Hunter didn't quite understand why his boss had sent him a pair of Dickies coveralls. Hunter was just an assistant at the office; coveralls didn't quite seem to fit. But nevertheless, he was instructed to put them on ASAP, and Hunter wasn't the kind to question orders.
The coveralls were a bit snug, but he sent a picture of himself to the boss.
"How's this look, sir?" asked the young man.
"Good boy. Keep those on and wear them to work tomorrow," replied his boss.
Hunter had a healthy fear of his boss. After all, he could fire him for any reason, so Hunter knew he had to stay on his best behavior at all times. Yet, these coveralls seemed a step too far. He wasn't even at work, yet his boss was telling him how to dress, even sending him workwear to put on. But rent is always due, so Hunter complied with any complaints, as usual.
The next day, Hunter arrives at the office only to find all the male employees wearing the same black coveralls, like some kind of uniform. Most of the office workers looked out of place in coveralls. Most were the bookish types, not exactly ready to spend all day doing manual labor. The boss gathered them all for a staff meeting.
Hunter sat awkwardly in his coveralls. They were a bit tight, but he didn't want to question his boss' decision. He could tell his coworkers were just as uncomfortable, but everyone knew better than to question the boss.
"I hope you all like your new uniforms, because these coveralls will be mandatory for each and every one of you from this day on. I'm sick of seeing you whatever passes for men's fashion these days. Coveralls are proper men's clothes. You are here to work and obey, and these coveralls will help remind you of that," explained the boss, loudly and sternly.
Inside, Hunter wanted to cry out, but he knew it was useless. He snapped to attention as his boss continued.
"And anther thing: your manliness is being wasted in this office. That's why you will all spend two days a work doing manual labor, like true men. To aid you in that, you will also be required to wear rubber boots and gloves."
Hunter felt dizzy; this was all happening so fast. Why was his boss doing this to them? As confused as he was, Hunter found himself rising to form a line with his coworkers to receive their rubber boots and gloves. As he approached the front of the line, Hunter instinctively looked down to submissively avoid his boss' gaze.
More changes followed. Hunter learned that the first hour of each shift was to be spent doing his "programming". He had to sit at his desk and listen to an audio file where his boss repeated orders and mantras like "Work. Obey. Conform." The whole thing weirded Hunter out, it was like he was being brainwashed.
This new normal continued for the next few weeks. Hunter would don his coveralls each morning, listen to his programming when he got to work, and then obediently follow orders until the end of the day. At first, he would take off his uniform as soon as he could. But slowly, he would take his time going home, even running errands in his coveralls. His boss' words seemed to bounce in his head "Work. Obey. Conform." Hunter found himself muttering it under his breath.
Twice a week, Hunter was forced to work as a street cleaner, working in his coveralls, boots and gloves for the whole city to see. He couldn't help notice how other men looked at him. He was pathetic looking in his uniform, which made him look even more submissive and weak.
The next Monday, Hunter opened his programming to hear his boss' words: "All employees must adhere to the new identification policy. Your new employee ID number is HU-132. Your old name is obsolete. Forget it now."
And like that, HU-132 couldn't remember his old name. But each time he heard his number, he felt a connection. This was who he was. He found himself standing up straighter in his coveralls, his fear and anxiety slowly succumbing to obedience and conformity.
"Work. Obey. Conform." HU-132 said without thinking.
His boss had given him orders. He didn't want to disappoint Boss. Boss was making him a better man, more obedient and compliant. To wear his uniform coveralls was a symbol of that obedience. Whatever Boss wanted, Hu-132 would do without question or hesitation.
Credit to @transformmeintosomeoneelse for the pictures!
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