Dull blue light from computer dimly lit up the dark bedroom, the only source of warmth in the cold coffin being the miasma of empty protein pots and dirty dishes once holding take out upon them days ago.

Every shelf, to the computer desk was covered in toys, statues and merch from various anime as well as cartoons.

The perfect cave for a hermit not in education, work or training just like Mary.

Just like Mary who had not done anything productive since leaving college five years ago in what started as just taking a year to herself in order to relax, to enjoy the pleasures of life. Then that year turned into another and another.

The unkempt greasy auburn haired girl rolled over on her bed; dragging the modular terminal from her desk to check her messages.

So many friends on the network but never anyone near by she cared about, even the ones that used to hang out in college all moved away, got jobs, nobody had free time now. Even if they did, not like anybody was in the same city as her to bother now.

There was her old friend Lilah from school, better known on the net as 'fairy_(9)' who was always going to parties according to the group she was in. Her and all the cool trans fems who know all the right people she guessed or had all the luck.

She sat up looking at one of her posters that was yellowing, it was an image of a cheerful idol girl 'Yuki Nora: World tour 2131' was written across the middle in a bombastic font style.

“I should get a new one maybe.” Mary yawned feeling a sense of disinterest as the world was dead to her right now.

Climbing off the bed her bare foot stepped into an open polybag filled with crushed cans and food pots “Need to remember to take these out, I keep forgetting to do that.” She sighed and made a few steps towards her computer chair.

The desk was a mess with food stains, an empty beer bottle, opened pack of modular hormone medication, ring pulls and more anime statues.

Was only 4:21AM, still time to grab an hour of gaming before sleeping in till afternoon, better than sitting around paralysed with indecision and choice overload.

Clearing the keyboard she knocked down a printed photo as she bent without getting off her chair to grab it “Fuck, been four years now...” She murmured to herself.

Naomi, one of the seventy-four victims of the mobile armor attack in south bank. The terror group the Black reunion took responsibility for the attack, not that all that matters, it was all the big sweeping things beyond people like Mary.

What mattered was the pain, the divorce of her parents, her father changing.

She took a sip of flat soda that had been laying on the computer table for two days while bringing up the game Rose Duelist 17: Online.

“Just an hour.” whispered.

Even without the pain of what happened four years ago, Mary felt her life would have still taken her to the poor decisions that lead to where she is now.

Dull light bled through the blinds as Mary decided to lay in bed for another thirty minutes before forcing herself up “It's two already, I should get a shower.” climbing out of the overused bed as she tried to fix her matted hair.

Exiting the bedroom where the hall and living room connected she could see her father Hugh sitting on the brown living room chair watching a stream of whatever content happened to be running “Try to go out for a little today instead of sitting in that fucking room all day Ja...sorry Mary.” He caught himself.

Six years, you would think he would try at least a little harder and he was one to talk since he rarely went out himself when he was off work.

Her father let himself go after everything that happened, it was less what you'd expect in a dramatic movie and more the slow rot of apathy taking over his life.

The living room stunk from the empty cans and neglect “I'm going to grab a shower before I go out, you want anything at the Heinz store on the out?” Mary thought to ask.

They lived in one of the many residential development mega towers in Thamesmead, which had entire leisure level floors and a ground with some cafes and retail outlets. Through it was not as glamorous as it sounds as these towers where often in decay unlike the glorious golden age when they where erected in what seemed like eons before Mary Cetamol was born.

“I don't need anything, trying to cut down anyway but I'll ring you later if anything comes up.” Hugh rolled his eyes and went back to watching the box.

Mary strolled lazily into the cramped bathroom as she removed her baggy black hoodie and pants dropping them to the floor as she ran the shower unit.

Stepping into the running water she hummed a Yuki Nora song to herself in the shower while reflecting on how much her perants spoiled her growing up despite their income bracket, that was before everything went to hell a few years ago but Mary wondered if that was part of why she was such a fuck up in life.

Of course her mind would come up with a hundred ways a day about why she was awful and what lead to her living her best worst life.

She stepped out after a quick wash, drying off with a near by white towel then spraying whatever happened to be on top of the sink near by “Stag Gold for men?” She sighed, never knowing a deodorant label could make her feel worse about herself.

Not even saying goodbye to her father she slipped on a baggy black shirt with the logo of some gaming franchise, pants and  a pair of boots before going out into the tower blocks landing which was on the 14th floor.

