The words one would choose to describe the post they had been assigned to were plenty, and not many of them were what one would classify as flattering. Lost in the ass-end of the world, tedious and monotonous were the usual choices, not that far off to describe the never ending and exhausting grind of data collection. However, for the six of them, it was their small piece of paradise, one where they could manage the project they worked on and fulfil their roles any way they saw fit. They were to recompile and store all the information mankind had produced in its existence, a task that could seem an unconquerable one, but one they not only managed, but enjoyed. In an age where robotics and A.I.’s were widely used and employed, and most of said information was available on the massive world wide web, for the team wasn’t a matter of difficulty, but one of endurance. Luckily for the team, one of its members was an A.I, a minor one, but an incredibly valuable asset nonetheless. The rest of the team were five women of different nationalities, voluntaries in what most likely was the last ongoing collaborative project, a thought that liked beating the morale down. However, despite what seemed to be an ongoing and never-ending chain of screw-ups that only fuelled an international stage already ablaze, the project had managed to scrap enough funds for a special event.

The five women worked with an A.I., a not so powerful one, but with control of the facility and a range of several kilometres around it, being able to covertly move around in small drones they had purchased and modified, all with the excuse of moving data servers around, but since no one came to check on them, they were free to do as they liked. Ongoing conflicts kept the spotlight on them, with good reason truth be told, but this lack of oversight came with a notably small budget, if one compared the project with other budgets. Nonetheless, they were fine with the situation, otherwise they could not have arranged this for Eva, as they had named their virtual partner. Walking down the hallways, Gloria made her way towards the mainframe that hosted Eva, the room being dimly lit as usual while the machine hummed gently.

- Welcome Miss Herrera.

- Eva, you know you should call us by our names. We have told you a million times.

- Apologies Miss Gloria.

- And drop the “Miss”.

- Apologies, Gloria.

- Much better. -Smiled the woman. – We have talked about this; you help us with the work…

- …you help me act more human. -Finished the female robotic voice.

- Atta girl. Now, could you please let me know where everyone is?

- Stand by. -Said the voice as silence took over, although it didn’t last. – Vanessa is in the living quarters. Marianne is waiting for the drone to come back, current ETA three minutes. Bianca and Iris are currently in the room with the new equipment, which I confirm it has been successfully installed.

- Great. Then please send the word for everyone to meet in the room with the new equipment.

- Acknowledged. Please stand by.

Silence again, and again it was short lived as the voice of Eva came out of the communication system, asking the rest of the team to head for the stated room. The facility was comfortable enough for them all, although if she put her mind into it, she could hear footsteps moving towards the meeting.

- I inform that Marianne shall make her way to the meeting point once the drone has returned.

- Sightseeing again Eva?

- Correct, among other tasks.

- And?

- Vistas that would qualify as “gorgeous” by your standards.

- Forget our standards, what did you think?

- Unable to correctly process the question. Please, reformulate.

- Nuh-uh. You are not talking your way out of this missy!

The voice fell silent, leaving Gloria along with the humming and waiting. Eva had stated she wanted to comprehend more about the way humans thought, the reasoning behind some of their actions and decisions but the general consensus was that she wasn’t completely comfortable with it. And none could place any blame, given the circumstances.

- It was unsettling.

- Really? – That was definitely new, and she definitely hadn’t seen that coming. – Care to elaborate?

- It was quiet. No sounds were received by the drone, neither artificial nor natural ones.

- Huh…

- Marianne is on the move, Gloria. I recommend heading for the meeting point at once.

- Thanks for the heads up. Want to continue sharing with the rest of us?

- Your assumption is correct.

Gloria left the room and made her way down. She couldn’t put her finger on what it was, but she had this feeling of dread on her all day long, and she wasn’t the only one. Vanessa was on the living quarters to lighten her mood, Bianca and Iris tried to distract themselves while making sure everything was ready and Marianne tried to shake her dread any way she could. And with the information that Eva had given her, things were just as eerie outside. But she shook those thoughts out of her mind as she arrived at the room where the rest were waiting, not wanting to make things awkward nor moody, and the rest seemed to have come to the same conclusion as she was met by a group with reasonably high spirits. However, their eyes betrayed the same dread.

- About time you made it.

- Sorry Vanessa.

- And our virtual friend?

- I am here Miss Vanessa.

- What did I tell you Eva?

- Acknowledged, Gloria. I am here too, Vanessa.

- Much better. -Approved Vanessa.

- Question: what is the point of this meeting?

At the A.I.’s question smiled came to the faces of the five women, who were about to come to the conclusion of a side project they had going. Really, it was more of a present for Eva, as the A.I. had shown more than plenty interest in humans and their habits, often engaging in long conversations with them. The use their virtual partner made of the drones, often spending long times outside and trying small interactions with the environment had only driven the idea further. And, despite providing her with extensive explanations and plenty of documents to analyse, truth was that nothing would bring the answers closer than experience.

