Boss talking to Catbert

Boss: Would you like to join me for a hardening?
Catbert: What's that?
Boss: A hardening is when an employee is given more work than his central nervous system can handle. His whole body suddenly goes stiff.
Catbert: I'm in.
Boss: I've been ripening Asok all month.

Asok sitting in cube, Boss and Catbert arrive

Asok (thinking): So much work... No Time.
Boss: Asok, I have another assignment for you.
Asok (becoming hardened): GAAA!!!

Wally and Dilbert arrive at Asok's cube, Boss and Catbert are gone

Wally: I heard a hardening. Get the apathy cream.

Apathy cream has been applied over Asok's face

Wally: He'll be okay when the apathy sinks in.
Dilbert: We forgot the air hole.