What goes in the blank

vicky does her homework carefully and efficiently or carefully and in an efficient manner or with care and efficiently

dereck for his band is playing bass and sings backup or plays bass and sings backup or plays bass and singing backup

1) carefully and efficiently, and 2) plays bass and sings backup for his band.

Explanation:

"it's more of an essay than story, but perhaps it is best described as a mood-piece: it uses a lot of musical imagery, not to mention sea imagery, religious imagery, and any other imagery that suits his purpose."

honestly, is this even a but since you asked, he's probably at the store trying to get you food.