Microstory 2392: Vacuus, December 26, 2179

< > Table of Contents

Generated by Google VideoFX text-to-video AI software, powered by Veo 2

Dear Condor,

No, I don’t know which one of us is older than the other. We could have been born hours apart, for all I know. Well, that’s probably too long of a difference. You would think that Pascal would say something about it if that were the case. Unless, I guess, if he was out of town, or something. Was he even there? Has he never told you anything about what it was like when you were born? Probably not since his story would have been shaky from having no choice but to leave me out of it entirely. Let me get right into what happened. I’m glad that I talked to Elek sooner rather than later, because I might not have had another chance to tell you about it. Our scientists believe that the Valkyrie long-cycle is imminent. Unless something major happens to change their current projected trajectory, they’re coming for us, and they’ll be blocking transmissions for a really long time. Theoretically, the only thing that could affect them enough for them to change their path would be a gravitational body of significant mass-density. That would be even worse, because it would probably cross the Roche limit, and collide into Vacuus. I told you that I would be getting into what happened, then went off on a tangent. Sorry. Elek. When I approached him earlier today, he seemed very scared. I don’t think he read our messages, or anything, but I think he knew that this conversation would be coming at some point. We were bound to put the pieces together eventually. He actually seemed relieved when I demanded answers about the study. Attached is the full transcript of our conversation. Our laws say that I can record audio on the base with everyone’s permission,  but I can’t record video. It’s a little weird, but it would be a lot to compress anyway. Here are the highlights. The program had been going on for a hell of a lot longer than we realized. Madalena was only hired for its most recent iteration. They tried this with other missions prior to this, including lunar bases and Martian outposts. They have always wanted to know how one person would fare across contradictory realities, and twins are the closest thing they can come to gaining any insight on that. The thing about us being fraternal twins was the result of a series of concessions they had to make over the years. It started out as one would think, with the ideal conditions, and no legal qualms. They just kept changing it and changing it until it became all but pointless. Elek observed me as I grew up, and took some notes, which he showed me, and they’re all attached too. They weren’t very detailed, and his heart wasn’t in. It was just stupid from the beginning, but they sunk so much money into it, they didn’t want to let it go. They since have, disbanding entirely, and the various players no longer communicate with each other. He thought that Madalena was dead, but he’s pretty sure most of the others on Earth are indeed gone. After this I think it’s time we put this whole thing to rest. It sounds like it’s all over, and nothing really came of it. Now let’s just be. Let’s be twins who talk via weekly letters.

Until the Valkyries descend upon us,

Corinthia

Microstory 2120: Expect Me to Be Grateful

< > Table of Contents

Generated by Google Gemini Advanced text-to-image AI software, powered by Imagen 2

My Rehabilitation Plan ended up being a lot longer than I thought it would be. I just kept thinking of more detail that I wanted to include, and one of my biggest weaknesses when it comes to writing is cutting out what I’ve already written. That’s why these posts are usually so short, if you can believe the irony. If I wrote everything that happened to me in a given day, then it would end up two or three pages long. The only way to produce it with only the relevant information is to make my cuts before I even start writing. I try to think about only what’s important, and ignore all the little things that readers won’t find interesting anyway. I guess I end up going overboard with this, since it’s not that hard to refrain from transcribing the unnecessary thoughts when I focus so much on just the important stuff. But, so you have an idea, my basic plan is to attend weekend jail for about the next five months until I’ve completed my thousand hours. I’m going to focus on finding and keeping a job on the weekdays, which means putting the community service off until I’m finished with jail. That will make the schedule much simpler, and less stressful. Plus, the therapy isn’t something that I can put off, because it’s crucial to my consistent progress, so I’ll be signing up for evening sessions, depending on what my work hours end up being. I don’t think that it will be that difficult to find something this time around. My readership is growing day by day, and people are already contacting me about open positions. Some are from people who are just aware that such jobs exist, but a few are actual employers with the power to fill those positions. It’s weird to see these messages. I’ve never been recruited before. In the past, companies would always expect me to be grateful just that they gave me the time of day. I don’t have time to look through them yet, so the job hunt starts first thing Monday. Until then, I’ll be in jail. In fact, my ride is waiting. See you on the other side.

Microstory 1907: Introduction to Conversations

< > Table of Contents

Generated by Canva text-to-image AI software

Nick Fisherman: Guess who’s back with an off-brand old bag of tricks?

Tavis Highfill: What’s that now?

Nick: I’ll be the one asking the questions!

Tavis: ...were you gonna—

Nick: That sounds like the start of a question!

