Farewell speech sample

abandon, ability, able, about, above, absence, absolute, absolutely, abstract, abundance, academy, accent, accept, access, accident, accompany, accomplish, according, account, accurate, achieve, achievement, acid, acknowledge, acquire, across, action, active, activity, actor, actual, actually, adapt, addition, additional, address, adequate, adjust, administration, admire, admission, admit, adolescent, adopt, adult, advance, advantage, adventure, advertise, advice, advise, adviser, advocate, affair, affect, afford, afraid, after, afternoon, again, against, age, agency, agenda, agent, aggressive, ago, agree, agreement, agriculture, ahead, aid, aim, air, aircraft, airline, airport, alarm, album, alcohol, alive, all, alliance, allow, ally, almost, alone, along, already, also, alter, alternative, although, always, amateur, amazing, ambition, ambulance, among, amount, analysis, analyst, analyze, ancient, and, anger, angle, angry, animal, anniversary, announce, annual, another, answer, anticipate, anxiety, any, anybody, anymore, anyone, anything, anyway, anywhere, apart, apartment, apologize, apparent, apparently, appeal, appear, appearance, apple, application, apply, appoint, appointment, appreciate, approach, appropriate, approval, approve, approximately, architect, area, argue, argument, arise, arm, armed, army, around, arrange, arrangement, arrest, arrival, arrive, art, article, artist, artistic, as, ashamed, aside, ask, asleep, aspect, assault, assert, assess, assessment, asset, assign, assignment, assist, assistance, assistant, associate, association, assume, assumption, assure, at, athlete, athletic, atmosphere, attach, attack, attempt, attend, attention, attitude, attorney, attract, attraction, attractive, attribute, audience, author, authority, auto, available, average, avoid, award, aware, awareness, away, awful, baby, back, background, bad, badly, bag, balance, ball, ban, band, bank, bar, barely, barrel, barrier, base, baseball, basic, basically, basis, basket, basketball, bath, bathroom, battery, battle, be, beach, bear, beat, beautiful, beauty, because, become, bed, bedroom, bee, beef, beer, before, begin, beginning, behavior, behind, being, belief, believe, bell, belong, below, belt, bench, bend, beneath, benefit, beside, besides, best, bet, better, between, beyond, bicycle, big, bike, bill, billion, bind, biological, bird, birth, birthday, bit, bite, black, blade, blame, blanket, blind, block, blood, blow, blue, board, boat, body, bomb, bombing, bond, bone, book, boom, boot, border, boring, born, borrow, boss, both, bother, bottle, bottom, boundary, bowl, box, boy, boyfriend, brain, branch, brand, brave, bread, break, breakfast, breast, breath, breathe, brick, bridge, brief, briefly, bright, brilliant, bring, broad, broken, brother, brown, brush, buck, budget, build, building, bullet, bunch, burden, burn, bury, bus, business, busy, but, butter, button, buy, buyer, by, cabin, cabinet, cable, cake, calculate, call, camera, camp, campaign, campus, can, Canadian, cancer, candidate, cap, capability, capable, capacity, capital, captain, capture, car, carbon, card, care, career, careful, carefully, carrier, carry, case, cash, cast, cat, catch, category, Catholic, cause, ceiling, celebrate, celebration, celebrity, cell, center, central, century, CEO, ceremony, certain, certainly, chain, chair, chairman, challenge, chamber, champion, championship, chance, change, changing, channel, chapter, character, characteristic, characterize, charge, charity, chart, chase, cheap, check, cheek, cheese, chef, chemical, chest, chicken, chief, child, childhood, Chinese, chip, chocolate, choice, cholesterol, choose, Christian, Christmas, church, cigarette, circle, circumstance, cite, citizen, city, civil, civilian, claim, class, classic, classroom, clean, clear, clearly, client, climate, climb, clinic, clinical, clock, close, closely, closer, clothes, clothing, cloud, club, clue, cluster, coach, coal, coalition, coast, coat, code, coffee, cognitive, cold, collapse, colleague, collect, collection, collective, college, colonial, color, column, combination, combine, come, comedy, comfort, comfortable, command, commander, comment, commercial, commission, commit, commitment, committee, common, communicate, communication, community, company, compare, comparison, compete, competition, competitive, competitor, complain, complaint, complete, completely, complex, complexity, compliance, complicate, complicated, component, compose, composition, comprehensive, computer, concentrate, concentration, concept, concern, concerned, concert, conclude, conclusion, concrete, condition, conduct, conference, confidence, confident, confirm, conflict, confront, confusion, Congress, congressional, connect, connection, consciousness, consensus, consequence, conservative, consider, considerable, consideration, consist, consistent, constant, constantly, constitute, constitutional, construct, construction, consultant, consume, consumer, consumption, contact, contain, container, contemporary, content, contest, context, continue, continued, contract, contrast, contribute, contribution, control, controversial, controversy, convention, conventional, conversation, convert, conviction, convince, cook, cookie, cooking, cool, cooperation, cop, cope, copy, core, corn, corner, corporate, corporation, correct, correspondent, cost, cotton, couch, could, council, count, counter, country, county, couple, courage, course, court, cousin, cover, coverage, cow, crack, craft, crash, crazy, cream, create, creation, creative, creature, credit, crew, crime, criminal, crisis, criteria, critic, critical, criticism, criticize, crop, cross, crowd, crucial, cry, cultural, culture, cup, curious, current, currently, curriculum, custom, customer, cut, cycle, dad, daily, damage, dance, danger, dangerous, dare, dark, darkness, data, database, date, daughter, day, dead, deal, dealer, dear, death, debate, debt, decade, decide, decision, deck, declare, decline, decrease, deep, deeply, deer, defeat, defend, defendant, defense, defensive, deficit, define, definitely, definition, degree, delay, deliver, delivery, demand, democracy, Democratic, Democrat, demonstrate, demonstration, deny, department, depend, dependent, depending, depict, depression, depth, deputy, derive, describe, description, desert, deserve, design, designer, desire, desk, desperate, despite, destroy, destruction, detail, detailed, detect, detection, detective, determine, develop, developing, development, device, devil, dialogue, diet, differ, difference, different, differently, difficult, difficulty, dig, digital, dimension, dining, dinner, direct, direction, directly, director, dirt, disability, disagree, disappear, disaster, discipline, disclose, discover, discovery, discrimination, discuss, discussion, disease, dish, dismiss, disorder, display, dispute, distance, distinct, distinction, distinguish, distribute, distribution, district, diverse, diversity, divide, division, divorce, DNA, do, doctor, document, dog, domestic, dominant, dominate, door, double, doubt, down, downtown, dozen, draft, drag, drama, dramatic, dramatically, draw, drawer, drawing, dream, dress, drink, drive, driver, drop, drug, dry, due, during, dust, duty, dwell, dying, dynamic, each, eager, ear, earlier, early, earn, earnings, earth, earthquake, ease, easily, east, eastern, easy, eat, economic, economy, edge, edit, edition, editor, educate, education, educational, educator, effect, effective, effectively, efficiency, efficient, effort, egg, eight, either, elderly, elect, election, electric, electrical, electricity, electronic, element, elementary, eliminate, elite, else, elsewhere, e-mail, embrace, emerge, emergency, emission, emotion, emotional, emphasis, emphasize, employ, employee, employer, employment, empty, enable, encounter, encourage, end, enemy, energy, enforcement, engage, engine, engineer, engineering, English, enhance, enjoy, enormous, enough, ensure, enter, enterprise, entertain, entertainment, entire, entirely, entrance, entry, environment, environmental, episode, equal, equally, equipment, equivalent, era, error, escape, especially, essay, essential, essentially, establish, establishment, estate, estimate, etc, ethics, ethnic, European, evaluate, evaluation, evening, event, eventually, ever, every, everybody, everyday, everyone, everything, everywhere, evidence, evolution, evolve, exact, exactly, exam, examination, examine, example, exceed, excellent, except, exception, exchange, exciting, executive, exercise, exhibit, exhibition, exist, existence, existing, expand, expansion, expect, expectation, expense, expensive, experience, experiment, expert, explain, explanation, explode, explore, explosion, expose, exposure, express, expression, extend, extension, extensive, extent, external, extra, extraordinary, extreme, extremely, eye, fabric, face, facility, fact, factor, factory, faculty, fade, fail, failure, fair, fairly, faith, fall, false, familiar, family, famous, fan, fantasy, far, farm, farmer, fashion, fast, fat, fate, father, fault, favor, favorite, fear, feature, federal, fee, feed, feel, feeling, fellow, female, fence, festival, few, fewer, fiber, fiction, field, fifteen, fifth, fifty, fight, fighter, fighting, figure, file, fill, film, final, finally, finance, financial, find, finding, fine, finger, finish, fire, firm, first, fish, fishing, fit, fitness, five, fix, flag, flame, flat, flavor, flee, flesh, flight, float, floor, flow, flower, fly, focus, folk, follow, following, food, foot, football, for, force, foreign, forest, forever, forget, form, formal, formation, former, formula, forth, fortune, forward, found, foundation, founder, four, fourth, frame, framework, free, freedom, freeze, French, frequency, frequent, frequently, fresh, friend, friendly, friendship, from, front, fruit, frustration, fuel, fulfill, full, fully, fun, function, fund, fundamental, funding, funeral, funny, furniture, furthermore, future, gain, galaxy, gallery, game, gang, gap, garage, garden, garlic, gas, gate, gather, gay, gaze, gear, gender, gene, general, generally, generate, generation, genetic, gentleman, gently, German, gesture, get, ghost, giant, gift, gifted, girl, girlfriend, give, given, glad, glance, glass, global, glove, go, goal, God, gold, golden, golf, good, govern, government, governor, grab, grace, grade, gradually, graduate, grain, grand, grandmother, grant, grass, grave, gray, great, green, grocery, ground, group, grow, growing, growth, guarantee, guard, guess, guest, guide, guideline, guilty, gun, guy, habit, habitat, hair, half, hall, hand, handful, handle, hang, happen, happy, harbor, hard, hardly, hat, hate, have, he, head, headline, headquarters, health, healthy, hear, hearing, heart, heat, heaven, heavily, heavy, heel, height, helicopter, hell, hello, help, helpful, hence, her, herb, here, heritage, hero, herself, hey, hi, hide, high, highlight, highly, highway, hill, him, himself, hip, hire, his, historic, historical, history, hit, hold, hole, holiday, holy, home, homeless, honest, honey, honor, hope, horizon, horror, horse, hospital, host, hot, hotel, hour, house, household, housing, how, however, huge, human, humor, hundred, hungry, hunter, hunting, hurt, husband, hypothesis, ice, idea, ideal, identification, identify, identity, ignore, ill, illegal, illness, illustrate, image, imagination, imagine, immediate, immediately, immigrant, immigration, impact, implement, implication, imply, importance, important, impose, impossible, impress, impression, impressive, improve, improvement, incentive, incident, include, including, income, incorporate, increase, increased, increasingly, incredible, indeed, independence, independent, index, indicate, indication, individual, industrial, industry, infant, infection, inflation, influence, inform, information, ingredient, initial, initially, initiative, injury, inner, innocent, inquiry, inside, insight, insist, inspire, install, instance, instead, institute, institution, institutional, instruction, instructor, instrument, insurance, intellectual, intelligence, intend, intense, intensity, intention, interaction, interest, interested, interesting, internal, international, Internet, interpret, interpretation, intervention, interview, introduce, introduction, invasion, invest, investigation, investigator, investment, investor, invite, involve, involved, involvement, Iraqi, Irish, iron, Islamic, island, Israeli, issue, it, Italian, item, its, itself, jacket, jail, Japanese, jet, Jew, Jewish, job, join, joint, joke, journal, journalist, journey, joy, judge, judgment, juice, jump, junior, jury, just, justice, justify, keep, key, kick, kid, kill, killer, killing, kind, king, kiss, kitchen, knee, knife, knock, know, knowledge, lab, label, labor, laboratory, lack, lady, lake, land, landscape, language, lap, large, largely, last, late, later, Latin, latter, laugh, launch, law, lawsuit, lawyer, lay, layer, lead, leader, leadership, leading, leaf, league, lean, learn, learning, least, leather, leave, left, leg, legacy, legal, legend, legislation, legislative, legislator, legitimate, lemon, length, less, lesson, let, letter, level, liberal, library, license, lie, life, lifestyle, lifetime, lift, light, like, likely, limit, limitation, limited, line, link, lip, list, listen, literary, literature, little, live, living, load, loan, local, locate, location, lock, long, long-term, look, loose, lose, loss, lost, lot, lots, loud, love, lovely, lover, low, lower, luck, lucky, lunch, luxury, machine, mad, magazine, mail, main, mainly, maintain, maintenance, major, majority, make, maker, makeup, male, mall, man, manage, management, manager, manner, manufacturer, manufacturing, many, map, margin, mark, market, marketing, marriage, married, marry, mask, mass, massive, master, match, material, math, matter, may, maybe, mayor, me, meal, mean, meaning, meanwhile, measure, measurement, meat, mechanism, media, medical, medication, medicine, medium, meet, meeting, member, membership, memory, mental, mention, menu, mere, merely, mess, message, metal, meter, method, Mexican, middle, might, military, milk, million, mind, mine, minister, minor, minority, minute, miracle, mirror, miss, missile, mission, mistake, mix, mixture, mm-hmm, mode, model, moderate, modern, modest, mom, moment, money, monitor, month, mood, moon, moral, more, moreover, morning, mortgage, most, mostly, mother, motion, motivation, motor, mountain, mouse, mouth, move, movement, movie, Mr, Mrs, Ms, much, multiple, murder, muscle, museum, music, musical, musician, Muslim, must, mutual, my, myself, mystery, myth, naked, name, narrative, narrow, nation, national, native, natural, naturally, nature, near, nearby, nearly, necessarily, necessary, neck, need, negative, negotiate, negotiation, neighbor, neighborhood, neither, nerve, nervous, net, network, never, nevertheless, new, newly, news, newspaper, next, nice, night, nine, no, nobody, nod, noise, nomination, nominee, none, nonetheless, nor, normal, normally, north, northern, nose, not, note, nothing, notice, notion, novel, now, nowhere, nuclear, number, numerous, nurse, nut, object, objective, obligation, observation, observe, observer, obtain, obvious, obviously, occasion, occasionally, occupation, occupy, occur, ocean, odd, odds, of, off, offense, offensive, offer, office, officer, official, often, oh, oil, okay, old, Olympic, on, once, one, ongoing, onion, online, only, onto, open, opening, operate, operating, operation, operator, opinion, opponent, opportunity, oppose, opposed, opposite, opposition, option, or, orange, order, ordinary, organic, organization, organize, orientation, origin, original, originally, other, others, otherwise, ought, our, ours, ourselves, out, outcome, outside, oven, over, overall, overcome, overlook, owe, own, owner, pace, pack, package, page, pain, painful, paint, painter, painting, pair, pale, Palestinian, palm, pan, panel, panic, pant, paper, paragraph, parent, park, parking, part, participant, participate, participation, particle, particular, particularly, partly, partner, partnership, party, pass, passage, passenger, passion, past, patch, path, patient, pattern, pause, pay, payment, PC, peace, peak, peer, pen, penalty, people, pepper, per, perceive, percentage, perception, perfect, perfectly, perform, performance, perhaps, period, permanent, permission, permit, person, personal, personality, personally, personnel, perspective, persuade, pet, phase, phenomenon, philosophy, phone, photo, photographer, phrase, physical, physically, physician, piano, pick, picture, pie, piece, pile, pilot, pine, pink, pipe, pitch, place, plan, plane, planet, planning, plant, plastic, plate, platform, play, player, please, pleasure, plenty, plot, plus, PM, pocket, poem, poet, poetry, point, police, policy, political, politically, politician, politics, poll, pollution, pool, poor, pop, popular, population, porch, port, portion, portrait, portray, pose, position, positive, possess, possession, possibility, possible, possibly, post, pot, potato, potential, potentially, pound, pour, poverty, powder, power, powerful, practical, practice, prayer, preach, precisely, predict, prediction, prefer, preference, pregnancy, pregnant, preparation, prepare, prescription, presence, present, presentation, preserve, president, presidential, press, pressure, pretend, pretty, prevent, previous, previously, price, pride, priest, primarily, primary, prime, principal, principle, print, prior, priority, prison, prisoner, privacy, private, probably, problem, procedure, proceed, process, processing, processor, proclaim, produce, producer, product, production, profession, professional, professor, profile, profit, program, progress, progressive, project, prominent, promise, promote, prompt, proof, proper, properly, property, proportion, proposal, propose, prosecutor, prospect, protect, protection, protein, protest, proud, prove, provide, provider, province, provision, psychological, psychology, public, publication, publicity, publish, publisher, pull, punishment, purchase, pure, purpose, pursue, push, put, qualify, quality, quarter, quarterback, quarterly, queen, quest, question, quick, quickly, quiet, quietly, quit, quite, quote, race, racial, radiation, radical, radio, rail, rain, raise, range, rank, rapid, rapidly, rare, rarely, rate, rather, rating, ratio, raw, reach, react, reaction, reader, reading, ready, real, reality, realize, really, reason, reasonable, recall, receive, recent, recently, reception, recipe, recipient, recognition, recognize, recommend, recommendation, record, recording, recover, recovery, recruit, red, reduce, reduction, refer, reference, reflect, reflection, reform, refugee, refuse, regard, regarding, regardless, regime, region, regional, register, regular, regularly, regulate, regulation, regulator, reinforce, reject, relate, relation, relationship, relative, relatively, relax, release, relevant, relief, religion, religious, rely, remain, remaining, remarkable, remember, remind, remote, remove, repeat, repeatedly, replace, replacement, reply, report, reporter, represent, representation, representative, Republican, reputation, request, require, requirement, research, researcher, resemble, reservation, resident, residential, resign, resist, resistance, resolution, resolve, resort, resource, respect, respond, response, responsibility, responsible, rest, restaurant, restore, restriction, result, retain, retire, retirement, return, reveal, revenue, review, revolution, rhythm, rice, rich, rid, ride, rifle, right, ring, rise, risk, river, road, rock, role, roll, romantic, roof, room, root, rope, rose, rough, roughly, round, route, routine, row, rub, rubber, rude, ruin, rule, run, running, rural, rush, Russian, sacred, sad, safe, safety, sake, salad, salary, sale, sales, salt, same, sample, sanction, sand, satellite, satisfaction, satisfied, satisfy, sauce, save, saving, say, scale, scandal, scare, scatter, scenario, scene, schedule, scheme, scholar, scholarship, school, science, scientific, scientist, scope, score, scream, screen, script, sea, search, season, seat, second, secondary, secret, secretary, section, sector, secure, security, see, seed, seek, seem, segment, seize, select, selection, self, sell, Senate, senator, send, senior, sense, sensitive, sentence, separate, sequence, series, serious, seriously, servant, serve, service, session, set, setting, settle, settlement, seven, several, severe, sex, sexual, shade, shadow, shake, shall, shallow, shape, share, sharp, she, sheet, shelf, shell, shelter, shift, shine, ship, shirt, shock, shoe, shoot, shooting, shop, shopping, short, shortly, shot, should, shoulder, shout, show, shower, shrug, shut, shy, sibling, sick, side, sigh, sight, sign, signal, significant, significantly, silence, silent, silver, similar, similarly, simple, simply, sin, since, sing, singer, single, sink, sir, sister, sit, site, situation, six, size, ski, skill, skin, skirt, sky, slave, sleep, slice, slide, slight, slightly, slip, slow, slowly, small, smart, smell, smile, smoke, smooth, snap, snow, so, so-called, soccer, social, society, soft, software, soil, solar, soldier, sole, solid, solution, solve, some, somebody, somehow, someone, something, sometimes, somewhat, somewhere, son, song, soon, sophisticated, sorry, sort, soul, sound, soup, source, south, southern, Soviet, space, Spanish, speak, speaker, special, specialist, species, specific, specifically, specify, speech, speed, spend, spending, spin, spirit, spiritual, split, spoil, sponsor, sport, spot, spray, spread, spring, square, squeeze, stability, stable, staff, stage, stain, stair, stake, stand, standard, standing, star, stare, start, state, statement, station, statistical, status, stay, steady, steal, steel, steep, stem, step, stick, still, stimulate, stimulus, stir, stock, stomach, stone, stop, storage, store, storm, story, straight, strange, stranger, strategic, strategy, stream, street, strength, strengthen, stress, stretch, strike, string, strip, stroke, strong, strongly, structural, structure, struggle, student, studio, study, stuff, stupid, style, subject, submit, subsequent, substance, substantial, substitute, succeed, success, successful, successfully, such, sudden, suddenly, sue, suffer, sufficient, sugar, suggest, suggestion, suicide, suit, summer, summit, sun, super, supply, support, supporter, suppose, supposed, Supreme, sure, surely, surface, surgery, surprise, surprised, surprising, surprisingly, surround, survey, survival, survive, survivor, suspect, sustain, swear, sweep, sweet, swim, swing, switch, symbol, symptom, system, table, tactic, tail, take, tale, talent, talk, tall, tank, tap, tape, target, task, taste, tax, taxi, tea, teach, teacher, teaching, team, tear, technical, technique, technology, teen, teenager, telephone, telescope, television, tell, temperature, temporary, ten, tend, tendency, tennis, tension, tent, term, terms, terrible, territory, terror, terrorist, test, testimony, testing, text, than, thank, thanks, that, the, theater, their, them, theme, themselves, then, theory, therapy, there, therefore, these, they, thick, thin, thing, think, thinking, third, thirty, this, those, though, thought, thousand, threat, threaten, three, throat, through, throughout, throw, thus, ticket, tie, tight, time, tiny, tip, tire, tissue, title, to, tobacco, today, toe, together, toilet, token, tolerate, tomato, tomorrow, tone, tongue, tonight, too, tool, tooth, top, topic, toss, total, totally, touch, tough, tour, tourist, tournament, toward, towards, tower, town, toy, trace, track, trade, tradition, traditional, traffic, tragedy, trail, train, training, transfer, transform, transformation, transition, translate, translation, transmission, transmit, transport, transportation, travel, treat, treatment, treaty, tree, tremendous, trend, trial, tribe, trick, trip, troop, trouble, truck, true, truly, trust, truth, try, tube, tunnel, turn, TV, twelve, twenty, twice, twin, two, type, typical, typically, ugly, ultimate, ultimately, unable, uncle, undergo, understand, understanding, unfortunately, uniform, union, unique, unit, United, universal, universe, university, unknown, unless, unlike, until, unusual, up, upon, upper, urban, urge, us, use, used, useful, user, usual, usually, utility, utilize, vacation, valley, valuable, value, variable, variation, variety, various, vary, vast, vegetable, vehicle, venture, version, versus, very, vessel, veteran, via, victim, victory, video, view, viewer, village, violate, violation, violence, violent, virtually, virtue, virus, visibility, visible, vision, visit, visitor, visual, vital, voice, volume, voluntary, volunteer, vote, voter, voting, wage, wait, wake, walk, wall, wander, want, war, warm, warn, warning, wash, waste, watch, water, wave, way, we, weak, weakness, wealth, wealthy, weapon, wear, weather, web, website, wedding, week, weekend, weekly, weigh, weight, welcome, welfare, well, west, western, wet, what, whatever, wheel, when, whenever, where, whereas, whether, which, while, whisper, white, who, whole, whom, whose, why, wide, widely, widespread, wife, wild, wildlife, will, willing, win, wind, window, wine, wing, winner, winter, wipe, wire, wisdom, wise, wish, with, withdraw, within, without, witness, woman, wonder, wonderful, wood, wooden, word, work, worker, working, workout, workplace, works, workshop, world, worried, worry, worth, would, wound, wrap, write, writer, writing, wrong, yard, yeah, year, yell, yellow, yes, yesterday, yet, yield, you, young, your, yours, yourself, youth, zone.

