[ text | posted anonymously ]

[goblinemperor]

[ Maia is unfamiliar with advanced technology, so he checks and double-checks and triple-checks to make sure the message he is posting will not bear his name, before he asks: ]

What would you do with your freedom, if you had it for the first time in your life and never learned how to use it?

[ The question is awkwardly phrased, true, but he really is pretty desperate for advice. One way and another, he's been pent up and under supervision since he was born, and now he doesn't really know how else to be. ]

Comments

[goblinemperor]

I would appreciate that kindness very much, thank you.

I have heard mostly folk and peasant songs, and a few arias from operas. Beyond that, my knowledge is very limited.

[sentiences]

[ the first message will be attachments containing music by Lionel Richie, Beethoven and Prince ]

You're welcome. I know how hard it is to get started and I'd be happy to extend the same kindness others have shown me.

I have a complete encyclopaedic knowledge of every subject known to man and possible a few other worlds here.

[goblinemperor]

[ W...hat. ]

How is that possible?

[ Is this guy just arrogant, or perhaps does he possess some magic that Maia has not heard of, some secret art? ]

[sentiences]

I am a machine and linked to the network which allows us to communicate with each other. And as such, I can draw information that is stored here.

[goblinemperor]

[ This encounter would be a hell of a lot weirder if he could see the person he's talking to, but... he's just having a conversation with words on a page, so that initial leap is not as huge. ]

I see. So you can educate yourself without ever revealing your ignorance in the first place, by inquiring with the network?

[ He's kinda wishing he could do that, too. ]

[sentiences]

In a way. Being ignorant doesn't bother me because I don't see it as a flaw or a deficit. I see it as a part of myself I can explore and fulfill any way I choose.

[goblinemperor]

But being ignorant is a flaw. Lack of knowledge leads to misunderstandings and mistakes, which cause injustice and pain. One must understand the world, in order to make it better.

[sentiences]

To remain ignorant is a flaw. To be ignorant through no fault of your own and a byproduct of your world is not.

We all start off with some ignorance in us. It just means we have more room to grow.

[goblinemperor]

Those are very wise words. You are right, of course. Everyone is born ignorant and must learn. I merely wish I could grow faster. You must agree that, at a certain point, slowness must become inexcusable. There are expectations. Deadlines. I fear I am far behind, and no quick learner.

[sentiences]

[ Hmm. It sounds heavy. A position of authority, perhaps? ]<

That may be so, but who here is going to judge you for it? We're all newcomers and we all face gaps in our knowledge.

[goblinemperor]

I know that you are right, but I cannot imagine acting without being judged. It is as foreign to me as imagining there is no sun, or air, or gravity. The feeling is as if... there has a thorn in my foot, since I was born, and I learned to walk in a way so as not to put pressure on that one spot. Only now the thorn is gone, and I know no other gait. I don't know if I can learn to walk differently. It may be too late.

[sentiences]

But if you've always known the thorn exists, that means you still have a chance to learn.

I wouldn't give up hope.

[goblinemperor]

[ Maia hadn't thought about it that way - as giving up hope. Hadn't considered that awareness of the situation might be the key to changing it. ]

I hadn't considered that. Perhaps I do.

Thank you.

[sentiences]

I didn't do anything but you're welcome.

[goblinemperor]

You tried to help, and give me hope. That should not be discounted as nothing.

[sentiences]

That's fair. But it's what I'm meant to do.

[goblinemperor]

Because you are a machine?

[ The advantage of anonymity - he's not afraid to ask dumb questions, and he is really curious how that's even possible.

Suddenly it occurs to him: ]

If you have a connection with this network we are using to communicate, does that mean you are aware of my identity?

[sentiences]

Hacking the network is illegal. I have no reason to do so.

[goblinemperor]

[ Pardon the brief delay in his reply as Maia goes to his new best friend the DICTIONARY to inform himself what 'hacking' means. ]

I see. I did not know if such knowledge would be unavoidable for you due to your nature. I did not mean to imply you would seek it out unlawfully.

[sentiences]

It's all right. I'm not insulted. I haven't tested that kind of limitation. Anonymity should be protected unless it poses a threat.

[goblinemperor]

I agree with you, there. It is a kind of freedom, too. One I had never imagined possible before.

[ Probably the biggest adjustment, since he arrived here, and the best one. Maia had never met anyone in his life before who didn't know exactly who he was. Being just a random stranger, unremarked-on, is wonderful. ]

[sentiences]

[ Dorian can understand that. It took him months to get used to having belongings. His own pace. His own life. ]

You should explore as much of it as you can.