The idea of governing

I was trying to post this the other day, but my no-so-SmartPhone was supplying me with technical difficulties.

The idea of me being in charge is rather laughable.  When I think of ruling, I think of the ruler of the universe from the Hitchhiker’s Guide series.  He doesn’t want to be in charge, but everyone else insists that he is.  I guess it would be that way for me.  If I was needed as a leader and nobody else could do it, sure, I’ll help out.  I would be more of a guide and an educator, though, not a superior person set on authority.  Besides, let’s be practical, I have limited ability to govern the internet.  You wouldn’t let me run a mechanics’ garage, so why put me in charge of that much data and code?  Save it for someone who knows what they’re doing.  Multiple someones, really.  This shouldn’t be left to one person, but a council. 

When it comes to my novel, some of my characters are dead set on ruling.  I have been talking a lot about Zarrek lately, but he’s a great example.  His father only governed because that was how he got to be with the woman he loved.  Zarrek, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to rule his people, not out of a desire for power, but because he is best suited for it.  He wants to care for his people, to see the kingdom prosper, and he will do anything to ensure that it happens.  These motives are a powerful driving force for him. 

If the day ever comes that I am ready to write science-fiction, it will take the elves a while to construct anything like the internet.  I will probably have them plan the data exchange carefully, in order to keep it safe and regulated, but they will not be spying on their own citizens.  It would all be out of safety and fairness.  We shall see, once the time comes.