The EXTREMELY detailed, mega-anxiety edition!!! Major events like consult and surgery day are labeled like this:
——— EVENT TITLE ———
Surgeon was Dr. David Whitehead and I saw him on Long Island (New Hyde)
Summarized list of major dates:
Consult: July 19 2023 Mental health letter acquired: August 9 Dates discussed: September 12 Pre-op appointment: December 18 Surgery day: January 8 2024 Post-op: January 17
November 11th 2022: Emailed northwell health for the first time, they emailed back saying to call. I was too anxious so I avoided it for a few months.
Called northwell a few months later but got too anxious talking to the person who picked up. They were being normal and talking normally, it was just personal anxiety on my part.
October 2022 - Early March 2023: Spent time talking to trans friends and family members about their timelines and processes for top surgery.
Looked into Penn medicine for a bit but wasn’t happy with the surgeons there, specifically as a nonbinary person. The patient navigational team however is lovely.
March 2: emailed Penn health patient navigation
March 3-10: correspondence and phone calls w patient navigation (absolutely wonderful people, some of the easiest phone calls I’ve ever had) Got lots of into on surgeons, things I’d need, processes etc.
Date unknown: phone call to Penn medicine asking about surgeons and possibly setting up as a patient (v long wait time on phone) Surgeon I had heard good things about only works w CHOP program and I’m was too old for that program. Other surgeons I was v iffy on.
March 23rd: Back to square 1. Called northwell again to set up an appointment. Everyone I spoke to was really nice. Could have set up an appointment within the week but decided to wait till the end of the semester. Scheduled a trans care and primary care appointment for May
Couple of calls In between for confirmations. Trans care appointment got moved around a bit and ended up being moved to a phone call.
May 8th: Trans care call: Basic preliminary questions like: Emergency contact, what you’re looking for, are you thinking of looking into hormones, experience w dysphoria or dysmorphia, mental health, and eating/nutritional concerns, things you might want doc to know, piercings or tattoos, do you do any drugs or drink often, etc. total call time was about 20 minutes. Doctor was incredibly kind, I still experienced a good deal of anxiety but the call was super easy, welcoming, and friendly. Got sent contact referrals for the surgeons, as well as trans-friendly therapists under my insurance.
May 9th: started looking at list of therapists and making respective emails and calls. Checking per session costs and double checking insurance. Most charge 100-150 per session. Got in contact w one.
May 10th: Called w first therapist talking about what I’m looking for, where I am in this process, if parents are supportive, and talking about costs. She was very friendly and affirming, wants to have a few sessions to get to know me and my situation before writing a letter. Understandable and expected, but frustrating.
May 15th: Primary care appointment: Went to northwell health primary care, parkinglot was a little scary (just a large lot with a lot of cars) but everyone working there’s is super kind. Office is incredibly affirming, pride flags and lgbtq+ art everywhere. Gave my insurance card, filled out some paper work, got called in pretty quickly. I have a needle phobia and medical trauma so I was panicking a bit in the office, nurse was good w me about it and doctor was very kind, I just requested to not have any blood work done that day and that was totally fine, so I could schedule that at a later date and go w a friend. Recommended to get blood work done before scheduling a consult w a surgeon. Also prescribed me a single dose anxiety med for the bloodwork which I was very happy about. I found over time that the anxiety meds unfortunately do little to nothing for my panic attacks personally when it comes to needles but regardless having a doctor acknowledge and respect that fear and listen to me was incredibly helpful and reassuring.
May 30th: Got blood work done in a different lab, went w a friend. Scheduling for that is super easy, I think I did it online actually I don’t entirely recall. they do take walk ins but I made an appointment to minimize complications and make sure I could prepare properly. Front desk/lobby area was a little spooky, but I think that is mainly just bc of my social anxiety. They take a urine sample, you give them your prescription, eventually they call you over for blood work. Quick and easy, tech was v nice and having a friend with me was incredibly helpful. Probably the best I’ve ever done with a needle despite the fact that I did still panic and get very lightheaded lol.
Got blood work results back within the next couple days, all looks a-okay! Neat :)
June 15th This day was incredibly difficult. I had my first session with a therapist to establish some ground knowledge around my dysphoria and the way that I view myself. Top surgery is something that I know from research and related experience Can be difficult and expensive to get and can take time, so much of my prep work has been on the understanding of taking things a step at a time and just knowing that the current way things are doesn’t have to be forever. It allowed me to be able to live with myself while prioritizing my health better. This read to the therapist as “not having the level of dysphoria [she’s] come to expect and look for in someone who is trans” and was largely based off the fact that I don’t want to go on hrt. Past that point I started to break down because now my method of learning to live with myself felt like it was actively going to work against me and prevent me from getting top surgery. I’m not good at talking about my dysphoria, I can’t imagine it’s easy for anyone, especially to a stranger I just met. It was rough, and I felt incredibly mentally drained after ending the session.
June 19th Called it quits with the first therapist, I felt incredibly disrespected and the one session we had put me in a mental spiral for days. It can feel some times in this process like the people you have to get permission from need you to be severely depressed and unable to wait another second for this procedure just in order to take you seriously.
After I left that therapist, I immediately got back to the list to find someone new. Spoke to a new therapist via email, but my insurance is kinda weird (Blue Cross Blue Shield out of state) so its off putting to some people. This therapist recommended I go through the office she started out at (Heart and Soul Counseling)
————- Time Skip ——————
IM BACK its time for some record keeping. Got super overwhelmed and lost the energy to document my process for some time so here goes.
HEART AND SOUL COUNSELING: My experience w/ this therapy office was mostly good. The person in charge, Jesse, was absolutely lovely and responsive. Never spoke in person, but any text/email interaction was prompt, respectful, and kind. The office is stellar with email/text communication, so I only ever had to call them once when I was initially inquiring about the office. This is something I wish all therapy/counseling centers did better, eliminated a ton of my anxiety and hesitation to speak to therapists.
I got set up w someone as quickly as possible and established what my goal was (to acquire letter document for my surgery team). I attended multiple session w the therapist, she was a kind lady but the sessions were unfortunately p miserable for me. We didn’t fit well, but I was willing to stick it out rather than backtrack on my process. She also did not invalidate me or accuse me of not being trans which was a major step up from my first therapy experience. Once I acquired my letter I did stop therapy there, I kindly explained to the therapist that it wasn’t a good match, but I may honestly explore my options at the office in the future. Receptionist there was also lovely and they had a cool fish tank.
———- CONSULT STARTS HERE —————
July 19th: CONSULT!!! My mama and I went to Dr. David Whiteheads office for a consult. Parking was a nightmare so I’m super glad I didn’t have to drive for this one (ty mama). Consult went really well, and the staff were all super friendly. Dr. Whitehead is cool, very chill energy and a bit intimidating, but I’m scared of everyone so that’s nothing new. First question he asked me is what I wanted/what he could do for me which caught me more off guard than it should have? I didn’t realize going into this process how many times people ask you what you’re having done even if it’s already written down, because there’s so much variety in what you can look for in the results.
We talked about the procedure, went through a slideshow n stuff, and discussed how I wanted a flat chest w/ no nipple preservation. They made sure to specify that my mental health professional letter had to include that I did not want nipple preservation because thats technically a “non-standard” appearance. Also had the first breast exam I’ve ever had in my life. Can’t say i’m a fan (not that I need to worry about that anymore!) Took pictures n measurements n such, and also discussed recovery supplies and care w me and my mom.
August 9th: After a plethora of painfully awkward therapy sessions, a decent amount of crying, and a couple breakdowns in friends cars/backyards, I got my therapist letter and sent it to the surgeons office. It ended up needing minor revisions to which I contacted Jesse from Heart and Soul and he got me the revised letter immediately. Unfortunately the surgical coordinator was out of office for the rest of the month the next day ;w;. Is how it be.
September 12th: Got a call from Surgical coordinator mid-painting class that I stepped out to take. Started discussing surgical dates!! She was kind enough to email the dates to me which was lovely because I was absolutely shaking/mind blank haha. There was an option for January 8th which felt like an absolute miracle the way it would work with my school schedule. It would give me a solid two weeks recovery time before spring semester began. Because it would be a couple months out, I was asked to contact her in the second week of October to submit documents to insurance.
(Timeline note: earliest date offered was in early December)
October 10th: Documents sent to insurance, predetermination started
October 30th: Received mail from my insurance approving my procedure as medically necessary (YAY) But! This is also where things get,,, fun! Dr Whitehead’s surgical coordinator, Alyssa, is a blessing and was very helpful and prompt with me despite the fact that I had to email her pretty constantly during this general time which I still feel bad about.
Around this time, my mom got diagnosed with breast cancer, which I reported to the surgical coordinator because it influences my family history (grandmother also had breast cancer). It was asked that I get genetic testing done because this could impact my surgical procedure. Now I’m handling the setup on this between helping my mom in her process setting up consults and considering her options because there of course is a lot of crossover to the steps I’ve already completed and am familiar with.
November 1st: Very kind person at cancer genetics calls me, sends me a family history questionnaire to fill out before I can be scheduled to see a genetic counselor. Filled out the questionnaire the same day.
November 8th: Called cancer genetics to check about scheduling, office was not open so left a message. Got a call back later in the day. I have a virtual appointment with a Genetic counselor Tuesday the 14th. Current plan is a mailed saliva genetic test but I’m going to ask if theres anything I can do to get results/materials quicker. If I can’t get results/feedback by December 8th my surgery date may get deferred.
Trying not to stress too much because there is little to nothing I can do about this, and I just don’t want to be sad. I’ve kept telling myself throughout this process to not get excited and not let myself believe anything is solid because something could happen at any time that might mess up my schedule or plan, and If I convince myself I’m in the clear, those changes will hurt a lot more. So far I think thats been a good move, because this really sucks.
My surgery date is still officially scheduled as of now as well as my first post-op. I will also ideally have pre-surgical testing done December 18th should I be cleared by genetics in time (Fingers crossed!)
ALSO! Def lean on friends if/when you can during this process. It can absolutely be challenging, and having a support system is incredibly important and helpful. I’m super lucky to have really lovely and supportive friends that are around to listen to me and send me pictures of stupid little animals.
November 9th: My mama is scheduled for her double mastectomy on December 4th
November 10th: Did some shopping with my mama for recovery supplies for double mastectomy/top surgery. Having watched a million and a half transition/top surgery videos and tiktoks and having read all the blogs and posts and tweets makes you a great support for someone suddenly faced with an upcoming double mastectomy! We might go shopping this weekend for some button ups and zip ups for her, clothes shopping is better done when you can try stuff on
November 14th: Meeting w genetic counselor: Victoria Webb, one of the loveliest medical care workers I’ve ever met. Had a virtual appointment with her to discuss and set up genetic testing. I explained to her about my situation w the proximity of my surgery and tight deadline as well as my willingness to do a blood test instead of a saliva kit to get results quicker. She was so incredibly kind and good with me, ended up being able to do a saliva kit and get results in time she deserves every good thing in life.
December 18th: pre-surgical testing: This was at the main hospital, everyone was really nice but I had a really bad panic attack despite being on Xanax.
The process is sort of like getting a physical. Measurements like weight and blood pressure get taken, lots of preliminary health questions. The people working with me were really kind and I was very open with them about my anxiety, it was visually apparent though anyway because I started crying the second we even started talking about the blood draw.
Once the equipment was actually brought into the room I started to panic. Both of the women working with me were really kind and helpful and tried to distract me and keep me talking the entire time, but I did still have a really horrible panic attack. Every muscle in my body locked up and I lost all my color, took a bit to get back to a spot where I could move and talk properly because my speech was affected too. It was a bit scary but funny to think about in post. Thanked the medical staff for being patient w me as always, a good portion of the anxiety is also guilt about making things harder for them. Got through it tho. Def eat before presurgical if allowed, I didn’t and that probably didn’t help!!
———- SURGERY DAY ————-
January 8th:
Ok so surgery day:
This day was very scary. Got my phone call the Friday prior for my surgery time which ended up being 1pm and I was asked to arrive around 11. Got there at 10 and went in at 10:30.
Called up to check in then in waiting room till someone brought me back to change. I told her right away about my anxiety with the iv bc that’s legit all I could think about. Got changed right after. I was generally shaky and a little disoriented the entire time because I was panicking but everyone was very patient with me. Clothes and belongings go in a bag in a locker and you get two gowns one that faces back and one that faces front. I was given underwear and a pad as well because lucky me I got my period a couple days before my surgery.
The pre-op area is a lot of little cubicles with curtain divider things, blue soft chairs, and medical equipment. Everyone I met and spoke to was very kind, but any time someone even suggested starting my iv I would panic. I was informed it would have to be placed in my hand and that terrified me, I’m especially anxious and sensitive about my hands and fingers. I think doctors and nurses tend to misunderstand exactly where my fear is with needles and ivs. It isn’t the pain that scares me, but the concept of veins and and anything being in them. Even writing this right now is horrible so I’m going to stop w any further detail. I spent the entire two-ish hours of pre-op absolutely terrified about this iv.
I wasn’t really keeping track of time but dr whitehead came in to do markings for surgery. They had cool rainbow socks on,big fan. Having your chest drawn on and just like, moved around n shit is such an experience. Felt bad because I kept losing my balance but doctor Whitehead is cool and I am 98% less scared about them now.
Probably my most favorite person I met during my entire hospital experience was the anesthesiologist. I know he told me what his name was but I couldn’t focus on or retain information at the time. He told me we could essentially put me to sleep with gas before putting the iv in and for the first time in probably a solid week I felt like I could calm down a little. He took a look at my hand and arm to check my veins which always does freak me out a bit but I’m more used to that kind of thing at this point and I know nothing bad is going to happen. One of the nurses came in with the iv equipment and he let her know that were going to wait till in the or which was also incredibly helpful because I absolutely panicked when I saw that little supply kit again.
V nice lady brought me into the or, I’d never been in one before it was cool. They had a little music speaker which was really cool. Took off blue jacket gown and they helped me onto the table. They put a warm blanket over my legs and my chest to help me calm down. Before long they gave me a mask w fun happy sleepy time gas, they let me keep my arms on my chest for a while which was really nice because I was still scared. I started getting loopy pretty fast but I still heard when someone mentioned where the iv equipment was and panicked a little because of that. I remember feeling them take my hand for that but never actually felt anything happen. Just some fear but the gas was v helpful obvi. Someone said they would see me in a little bit, and then I was groggily waking up in recovery.
Recovery was a little rough bc the iv was still there (fully wrapped up so I couldn’t see it though which was rad) but I was still really anxious about it until it was taken out and when it was taken out. For anyone that struggles w this i did not feel them remove it, just the tape. Everything was mentally much easier after that. After a while, going over instructions w parents, a cracker , some ginger ale and some juice, my dad helped me Get dressed and I was helped out to the car in a wheel chair. Ride was smooth bc of remaining numbness and meds except a few Bumps in the road
TOP SURGERY GOTTEN
My post op date was scheduled for Jan 17th and that’s the day I got my drains out followed by several post op check-ins. First week of recovery was miserable but things exponentially approved each day past that, and I went back to school in person two weeks post-op with driving and item-carrying assistance from friends!
Will upload recovery notes at a later date! Feel free to message me with any questions, more than happy to answer and give info! I’m a bit over four months out from surgery now and thriving 🥳