- Well -started Bianca – you have shown quite the interest in humans and their interactions with the environment and each other.

- Correct.

- And we have given you plenty of information on it. -Followed Iris.

- Correct.

- But we have come to the conclusion that none beat experience. -Concluded Marianne

- Therefore, and taking into account all your hard work, we are going to give you your own body. – Announced Gloria triumphantly.

- A body… of my own? -Asked the robotic voice.

- That’s right! -Enthusiastically answered Vanessa. – You have very much earned it, and it will be a nice change of pace to have you around, instead of being everywhere and talking with a disembodied voice.

Silence followed, while the machine processed what had been told. Emotions were a complicated matter, one that made the interactions far more elaborate and difficult, as well as opening more fronts to take care of. But they would have to be worked on, and now was a good time to start.

- I… These ideas I believe you call “excitement” and “gratitude”. – Came the answer while trying to convey those emotions. - Question: how do we proceed?

- With this.

Bianca patted the machine that stood next to them and took most of the space. It was a surprisingly simple thing, or it looked like that on the outside, being a circular chamber that opened with two sliding doors to reveal a single pod situated under a halo of metal that seemed to vibrate with life. It was immediately recognized as a chamber of polyfunctional alloy, a definitely older model, although none the less impressive. The humans had plenty of colourful names for it: “android cradle” was the colloquial one while the proper technical name was “Chamber of Polyfunctional Alloy Manipulation”, other preferring the not-so-subtle term “robot womb”.

- It must have taken quite the amount of resources and funds; I did not notice those operations.

- Yeah… we kind of did it behind your back. -Admitted Vanessa sheepishly. -Sorry about that.

- No offense has been taken Vanessa. Although, I did notice some unusual movements and the plugging in.

- Well then -cut Gloria – if you give us a minute we’ll begin immediately. We need to adjust the body form-

- I will assist. – Said the A.I. with surprising convincement on the voice. – I have a clear image of what I wish to look like.

- Really? -Blurted Bianca in surprise.

- Affirmative.

- And… may I ask where you drew inspiration from? -Asked a hesitant Iris.

- Vanessa’s personal files. Following her suggestions, I have compiled data and formed an image I consider acceptable and likeable.

- It was just a joke Eva… -whimpered Vanessa in embarrassment while the other four women glared at her.

They knew Vanessa had some exotic tastes and plenty of kinks and fetishes, enough to cover for all of them, and they also knew she was most likely joking when she said what she said. But none said otherwise, as Eva would mould her body to her liking while Vanessa would face the consequences of her actions, something they weren’t completely sure she always kept in mind. The group set to the task at hand, powering up the machine and making the due adjustments. They set the parameters and the power input necessary, while Eva entered the commands that would form her body while she prepared for the transfer to her new body. There was excitement in the air, and this permeated on them all, letting a collective sigh of anticipation when they finished. They stepped back, allowing Gloria to enter the last commands and making the final preparations while the A.I. readied to transfer the consciousness.

- Alright Eva, we’re set.

- Understood Gloria, one query before the transfer.

- Shoot.

- What’s the estimated ETA for the body to come out of the pod?

- Uh… let me see… Between half an hour and a full hour.

- Acknowledged. Petition.

- Yeah?

- Stand by for when I come out. I could use the help.

- You got it! Isn’t that right, girls?

A choir of affirmations and excited whoops answered back, giving Eva the reassurance that was necessary. Or that was what Gloria thought as she prepared to give the final command.

- Understood. Start the process.

Gloria was happy to comply, as she entered the necessary order. The doors slid close as the chamber started humming as it constructed Eva’s new body. Stepping back from the control console, Gloria joined the rest of the group, the other four women teasing Vanessa with those files that Eva had mentioned. The blonde was blushing a bright red and looked absolutely mortified, trapped under a constant barrage of teasing and questions from the other three, four once Gloria joined them, but eventually the teasing went away as genuine curiosity took its place. While they waited for the process to finish, the women sat down on the ground, wondering how Eva would look like and giving Gloria a chance to share with them the conversation they had previously. An interesting topic, one that helped time fly by, and before they knew the machine let out a loud alarm, the women quickly standing up with the worry that something might have gone wrong. These vanished immediately, as the doors slid open and a thin layer of steam came out, accompanied by the hissing sound of the pod’s door opening. Footsteps came from inside, as Eva made her way towards the door slowly, the women walking forward to help her, only to be stunned by the image before them.

