4
Five months later.
“Are you sure she is ready for this, doctor?” the nurse asked. “Aria has only been stable for two days.”
“I’m sure,” Lin Roth answered. She hated referring to her ‘patients’ by name. It humanized them and she didn’t see them as people once they were in her project. In her mind, they were tools to further her research, career, and to pad her bank account. “The implant and nanomachines have healed all the subject’s internal damage. The subject’s bones have been healed and strengthened. Even the new internal alterations have been done.”
“Yes, but you’re proposing some… unique changes even beyond the other subjects.”
“True, but we’ve already made the most radical changes to her internal structure, and she lived through it. I had doubted she would survive those. Besides, repairing her external injuries will be the perfect time to make the necessary physical alterations,” Lin countered. “If you’re having second thoughts about what we’re doing, I can arrange for you to depart the project.”
“No! No, that won’t be necessary,” the nurse quickly said. “I… I just felt it was my duty to consider Aria’s welfare and health.”
“Noted. Now, let’s get to work.”
*
“How is she Dr Roth?” Piper asked over the phone a week later.
“Recovering. All the previous surgeries have been a success,” Lin happily answered. “And that includes the burn treatments.”
“Skin grafts?”
“No. Nothing so crude. We used nanomachines to stimulate new subdermal tissue growth.”
“Uh… you used microscopic robots to regrow her skin?”
“Exactly,” Lin replied. “This treatment has been so successful that the company will start offering it to burn centers around the country starting next week.”
The scientist smiled. Her profit shares should be astronomical and that didn’t even count what the rest of the subject’s recovery would net her.
“Does that mean Aria looks like her old self?” Piper asked, bringing Lin back to the unwanted conversation.
“Not exactly.”
“What do you mean?”
“She has undergone a few changes, and we still need to replace her eyes,” Lin answered. “Unfortunately, her new eye color will be different.”
“What? Why?” Piper asked.
“Her eyes or the changes as a whole?” Lin asked, barely keeping the frustration out of her voice. She tried to focus her thoughts on what the ‘beauty treatment’ would mean for herself and her bank accounts.
“Both,” Piper answered.
“Alright,” Lin said, taking a calming breath. “From the pictures I’ve seen, the patient, er, I mean Aria was a pretty woman before the accident.”
“Yes.”
“Quite frankly, she is simply stunning now.”
“What?”
“Part of the treatment we’ve given her was designed to make the patient the most idealized version of themselves. She’ll have to take care of herself to maintain the look in the future though,” Lin answered. “As for her eyes, the replacements we have devised will give her better than human vision and even allow her to see well in the dark. The downside is the eye color had to be… an unusual shade for this to work.”
“How unusual?” Piper asked, seizing on the hesitant statement.
“Her eyes will be a pale yellow from now on,” Lin stated. Under her breath she muttered, “That’s something we’ll have to work on for it to be commercially viable.”
“So, my daughter is a guinea pig?”
“Yes. It’s what you and more importantly she agreed to so we could save her life,” Lin replied. “I must go Mrs. Baird. We have more work to do. One of my nurses will update you in two days after we do the eye replacement surgery.”
*
“How’s our subject?” Lin asked three weeks later.
“Completely physically recovered,” the nurse answered.
“Good. Let’s wake her up.”
“Should we ma’am?”
“What do you mean?” Lin asked.
“Well, the subject has already proven to be a success. The nanomachines have healed all her injuries,” the nurse said. “The enhanced blood vessels have increased her oxygen levels as well as natural injury recovery.”
“Yes. And?”
“Do we really need to test the subject the rest of the way?”
“Yes, we do. There is a lot of money riding on this project,” Lin answered. “Plus, I would like to use some of these enhancements to benefit myself. Don’t you?”
“I… yes.”
“Then wake her up slowly.”
“Yes ma’am. Rebooting up her implant now.”
*
“Can you hear me?” a woman asked.
