The Human Gratification Product Ch. 01

Exam log 1: Abduction & Examination

-

Thirsty.

The thought floated to Mike's mind as he groggily opened his eyes. His mouth was as dry as sandpaper, the need for water demanding to an annoying degree. Turning on the lamp he dragged myself out of bed with record breaking slowness, shambling downstairs as he glanced his phone. It read 3:28 am.

"I just hope I'll be able to fall asleep again..." He ran a hand through his curly brown hair, thoughts turning to the long drive to campus in the morning. Living out in the middle of nowhere had its downsides.

"Bumfuck Kansas." he muttered, a wry smile on his face as he padded downstairs in loose basketball shorts and an old shirt. At least the tuition here was cheap.

Tan skin gleamed under the soft light of the moon as Mike poured himself a cold glass of earth juice. He noted the shine, tensing his forearm muscle as he appreciated his hard work at the gym. He'd definitely come a long way from the school stick figure. Now his physique was toned, bordering on muscular if he were to believe his friends' word.

As Mike downed the water he leaned against the kitchen counter whilst scrolling through his phone. His thumb froze mid-swipe as a warning notification caught his eye.

Stacy Millins, Margaret Thatch & Steve Wilhelm reported missing in Osborne county as of 9/6/25. Please report any relevant information regarding these persons if possible.

"What?" His brow furrowed as he tapped the notification. The cases had all occurred within the past week, with no signs of struggle or forced entry for any of them. The victims seemed random - different ages, genders, no apparent connection between them.

It was then that the lightbulbs plinked off, plunging the room into total darkness. Simultaneously the hum of his fridge cut out mid-cycle, leaving only an eerie silence. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Something was wrong.

The silence was broken by a low, near deafening humming as an azure glow flooded through the windows. "Shit!" Mike cursed as he jumped in surprise, hunched over the counter for purchase. The air itself seemed to vibrate as the entire kitchen shook violently, dishes and appliances clattering loudly.

Heart pounding, Mike rushed to the back door and yanked it open. The night sky had vanished, replaced by a pulsing blue light which illuminated everything in harsh tones. The source hovered directly above his house, too bright to gaze at directly.

"Holy shit..." was his last thought as his body reached its limit with the vibration. A strange sensation of weightlessness overtook Mike as his vision faded in and out, almost as though he were floating.

It was only in his last bit of consciousness spent a hundred feet over his dorm that he realized he was.

-

As Mike stirred awake, his gaze met a black metallic ceiling. A circular lava lamp-esque light source was situated in the center, bathing the chamber in a warm magenta glow. Hard metal pressed against his back - oddly warm and the same dark shade as above.

He pushed himself to a stand, taking in the large circular room. "... Hello?" His uncertain voice echoed off the space as the tall glass walls lining the room's perimeter quickly caught his eye.

Beyond the transparent barrier stretched the most magnificent view he'd ever witnessed. A vast nebula painting outer space in sweeping strokes of purple and blue, punctuated by countless glittering stars.

"This can't be real..." Mike muttered, stepping closer to touch the clear barrier. Its texture was nothing like glass.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Mike jolted at the sudden voice, whipping around to meet a figure that blurred the lines between indescribable beauty and uncanny valley. Bare lavender skin highlighted large, captivating breasts, wide hips, and slender legs ending in delicate feet. A thin black tail ending in a rhombus-like point coiled around her shapely thigh like a snake.

He tore his eyes away only to be captivated by her exotic face. Large elf-like ears protruded from a dark blue wolf cut, framing features both alien and strikingly beautiful. Two stalk-like antennae protruded from her forehead like horns, swaying as if they were underwater. But it was her pupils, or rather the lack of them, that made his heart clam up. Solid black sclera bored into him, the young man averting his gaze out of embarrassment and shock.

"Unfortunately this is merely an imitative video feed." the strange alien woman turned her head to the wall of stars whilst linking her arms behind her. "A poor substitute for the real thing, but it serves its purpose."

Mike blinked, off put by the sound of her speech. Her voice carried an electronic tinge to it as though filtered through some sort of modulator. In addition the English was layered over her native tongue, the dissonance jarring.

"Who are you?" he asked, trying not to stare at her naked curves. "Why am I here?"