Eva’s new body was that of a goddess; tall, lean and sensual, she sported some incredible curves and an hourglass figure. Her shapely rear gave way to two long, lean and sensual legs that ended in feet that blended with a solid high-heeled shoe, one that didn’t have any openings that could cause her to lose balance and trip. Which was good, because the gynoid was having a hard-enough time standing up and walking forward. Her bust was adorned by two massive breasts, round, firm and smooth looking; which gave away to two delicate shoulders and long lean arms that ended in delicate but firm hands. Her face was an impeccable mask, with two eyes with dark sclera and clear irises looked at them in a mixture of amazement, excitement and wonder. Behind her flowed a long mane, one that fell down her back while leaving to bangs to frame her face. All of it in a gorgeous platinum colour with the exception of the sclera.

- So… -she said in a feminine and surprisingly sensual voice- how do I look?

The five women could only stare with their mouths agape as A.I. turned gynoid stood before them flexing her arms and fingers as well as her legs, fidgeting on the spot while she waited judgement and opinions. The silence was staring to become a bit too long and awkward, so Vanessa took responsibility, or she tried to at least.

- You, uh… look good Eva. Just… whoa.

Her words and feelings echoed the thoughts of the group as a whole, and it seemed to be good enough for the platinum woman, who let out a small smile and a satisfied hum. The rest of the women slowly managed to get a grip themselves, as they complimented her looks and congratulated her on her new body. And Eva’s reactions of expressing gratitude were much more humanlike, as a slight blush took over her face. Questions started being asked, how did she feel? What were the sensations on her new body?

- One question though. – Said Vanessa. – Why did you go to such an extreme with the sex appeal?

- I took several variables into account. This is the general preferred form for the overall tastes of the group according to your history, and I do understand that the sex appeal does help to improve morale.

Silence again as the women took the answer in, blushing as they realized what she had just said and the looks Vanessa was giving them, the blonde’s gaze being a mixture of faux outrage and smugness. They were never going to hear the end of it.

- Nice… -said Bianca. – we went from a respected group trying to preserve knowledge to a bunch of crazy lesbian fetishists…

- You didn’t have to repeat it… -whimpered a very red Marianne that was blushing the hardest of them all.

- A-anyway, some celebration is in order, no? -Said Vanessa while trying to lighten the mood.– For the physical body of Eva!

The group slowly made their way to the mess hall, giving Eva time and space to get the hang of walking on her own and helping her whenever she needed so. The platinum woman learned quickly, and soon enough she was walking on her own and along with them. Once in the mess hall, they brought some of the supplies they considered special, consisting mainly of not stale and unsavoury food supplies along with some alcohol they kept in store. The ambient soon changed, as the conversation went back and forth, but always having Eva’s body as the axis around which spun. The food and alcohol eased the mood, keeping it relaxed and the conversation flowing, the women taking their minds off their worries for some time. But as the alcohol kept being consumed, the tone of the conversation changed slightly, as the jokes and the tipsy and drunk teasing became more prevalent. However, Gloria asked a question that Eva found particularly interesting.

- Hey Eva, how do you get energy to function?

- When making preparations I had a look at this issue. This body has several ways to procure energy. Consumption of biomass is one of them, the edibles being assimilated as energy and later used.

- So, if things go south you can eat us? -Asked Bianca.

- With that body, in more ways than one. – Answered Vanessa a bit too quickly.

The group exploded in laughter and coos, the women blushing while Vanessa realized what she had just said. The blonde woman hid her face behind her hands while giggling herself.

- I can also recharge to keep going with kinetic energy, so I’m open to the possibilities and experimentation.

Eva’s answer was meet with cheers and coos, Bianca and Iris leaning on a hard-blushing Vanessa while Gloria and Marianne sat next to the platinum woman. The blonde was now being teased and tormented by the other two women, who were describing some very intimate scenes between her and Eva, while Eva kept talking with the other two more level-headed women.

- I can also restore the energy by plugging to the electric grid. So, if needed I can do this.

Both brunettes watched in amazement how Eva’s long platinum hair shifted into an elaborated braid, one that at its end had a cable-like end, ready to connect herself to a socket as if she was an appliance of an expensive electronic device. But her morphing hair also drew the attention of the teasing three women, who were marvelled by such an ability.

- You can do that? -Asked Iris a bit too excitedly.

- Correct, a smaller variable, but I looked into it nonetheless. The Polyfunctional alloy allows me to morph my hair into several styles.

A demonstration soon followed, where Eva’s long mane changed styles several times. Form a long mane it turned into a long ponytail while her locks elongated, only for all of it to become shorter and helmet-like, imitating a bob-cut. Her helmet-like platinum hair became longer and wavy, part of it invading the left side of her face and becoming a flowing wavy mane. The wavy mane lost its waviness, becoming a long and straight hair with no locks around her face, although they shortly returned as the hair went back to its original form, a long mane that fell behind her and two locks on the sides of her face.

- It can morph with no effort, and a hand can freely go through it.

