Jack cruised down Main Street in his rover. The holographic advertisements were dizzying. Beer, Ice, and Beauty were common themes.

Beauty. That’s what Jack wanted. He pulled into an electrified joint at the far end of the street.

“Hey ya’,” greeted the droid attendant as Jack entered the boutique. “What cha’ lookin’ fo?” All droids were given a distinct origin story. Their accent and dialect reflected it. Unfortunately, most were inaccurate due to the Galatic Alliance’s anti-impersonation laws. Yet their muddled speech was also their most interesting feature. Humans and other carbon-based lifeforms had long stopped noticing these worker drones as part of society.

“I’d like to speak with a top beautification practitioner.” Jack stuttered aloud while checking over his shoulder for any familiar faces. “I want a beauty enhancement.”

“Sura, thing.” The droid articulated. Then it disappeared behind a curtain. Upon returning, the droid invited Jack into the back. “Right dis’ way, serwa.”

Lining the hallway were holograms of the latest aesthetic trends, mostly androgynous and dark. Jack’s eyes carefully took in the samples as he surveyed them from side to side.

At the end of their trip, the droid passed Jack over to a carbonoid sporting a look from one of the samples he’d passed along the way. Carbonoids were a step up from droids — a large step up. Their appearance was so similar to actual carbon-based beings, it afforded them parity in the caste system.

“Hello, darling. What may I do for you?” It said in a low, smoky voice. This particular carbonoid manifested as a human female.

“I’d like an enhancement,” Jack said.

“I see. You’ve come to the right place. Follow me.” She turned and entered the room behind her. Jack followed.

“Exactly what are you seeking to improve?” The practitioner asked.

“I honestly don’t know,” Jack said in a tone of desperation. “I’m lonely. I’m an outcast. I don’t think anyone even knows — or cares — that I exist.” He looked up, into the beautiful eyes of his would-be savior. "Just make me beautiful. Whatever you believe to be the most beautiful creature, please make me look like that.”

Her face resonated with the agony he felt. “Okay,” she said. “But this particular change cannot be reversed. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes,” Jack blurted with a faint sound of hope in his voice.

The beauty practitioner placed Jack into a deep sleep and began the lengthy process of changing his appearance. When Jack awoke, he was extremely sore. He gazed around the room for the carbonoid, but she wasn’t there. Bracing himself, Jack stood. He was taller. This boosted Jack’s confidence in his decision.

A light tapping came from the door and the beautician stepped into the room. “Ah, you’re awake. Good. Would you like to see the new you?” She motioned to a mirror on the wall.

“Yes,” Jack shouted. Excitement rang in his voice.

As he stepped into the mirror’s view, a sense of horror gripped him. Within its frame stood a droid.