The Safe Word

"Don't worry," Lancelot said, giving me a smile that made me wonder if he'd forgotten that I wasn't as female as my new Avatar. "A physical sensation hack is one of the techniques we believe the Joyriders are using, so we've devised a few counter-measures. We can run a code that disables all but your auditory and optical connections to the game at a verbal command." "So, in other words, I won't be able to feel anything from my Avatar?" I hated how my new voice made even that simple question sound sexy. "That's right," said Lancelot. "Think of it as a safe word. I'd like you to choose it now, a word that won't come up in normal conversation." I gave it some thought. "Suzie," I finally said. I sure as hell wasn't going anywhere near her looking like I did now. Lancelot's eyes went distant for a moment, then he nodded. "Done. Now let's just adjust your clothing to something appropriate for the mission..." I felt the cloth around me warp and morph. I tried to protest, but it was over before I could, and Lancelot was gesturing to someone behind me. I could hear the sound of something being wheeled toward me. "Now then," he said, "Would you like to see the new you?"