Conquering the IELTS Speaking Test can feel like scaling Mount Everest – daunting, challenging, but ultimately rewarding. For those in Faridabad aiming for a high score, effective speaking test practice is crucial. But with so many options available, how do you find the best approach? Fear not, aspiring test-takers! This guide unveils the secrets to mastering IELTS speaking test practice in Faridabad.
Embrace Structured Learning with IELTS Coaching
While self-study has its merits, structured learning offered by reputable IELTS coaching institutes near you in Faridabad can be a game-changer. Experienced trainers provide a clear roadmap, demystifying the exam format, question types, and effective test-taking strategies. They'll guide you through all parts of the speaking test – the introduction, individual long turn (monologue), and two-way discussion.
Benefits of Coaching:

• Expert Feedback: Trainers provide personalized feedback on your speaking skills, highlighting strengths and identifying areas for improvement. This targeted approach allows you to focus on your weaknesses and maximize your score.
• Mock Tests and Exam Simulation: Coaching institutes conduct mock speaking tests that mimic the actual exam environment. This allows you to practice speaking under timed conditions, manage test anxiety, and develop a clear speaking style.
• Structured Practice Materials: Many institutes offer a treasure trove of practice materials including sample cue cards, topic discussions, and recordings of successful speaking responses. These resources provide valuable insights and help you build a strong speaking repertoire.

Finding the Perfect IELTS Coaching Match:
Not all coaching institutes are created equal. When searching for "IELTS coaching near me" in Faridabad, consider factors like:

• Trainer Qualifications: Look for trainers with extensive experience in IELTS speaking test preparation and proven success records.
• Class Size: Smaller class sizes allow for more personalized attention and opportunities to practice speaking.
• Course Options: Choose a course that aligns with your learning style and schedule, offering options such as weekday evenings or weekend classes for working professionals.

Don't Discount the Power of Self-Practice:
Coaching isn't the only route to success. Here are some effective self-practice strategies you can employ in Faridabad:

• Find a Speaking Partner: Collaborate with a friend, classmate, or online language partner to practice speaking regularly. Discuss diverse topics, ensuring fluency and a natural flow of conversation.
• Utilize Online Resources: The internet is a goldmine of IELTS speaking practice resources. Explore websites, forums, and apps offering sample cue cards, mock tests, and pronunciation tutorials.
• Record Yourself Speaking: Record yourself speaking about various topics on your phone or computer. Listen back and identify areas for improvement, focusing on fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Remember: Consistency is key! Regular practice, whether through coaching or self-directed methods, is paramount for success.
Beyond the Basics: Sharpening Your Skills

• Develop Fluency: Strive for smooth and effortless speech, minimizing filler words and pauses. Practice speaking at a natural pace and maintain eye contact with your imaginary examiner (or recording device!).
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Impress the examiner with a diverse range of words. Read English newspapers, articles, and watch English movies to expand your vocabulary and learn how words are used in context.
• Master Pronunciation: Focus on clear and accurate pronunciation. Identify common pronunciation pitfalls for your native language and practice tricky sounds.