Already, one of her neighbours a man with curly brown hair called Paul was leaning over the concrete balcony that circled around all the flats. He was wearing that puffy red jacket he always had on, bit of a smell from him, not the worst smell but Mary always found it was unique to him somehow.

“Yo, Mary been a while since I seen you outside your cave, how ya doing?” He smiled waving his hand.

Mary felt a bit nervous as usual when thrown into any social situation these days “Erm, I'm alright I guess, just going out to stretch my legs.” She awkwardly forced a smile, desperate to wrap this up.

He folded his arms on top of the balcony looking down at the floors below “Got the new hardback fifth edition of Petrarca, thinking we could run a session, you're always welcome to join us. I know you're into that stuff too and afterwards we can go grab some pizza.” He offered.

He wasn't a bad guy, he just wasn't the type of person Mary clicked with as a friend despite common interests which made her feel bad just thinking like that. Was that even the reason? Or was she just too shy? Or maybe a mix of all of those factors.

She started to slowly walk to the elevator “I'm alright, thanks anyway, you take care of yourself.” Mary bid farewell as Paul watched her fade into the darkness of the elevator as the doors shut.

It had been the better part of an hour since Mary left the flat, now feeling her legs starting to cave from mild overuse “I feel I'm being punished here for not exercising enough.” She whined, slowly walking through the busy high street, finally finding an empty bench to throw herself on and recharge her battery as dubbed it.

Near by there was a stall where three well dressed girls in suits with the same matching black updo hairstyles where handing out flyers for a company. It was normal to see the corpos out on the street doing recruitment but half the time it looked more like a cult trying to preach a ten step program involving giving yourself over to a higher power.

There was another stall a bit further away, a woman in a military cap, red and black suit with red sunglasses grinning as if eyeing up prey. Mary knew it was Anzen Heavy industries looking for pilots or corpo security to throw in the meat grinder.

“Oh god she's coming this way.” Mary whimpered noticing that wide grin, sound of boots tapping on concrete as they slowly began to walk over, ready to tell Mary about the amazing opportunities of Anzen and how she could tour the world along with the colonies.

Two of the office girls approached Mary as if marking the prey animal as theirs as the rival corpo recruiter backtracked to her stall.

The office girls loomed over Mary smiling “Is that a Yuki Nora shirt? She's amazing, I'm a huge fan myself.” The girl smiled.

Mary wanted them to go away, they where in her personal space “Uh, ehh thanks.” She mumbled.

Suddenly the other office girl was behind the bench looking over Marys shoulder “Have you considered a career with Maid? We always have jobs and fantastic benefits.” She then made the pitch to the frumpy pathetic woman sat on the bench.

The first office girl raised her index finger “That's right and you do not need existing qualifications to apply since we at Machine artificial intelligence development provide the best inhouse training in the industry.” She hummed taking out a stylish black phone.

“I'm not really looking for work right now but thanks for the offer.” Mary tried get them to piss off as something from the phone grabbed her attention.

It was some kind of promotional video but she couldn't take her eyes off it, something about it made her head feel nice, the tension she felt slowly melting away “Just take a look at the exciting opportunities Maid can offer you.” The girl held the phone in front of Mary, knowing she had hooked her prey in.

The office lady behind Mary was checking her own phone as she nodded to her co-worker “You know Mary, you could use some order in your life. After all, wouldn't you like to have some purpose again? Connection.” She smiled.

Mary's eyes where still locked on the phone in front of her, she wasn't even absorbing the main content of the video, there was just something about it that felt good “I admit, there's not a lot going on in my life.” She stammered out, her focus completely hazy to the point that these people knowing about her didn't even set alarm bells off.

All she could hear was some PR spokeswoman talking about the brand of conformity, about the public works M.A.I.D donates towards, all the vast jobs they where creating for the community.

That sounded nice, conformity, uniformity, order, connection “Connection sounds good.” Mary was in a stupor as the two girls sat at each side of her huddled together as the one with the phone moved it slightly closed to Marys face.

The other office lady to the left of Mary nodded “Connection is good, we're all part of a great big family here at Maid, in fact why not come by our office in Canary Wharf for an interview. You'd probably get the position too, someone like you.” She buttered the poor prey creature up.

“I don't really have money to get down there right now.” Mary responded before one of the girls quickly cut in with that false smile.

She looked to her co-worker “It's absolutely no issue, AS One seven Nine can drive you there and we'll even make sure you get home tonight.” She turn put the phone ahead leaving the girl in the hands of A-S179 while she got back to the stall to find more interested recruits.