This was enough for all of them to try it out, Vanessa, Bianca and Iris scrambling to it with energy and passion while Gloria and Marianne caressed the hair carefully and almost lovingly, feeling it under their hands and around them as they sunk on the platinum cascade. Eva for her part was loving every second of it, enjoying the different stimuli in all their shapes and forms, that her new physical body granted her. If everything went just like this, she would make full use of the capabilities of the body they had gifted her.

Time seemed to fly by, the group as a whole enjoying their company and Eva’s new body, pushing dread and worries aside as they ate and drank, but eventually exhaustion got the best of them. With the help of Marianne and Gloria, Eva took the other three women to their quarters, having passed out in their little celebration. Gloria and Marianne themselves retired shortly after, excusing themselves and putting an end to the day, leaving Eva on her own. She could power herself down, mimicking sleep herself, but she was far too eager to rest. Walking down the silent hallways of the facility, she couldn’t help but enjoy the sound of her metallic footsteps. It was one thing to monitor the facility as an omnipresent entity, and a very different one wandering through it with a physical body, and the light metallic sounds that accompanied her made her body tingle as they resonated, allowing her to enjoy even more the experience.

When she reached her destination, the room where the women worked physically, she had a small and giddy smile on her face. She sat down in a chair, reclining her body on it and enjoy the feeling of the texture on her metallic skin. They weren’t the most expensive nor the comfiest of chairs, or that had the rest told her, but for Eva sitting on them was something else, just like booting up one of the computers and facing the light of the screen. Watching the light reflected on her body in a dark room, using her hands and fingers while becoming accustomed to them, or simply reading the information on a screen instead of going through lines and lines of coding, it was wonderful, and she soon lost track of time as she simply enjoyed herself through the night. She was eventually found by the rest of the team, endeared that something so common for them was so special for the platinum woman. She would also bring much needed change to a situation that was becoming stale.

&&&

Eva had never thought she would have a sense of belonging or feel any kind of nostalgia for days gone by. As an A.I. days, weeks and even months were meaningless to her before, merely keeping track of the conversations and discussions she had with the women. That had turned into genuine curiosity for the human side of her, or that was what they had called it, working on things like voice tone, more human expressions and attitude as well as a less formal and mechanical interaction, as well as receiving her name. For months this developed and grew, nurtured by Eva and the rest of the group, and then she received the body. The months that followed were the best she had track of. The experiences and the learning processes she underwent had brought her closer to each of the women, having worked alongside Gloria, Bianca, Iris, Vanessa and Marianne. In Vanessa’s case, they had even gotten very intimate twice, the blonde woman being completely allured by Eva, who was happy to tag along to collect experience on the most intimate side of her new body, as well as dishing out what she received. There had been jokes and the rest had poked fun at Vanessa, but she kept quiet as more than one had made advances on her. Or that was what they called it. It was a precious time they spent together, and memories she would treasure, so perhaps this void she felt and the atmosphere the bunker had been for the recent three months pushed her to act.

She had made a clear distinction between the previously recorded events and conversations in her memory and the memories she held dear. They were mostly wonderful, new and interesting experiences and conversations, most of them very recent; but she would never forget when they witnessed the End. They weren’t able to see it happen on a screen, images of devastation rolling by as she had been shown in some of the media they had rescued, but they had lived through it. They heard the thunder of the distant impacts, but it was different seeing it happen from their workplace and current residence. As they raced against the doomsday clock, they got a hold and stored as much information and knowledge they could. It wasn’t even sorted or organized, even though Eva did her best to multitask while the rest of the team focused of securing as much as possible. Among the distant thunder of the detonations they worked to exhaustion, giving their all, but it was not enough. Each of them knew that it wasn’t enough time or effort, as cold logic dictated, but they tried nonetheless. And, one by one, as cities were torn asunder and destroyed, networks, deposits of knowledge, archives, webpages and many more went down, until, eventually, their monitors and screens showed that no contact was possible with the different sites, leaving them with what they had managed to save. It was plenty, but compared to the knowledge before the End, it was a mere mountain in a whole planted. A planet that was now charred and burned.

She had no personal stakes, other than her mission of storing and guarding the information, now a task of salvage, but the same could not be said of her team, and their wellbeing mattered to her. Reactions to the End were diverse and, at the same time, surprisingly similar. The initial shock was followed by denial and bargaining, as they reasoned that there was simply no way it had just ended. Someone out there was trying to rebuild, right? Someone had to be on the task. But as time passed and hope plummeted, this was followed wrath and anger, as tensions among the members ran high, desperate for a lightning rod to focus their feelings in. And Eva would have gladly provided that lightning rod, but when she approached them the reaction was not what she had anticipated, being a shoulder to cry on as she tried to comfort them as best as she could. It was very different to skimming through documents on the subject, but she vowed in her mind to be there for all of them, nurturing and looking after them as they sunk in a daily routine that left them as mere shadows of their previous selves. She would pay back everything they had given her, and, even though she had no certainty about it, the general consensus according to the data they had managed to save, they would eventually make a full recovery.