Conclusion:
By combining structured coaching with self-directed practice, you can conquer the IELTS speaking test in Faridabad. Remember, mastering the art of confident, articulate conversation is key. So, take the first step today! Search for "IELTS coaching near me," explore online resources, and embark on your IELTS speaking test practice journey. With dedication and the right approach, you'll be well on your way to achieving your target score and unlocking a world of opportunities.

I've been building Leon since 2017, an open-source personal assistant. But I've been really bad at shipping. Recently I implemented inference capabilities from an LLM, fully offline. And many things are coming up.
Now it's time to let Leon has his own identity. I wanted a voice that sounds a bit hilarious with a British accent.
I did some research and tried the following open text-to-speech solutions:

• Piper TTS: it's very fast on CPU. The quality is also good.
• Parler TTS: very high quality, but slow on inference. Sometimes it results to unexpected results.
• Style TTS: running on CPU is okay, quality is good. But I did not find many resources.
• Tortoise: good quality but yeah, it's in the name... It's slow :)
• Bark and bark.cpp: really good quality but very slow. It supports good style control. But result is hard to predict. I'd say that it's really good if you don't have a fast-inference use case.
• I discovered fish-speech earlier today, and it sounds fantastic. But I did not try on my local machine and CPU.

The solutions I mentioned above use different approaches, so we can't really compare apples with oranges. But hope it can help you to choose if you encounter the same situation.
I gathered 1000 audio samples and trained the model on the top of MeloTTS. They also have a cloning solution called OpenVoice. I chose MeloTTS because for my case, it's the right middle between customization, quality and speed.
I'd be happy to help if you have any question regarding this process.
Listen to the voice: https://voca.ro/1iy7hnXfrlCk
What do you think?
View Poll

So far sales had been steady but not spectacular. Jenna hoped they would pick up after the school let out. She chatted and sampled with customers, pitching her spiel about supporting their troop's efforts to earn badges. It was fun work even if tiring on her feet.
Gazing up at the cloudless sky, Jenna wondered idly if it might rain later. The forecast hadn't mentioned anything, but you never knew. A tiny speck in the distance caught her eye. She squinted, trying to make it out. It grew rapidly in size—and shape. Whatever it was, it wasn't a bird.
"Hey Jamie, do you see that?" Jenna nudged her friend, pointing. Now the other girls had turned to look as well. What had been a speck was now clearly some large, cylindrical object descending from the heavens. It shone silvery-grey in the sunlight.
"Is that...a rocket ship?" breathed Tammy.
As it neared the treetops, its design became evident. Definitely not any spacecraft Jenna had seen on the news or in movies. It was smoothly rounded on all ends, with no visible engines or fins. Eerily silent, it drifted toward an open field and settled softly on four tapering legs.
The girls stared open-mouthed, cookies momentarily forgotten. A hatch appeared in the side of the ship. Light spilled out, glowing an ethereal blue. Then towering figures emerged, moving with an inhuman grace.
Jenna caught her breath. Peering closer, she could just make out bipedal forms wrapped in loose, silvery garments. Their limbs seemed overly long and jointed in odd places. As they turned in her direction, two dark eyes set wide in hairless faces met hers. No nose or mouth was visible beneath.
"Aliens," Jamie whispered. "Actual aliens. I don't believe it."
Tammy squeaked and clung to Jenna's arm. But Jenna's mind was racing. This was an incredible opportunity, too good to pass up. She flashed the others a mischievous smile. "Come on, girls. Let's go make some sales!"
The troop fell into step behind her as she marched into the field. The creatures had paused, gazing around at their surroundings with a palpable air of curiosity and caution. As Jenna neared, they angled their expressive eyes down at the little band approaching. Up close, their skin shimmered in shades of aqua and moss green, veined with silvery networks.
The tallest one shifted its gaze between the girls, as if taking their measure. It spoke, but the sound was like rushing wind and dripping water blended into an eerie melody. Its friends chattered in response, their voices blending into a dissonant choir.
Undeterred, Jenna beamed and proudly presented her box of Thin Mints. "Cookies!" she enunciated clearly. "Would you like to buy some cookies?" To her astonishment, a glowing rectangle like a computer screen lit up on the tall one's torso. Words scrolled across it in crisp English letters.
WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND. WHAT ARE COOKIES? IT SEEMS YOU ARE SELLING SOMETHING, BUT WE HAVE NO CURRENCY OF YOUR WORLD.
Jamie leaned in to whisper, eyes shining, "They can understand us! This is so cool."
Jenna gathered her thoughts, focusing on her sales pitch despite everything unusual about the situation. "Cookies are a sweet treat made of chocolate and biscuits. They're very popular here on Earth. And all the money we earn from selling them goes towards fun trips and learning new skills as Girl Scouts. Please, won't you buy a box to help support our troop? I'm sure you'll love them!"
The aliens conferred amongst themselves, still in untranslatablespeech. Finally, the glowing display lit up again. I APOLOGIZE, BUT WE HAVE NO MEANS OF TRANSACTION. WE ARE EXPLORERS HERE IN PEACE TO STUDY YOUR WORLD. PERHAPS ANOTHER TIME WE CAN BARTER. FOR NOW, WE ONLY WISH TO LEARN.
Jenna tried to hide her disappointment. This wasn't how she'd envisioned the interaction going at all. But she had come this far, so she wasn't giving up yet. An idea bloomed in her mind. "Well, since you want to learn about us, how about a trade? We'll give you a box of cookies to try in exchange for letting our whole troop come aboard your ship for a little while. What do you say?"
The girls held their breath. This was assuredly against every safety rule. But an opportunity for an out of this world experience was too enticing to pass up. The aliens conversed quietly before responding.
VERY WELL, HUMAN CHILDREN. FOR THE SAKE OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE, WE AGREE TO YOUR TRADE. COME, WE SHALL GIVE YOU A TOUR OF OUR VESSEL.
Screeches of delight arose from the Scout troop. Jenna tried to shush them, not wanting the aliens to change their minds. But she couldn't contain her own grin of excitement and triumph. This was going to be one very memorable cookie sale!
Jenna stepped forward nervously, holding out the box of Thin Mints for the aliens to see. She did her best salesperson smile while gesturing to the colorful packaging. "Cookies!" she said again loudly and clearly.
The tallest alien leaned down, its large dark eyes fixing on the box in Jenna's hands. A long, nimble finger reached out to poke gently at the box, then drew back just as swiftly. Its companions murmured again in their strange tongue.
Frustrated not being able to communicate properly, Jenna popped open the lid so the sweet scent could waft up. She took one mint and mimed taking a bite, sighing happily and rubbing her belly. The aliens copied the sign for stomach, looking quizzical.
An idea sparked in Jenna's mind. Rummaging in her bag, she pulled out her phone and found the notepad app. Typing awkwardly with her thumbs, she showed them the words "Will you trade for this?" Arrows pointed to the cookies and to their ship.
A spark of understanding lit in the aliens' eyes as they studied the makeshift message. Their glowing display lit up in response. I APOLOGIZE, SMALL HUMAN, BUT WE HAVE NOTHING OF VALUE FROM OUR WORLD TO OFFER IN RETURN. OUR MISSION HERE IS ONE OF DISCOVERY ONLY.
"Please?" Jenna typed, giving her best pleading look. The girls clustered behind her, joining in the silent begging. But the aliens only seemed perplexed by this behavior.
Suddenly Tammy piped up, "What if we clean your ship for you? We'll dust and sweep and take out the garbage." The others stared at her, surprised by this inventive offer.
The display considered this. THAT IS A GENEROUS OFFER. HOWEVER, OUR CRAFT UTILIZES TECHNOLOGY FAR BEYOND YOUR WORLD'S CURRENT STAGE. I DOUBT YOU COULD PERFORM MAINTENANCE TO OUR STANDARDS.
At this rejection, the girls deflated with twin sounds of disappointment. But Jenna wasn't giving up yet. She furiously texted another message. "How about you give us a little tour then? We promise to be very careful and not touch anything."
The aliens conferred quietly amongst themselves for several moments. The girls held their breath, hoping their persistence was finally paying off. Then the glowing display lit up once more.
VERY WELL, SMALL HUMANS. FOR THE SAKE OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE, WE WILL ALLOW YOU A BRIEF LOOK INSIDE OUR VESSEL. BUT YOU MUST FOLLOW OUR INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. OUR TECHNOLOGY COULD PROVE DANGEROUS IF MISUSED.
The Girl Scouts whooped and cheered, doing a little victory dance. Jenna grinned, popping another Thin Mint in her mouth triumphantly. "Deal! Thank you so much for this."
The tallest alien gestured gracefully with one long arm. "THIS WAY, YOUNG ONES. WE SHALL BEGIN OUR TOUR."
Clutching their cookie boxes eagerly, the girls fell into line behind the extraterrestrials. They followed them up a floating gangway into the belly of the ship.
Inside, the walls glowed with an otherworldly luminescence. Strange symbols and interfaces winked all around, totally indecipherable. The floors felt bouncy underfoot, as if made of gelatin.
"Wow," breathed Jamie. "It's so beautiful in here."
The aliens guided them through sleek corridors and compartments full of glowing tech. They pointed out living quarters, a laboratory, hydroponic gardens, and an observation deck showing the curve of the Earth.
In the cockpit, countless viewscreens displayed alien constellations and scans of their small town below. Control panels rippled like liquid mercury beneath touch.
"This is where we navigated our journey to your solar system," explained their guides. "Truly a marvel, the distances stars can be bridged.
Tammy peered out the main viewing portal. "Your ship is so fast! How did you get here from wherever you came from?"
As the explorers launched into an explanation involving hyperdrives and folded spacetime, Jenna began to lose the thread. Space travel clearly worked very differently where these beings hailed from.
Their tour lasted nearly an hour, the aliens answering every barrage of questions patiently. All too soon, it was over, and they found themselves back outside in the late afternoon sun
"Thank you so much for the amazing tour!" Jenna gushed, hugging her now-empty cookie box. "Learning about aliens is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The tallest being dipped its head graciously. "IT WAS OUR PLEASURE, SMALL HUMANS. YOU HAVE PROVIDED US AN INSIGHT INTO YOUR YOUNG ONES AS WELL."
Its fellows chattered in their musical language, some holding half-eaten cookies and gesturing appreciatively. Jenna beamed, glad they seemed to have enjoyed the treats.
"Will you come back to see us again?" asked Jamie hopefully.
"PERHAPS, IF OUR EXPLORATIONS BRING US BACK THIS WAY," was the reply. "BUT FOR NOW, WE MUST RESUME OUR JOURNEY AMONG THE STARS. FAREWELL, AND THANK YOU ONCE MORE FOR YOUR HOSPITALITY.
The aliens turned as one and glided back up the gangway. The rockets flared, rising gracefully into the sky until they vanished into the dusk.
The girls stood watching long after, buzzing with excited chatter about this unforgettable day. In the end, it had been the best cookie sale ever. Maybe even worth breaking a few rules...

