Aoi Shigohama's Story

Aoi got up from her bed, still in patient gown. Her body felt weird. However there were no internal sounds or weird sounds while moving, which was against her expectations. However looking at her body, there were barely visible lines in her skin, like on her arms or around her elbows. "Probably for ease of maintenance." Aoi thought loudly.

"Hey, doc! If I get into another accident involving a burning car, will I die?" She asked. The doctor then said: "I hope you aren't purposely going to get into one. Well no, you wont die. Your brain, or whats left of it now, is protected and your skin will just melt off. But theoretically, you could tear open the door while on fire with that body."

"So after another accident, I will look like the terminator? Cool." Aoi said. The doctor then replied: "Not really. Closer to a human like android than a terminator." That bummed Aoi out.

Surprisingly, Aoi's memory was relatively intact. She just couldn't remember what she looked like before the accident. For missing nearly half of her brain, she was mostly only missing cognitive centers that were eventually replaced with cybernetics. The part of her brain with the memories were still there and the way they interacted with the cybernetic functions gave her a nicer and more fun personality than before the accident. Before the accident, she was a rather cold and less sociable guy, who took work very seriously and hung out with no one aside from the usual group of friends. Back then Aoi didn't even go to bars or clubs.

"Okay, Miss Shigohama. Follow me to the closed off part of the lobby to the fabricator so that you can choose a starting set of clothes so that you have something until you get more." The doctor said.

She then followed the doctor along the long hallway to a room that had a fabricator in it. Through the double door with the blurred windows was the seating area of the lobby. Aoi went to the fabricator which first scanned her measurements. Then she first chose hair clips and put on the hair clips. She then grabbed a trillby, a plain black choker, black capri pants, white socks, a cream colored square neck tunic and a dark grey hoodie. After getting dressed, she was led to the entrance of the lobby and told: "The bus should arrive shortly. If you need assistance with your body, there is a file uploaded in your memory to assist you with that. Being able to access your memory should come naturally."

Now there Aoi waited for others to show up and then the bus to come pick them up.

Perhaps drinking a lot in one night is not healthy for one...All she could remember was riding in a car with some freinds before...Something bad, doctors said something hit their car and it caught on fire...It was a good thing she did not remember that actually, burning alive was not something anyone would like to remember.

Tatsuda slowly sat up dressed in a patients gown. She looked down at herself, Yep...Definitely. She was a woman now. Fair skin, an actual chest...And she was not drunk. This was deffinitly real. She was not sure how to react, Sure suddenly being a woman was certainly something. But...At least you were alive right? A second chance at life inside a mechanical body. A human brain inside a machine huh? Well, was she truly human anymore now? Eh...Too much fancy things to think about at once. Today was when she was getting out of the hospital. With some extra cash thanks to the wrong body. Not that she was complaining about the wrong body of course. Some apology money, another life...No need to be mad or anything.

“I see everything is well miss Tatsuda.” The doctor spoke after giving her a bit to adjust. Miss? Gonna be something to get used to that’s for sure. “Yep, I seem to be moving. Nothings wrong as far as I can tell...So...About today. I’m free right? Staying cooped up here is killing me.” Tatsuda spoke up.

“Of course, if you can please follow me to the fabricator to receive your choice of clothing.” The doctor replied as Tatsuda slowly got off her bed and followed the doctor through the long hallway of the hospital until they reached the machine they were looking for. After a quick scan, Tatsuda picked a simple button up white shirt, a green sweater, a pair of boxers along with a skirt and all topped off with a pair of sneakers. Farewell pants, you will be missed. Probaly would look weird on her to be honest now which was a disappointing thought.

After getting dressed, the doctor gave her some last bits of advice before leading her to the exit of the hospital and instructed to wait for the bus. Well...one thing was for sure. “Good to be out again.” She spoke looking at the sky with a smile.

Dead, dead and dead…how many times was it now? That great news and feeling of being dead, yet here he or rather now she lies, in a hospital. In patients gown she was, and someone was talking about something, man in front spoke of accident…which is now nowhere in memory to be found.

“…So you ended up surviving, but there was a mishap with bodies…” He said, though mishap was a wrong word, he tried to make it easier for someone in such situation.
“Please, if it is about the fact that insurance wasn’t enough say so…”
Man sighed, and nod…proving that it was what she thought.

