Thomas had been living a quiet life as a software engineer in the heart of the city. He had never been interested in the military and preferred to spend his free time tinkering with his computer instead of attending boot camps or joining a local branch of the National Guard. One day, however, his life took a drastic turn when he received a letter from the government. It stated that he had been randomly selected to become a soldier for the country. Thomas was shocked and didn't know what to expect. Upon arriving at the center, he was subjected to a barrage of tests and examinations. The officials seemed satisfied with his physical and mental condition and decided that he was fit to undergo the mandatory "awake surgery" that would permanently graft him into a combat uniform and full tactical gear. Thomas was hesitant at first, but he soon became resigned to his fate. He couldn't do anything about it, and so he would have to accept his new reality. The surgery was performed with Thomas in a conscious state. The doctors used a combination of anesthesia and nerve blocks to keep him from experiencing pain, but he was still aware of the procedure. The suit was attached piece by piece to Thomas's body. It started with the boots, which were made of a durable yet lightweight material that would provide ample support and protect his feet. Next came the pants, followed by the chest piece and the helmet. The chest piece was a marvel of engineering- fully customizable and equipped with dozens of pockets that could hold ammunition, supplies, and other useful items. It also had a built-in communication system that would allow Thomas to talk to his squad mates without any external devices. The helmet was even more impressive. It had a high-tech HUD (heads-up display) that would display crucial information such as his location, the location of his squad, and even enemy positions. It also had a built-in night vision system, which would prove incredibly useful in night operations. Thomas was grateful that he was being turned into a warrior, and he felt a sense of pride as he looked at himself in the mirror. He knew that he would be serving his country and protecting its citizens. As the doctors completed the surgery and Thomas was wheeled out of the operating room, he felt content. He was now a part of something greater than himself- a soldier dedicated to his mission, his comrades, and his country.