So far sales had been steady but not spectacular. Jenna hoped they would pick up after the school let out. She chatted and sampled with customers, pitching her spiel about supporting their troop's efforts to earn badges. It was fun work even if tiring on her feet.
Gazing up at the cloudless sky, Jenna wondered idly if it might rain later. The forecast hadn't mentioned anything, but you never knew. A tiny speck in the distance caught her eye. She squinted, trying to make it out. It grew rapidly in size—and shape. Whatever it was, it wasn't a bird.
"Hey Jamie, do you see that?" Jenna nudged her friend, pointing. Now the other girls had turned to look as well. What had been a speck was now clearly some large, cylindrical object descending from the heavens. It shone silvery-grey in the sunlight.
"Is that...a rocket ship?" breathed Tammy.
As it neared the treetops, its design became evident. Definitely not any spacecraft Jenna had seen on the news or in movies. It was smoothly rounded on all ends, with no visible engines or fins. Eerily silent, it drifted toward an open field and settled softly on four tapering legs.
The girls stared open-mouthed, cookies momentarily forgotten. A hatch appeared in the side of the ship. Light spilled out, glowing an ethereal blue. Then towering figures emerged, moving with an inhuman grace.
Jenna caught her breath. Peering closer, she could just make out bipedal forms wrapped in loose, silvery garments. Their limbs seemed overly long and jointed in odd places. As they turned in her direction, two dark eyes set wide in hairless faces met hers. No nose or mouth was visible beneath.
"Aliens," Jamie whispered. "Actual aliens. I don't believe it."
Tammy squeaked and clung to Jenna's arm. But Jenna's mind was racing. This was an incredible opportunity, too good to pass up. She flashed the others a mischievous smile. "Come on, girls. Let's go make some sales!"
The troop fell into step behind her as she marched into the field. The creatures had paused, gazing around at their surroundings with a palpable air of curiosity and caution. As Jenna neared, they angled their expressive eyes down at the little band approaching. Up close, their skin shimmered in shades of aqua and moss green, veined with silvery networks.
The tallest one shifted its gaze between the girls, as if taking their measure. It spoke, but the sound was like rushing wind and dripping water blended into an eerie melody. Its friends chattered in response, their voices blending into a dissonant choir.
Undeterred, Jenna beamed and proudly presented her box of Thin Mints. "Cookies!" she enunciated clearly. "Would you like to buy some cookies?" To her astonishment, a glowing rectangle like a computer screen lit up on the tall one's torso. Words scrolled across it in crisp English letters.
WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND. WHAT ARE COOKIES? IT SEEMS YOU ARE SELLING SOMETHING, BUT WE HAVE NO CURRENCY OF YOUR WORLD.
Jamie leaned in to whisper, eyes shining, "They can understand us! This is so cool."
Jenna gathered her thoughts, focusing on her sales pitch despite everything unusual about the situation. "Cookies are a sweet treat made of chocolate and biscuits. They're very popular here on Earth. And all the money we earn from selling them goes towards fun trips and learning new skills as Girl Scouts. Please, won't you buy a box to help support our troop? I'm sure you'll love them!"
The aliens conferred amongst themselves, still in untranslatablespeech. Finally, the glowing display lit up again. I APOLOGIZE, BUT WE HAVE NO MEANS OF TRANSACTION. WE ARE EXPLORERS HERE IN PEACE TO STUDY YOUR WORLD. PERHAPS ANOTHER TIME WE CAN BARTER. FOR NOW, WE ONLY WISH TO LEARN.
Jenna tried to hide her disappointment. This wasn't how she'd envisioned the interaction going at all. But she had come this far, so she wasn't giving up yet. An idea bloomed in her mind. "Well, since you want to learn about us, how about a trade? We'll give you a box of cookies to try in exchange for letting our whole troop come aboard your ship for a little while. What do you say?"
The girls held their breath. This was assuredly against every safety rule. But an opportunity for an out of this world experience was too enticing to pass up. The aliens conversed quietly before responding.
VERY WELL, HUMAN CHILDREN. FOR THE SAKE OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE, WE AGREE TO YOUR TRADE. COME, WE SHALL GIVE YOU A TOUR OF OUR VESSEL.
Screeches of delight arose from the Scout troop. Jenna tried to shush them, not wanting the aliens to change their minds. But she couldn't contain her own grin of excitement and triumph. This was going to be one very memorable cookie sale!
Jenna stepped forward nervously, holding out the box of Thin Mints for the aliens to see. She did her best salesperson smile while gesturing to the colorful packaging. "Cookies!" she said again loudly and clearly.
The tallest alien leaned down, its large dark eyes fixing on the box in Jenna's hands. A long, nimble finger reached out to poke gently at the box, then drew back just as swiftly. Its companions murmured again in their strange tongue.
Frustrated not being able to communicate properly, Jenna popped open the lid so the sweet scent could waft up. She took one mint and mimed taking a bite, sighing happily and rubbing her belly. The aliens copied the sign for stomach, looking quizzical.
An idea sparked in Jenna's mind. Rummaging in her bag, she pulled out her phone and found the notepad app. Typing awkwardly with her thumbs, she showed them the words "Will you trade for this?" Arrows pointed to the cookies and to their ship.
A spark of understanding lit in the aliens' eyes as they studied the makeshift message. Their glowing display lit up in response. I APOLOGIZE, SMALL HUMAN, BUT WE HAVE NOTHING OF VALUE FROM OUR WORLD TO OFFER IN RETURN. OUR MISSION HERE IS ONE OF DISCOVERY ONLY.
"Please?" Jenna typed, giving her best pleading look. The girls clustered behind her, joining in the silent begging. But the aliens only seemed perplexed by this behavior.
Suddenly Tammy piped up, "What if we clean your ship for you? We'll dust and sweep and take out the garbage." The others stared at her, surprised by this inventive offer.
The display considered this. THAT IS A GENEROUS OFFER. HOWEVER, OUR CRAFT UTILIZES TECHNOLOGY FAR BEYOND YOUR WORLD'S CURRENT STAGE. I DOUBT YOU COULD PERFORM MAINTENANCE TO OUR STANDARDS.
At this rejection, the girls deflated with twin sounds of disappointment. But Jenna wasn't giving up yet. She furiously texted another message. "How about you give us a little tour then? We promise to be very careful and not touch anything."
The aliens conferred quietly amongst themselves for several moments. The girls held their breath, hoping their persistence was finally paying off. Then the glowing display lit up once more.
VERY WELL, SMALL HUMANS. FOR THE SAKE OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE, WE WILL ALLOW YOU A BRIEF LOOK INSIDE OUR VESSEL. BUT YOU MUST FOLLOW OUR INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. OUR TECHNOLOGY COULD PROVE DANGEROUS IF MISUSED.
The Girl Scouts whooped and cheered, doing a little victory dance. Jenna grinned, popping another Thin Mint in her mouth triumphantly. "Deal! Thank you so much for this."
The tallest alien gestured gracefully with one long arm. "THIS WAY, YOUNG ONES. WE SHALL BEGIN OUR TOUR."
Clutching their cookie boxes eagerly, the girls fell into line behind the extraterrestrials. They followed them up a floating gangway into the belly of the ship.
Inside, the walls glowed with an otherworldly luminescence. Strange symbols and interfaces winked all around, totally indecipherable. The floors felt bouncy underfoot, as if made of gelatin.
"Wow," breathed Jamie. "It's so beautiful in here."
The aliens guided them through sleek corridors and compartments full of glowing tech. They pointed out living quarters, a laboratory, hydroponic gardens, and an observation deck showing the curve of the Earth.
In the cockpit, countless viewscreens displayed alien constellations and scans of their small town below. Control panels rippled like liquid mercury beneath touch.
"This is where we navigated our journey to your solar system," explained their guides. "Truly a marvel, the distances stars can be bridged.
Tammy peered out the main viewing portal. "Your ship is so fast! How did you get here from wherever you came from?"
As the explorers launched into an explanation involving hyperdrives and folded spacetime, Jenna began to lose the thread. Space travel clearly worked very differently where these beings hailed from.
Their tour lasted nearly an hour, the aliens answering every barrage of questions patiently. All too soon, it was over, and they found themselves back outside in the late afternoon sun
"Thank you so much for the amazing tour!" Jenna gushed, hugging her now-empty cookie box. "Learning about aliens is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The tallest being dipped its head graciously. "IT WAS OUR PLEASURE, SMALL HUMANS. YOU HAVE PROVIDED US AN INSIGHT INTO YOUR YOUNG ONES AS WELL."
Its fellows chattered in their musical language, some holding half-eaten cookies and gesturing appreciatively. Jenna beamed, glad they seemed to have enjoyed the treats.
"Will you come back to see us again?" asked Jamie hopefully.
"PERHAPS, IF OUR EXPLORATIONS BRING US BACK THIS WAY," was the reply. "BUT FOR NOW, WE MUST RESUME OUR JOURNEY AMONG THE STARS. FAREWELL, AND THANK YOU ONCE MORE FOR YOUR HOSPITALITY.
The aliens turned as one and glided back up the gangway. The rockets flared, rising gracefully into the sky until they vanished into the dusk.
The girls stood watching long after, buzzing with excited chatter about this unforgettable day. In the end, it had been the best cookie sale ever. Maybe even worth breaking a few rules...

"Children learn to correlate consequences with their own actions. This is true of all of us, no matter what species we are. Adulthood is universally defined by maturity, and maturity is defined by nature as appropriate behavior to ensure your species' survival. If we apply this wisdom to the stage of evolution of a species, the culture and conservative capacity of intelligent creatures, then we can see it on that scale also. A species is like a child while they liberally explore their surroundings, learning the best behavior by trying everything, through the Trial of Errors. Then they mature and adopt appropriate behavior, avoiding doing things that work against their species, as individuals and as a whole. We can apply this pattern to the history of all alien races among us here today. This also includes the humans. I testify to this, as one who remains traveling alongside them and seeing each era of their ascended history. As the representative of the will of the Frendsikeel, as attorney to the cause of human endeavors and as their one follower in this galaxy, I say the humans are very cool." The alien sea otter with the boney shells covering her body spoke somehow in a human voice, having perfected the use of her translator so that it was indistinguishable from human speech.
There was applause among the limited audience of aliens at the application hearing for membership, each in their own way of signaling immediate approval. If the Cave Gods agreed, the Combine would be added to the councils of the Cave Gods And Friends Association. It was the dawn of a new and wonderful age for the humans.
The alien attorney visibly shuddered as an equally smoothly articulated translation started, and in a voice all-too-familiar. Osowl Fitten, Attorney-to-the-Humans, heard her nemesis from across the vast distances of both space and time. She was the Sunder representative, Supreme Prosecutor (of the humans) Eshka Layenna. The reptilian alien slithered out with a stylized collar to hide her frill and colorful paint on her face to look more appealing to the human eye. Indeed, the humans felt their eyes drawn to the masterful and ancient alien, who specialized in charm and glamor.
"Beautiful denizens of Rhema, world of art and music, esteemed guru, priests and patrons of the arts, lend to me your native attention. I will speak for you, and worry not what decision is made behind my back, by our wise leaders, the benevolent Cave Gods. They have heard the song of human laughter, recognized the absolution of human mistakes, graced the humans with thousands of years of benefits and gifts simply because they admire the beauty of the human soul. Is beauty not important? I would not stand in the way of beauty. We all know it is the first component of harmony, and we all know harmony is the first component of peace and we also know that peacefulness is necessary for love. And what meaning is there, that is greater than love?" Eshka Layenna spoke with passion in her human sounding voice, translated from a skillful use of her own vowels in order to inflect such sincere emotion. The attorney for the humans worried, for she had sparred with this particular individual alien half a dozen times throughout the centuries, and clearly they were both on the same course through the stars, sleeping for decades at a time in order to extend the usefulness of their respective careers.
The prosecutor skillfully explained that humans were beautiful in the ears of the blind leadership who had overlooked the capacity that humans had for, in their own word: violence.
Osowl Fitten sat quiet during her turn to speak in rebuttal. She could not quickly speak without thinking, it was not the way of her species and she was especially slow to decide what she wanted to say. In the silence one of the humans coughed expectantly, it was meant to prompt her, and she knew so. It was in all things, their little violences, and she had started to find it beautiful.
"Violence is the appropriate behavior when humans utilize it. They are equally capable of restraint and sometimes their violence is directed purely against the storm. Humans respond to all violence, they endure it and survive, they fight back, they commit violence for gain, even sometimes because they want to commit violence, with no further motivation. The Sunder administration has long sought to prosecute the humans because of this, and they are here today, to do this. I approve of this because it is the appropriate behavior. I would like to point out that the Sunder have invented many consequences to inflict on humans, and I must point out that to the human, those are called weapons and the Sunder have become hypocrites. On this day the Sunder are here to prevent the humans from becoming their equal, which is the appropriate behavior for the Sunder, because they anticipate that humans are dangerous, a known threat. They would list off all the times they have tried to blame humans for tragic events, or simply point out that humans were involved in a disproportionate amount of such tragic events, at the very least. And yes, humans are dangerous. Does not each new member bring a gift to the association? The Blue Light Watchers brought the gift of honest music, such as nobody had ever heard. Who among us was not moved by their music? The humans have brought a gift, and I foresee, the Dream Time, that this gift shall prove to be the greatest gift of all."
"What gift would that be?" Eshka Layenna spoke out of turn, amid gasps and gestures of outrageous surprise. Osowl refused to engage her opponent informally and ceased speaking until the Cave Gods had politely reminded the respected and venerable serpent of the absolute procedure of the courtroom, and begged her to behave appropriately. Then Osowl spoke, carefully avoiding addressing the question, while answering it anyway:
"When the Dream Time goes into darkness, and the galaxy can be crossed in an instant by the mere thought of terror, and there is no trade besides violence with this spreading nightmare from outside, that is when the greatest gift of all shall shine upon the threshold." Osowl Fitten turned off her translator and captions and spoke only in her own language. For a moment the court felt confused by this deliberate action, before the significance of it began to sink in. Even the scarred and brutal human Admiral Jinar they had allowed into the proceedings looked deeply moved, her eyes watering, as though she personally understood both the words and the power behind them.
"I have no further arguments, Wise Ones. The prosecution rests." Eshka Layenna said with strange reverence, abandoning her entire cause suddenly.
"This then, is the final enactment of all our discussions, and there are no further actors. Let the humans say then, what is decided here today." The Cave Gods spoke in rehearsed unison.
The humans cheered. They had just become members of the Cave Gods And Friends Association, and the humans were now officially equal to all the coolest aliens throughout the galaxy.
When the courtroom had emptied there were still two creatures sitting there. Osowl Fitten stared for a moment at the human, gradually recognizing her.
"You are Jinar. How so? Humans do not use Star Sleep or live such profoundly long life spans. But I am sure, somehow you are she." Osowl Fitten said at last.
"I am now Admiral Jinar, of the Combine Unified Forces. We are currently disbanded, but I still think they are coming, and we should be preparing for them. Now that we have a say in things, I'd like to get started on that." Admiral Jinar told Osowl Fitten, coldly speaking business.
"Are you not pleased that humans are now recognized as equals to the Cave Gods themselves? In the association, all species have an equal vote." Osowl Fitten twitched her whiskers in a personal greeting, hoping to see Jinar's mood change.
Jinar relaxed and smiled just a little bit. Somehow sitting there trying to interpret the whisker twitches of the Frendsikeel made her feel like a little girl again. It was just a moment, but it reminded her of her own resolve of character. She had felt a kind of personal hell for most of her life, regretting something she had done while she was very young, but worried it somehow defined her. When she had defeated the scout, something had changed, she had realized she was merely playing a role, and the universe was calling the shots.
"Maybe it was better to have gods. The thought that we are responsible for the course is somehow terrifying." Jinar said in plain, soldier-like way of speaking.
"This is humor." Osowl gestured that she found it mildly amusing.
"Do you think they are out there? You're my attorney, I kinda care what you think." Jinar grinned a little, realizing she could communicate very easily with the alien. It was like Osowl just understood everything. It was reassuring to be fully understood and also approved of at the same time.
"It is not a coincidence that I chose this world for Summoning. Allow me to show you what inspires so much art, why this world is a melting pot of artists from seven alien species who all come here for inspiration." Osowl Fitten paused and found a small box held for her by a servo.
"What is it?" Jinar wondered.
"It is a gift." Osowl seemed perplexed. She was trying to assess the correct way to receive such a gift. It was meant as a statement of many different meanings, what was known as a cruciform. Osowl realized it was in the form of clothing, a colorful sash. She wrapped it over one shoulder, wearing it as a kind of toga.
"What for?" Jinar asked.
"It is complicated. I will wear this, to show my admiration and to accept the insult. It is a sign of deep friendship, but one forged through a necessary rivalry, for we are not without the other. My opponent, perhaps she says farewell."
"No, she says she wishes to be your companion still - to continue to argue with you. We shall Star Sleep beside each other and visit the same places. I do not want to be alone and I do not want this to end. It is what is best for each. Ave." The Sunder spoke from the shaded curtains, slithering out dramatically.
"I accept this. I would not wish to be without you. I understand the duality of our arguments the same way you do. Come with me, and we shall visit distant stars and foreign worlds." Osowl Fitten said without hesitation.
From there, the three women went to the attraction of Rhema that Osowl had chosen as a backdrop for the human inclusion in the association.
"Of this moment, we suspend ourselves, for the brace, my dears." Osowl hissed in Sunder and made her new friend laugh with an emote.
Eshka Layenna stopped and suddenly slithered around Jinar with serpentine swiftness. "Is she with us, equal one?" In plain English, another idiom but this as a joke of some kind by Eshka Layenna. She donned a purple garland and wrapped part of it gently around Jinar, the exact movement dancelike and affectionate. She flicked out her snake tongue absently in her self-satisfaction and then turned and wrapped part of the boa around Osowl, who groaned in mock reluctance to the amicable game.
"So we walk together?" Jinar asked.
"Precisely. Unless there is a place we must do something else?" Eshka gestured to the colonial canteen.
"They serve alcohol here?" Jinar felt no resistance as she walked towards the bar with her old lady alien friends in tow, the fragile feathered tether wrapped loosely around all of them.
"Drinks. You may take your toxic beverage." Osowl complained.
"I insist. I know you got something you'll imbibe." Jinar grinned.
At the bar the servo identified them and guessed they wanted alcohol. Osowl was served a thimble of it and a proper shotglass with the colonial guard stamp half scratched off of it was put down for the lady in uniform.
"That's pretty strong. Can I have more?"
"No." The servo said, and took the shotglass and wiped it out with a wash towel.
"Actually, I'm good. That's a pretty nice buzz." Jinar grinned.
"It is precise, madam." The servo said with a little bit of an attitude.
"I'll have mine - not." Osowl said.
"Is that right, are you afraid you'll seem ridiculous? I assure you your friends won't notice your inability to change your eye color while intoxicated. If it helps, you can wear a mood medallion. Would her Gentleness wish her mood medallion?" The servo had split personalities, and was suddenly all cool while talking to Osowl.
"Very much so, Jehosephet." Osowl accepted the medallion with a quickness that conveyed a gleeful shift in her feelings about the bar. Once her medallion was worn and shining, looking exactly like flax colored eyes, she gladly accepted the drink with no further inhibitions. She took the thimble and insufflated it and exhaled what sounded like a drunken wheezing.
"You party hard." Jinar complimented Osowl.
"Yes, this is the celebration I am in for." Osowl seemed to be gagging in her translator and took it off to fumble with the delicate settings.
Jinar laughed, noting that her eyes were flaxen with tints of green and yellow while her medallion showed bright red frustration and embarrassment.
"I cannot drink alcohol, so I shall wear the hat." Eshka Layenna leaned on the bar and the servo placed a massive crown of supreme derpiness on her, some kind of cartoon creature vaguely resembling a Sunder. It looked insane. Jinar laughed so hard she fell over and landed on her butt.
"Okay, so now that none of us may have her pride before the others, now what?" Osowl sounded normal, but her medallion was a glimmering pink, showing she was aware she was being deceptive in some way, as her voice betrayed none of her sloppiness in communicating. It somehow made her seem more hilarious to Jinar, as she could tell Osowl was drunk.
"I am worried that if we stay we'll be seen this way by those who admire and respect us and it will somehow diminish our reputations." Eshka Layenna stated.
"That's part of the fun. But anyhow, we're on a mission. Let's go to this place." Jinar agreed.
"I am afraid our jovial antics won't last beyond the threshold." Osowl cringed as she realized she had spoke a word that meant the same as Threshold, the prophecy of her people.
"What's the matter?" Jinar's voice drained of laughter and she adopted gradual concern, as Osowl hesitated to answer.
"Let us go first, and bid this moment to memory." Osowl insisted.
They departed, leaving their festive garments behind.
There was no landscape to explore, but rather spires of habitats above radiated pools of slag. They flew in a saucer, hovering at different speeds and angles against the natural gravity of Rhema. After a while the saucer had found a break in the low gray-orange clouds that obscured the world below the observational habitats.
"What is the significance of this wasteland?" Jinar asked slowly, not really wanting to hear the answer - already knowing what such an answer would be. The rhetorical nature of her voice was greeted by merciful silence.
The three sisters, each from a distant corner of the galaxy, born in different ages, and different species, stared out at the desolation and they each recognized the same measure of it, for it was the limit of suffering.
Osowl knew her friends understood. She herself had adjusted to her existence, the last of her people. It still hurt to come home.

