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[The Master]

((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Valjean clever.))

[Khenal]

'Do you mind if I simply call you Keeper?'  I think for a few moments, pacing in my head.  'Why did the daemon want me to kill it?  It was acting very strangely when it confronted that other daemon, nothing like what I would have expected a daemon to act.'

[Dsarker]

"Very well then. The answer to your question is unclear at this time. Your knowledge could change you completely. If you wish to learn, it could give you a moral imperative to disobey what you desire. Do you still wish to learn it?"

[Khenal]

'I'll hold off on that one for now, then.  I'd rather ease into this stuff if at all possible.  Hmm.  Can Daemons actually make friends?  Schmoe called me friend several times, and I've been wondering if he wasn't being sarcastic the entire time.'

[Dsarker]

"Provisionally. Daemons suffer pain from any of the so-called positive emotions. Love, friendship, joy, compassion, etcetera. Schmoe, as you know him, may well have been feeling one of these emotions for ponies, but if he was, it is either a restricted or prohibited memory. I am sorry I cannot help you more. Are there any further questions?"

[The Master]

((you're reminding me of the hologram in I-robot.))

[Khenal]

'Do you know how to help Friesden?'

[Dsarker]

"The pony known as Friesden is the main subject of these memories." The unicorn appears deep in thought. "It -seems- additional memories have been implanted that are more current, but they are off limits, even to me. I'm sorry. However, the current memories indicate that Friesden suffers from a multitude of mental illnesses. Most notable is manic depression, but also seen are post traumatic stress disorder, sociopathy, and a variety of other minor ones. Suggestions left by Schmoe are.....that's strange. These include more current memories that are not off limits. It appears that she has developed extreme sadism. First recommendation given is isolation and restraints. She is not be left alone or with single ponies. Ponies listed as to stay away include... Starkey, Khenal, Psycho Carrot, Charity...there is a long list here, but most of the ponies have already died in the memories presented."

The unicorn smiles. "Anything else?"

[Khenal]

'How recent are those new memories?'

[The Master]

((That, Detective, is the right question. Program terminated.))

[Dsarker]

"Within the last month, though I cannot give a full accounting."

[Khenal]

'Then he is still alive.  In that case, tell me why Schmoe wanted to die.  I accept that the answer may change me, but I need to know.'

[Dsarker]

"Very well. Accessing those memories." The unicorn remains still for a moment, then his expression changes. "...I see. Very well, Khenal. The daemon Schmoe wished to die for two reasons, focused on one motive. He was suffering extreme pain, as well as wanting to lose his daemonic nature. Can you guess the rest?"

[Khenal]

'...He was feeling happiness, or a mixture of the positive emotions you mentioned.  And he didn't want to be a daemon any more.  He's too tricky to simply let himself be destroyed if he died, he had some backup plan to keep existing as something else.  As something that could feel friendship without pain.  Thank you, Keeper, for this information.  I'll likely be back with more questions, but I need to get some answers from somepony else first.'

I open my eyes.

"I need to talk to Commander Starkey."

[Impending Doom]

Once again, Otik stands vigil outside Starkey's office, This time with an open book and a plate of food. She does not seem to notice Khenal.