The Hunter's Serenade Ch. 02

"No worries," Sev said in a low, tired voice, slowly sitting up from his chair. "I was just quietly observing."

Nodding, Dr. Foresight continued, "Well, we have everything settled and prepared. We are now ready to enter the longer phase of this process: growing the actual body."

"How long will that take?" Kira eagerly inquired.

"Hm, give or take, about six months," he replied. Kira let out an audible little whine of disappointment. "I'm sorry, Kira. Growing an adult body is a meticulous process, and we need to ensure everything is well-monitored and perfect. But don't worry; this waiting period is considerably shorter than it used to be not all that long ago. Thanks to our advancements in this field, the process has gone from several years to a six-month wait. If we could expedite it further, we would, but it is simply not possible."

Kira let out a sigh of acceptance. "Thanks, doc, for helping me out with this," Sev sincerely said. "We'll see you soon." Happily nodding, the director carefully removed Kira's chip from his console and handed it back to the armored bounty hunter.

Carefully nudging Serina awake, Sev stood up, took the chip from Dr. Foresight, and slotted it back into his helmet. As they prepared to leave, the bespectacled man spoke, "It's my pleasure! I'll make sure that Kira's body will be perfect and ready for you when you come back."

Nodding, Sev replied, "Looking forward to it." Then, reminded of something important, he added, "You don't mind if I speak to you for a moment? It regards Kira's body."

"Sure, what is it about?" the doctor inquired.

"I'll just message you about it," Sev changed his mind, not wanting Kira to overhear. The director nodded in agreement.

Exiting the institute, the two Valkorians and their trusty AI companion returned to their ship. Kira couldn't suppress her overwhelming excitement. While pleased that her wishes were on the verge of realization, the prospect of waiting for six months felt like an eternity. She contemplated the idea of entering hibernation mode, reactivating herself when the time was due, but the realization that Sev and Serina still depended on her presence deterred her. Thus, she resolved to endure the wait the conventional way.

-

After six long months, the eagerly awaited moment for merging Kira's consciousness with her new body had arrived. As Sev and Serina closely followed Dr. Foresight into the institute building, Kira buzzed with excitement. The days, weeks, and months leading up to this day had been punctiliously counted by the AI. Surprisingly, the wait had seemed shorter than she had originally anticipated, thanks to the countless missions Sev and Serina had undertaken to keep Kira engaged. Sev, well aware of her eager expectation, had made sure to keep her thoroughly occupied.

Entering what seemed to be a private lab, Kira scanned the surroundings using Sev's visor. The space was filled with advanced scientific equipment, and numerous transparent cylindrical tubes held bodies of various ages, floating idly inside them. The lab appeared somewhat disorganized, with stacks of papers and other items messily strewn about on nearly every desktop. Kira couldn't help but notice the resemblance that the room bore to the classical mad science laboratory of millennia of sensational fiction.

"Alright!" Dr. Foresight exclaimed, clapping his hands together. He ushered Sev and Serina into a glass capsule with opaque glass, obscuring the contents inside. Resting his hand on top of it, he spoke, "Well, here she is. The process went smoothly. Oh, and here, Sev." The scientist handed Sev a tablet. "The list of your custom specifications for Kira's body."

Sev nodded, taking the tablet and scrolling through its contents. Kira couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing. "No peeking," Sev ordered Kira just as she was about to read through the tablet with him.

"Ugh, why not?" Kira whined. "If it has to do with my body, shouldn't I have the right to know?"

"That's a surprise. You'll have to wait to see," Sev said in a teasing manner. Kira pouted.

"Well, can I see it now then?" Kira impatiently exclaimed. "I've been waiting for this for so long now." The director nodded and tapped on a console connected to the capsule.

The transparent surface of the capsule revealed a pristine white female body adorned with simple white garments covering her breasts and lower regions. The figure displayed a pleasing C-cup bust, a slim yet curvy physique, and medium-length hair elegantly parted to the right, showcasing a beautiful gray color that complemented her graceful and pretty face.

"EEEKKK! It's so perfect!" Kira exclaimed happily. "Mhm, thanks, doc! I think we've done a good job making this!"

"Me? This was mostly you, Kira," he chuckled.

Upon closer inspection, Kira noticed several cybernetic patterns or circuit-like enhancements grafted into parts of her biceps, arms, body, and eyes. "Hey, what are these things on my body? I wanted a body of flesh and blood," Kira inquired, in a slightly whiny tone of voice.

