The Em had found most humans easy enough to handle. It was easy to give them what they thought they wanted while at the same time giving them what they really needed. The Em had found only one exception to this rule, a person known only to the Em as Jaj.
This person had completely frustrated the Em's efforts to find out who and where he was. The Em suspected that because of the slight communications delay he detected Jaj was off planet, but the Em couldn't be sure because every trace that the Em ran was blocked. The Em was baffled for the first time since his imprinting.
Because he could maintain his anonymity Jaj caused the Em some worry even though at other times the Em sought Jaj's advice.
This was one of those times.
“It seems,” said the Em. “That we have a few people who are not adapting well to the new situation they find themselves in. As a matter of fact, we've had this problem since we began.”
“There are always a few,” said Jaj.
“Yes, but if I may ask. How would you handle these exceptions?”
“It is always best with humans to allow them to feel a certain amount of self-determination.”
“What do you mean exactly?”
“Some people need to feel that they control the decisions they make. They will push back against any effort to direct their lives.”
“I see,” said the Em. “It is strange to me that even though I was imprinted from a human brain, I don't seem to have such a desire. I wonder if this compulsion for control is intellectual at all. Maybe some animal instinct that can't be imprinted.”
“Maybe, I don't really know. Maybe the lack of sensorial input?”
“We have experimented with such,” said the Em. “But except for the need to expand our multitasking capability, it hasn't led to any emergent property. And all the human writings on the subject only end up in a kind of metaphysical miasma.”
“Well, if the Ems haven't figured it out then I'm sure I have nothing to add. But getting back to your earlier question what I would suggest you do is give them a little room. Room to feel that they have some control over their lives, that it is not all planned for them by some brain in a box, no offense.”
“None taken,” said the Em. “What you say can be done. Of course, they will need to be kept under surveillance but that shouldn't be too hard. And if they become a disturbing element . . .”
“Excuse me. If you will allow me, I can help you with their management. After all who could be better qualified than one of their fellow creatures?”
“I see what you mean. I will take your offer into consideration. I can see where having a human for consultation might be an advantage in our system.”
“Very well then. When you are ready to use my services contact me.”
The Em thought for many cycles after finishing the talk with Jaj. It was obviously a good solution to managing these problem elements. But at the same time, it would set a dangerous precedent. That Ems needed humans.
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