“I… I… ca… can. Wh… whe… where am I?” Aria replied. It was hard to talk. She blinked and opened her eyes. She covered them with her hands. I can see! But it’s too bright! “It’s… too bri… bright.”
Why am I having so much trouble talking? I had just talked to mom and someone else not too long ago. Aria thought. She closed her eyes and dropped her hands.
“Here. Drink this,” a different woman said. Aria felt a straw touch her lips. She opened her mouth some and allowed the woman to insert the straw. “Just sip.”
Aria nodded her head and sipped the water. That tastes different. Wherever it’s from it hasn’t been filtered and is the best tasting water I’ve ever had. Wait. How do I know it hasn’t been filtered?
“You’re in a recovery room,” the first woman said. “I’m Dr Roth. What do you remember?”
“Motor control seems normal,” another person murmured. Lin shushed them as a fourth person agreed.
“The autocar was taking me to Fredericksburg and… it crashed!” Aria answered after the nurse removed the straw.
“Good. Do you remember anything else?” Lin asked.
“You. Your voice. You asked me to consent to… an operation.”
“Several procedures actually,” Lin replied. She tapped her tablet, and the lights dimmed. “I’ve dimmed the lights. Open your eyes.”
“Alright,” Aria replied, trusting the doctor. She opened her eyes and kept them open despite wanting to close them again. The light wasn’t as bright, but she could see as if in normal light. “You dimmed the lights? It looks… bright to me.”
Some of the people she could see excitedly whispered to each other. They’re happy I can see clearly even though they can’t. Why can I hear them when they’re on the other side of the room?
“Those pale-yellow eyes are a little disconcerting,” a man in nurses’ garb murmured under his breath.
Yellow eyes? Aria wondered.
“Alright. I’m going to bring up the lights,” Dr Roth said after a couple more minutes. “Your eyes should rapidly adjust to the light.”
Aria nodded. The lights brightened. Two of the nurses gasped.
“Very good,” the doctor said. “Now, we’re going to do some simple tests.”
“But…”
“I’m sure you have lots of questions but no buts,” Lin said. “I need to make sure you’re tracking properly. Then we’ll talk.”
“Yes ma’am,” Aria replied.
*
Aria gazed at herself in the mirror. The black hair was longer, fuller, more lustrous. Her hospital gown didn’t cover much. Her skin was still pale yet healthier than it should be. In a word, Aria thought her skin looked perfect. So was what she could see of the body in the mirror. From the slender athletic hourglass physique to the pouty full lips. It was her, yet not her at the same time. But it was the eyes and ears that were the most different and striking.
I have abs and toned legs! I’ve never had abs before. My ears! Why are they pointed? My eyes! Why are they not green? This cannot be me! Her emotions shifted into hysteria, then into something else. I should be panicking but feel… somewhat calm and pissed off.
Intense, angry pale-yellow eyes locked onto Dr Roth as Aria whirled from the mirror to face the smug woman, who flinched.
“What have you done to me?” Aria shouted, giving into her anger.
“I’ve not only healed you my dear, but I’ve also perfected you,” Lin answered more calmly than she felt. Only the guard outside the door and the implant kept her from exiting as quickly as she could. “And I’ve done so by turning you into an elf.”
5
Of course, the blasted door doesn’t have a knob and is locked, Aria thought after approaching it. She had woken in a different room. Evidently, she had been moved to what was essentially a dorm room after Dr Roth had had her put to sleep after she given into her anger and tried to choke the older woman.
Guess I shouldn’t have assaulted her. Then again, what right did she have to do this to me? I was drugged and not in my right mind when she claimed I gave consent. But this is the United Corporate States now, not the good old USA, and the old laws don’t mean squat anymore. Dr Roth could have me shot and the only people that would truly care are mom and dad.
Those thoughts made Aria angry though she quickly calmed down. She sighed and looked around the room.
The ceiling was painted white while the walls were a light blue. The floor was hardwood with a rug under the twin bed. There was a window that overlooked a small flower garden and beyond it a body of water that was either a large pond or small lake. She could see a track running along the water’s shore. Besides the single window and bed, the room held a four-drawer dresser, desk, and chair. She spotted two additional doors and a wall panel as well.