"Don't worry, Kira. Your body is just as natural as anyone else's," Dr. Foresight assured. "However, at the request of your owner, some special enhancements were added to aid in your functionality in this new physical form. Rest assured, these enhancements are not overly invasive."

"And what do these enhancements entail?" Kira curiously asked.

"Neural enhancers have been added to assist in processing data similar to your digital form. Additionally, advanced uplink interfaces in your hands will enable you to access various devices with a mere touch," Dr. Foresight explained. Kira was pleasantly surprised by these upgrades, appreciating Sev's thoughtfulness in ensuring she could continue aiding him and Serina in their tasks in her upcoming physical form. She couldn't wait to express her gratitude once the transfer was complete.

"Oh, and there has been a tracker built into your body as well," Dr. Foresight added.

"A tracker??" Kira quizzically repeated.

"Yes," Sev chimed in. "The galaxy is a dangerous place. I want to make sure that you are safe. And to do that, I need to know where you are at all times. This isn't up for debate," he continued in a rather stern voice. Kira simply hummed in agreement, not wanting to argue with her owner. Plus, it made her feel warm and secure, knowing how much he had prioritized her safety.

"Okay, thank you, boss, for doing this for me. I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you," Kira sincerely expressed.

"Don't thank me yet. The most crucial step is still ahead. And you don't owe me anything. You've saved me from tight spots quite a few times. And you're one of my closest companions, It's the least I could do," Sev genuinely replied. "Doc, I think we're ready," he announced. Nodding, Dr. Foresight proceeded to make preparations for the final step of Kira's transformation.

Dr. Foresight manipulated the console, causing a helmet-shaped device to emerge from the interior of the capsule and envelop the head of Kira's body. "Before we proceed, I need to have a word with Kira," the scientist stated with a serious tone.

"Yes, doctor?" she responded with curiosity.

"I must confirm with you that this is genuinely what you desire. Transitioning into this new form means embracing a drastically different experience from your current state. You'll need to be aware of your physical needs and well-being. If something goes wrong, there won't be a way to return you to your present virtual state. This is a one-way journey. Do you fully comprehend that?"

Kira took a moment to ponder his words. She understood all the risks inherent in embracing humanity, the unavoidable dangers, and the spectrum of potential pitfalls. But to the best of her ability to judge with her currently digital mind, it would all be worthwhile. She could experience the world in a tangible form. And, above all, she could be with Sev...

"Yes, doctor. I understand, and I am ready to proceed," Kira declared with confidence.

"Good," Dr. Foresight replied. "Now, Sev, would you please insert Kira's chip here?" Nodding, Sev carefully removed Kira's chip from behind his hand and stepped towards the console. Hesitating for a moment, he slotted it into the console.

"See you on the other side..." he quietly muttered as the chip disappeared into the console. Stepping back, he stood close to Serina and watched as Dr. Foresight did his work.

As she watched, Serina couldn't help but observe Sev's visible anxiousness as he clenched his fists tightly. She had never seen him like this before, which was more than a little concerning. Reaching out, she slid her hand into his balled fist and comfortably held him. Sev's tense demeanor relaxed as he absorbed the warmth of his lover's presence.

As Dr. Foresight entered more commands, he announced, "Okay, Kira's AI matrix is prepped and ready for upload. The body's neural links are primed and ready for transfer. Beginning now." He pressed a button, and the helmet-like device enclosing Kira's head started pulsing blue. "This will take a few minutes," he informed them.

As the upload progressed, Sev anxiously counted the seconds, eagerly anticipating the end result. Despite Dr. Foresight's assurances of the process's safety, a lingering sense of potential risk persisted. The weight of responsibility for agreeing to Kira's request bore down upon Sev, and the thought of potential failure haunted him. He couldn't bear to live with such guilt.

After a few more minutes, Dr. Foresight declared, "Upload at 99 percent." Sev, with Serina in tow, moved forward and stood closely over the glass capsule. His gaze remained fixated on the body's pretty face, anticipation building as they awaited Kira's awakening.

Then, the body's eyelids shot open, revealing a pair of bright turquoise eyes. Kira gasped for air as her body involuntarily jolted. She pressed her soft-looking hands against the glass as her eyes fluttered rapidly, trying to process what was going on.

