Omnitech Corporation

As I let myself drift into my nostalgic thoughts, the collar around my neck suddenly starts to vibrate, breaking the thread of my daydreams. "Break's over." Gary's voice comes from the collar, making me jump. I sit up, slowly emerging from my kennel, and head towards the central station where Gary stands, ready to give new instructions.

Upon arrival, Gary looks at me intently. "With all these issues, I haven't had time to give you all the instructions." He points to the green bin under the station. "These toys are your tools for communicating with me. As a Pet Vibe, you're not allowed to use human language." I nod as he continues: "The star is for making a specific request, and you'll be punished for any unjustified need. The moon is for asking for a break, the rainbow for going to the bathroom, and the bottle if you need water." He pauses, making sure I understand. "You take one of these items in your mouth and come sit in front of me."

Among all these items, the rainbow raises the most questions. Do we have specific toilets? Does Gary personally take care of us? I guess I'll find out in due time. As for the star, it might allow us to communicate normally with Gary, but we need a good reason to use it, or face sanctions.

He lets silence hang for a moment, then points to the pink bin. "This bin contains toys that allow you to interact with the executives." He pulls out two and holds them in front of me. "The ball, for playing with them, and the heart, for asking for a cuddle." He continues with an assured tone: "When an executive enters the cafeteria, you must present yourself in a sitting position, with one of these items in your mouth. You can also propose interaction with those already present and available." I nod again, silent.

Yeah... Cuddle or play... As if that choice really matters. In the end, it's the executive who decides. It's just part of the staging, an illusion of control.

He puts the items back in the bin. "There's another item you can present, but it's not in the bin. Do you know what it is?" I think for a moment, then I understand. I immediately take my leash in my mouth. "Perfect, I knew you were smart. Your bathrooms are in the private garden, and the only way to get there is to ask for a walk." My heart tightens again at the realization that this ritual of submission is inevitable. Gary notices my discomfort but continues: "Outside, there are toilets disguised as a bush, so try to aim well. And if no one is available to take you there, I'll handle it myself."

Now, we're faced with a tough choice: be humiliated to drink or stay dehydrated all day, knowing that drinking itself is already a humiliation. The only small consolation is that at least with Gary, I'll know what to expect.

"The last bin, the blue one, contains toys for you to play alone or with each other when you're not being called upon." Gary gives me a stern look. "It's obviously forbidden to remain inactive." He scratches his head, looking thoughtful. "Oh, I forgot the treadmill. It's also for keeping you occupied. After five minutes, it dispenses a treat to reward you."

At that moment, executives enter the cafeteria. Gary nods towards them. "Alright, on work."