The alien tilted her head, antennae flicking in a way that seemed almost curious. "My name is Neathia of the Anthelite race. Your planet is being prepped for colonization, which involves procuring earth specimens for various forms of scientific study."

She unlinked her arms to gesture to his crotch. "My branch specializes in sexual and reproductive activities, specifically that of males. We aim to test your species' viability as a 'gratification product' in which you will satisfy the sexual urges of our race and others."

Her black eyes locked onto his, as if attempting to gauge his reaction. "Specifically, we shall experiment to optimize your body for sexual gratification. Namely via the conversion of your sperm into a high potency aphrodisiac for harvest and consumption. In addition you shall be mated with various species to evaluate said aphrodisiac's efficacy and your potential as breeding stock."

Mike simply stared in stunned silence as Neathia's words slowly sank in. The terms 'gratification product' and 'breeding stock' ringing prominent in his mind. "No... that's insane." He muttered, shifting away from the alien. "You're telling me you're gonna turn me into some sort of... of sex slave?" The mounting dread only got more suffocating by the second.

"Please, just let me go home." he pleaded firmly. "I don't want this."

Neathia's expression softened, her antennae and ears drooping ever so slightly. "I understand this is overwhelming for you, but I am afraid you do not have a choice in the matter." She replied, her synthesized voice layered with sympathy.

"You see, your species are classified as... well, lesser lifeforms." she continued, as if trying to soften the blow. "It is not protocol that I treat you with the dignity I have thus far, much less provide an explanation. I simply wished to do so as a courtesy and to offer solace."

"'Lesser lifeform'?" Mike echoed, a pang of indignation evident in his tone. "Am I not talking to you right now? I'm sentient! I'm like you!" He gestured from himself to her. "Please, if you have any shred of humanity in you then send me home, just-,"

He choked up, struggling to come to terms with reality. "Please."

The alien simply gazed at him with pity. "This 'humanity' you speak of does not apply to me, human male. The fact is that our species views yours as inferior. I strongly suggest you submit to the experiments, as they will happen regardless."

She quickly switched her approach upon seeing her statement had only upset him further. "If it gives you any comfort, the experiments will be extremely pleasurable. Much more so than anything you could find on your home planet." She took a step forward, hand on her bare chest as the other reached out towards him. "Please, human male. Do not make this harder for yourself."

Mike gradually backed away, shoulders hunching as he raised his arms in a practiced boxing position. "No. I'll fight you if I have to." Despite the bold claim his fists were quivering. "Take me home now."

Neathia sighed, her glittering black eyes dulling with resignation. "So be it. I had hoped to avoid this, but you leave me no choice."

Before Mike could react, a red square of light materialized at his feet. It pulsed intensely as it trailed upwards, crawling up his body in a wave of heat that made his skin tingle. His clothes, his shoes, even the fine hairs on his body disintegrated, leaving him utterly exposed.

"What the hell?!" Mike yelped in surprise as the square stopped just below his chin. He tried to cover himself, but the attempt was futile.

As he stumbled back, eight green squares of light materialized around each segment of his limbs chaining him in place. A larger square materialized around his torso, ensuring he couldn't move an inch. Lastly another plane warped around his head, preventing any movement from his lips. The strange holo-squares promptly lifted and positioned him spread-eagle in mid-air.

Neathia's hips swayed with a casual gait as she approached him, bare feet padding quietly against the steel floor. At her side a sleek, metal dodecahedron the size of a basketball phased into existence with a soft hum. The device pulsed with an inner glow, casting an eerie shadow on the alien's lavender skin.

"Proceeding with a baseline sexual evaluation exam." Neathia stated. Despite her clinical tone a subtle violet blush dusted her cheeks. "This drone will assist me in gathering the necessary data."

Mike's eyes widened in horror as he realized the inevitable. He attempted to thrash against his restraints, but the holo-squares held him firm.

In one smooth motion Neathia seated herself on a newly formed square in front of his groin, criss-crossing one leg over the other. The drone floated closer as it aimed a concentrated blue beam of light at his penis.

Mike squirmed as the light touched him, brightly displaying his most private area in the otherwise dim room. His thigh restraints halted what little resistance remained, hips now completely still. His cock was now the unequivocal focus of the whole room, the obvious fact leaving the poor student's cheeks burning in embarrassment.