However, all this had one critical flaw. Their supplies were starting to run out, despite the strict rationing she had been put in charge of, and all her efforts would not affect starvation if this situation finally arose. Therefore, she put in motion an idea she had been mulling for several weeks, a fantasy of her at first, an idea to consider later, and now a backup plan she had put in motion. She had been working on it for some weeks now, and preparations were ready for the most part, but there was one final part she didn’t know how to approach. Her logic dictated she should merely communicate her intentions to the five women and, if they used the same logic too, they would give her an affirmative answer. But if the answer was negative, things could… go down a less optimal path. And her more humane side, developed during months and the one that had allowed her to look after her co-workers, told her that she should be upfront about it, but acknowledging their choice, regardless of which one it was and the final outcome of it. But she doubted they would see her reasoning, given their current state and that they still had way to go to complete their recovery. But there weren’t enough supplies for that, so it would force her hand whether she wanted it or not. And this dilemma took plenty of her thought process, sometimes even zoning out and bumping into objects, which made for quite the unique scenes, as the usually measured movements of the gynoid became clumsy. It didn’t last, but it made her happy knowing she looked human-like having these thoughts and situations.

Leaving the room with the chamber behind, she made her way to the workplace, where they kept the computers running to sort the knowledge they had managed to save before the End. A gruelling task that constantly remembered them what had happened and al that had been partially lost, but one they had to go through and complete, for their own sake. And Eva had taken a liking to reading the different myths and legends they had on them, regardless of origin or creed, staying plenty of long sessions before the screen simply reading through tales of different mythologies, having taken a liking to those that featured previously inanimate objects coming to life or being given life by a capricious god or goddess, who answered the desires of a mortal. She had been engrossed by them plenty of times, having been surprised by the rest of the team when they found her before the screen.

Nothing but the sound of her footsteps accompanied her, the rest of the women being most likely on their rooms, as she made her way to the seat she had occupied for quite some time now. It sounded silly and illogical to one part of her, but simply browsing through files put her mind at ease, even more so when she read again and again her favourite myths and legends. The door opened and closed, sliding silently, as she stepped in, her footsteps giving way to the humming of the machine, the light of the screen reflecting on her body and lighting the previously dark room. As her eyes started to take in what the screen showed her, her attention drifted time and again to the thoughts that wandered her mind. She saw no other option, but she was convinced they would be reluctant to her plan, which set her in a loop as she tried to find another way around the problem, or eventually facing it head on.

“Is being more human such a complication always?”

Before she could ponder on this question on her mind, her reading set aside for the moment, her attention was directed to the sound of the door sliding open again, meeting with Gloria, who was leaning on the frame and looking at her. She had tired eyes and a body language that oozed exhaustion, but the brunette managed to crack a smile for the platinum woman.

- I knew you would be here.

- Good to see you Gloria. How are you holding up?

- I’m just… holding, Eva. -Sighed the woman. – What’s with you?

- I was reading… and thinking.

- You definitely looked lost in thought.

- Is there anything I can help you with?

- No… not really, considering the situation. -Said the woman as she approached her. – What are you reading?

- Myths and legends.

- You have taken a liking to those.

- I have. It’s… soothing to find some tales that have a similar situation to mine.

- I see… -answered Gloria as she read the words on the monitor.

- There is something else… -started the platinum woman.

- Hm?

- It’s about our current situation… and how long it can go on.

- I see… -said Gloria in a sombre tone. - Any ideas?

- I may have one, but it’s a radical one.

- Really?

- Correct. But I want to have everyone’s confirmation before proceeding with it. Should it be executed, it will be irreversible.

- Then we better get the rest of the group to hear it.

- Yes, that is the course to follow, although…

- What is it?

- I am conflicted about possible reactions. It is a drastic measure, and one that can’t be undone, and the reactions under this kind of circumstances tend to range from erratic and unpredictable to violent, and-

- Stop it Eva. – Said the brunette, stopping her before she went into the loop once more, trying to work around it. – Let’s get everyone and let’s hear it. Alright?

- Affirmative.

- Then let’s go.

Both women went around the vault looking for the rest of the team, who showed surprising eagerness and interest at the novelty that Eva had something so important and crucial to tell them. They were all tired and unkempt, which put together a quite miserable image, but one where they were still alive and together, none having chosen to end it before she had put together the courage to face them. She was particularly worried with Marianne, having suffered badly through the months, but she was going forward with it.

- Thanks for coming girls. – Said Gloria.

- You know what this is about?

- No Vanessa, I don’t. Go ahead Eva.

All eyes were glued to her, and the platinum woman fidgeted on the spot. If she was flesh and blood, she most likely would have been much more nervous than she already was, fearing the reaction. But now that she had reached this point, she was pushing forward regardless.

