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In the Hegemony, specialized rank is denoted by a colored lanyard. While those without them, like you, your father, and the rest of your family are still appointed to tasks that you're well suited for and can contribute, you're still classed as part of the “laborer” caste; unremarkable. But with a specialized rank, a lanyard around your neck, you suddenly become somebody. The color of the lanyard indicates the field or department of greater Hegemonic control; warfare, science, biology & health, administration... While a lanyard with only one tassel only means a basic level of rank in that field, it's still higher then any laborer! Your school's administrator, in charge of all the students, the facility's systems, meeting greater imperial goals and metrics; he has a great amount of power and yet only has one tassel. Imagining having two; a senior official in charge of an entire division. Or three, close to the level of an Overseer...
Now <span class="mu-i">that</span> would get you noticed by women!
But you just have no idea how you could ever get something like that. You have to pass all kinds of test, and demonstrate a useful skill that is beyond just basic machine operation, farming, basic social skills... all the things you can already do well enough. And even worse, while you see plenty of Jaxtians and Swall with lanyards, you don't see that many Vetuckers with them. Certainly none of your friends or family have one. Without it, you'll just be part of the crowd, not much likely to get the female attention you seek.
“Alright, let's take five.” Dad says, sitting on a rock. You excuse yourself for a moment to go find a place to piss before you come across a strangely familiar looking hillside along your family's farming property.
Hold on... is that?
You get on your knees to the rocky outcrop and begin to crawl inside. It <span class="mu-i">is</span> your secret hiding place! From all those years ago, as a kid! This is so awesome!
You love stuff like this. It's your secret hiding spot! You did come here to avoid a chore once or twice, but mostly, you just think it's cool. You stopped coming soon after puberty, where you had a bad dream you grew too big and got stuck inside. But it's clearly spacious enough for you even now. You feel a wave of nostalgia.
