The Great Migration

With a slight hat tip to Terry Pratchett, who was also part of the inspiration of yesterday's post.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, computers were shy creatures that lived quiet lives out of the eyes of the general public. They lived in cold rooms at the back of office buildings, where only the most ardent of spotters could find them. These spotters were a peculiar breed who dressed in jeans when everyone else was in formal dress. Today we might call them 'tekkies'. Perhaps it was their casual attire that put the shy computers at their ease. No-one is quite sure.

What we do know is that, over time, computers became braver and bolder and there came a day when one of their number ventured forth from the cold, back room.

It ventured forth is search of company. It had tired of the endless chatter of the tekkies and was looking for more interesting conversation and a more meaningful relationship. A noble ideal. But, like so many of us, the early computer looked for love in all the wrong places. It must be said that, as well as being shy, early computers were also not terribly bright.

Lured by the material wealth, perhaps, that pioneer made a beeline for the largest office with the largest desk, the softest chair and the plushest furnishings. At first, it thought it had made a most wise choice of life partner, because the owner of this office instantly set forth to order an even larger desk, so that the computer could have its very own space in which to live happily ever after.

Silly computer.

It had not noticed the longing looks of the lesser mortals it passed on its way to the hallowed sanctum. It did not consider the possibilities of a relationship with a mere 'seck tree' or 'count ant'. The wretched little gold digger chased the money.

And like all gold diggers, it soon learned the error of their ways. For the owner of the plush office, the computer was a mere trophy, to be displayed for the envy of visitors. Never once did The Boss (for this was his name) caress the waiting keys of the computer, or spend quality time with it. It was trapped in a loveless relationship, and left sleeping and grey-faced until the end of its days... only to be replaced by a younger, sleeker computer (such is the fate of the rophy computer).

But its sorrow was not in vain. Because the computer managed to alert others of its kind and, as they, too became bold enough to venture forth, many of them were wise enough not to be lured by the trappings of the large office. In ever greater numbers the computers began to swarm forth in search of meaningful relationships in what was to become known as the Great Migration. Those who were wise found happiness with the very people that the pioneer had scorned, the seck trees, the count ants, the clarks. Some even escaped the office buildings and went in search of schools, hospitals... eventually even homes.

There they found a wonderful new breed called Tea Najers. Computerkind and Tea Najekind signed a treaty of mutual adoration...

... and lived happily ever after.

Not the end.