“I’m truly sorry, but it is correct that your insurance wasn’t enough…we will compensate you with 20 thousand, and maybe you will manage to attach a male organ…”

That was little to say the least.
“Gross…20 thousands, and some pc programs I choose, not to pricey of course, please?” He could be somewhat understanding of her situation, or just refuse for fact that it is a way to gain something more from them, she wanted to see. Luckily he agreed, some matters were discussed, and the two went to changing room, to pick clothes.

“I still think it’s weird, and funny I get to be someone that is similar physically to character in my head, one of two things I remember…” She started, as she browsed through clothes…picking things that suited her mood and things that seemed comfortable.

“ So the only things that you remember are that character, and what?” He asked, awfully curious he was.
“Why so curious now? I’m sure it’s not a part of your job…” She chuckled, for some unknown reason it was tempting for her to fool around a little.

“But I’d rather keep it to myself, if you don’t mind…” Her reply with calm and warm voice, being rude or provocative now would be simply inappropriate.

Finding something that would satisfy her took a while. Simple blue jeans, gray loose blouse and sport shoes.
“So what now?” She asked.
“Now I’ll take you to where you will wait for a bus, simple as that” he smiled.
“One question, are you a doctor, or representative of insurance company?”
“It’s both actually, sometimes it’s an easier way for company, and tougher for us…workers.” He replied, and after leading her to lobby he told her where to go.

Aoi saw the others come one by one. But she couldn't recognize who they could be. But since they were all waiting for the bus, she guessed that they were her friends from the accident.

"Hi! I can't really recognize you, but I think you may have been from the same accident as me. Especially since my eyes are good enough to recognize that your bodies are fully cybernetic too. So we might have to reintroduce ourselves. I am Aoi Shigohama. I still remembered my last name and that I was burning alive at such an intensity in the accident that it destroyed my nerves before I could feel pain. I was a video game creator before the accident. All I remember from my person before the accident is my family name, that I was nerdy and rather cynical. But I cannot really relate to my former self as I now don't see any reasons to be cynical or pessimistic." Aoi said. "I also asked the doctor if we were to get in another such accident if we would survive and walk out looking like terminators. He told me that we would survive but sadly not look like terminators afterwards which kind of bummed me out."

Her body seemed to work differently from a human body since she seemed to have said that all without catching breath or pause. But then again, the bodies were almost like android bodies with the exception that they could eat and drink but process the nutrition differently mostly so that the brain could stay alive and healthy.

Tatsuda looked at the other two people. Especially when the one who introduced herself as Aoi Shigohama decided if they did happen to know eachother, it would be best to re-introduce themselves. Sounded like a good idea so in response she gave a small casual wave at the other two. “I guess so, if the accident involves a fiery crash then we are in the same boat. I was Kiyomasu Heiji, former boxing instructor...But now i’m Tatsuda Kiho. I can’t remember much, I know how I acted and some family members. Freinds and others probaly went poof with parts of my brain.” Tatsuda started with a shrug.

“Honestly...No point in really practicing boxing or doing much sports with this new body. Being all mechanical and all it takes part of the fun of exhaustion, a small shame but no biggie. But, good to know that these bodies are tough in the event we get into another accident.” She added. She was doing her best to remember if she knew an Aoi...But she was drawing a blank.

She stood and listened to Aoi and Tatsuda, it was funny that what man said earlier was true, and yet nothing…no memories.
“Umm, hi…You can call me Kali, I don’t remember my name from before, well I remember only two things and that probably is bad, my last name is White now, partially because of my hair being white.” As she was speaking she waved with open right hand for a short period of time, but once she spoke about hair and last name she chuckled nervously, all while grabbing opposite arm in attempt to hide nervousness.
She didn’t know what else to say, talking to people was weird in her opinion, but sometimes it was fun, mostly when it was about testing how they would react. Person in front seemed cheerful, but it felt like long ago it was different, good for him…her, while Tatsuda seemed relaxed to say the least.

Aoi then said to Tatsuda: "I vaguely remember you with that name and occupation. But it is vague." Then she said to both: "Pleased to meet you!"

A doctor came back outside and said: "I forgot to mention that you three are a bit heavier than the average women of your sizes. About 120 to 160 kg (260 to 350 lbs) each depending on size. So be careful. You already have rather lightweight metals in your bodies without sacrificing durability and resistent to rust. That also means you have quite a bit of strength that you need to be careful with. So take care." He went back inside.

"I can't wait to try out the functions of this body. He said we should have a file in our cybernetic memory that describes the functions and other features." Aoi said. She then focused on trying to find that file. It felt like a transparent interface in front of her eyes that was controlled with her mind.

