Rebirth II

“This feels different,” Birch remarked, her voice coming from her new body as she emerged from the now-open medipod.

She experienced drowsiness and a headache, feeling unusually heavy, as if she needed more rest. Despite the discomfort, she was captivated by the sensations her new body provided.

While she could simulate these experiences in VR, they were never fully accurate due to differences in brain data and insufficient understanding of it.

Now, however, the experience was genuine, and she was engrossed in it, not caring about the drowsiness at all.

She realized she couldn't ignore or dismiss these feelings; her consciousness was fully integrated with this body’s brain, making her as vulnerable and perceptive as any human or Proximian, or so she thought.

Meanwhile, Cypress, though also adapting to her new body’s sensations, was focused on something else. She attempted to unfold her transparent wings, which were currently tucked against her back.

As she extended them, they reveal