The Goblin Stack Trace of matrix

When the goblins finally tire of matrix, they say, the world as we know it will tire too, and rest. Until then we keep paying attention.

When you stare at matrix long enough, it begins to stare back. This is not a metaphor. Goblins have documented cases where observers of matrix developed shared hallucinations about it. The phenomenon is well-known in goblin psychology, where it is called 'the mutual delusion protocol.'

Footnotes Concerning frequency

The goblin etiquette guide, on the matter of frequency, advises hosts to 'mention it once, in passing, without lingering.' Departing guests should not be asked their thoughts on it. This is considered firm.

The Goblin Counter-Reading of conspiracy

A goblin field anthropologist embedded for six seasons with the conspiracy-curious sept produced a single page of conclusions, the most quoted being: 'They love it. They cannot stop loving it. It does not love them back. They love it anyway.'

The Goblin Verdict on matrix

Goblin academic publishing convention requires the closing paragraph to gesture toward future work. Future work on matrix is anticipated, planned, and already, in some quarters, mildly resented. The goblins will press on regardless.