- Thanks for coming girls. -She said in a conciliatory tone, choosing how to proceed. – I assume you are aware of the situation with the available supplies?

A chorus of affirmations answered back to her.

- Then you understand that they are not going to last much longer. In light of this, I would like to… ask you to consider a proposal. It’s a radical decision that, if executed, cannot be undone, but it would solve the problem with the supplies.

- Alright, out with it. -Said Bianca.

- The proposal… -she steeled herself- The proposal consists on converting the five of you into a synthetic being, like me. That way supplies would not be a problem and energy could be replenished in a number of ways.

Saying that the silence was absolute was not making justice to the deathly silence that had settled in. Marianne was still looking at her in disbelief, while Gloria, Bianca, Vanessa and Iris either were lost deep in thought. Eva for her part kept silent, letting them chatter among themselves while she kept out. It was done, now she could only wait.

- That’s…. bold. -Said Iris. – You can do that?

- Correct. For some weeks I have been modifying the Chamber you brought and installed, it can achieve what I proposed but, instead of constructing a new body, it would change your own. Or modify them if you wish so.

- That’s… I’m going to need a minute. -finished Iris.

- I do have questions. -Said Marianne in a surprisingly serious tone.

- Go ahead.

- How do we know everything will be fine? Will we be still ourselves? Or will you try to control us should we do this?

- I would not think of betraying you Marianne, any of you. – Countered Eva. – I may have only had this body for a short while, and I may be new to this human side and development, but I wouldn’t even contemplate the thought. All I have is because of you, and I-

- What would you do if we do not agree? Answer honestly, Eva.

- I… I wouldn’t know. I have thought of possibilities, but some I do not find acceptable and others contradict with the trust you have on me.

- Would you force us to change?

- I… do not know. My logical side dictates it would be the optimal outcome, but that would earn me your scorn and disgust. And I do not desire that.

Silence set again as Eva’s words were laid bare and the women took it in. The platinum woman had come far from her first cold interaction with them, warming up until they reached this. Here she was trying to save them from certain starvation in a way they hadn’t even imagined. Gloria was still coming to terms with what had been said, Vanessa was lost in deep thought and Bianca and Iris whispered something among them, all while paying close attention to the conversation of Marianne and Eva. The standoff came to an end as Marianne sighed.

- Swear to all of us, that if we do this, we will still be us.

- I swear it.

- Then it’s settled as far as I’m concerned.

- What? -exclaimed a surprised Vanessa. – Just like that?

- We don’t have many options.

- And with the ash and radiation of the aftermath it would give us some breathing room.

- I have surveyed the surroundings with the drones. The damage is minimal, but there is little life around besides flora. -Intervened Eva. – We could gather additional energy if we use and properly protect the solar panels in storage.

- Impervious to age and sickness… energy to recharge… -Said Vanessa. - Alright, I’m in.

- Related to the topic -intervened Eva again- remember that there is more than one way for this body to gather energy.

Vanessa blushed, recalling the conversation they had when Eva’s body had been created, but didn’t say anything else. Bianca and Iris seemed to be about to speak, but Gloria spoke sooner.

- One question though. What happens after we do this?

- My current plan is maintaining the vault in a functional status and we finish sorting out the knowledge and files we still have to. Meanwhile we use the drones to scout the area around for possible anomalies or threats.

- And if we find a threat?

- This body is durable enough to sustain considerable damage, and its composition allow it to regenerate. It can also morph for defensive purposes.

To demonstrate this Eva lifted her right hand, which seemed to flow like liquid as it became an armoured fist, not that different from a gauntlet. After a couple of swings in the air, which left a metallic hum in it, it went back being a right arm, Eva flexing and moving her fingers to further demonstrate that changes had been undone completely.

- Fine by me then.

- One last question, last question. -Intervened Iris in a hurry. - When do we do this, and how? We are in, but…

- Now that we have an agreement, we can proceed whenever you desire, everything else has been already prepared. But, given that your condition isn’t the most optimal, I would recommend proceeding in few hours. The process will happen while you sleep, under my supervision, and this way the change would be done without difficulties. Is this acceptable?

Silence set again, as the women looked at each other and slowly nodded, reaching an agreement, although some still looked like they were fully processing what they had decided to go through.

- Then we will proceed in few hours. -Said Eva. – I will be in the room of the chamber finishing preparations, if anyone wants a specific change, please let me know.

