Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for February 26, 2020

It takes a special type of person to assimilate on Ballard St.

Jerry doesn’t want to show is his “attachments” after the assimilation was done, so that’s why we only see his back.

Poor Patrick. I think his struggle has been assimilating with the world outside Ballard County. Patrick, you are home, relax, disrobe as much as you like, let your crazy thoughts flow!

It was even more stressful — Patrick was simulating assimilating. You have to be soooo careful when you do that, one little slip and you can give yourself away. It’s the stress that wears you out.

Resistance is futile.

Strange. He doesn’t look like a Borg.

It was a really rough day, his cardboard inserts are crumpled.

Good thing Dennis’s shop, Ballard Haberdashery and Fine Meats is running a special.

Two pairs for $4.31 or one for $4.90! Such a deal!

Yeah… I’ve heard of getting your knickers in a twist…

sure looks like it goes much further with Patrick.

All the way down his pant legs.

I don’t see anything that says this is only about the office…. or anywhere, in particular.

But “assimilation” in a Ballard Street neighborhood is easy as can be… it’s a come-as-you-are, laissez-faire, and almost-anything-goes sort of place.

Having to work with non- Ballard Streeters is hard for some people like Patrick, born and raised in the forgiving atmosphere of his close-knit community, which borders on Ballard Park.

Come on down to the Tiki, Patrick… have a yakburger, and we’ll pour you a nice soothing shot of assimilation…

Then have a piece of my key lime or maybe marionberry pie, and you’ll feel good as new.

Looks like he’s dragging….

“We are the Borg. Existence, as you know it, is over. …”

A Ballard Street Borg (with a little fiddle in the middle) becomes – - – - – - – A Balrog!

The corporate world makes being turned into a Borg or Cyberman (robot/humans) look like a kindness.

I think we can all relate to Patrick. One hopes the missus has the tea ready

Something wrong with his ocular implants that causes him to stare at the ground?

Friggin’ Borg.

I hope we are not having a Borg invasion

Passing for “interested” is so soul-crushing.