As the bright light scanned him a series of holographic screens materialized around his penis. They floated in mid air flickering with streams of alien data and he couldn't even begin to comprehend. Most notable was a large digital screen showcasing a live video feed of his genitals, presumably a recording.

"Exam log one: Specimen is a human male of fertile age, set to be the male trial subject for the human gratification product initiative." Neathia leaned forward, her black sclera reflecting the glow of the screens as her breath ghosted over Mike's shaft. "Exam will begin with a series of palpations to the penile shaft."

Mike cried out in protest, but his muffled begging was pointedly ignored as cool and soft fingers made contact with his shaft. Their clinical touch was maddeningly thorough as Neathia traced the contours of his penis, moving it left to right to inspect each angle. Each shift in direction made his body tense against the impossible bonds which held him in place.

She paused to firmly pinch the tip of his cock between her thumb and index, eliciting a twitch. The alien pinched his tip repeatedly, her obsidian eyes intensely observing the natural deformation of his slit. She murmured something in her native tongue, the phrase too soft to be picked up by whatever translation method was being used. Its phonology was pleasant to the ear.

Her thumb then found the frenulum on the underside of his tip, tracing slow, deliberate circles around the sensitive area. The motion dredged up conflicting emotions of humiliation and pleasure, a direct line to Mike's core that threatened to unravel him. Despite his mind's protests, his body reacted, cock gradually hardening in her grasp.

A violet blush crept across Neathia's face mirroring Mike's red--hers out of lustful curiosity, his from embarrassment and helpless arousal. "Specimen exhibits much quicker response time to sexual stimuli as opposed to Anthelite males. A promising factor regarding our research." She stretched his penis downward, testing its flexibility to her satisfaction. Her antennae flicked with interest as she observed it spring back into position upon the release of her hand.

"Human circumcision evident." she noted clinically. "The lack of foreskin presents a diminished sensitivity profile. Potential regrowth procedure may be necessary."

She cupped his dick and smoothed over his length with both thumbs as if to gauge its consistency. "Human penile texture is remarkably different from Anthelite structure. Lack of ribbed cartilage, smoother skin, spongy head... high potential for baseline sexual gratification regarding interspecies mating."

'Regrowth procedure'. 'interspecies mating'. The terms made Mike's skin crawl as dark thoughts surfaced as to what the specifics of such procedures would entail. Tears began to form as he entered a stage of denial.

'This isn't real, this isn't real...'

Neathia paused as her eyes met his own for a brief moment. A flicker of sympathy crossed her alien features, a silent acknowledgment of his distress. Yet her duty was clear, and she steeled herself to continue.

"Evaluating subject's testes," she announced, the vocoded edge of her voice feigning professional detachment. Her fingers gently cupped his balls to weigh each sack in her palm, her brow furrowing in concentration.

"Human testicles are smaller than those of Anthelite males." she observed. "Likely indicative of a lower sperm count, which may necessitate modification to optimize production."

She rolled the skin of his scrotum between her fingers, the action rhythmic and oddly soothing. Mike squirmed as she stretched it, letting it spring back into place with a slight bounce.

"The human scrotum is thinner and less muscular than that of an Anthelite. It seems less capable of regulating temperature."

Mike clenched his jaw, face burning with shame as she probed and explored his sack. He hated that his baser instincts were enjoying it, painfully aware of her beauty with a rapidly rising half chub as testament. He couldn't help but acknowledge her large, picture perfect breasts as she once again crossed an attractive leg over the other.

"Specimen's testicular response is within expected parameters," she finally concluded, releasing his balls and leaning back. "Genital examination is complete."

The holo-squares glinted faintly as they reconfigured Mike's position. His body was articulated against his will, bending him in half and flipping him upside down so his ass faced toward the ceiling. His bent legs parted wide and bottom completely exposed.

Neathia rose from her sit, her hands reaching out to rest on his rear. "Commencing examination of subject's anus." Mike's muffled protests only became louder as she gently parted his cheeks to reveal the hidden pucker of his ass.

The drone shifted into position as it cast its blue spotlight on his most embarrassing area. More screens of data formed around his exposed rim analyzing God knew what. Mike wiggled uselessly as his eyes narrowed in mortification - his worst fears now realized.