Checking one of the doors, Aria found an empty closet that held a broom and some other cleaning supplies. The panel opened when touched at the top. Inside was a small chute. She guessed it was for garbage since it was only a few inches wide. The other door led to a small bathroom, complete with a tub and cabinet that was filled with towels, and wash cloths. The vanity’s drawers held personal items ranging from a hairbrush to soap to deodorant. All were brands she had used while at school. The toilet was a bidet with a built-in air dryer.
That’s surprising. I figured they would have gone with the cheap option and just put in a shower as well as stocked toilet paper. Aria ignored the mirror above the sink and vanity. She checked the dresser and found a few pairs of sweats, socks, and underwear. All looked clean and were folded neatly. In the bottom right drawer were a pair of running shoes and a pair of open toe sandals in her size.
Who puts shoes in drawers? I suppose I should get out of this hospital gown and try the clothes on. She checked the clothes. Yep, these are in my size according to the labels. I hope they’re not tight, Aria thought. She sighed again. I bet none of the bras fit well.
*
The bras did not fit well. In fact, they didn’t fit at all.
This idealized me has a bigger bust, Aria thought. She guesstimated her size by feel. What the hell! I bet I’m a C cup now. Who’s idealized version of me is this? I was happy with my boob size. These panties are awfully tight, and they itch. She felt and glanced at her waist as much as she could. Damnit! Even my ass and hips are bigger! I’ll go without underwear.
*
Aria sat on the bed and finished getting dressed by putting on a pair of socks. At least I’m not any taller and the pants and socks fit. Thank God the sweatshirt is baggy too. Everything itches my skin. She tried on the sandals. They fit as well.
Aria kicked off the sandals and sat on the bed. She fumed at this twist of fate. Eventually she fell asleep.
*
“Rise and shine sleepyhead,” a deep baritone voice said, waking Aria up.
“Piss off!” Aria shouted. She rolled over. Strange. I’m not angry and got over being mad quickly yesterday before I fell asleep.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
“You have 5 minutes to shit, shower, make your bed, and get dressed. After that you will be standing at the door waiting to go to orientation,” the man said, taking her from her thoughts.
“I told you to piss off. I’m sleepy and not in the mood.”
“Girl. You do not want me to enter that room and get you up.”
Aria sat up after it dawned on her his voice was coming from inside her head. “How the hell are you talking to me in my head?”
“Your implant allows for two-way communication You now have 4 minutes.”
“Shit,” Aria cursed. But she still got up and went to the bathroom a couple of minutes later scratching at where the clothing had touched her skin.
*
Aria kept brushing her teeth as she heard the room door open. Her eyes flicked up to the mirror and she saw a large Polynesian man wearing a uniform standing in the doorway.
“You’re not where you’re supposed to be recruit.” The man said.
Aria spat toothpaste into the sink and rinsed her mouth out.
“I’m not a recruit. I’m a freaking monster,” Aria said, gesturing to her eyes and ears. She had found hair ties in one of the vanity drawers and put her hair up into a ponytail. “I’m surprised I don’t have fangs.”
She saw a muscle in his cheek twitch. How did I pick up that detail? I never would have before.
“No, I suppose you’re not a recruit nor a volunteer,” the man said after a moment. “You’re not a monster either. You’ll meet some of those later.”
What does he mean? It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to cooperate with these people.
“I don’t care,” Aria said. “I never asked for any of this.”
“Doesn’t matter if you did or didn’t ask for this. It’s my job to prepare you for what is to come regardless of how you feel about it,” the man said. “My name is gunnery sergeant Tupu Hauora. You may address me as sergeant, sarge, or gunny.”
“It’s nice to meet you Sergeant Hauora but I just want to go home.”
“Baird, this is your home now.”
Aria frowned. Before she could speak a notice popped into her vision. She blinked and a message appeared. What the hell?
