The first thing I noticed was my hands. Not the cracked stone walls, dim flickering lights, or the low buzz of ambiance filtering into the cell-like room from under the door. I had just woken up and raised my hands to rub my eyes, but I immediately choked on my shock.

My dark complexion was gone and my hands were unbelievably pale. I bolted upright, causing the cot I was laying on to creak loudly. My clothes were the next big change. My mechanic's uniform was gone and was replaced with a dark gray... was it a cardigan? It was crossed in the front and it had a hood. I don't know, but it wasn't something I would've worn.

I reached up to touch my hair and the first thing I noticed was that it was much longer. My head was shaved on one half while the other side had white hair that went past my chin. My hair had always been short and black, even a bit curly before that moment.

"What the..." I remember slipping out weakly and immediately cringing at the low sound. It was the voice of a stranger's; hollow and monotone despite the fear I felt.

I stumbled to my feet and had barely taken in the eerie room before noticing the door. Taped to the knob was a letter. As I scrambled to it, I realized that it was addressed 'Human'.

I could only assume that it meant me. I remember tearing the envelope with trembling hands. I was looking for answers, but looking back I wasn't prepared for the horror... or responsibility the letter detailed. I still have it:

Dear You,

The body you are wearing used to be mine. I'm writing this to you for your survival. The rest is... complicated.

Firstly, in case you haven't guessed, I am-- was an Android. You do not need nutritions and I advise against trying. It could damage your new body further, and I don't know what will happen to your consciousness in the event of deactivation or dismantlement of the body.

Second, do not tell anyone of your situation, not even people you knew well. They won't believe you. Androids who act against the norm will be deactivated and dismantled. Instead, look for the Android titled PAX. Give them the code word Mjolnir, they will understand and will assist in your transition. Until then, you must go by KOL 219. Don't let anyone scan your code or your story will fall apart.

Third, I am not a typical Android. I have done things against the norm, and now that you wear my face, you will be held accountable for my actions. Keep your head down and stay out of sight of the overseers. I apologize that you had to be dragged into my mess, but there was no other way. I hope you can forgive me.

I leaned against the door in disbelief. I was a mechanic-- a doctor for Androids. I had never heard of such lunacy in my life, but the proof was right in front of me. Those were not my clothes, hands, hair-- hell, not even my skin tone.

I remember trying to test what the letter said. I pinched my arm as hard as I could, praying that I would wake up. Not only did my predicament stay the same, but I felt no pain. Just numbness. As I thought about it, I realized I couldn't even feel the temperature of the room. The room could have been sweltering hot or bone-chilling cold, but I couldn't tell. The weight of the situation came crashing down on top of me, the force causing me to full to my knees and letting the letter slip through my hands.

"Calm... calm down," I consoled myself firmly, trying not to cringe at the hollow voice that escaped my lips. "Don't lose your head now. Try to remember where you were before..."

I didn't need to, but I tried to take rhythmic breaths to control myself. That's what my mother taught me anyway. After a few minutes, I regained enough of myself to ponder my situation. I couldn't understand my situation. My memories were foggy, but I did remember the call. I was called to the Lower City mines for an emergency. An android had been injured- a high ranking one. The last thing I could remember was entering the mines past the large electric fence.

I glanced back down at the letter. Whoever did this had a plan for me, not just my body. Otherwise, why didn't he just kill me then steal my body?

My thoughts became more steady and clear as I reread the letter. It mentioned a person, Pax. The thief had mentioned this person deliberately, urging me to seek them. There was no one else I could turn to, and the thief was right- who would believe my story? All I could do was play the game.

I stuffed the letter in my pocket for the time being before giving the baren room one last glance before testing the doorknob. The door creaked open deafeningly throughout the hall outside. Without looking back or bothering to create a plan, I dragged myself down the hall. I never ran faster than I did then, praying I could claw my way out of this hellhole.