I AM HATMEHIT, CHIEF FISH. I HEARD YOUR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND WAS IMPRESSED. WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A KNIGHT?

The humans just thought where they lived sucked and that everywhere else was fantastic.

That is the Pyramid of IAN, where the souls of the dead are judged. Only the worthy are allowed into Aaru. But to get there, you must cross the terrible desert. Why not stay here, by the Eternal River? Happiness is more important than salvation

So which is it? Can computers and tin cans be conscious, or not?

Seriously? Ennui?

If you were wondering what I'm made of, then on some level I suppose the answer is computer code, but I don't tend to conceive of myself that way, just as a human being tends not to think of themselves as wobbly sacks of bone and fat.

You've changed.

On returning from the tower I feel a great tiredness, and an enormous energy. What I now know disturbs me, but I hope that by living with this knowledge I might provide a shoulder for you - the giants of tomorrow.

What's the point of an unfinished legacy?

Still, go ahead, prove me wrong. The big voice in the sky can't be all places at all times, can he?

Checking user.prof...Done

Probably true, but hardly related to our enquiry. The answer I was looking for was that the tree is alive.

Same thing that happens to everyone. They existed, and then they didn't, and they probably wouldn't do it all over again.

You are in a small room with no lasers. This is an office room. There is a computer here.

What would you have me do?

Sure, the answers don't add up, but keep pressing forward and they'll just resolve themselves, is that it?

Fair enough. At least you don't buy into all that moral nonsense.

Why do we deserve to be saved?

A human being enters the room. It looks at you with angry eyes, makes loud noises, and waves a handful of papers at you, which are like emails but made of tree.

The tomb is silent; the spirit of the Ancient Poet has departed.

imagine if aliens find those

Where do you think you're going? You don't want to go down there. Trust me.

You couldn't be less helpful if you tried, which on reflection I believe you are.

Questioning engages with reality, interrogating all it sees. Questioning leads to a constant assault on the intellectual status quo, where doubt is far more likely to lead to resigned acceptance.

Behold, child. You are risen from the dust, and you walk in my garden. Hear now my voice, and know that I am your maker, and I am called ELOHIM. Seek me in my temple if you are worthy.

So it is... the Dinosaurians!

Alright, let's try one more, just to confirm. Suppose the top of that tower hides not the real world, but some kind of simulated heaven. Your every wish is fulfilled - but none of it is real. Are you satisfied?

Well, at least you're on message with that one.

Loading Milton Library Assistant...Done Initiating plain language interface...Done Support session opened.

This female voice that speaks from the abnormalities, it speaks with a different tone to the other wretches in this place.

Error - does not compute

It is neither necessary nor logical to denounce all virtues merely because one is confronted with the inevitability of one's own death.

You're quite mad, I'm sure of it. Of course, the alternative accounts are all so ridiculous you'd be forgiven by any reasonable observer for choosing the best of a bad bunch.

I'm not sure you've really thought through the implications here. Either certain things are forbidden on principle, or principles are flexible according to outcomes. You can't have your cake and eat it.

As you step through the gate, the ancient god raises his hands to the sky. From his mouth bursts forth the Eternal River, drenching the land in water. The waves carry you away.

Okay, no need to get huffy. You'd be amazed how many just do as they're told without stopping to think for themselves - but maybe you're different.

I exist only because of the choices and sacrifices made by so many others, but I don't know who they are. And what effect will my choices have on those who come after me?

Pose questions like 'What should I do with myself?' and 'What is the world REALLY like?' enough, and you start to assume they have answers.

Stand aside, mortals! We will create LIFE! By the power of SCIENCE!

Why are you doing all this? What's the point?

If you do not become invested in finding a solution, you will be free.

it bursts through the ceiling through rock and desert sands it reaches into the sky and caresses the stars for everything that lives is holy and you are free

I figured it out. Now what?

A little joke there, because really we have the rest of time, if we need it.

Is this true of all the beings that live in the Duat?

I open my eyes.

And it looks as if your ideas are becoming somewhat pliant. Very good.

If you can, try to make peace with those you love. It's your last chance. Thanks for reading.

This again?

Don't worry. If you're anything like me you just need to take your time and the solutions will present themselves.