"Let's see. Charging... Self-maintenance... Emergency mode... Modification... Learning... Ah here we go. Functions and features. I will read out the features and let me know, what catches your interests. Cyborg to cyborg telecommunication, internet access, projecting images, playback of sound files (internal), playback of sound files (external), hair color change, eye color change, rapid learning, file storage, enhanced cognitive performance, voice changing, connecting to external devices, cybernet/virtual reality network, visual zoom up to 8x, wired inputs. That seems about it. It also seems that we can do what most PCs can do. I also fear that this could be a bit much for average comfort. With this much power, we could probably become goddesses within a normal human lifespan."

The bus pulled up. It was a small bus with twelve seats. "Come on. We will have enough time to talk with each other on the bus. It is probably a 30 minute drive to the residential district." Aoi said while boarding the bus.

OOC: If the pace is too fast, just let me know.

Tatsuda took in all the information from Aoi and the doctor. Not only was she almost like a living computer that can record things, search up the internet at will, and even change their eyes and voices at will. They were also pretty heavy and strong for what they looked like. That was actually really important to note, especially for her. If she were to run and trip, she could easily come crashing through a wall. If she accidental shook someone’s hand too hard it could break it. She was an active person who did participate in sports after all.

The wonders of technology...Pretty good She had to say so herself. Of course, it be bad if a serial killer of thief had a body like this. But still, at least she can watch videos on the go. Or even take pictures without the camera! And call other cyborgs! The things she could do...Granted...She was almost certain she would have to be charged like a phone. But great benefits come at a cost they say.

Before they had time to either talk more or use their features. The bus soon arrived. “How timely! Alright...Let’s catch up on the bus yeah?” She spoke as she also boarded.

Ability to change how one looked and sounded surely could be dangerous in wrong hands, or could be fun when it comes to pranks. Learning could be useful, but better forget thing or two from time to time or it will be boring. Even with all possibilities that were just presented…Kali didn’t want to became a goddess, she disliked gods for some reason, reason she can’t remember now.

Then bus came, and it was time to get in. Aoi wanted to talk once they were inside and Tatsuda seemed to agree, Kali was curious…what would they talk about.


OOC - Did anyone else had problems with gateway? Just curious.

As they were all on the bus and they finally departed, Aoi continued to talk: "I am interested in this external playback. I wonder if it required a device to tether to or if I can simply play music using my voice output."

She tried it out and music came out of her mouth at medium volume. The sound was crystal clear and even included a powerful base. After a couple seconds, she turned it back off. "Interesting." She said. "Or let us try out the cyborg to cyborg telecommunication while trying out the other functions simultaneously such as taking pictures and sending them to each other."

Her eyes began to focus on the others and with a dim red glow in her eyes she took pictures of the others. Then she found the signals of the others and connected to them. "Can you hear me? Here I made some pictures." She said telepathically to the others while sending them the pictures of themselves. "This is fun!"

But she was also interested whether they would already have an internet connection or if they had to buy a subscription. In a file she found her answer. "Well it says that we have free basic internet connections at a slow 500Mbit/s, which should be enough for videos, music and some gaming. However if we want faster internet we require a subscription." Aoi continued telepathically. "If you have any questions, I have the file open and can search it in no time."

As Tatsuda rode inside the boss, the rather energetic Aoi was trying out all sorts of features. She played music from her own mouth...Well, that was certainly something interesting. Next She was taking pictures of them and speaking to them like a telephone...Only without having to say a word from her mouth.

And she soon found out if they had internet, it was decent enough given that it was free. Videos, music and games. All without the need for anything else besides their own mechanical bodies...Jeeze, these bodies were plenty fancy. “Don’t really have any questions, but taking all this in is quite something...Actualy...Um, speaking of mechanical things, I ain’t much of a gear head but can we get like those Virus’s?” She asked.

Kali couldn’t help but chuckle when Aoi played music, music that came out of her mouth seemed as funny as weird it could be to a person of flesh and bones…poor driver, but it made sense to some degree that music could come out of there.

Next thing she knew was Aoi connecting telepathically and sending pictures, also learning that they have internet is useful. Tatsuda wasn’t really a tech person as she said, but asked a good question about viruses.

“I think it could be possible, we are somewhat a hardware now, and if we can connect to internet…it’s very likely that we can get viruses as well.” Kali was sure no one would like that, but it may be something they can’t help.

There was also a question, why would they pack them into such advanced bodies and simply let go? – Kali wondered, and was slightly worried of possible reasons behind it, not to mention it’s bound to be known soon what three lived through…and once it is known people may, if not will start coming in search of profit, or other things.

