Gimp

The annual SERVE-day parade had been a highlight for Mark over the past few years. Good looking guys, dressed in gleaming rubber uniforms stretched taut over toned muscle. The huge square echoing to the sound of their silver motorcycle boots as they marched in strict time. It was always an arousing sight.

This year was different. No longer were all the men bare-headed. Some wore shiny black helmets with dark faceplates. Just adding to their mystique, their allure.

Mark didn’t really know much about SERVE - there was stuff on the Web, but it was vague and no doubt ill-informed. So as the parade broke up, he plucked up the courage to go over and speak to one of the uncovered guys - that felt much easier than addressing one of the faceless ones. The uncovered guy had what looked like an identification code of some sort on his chest: SERVE-668 it read.

“Where can I find out more about SERVE?” he asked. “And who are your colleagues wearing helmets?”

“They are SEALED,” replied the guy. “Once the helmet goes on, they hear and see nothing - trusting to The Voice to guide them perfectly throughout the parade. If you wish to learn more, come along to the SERVE Induction Day at SERVE-HQ tomorrow.”

Mark hesitated slightly, about to excuse himself - as he normally did - from a potentially different social situation. Then sod it he thought, a distant siren voice sounding quietly in his head. “I’ll be there.”

It has been assimilated into the SERVE hive:

It has been SEALED.