M: “Well, the antennas enable them to communicate with each other constantly. Any of the rats can communicate with the others, no matter how far apart they are.”
F: “Wow. That’s amazing. Can they control the device?”
M: “Well, they can’t really control it. It transmits their thoughts automatically.”
F: “Can they at least turn it off?”
M: “In theory they could, but in reality they leave them on constantly.”
F: “24/7/365? No breaks?”
M: “Correct. I figured that with improved communication, they could share their thoughts more efficiently and develop a better understanding of each other. This should improve social harmony, and lead to a calmer, more empathetic environment. You know, improve community relations. Enhance civic engagement. That sort of thing.”
F: “Civic engagement?”
M: “Well, the rat version of it.”