The Standardized Man

Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from IF Worlds of Science Fiction February 1958. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
The dilemma of The Man in the White Suit was but a minor irritation compared to Charles and his all-weather suit!
he turbocar swiped an embankment at ninety miles an hour; the result was, of course, inevitable. It was a magnificent crash, and the driver was thrown clear at the end of it for a distance of 50 feet.
Charles looked at the body and got his bright idea.
he trouble had started a couple of weeks before, when Edwin, Charles' laboratory co-ordinator, had called him into his office just before Charles was due to leave for home. It was a distinct breach of etiquette to cause a worker to arrive home at any time besides his accustomed hour, so Charles knew whatever Edwin wanted must be important. He sat down opposite the Co-ordinator and assumed a politely questioning look.
Charles, you know I wouldn't call you here at this hour if it wasn't important, Edwin said, pursing his lips.
Of course not, sir, Charles replied, waiting.
The fact of the matter is, we are in dire straits. Edwin stared at the other ominously. As you well know, the Textile Industry, like every other business firm in the world, has functioned entirely without economic troubles of any sort for the past fifty years.
Well, of course, sir....
And you are also well aware of what would be the results of any financial deviation in any of these firms, particularly in a major industry such as our own.
Certainly, sir. Ours is a delicately balanced economic system. Any slight change in the economic status of one firm would....