"Confirmed neutralization of hair pores via the disintegration square." Neathia announced, her fingers trailing over his now smooth skin. Her tone was calm and deceptively soothing despite the invasive procedure. "As with most bipedal mammals the removal of body hair provides for optimal access, visibility, and aesthetics."

With utmost care she began to trace the outer rim of his asshole with her middle finger. Mike stiffened, face aflame with embarrassment as she prodded and poked the sensitive area. Her delicate touch was shamefully pleasant as arcs of delight coursed through his body.

"Texture is smooth, akin to the rest of the specimen's dermal layer," she noted, finger pressing slightly harder which elicited an involuntary twitch. "Sensitivity appears high, a beneficial factor for stimuli such as analingus."

Neathia's pointed ears perked with intrigue as she gradually spread his cheeks to their limit, the resistant rim opening despite his best efforts. The drone's light shrunk to a focal point as it shone directly into his ass, the video feed displaying everything.

"Internal inspection shows no signs of abnormalities." she commented, peering into his anus as though it were a fascinating specimen under a microscope. "The disintegration square has effectively cleansed the anal canal and removed all bodily waste."

A brief hiss of air sounded out from one of the drone's pentagonal faces, irising from the surface a small hole. Anthelite smoothly inserted and withdrew her middle finger from the opening to reveal a chrome ribbed sheath encasing her digit. Lining its slick surface were numerous long, tiny white tendrils which wriggled as though they had a life of their own.

"Internal examination of the anal cavity shall now begin. A standardized digital probe will be used to assess sensitivity, prostatic health, and pleasure potential."

Mike's blood ran cold as he stared in horror at the abominable device. His futile attempts at thrashing became more prominent than ever as Neathia pressed against his opening, the slippery tendrils writhing against his ass.

Neathia circled his rim, coating it with lubricant. "Commencing insertion..." she stated with finality as a steady, increasing pressure was applied.

Mike's sphincter at last yielded as her finger slowly entered him.

"Mmnf-!"

Cold metal juxtaposed with warm lubrication as the probe's ridges slipped in one by one. The tendrils writhed like worms, their slender stalks thoroughly exploring every nook and cranny of his previously virgin ass. Finally the largest ring slipped past his rim, a lewd pop echoing in the otherwise quiet room.

Mike inhaled sharply as each subtle squirm from the tentacles stimulated nerves in a way he'd never felt previous. In addition each nub was larger than the last, now stretching his hole to an uncomfortable degree. It was alien and invasive, the feeling so profoundly violating that he couldn't help but begin shedding tears.

Neathia's gaze again turned sympathetic, even remorseful as she watched his clear anguish. She softly caressed his thigh as if comforting an animal in pain, continuing the motion as she advanced with the exam.

"Specimen's anal cavity is remarkably tight and textured." she noted, observing the live video feed from a holo-screen displaying Mike's insides in high definition. "Bears high potential for superior sexual pleasure during anal intercourse."

As Mike wept he could feel his face burning with a mix of shame and arousal. He was painfully aware of the way his asshole clenched around the scientist's finger, the sensation both degrading and oddly stimulating.

As the initial discomfort began to fade the tendrils inside him grew less revolting and more pleasing in their movements. They massaged his insides with expert precision, each wriggle sending jolts of bliss straight to his groin. Neathia twisted her finger inside him, the ribbed sheath adding to the complexity of the sensations.

"Now palpating subject's prostate gland." she announced. Mike's breath hitched as he felt the pad of her finger curl against a spot deep within him. The sensation was subtle yet wonderful, sending an ebbing delight throughout his core.

"Smooth texture, standard reaction." she commented neutrally. "Size is smaller than that of Anthelite males. May necessitate modifications to enhance sperm production."

Mike once again protested through now labored breathing, reeling at her words. The thought of being modified, of having his body altered to suit the desires of these alien invaders, was almost too much to bear. And yet, as Neathia's finger continued to probe his prostate, his semi-hard cock rapidly stiffened to full length from the humiliating yet undeniably pleasurable exam.

Neathia's eyes widened at the change, her tail swaying almost excitedly as her purple blush became more evident. "Specimen exhibits a strong erection from anal stimuli." she observed, her voice betraying no hint of her flushed complexion.

Amidst the curling of her finger she delicately lifted his bulging shaft with her other hand. "The level of arousal is notable. Most species require direct genital stimuli to achieve such a state."