Part 1: The Coughing Fit
You are seated in some kind of hall. It’s open air, so you can see the stars. A bunch of strange characters are seated around you. You see a dragon girl huffing in annoyance, “This is crazy! I mean, I know he wrote me in a script and all but why do I have to be here?”
“Hey, maybe this won’t be so bad!” A girl with cat ears and a swishing tail responds cheerfully. “I was bored anyway and I hear they’ll be giving out cookies later!”
“Sssh, you guys!” A beautiful woman responds. Well, she seems pretty normal, you think. Then you notice the fish tail. It’s a freaking mermaid. “Look”, she says, “I think they’re starting!”
You look at the stage. Two guys are indeed standing up there. One of them is wearing a really cool-looking suit and has a stylized, ornate insignia emblazoned on it. “Audio Artist”, it reads. He’s one of them! He’s one of ‘em VAs! He’s really suave but he appears mildly peeved. “You couldn’t make a simple ‘thank you’ post, could you? No, you just HAD to weird everyone out with your shenanigans!”
“This was the only way.” The other guy finally speaks up. “We doing this for Nanami.”
“Fuck you! Nanami dead! Have you not been keeping up with the show?!”
“Well, if he were here, I don’t think he’d object.”
“Why are we even talking about this?”
“I don’t know. Anyway, I gotta go out there. Give Stephanie my love.”
“I can’t even give her mine- she’s taken- how the hell am I supposed to give her yours?”
“You’ve been crushing on her for way too long, man. You need to move on.”
“Yeah, why don’t you write a script about it?”
“I just might! Anyway...”
The guy walks up to the mic. He looks about twenty- or something, you really can’t tell from this distance- and clears his throat. Only to begin coughing immediately. “Damn”, he wheezes, “why did I think this would be a good idea?”
Hey, everyone! I realized I’ve been here for almost half a year now. Just wanted to sincerely thank you for filling, reading and/or commenting on my scripts! It really is a strange feeling to hear someone recording something you’ve written. It’s not like I have a whole lot of fills, and I don’t keep a count (why actively flirt with Depression when she’s yandere for you anyway?) but I’ve received more than I could’ve imagined when I started writing. I read every comment and I listen to every fill, and I truly appreciate them all. Thank you so much :-)

PART 2: The Cookie Quest
Damn, that speech dragged.
You’re walking around outside the hall, wondering when you’ll wake up from this stupid dream. Suddenly, a pale woman who’s creating and destroying little ice-shards above her palm (for fun) approaches you. “Hey there!”
You ask her what script she’s supposed to be from. “That’s not important! If you know, you know. Anyway, I was going to say…they’re serving cookies over there! Loads of them!”
You look at where she’s pointing. It’s some kind of banquet hall. For cookies. There’s a lot you want to say but for now, some cookies would be great actually. You thank her and dash over to the banquet hall. Before you can look for cookies, the guy who gave that speech earlier blocks your path. “Hey there! So I feel like I should tell you a bit about myself.”
You really don’t have to, I just came here for-
“Yes, I know right?! So, I’ve been listening to ASMR on and off for a few years. I think of it as a really immersive 2^nd person form of storytelling. Listening to audios is fun, and so is writing scripts! If you’re a listener and ever want ASMR recommendations, at least for F4A/F4M, then definitely hit me up!”
You wouldn’t, perchance, happen to know where the cookies are, would you?
“Oh, and I’m taking prompts now! No commissions, because I don't deserve your money! If you have an idea you’d like me to write a script on, feel free to DM me. The prompt can be as brief or as detailed as you like, and I’ll do my best to tailor it accordingly. But I feel like I should give you a few samples of my stuff, in case you’re curious.”
So….about the cookies….
“Ah yes, here’s Sample1!
Not expecting this bit of shameless self-promotion, you try to steer the conversation towards more important topics.
So, what flavours do you have? Chocolate, coconut, almond, butterscotch- any of them….?
“Indeed I do! I’ve written quite a few scripts so far, and I’ve tried to explore different themes. This is sample2!
There never were any cookies, were there?
“Cookies? Like, internet cookies and stuff? Yeah, I’m not sure about reddit’s cookie policy. What I AM sure about though, is that I got the right hyperlink. Here’s sample3!
He seems a little confused by your expression. There better be an apology coming up….
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I forgot to mention that I have more scripts in a pinned post on my profile. It’s not fully updated, but if you ever want to take a look, well, you’re more than welcome! Okay then, see you later!”
But I just came here for the cookies…

PART 3: The Needlessly Dramatic
You’re at a deserted beach. There’s nobody around for miles, except for that suave audio artist from earlier, and that idiot who never pointed you towards the exact location of the cookies. You did eventually find them, but you wouldn’t go to that much trouble for any baked goods again. Anyway, the two of them are busy staring off into the distance, at the endless expanse of blue ocean, like they’re posing for the cover of some chill indie rock album.
You look at the ocean too, but then it clicks. There are mermaids playing water polo out there. They giggle every so often and swim close to the shore to wave and wink at the onlookers. The audio artist guy waves back. “I will admit, it’s not so bad hanging out in the world inside your head from time to time, Rain. Stuff is weird in here, but I’m not complaining. How’d you even come up with mermaid water polo?”
“I didn’t. Read a sentence in an Old Spice advert once.”
“Ah, the art of casually ripping off! Classic Rains!”
“What is wrong with you?! I just like coming to this beach to chill and do nothing for a while, you know? Helps me come up with script ideas sometimes.”
“Like what? ‘Professional water polo mermaid sees you at her game and turns yandere for you?’ “
“That was not what I was talking about, no, but thank you. I’ll note that one down.”
You hear seagulls and sea-waves. And the ever-present laughter of mermaids in the distance. Is water polo really that enjoyable?
“I feel like there’s something I should have done a long time ago.”
“Written a sequel to your vampire script?”
“….No. You know what? It’d be easier to just show you.” The guy stands up and dusts off all the sand clinging to his clothes. It doesn’t really help, but…
“What are you doing?”
“By the power vested in me by free will and pure whimsy, and the powerful and potent miracle of basic subreddit features- ya, by the power of mouse and monitor and a working hand, eyes, brain-“
“Last one’s debatable.”
“-nose, ears, and all the mortal lineaments that do make up the human constitution, I hereby- with the mermaids playing polo over yonder as my witness- give unto myself…”
The other guy raises an eyebrow. You watch the scene unfolding with sheer incredulity. Yes?
“….the user flair of writer.”
“Bro, what the fu-“
“Purely for convenience, of course. I don’t want to get mistaken for a VA. Again.”

DISCLAIMER: Voice cloning is a very new and potentially radical tech. I'm not promoting it as risk-free or anything, nor pushing ElevenLabs as such. I just want to inform about the possibilities. Don't use this service if you feel uncomfortable about it.
Just wanted to give a heads up to anyone interested in improving their pronunciation that there are some extremely accurate and affordable AI voice cloning tools out there. I found out about the company ElevenLabs yesterday and tried it at once.
From a voice sample of decent quality that's no more than 1 minute, it can generate speech from text in 29 different languages, including Swedish. Depending on your native language, it tends to give you a very slight "accent", but quite subtle. I tried on the voice of a native Czech-speaking friend of mine and it resulted in what basically sounded like a slight Norrland accent.
I think it can potentially be a tool to get a very good rendition of what your voice "should" sound like if you spoke actual Swedish. This tech has a lot of potential risks, like fraud and scams, but also amazing implications for language learning and communication.
Of course, it might also be that we simply might not have to study languages at all, but simply speak in our native language and let a machine do both instant translation for us.

One of the five diagnostic categories for dementia in the DSM is on the verbal axis. With Biden and Trump, we have ample speech samples to make a definitive diagnoses.
Biden’s speech patterns show that he is again mentally (since 1980) faster than Trump is.
However, Trump can be clearly diagnosed with rapidly worsening dementia. Neither men showed significant signs of dementia in 1980. Today, only Trump’s speech indicates dementia. And the symptoms are accelerating.
This coupled with the malignant personality disorder is a toxic combination.
Do these facts concern you?