Tavis: It’s you. You’re back with an old bag of tricks. What does—I mean, I wonder what bag you’re referring to.

Nick: Do you remember a few years ago when we did the Interview Transcripts microfiction series, involving all kinds of different interview types?

Tavis: Yes, I recall.

Nick: We’re doing that again, except not as interviews. These are just general conversations.

Tavis and Nick: *salute* General Conversations.

Tavis: Why do you salute with your middle finger, fourth finger, and pinky?

Nick: Because no one else does.

Tavis: Fair enough. Tell me about these conversations. Are they going to be real conversations that you’ve had with real people?

Nick: Absolutely not. I could not, and would not, betray someone’s privacy like that. Hey, wait a minute. First of all, I thought I told you that I was the one asking questions, and also, I seem to remember saying something like this last time.

Tavis: You probably did. You’re not very original or creative.

Nick: Well you’re me, so...

Tavis: So, great. A new series. It’s been a long time since we’ve done one of those.

Nick: Yes, it’s very exciting, and also very stressful. I’m worried that I don’t remember how to start a story anymore.

Tavis: I’m sure you’ll figure it out.

Nick: Thanks.

Tavis: I wonder if these will take place in the same universe as the interview transcripts, or in some other specific universe, or whether you won’t think much about it while you’re writing them.

Nick: They will actually take place in a new universe.

Tavis: Does that mean it’s completely new, or you’ve just not mentioned it before?

Nick: Not tellin’.

Tavis: *laughs* Very well, then.

My Parole Officer: Hey, usually when you do a fake conversation in one of your nanofiction tweets, I’m involved. Am I going to be a part of this too?

Nick: Yes.

Tavis: Really? Wow. Okay, that’s weird. I can’t wait for tomorrow.

Microstory 1365: Credit

< > Table of Contents

Tech Reporter: Are you comfortable? Do you need a water?

App Designer: I have one. Thanks, though.

Tech Reporter: Is that a flask?

App Designer: I promise, there’s no alcohol in it. I just find it a convenient shape, so I can always keep it with me. It has a wider opening, so I can fill it back up. See? No real flask is like that.

Tech Reporter: Cool. So, let’s dive right in. You are the creator and designer of the hit new office productivity software, Remotely.

App Designer: That’s right. Seventy-million users, and counting.

Tech Reporter: In case any of our viewers haven’t heard of it. Tell us what your application does.

App Designer: It’s a virtual office construct that allows teams to collaborate in a more familiar setting. Lots of companies have ways of connecting workers to each other, but our visuals are matched by no other. Users open the virtual office space, and move their avatars around to reach other people, much like how people would do it in the real world.

Tech Reporter: Uhuh. And is that significantly better than traditional message apps? Have users found it more intuitive?

App Designer: They have, yes. Instead of a chat window that just collects every comment in a vertical stream, people’s words appear near their avatars. When you want to say something in a meeting, you raise your avatar’s hand. You can even instruct your avatar to sport various reactions, so people who are talking to you understand how you’re receiving them. That’s incredibly important in this new world, where face-to-face communication is happening less.

Tech Reporter: How expansive is this virtual world? Can people go outside, and do other things, like other virtual worlds?

App Designer: They can’t yet, but we’re working on ways to hold meetings across separate companies. Well, I shouldn’t say we’re working on it. The feature is ready, we’re just finishing a few things up before next week’s update.

Tech Reporter: Interesting. Well, I do want to talk a little bit about the criticisms you’ve been experiencing lately.

App Designer: Yes, I know what you’re talking about, and I appreciate this opportunity to clarify a few things. I have become the face of the company, and that’s because it did technically all start with me. When I was in college, I was given the assignment to come up with a new phone app idea. There were all these stipulations about how original the idea had to be, and I was struggling with coming up with something, so I recruited a group of friends and colleagues to help me. It was a young man by the name of Fellow Student 4 who first thought of the idea. After we discussed a few things, I drew up the plans for the app. It’s more of a desktop program, but I still got an A. Anyway, my partner, Fellow Student 3 and I were having lunch outside soon after graduation, and we started getting excited about really making this happen. You would be surprised how fast she wrote the code. Within weeks, we had a working alpha version. I have never claimed that I’m the only one who created this product. That is a belief that spread beyond my control, due in part, perhaps, to a few too many interviews I did where I don’t explicitly credit my team. I recognize that I am one of the founders, and head designer, for this company, but I don’t know how to program, or really do anything else my company does. That’s why we hired a great team of some of the most brilliant people in their respective fields.