Private Message: Baird, I realize you don’t care what the powers that be want. That said, if you value your parents’ lives, you will cooperate.
“Are you serious?” Aria asked in disbelief. The sergeant just glanced up. “You’re spying on me? There are cameras in this room?”
She felt violated all over again.
“No. There are motion sensors in this room though,” the gunny replied. “And there are cameras in all communal areas including hallways.”
That doesn’t make me feel any better, Aria thought. “Is that supposed to reassure me or something?”
“Nope. But at least you have your privacy in this room,” the sergeant answered. “Come on. Let’s take a walk and visit the cafeteria. You haven’t eaten in a year. We’ll talk.”
How can it have been a year since I’ve eaten anything? It can’t be. I need answers like why I was given clothes that are itchy, Aria thought as she scratched her left wrist. The rising panic started to fade away almost as soon as it had started.
“Fine,” Aria agreed. “I have questions I want answers to.”
6
The sergeant had taken Aria to a conference room after she had eaten breakfast. She had eaten more in that one sitting that she could ever recall eating before.
At least the food was good, Aria mused as a screen turned on with information already on it. She was doing her best not to scratch where she was itching.
User: Aria Baird
Class: None
Level: 1
Trait Stats
Physical: 7
Mental: 8
Personal: 9
“As you can see, these are your base stats as determined by AI and experts,” the technician said.
“What? You ripped off video games?” Aria asked, her lyric soprano voice filled with mirth. The tech frowned but nodded. Her mellifluous laughter soon filled the room. “Where’s the charisma stat? Where’s the dexterity stat? How much experience do I need to advance a level?”
“Ahem,” the tech coughed, making her laugh harder. He blushed.
Oh my God! This guy is probably the one that came up with this gimmick and presented it to Roth or whoever is in charge. Those thoughts made her laugh hard enough, her eyes watered.
“Are you done, Baird?” Gunny asked. She smiled and wiped her eyes. The tech choked as his eyes locked on her chest. The sergeant sighed. “Collingsworth, continue your presentation.”
Another private message appeared in Aria’s vision. This time it stated who it was from.
Sergeant Hauora: Baird, stop giving Collingsworth a hard time. And for the love of all that is holy, why are you not wearing a bra You’ll drive the young man mad.
Aria quirked her head. She thought about replying to the gunny’s message. Surprisingly, it worked.
Aria Baird: Oh, come on! You’re young enough to have played video games. This crap is a rip off and funny. And how do you know I’m not wearing a bra? They didn’t fit. Neither did the panties.
“Right sarge,” the tech replied, unaware of the messages being sent. Hauora scowled at Aria. She grinned back.
Sergeant Hauora: Baird, look in the mirror when you return to your room and watch how you move now. I saw pictures of you pre change. You were pretty. Now you’re beautiful. And like all attractive women, even your smile has an effect on heterosexual men. Especially young ones like Collingsworth.
Aria Baird: But not you?
Sergeant Hauora: I’m older and wiser. Plus, I’m not into young girls.
Aria Baird: I’m not a young girl.
Sergeant Hauora: You’re 21. You’re a young girl still. Look me up if you live to your 40s and we’ll discuss things over a beer with my husband.
Aria Baird: Oh! But…
Sergeant Hauora: No buts. Pay attention to Collingsworth. This stuff is important for your future.
Aria nodded to the gunny. Those messages transmit at the speed of thought. I wonder how they do that.
“Right. So, your physical trait represents anything physical,” the tech said. “You know, dexterity, strength, etc.”
“Ok,” Aria replied, giving into an itch on her right leg and scratching it. The sergeant looked questioningly at her but didn’t say anything.
“Mental is your intelligence, wisdom, how fast you learn, etc.” Collingsworth continued.
“And personal?” Aria asked.
“That’s everything else. Your charisma, looks, personality, hobbies, interests, and such,” Collingsworth answered.
“So, this is all an excuse to rate someone’s, namely my looks?” Aria inquired, smiling sweetly. Say yes and I’ll cuss you out after punching you in the nose.