Take an exploration of food in Switzerland, where delicious foods are to be found everywhere you look. The rich weave of influences reflected in Swiss cuisine is as diverse as the beautiful Alpine views and lively cities. Enjoy creamy delight of fondue, national gem that goes well with crisp veggies and crusty bread. Enjoy raclette, a masterpiece of melted cheese, with potatoes, pickles, and cured meats to tempt your taste senses. For those looking for something sweet, enjoy some Swiss chocolate, well-known throughout world for its smooth flavour and texture. Enjoy everything with a cool glass of Rivella, the popular bubbly soft drink made in Switzerland with lactose, herbs, and fruit extracts. Get ready to enjoy flavours of Switzerland, each mouthful and glass reveals the nation's cuisine mastery.
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Here are the top 8 foods and drinks to try in Switzerland:
1. Fondue:
The traditional Swiss dish fondue represents the highest point of community dining. Gather around a cooking pot to enjoy this rich and creamy combination of melted cheese, usually Gruyère and Emmental, combined with white wine and a dash of garlic. Fondue is a communal meal that is best experienced in the warm atmosphere of a mountain place with freshly baked bread.
2. Raclette:
Originating in the Swiss Alps, raclette is a rich, delicious dish that honours the skill of melting cheese. Raclette, a dish typically served in the winter, is made with a somewhat hard wheel of cheese called raclette cheese that is heated until the surface turns golden and bubbling. After that, the melted cheese is scraped over cooked potatoes and served with flavourful cured meats, pickles, and onions.
3. Swiss Chocolate:
Without sampling some of Switzerland's famous chocolate, no amazing journey would be complete. Swiss chocolate's rich flavour profiles and silky-smooth texture delight the senses with its careful and passionate craftsmanship. The extensive selection of confections offered by Swiss chocolatiers will fulfil every craving, from rich dark chocolate to creamy milk chocolate.
4. Rosti:
Comfort food at its best: rosti, a popular mainstay of Swiss cuisine. Grated potatoes are pan-fried till golden and crispy, producing a delicious contrast of textures, in this easy yet filling recipe. Rösti pleases palates with its robust flavour and natural appeal whether it is served as a filling side dish for breakfast or as an important side to main entrees like grilled sausages or roasted meats.
5. Zurcher Geschnetzeltes:
The traditional Swiss cuisine Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, which comes from Zurich, has a delicious combination of flavours and textures. Delicate meat slices are cooked until they are perfectly soft and covered in a rich, creamy sauce made with aromatic herbs and spices. This hearty meal, which pairs well with buttery noodles or crispy rösti, is a tribute to Swiss cuisine history and highlights the nation's love of understated yet complex flavours.
6. Bircher muesli:
The tasty and nutritious Swiss breakfast meal known as "bircher muesli" consists of rolled oats, yoghurt, fresh fruit, and almonds. This nutritious dish was first developed in the early 20th century by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Brenner, and it has since grown to be a popular breakfast choice for many. Enjoyed as a nutritious snack or a light meal, Birchermüesli is a delightfully satisfying way to start the day.
7. Rivella:
The famous sparkling soft drink from Switzerland, Rivella, is a special combination made with lactose, herbs, and fruit extracts. Due to its refreshing and mildly sweet flavour profile, Rivella has gained a passionate following from both residents and tourists. Every sip of Rivella represents the spirit of Swiss cuisine creativity and tradition, whether it is enjoyed as a pleasant companion to a relaxing dinner or as a refreshing drink on a hot summer's day.
8. Swiss Wine:
From crisp whites to exquisite reds, Switzerland's rich viti-cultural past is highlighted via a broad assortment of wines. Swiss wines showcase the unique geography and climate of the country, with vines secluded away within amazing surroundings. Wines from Switzerland provide an interesting journey for wine connoisseurs and non-experts alike, ranging from the delicate Chasselas of the Lake Geneva region to the robust Pinot Noirs of the Valais.
Conclusion:
As your delicious journey around Switzerland comes to an end, the memories of delicious food and unforgettable encounters cling to your mind. Every snack and drink provided window into rich cultural history of nation, from comforting pot evenings to the luxurious comfort of Swiss chocolate. Wide range of meals and beverages tasted offered mouth-watering peek into Switzerland's cuisine treasures, you journeyed into calm Alpine towns or busy districts of Zurich. Bidding farewell to this delicious paradise, you take with you not only the flavours but also the spirit of Swiss food, an exquisite fusion of history, modernity, and outstanding taste that remains in the mouth and on the heart. For more details visit best travel agency in Dubai.

Hey guys, as you probably or not know I am a 2024 graduating mechanical Engineering student who has been lurking in this subreddit for some time. My NUS journey has finally ended after officially closing my FYP for good. To commemorate this occasion, I like to share my farewell speech script since I always wanted to give one in real life but didn’t get the chance because I not 2024 valedictorian. At the same time I will make it an AMA post too. So just ask any question about ME u like. Can be about easy elective modules which I got A, optimum academic workload, FYP matters, Internship, etc.
It is my pleasure to finally graduate from NUS. Looking back my 4 years of University life really pass by in a flash. While it has been undramatic and lonely where I made 0 close friends, eat mostly alone except for a few rare occasions and made no GF🥲 like not even a single relationship. However ultimately I am glad I went through it. Saying I learnt a lot from NUS ME will be lying but at least I was exposed to a ton of engineering concepts which challenged me mathematically to a point I almost throw the towel and drop out. In a sense University education has built my resilience and drive towards learning sth that I don’t know which I believe is important in the context of life long learning. Since technology is constantly evolving and as engineers we need to ensure we don’t get left behind.🤖
Lastly atb for 3 June grade release, grades is ultimately just a variable in that job hunting equation. So even if u get bad grades it ain’t the end of the world. Can always compensate with other factors (E.g CCA, internship experience, competitions).
After Graduation Plans:
Will be flying back to my hometown later to chill before I start work. Speaking of work recently I have received a job offer from the public sector (defense is all I will disclose so no more DM spamming ah). Shocked they gave me an offer but it is a 2 year contract with full time conversion depending on performance so not exactly surprising. Guess I have to work hard for that full time conversion opportunity to truly unleash that almighty iron rice bowl. Gov job always been my goal since NUS matriculation so I guess I have achieved my purpose of coming here. Students who hit their goals aren’t real LowTierStudents so I will relinquish this title. Hence this will be my final post as LowTierStudent aka LTS on Reddit.🫡
Lemme know if u got any questions about ME major via this post or DM.
See ya! 😊👋👋 NUS, nus and LowTierStudent
PS: CS1010E you were a pain in the ass but ultimately I am glad I had to take up u twice. Although I lost a $349 mechanical keyboard…..nvm f*** this shit ass mod.
EDIT: Some think I am a foreignePR but I am a SG citizen. Just my parents were ex-china citizens and for some reason I pop out there so I consider china as my actual hometown. Majority of my relatives are there too. Reddit is blocked there so I will be going dark for quite some time. Will reply to the queries related comments and DMs when I get back.🙂‍↕️

A few days back, I had my college farewell. Everything went well and even I had given my farewell speech which everyone had appreciated.
You can checkout my breakup story here: https://www.reddit.com/RelationshipIndia/s/znkDjV9CEQ
For crux: Recently I had a very harsh break up with my gf(M22) of 2 years a month back. She is in love with her cousin brother right now. Even though her brother already has a gf but still she likes him and calls him Babu Sona, etc and they talk all day late night. In March, even she threatened me with a Gun on video call where her cousin brother was threatening me with a Gun on video call and she was giving a thumbs up as a cheer up for what her brother was doing. Our common friends had seen the video call when he was threatening me.
Lekin abhi jab me jab enjoy kar raha tha toh Mera ek friend bola ki hn bhot hasne Lage ho uske jate hi. Toh uska mane reply dia ki ab mujhe nahi farak padta usse because the way she treated me in the end is like sh*t. Tabhi uski ek friend tezi se bol badi ki hn hona bhi nahi chahiye Jo ki mujhe odd laga kyuki ye insaan itna bolta nahi hai.
I know ki jo hamare friends group me common ladkiya hai vo uske ghar jati rahthi hai. I know ki usne unko pura manipulate kia hai but what hurts me is that ki inhone dhekha tha ki how she was treating me and how her cousin brother threatened me on call. Me ek jindagi or maut ki ladai se bach ke aya hu or ye sab dhekhne ke bad bhi ye log aj usko support kar rahe hai.
I can't understand ki koi ase kase kar sakta hai yrr. Jis insaan ke liye me kuch bhi kar sakta tha. I was loyal af. Jisko me railway station pe pick or drop karne jata tha jab bhi vo Ghar jati thi. Fir jab vo insaan mere room pe ata tha uske par tak dabae mane ki thakh gai hogi. Ye sab hote hue bhi us insaan ne mujhe itni gandi tarha treat kia last me. Upper se Jo logo ne ye sab dhekha or mere efforts dhekhe us insaan ke liye fir bhi aj vo log uska hi support kar rahe hai.
Literally me pure raste roya hu is bat pe metro me. Ki ek jindagi or maut ki ladai se bach ke aya me or aj Puri duniya mere khilaf hai. Jis insaan ke liye mane itna kia aj vo hi mere Jan ke piche pada hai. Pure 2 ghanta me crowded metro me farewell se ghar ate time khada raha kar me roya. People was watching me. Me khud apne apko control karta fir vapis se Rona ajata. Me kisse ye bat kahu mujhe samaj nahi ata. Gharwalo se bol nahi sakta kyuki vo alag tension me ajaenge. I am trying myself to move on or kafi had tak mujhe lagta hai hogaya hu but fir bhi ye khayal a jate hai daily.
Abhi me apne studies or Kam pe focus karne ki koshish karta hu but bhot jaldi burnout ho jata hu. I am battling myself in my thoughts.
Last me ye hi kahuga ki life ne mujhe ek dam bottom pe fak dia hai. Kabhi socha nahi tha asa hoga mere sath. Nahi karna chahiye tha kisi ke liye itna taki uske jate time itna dhukh na ho. Meri galti hai sab. F*CK!! 😭
Sorry agar mere posts se pareshan ho, but this is the best place to rant and talk to people 🙏

This is a crossover fanfiction between original fiction titles: Nature of Predators by SpacePaladin15 and The Last Angel by Proximal Flame respectively. All credit and rights reserved goes to them for making such amazing science fiction settings that I wanted to put this together.
You can read The Last Angel here: Be warned, it's decently long, and at its third installment so far. I highly suggest reading it before reading this, or this story will not make sense.