I worry too much… - she thought and sighed, forgetting about the fact she’s still connected with others.

"Viruses are not that likely though as viruses only work on particular operating systems and can only hijack processes they are familiar with. Since there aren't that many cyborgs yet, someone creating a virus isn't that likely. Imagine, of the 40 million people in the metropolitan area, there are only 120,000 cyborgs or 0.3% of the population. The funny thing is that it seems that the tech we have in these bodies isn't that advanced. It has some advantages to more advanced bodies such as raw strength, durability and processing. However more advanced cybernetic bodies are almost human in structure an grant a better feel, there are bodies that cost millions in credits that have nanite muscles, self-repair and brain emulation that makes brain processes almost human, whereas we have more robotic bodies that are heavy. visibly artificial and our brain processes are more like computers, though we don't or barely notice because it is a bit subtle. Theoretically, you can remove you movement limiter and turns your wrists and necks all the way around or you can remove limbs or your heads without losing consciousness. In many ways, we are disadvantaged with these bodies because we need to be careful. With these bodies we could instantly kill someone with a single punch to the face, break hands while shaking them, destroy wooden chairs just by sitting down on them, creepy people out with behavior that doesn't seem normal for humans and so on. If we had the more advanced bodies, we wouldn't have to worry about these things. Even right now, where I spoke for a while without needing to catch my breath can awake suspicion among normal humans." Aoi said and then paused for a moment.

She continued telepathically: "And the three most important things are: Keep your skin on. To someone unaware of your situation, if you don't have your skin on, you look like an android. You could even be seen as an android who is only legally human by some. Also do not remove your ID chip, it makes it easier for police and others to know that you are human on the inside. Otherwise they will have to do a brain scan. Lastly, if you want to change your face, you need to get permission first and register your face. If you don't follow these rules, you can easily get into a difficult situation that would get you in prison or shot."

"I studied some cybertechnology and law in college while getting my degree in programming. Speaking of which, with such a body, I may consider making a MMO specifically for cyborgs, maybe you can be my testers when I get far enough." Aoi continued.

OOC: I know it is a lot to read. Additionally, consider that the roleplay takes place 31 years in the future, so the bodies aren't really that fancy for the time. Also if you need information that is unclear for the roleplay, we can discuss it in OOC.

“So no need to worry about viruses...Well, at the very least now I know to really tone everything down. But still, it’s quite something to get a body like this regardless...Even if it’s like...A cheaper model. I mean people back in time would love a thing like this. Of course, never really studied anything regarding technology...I know how to play sports and hoped to make it big...But it be unfair for me to do that at this point huh?” Tatsuda replied with a small chuckle.

“But yeah, that’s good information to have. Last thing I want is to be declared like an evil rouge robot and have some special weapons assault team fly in and gun me down for changing my face without permission. And I rather not break public property by mistake...Good grief...” She added as she leaned back in her seat.

“That makes sense, and about MMO, could be fun being beta tester…“ Still it was worrying, since cyborgs are not new it wouldn’t be so rare for virus to pop up, even if it’s supposedly rare. There was also another question…

Simple thought bothered her, thought that she wanted to say out loud, and so she said it loud and clear.

“Could we end up being targeted by someone? if for example we ideally can easily overpower people, hack into things…that could mean some kind of people would like to use us, right?”

"Not really. It would be easier for them to be in direct control by implanting their brains in such a body themselves. Sometimes there tend to be anti-cyborg terrorists, but so far, no one has actually managed to kill a cyborg as the brain is well enough protected to just be put into a new body, given if it is done within 48 hours." Aoi said.

The bus was half way to the residential district as it passed the illuminated Akihabara district. The music, sounds and lights were enchanting. It was Aoi's favorite place because she could get merchandise and games here. As soon as it came, they had passed it again.

Tatsuda nodded at the information. No deaths...But there have been attacks on cyborgs so that was not the safest thought. Still, she had a life to live and won’t let a little thing like that scare her in a corner. Of course as they passed Akihabara Tatsuda looked outside the window at the sight.

It was a nice sight, but it lasted only for a short bit...Still, they were nearly to their new homes. She was fairly excited to get started on her new life.

Information about terrorists attacking cyborgs sounded funny, it would be easier to persuade one such person, though that’s just a guess.

It’s sad that nice things pass so quickly... – Kali though as they went past Akihabara district, place full of games and otaku stuff, place that her friend liked, is what she suddenly remembered, third thing she remembers barely but it is something.