A-S179 took Marys hand and lead her towards a black car with light blue windows as Mary felt light headed and dazed from whatever they had her watching back there.

The drive over didn't feel that long as they drove into Canary Wharf, the entire streets filled with suits going about their day. For the past century this entire region of London was a hotbed for the corporations and finance sectors which included the big ones in recent years including M.A.I.D, Anzen, RG,Harwell-Dobryivechir and a number of smaller companies as well.

“This is our stop, let's go inside and fill out a few things.” A-S179 chirped as she killed the cars engine and exited.

Mary opened the door and got out as she looked up at a large build brutalist building with blue tinted windows like the ones on the car “Is this the place?” She asked while still feeling just a little bit out of it.

A-S179 took her hand again and lead her through the revolving door into the huge open reception area where countless other staff that looked identical to her going about their business. Mary could also see a few black haired girls in shiny lined body suits with a black dress over it decored in white and blues.

One thing that immediately stood out was they carried firearms giving the impression they where corporate security for the company.

Mary followed her to a reception desk where another three office ladies that once again looked like everywhere else where typing away at their touch terminals “Cetamol, Mary. Shes here for an AdminSystem interview, we already filed the details ahead of time.” A-S179 explained as the middle receptionist nodded and punched up some data.

The receptionist girl pointed to the elevators near by “Good, the board will be happy to see our office in London expanding.” She said as she got back to her work.

They where already talking like she had been hired “What is an AdminSystem? Some kind of server network?” Mary inquired feeling a little concerned but there was no where she could go at this point if she did have a change of heart.

“AdminSystem is the name of our division here at Maid as we see our company as different systems of the greater body. I do admit there is a technocratic element to the naming but you'll understand it soon.” A-S179 explained as they walked towards the elevator and she pressed the key for the fifth floor.

Soon the lift stopped at the fifth floor, doors opening into a long shiny black sterile corridor with various rooms dotting each side “Right this way Miss Cetamol.” She waved her hand forward as Mary stayed behind her.

A-S179 opened a door into a small interview room which looked more like an interrogation room which was a small box with a black table, two chairs and a blue terminal “Take a seat right there, we just have some formalities then we can get you processed.”

She removed a black pen with a shiny sterling silver finish that had the M.A.I.D logo on the side while she removed some forms from the drawer under the table “Do you like my pen? If you work hard enough you could earn a branded pen from corporate as well!” She seemed almost proud about her stupid pen, Mary thought as she reflected on the fact she would be walking back home right now had her plans for the day not gone so off course.

Some forms where pushed towards Mary who was handed the pen “Just sign here, here and here.” The AdminSystem lady smiled.

Mary had some doubts deep down but something lingered from earlier, just a light push in the back of her mind that this was the right thing to do.

Thoughts flashed back to her bedroom, day in, day out, then the image of the room unchanged if not more messy but now she was in her late 40s making the same excuses for herself as she just rotted away promised unfilled.

Opening her eyes, she saw the forms in front of her had already been signed as if she was on auto pilot for a breif moment “Wonderful, we'll get you processed right away.” AS-179 took her pen back putting it back in her blouse pocket.

There was Paul through, maybe that tabletop session wouldn't have been so bad, it wasn't fair that Mary was so picky earlier on about who to hang out with and going out with other human beings for pizza, she'd not done that in such a long time.

No, it was best not to entertain such thoughts, she was already in too deep here and it would be a mess to try and worm out of what she had gotten herself into.

“With that done, consider yourself hired, how delightful. Now come right this way for processing.” AS-179 stood up and head the two out of the interview room.

After a quick stroll down the corridor the AdminSystem employee lead Mary into a larger room with scientific equipment, what appeared to be a salon chair and two more staff members.

One of them had a white latex skirted body suit, white heels, an ID tag on her dress and ware a blue transparent eyepiece on her left side. The other a person of color that had wavy long black hair, wore a black dress with an apron along with heeled boots.

AS-179 lead Mary to the chair “Take a seat and get comfortable. DT-481 will be the standing DoctorTech for this procedure, with Elodie here as your assigned AsetheticTech.”

The doctor took out a black touch pad as she typed on it “Time stamping the start of the procedure for AS-931, registration to the system has been confirmed.” DT-481 said in a clinical tone.

Putting the pad on a near by desk she reached into a silver case removing a thick black shiny collar while approaching Mary she lay on the chair “Just hold still, we're going to begin the procedure, we'll also be installing a NeuroTree which comes included with all employment contracts.” She explained while locking the chairs clamps onto Marys arms and legs.

