"Nobody is more fearless and daring than I am," Rick boasted. "I'll help test one of your new alteration machines." Mr. Fukuyama called in two of his top researchers, who rolled in a large cabinet covered with all sorts of electronic gizmos. "This is our experimental people recycler. It makes old bodies new," the researchers said. "Okay, fearless Rick. Show me what you're made of. Step into the cabinet," Mr. Fukuyama said. The door closed behind Rick, and the researchers activated the device. Rick could not be seen, but he could be heard thumping against the walls of the cabinet and uttering colorful phrases like "Eeeeiiiiaaa! Woooaaaiiii! Jeeevuuuoai!" About 15 minutes later, the machine turned off, and ejected Rick's shirt, pants and tie, all perfectly pressed; and his shoes, shined as with new soles. The door then opened, and Rick stood there, only 24-inches tall and weighing about 12 lb. He was wearing a diaper and holding a pacifier in his hand. "What in hell went on in there?" Rick squeeked in a much higher voice. "Look, Mr. Fukuyama. You like? Man and clothes recycled like new. Man's underwear and socks reconstituted into diaper. Elastic in shorts and socks reformed as binky. You like, Mr. Fukuyama?" the researchers said with nervous smiles. "Not bad technology, but I see no marketing prospects. Disassemble this machine and sell it for scrap," Fukuyama said. The researchers carted the device away, with Rick toddling after them, pleading if they had something that would undo its work. Fukuyama turned to Jim and asked if he still wanted a job. Jim agreed to the positive, so Fukuyama offered him the following things to test:
Fri Jan 14 21:21:17 2000