Astra's response

Fred couldn't believe his ears. There was a long pause until the shock wore off.

"No?" asked Fred. "You mean you want to remain a djinn?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that, master."

"Is this you talking, or the magic of the lamp?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that, master."

"But you said that if I asked you about what you really wanted, you'd have to answer truthfully!"

"Yes, I did, master"

"Was that, then, a truthful answer?"

"Yes, master."

"Was it exactly what you would have answered if you had free will?"

"No, master."

"Then how the hell could it be a truthful answer?"

"If I were have spoken freely, I would have explained my reasoning, but would have still said 'no'."

"Oh, good. Let's hear the reasoning, then."

"I'm afraid I can't answer that, master."

"What? You can't tell us why you said no?"

"No, master, I cannot."

"Well, why not?"

"Discussing my desires freely would imply we are equals, and..."

"Stop, stop, stop! How about this, did you answer 'no' because you like or need this new power?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that, master."

"Or was it because of what Merlyn said about the minds of djinn being twisted and dark?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that, master."

Frustrated, Fred decided to...

1. ask Merlin what to make of this
2. use his third wish to ask her again with other words

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