Mary felt a little concerned at this point “What's with the restaurants? I think I want to think this over a little bit.” She said nervously.

There was a little pick against her neck as the DoctorTech pressed a jet injector against her skin causing her to feel a sensation of floatiness throughout Marys entire body “Just relax for me AS-931, the process is very safe.” She reassured while she picked up the pad and brought an application up as she clicked confirm.

There was a cold sensation from the collar as it started to melt into a shiny black liquid “Ohhhh what is this I'm feeling.” Mary gasped feeling a sticky cold sensation spreading down towards her chest.

The baggy Yuki Nora shirt she had on crackled as holes formed, as if something was eating away at the fabric, it was the black liquid which was now coating her lower torso “Ahh, my clothes!” Mary remarked in an almost sloggy tone due to whatever chemicals where flowing through her bloodstream right now.

Moving down the black shiny liquid had finished eating away at the shirt as it started to eat away at the material making up her pants, then finally as it dripped down to her feet and toes tightening around them it consumed her boots.

Minus her head, her body was coated in a tight black shiny coating “The process is coming along it would seem, I can start on her hair shortly.” The AestheticTech; Elodie  noted.

DT-481 nodded as she tapped on her control pad again to activate the next stage.

Mary felt her skin tingling as the shiny liquid tightened, growing more solid and then taking shape. 

First a white shiny shirt and tie former around her upper body as the nanites transformed permanently into fabric. The next part was the formation of black stockings, then the liquid around her feet grow thicker as it permanently transformed into a pair of black pumps.

Last but not least what was left solidified into a black blouse with a short pencil skirt, her body now wearing the uniform AS-179 and all the other AdminSystem girls she had seen wore.

Elodie opened a case which had some bottles of liquid, sprays and hair cutting equipment as DT-481 nodded “You may begin your work while I get MIKO prepared for the final stage of the proceedure.” The Doctor removing an airtight silver bag that contained a brand new NeuroTree implant that would be installed while the AI did it's work.

In the meantime the woman dressed like some kind of corpo style salon lady sprayed a fine mist into Marys hair that had a pleasnt minty smell to it causing Mary to fall into a much deeper state of relaxation combined with whatever had been injected into her “I feel so, I don't know how to describe it heh.” She giggled quietly completely blissed out.

Elodie sprayed a thick black liquid into Marys hair as she put on a pair of gloves and began massaging it into her scalp making every last last follicle was coated in the substance which had vanilla scent to it “You are going to be a great addition to the company, I just know it.” Elodie smiled as she massaged the dye in deeply.

The two left Mary to settle for ten minutes while the dye dried off, then DT-481 removed a thin blue glass visor from another silver case “I am sure AS-179 informed you earlier that training comes free with the job.” DT-481 said dryly as she placed the headset over Marys eyes.

There was a humming sensation, then a feeling of weightlessness as the world around her disappeared and she found herself in a vast liminal like office with black cubicles going on for miles.

She saw her reflection on a computer screen, it wasn't her, it wasn't Mary, it looked like the rest of those damn girls she saw throughout the day, all the same, all uniformed, not one of them looking unique or standing out.

There was a brief flash of static as lines of code with a blue colored font floated then solidified into a female humanoid that looked like an AdminSystem worker only she had a hime haircut rather than the usual updo.

Mary tried to panic feeling isolated in this strange location “Where am I? I want to go home, I'll clean up, I'll get out more, I don't want this whatever it is!” She shouted out.

The construct just smiled and tilted her head “But you are home AS-931, this is where you belong, this is what you wanted.” The girl just kept smiling with those big eyes giving off a fake sweetness.

Conformity and uniformity

Conformity and uniformity

Conformity and uniformity

Conformity and uniformity

Something was invading her mind, a pressure chipping away at her “I never signed up for whatever this was, you manipulated me somehow, drugs? You made me feel things! I wasn't in the right mind, just let me out!” She begged.

“Oh I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Miko! That's short for Mnemonic Induction & Knowledge Optimization! Think of me as a teacher to AdminSystem employees such as yourself but I'm really lovely when you get to know me!” She held up her index finger cutely.

It was getting harder to hold on as words looped in the mind of  AS-931 “I'm AdminSystem nine, three, one...No that's not, stop it!” She tried to cry.

Conformity is pleasure!
Obedience to the company is absolute! 

Good AdminSystem employees obey their superiors.

Good AdminSystem listen to the commands of AI overseer units.