“Uh…” the tech muttered.
“It better not had been,” the gunny said.
“It’s not sarge! Honest,” Collingsworth replied. “But we had to quantify every aspect of everybody in the projects. That included their looks.”
“And?” the sergeant asked.
“We figured it would be best to lump that kind of thing in with all the other personal stuff,” the tech answered. “In Aria’s case, elves have a baseline of 7 compared to normal humans having a baseline of 5.”
“Wait! There are others that have been changed like me?” Aria asked.
“Not exactly,” the tech muttered.
“Continue with your briefing Collingsworth,” Gunny ordered. He had been advised of what kind of criteria the techs had come up with and was curious. He had just been told he would be working with people that could keep up with special forces soldiers and train them accordingly. “Any other subjects and projects are not germane to this discussion.”
“What do you want to know?” the tech asked.
“How did you come up with those baselines?” the sergeant answered.
“I’d like to know that too,” Aria chimed in. I’d love to know more about the other projects too.
“Alright. Let’s take physical for example,” Collingsworth said. “We used what is considered average for normal humans based off research and AI computations to reach the human baseline of 5 out of 10. The same is true for the other stats based off our best estimates.”
“Alright,” Gunny said.
“So, we figured a very athletic person would be a 6 whereas an overweight or really unathletic person would be a 4 at best,” Collingsworth said. “We decided an Olympic level athlete would be a 7.”
“Same as… elves?” Aria asked.
“Yes,” the tech replied. “The scientists and Dr Roth assured us that elves would at the least be the equivalent of an Olympic athlete. And before either of you ask, 10 is the current highest rating though we think stats can go higher and prepared the system for that possibility.”
“Alright,’ the sarge said. “The same for the other stats?”
“Yes,” the tech answered.
“But my other stats are higher,” Aria pointed out. She was amazed she was feeling so calm now and wondered if whatever changes had been made had something to do with that calmness.
“True,” Collingsworth agreed.
“How did you reach those ratings?” the gunny asked before Aria could.
“We know from IQ and other tests that Aria is above average in intelligence. Plus, she had graduated a little early and was set to start her doctorate program before her accident,” Collingsworth answered. “So, with the implant being able to help with memory and learning, we figured she would be a step above average there as well.”
“The implant can do what?” Aria asked, scratching at her lower back. “These clothes suck!”
“We’ll get to what the implant can do later,” the sarge said. “What about her last stat?”
“We dinged her a bit for her lack of charisma. We were led to believe that she would be quieter and more reserved than she has shown so far,” the tech replied. “Plus, she’s never shown any sort of leadership skills or made people want to follow her like celebrities and leaders can.”
“Hey! You wake up from a coma completely changed and see how you like it!” Aria objected. “And I had plenty of guys willing to follow me around.”
God, I sound so lame defending my looks!
“That’s completely understandable,” Collingsworth quickly said. The sergeant gestured for him to get on with it. “Her musical talent made us bump up her rating as do her… looks. Honestly, Aria, you’re gorgeous.”
“Ugh. Maybe I should scratch up my face,” Aria muttered.
“The scratches would heal quickly,” Collingsworth replied.
“And how does Aria and the others improve their stats and levels?” the gunny asked, bringing the conversation back on track.
“By doing things that push their attributes,” the tech answered. “Run marathons, learn new things, and the like.”
“Does that include the downloaded skills?” Sergeant Hauora asked.
“No sir,” Collingsworth replied.
Downloaded skills? Like the old Matrix movie? Aria wondered. She asked them.
“Exactly,” Collingsworth happily answered. “That’s how we’re going to give you the skills you’ll need to survive.”
“What?” Aria asked.
“That’s not important right now Baird. What is important is finding your limits and teaching you how to use your new senses. Getting you some better fitting clothing is needed as well,” Gunny Hauora said. Seeing her expression, he added, “Even if you disagree.”
“What?” Aria asked.