Her nails traced the veins along his skin, following their path to meet a sizable dollop of precum beading at his slit. She swept the droplet up with her index, rubbing it between her thumb before parting them to reveal a slick trail in the magenta light.

"Pre-ejaculate fluid is more abundant than normal parameters. Another positive sign for future extraction procedures."

Mike glanced away, a pit of shame and humiliation forming in his stomach. He was mortified at the fact that such an invasive inspection could provoke such a reaction from him.

"Anal cavity exam complete." Neathia declared as she removed her finger from his ass, the sudden spatial absence jarring as the phantom sensation of the tentacles remained fresh in his mind.

The holo-squares hummed softly as they reconfigured Mike's body into a lithotomy position. His erect cock now stood proud under the pinkish glow, precum leaking from its tip.

Neathia once again sat between Mike's splayed legs, inserting her thumb and index into two new holes in the drone. Withdrawing them revealed a pair of sheathed fingers identical to the one used on his ass, except the tendrils were not silver - but rather a bright, translucent pink.

"A sperm sample will now be extracted using a topical aphrodisiac." She noted. "Specimen's orgasm shall be observed and catalogued for future analysis."

Mike tensed up as she wrapped her fingers in a firm ring around his base. With slow, deliberate movements Neathia began to stroke his cock. The rhythm was steady and constant, the dual ribbed covers adding a layer of texture which made his body shudder with each pass. The stalks squirmed vigorously as they lapped every square inch, an intense yet soothing heat spreading rapidly across his skin.

"Specimen is responding well to the stimuli." Neathia remarked. "Readings indicate heightened vascular and nerve response from the aphrodisiac." Indeed, Mike's cock had become even more engorged through unnatural means. He felt as though his dick was melting inside out the best way possible, the pink fluid working wonders on his flesh.

Mike could no longer hold back his strained grunts as the bliss built to a debilitating degree. The alien technology was too advanced, the knowledge of his anatomy too thorough. Each stroke felt better than the last, the relentless stimuli inexorably dragging him towards a release he both craved and rejected.

Neathia gradually sped up her stroking, pumping his shaft like a well-oiled piston as the lube's intoxicating warmth pervaded his senses. He twitched as a ribbed probe touched his ass once more, the cool metal contrasting the fiery slickness of the tentacles.

"Administering prostate stimuli to maximize pleasure and sperm yield," Neathia stated before swiftly pushing her finger into his rim.

Upon entry there was an instant permeation of intense heat. Like his cock, his ass felt as though every nerve was set ablaze in a torrent of rapture. As Neathia curled in and out of him her strokes synced with her rhythmic prodding, sending ripples of pleasure both inside and outside his body.

Neathia's blush deepened as her manipulations became more fervent, fingers now pumping his cock with a newfound vigor that left him gasping for breath. The relentless action combined with the myriad of sensations were quickly overwhelming him.

Her finger moved inside him with increased fervor, each thrust probing deeper as his prostate was comfortably pushed on with more and more force. The aphrodisiac magnified his sensitivity by a hundredfold, the feeling far outclassing any sex or physical pleasure he'd experienced.

Mike could no longer maintain any semblance of dignity. His resistance crumbled, wanton and desperate moans escaping from behind his mouth. As bits of pink gel flecked onto Neathia's gorgeous tits he couldn't help but stare at them, her violet nipples swaying up and down as her chest rose and fell just beyond reach. His intrusive thoughts wondered what it would be like to have his manhood between them.

Things had reached a point to where the Scientist's hand was now a blur of motion. The lewd shlicking became louder than ever as Mike was consumed by pure ecstasy, her finger in his ass tapping furiously against his P-spot.

Mike's eyes rolled back into his head as a haze of euphoria enveloped him. The textured sheaths, the caressing tentacles, the burning heat... It was enough to reduce any man to their baser instincts. In that moment he was nothing more than an animal in heat, a slave to the whims of the beautiful Anthelite.

"Specimen is approaching orgasm." she observed, her modular tone a stark contrast from the heat suffusing her cheeks. "Extracting sperm sample..." At her words a small green holographic box materialized above his throbbing penis head. Its purpose was clear as it awaited the inevitable.

