Just as Milo had said to Aaron and Lindsay, as much as they had hoped for a different outcome, they had made plans for what to do if Milo became a mermaid instead of a merman. Thus, much of the paperwork, mostly digital of course, had already been done. All that was left were a few remaining forms to fill in and arranging for a new ID. So, right after breakfast, they headed over to the medical facility.
"I wish I didn't have to do this so soon after losing my old life," Milo sighed as Kara wheeled him through the halls. "Can't they wait for the wound to scab over, at least?"
"I know," Kara replied with understanding. "I wish that, too. But we both know this has to be done if we want to avoid future headaches.
Procrastinating now could mean being ineligible for certain programs later when we need them."
Milo grumbled, but he sat back in the wheelchair without further objection.
Behind him, Kara bit her lip in sympathy. New Atlantis tried to be more convenient and sensitive than government programs, and for the most part, they succeeded. However, bureaucracy remained as cold and jarring as ever.
Soon, they entered the medical facility for the second time since arriving at New Atlantis. The nurse at the front desk sent them to a small checkup room with a touch screen console where they could access their paperwork. Soon, another nurse entered to assist them. Gently, she helped answer questions and navigate each form.
Kara's info needed some adjustment, mostly for her new coloration. Hair color went from brown to silver, eyes from green to blue, and bust size from B to C-cup. Finally, her ID now had a species category identifying her as "mermaid."
Then, the nurse brought up Milo's profile and asked if he wanted his info updated. After giving his consent, Milo watched as "male" switched to "female." Unlike for his girlfriend, the form altered quite a bit. He winced as the section for penis length vanished entirely. Gone forever.
In its place was a whole collection of unfamiliar categories, not the least of which was breast size. After an embarrassing session of measuring and photos for the archive, he learned his size to be around E-cup. The section for ovulation cycle was left blank for now, and he did not look forward to filling it in.
Meanwhile, a doctor arrived to give him a more thorough checkup. Holding his hand, Kara assured him this was not too different than some checkups she had experienced. Nonetheless, it all felt very invasive to Milo, though by the end, he had a much better idea of what he had down there. Probably, so did a bunch of strangers in lab coats somewhere, he thought.
"Height and weight will be recorded after you finish your changes. Same for your hair and eyes since you have further to go in that department," the nurse informed him after the doctor left. "In the meantime, would you like to change your name and titles?"
Milo shared a look with his girlfriend. What felt like an eternity ago when they had first been diagnosed, they had brainstormed alternate names, just in case. It hardly felt real back then. Now, the weight of the actual fact hit him all at once. His name (along with subsequent titles) was now the last remaining thing in his records connecting to his old life as a male. Sure, it felt small in comparison to his body and humanity, but it was still something.
Could he take this step right now, or did he need more time?
Kara bent down and put her arm around him. "Whatever you decide, I'm here for you."
Milo swallowed and nodded. Her unwavering support helped him make his decision.