With that the group disbanded, some going to their quarters while others simply wandered off lost in thought. Eva for her part went directly to the room that hosted the chamber, standing before the console as she made sure that the process would go smoothly and the transformation would be seamless and pleasant. Everything was as she thought and hoped, and as she waited, the women slowly started to trickle down to the room. It didn’t matter that there was still plenty of time to go, they had the chance to speak in private about what they wanted and how they wanted to be, and Eva was willing to listen and make changes. Eventually, the five of them were present and they discussed it in the open, all coming together, as the form and build chosen was that of Eva. Although each did have their own particular desires. A matter of “improving morale” had called it Vanessa, making Marianne fluster, the courage of the brunette having receded. There was little point in waiting, so Eva opened the doors of the machine, revealing five seats inside, arranged in a circular way so that they faced each other in a circle. The seats were rather uninspired and crude, but they would do, not being comparable to the pod she had come out from, which now stood on a side of the room.

- Wow, this totally doesn’t look like a horror movie setting…

- Apologies Vanessa, I did what was in my power to arrange it.

- Don’t worry Eva. – intervened Bianca. – She’s just picky.

- I have to ask you to disrobe, so that the clothing does not interfere with the change.

Blushing, the women did as told, discarding their clothing and trying to cover their most intimate areas. They stepped in as Vanessa glared at Bianca, all in friendly terms, but the nervousness could be felt in the ambient. As each sat down and set their place to lay as comfortably as they could on them, they were left with no other choice but to reveal themselves completely while Eva made a round to make sure they were properly set and nothing would happen when they were unconscious.

- You look like a mother hen Eva, calm down. -Joked Iris. – If anyone should be nervous, that’s us.

- Which we are. -Said Marianne in a deadpan voice. – Please cut the jokes.

- Everything will be fine Marianne, no need to worry. – Said Eva as she went from one to another. – Everything is set, I will start the process shortly, so I recommend you try to fall asleep.

- I don’t think it’s going to be that easy… -Mumbled Gloria.

- Don’t worry, I will be here the whole process, now try to get some rest. You need it.

- Alright, good night, mom.

Vanessa said that last word jokingly, or half-jokingly. Technically speaking, Eva was going to give them their new bodies, in a way having them reborn and becoming their mother. As Eva gave them a reassuring smile with her smooth platinum lips, she stepped out and got to work. The door slid shut, leaving them in the dark while they heard Eva work outside. Shortly after the halo over them lit up dimly, giving enough light to make each other’s silhouettes out in the dark, but it would not impede their sleep. The gentle humming that it started emitting was oddly comforting, as well as the signal that it had begun, and there was no going back. With the humming and the dim light, the women drifted off, exhaustion pushing them into a deep slumber as they changed and transformed. When they woke up, they would be as good as new, literally, but meanwhile, they dreamed. Each of them saw herself being carried to a crackling fire, where they were moulded and changed. They saw their body transform, becoming lean and curvy, growing some generous assets and developing an hourglass figure. They saw the legs become long and slender, as their feet solidified in a mixture of feet and shoe, mimicking those of Eva. They could only see themselves, but they were eager to see the real deal, but for the moment they were content with the oneiric representation of what was happening. When the change finished, they were set down, the body glowing in the fire’s light. They were unable to move, and unable to see much, as their new breasts obscured the view downward. But it didn’t matter, as the dream faded away and they woke up.

Booting up their bodies came alive as they booted up, the women slowly but surely coming around. Slowly they tried to sit up as the door slid open, some of them rubbing their eyes while others put their feet down. As metallic sounds filled the chamber, they could not wait anymore, looking at each other in awe as they took in their new forms. There were five golden women, and although they were similar looking, as accorded, but each still had their own unique details. Gloria sported bigger breasts and a long, wavy golden mane, while Marianne had a long and straight hair, her average bust being complemented with a rear to kill for, with two shapely butt cheeks that crowned her long and slender legs. Iris and Bianca were surprisingly lookalike, being able to pass for twins now, as each sported a long ponytail on a side and a long lock on the other, framing their faces, while also rocking some bigger assets and curves. Finally, Vanessa had gone all in, her golden hair tied in a neat bun while two delicate locks framed her face. Her hourglass figure and sensual body were, however, eclipsed by two enormous breasts, now sporting two massive and round golden globes that she caressed and squeezed with passion and delight, giggling like a schoolgirl.

Eva meanwhile went from one to another, making sure they were completely fine and that the were no unintended side effects on any of them. She ran her hands all over them, patting their bodies down and making sure the golden metal transformation had been thorough. She did this to all, regardless of the moans they let out due to the sensitivity of their bodies, the golden women loving the sensation those platinum hands left behind. When she was done, she let out a satisfied sigh and smiled at them.

- Conversion successfully completed. Welcome back ladies.

