Malia was inspecting a rather unusual flower in an expansive planter, listening to Frf’snrfl’s recounting of her preparation. The diminutive alien, who was mainly a giant ball of soft white fluff, was the coordinator for new student orientation. She’d been all aflutter lately with excitement for the new arrivals.

Just as she paused to take a breath, Spix leaped out of the greenery of the planet. If he were two meters tall, he would be terrifying, but at around ten centimeters, Spix was adorable – a fact he often resented.

“I have done the impossible!” he yelled with pride. He up-righted the giant phone he’d been carrying over his head and showed them an image of an Inception NFT.

Frf’snrfl was impressed. “Wow, so cool! That’s really great! I didn’t even know you were whitelisted,” she said.

“Whitelisted? No, I was Spixlisted!” shouted the tiny alien. “My cunning allowed me to cut the line! Hahahahahahahaha!”

“There wasn’t a line, Spix,” said Malia. “It’s digital.”

Spix waved the phone victoriously as best he could. “But I have still acquired one. When this box opens, people will know my superiority!” he said.

“That’s not what it's for and you’re already in The Institute. You don’t need one of those,” said Malia.

“Yes, but nonetheless, an amazing feat!” shouted Spix.

Frf’snrfl gasped. “Did you steal it?” she asked.

“In a way, yes!” said Spix. “Most insidious.”

“Spix!” said Frf’snrfl, a disapproving look in her eye.

Deflated, Spix set down the phone. “No, it’s just a screenshot I took over someone’s shoulder. But I like the box,” he said, sheepishly.

Malia felt sorry they had ruined his excitement, but an idea struck her. “How about we just get you one of those boxes for you to play… err… hatch evil plots in?” she asked.

“Really?” said Spix, instantly excited again. “For me?”

“Of course,” replied Malia.

“Can I tell people that I viciously bartered and took advantage of a hapless rube to get it?” asked Spix.

Malia giggled. “Yes, you can.”

So happy was the little alien that he burst out into a war dance, which from the outside was so cute it almost hurt.

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