You were dared

Modifying your body has become as routine as getting a morning coffee, but for you, the decision to undergo this transformation has always loomed large. The permanence of these modifications and their profound, life-altering consequences have held you back until now. You've contemplated the idea many times, but when the moment arrives, doubt takes over, and you invariably back out. However, today, everything is going to change.

It all began last night when you were out with your friends. The conversation veered towards the topic of body modifications, and you quickly realized you were the lone holdout in your circle. Each of your friends sported at least one enhancement, making you the last unaltered soul among them. In a teasing, albeit challenging manner, they labeled you a "coward" for not having taken the leap yet and threw down the gauntlet. They dared you to go through with it, even going so far as to set up an appointment on your behalf. You have no idea what they have planned for you, but you can’t back down.

You approach the friendly receptionist. On the surface, she appears unaltered, but when you get closer you can see her gleaming blue cybernetic eyes. There is no way of knowing what other invisible enhancements she has.

"Welcome to the Clinic. Do you have an appointment?" she greets you, her voice warm and soothing.

“Yeah,” you reply, “My name is Alex Smith.”

She closes her unnerving eyes for a moment. You can see them moving back and forth behind her eyelids. Searching the clinic’s database, you realize. She has been linked directly to their internal systems.

“Ah!” she suddenly exclaims, opening her eyes again, “Found you! It looks like you’ve elected for a surprise mod chosen by the people who set up your appointment, is that right?”

“Yeah, I am,” you confirm.

“Excellent! Do to the nature of such appointments, I’ll need you to sign the screen there certifying you are here of your own volition and are not being **** or **** in any way and that the clinic cannot be held legally responsible should you decide you do not like your surprise mod.”

You sign.

“Thank you! Feel free to take a seat, and someone will be with you as soon as possible.”

You acknowledge her with a grateful smile and head to one of the waiting area's comfortable chairs. The room is filled with people from all walks of life, each with their unique enhancements and stories to tell. Some glance up, sharing a moment of understanding with you.

You wait and watch as people come and go. You have to hide a smile when a tall woman comes out practically waddling and tugging at her ugly miniskirt. She’s trying to hide a government issue chastity belt and everyone knows it. It must be at least 10 minutes before your name is finally called.

“Alex Smith!”

You look up to see a young nurse waiting for you. 50 years ago, her outfit would have been described as a “sexy nurse costume” with it’s short skirt and her large chest half spilling out, but these days it is normal for people to wear such clothing everyday. It’s healthier for them to be able to express their identity. The high-heels make her legs look fan-fucking-tastic.

With a sense of anticipation and anxiety warring in your stomach, you rise from the chair and go to her. She guides you through a door and down a pristine corridor, passing by doors that glide open, revealing well-lit rooms and baffling equipment. The scent of antiseptic hangs lightly in the air, a reminder that, despite the marvels of nanotech and body modifications, the fundamentals of healthcare remain.

Once inside a private examination room, the nurse gestures to a exam chair and smiles. "Please have a seat, Alex. The doctor will be with you shortly for your procedure."

You sit and take in the examination room. The room is filled with a soft, ambient hum, and the lighting is designed to create a serene atmosphere, despite the somewhat clinical surroundings. You notice the array of advanced medical equipment neatly arranged around the room.

Moments later, the door to the examination room slides open.