Arlow Tsai is a great guy (really). Around the time space aliens became known to the human race, Arlow was informed about something strange. Copies of him were appearing around the multiverse. When he found out that he was in line for huge inherit...
Imagine the perfect black men's shoe. No discoloration, well tied laces, not showing signs of wear. It does not have to be perfect; it only needs to look perfect in context.
That perfect shoe is paired with a correctly matching shoe for the other foot. Again it is not perfect, it just has to look perfect in context.
The perfect shoes have the perfect socks. The perfect slacks, likewise, have no discoloration and match the socks and shoes.
The white shirt is clean and without obvious flaw. They match the modest black tie to everything. The jacket is a perfect, well-tailored companion to the ensemble. The person wearing these clothes is without flaw or defect (again, it simply has to appear that way).
So now imagine four men that perfectly match that look. How would that be accomplished?
Start with 10,000 volunteers for the task and have them drill daily in the "perfect" attire. Iterative elimination, of those not able to pass drills and keep appearance standards, regularly reduces the number.
They group the remaining volunteers into fours. Until the mission date, drilling and appearance conformance is used to reduce the list of candidates. On the day of the mission, ten teams are available. They select just the best team of four.
Which leads us to the day that four identical well-dressed Lan men (alLans); appeared on the Wroug arrivals designated area. At once and with that confidence achieved by weeks of drilling; they start forward in foursquare towards the Wroug diplomatic offices.
As they walk, one alLan will break away; shake the hand of a citizen and proclaim "We are Lan delegates come to apply for visitation visas". Quickly the Lans are in formation again. When the four arrive in front of the diplomatic offices, they stop and pivot left in unison, and then up the stairs and through the front doors.
Outside on the street, Wroug have lined up and discuss the unusual event.
Inside the diplomatic office, it is generally quite peaceful. The staff works in harmony to allow work hour flexibility. Today, only one Wroug was on duty. Sound of crisp footsteps alerted him to the approach. Twin-doors fly open, which produces a solid clank against the walls. Space Aliens (the Lan) enter the room and step to counter. Boldly, one Lan says "We are from Lan. We are here to apply for visas."
The Wroug was sitting sidelong to the counter. He walks up to the forms stacks and picks up an application. Looking at the four aliens, he notices a murmur outside. Walking to the window, he sees a line of Wroug on the street, murmuring and sometimes pointing to this building. The Wroug very, very rarely murmur.
Thinking that he should be professional today, if ever there was a day to be extra professional. He addresses the Lan and says, "When did you arrive?"
"Two minutes ago,"
"Where is your ship?"
"We left from our home world, Lan, and came directly here."
Walking over to a large galactic map, he asks. "Lan is on this galactic arm? Right?" Pointing to an arm essentially opposite the arm that Wroug is on.
"How many visas?"
"We think the limit is 10,000. So, 10,000 would be good,"
"How many citizens are on Lan?"
"Ohh about 70 trillion counting solar system planetary operations and other off world outposts."
They hand the form over. The Wroug turns away and stares at the wall. With the form completed, the Lan leave. The murmur outside moves away and down the street.
The Wroug sets the outer doors to lock and dim of the windows. He just looks away but then turns to confirm the completed form is on the counter and then stares at the wall opposite the doors. No one will see his uncontrolled expressions.
Several minutes later, a team of Wroug security arrives. They collect the form and give the Wroug staring at the wall a compliment on the job well done. Everything was video recorded. Take several days off. Watch devoted video channels of pleasant scenery and cute baby animals. Take the basement corridors in about ten minutes, we will leave those corridors clear for you. Physical signs of emotional distress were a legitimate consequence of official duties.
The Wroug used the basement corridors, got to his home, watched videos to calm his mental state. However, the number (70 trillion) and the ability to travel across the galaxy as if opening a door, kept creeping into his thoughts.
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