Tech Reporter: All right. Well, let’s talk about that team. Tell me more about the other founders.

App Designer: Okay, great. I hope you have some water too.

Microstory 1363: Escape

< > Table of Contents

Psychotherapist: So, I see on your intake forms that you’re having suicidal thoughts. Is that true?

Suicidal Man: Yes, that’s why I’m here.

Psychotherapist: Have you experienced any treatment for these feelings before today?

Suicidal Man: I spoke with a counselor at the crisis hotline. They suggested I seek professional treatment.

Psychotherapist: Okay, well, they should have given you some more detailed information.

Suicidal Man: Maybe he did. Maybe I stopped listening, and just set up an appointment with you. Should I have gone somewhere else?

Psychotherapist: It depends on your condition. How serious are these thoughts? To phrase it better, how immediate is the threat?

Suicidal Man: I guess it’s not that immediate. So I should go somewhere else?

Psychotherapist: If it’s not immediate, then we can talk weekly, or we can set up a running appointment for twice a week, if you’re more comfortable with that. If you’re worried you might self-harm before then, we’ll need to get you some more intensive care.

Suicidal Man: No, I don’t want to kill myself. Believe me, if I really did, I would have done it already. I’m a pretty decisive person, so I guess that’s what’s really bothering me. I keep weighing my options, but I...I don’t wanna do it.

Psychotherapist: And you shouldn’t. You did the right thing, calling the helpline, and then contacting me. My recommendation for you would be weekly psychotherapy, which is my specialty. Today, I just want to get some background information, so I know how to proceed. It’s important that you don’t get discouraged, though. Since you bubbled in that question on your form, it’s my responsibility to look after you. If we set something up for next Wednesday, I expect you to be here. I don’t expect you to cancel, and I definitely can’t have you just not show up. You have to make sure you have the time to talk about this, because if you don’t, it probably won’t get better. Will you be able to do that? We don’t have to discuss the timing right now, but is your schedule flexible enough to allow an hour sometime next week? I don’t want to hear excuses later. Your mental health isn’t something you can just decide to give up on.

Suicidal Man: No, I can do it. My schedule is flexible enough. You won’t have to call 911 on me, or whatever. Like I said, I’m decisive, and I’m also reliable. That’s probably my problem. I’ve been so overwhelmed lately, because I hate letting people down. I know I can’t do everything, but I don’t know how to set boundaries. Suicide would really just be an escape for me. It would be easier than running off to live in a commune, or just quitting my job, or something like that.

Psychotherapist: It sounds like you might need a break, or—yeah, even maybe a different job. I don’t know what you do, but it doesn’t sound that crazy to me. All of those options that you mentioned are reversible. You could go live in the woods for twenty years, and still return to civilization. Suicide is not reversible.

Suicidal Man: Yeah, I know. That’s sound logic. Again, that’s why I’m here. I need someone to talk me out of it, and you’ve already kinda done that.

Psychotherapist: We’ve only just begun, though.

Suicidal Man: No, I get it. I just mean...now we can get to the real issues, because the suicidal thoughts themselves were only a result of those.

Psychotherapist: I’m glad you recognize that. It’s an important step. So, let’s begin. What is it you do for a living?

Microstory 1303: Housewife

< > Table of Contents

TDS Management Representative: Hello, and welcome to TDS Management. I’ll be your TDS Rep today. Go ahead and have a seat. Did you happen to bring in an updated résumé?

Housewife: Yes, I have it right here.

TDS Rep: Oh, okay. [...] Are you missing a page?

Housewife: No, that’s all of it. I’ve been out of the game for awhile.

TDS Rep: I should say so. Could you explain this twenty-year gap in your employment history?

Housewife: Well, it was about a year before the turn of the millennium when I found out I was pregnant. I spoke with my then-employer about taking maternity leave, and they were amenable to that. Then when I tried to return to work three weeks after giving birth—

TDS Rep: You only took three weeks!

Housewife: Uh, yes. That’s all they would give me. Remember, this was 1999; it was a different time. Anyway, they let me come back to work, but I noticed our department had an extra person. They seemed to have let the temp who had filled in for me stick around. That lasted about a month before they let me go, which my attorney explained was enough time for them to reasonably argue that it had nothing to do with the time I took off. My co-worker claimed he heard them talking once, though, and that they were worried I would keep getting pregnant just to take time off. Unfortunately, he couldn’t prove he had heard it—and I wouldn’t have wanted him to risk his own position by rocking the boat—so I just had to let it go, and leave.

TDS Rep: That sounds terrible.

