The black void and the silence seemed endless. If it weren't for the tiny blinking lights passing by while one is roving the universe one would think they've been sucked into a black hole full of nothingness. Some of those colourful tiny fireflies were worlds full of bustling life but there was no way for one to know that just by looking at them from a distance.

Truth is the universe could never be quiet and lifeless, which I learned the very first time I left my planet. Rather it was full of life, life in different forms and shapes. One could never be sure the rock they see in the distance is a rock and the little paddle on a newly discovered planet is a paddle.

There were billions of suns and planets nesting comfortably across the void, some circling together in a slow and gentle dance, others viciously trying to destroy each other as the end of their life nears. Black holes scattered across the space just like invisible monsters eating everything that's coming their way. Once you get trapped you could never get away.

Still, the most peculiar sight within the known universe was the nebulae. It is true that when passing by one, not too close not too far, you can see it with the naked eye but it is not as bright and colourful as one would expect from a so-called 'beauty of the universe'.

In reality what you see are dull, grey patches and some faint colours, however, the commercial-minded huynaes (all living sentient creatures) have already solved this issue by designing special goggles called NebulaeHighResolution Visio (unknown to Earthers till recently). They were more commonly known as NiHais among the young and the tekkies, these goggles use infrared, ultraviolet, malleriaan and darkrays filters altogether. [[malleriaan - technology that detects 'void'; darkrays - technology that detects dark energy]].

That peculiar tech was originally developed for deep space scientific research but it has found its usefulness in the commercial field too thus I can enjoy the view today.

Peculiar it is... Hmm... and here I thought only humans were in the habit of making money out of anything they could get their hands on. Evidently, this money-making feature is common to all sentient beings across the universe.

Anyway, the view is incredibly beautiful. I have never witnessed something so vast and lively. It makes one have the desire to go outer space and dive into this alluring bewitchery... unaware of the dangers awaiting.

Time passes quicker when there is some entertainment to keep the mind busy. It's been weeks since we boarded. Although there were over 40 different huynaes within the Ambassador's Committee of newly joining species and around 15 Junior Council members to welcome and accompany the latter, it only took 2 weeks to catch up on who is who. Everyone politely did a basic introduction to own culture, habits, customs, family, and what was it like when they joined the UUA then boredom took over and awkwardness followed shortly.

At least I had the opportunity to learn why humans stood out among other underdeveloped species when the last Initiation & Acceptance Applications (I&A) were undertaken. All these buzzing new members reminded me of the gossip columns in the yellow papers we had back on Earth. These gossips had a solid base... just a little more exaggerated.

Though, it was news to me to learn that it was the two founding species whose interest was pinned on humans during the application process. Last week at dinner someone mentioned that quite a few Council members were impressed by how strong-willed, inventive and stubbornly persuasive humans are and how their application put the entire UUA Council in a big dilemma since the two founding species nearly enforced the application.

The outcome was the Humans' I&A case became a precedent for future revision of the I&A Directives. The I&A Directives were mainly focused on tech development and species evolution and paid less attention to the character because if one species evolved to a level where they'd focus on their wellbeing rather than domination over each other then their character is good enough.

It was whispered that some members thought humans were too immature, others thought humans had nothing to bring to the table for exchange. However, after months of lengthy debates and supporting evidence, the founding species successfully changed the minds of most members and won this I&A case. Bravo! I wish to clap and so I do.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

SOME TIME LATER IN A DISTANT CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE

The lounge was the size of a small hall with incredibly high sealing, perhaps to fit some very tall species. It was styled just like the green rooms in the early 1800s. The organisers have put a lot of effort into making the human visitors feel more comfortable. A charming young man with elegantly styled black hair dressed in black, white and a splash of red was sitting on what looked like an ancient sofa common for the lounges in the old English castles.

He looked calm and composed while listening to the conversation between a young lady and a man in his late fifties, the lady was going through a medium size suitcase looking for something. The young man's mind drifted away from their conversation... this wasn't what he needed right in this moment. He needed to focus on his performance.

He was a little worried if he'd make mistakes with the new choreography. It was his first time learning such a complicated choreo, but it was the best choreo he's ever imagined he'd get to work on and he really wanted to meet the man behind it. It was, perhaps, the best choreographer in the industry. 'Right, I can do that. I can do that!'

He could hear the low buzz of the restless audience behind the closed gates. It gave him that tingling feeling in the heart he had when he first started performing back on Earth but that was to be expected because this was the first time he would perform in front of an audience he had never encountered. He was hopeful to not freeze due to shock. He had seen aliens before, some species, but just 3 or 4 at a time and now it was a completely different situation. He was told the audience was nearly 2 billion pre-booked and only god knows how many more were queueing outside.

Just 5 more minutes until the start. Cold sweat broke through but he only realised it when his makeup artist started tapping a piece of cotton around his hairline. 'Arrghhhssshhhh! Why now, why?!'

He started fidgeting his fingers in no specific order. 'I wish I wasn't alone. I wish I had someone to share the nervousness and the joy with... God, I don't want to be alone in this anymore.'

His heart felt a little heavy and he resorted to the only thing that could help him calm down... singing. He started gently humming one of his greatest hits that held 1st place for 6 consecutive weeks on Earth's international charts.

'T'was a dark day when you suddenly left.

Too much pain, too much tears, nothing to gain

but a heartbreak.

True love is pricey... ' - he kept humming.

The make-up artist's hand immediately flinched, it was barely visible but he felt it as the cotton piece lightly smudged at the right side of his hairline. He'd seen so many fans' faces gleeing in happiness and flowing tears 😭 at the same time or singing along all in tears. Such emotional moments he could never forget. Those were the most beautiful moments in life, moments shared with others. The memories started flooding in his mind and he suddenly felt completely calm.

'T'was a dark day when you suddenly left.

Too much pain,'

he cleared his throat

'Too much pain...'

tried again more confidently

'Too much pain, too much tears, nothing to gain

but a heartbreak.

True love is pricey... '

success. He was ready! He was ready to go all out!

He looked up at his makeup artist's face and said:

- Thank you. - while softly tilting his head forwards and backwards imitating a gentle bow.

She thought he thanked for her service, felt touched and a smile filled with gratitude appeared on her sweet face. In reality he was grateful for her little flinch that reminded him of all the love his fans were giving him. But she seemed happy so he left it there.

Five minutes gone on a whim but he was ready to face whatever was out there. People's hearts were important not their appearance, human or alien it didn't really matter as long as everyone was enjoying the music and the performance.

He stood up and walked towards the inhumanly huge gates.

The gates slowly started gliding open and bright light filled the 'green room'.

The young artist's silhouette filled a third of the gates' height but it was a mighty sight when his arm opened with his palms up and fingers slightly tilted upwards as if receiving the most important gift of all the energy of people's love .