There was a certain fixed way of thinking: people seemed more likely to feel fond of someone who resembled them, like a sense of belonging to the same "tribe." Similarity bred instinctive closeness.
But in reality, distinctions had to be made. Elders, for instance, often lavished more attention and affection on younger people who resembled them, regarding them as their successors. One was approaching the end, while the other was just beginning; there was no collision, opposition, or competition for space.
For people with forceful personalities, a strong desire for control, and a tendency to "think themselves clever," however, meeting their "own kind" often led to awkward situations.
They were already used to weaving a web for themselves. Facing outward, that web was a protective layer that provided a safe space; facing inward, it was an expression of their will, allowing them to arrange every strand of silk.
So if another spider suddenly appeared in your existing web and began imitating you, weaving its own web and constructing its own protective layer, "conflict" between you was inevitable.
However, that "conflict" did not necessarily have to be expressed in extreme ways.
Kallen certainly did not think Neo wanted to "get rid of" him. But often, there would be an inexplicable sense of irritation. After all, facing someone like that meant sensing that your habits and authority had been disrupted, leaving you uncomfortable and out of step.
You could not hit them, scold them, or even say anything about it. You could only convey your feelings through this sort of "reminder of status," not for anyone else's benefit, but to make yourself feel a little better.
For instance, Ophelia had been "too clever for her own good" earlier, and that had instinctively made Kallen a little uncomfortable.
Within his little group, whether