Housewife: It wasn’t great. But of course, that doesn’t explain why I’ve been out of work for the last two decades. My husband is really superstitious, and he took it as a sign that I should stay home to raise our daughter. Our second daughter was born sixteen months later, and I’ve been at home with them until she went off to college last year.

TDS Rep: That is a horrible story. I’m sorry that happened to you. Hopefully we can find you a good fit, though. How long have you been looking?

Housewife: Eight months. Yeah, I know it’s a lot. Employers just aren’t looking for experience when that experience was so long ago.

TDS Rep: Well, we may just have to reframe the narrative for potential employers. They hire kids who are just out of college all the time. They have almost no experience, and their education is often not all that relevant anyway. Employers may be worried that you’re out of touch with modern standards, or they may be ageists who don’t believe you have anything to offer. I’m not gonna lie. The story you told isn’t unheard of. It’s seldom reported, because that kind of thing is usually impossible to prove, but employers can get away with all sorts of discrimination as long as they don’t leave a paper trail, and they can count on each other’s loyalty.

Housewife: But you think you can help me find something?

TDS Rep: I’m not sure what you remember being paid when you were working, but you may have to lower your expectations. It’s 2020; people are looking for work on job boards online. The people who come to me aren’t exactly in the running for executive management. I’m not saying your only option is a fast food joint, but you may have to start at the bottom, and work your way up.

Housewife: I don’t have very high expectations anymore.

TDS Rep: It saddens me to hear that, but neither of us is in control of the market. Being fit for a job isn’t enough. You have to convince a lot of people who would sooner let a wizard give them a purple pony who poops gold than spend money on an employee. That’s just the world we’re living in. I can’t guarantee you’ll love what you do, but I can promise you we’ll find something good enough for now. Let’s start with a base cover letter for you. This is your chance to explain to employers who you are. It’s important for everyone, but especially for you, since your résumé alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

Housewife: Okay, great.

Microstory 1302: Third Party Founder

< > Table of Contents

Blog Reporter: If you would, please state your name.

Third Party Founder: My name is Third Party Founder, and I’m here to talk about my new political party; Ban Religion.

Blog Reporter: It sounds like a band name.

Third Party Founder: You’re thinking of Bad Religion.

Blog Reporter: And why exactly do you want to ban religion?

Third Party Founder: Religions have been destroying this country ever since it was founded, and before that...they were destroying the rest of the world already.

Blog Reporter: Yet, we are still standing.

Third Party Founder: Aren’t you supposed to be unbiased?

Blog Reporter: How would you go about banning all religions?

Third Party Founder: We will pass laws.

Blog Reporter: You’ll pass laws; the party, that is?

Third Party Founder: Yes.

Blog Reporter: You mean your candidates will do that.

Third Party Founder: What?

Blog Reporter: Parties don’t make legislative decisions on any level of government; be it federal, or local. All you can do is fund and promote candidates you believe will support your platform.

Third Party Founder: Well, yes, that’s...what I meant.

Blog Reporter: Of course. So, now that we know your platform, where are you in the process? Have you already registered as a party?

Third Party Founder: No, not as of yet.

Blog Reporter: How many signatures have you received?

Third Party Founder: Seven.

Blog Reporter: How many do you need?

Third Party Founder: Would you like to sign?

Blog Reporter: No, thank you. Which candidates are you backing in order to fulfill your goals?

Third Party Founder: Well, I’m a candidate.

Blog Reporter: For what?

Third Party Founder: I’m running for governor.

Blog Reporter: Of a whole state?

Third Party Founder: [clears throat]

Blog Reporter: Do you have any experience as a civil servant?

Third Party Founder: Well, no, but neither did Donald Trump.

Blog Reporter: And look how that turned out.

Third Party Founder: I really think you’re not meant to have a personal opinion.

Blog Reporter: I’m not a real journalist. As I understand it, I’m the only one who agreed to your requests for an interview. You’re clearly only interested in exposure, hoping to secure those thousands of more signatures you need to so much as register as a new political party.

Third Party Founder: The woman said I only need three hundred to represent my local area.

Blog Reporter: You won’t be able to run for office on a statewide ticket if that state does not recognize your party.

Third Party Founder: That’s why I’m trying to get the word out. Look, I may sound like a crazy person, but there are tons of atheists in the world, and we’re all tired of not having our voices heard.