“What do you two intend to do once we get to new home?” She asked, neglecting other question that came to mind.

"Get set up. Hope that there is a fabricator in the apartment, then maybe go out and explore the area. Maybe there are good bars and restaurants in the area. I am also hoping that there is a train station nearby, so I can take it to Akihabara." Aoi answered. "Otherwise, I might get started on making a game. Maybe I have enough processing power that I can make the game completely alone versus needed an entire production studio."

OOC: Should we have the bus arrive after this round?

Kali smiled.
“I see, I’m going to get back to writing, though I can’t remember what…hopefully can’t remember yet.”
Her mouth still slightly open, indicating there’s more she wants to say.
“About game, maybe all three of us could create MMO, if you alone won’t be enough? In that case we would be testers and creators?”

Creating something for Kali sounded like fun, though she also had other plans to take care of, random thoughts that happen to seemingly be remnants of memories she lost.


OOC - I'm fine with bus arriving, or we could go jogging cause it crashed about 500 meters away from our destination ^^

“When I get home? Well, get a new job I guess...Can’t really teach boxing anymore on the account of well...Everything. Maybe I can do some waitering...Less risk of anything bad happening really.” Tatsuda replied to the question. Well, waitering was not all that bad. “As for a game...I could check it out in the future but just do what you love to do I say...Besides killing people of course.” She chuckled a bit at a little dark humor.

Soon the bus arrived at the apartment complex. The general area was full of apartment buildings 10 to 20 floors high. Their building was 11 floors high and the back side had a view of the river and a riverside park. The looks of the building made it seem it was built around 30 years ago, however it didn't look run down and made a sturdy impression as if it could even withstand a magnitude 9.0 earthquake.

"Looks like we are here." Aoi said. Before getting off the bus, Aoi replied ot Kali's questions: "If all three of us would create the MMO you would need to either learn programming, modelling or find something you can do to contribute. Specifically we cannot just do some standard scripting, but make in game AI more interactive so that the only way you recognize that they are AI is that they have a specific icon over their heads or have their names in a specific color."

As Aoi got off, she notice a sign on the building: "Yotsugi Tech-Center Apartments Building A" About it was a paper written on with what seemingly seemed to be crayons. It read in a colorful fashion: "Welcome Tatsuda-san, Shigohama-san and White-san! -Your new neighbors!"

"I guess the people living here have been told already of our arrival." Aoi said. The door opened and a woman in a kimono was behind it. From the looks of her, she was also a cyborg. Age wise, she appeared no older than 30. She had blue hair.

"I have been expecting you three. My name is Kokoro Kizuri. I live on the sixth floor. You might meet the others later throughout the day." The woman said.

OOC: Reference pic for Kokoro.

“I see, I could try to learn programming, or modeling, when it comes to contribution…what about sketching? I tend to sketch in my free time, so if you would want me to create some kind of enemy or npc I could make a basic sketch, one that we would later turn into MMO asset.”

Kali had to still choose few things she wanted from insurance company, and one or two could be about programming or modelling.
When it seemed they reached their destination, and someone who happened to be a cyborg welcomed them Kali felt confused.

“Why are we actually welcomed so much here, it feels weird to say the least.” she said aloud what she thought, while looking at sign, and colorful greeting from their new neighbors.

Kali could assume it’s a matter of neighbors trying to help trio adjust to this new life, or that there are many others here that are similar to them. Most likely either was wrong or partially wrong in her opinion, and so there was only one way to find out –which is to wait for reaction from that Kokoro.

As the bus stopped at the apartments, and from its appearance it was...possible middle or an upper class apartments. Not bad...As Tatsuda stepped off the bus behind the other two she took note of the sign welcoming the three of them. It was colorful that was for sure, however once one of the apartment doors opened up...Well, to be sure she deffinitly saw a rather beautiful woman step out.

From her Apperance, she seemed to be a cyborg as well. Well, it was a welcoming sight that’s for sure. “Good Morning Kokoro. Please treat us well.” She gave a greeting with a nod of her head and a smile. Well, her new home was an apartment for now. This should prove to be filled with fun.

"Well, most of us are here because we had the same insurance company who generally offers clients new apartments when they end up with cybernetic bodies. We just hear from the company and the hospital when we get new neighbors. Also we find out when they renovate and set up a new apartment in the building." Kokoro said. "But I am sure you will get along with the others well." Kokoro smiled.

"Convenient." Aoi said. "Good to know that we will have an easy start. Why don't we go up to the apartments?"