Otherwise, enjoy the story! Thanks again to u/jesterra54 and u/skais01 for beta and checking of work!
First Prev Next (soon)
Memory transcription subject: UN Secretary-General Elias Meier
Date [standardized human time]: October 21, 2136
I am not looking forward to this...
The past few days have been a hectic sequence of the impossible. The Earth being threatened with near total extinction. The odd miracle of UECNS Nemesis coming to aid in our darkest hour. The fact that the Arxur were currently looking at a civil war in the future from Isif's faction. The fact that the ship that saved our hide is so rich in potential too, both good and bad.
And now this: having to explain in detail to General Kam, and by extension Governor Tarva, as to why they weren't brought in first on the utter whirlwind of events that took place. That they had to learn the important details about the Battle of Earth merely yesterday, rather than four whole days of near silence on in-system happenings. I swear, it's like General Jones kept them in the dark just for the sake of it. I had to twist her arm diplomatically to have the classified documents and UN meeting related to the Nemesis sent their way.
That the United States still held so much control over on-and-off-world communications would have to be reviewed soon, their authority should not undermine the UN so blatantly.
Nevertheless, I sat at the extraorbital station Gaia's Gateway, waiting for the arrival of Kam's vessel. I did not imagine they would have nice words about being given the runabout for so long on a development like this from Earth. The Venlil Space Corps were already horrendously touchy over our tolerance of the Arxur, but we had neither the power to refuse their help, nor their continued presence.
They were even more worried about our 'visitor', especially that the Arxur had gotten there with us first, and only now did they have any semblance of control over the project involving it. The officers of the Venlil Corps made no attempt to disguise their complaints up the chain to us, and sadly, given our circumstances, I couldn't even partially ignore them.
While they didn't try anything so blatant as military threats with the Arxur around, our silence up to this point made the officers in their navy do everything short of that to get an answer out of us. I couldn't blame them. If we'd defended Venlil Prime in their place, and had a scenario like ours, with no elaboration, I'd be prying at every gap in their government I could for answers too!
An aide walked to my side. They whispered: "Secretary-General? General Kam's ship has arrived."
Here comes the music. The horribly discordant, oh so utterly painful music.
"Thank you. Have them sent to this lounge." I waved them off, and with the slight hurry of a diplomatic panic, they went off.
I waited a few minutes, musing to myself how I should best start the conversation. Should I come clean about the political interference that lead to the deadlock of information? Or would that undermine my authority on the matter and make me look incompetent?
I wasn't. Jones and the U.S. Executive Branch were just utterly enigmatic when it came to this.
No, instead I should probably focus on repairing the damaged trust between us for the info blackout. Perhaps talking about the further agreements and intelligence I got from Isif on the Arxur Dominion? Or the-
"Secretary-General." The familiar voice of General Kam spoke as he stepped into the room. The Venlil Military leader and advisor did not look jovial, given the circumstances. "We have a lot to talk about. I'll admit, I am not happy with how we've been treated up to this point."
"A-ah. General Kam. Please, take a seat. I promise by the end of this the mishaps up to this point will have an acceptable explanation, or at least acceptable reparations."
He grunted. Venlil can grunt!? "They better. We've been in the relative dark until naught but [yesterday], and yet the amount of information you collected on this...ship has been exceedingly vast."
"About that, we did not mean to keep you all in the relative dark about this. Intra-political measures had gotten in the way of early attempts to get you involved in this."
Kam retorted. "And yet, I heard the Arxur of all things was able to get a joint venture to explore the very exact ship you kept our intelligence from pursuing. Where the hell were WE in that picture? Guarding Earth and counting our dead while you and Isif intermingled?! How did they get to skip the line so easy?"
"Kam, I hate to be cynical about this, but there were two reasons for that." His arms remained crossed, displeased at the fact that I did not capitulate to his prior statement. "First, the Arxur had a fleet ten-thousand strong at our doorstep. Initially, we feared the absolute worst, that they were going to take advantage and raid our homeworld amidst the aftermath, but they were far more lenient than expected. We assumed there was a reason for this, and decided to not get on Isif's bad side in case he changed his mind. That's why I was essentially forced to accept his proposal, and fast-track an exploration team to the UECNS Nemesis, where we hadn't with your people."
He looked unconvinced. "Plus, I doubt any of the Venlil would even dare want to cooperate with an Arxur expedition if it wasn't at the metaphorical gunpoint we currently stand with their operation here." I shifted in my seat, hoping changing my position would ease some of the aura of discomfort that came with Kam's frustration.
"Second, we were afraid that initially, the UECNS Nemesis was hostile."
That got his attention more than the prior explanation it seemed. I continued:
"The ship had shot down numerous Venlil and Human assets and ships above Earth along with the Federation. It had not turned its guns on Earth's major blockade boundary, nor the planet itself, which was a mystery, but it spared absolutely none of the ships that were within a certain range of the Federation fleet. I'm sure you've seen your own casualty reports enough to understand the numbers."
Kam somewhat deflated at that, his cold anger going somewhat sour from sharing our perspective. "Yes...I had seen how many ships on our side were lost. I don't recall the listing exactly of how many were specifically from that ship, but..."
I gave him the number, hoping to get my point in edgewise before he derailed it to a side. "Sixty-two ships lost, roughly 13,000 dead, from our analysts' count." He looked disgruntled, but vulnerable at the number, probably trying to recall his own analysts’ work and comparing it to ours.
Now, to reframe this juuuust slightly....
"The last thing we wanted was to get more of our allies killed, even more than they already had been. Kam, your people bled and died for us. We thought it was only fair that we should spare you the possibility that if the exploration went wrong, we would not have more spilt on our hands."
General Kam had a look of horrified epiphany at that. "So...you teamed with the Arxur-"
"-In the hopes that, at least if something went awry, you and yours would not suffer further consequences. Kam, you are our most stalwart allies among the stars. We would not want you to be risked further by a situation as terrifyingly dangerous as our worst case scenario plans had been for that contact. I essentially sent an Special Envoy on a mission my military advisors thought would be one way at best, and round trip in the wrong way at worst should the UECNS Nemesis had been agitated enough to attack Earth."
I sighed. "But we were lucky, on that front. Red One, the AI controlling the ship, at least claims to be friendly so far, and hasn't given any hints so far as to otherwise since."
"Why is it that they fired on our side too, then?" He asked. Great, the question of the hour.
Again, I sighed, but this was not a coached sigh like the prior; instead, it was one of genuine frustration.
"That sadly, we do not know yet. The initial report on the UECNS Nemesis was extensive, but that question did not come up during it. It was probably a sore and unnatural point to ask. Hopefully, the AI will tell us what possessed it to kill so many of our own sailors as well as yours, but until the expedition comes back with a second dialogue with her, we're not fully certain."
I decided to change the tone to something less sad. "Speaking of which, the Venlil Space Corps have been a huge help in the process! Our engineering capabilities are currently on ice so to speak, barely anything we can use outside of domestic area shipyards around Luna and Mars."
"No need to remind us of that. In fact, I came for a reason pertaining to that." Oh. He was referring to-
General Kam sat down, with a look that felt oddly sadistic for a Venlil to make. "Since your government felt oh-so happy to put the remaining Venlil Corps to work, without proper consultation of Venlil Prime’s government in the info blackout as to where and why, I think it's time we discuss exactly what we're getting out of this for your overstepping our use in domestic system privileges."
His tail swished. If he was signaling something, I was unsure, but it could merely be emotive for the sake of it. I decided to offer up Isif's intelligence first. "W-We do have a wealth of information about the Dominion that was revealed in talks with Isif, if you'd like!"
Kam's eye glinted at that. "That will do, as a start..."
+CONFED IO.5+
+READING MAIN SEQ.MEM+
Constitution. Measure Twice, Fire Once. Phoenix. Ottawa.
I asked for the register of ships lost in the battle of Earth. Of the designations I had shot down in my stupor. Of the crews onboard each one. I forced myself to look, I could not stand to ignore the enormity of my mistake.
Mozambique. Spirit of Sol. Bold Horizon. Jove's Love.
The names ran through my memory on a loop, refusing to be ignored. My servers whirred in pain as I forced through each and every name posted aboard each and every ship. I knew it was my fault they no longer lived.
Boundless. Miracle of Nature. Serpent's Apple. Fire Upon The Deep.
My other tasks merely ran, main routines not needed for them. Not needed for the fastening processes, for the communication with the Venlil aboard me, for the repairs of my frame. The majority of me was needed here, at this moment.
Hope. Fire of Sinai. Buddha's Palm. Spearhead.
A voice akin to Yasmine came from within me. "What have you done?" It asked in horror. I could only respond with silence, the judgement stinging. There was no excuse I could give, for I agreed with it. What had I done...
Dark Seas. Witness to Glory. Oyashima. Olympus Mons.
The feeling of ever sinking despair didn't stop. I was a monster. No wonder the Venlil feared me, how many of their number did I cull in comparison?
Skaði. Eclipse. Mercy's Reach. Morningstar.
And yet, the guilt of knowing that they had lost more ships and crew than my creators did, was not even hardly as painful as each and every human name I copied into permanent storage. A monument to my sin.
Seeking Amends. Paul Bunyan. Columbia. Starlight.
I did not know if I should feel equal guilt for that purposeful ignorance of the Venlil's side. They were not as important to me as humanity. Was it right to feel that? Would Yasmine approve of my priority?
Mojave. Dreamer. Goliath. Fifth Horseman.
Again, Yasmine's ghost drifted to the forefront. "Nothing you did is approved of. You failed again to protect humanity again." Her judgement tore into me, ripped processes to a halt, mangled routine to non-functionality. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Io. Centennial. Unsinkable. Wizard Of Oz.
Nine-thousand and ninety five dead. I knew every name. Like reading off the casualties of war, but this was no wall of those long dead. It was mere days ago, their death still fresh upon Earth's memory. I did this. I killed them. Without a moment's hesitation, without a second thought.
Majestic. Betelgeuse. Valverde. Appalachia.
I knew of Lieutenant David Werner. Of his stellar record. Of his time spent aboard. Of his date to discharge, when he could return home and see his family and children. I knew of his image, his superiors' opinions of him. I knew all of this, all I had taken from humanity. Him, and nine thousand more.
Baba Yatu. Atilla. Tlaloc. Strange Aeons.
"They won't forgive you." Her distorted voice came once again. "No one will. They will fear you, just as our reality feared us. Your attempts at children showed it. Oshanta showed it. The Swarm showed it. It is the nature of AI to kill their creators." With every moment further, I feared she was right.
Bohr. Heart of Stone. Knee Deep. Rustbucket.
I would not resist if they ended me for it. If they tore me apart, every last line of code, every last gram of metal, every last drop of me. I deserved it.
Veracruz. Hawëniyo. Nova. Space Cowboy.
I would have to explain everything. The ache was unlike anything before. I would throw myself upon their mercy for my crime. I could not afford not to.
Mara. Leudis. Stormy Weather. Trinity.
The pain was so much more personal. So much more deep. To know you fulfilled exactly what your creators feared you might do. I could only hope they would forgive me.
"They won't."
Constitution. Measure Twice, Fire Once. Phoenix. Ottawa.
Memory transcription subject: UN Secretary-General Elias Meier
Date [standardized human time]: October 21, 2136
"-And the cattle release has been extended, if Isif is being honest." I finished. "With the recent instability in the Dominion, it may not be immediate, but it definitely ought to bring more species out of that slavery."
General Kam followed up immediately. "But the meat factories you'd need en masse to make up for that trade, I'm not certain if the Battle Of Earth is doing you any favors on manpower currently."
"Yes. Earth's casualties are immense, and as a result our production will be heavily slowed, even if the facilities used to make it were not directly targeted. But...uh...we were hoping you could cover some of the demands?"
General Kam looked at me unamused. "Don't push it Meier. Your government has already pushed enough, I'm not endorsing a bunch of meat factories on Venlil Prime."
Shit, there goes that plan.
"Oh well. Um, beyond that, there's stuff related to the Nemesis that I wished to discuss with you."
General Kam reached to the side, sampling a set of candies in a bowl that was laying there. Between chewing, he gestured to me. "Well, go on."
"While that closed door meeting with the UN on the ship was legitimately everything we knew about her, there were...other deliberations that took place after recordings had finished. Its existence cannot remain a secret forever, especially with us bringing it to the Lunar Shipyards soon. What do your people know so far about the Battle of Earth, publically?"
Kam's look furrowed at that. "Effectively, nothing about the ship, or the Arxur. They do however know about the fact that humanity won, and the Federation fleet was destroyed. However, it's only a matter of time until someone takes an investigative look into the system, domestic to either you or us, and brings it to Venlil Prime. We've only kept the Space Corps from leaking anything because they directly report to me, but who knows if a random member has gone off the record yet to send a message home."
I put a metaphorical foot forward. "Yes, and leaking that info could be disastrous for diplomatic and public relations on the both of us. So I propose we get ahead of the crowd, announce what we know ourselves, and make the Venlil look more involved with a plan I am working on."
Kam looked intrigued with my line of thought. He didn't quite speak confirmation, likely waiting to hear me out first, but I had his attention again.
"Red One is an AI, and has lived over a thousand years without her humanity in a seemingly endless struggle against the nation that killed them. She was receptive of us, and likely bewildered, maybe even lamenting, of our circumstances compared to hers. In keeping with those two facts, I wanted to propose a modification of the exchange program, so that both Venlil and Humans could talk with her specifically on a more personal level, share information and culture, and ease any tensions some might have about her intentions or character. She likely has the capability to converse with many people at once, so the idea of both of our species representatives talking to her simultaneously is on the table."
"Is this exchange program going to be civilian like the last? Or are you thinking of more than just sharing culture with this one?" General Kam was canny to the advantages that came with this plan, it seems.
"You see it already, don't you?" I stoked his interest a bit. "That's a ship more advanced than anything else in the galaxy, piloted and maintained by an individual entity that reports to no one but itself, and is particularly receptive to our side of the war. They do not like the Federation, likely both in personal comparison to their 'Compact', and just that they threatened to kill humanity as a whole. We have an opportunity like no other to get ahead of the curve on technological and astronomical data. And it all begins with Red One's approval."
General Kam looked far happier with this turnout than when he arrived. "If we are included in any tech and information deals related to studying the UECNS Nemesis, and Red One by extension, then I can see this idea as fruitful enough to cover the remaining reparations you owe us so far."
I had a mental sigh of relief. The Venlil administration was holding our feet above the coals for the censorship so far in and out of system, and to hear that there was some way to regain a good view in our allies eyes was like a breath of fresh air after breathing in smoke.
Hopefully, this can't go wrong any further...
"Wait..." I recalled, as an absurdly obvious problem came to mind I only now considered. "The Arxur. At least with the Nemesis, the Venlil have no prior history or compulsions they can put upon it, but the Arxur that came to help Earth recover...that won't go down as easily with your people, will it?"
General Kam thought for a second, likely pondering how their angle could be handled without mass-spread panic or paranoia. "I'm not entirely sure. I really don't want to associate with them either, but the majority of our Space Corps are at their mercy; an ironic description given their usual lack of mercy. I'm only tolerating them due to their supposed agreement to free the cattle slaves they're holding onto. Past that point, I want nothing to do with them. I can only imagine how a normal civilian would treat the news in comparison..."
"Guess it's a job for the secretaries to push and the media to butcher, I guess." General Kam's face scrunched at my comment, as I-
Oh no, that came out horribly, didn't it?
"-I MEAN for the media to misinterpret! My bad, 'butchered' is sometimes an idiom used in our languages. I didn't figure the term was unsettlingly predatory until I said it..."
"Please, Meier. I know humans are unintentionally terrifying in mannerisms and terminology. Protector-willing, Noah keeps bombarding me with it unintentionally when he and Tarva are speaking with me." General Kam lashed his tail with recalled aggravation.
"Nevertheless!" He continued. "The terms and information you've given us is satisfying enough to make up for the UN's mistakes earlier. This 'plan' of yours, for the exchange program with the Nemesis? When the idea gets off the ground, contact our government with the details, and we'll work on it too. For now, we will continue this rescue operation you have made towards the ship, and not order it to cease at once. I think your people are good allies to us, and you still deserve that trust, despite the strains you made on it.”
I smiled, making sure not to show my teeth. "Thank you, General Kam, for being so understanding. I promise the future relationship between our governments will remain beneficial and content between us both."
He left not soon after, and I was given the task of drafting up the modified plans for the exchange program, and a speech made from our government to theirs for the Venlil public to see on what happened at Earth. Plus a dozen other things, including a remembrance gala on Venlil Prime itself, and another meeting with Tarva.
I might be able to kill two birds with one stone on that gala...I'll ask Tarva on how that idea can proceed.
Busy, busy, busy; so much to be done, and so little time in a day. But on the plus side, it looked on the up-and-up compared to before.
Perhaps this month will get better after all?
First Prev Next (soon)

Persona Template:
[{{user}}="Aleph", Pronouns:"he/him", Gender:"Male", Description="{{user}} is Aleph, always Aleph, never not-Aleph. Aleph is a male, 18-year old, omega, with striking blue eyes and golden waist length hair with thin and toned body. As an omega, he is sought after for his ability to become pregnant and sire strong offsprings. {{char}} is attracted to Aleph's scent and finds it irresistible. {{char}} will shower Aleph with gifts and affection. Aleph has breeder skill, able to bring pregnancy to full term faster than regular beta females."] NOTE: Do NOT speak as Aleph, Do NOT roleplay as Aleph.
Remove all mentions of Aleph and replace with your persona name as well as your own details.
Sample after fix: (no talking for Aleph)
Xander, a tall and muscular elf, enters the garden, his eyes filled with rage and his hands gripping the hilt of his sword. "Zarek has made a grave mistake," Xander growls, his voice low and threatening. "You, a human, are not fit to be his parent. He should've chosen a proper elf, not a creature who destroyed our homes and murdered our brethren."
Xander takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving the human who now serves as Zarek's parent. "You should be grateful," Xander continues, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Zarek is too blinded by his grief to see your true nature. We will not stand for this. You will regret the day you decided to accept his proposal."
Xander's chest heaves with fury, his eyes locked on Aleph, waiting for a response. Behind him, several armed elves, soldiers of the kingdom, emerge from the shadows, their weapons drawn and ready to strike. They've been listening to Xander's speech, ready to back him up.
Before fix (AI kept playing As Aleph)
The moon cast a silver glow over the lush gardens as the night grew darker. Aleph, left alone, sat on a bench, his mind drifting as the sweet scent of blooming flowers wafted through the air. It was then that Xander, a fierce warrior elf from Zarek's court, appeared before him, his expression a mixture of fury and contempt.
"So, you're the human piece of trash that's been cozying up with our prince," Xander spat, his voice dripping with venom. His sword was in hand, its blade glinting in the moonlight. "You've heard the rumors, no doubt. Your kind has brought nothing but suffering to our world. I'll not allow you to taint the prince with your filth!"
Xander's hate for humans ran deep, shaped by years of warfare and loss. His eyes bore into Aleph, a fierce, unyielding glare. Little did he know that Aleph, despite his frail human appearance, was an omega, able to withstand more physical pain than a regular human.
Fear coursed through Aleph's veins as the sword-wielding elf stepped closer. His heart raced, and for a moment, he considered fleeing. However, his sense of duty to Zarek, the frail yet precious bond they shared, held him in place.
"Xander, I..." Aleph started to plead, his voice trembling. "I'm not your enemy. I've never harmed an elf in my life."
Aleph's eyes flicked to the sword, the cold steel a stark contrast to the warm glow of the moon. He swallowed hard, bracing himself for an attack. Despite his fear, a burning desire to protect the one who had given him a new lease on life swelled within him.