Nate opened the package locker of his mailbox and his heart leapt when he saw the package sitting there. He had been waiting with restless anticipation all day for the work day to end and retrieve the package. How the time had come as he grabbed the box and closed the locker. He walked back to his townhouse and unlocked the front door and walked in, closing the door behind him.
He lived alone and his house definitely reflected that, with its simple decor that was clearly a singular vision. He walked into the kitchen and set the box down on the counter. He then walked into the bedroom and set his computer bag down by his desk and his keys and wallet on top of his dresser. He quickly changed into a simple t-shirt and shorts and hurried back to the kitchen to start unpacking his new toy. He quickly cut through the packing tape and opened the cardboard box, the TransDem logo return address on the label teasing him the entire time. Inside, wrapped and guarded by bubble wrap was a smaller box that housed the actual Chronivac device.
He pulled the device out of the box and held it in his hand. He was impressed by how small it was compared to earlier iterations of the device. It fit comfortably in his hand and strongly resembled a basic smart phone in both dimensions and design. He pressed down on the power button and waited patiently as it booted up for the first time. When he ordered it, the site assured him each device came fully charged so that he could get started right away. He watched as the loading bar crossed the screen and then the screen loaded with a highly detailed avatar of himself, showing the same clothing he was currently wearing, slowly rotating on the screen.
“Whoa,” whispered Nate as he wondered how this was possible.
“Good evening Nate,” said a voice from the device. It was a vaguely posh, British accented male voice. Nate was a little taken aback, not expecting the device to have such a personable and dare he say, human component. “I am Owen, your Chronivac assistant. I am fully charged and ready to help with any and all of your transformation needs.”
“Uh, hi. How’s it going?” Nate couldn’t help but feel a little nervous talking to a computer interface.
“I am operating well, Sir. Are you ready to get started, sir?”
“Sure. I..I’m sort of new to all of this so I am not sure where to start.”
“I understand. Let’s start with, are we going to be transforming yourself or someone else?”
“Oh, myself. For sure, myself.” Nate let out a sigh.
“Where shall we start, sir?” asked Chronivac.
“Well, I’m not sure actually. What all can you do?”
“I see you activated the Pro subscription service so the limit is only your own imagination. I can age you down or age you up, increase or decrease your muscle mass, as well as the size of your genitals or even change your gender. Or perhaps you would like to try living as another species, as an animal or creature of myth perhaps?”
Nate’s interests perked at the mention of the last options, something Owen picked up on too.
“I see you may have an interest in the last one. I am here to assist in any way I can, no judgments.”
“Well…” Nate couldn’t believe it, he was feeling embarrassed talking to an A.I interface. A computer literally designed to make all his deepest desires come true.
“Oh, come on now. No need to be embarrassed. What do you want to turn into?” Owen had such a warm, comforting tone to his voice that instantly relaxed Nate.
“Well, ever since I was young I’ve always wanted to turn into something else. Another animal or creature. I’ve probably thought of them all at one point or another.”
“Where would you like to start? Do you have some examples?” asked Owen.
“Oh, I mean, um, when I was a kid I always dreamt being able to turn into an Old English Sheepdog, then there were all the various forms of werewolves I’d see in movies from the Wolfman to a four legged beastie. Also, Lions, Tigers, other large cats. Then there were mythical creatures such as the Satyr, Minotaur, Centaur, Dragon and Merman. And also, something about the donkey transformation from the various renditions of Pinocchio. That would be so scary and yet exhilarating.”
“Well, that is quite an assortment. Where would you like to start? Or would you like to let it be a surprise, let me choose at random?”