In a future society dominated by extreme standardization, the protagonist, a chemist named Charles, faces a crisis when his company’s profit margins begin to decline. The industry, having thrived on uniformity for decades, is threatened by a slight economic downturn. The Board of Directors demands a solution, leading to the idea of creating an all-weather suit that would further streamline production and reduce costs. Charles is tasked with developing this suit, which utilizes a new thermostatic fiber that adjusts to temperature changes. As he works under pressure, he struggles with the implications of his project and the societal obsession with conformity. His wife, Ingrid, grows suspicious of his late hours, and their relationship becomes strained. After a series of events, including a disastrous night out where his suit malfunctions, Charles finds himself in a precarious situation. The suit's chemical properties react to humidity, causing his name tag to disintegrate, leading to a panic as he realizes he is no longer identifiable. In a moment of desperation, he takes the name tag from a crash victim, assuming a new identity. Upon returning home, he mistakenly enters the apartment of another woman, Stasia, who believes he is her partner, James. This encounter forces Charles to confront the absurdity of his society's values, where individual identity is reduced to a name tag. He realizes that the rigid standards of his world have stripped away personal significance, and he embraces the new identity, kissing Stasia. The narrative explores themes of identity, conformity, and the consequences of a society that prioritizes efficiency over individuality. Charles's journey reflects the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, ultimately questioning the cost of standardization on human relationships and self-identity.
By Stephen Bartholomew · First published 2021 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Satire