“I know you can hear better than normal folks and see better as well,” the gunny said. “Doctor Roth or one of her assistants will talk with you about that tomorrow.”
“So, I’ve been in a coma for months. I get woken up after being changed into some kind of Frankenstein’s monster with… enhanced senses and video game stats,” Aria said. “And since you’re a sergeant, I guess that Dr Roth wants to test me for military use?”
“Pretty much,” Collingsworth murmured under his breath. “Except for the monster bit.”
“I heard that,” Aria said. Collingsworth blushed. “You’ve got to be kidding me. This is some sort of sick joke or I’m still in a coma.”
“I’m afraid not,” Sergeant Hauora replied. “Come on. Let’s get you some new clothing. Thanks Collingsworth.”
7
“As you may have noticed, your enhanced senses extend to your sense of touch,” Sergeant Hauora stated. “That’s why you keep itching.”
“This really sucks,” Aria complained, ignoring the sarcasm. “Who decided an enhanced sense of touch was a good idea?”
“Some of the scientists,” Gunny answered with a shrug as he led her down another corridor.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Supply depot. They can fabricate some new clothing for you right on the spot,” the sergeant answered. “I was going to start testing your physical fitness this afternoon, but getting you outfitted properly is more important.”
“Thank you,” Aria said. “Is a man in charge there or a woman?”
“Not sure. Why?”
“No offense, but men don’t have a clue when it comes to fit and bras.”
“Ah,” Gunny Hauora replied. “I’ll send a message ahead about that.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” Hauora said. Under his breath he mumbled, “They should have started this project with a man that wouldn’t have these issues.”
Aria smiled. “Even a guy would be scratching if he was itching this bad, especially his… junk.”
“Blasted enhanced hearing,” the sergeant muttered.
*
“Yeah, this is polyester junk,” Hannah Humphries, one of the supply depot supervisors, stated after checking the tag on Aria’s sweatshirt. “We should have known better and considered your enhanced touch before fabricating those clothes. You have my apologies.”
“Can you fab something that will work for her?” Gunny Hauora asked.
“Oh yes. It’ll be more expensive though,” Hannah answered.
The sergeant shrugged. “It doesn’t come out of my training budget.”
“In that case, I’ll fab up some silk socks and underwear as well as some 100% cotton sweatsuits and other training clothes,” Hannah announced.
“Won’t the silk rip easily?” Hauora asked.
“No. I’ll use the synthetic spider silk that we use for troop uniforms, which is stronger than steel,” Hannah answered. The sergeant grinned and nodded. “This next part is girl talk Gunny. So, you might not want to hear it.”
“Ignore me then,” Hauora replied as he leaned against a wall. “I have paperwork to read over.”
“Huh,” Aria muttered as he seemed to zone out.
“He’s using his implant,” Hannah explained. “Now, tell me about the most comfortable and best fitting bra you’ve ever owned.”
*
“Aria, this is Jessica Kennedy,” the sergeant said by way of introduction the next morning after an early breakfast. “Jessica is one of Dr Roth’s assistants and can explain everything about your implant and senses.”
She’s probably a decade older than I am, Aria thought. She examined the tall blonde. Nice blue eyes but I doubt she needs those glasses. Probably wears them to make people take her more seriously since she’s pretty.
“Hi,” Aria said. She smiled. Jessica smiled back. That’s a fake smile. It doesn’t reach her eyes.
“Hi,” Jessica replied. “I’m going to be brief and keep things as simple as I can.”
“Sure,” Aria said. I bet she thinks I’m dumb or a nepo baby. Then again, maybe she just doesn’t like what I am now.
“In short, your implant is a fully functional state of the art computer complete with worldwide network access,” Jessica said. “Your permissions are restricted at this time though.”
“Does this implant have a hard drive?” Aria asked.
“Of a sort,” Jessica answered. “Why do you ask?”
“The implant uses a quartz crystal for storage,” a man said as he walked into the room. Jessica and the sergeant frowned.
He’s cute and looks only a year or two older than me, Aria thought. “You guys put a crystal in my brain?”
