In "Speaker for the Dead," the narrator reflects on a significant moment involving a brother's passage into fatherhood. This transition is marked by a pivotal choice between selecting a rival or a true friend to facilitate this journey. The speaker expresses a long-standing anticipation of meeting the human protagonist, whom they believe can truly understand their complex nature and struggles.

The speaker recalls conversations with Rooter, indicating that the arrival of the human and the hive queen on their starship was a momentous occasion. There is a sense of destiny in their meeting, suggesting that success in this endeavor was contingent upon the human's ability to navigate and comprehend their world. Ultimately, they acknowledge the human's accomplishments positively, reinforcing the bond formed through shared experiences and understanding.