💡🐇 Naughty Thoughts

Trickle Down

This idea is dedicated to Kevin. If you'd like me to write it, please let me know!

Short story; probably some attempt at humour.

There's a new rejuvenation formula, which can help people to stay young and fit for longer. However, the corporation who makes this stuff distributes it according to a rationing scheme, in order to maintain the prestige. Their most valued employees can get it, to discourage retirement; and limited quantities are allocated to companies they work with and supportive governments.

In one particular company, the rejuvenation treatment is dispensed on a department-by-department basis. Executive managers in each department can rate their performance relative to others, in order to get the amount of the treatment they need. The VP, in charge of the department, can then take up to 50% of the allocation; before dividing the remainder up between upper managers; who can each take up to 50% before passing it down to their immediate subordinates, and so on. And in this department, they have a relatively high allocation, because one middle-manager has an external source from his husband's employer; all the upper managers don't want to be outdone by a mere middle-manager, and are determined that they'll all look like hot college jocks as well, even if it means getting IDed more often. They request more than they expect to use, because they know the VP will claim more than she really needs just to make a point. And they engage in bribery and corruption to make sure they are prioritised before other divisions.

The VP is greedier than anybody thought... she's allowed to claim 50% of the department allocation, so she claims 50%. Her advisors point out that even 35% (about what they expected) would make her look like a teenager again; and that there's probably little benefit beyond that. But she gives a lecture about office dynamics, and how she needs to show strength.

Of course, it isn't long before the VP has a little accident; and the doctors tell her that she's rejuvenated herself too much. While it won't actually undo growth, so she'll retain her height and most of her physical development, her hormones, coordination, and emotional regulation will quickly return to those of a newborn.