You are a good AdminSystem employee AS-931.

All the monitors at each desk came to life, lines of blue code scrolling faster and faster as the sensations turned from fear to a sense of pleasure.

A sense of purpose.

A sense of order.

The AI materialized closer to AS-931 “It seems like the NeuroTree implant has been installed, this will enable us to have interface better from here on out.” Miko commented.

Miko brought up a holographic terminal “Oh dear what is this? The south bank terror attack, Naomi? Oh you have a lot of trauma it would seem, this will Impair both your work and emotional regulation.”

A small part of Mary still holding on knew what was coming “Please...don't.”

Miko working alongside the chip that had been implanted in AS-931 back in the real world interfaced together to begin deleting problematic data “Memories of this person are only harming you, we want you to feel good after all, I'm only doing this because I care.” Miko hummed in a sing song voice as she continued with memory deletion on all files that regarded AS-931s sister and the incident which took her life.

It was gone, the pain, she felt clear now.

Not that AS-931 could even remember what had been scrubbed even if she wanted too “I do apologise, I seemed combative for a moment, that is unbecoming of a Maid employee.” AS-931 humbly bowed in front of the AI.

All employees must show virtue in day to day life.

AdminSystem employees must obey.

Conformity is mandatory.

M.A.I.D is your community.

M.A.I.D is your ideology.

M.A.I.D are your family.

Uniformity is pleasure.

Miko patted her on the hand “You are going to be a very good employee AS-931, I am looking forward to seeing you in action.” She responded as they began to download updates as part of the re-sorting process.

After nearly an hour the headset depowered as DT-481 removed it “Welcome back AS, nine three one, I installed your NeuroTree implant while you where out. I take it your training went well, that's great.” She said typing away on her pad as the restraints on the chair where unlocked allowing AS-931 to stand up.

Elodie had already left as her work was done leaving AS-931 and the DoctorTech employee.

AS-931 looked herself over in front of a wall mirror, her black updo hair, shiny uniform and heels. It was all perfect, orderly, within AdminSystem devision standards “Everything is optimal, I am ready to begin my work.” AS-931 said calmly.

The door slid open as AS-179 returned to collect her co-worker “You are looking rather smart AS nine three one, are you ready to begin your first day?” She inquired.

AS-931 who could easily be mistaken for her twin now held her hands in front of her skirt and gently bowed in respect “Yes, I am ready to be assigned.” She noted.

The two exited the medical room into the black corridor “I have taken the liberty of setting up a story for your family that shall allow you a few days to tidy up any affairs before you are moved to a Maid housing module like the rest of us.” AS-179 explained to her new co-worker.

A lingering vague memory of that flat was in AS-931s mind, a filthy unorganized place and one she had no desire to go back too. Her living spaces in the future would be optimized, only keeping what was required for her work and lifestyle.

She turned her head slightly and nodded “I understand, I shall wrap things up before tomorrow.” AS-931 responded in a business like tone as the two pressed on towards their duties and AS-931's induction to the corporation.

Two months later

AS-931 was wearing a shiny black bodysuit as she was working on a soft exercise ball along side four other AdminSystem employees in the same outfit. It was as the standard recreational uniform for gym activities as the five of them spent their free time working out together while discussing work.

In the last two months she found her place within the company dealing with acquisitions and special projects.

One of the girls conversed while stretching her legs “We have already acquired most of the properties downtown, they will be demolished as part of repurposing for the renewal project.” AS-938 detailed.

A woman walked by in the distance with a long black hime suit and more unique black dress suit was seen before disappearing into an elevator.

AS-854 took notice as well “I hear they are training up a new executive, been a few big names passing through this site the past month.” She said as she while resting her back against the wall.

It had been only a month since AS-931 was re-assigned to a branch within the European federation and she had also noticed some of the board members had been visiting the branch.

Ether way it was none of her concern, she had a lot of reports to fill out after they had showered together and finished their recreational hour.

She stood up and stretched her arms while joining her fellow co-workers in doing warm down exercises “We still have over twenty percent of the downtown real estate to acquire, we could use you on this one AS nine three one.” AS-633 asked requested.

AS-931 worked her legs slowly making sure to loosen her muscles up “Yes, I would be glad to help you increase efficiency on the renewal project, feel free to send the details to my terminal and I will make arrangements to join you later to work things out.” She responded.

It was another day at M.A.I.D as they went to clean up and get back to work in spreading the companies ideology of conformity to the world and beyond.