback loop. The neural adaptations necessary to integrate with your new face will subtly alter your cognitive patterns as well."

"Will I still be me?" The question escaped before I could contain it.

"Of course," Dr. Chen's expression softened slightly. "The core of who you are remains intact. Think of it as an evolution rather than a replacement. Peyton Tachim is still you, just a version adapted to new circumstances."

"Okay, what is the next part of this?"

"You've noticed our upgraded facilities," Dr. Chen remarked, catching my appraising glance at the equipment.

"Hard not to," I replied. "Why the special treatment?"

"Your case presents unique challenges," he said diplomatically. "And unique challenges require specialized resources."

"He means you're now a high-value client," Sorrel translated with a hint of amusement. I found myself smiling at how quickly she'd adapted to her new identity while I was still stumbling over names. "Premium faces get premium care."

Dr. Chen's lips twitched in what might have been a suppressed smile. "Your... friends... have made certain arrangements with me. This side of my facility offers additional security features that have become necessary."

"Meaning someone's looking for us," I concluded.

<<I haven't seen anything,>> Lia said, and I heard her bark orders to Nyx. <<Check everywhere.>>

"Let's say we're just exercising appropriate caution," Dr. Chen replied carefully. "Now I know who you were... well, I must be extra careful."

"You worked for the Brakers, didn't you?" I pressed.

Sorrel and Dr. Chen exchanged a glance before he answered. "Not directly, but for others who do, yes. This is a standard precautionary measure for clients of your... profile."

<<They're not telling us everything,>> Lia observed privately. <<Security systems in this section operate on isolated networks. Military-grade encryption on all communications.>>

"How much danger are we actually in?" I asked bluntly.

"Manageable risk," Dr. Chen replied, his tone neutral. "Nothing that should concern you unduly. Focus on your recovery—that's the priority."

"You'll let us know if anything strange is asked or comes up?"

"I will, I promise you, you are my priority now, no one else will come close. This is a business partnership I want going forward. For both me and my family."

I nodded at him. "Then let's begin phase three, then."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.