We've already established whoever is writing us is an asshole.

Because we never got it and it was very unreliable, we really couldn't get the financing to go out and build the infrastructure.

Do what you need to do and enjoy life as it happens.

Relations were never good (how comfortable can you really be with a race that sees you as a nutritious part of a complete breakfast).

Okay, that's intensely interesting," Duvall said. "So you're a priest of the Forshan religion? Which schism?"
"The leftward schism, and no, not a priest."
"Couldn't handle the celibacy?"
"Leftward priests aren't required to be celibate," Dahl said, "but considering I was the only human at the seminary, I had celibacy thrust upon me, if you will."
"Some people wouldn't let that stop them," Duvall said.
"You haven't seen a Forshan seminary student up close," Dahl said. "Also, I don't swing xeno.

My characters were...rebelling against something...My own bad writing. I wouldn't do for my characters what they needed for me to do - be courageous enough in my writing to make them interesting.