It is late 2024.
The woman is delivering another speech, not for a flip cup tournament, but to determine the motto for the next calendar year. Previous years’ mottos have included “Let’s Get Bangs” and the curiously punctuated and controversial “I still. I got it.” The woman is passionately defending her submission for consideration by the other delegates at this most solemn and important gathering of the year. She explains why “Liberation and Lubrication” are noble words by which to live, and with a flourish, she pulls from her breast what she has hidden in her bra: sample packets of lube, which she casts into the crowd. The other delegates whoop and holler. It is a silly event. The woman has reconnected with an old buddy from college, who has many delightful friends who host many delightful events at which there is much “committing to the bit.” He has brought her into the fold, and as a 100% extrovert, she is overjoyed at the influx of parties and themed bike rides and intentional gatherings of people who are silly and fun and smart and thoughtful. In just a few weeks, her team will win the People’s Choice award at an annual and extremely cutthroat gingerbread house decorating competition, their theme of unionizing Christmas elves striking a chord with the sympathetic, proletarian audience. She feels like she’s in her 20’s again. It is whimsical and joyful and just plain fun.
Someone in the crow’s nest calls down, warning that they might have company. They’ve spotted another ship in the distance, and it’s gaining on them. The crew looks at one another. Pirates? They quickly raise a white flag, wanting no trouble. The other ship, now close enough to see with bare eyes, raises a shrimp flag in response. Puzzling. The shipmates lock arms and put on brave faces, prepared for the worst. But as the mystery ship eases in alongside them, their fears melt away. The strangers are smiling cheerfully and reaching over the rails to extend a platter of something. “Pancakes? We’ve made over 500!” The crew welcomes the newcomers aboard, and tours are offered of each ship. They swap seafaring stories and there is much merrymaking long into the night. The pancakes are delicious.