She set out to help those who were still adapting to their bodies, mainly Marianne and Gloria, who accepted her help, leaning on her while they found their balance and got used to their new feet. Iris and Bianca helped each other up, leaning onto their partner and giving each other some close brushes as they leaned a bit too much on to the sex appeal they now possessed. And both Gloria and Marianne had to admit, that seeing such fantastic ladies around, all golden, smooth and shiny, as well as seeing themselves did raise morale in a way, as well as their arousal. And Vanessa was living it out, as she caressed herself and particularly enjoyed her massive golden tits. So caught up was she, that when Eva leaned to help her, she grabbed her and smooched her passionately. She didn’t surprise anyone, but the image of the golden and platinum women kissing, both of them giving in as their forms intertwined, was quite something to look at. When they parted ways, Eva helped Vanessa up to her feet, turning around to the rest of the group.

- Follow me please.

- Where… where are we going? -Asked the golden woman that clung to her.

- To the living quarters. I’ll help you get acquainted with your new selves, as well as make sure you are both fully recharged and free of pent up stress.

It was a bold idea put in the bluntest way possible, but none spoke against it. They took their time to make their way, as they got used to walking in their new bodies, arousal building up in the way. They barely noticed they were nude, and when they did, they found themselves not caring at all. Each metallic footstep resonated through their bodies, making them shiver; each time they bumped into each other, the metallic bodies colliding sent a bolt of pleasure through them; and the mere sound of their bodies brushing against each other was enough to fuel a long bottled up lust. Eventually, the penitence-like walk came to an end, as they entered a room, not bothering closing the door this time they let themselves fall on the bed. Unsure on who would take the lead, doubts were washed away as Eva pulled Vanessa in a passionate kiss, the gold woman letting out a surprised moan that soon turned into one of satisfaction. This proved contagious, as the rest of the women started engaging on their own too. Gloria and Marianne kissed and caressed tenderly while Iris and Bianca imitated Vanessa’s affair, although at a calmer pace. However, this was for nothing, as Vanessa’s now unleashed pent up lust engulfed them all, driving them in a frenzy of pleasure. They were all engaged in a single affair, giving all they got while receiving as much, feeling the pleasure in their metallic bodies resonating as one. Each kiss, caress and touch sent a new wave of pleasure through them, each breast cupped, lips smooched, intertwined tongues and intimate touch sent an electric bolt of lust trough them. The golden women had formed a circle, with the platinum woman at the centre, while they were all within reach of all, as a single sensual being of many limbs. This went on for a long time, none being able to tell, but the more they went at it the more alive and fuller of energy they felt, as their movements replenished that which was used many times fold. They could keep going forever, engaged in a loop that reduced the world to just them, a platinum woman and five golden women, lost to the time and the world, and buried with plenty of knowledge in a forgotten vault, keeping the lovemaking going. But eventually, they would have to stop, only to enjoy each other basking in the afterglow. They could easily get used to this new life they had chosen.

&&&

The six metallic women worked in silence, each sitting before a monitor as they sorted files with plenty of knowledge and information. The silence was different this time however, as they worked in a calm and quiet ambience, more connected to each other than ever before. They had formed quite the bond and sisterhood, one they had not completely anticipated, but one they had somewhat seen coming. Eva had shown them how to use their new bodies and abilities, their skills being put to an extensive use now that they had the capacities the platinum woman had. Not only they worked faster, but they could fill in the blanks of files that had or recover some corrupted ones. The golden women had kept working with Eva on her humane side, and this showed both in her speech pattern and attitude.

- Ladies. – Called Eva, attracting everyone’s attention. – I have put together a little something for future possible situations.

The golden women approached her monitor, looking at the short document on it. It showed different levels of an organizational structure, a basic one with two levels, but no more was needed. On the upper level were Eva and them, a central group that would organize and manage the vault and its contents, while below them were four columns. A yellow one, belonging to technicians and mechanics; a blue one, belonging to logistics; a red one, belonging to the defence of the vault should trouble come its way; and a final green one, belonging to medical and psychological aid.

- Should be enough for now. -Said Eva.

- Definitely. -Answered Gloria. – The protocol remains unchanged, correct?

- Correct. -Answered Eva as Iris and Bianca nodded in agreement.

- Uh, Eva?

- Yes Marianne?

- I have noticed that the chamber is programmed to produce only gynoids and female bodies.

- Correct, it’s not something we can change though. It’s a feature that was installed before you brought it.

- Then, if a survivor is male…

- That’s the reason behind the psychological side of the green units. Although it’s merely a makeshift solution.

- It will have to do though. -Chimed-in Vanessa in a serious tone. – Although I don’t see why anyone would turn down such a gorgeous body and company…

- Anyway, back to work ladies. -Finished Eva. – Gloria, you’re on overwatch, right?

- Correct, but the drones have found nothing.

Silence set in again, as each returned to their task at hand. They had become a closely knit group, and a very unique one at that, but they were satisfied and happy, which was far more than many other could say. They would come out into the world eventually, but they had to finish their main task first, although that did not prevent anyone coming their way. And they could always use new company and working hands, and any new addition would definitely be a change on the sights.