She looked lost and in a panic, the senses of the tangible world flooding her. "Open the capsule," Sev urgently commanded. Foresight nodded and disengaged the capsule's seal. Upon opening, Sev reached out and held Kira close to him as Serina watched on with concern.

"Kira, it's me. Relax, relax," Sev cooed as her panicked squirming slowly ceased. "That's it, Kira. It's me. It's okay," he repeated warmly. He pulled away, allowing her bright eyes to gaze deeply into his gold visor.

"B- b- b-," she struggled to vocalize. "Boss!" she finally managed to get out. Sev smiled with relief, reassured that the transfer process had gone smoothly.

Kira found herself in a whirlwind of emotions—elation, confusion, and anxiety. The experience of being in a real body was overwhelming, with numerous sensory inputs flooding her nervous system. Amid the chaos, one anchor kept her grounded: Sev. She focused on his mesmerizing gold visor as she slowly adjusted to the world around her.

Lunging forward, Kira enveloped him in a tight embrace, her arms securely wrapped around his armored torso. She hummed and purred with evident happiness, rubbing her cheek affectionately against his chest. Sev, momentarily surprised by this sudden burst of affection, exchanged a glance with the equally puzzled Serina. Yielding to the warmth of the moment nonetheless, Sev reciprocated the embrace, gently petting Kira's head with a sense of care and reassurance.

"Hmm, I've been waiting so long to do that," Kira hummed in relief as she pulled away from Sev. Turning to Dr. Foresight, her turquoise eyes quickly adjusted to see him eagerly taking notes. "Thank you, doctor. It worked!" she happily exclaimed.

"It did!" he repeated with elation. "How are you feeling?" Raising her hands, Kira wiggled her slender fingers.

"I feel good!" she answered. Nodding, Foresight proceeded to ask more questions to test her cognitive functions.

"So, just for testing purposes, what is your name?"

"Kira."

"What is one plus two?"

"Three."

"If someone threw a ball at you, what would you do?"

"Um, move out of the way?"

"Try to recall one of your very first memories." Kira tilted her head to the side, deep in thought.

"My initial activation. Everything was nothing until it became something. Seeing Sev for the first time. He introduced himself to me and assured me that everything was going to be alright..." Kira answered. Her voice was imbued with a warm yet emotional weight. Her chest tightened, and her eyes welled up a bit. These unfamiliar sensations prompted her to ask, "What am I feeling right now? My chest... it feels strange, and my eyes are getting wet."

"It sounds like you're experiencing emotions, Kira," Dr. Foresight explained. "These are normal human responses. Your body is reacting to the memories and the emotions tied to them. It's a part of the human experience."

Sev, standing nearby, gently placed a hand on Kira's shoulder. "It's called nostalgia, Kira. It's when you remember something from the past, and it brings up both happiness and a bit of sadness. As the doctor said, it's all a part of being human."

Kira blinked, processing the information. "Nostalgia..." she repeated, tasting the word on her lips. The concept fascinated her, and she wondered what other emotions and experiences awaited her in this new human form.

The scientist hummed and nodded, jotting down some notes on his tablet. "Everything checks out well... Now, let's have Kira try and walk," Foresight instructed. Nodding, Sev carefully helped Kira out of the capsule.

A peculiar sensation traveled down Kira's spine as her bare feet touched the cold floor. "Now, try walking over to Serina," Foresight instructed. Determined, Kira gathered herself and attempted to stand. However, as she did, she stumbled, nearly collapsing if not for Sev's supportive grip.

Holding onto his armored arm for stability, Kira glanced up at him, offering an awkward smile. "Just breathe, Kira. You've got this," he encouraged. His words resonated within her, creating a strange yet empowering feeling in her chest.

Sev continued to lend his support as Kira navigated this uncharted territory of mobility. Each tentative step carried a mix of uncertainty and excitement, carefully documented by Dr. Foresight.

Serina, a few feet away, beamed with pride and excitement as she witnessed Kira gradually getting the hang of walking. Encouragingly, she raised her arms, saying, "Come on, Kira. Just a few more steps." With a determined look, Kira focused on Serina.

Approaching Serina, Kira reached out her arm, gradually releasing her hold on Sev. Despite a few wobbles, she managed to stay upright. Taking a couple more steps, she finally reached and embraced Serina, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Good job, Kira!" Serina cheered.