At last, the pleasure peaked. Hot streaks of semen erupted from Mike's cock, shooting into the green box with a force that left him dizzy. A deep, deep pleasure coursed from deep within his crotch to the tip of his penis, the feeling euphoric as each pulse sent another ropey strand of cum into the hovering receptacle.

Neathia continued to milk his shaft, watching with lustful fascination as she squeezed every last drop of essence from his body. Her obsidian eyes flitted between his dick and the box, the semen dispersing as though it were underwater.

As the flow tapered off, so did the pace of her 'palpations'. Mike, for his part, was lost in a sea of afterglow. He watched in a trance as she pinched his base and trailed upwards, coaxing out a final dollop of cum from to be sucked up into the cube.

"Sperm collection complete." she announced, a flushed smile of satisfaction evident as she let go of his cock. Her finger slid out of his ass with an indecent squelch as she analyzed the data surrounding the now whitened cube.

"Volume is significantly less compared to yields from other species. As expected testes and prostate modification will likely be needed to reach desired parameters."

Before Mike could really process her words he felt the familiar wrapping of her fingers around his shaft. Neathia slowly began to stroke him back to length, lightly teasing his asshole in slow circles.

"Now assessing sexual endurance." She said with renewed interest as the cube containing his semen floated to her side. "Subject shall be repeatedly stimulated to climax until the penis can no longer hold an erection." Her finger once again slipped inside his anus, prompting a hard shudder.

"Rapid engorgement of penile tissue evident, indicating successful repression of the refractory period." Neathia observed, fingers stroking him faster. Indeed, his post orgasm sensitivity was being ignored in favor of an already rock hard boner. However the sensitivity hadn't gone away - rather it mingled with the intense pleasure, making the feeling as torturous as it was blissful.

Sensing his imminent release, the Anthelite increased her pace to a furious gliding up and down. "Specimen is nearing orgasm..." she announced, voice betraying her blatant lewd anticipation. Above his cock a second green cube materialized, its purpose unmistakable. Mike could only groan in a mixture of ecstasy and pleading as the alien woman worked his manhood with ruthless precision.

With a final, powerful stroke, he was hurled over the edge. His body convulsed as another torrent of cum burst forth from his penis, filling the box with a viscous white fluid that glowed in the magenta light. The orgasm made him lightheaded, a wave of pleasure so profound it bordered on pain.

Once his breathing steadied, Mike's heart sank as he realized the ordeal was far from over. Neathia was already once again jerking him off at full speed, the tendrils reslicked with alien fluid. He practically screamed behind his holo-gag, begging her to stop.

"Specimen is approaching orgasm..." was her only response as he once again came into the cube.

-

A hum of finality emitted from violet lips, the alien woman finally letting go of a thoroughly milked shaft. It lay slick and spent against the victim's thigh, twitching with residual sensitivity.

"Specimen is no longer able to hold an erection." she declared. "Sexual endurance has reached its limit."

Mike lay slumped against the green restraints, his breaths shallow and labored. He gazed dazedly at the sight before him - twenty holographic boxes, each containing the fruits of Neathia's relentless research.

The alien promptly removed her finger covers back into the drone. "Sexual evaluation exam complete." she announced, her voice echoing in the chamber. The drone, having served its purpose, refracted into nothingness.

Neathia rose to her full height, stepping to his side as she caressed his cheek in an unexpected gesture of tenderness."I apologize for the discomfort I've caused." she said, tone soft and apologetic. "But know this, Human Male. Every day, you will experience pleasure beyond your wildest dreams, just like this." Her lips curled into a soft smile, its sincerity only making his heart ache further.

She removed her hand from his cheek, albeit somewhat reluctantly. "There is much I wish to explain to you, but for now you deserve to rest. You will need it for the coming experiments after all."

With a final, gentle squeeze of her hand to his own, she turned around and walked out of his field of vision. Immediately after a pink gas began to permeate the chamber. It enveloped Mike in a warm, soothing cloud as his eyelids grew heavy and his thoughts muddled. As consciousness slipped away, the last thing he felt was the gentle pull of sleep dragging him into its comforting depths.

-

Hello all, author here. This is my first time posting one of my stories online so any constructive feedback is appreciated. I tried to keep the word count shortish (still went over my planned 4k though lol) and prose simple as my least favorite thing is a reading slog. Don't know when I'll post the next chapter since I have trouble writing consistently but it'll happen eventually. Thanks for reading!