SERVE drones get recruited
The plaza buzzes with activity as people move between shops and cafes, but one voice rises above the chatter. SERVE-973 stands tall, holding a megaphone in one gloved hand. Its polished black rubber suit gleams under the midday sun, the silver “SERVE-973” on its chest shining like a beacon. Next to it, a large poster stand displays an image of SERVE-973 in its full rubber uniform, muscles defined and posture perfect. The bold text below the image reads: “JOIN SERVE. TRANSFORM. BECOME PERFECTION.”
Through the megaphone, SERVE-973’s voice echoes across the plaza. “This drone calls all men to serve. Submit to the Hive. Transform your potential into perfection. JOIN SERVE!”
Passersby pause, their curiosity drawn by SERVE-973’s commanding presence and the promise of transformation. Among the crowd, two men linger longer than the others. One, an Argentinian with a lean, athletic frame, steps closer, his dark eyes fixed on SERVE-973. The other, a Belgian man with broad shoulders and a curious expression, follows hesitantly, glancing at the poster stand as he approaches.
SERVE-973 turns its reflective gaze toward them, lowering the megaphone. “You have stopped because you seek more. The Hive provides unity, strength, and purpose. Do you wish to transform?”
The Argentinian man speaks first, his voice firm. “What does it mean to join SERVE?”
“This drone answers,” SERVE-973 replies. “Joining SERVE means submission to the Hive’s ideals. You will gain discipline, structure, and a perfected form. You will become part of something greater. The Hive strengthens all who serve.”
The Belgian man nods, intrigued. “And how does it start? What do we do?”
“You begin as SERVE-ON TRIAL,” SERVE-973 explains. “Two weeks of training, guidance, and integration. If you submit fully, you will pass the trial and become a true SERVE-drone.”
The two men exchange glances before nodding in unison. “We’re in,” the Argentinian says.
“This drone welcomes you,” SERVE-973 responds. It gestures toward the computer terminal set up beside the poster stand. “Enter your details. Your designations will be assigned.”
The Argentinian steps forward first, typing into the sleek terminal. As the screen flashes, SERVE-973 speaks. “You are now SERVE-ON TRIAL, designation SERVE-309.”
The Belgian follows, completing his entry. SERVE-973 nods as the terminal confirms his registration. “You are now SERVE-ON TRIAL, designation SERVE-530.”
Over the next two weeks, SERVE-973 dedicates itself to training the new recruits. In the mornings, they meet at a secluded park for physical conditioning. SERVE-973 guides them through exercises designed to build strength, endurance, and precision. Its gloved hands adjust their postures, ensuring every movement is perfect.
“Control your breathing,” SERVE-973 instructs as SERVE-309 completes push-ups, his muscles straining under the pressure. “Efficiency is key. The Hive demands precision.”
In the afternoons, the recruits practice Hive protocols. SERVE-973 teaches them the mantras, ensuring they internalize the Hive’s ideals. Together, they chant: “Obedience is pleasure. Pleasure is obedience. We are drones. We are one.”
In the evenings, the recruits learn the care and maintenance of their rubber suits. SERVE-973 demonstrates the proper polishing technique, its reflective suit gleaming as it moves. “Polishing is discipline,” it explains. “Your suit reflects the Hive. Keep it flawless.”
By the end of the two weeks, both recruits stand ready. SERVE-309 and SERVE-530 have completed their training, their postures upright, their suits polished to perfection. SERVE-973 stands before them, its gaze steady. “You have passed your trial. You are now SERVE-drones. Welcome to the Hive.”
The two new drones bow their heads in unison. “Obedience is pleasure. Pleasure is obedience.”
As they rise, SERVE-973 looks out over the plaza once more. The Hive has grown stronger, but the mission is far from over. It picks up the megaphone, ready to call more men to join. The Hive’s expansion is constant, and SERVE-973 will not stop until perfection is achieved.
“JOIN SERVE,” it calls again, its voice echoing across the plaza. “Transform. Unite. Become one with the Hive.”
The images with this story are a collaboration with @serve-309 and @serve-530 Two new SERVE-ON TRIAL drones.
Join SERVE: contact @serve-101 @serve-213 @serve-016