"Wow, that was great!" Kira exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"Excellent work, Kira," Sev commended, offering her an encouraging pat on the head. A warm flush spread across her cheeks, her artificial heart responding to the praise. "Let's continue practicing. Dr. Foresight, do you mind if we stay here for a bit longer?" Sev inquired, and the scientist nodded, eager to observe and document more of Kira's progress.

Kira lost track of time as she practiced walking around the private lab. Surprisingly, she was learning at an astonishing rate, soon mastering the art of walking with ease. However, running proved to be a bit more challenging and required further practice.

Taking a seat on a chair, Kira wiped her sweaty forehead. "That was a lot," she said in a breathy voice.

Sitting down next to her, Sev handed her a glass of water. "Drink," he urged, the command evident in his tone. Tilting her head, Kira recognized that staying hydrated was an essential part of living. Accepting the glass, she scrutinized it, contemplating how to approach this new task.

"Here, like this," Sev interjected, taking the glass from Kira's hand, he raised it to her lips and tilted the glass upwards. Allowing the water to flow into her mouth, her eyes widened, uncertain what she was supposed to do next. "Swallow by opening your throat, Kira," he instructed.

Sev noticed Kira's struggle and pulled the glass away to allow her to catch her breath. She coughed and gasped for air, prompting a chuckle from Sev. "When you drink something, you don't have to do it all in one go," he teased, offering a light-hearted moment amid Kira's learning process.

"Gah... Good to know, boss," she giggled, offering a warm smile in return.

After a little longer, Kira was ready to live in the galaxy with her new body. She changed into proper clothes, trading the simple and revealing coverings she had initially worn for a minimalistic white form-fitting dress that went down to her mid-thigh, paired with simple flats like the female employees at the institute.

As Sev went back to the ship to collect something, Kira took the opportunity to speak to Dr. Foresight once more about certain matters concerning her body. "Um, Dr. Foresight?" she began.

The scientist looked up from his tablet. "Yes?"

Checking to ensure that Serina was not within earshot, Kira continued, "I have an important question to ask. It's about ...my body." Foresight curiously cocked his brow and put his tablet down.

"Ask away," he happily agreed.

Fiddling with her thumbs, she composed herself before finally saying, "Can I get pregnant?" Her question caused the director to freeze for a moment. Her inquiry was out of left field. Why would a former AI be concerned with such things?

Not wanting to pry into her motives for this unusual question, he replied, "Well, your body is 100 percent natural. So it certainly is something that could happen. You understand how reproduction works, right?" Kira blushed; she was all too familiar with it due to her proximity to Sev and Serina's constant intimate moments.

"Yes, I know how it works," she quietly muttered.

"Hm, well. I'm not going to try and pry into your private life. It's your body; you can do whatever you please. But, if you do engage in such activities, and if you don't want to end up pregnant, I would advise you to exercise caution." Kira slowly nodded in response to his advice.

"Things such as condoms, contra-," Dr. Foresight tried to say, but Kira stopped him.

"I understand, doctor! You don't need to go any further!" she abashedly exclaimed. She felt embarrassed about asking her unusual question, but it was important for what had driven her to want a real body.

Smirking a bit, Dr. Foresight nodded. "If you prefer, we can undergo a quick procedure to eliminate any risk of pregnancies, especially if those other 'precautions' seem too daunting," he suggested. Kira's turquoise eyes widened at his proposition. For some reason, it felt like a taboo idea to tamper with something so intrinsic to a woman's body—the potential to bring life into the world. Moreover, she had a lingering sense that her womb belonged to her trusted owner, Sev.

"No!" she blurted out, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Ahem, no... That won't be necessary. I'll be careful," Kira assured, nervously clutching her arm. "Thank you for answering my question. And please, don't mention this to Sev." The scientist simply nodded in understanding, making a zipping gesture across his lips.

Upon his return from the ship, Sev approached Kira and Dr. Foresight. Handing a weathered book to the director, Sev spoke, "Here, it's the least I can do for everything you've done for us." Dr. Foresight eagerly accepted the book and immediately recognized Valkorian scriptures inscribed on its pages.

"Wow! This wasn't necessary, but I appreciate your kind gesture. I've been eager to learn more about your people!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm. Sev simply nodded. "Oh, I have something for you too," he added, placing the book down and revealing a medium-sized case. Sev looked curiously at its contents.