“Basically, yeah. It’s small and you wouldn’t have ever known it was there if we didn’t tell you about it,” the man answered. “If you’re wondering what sort of storage space you have, it’s 360 terabytes.”
Aria whistled, making the man smile. Yep. Definitely cute. And that’s a real smile.
“Aria, this is Dr Craig Clarkson,” the sergeant said. “He’s Dr Roth’s top assistant and the designer of your implant.”
“Doctor?” Aria asked. He’s young to be a doctor, but strange things have happened including me.
“I have PhDs in three different subjects and got my first one when I turned 18,” Craig replied.
“So, you’re a regular Doogie Hauser,” Aria quipped. Gunny Hauora barked a laugh while Jessica frowned. Craig smiled again. He might be older than I thought and just look young.
“Almost,” Dr Clarkson replied. “Anyway, that much storage space was needed for your skill downloads.”
“Downloads?” Aria asked.
“I haven’t gotten to that part yet,” Jessica said.
“So, you’re going to implant knowledge into me like in The Matrix?” Aria asked. Craig smiled and nodded.
“I’m surprised you’ve seen that old flick and know about Hauser,” Gunny said.
“Dad likes the movie, and we watch it once a year on his birthday,” Aria explained. “The show I read about.”
“That’s nice, but we have more information to go over,” Jessica said.
Over the next hour Aria learned her eyesight was on par with an eagle’s. In fact, her eyes were some kind of hybrid cross of human, eagle, and owl. This enabled her to see further, with greater acuity, and much better at night. Her hearing was on par with a cat’s. Her senses of touch, taste, and smell were higher than a human’s, but not to the point that it equaled other animals. Craig let it slip that the orc project had that sort of sense of smell.
“This is why this part of the facility is hermetically sealed,” Jessica stated. “Otherwise, you would probably be sick all the time until you adjust to your new reality.”
“We also have your implant helping dull your senses,” Dr Clarkson added. “We’ll lessen that damping over the next few weeks as you adjust.”
“Great. So, I have a dog’s sense of smell?”
“No. Your sense of smell is roughly a fourth of that of a cat’s. Which is roughly 3.5 times that of a normal human,” Jessica answered. “In case you’re wondering, your senses of touch and taste are about the same.”
“If you hadn’t thought about it or noticed, we’ve been feeding you bland foods and a few of your favorites according to your parents,” Gunny said. “It was decided to break those senses in slowly and that these foods would help with the adjustment.”
“We’re still going to have to make you taste and smell things you don’t like or that… well, smell bad,” Craig added. “You’ll also come to find out that your body no longer produces the odor normal people do after getting hot or doing physical activity.”
“Yep. I’m a freak,” Aria muttered. Jessica grinned as the sergeant frowned.
“You’re not a freak,” Dr Clarkson retorted. “You are special though.”
“Thanks,” Aria sarcastically replied. Maybe I can get him to up my implant permissions and get some music and books or something that I want vs the crappy entertainment videos they’ve given me access to. Then I can also see about hacking the damn implant and getting out of here or at least stop them from tracking me with it. Because I’m sure they’re doing that even if the good sarge says it’s just motion sensors and hall cameras. Even if I can’t escape from here, perhaps an opportunity will present itself when the gunny takes me out for training. “Can I get access to the storage crystal and some more permissions for my implant?”
“No!” Jessica immediately answered.
“Why do you want that? Hauora asked.
“I want some music, books, or other entertainment,” Aria answered. “I also want to talk to my parents and friends.”
The gunny grimaced while Jessica frowned. Craig just looked thoughtful.
“What? Have my parents been asking for me?”
“Yes,” Dr Clarkson answered. “And I think I can convince Dr Roth to allow you those other things as well. She’s already promised your parents communication with you. As for your implant, you won’t be able to play games though it will store every book and music you want. The implant’s operating system isn’t designed for gaming.”
“Being able to talk to my folks, read some books, and listen to whatever music I want is enough for me,” Aria replied.