Blog Reporter: You’re right; religion has been fading from American culture for years, but most nonbelievers aren’t going to back a candidate, or support a party in general, if your only platform is that you want to get rid of religion. Even if they’re radical enough to support the idea—and I make no judgments about whether it is or isn’t a good idea—they have other issues they’re more concerned with. For instance, what is your stance on firearm safety laws? What about the environment? Civil rights? Taxes? Government spending? Third party candidates don’t fail just because they’re not one of the big two. It’s also because they’re often built around a single issue, and no one can really tell who they are.

Third Party Founder: Well, you’ve given me a lot to think about.

Blog Reporter: You’re not crazy, but you are naïve if you think you’ll ever be able to move the needle. I understand that you want to make change, but I don’t think this is the way to do it. It’s just not practical. Don’t take it personally, really; few third parties have any real impact on social change. At the very least, there are too many of them for enough people to notice any one of them.

Third Party Founder: Yeah, that makes sense.

Blog Reporter: I’m not going to write or publish this story. My readers aren’t interested, and I know you think exposure will only help you, but the most it’ll do is make you the butt of a few jokes for the few website visitors who will actually bother.

Third Party Founder: This was a bad idea, wasn’t it?

Blog Reporter: Trying to start a new political party, or asking me to interview you?

Third Party Founder: Both.

Blog Reporter: I wouldn’t say that. You’ve made a new friend.

Microstory 1301: Transportation Inspector

< > Table of Contents

Head Transportation Inspector: Hi, my name is Head Transportation Inspector, but you can just call me Head Inspector. Oh, firm handshake. We’re off to a good start.

High School Graduate: Yes, my uncle taught me how to shake a hand when I was a kid; never let me do it wrong.

Head Inspector: Is your uncle the one who raised you?

HS Grad: He did, yes. He took me in after my mother died, and raised me all by himself. He’s actually my dad’s brother, but we can’t find him, so Uncle stepped up.

Head Inspector: He got you this interview too, right?

HS Grad: He recommended I apply, because his friend works here, but I don’t think he’s had any influence on the process.

Head Inspector: No, no. I’m not suggesting he’s given you an unfair advantage. Even if he did, use your network; that’s what it’s there for. Never apologize for knowing the right people.

HS Grad: Sir.

Head Inspector: According to your résumé, you have a high school diploma. Now, there’s no judgment here—this job doesn’t require a college degree—but I would like to get to know a little bit more about your life. Were you unable to attend college?

HS Grad: That’s where it gets tricky, and honestly, sir, I’ve struggled with other interviews because of it. My friends tell me I should kind of bend the truth, but I’m an honest person, and when someone asks me a question, I want to answer it. I could have gone to college. My uncle had enough money, and I could have applied for loans. I can’t blame anyone else for not doing it but myself. I just didn’t feel the need to spend all that time and money. There are plenty of really good jobs that, like you said, don’t require it, and somebody’s gotta do ‘em, right? I guess I was just anxious to get into the workforce.

Head Inspector: That’s not a bad answer. Don’t ever apologize for being honest. In fact, it’s incredibly important in this line of business. People’s lives depend on you being clear about what’s wrong with the vehicles. You can’t leave anything out of a report.

HS Grad: I understand. And I’m very detail-oriented. I’m sure a lot of candidates say that, but it’s very true of me. I notice when a book is shelved wrong, or a tire needs just a tiny bit more air.

Head Inspector: So you’re good with cars?

HS Grad: I am. My uncle couldn’t change the oil to save his life, but the neighbor kid is a few years older than me, and taught me everything he knows. I wasn’t a natural; it took a lot of work for me to learn the ins and outs, but I did learn them.

Head Inspector: Have you considered just becoming a car mechanic? The pay is comparable, and it seems you already have the knowledge.

HS Grad: I did. My neighbor offered me a job at his place, but then I heard about this, and I find it so fascinating. It’s also, as you mentioned, so important. I want to be the one to make sure these vehicles are safe for the passengers. They rely on us to do that.

Head Inspector: Okay, okay. Where do you see yourself in five years?
HS Grad: So, I wanna be honest again, My ultimate goal is to become an airplane inspector. That requires a little more training, so I was hoping to gain experience here.
Head Inspector: You look worried.
HS Grad: I’m worried you don’t like that answer.
Head Inspector: Eh, there’s this widely held belief that employers only want to hire people who plan on working for them until the day they die eighty years later. That’s not practical, and I want you to have ambitions. I want you to achieve your goals, and I would be happy to help you realize them.
HS Grad: Oh, good. So I got the job? [smiles]
Head Inspector: [laughs] You haven’t taken yourself out of the running yet; let’s leave it at that.
HS Grad: I understand.
Head Inspector: All right, let’s talk about your work history.