- If you felt like we were in Octavian's head before, now we're really in it—Octavian's getting seriously philosophical about his current state.
- His conclusions?
- First, even though his body is all shackled, it's still solid, with color, resistance, motion—in other words, it's still a body that has bodily characteristics, even in the absence of all senses.
- But that's not anything special.
- What is unique is this second point: He can't feel anything.
- All the pain from the bit and shackles has faded because the mask has become an extension of his body; it's become a part of him.
- What's more, his body—even though totally senseless—is still conscious and aware; it's just that it's bereft (of what exactly, Octavian doesn't specify).
- What does all this show?
- There is no separation between different forms of matter; it's a lot like he's returned to an original, unified state.
- You can't differentiate between what binds you and what is you.
- (Deep, huh?)