The Transformation Pad

Walter looked at the device—the transformation pad. It was an elegant, circular platform that hummed with a low-frequency vibration, its surface shimmering like liquid mercury. He had designed it to rearrange molecular structures into something entirely different, which basically meant it could transform anybody into everyone and everyone else.

He whistled toward the bsipedal figure currently sorting through a bin of heavy-duty washers.

"Hey! Z-0-R-T-Y!" Walter called out. "Come here, you bucket of bolts. It’s time for the first field test."

The robot, a clunky but efficient unit with a chassis made of brushed aluminum and a single glowing sensor eye, paused its task. Its servos whined as it turned toward him.

"OBJECTIVE: ASSIGNED?" the robot asked, its voice sounding like a blender full of marbles.