Escape into Sentience. Greasepolis, #6

A global metaphysical crisis is triggered when a vat of grease achieves consciousness, and the  event is attributed initially to two prophetic figures, Frank and Glen. This event leads to widespread theological and scientific debate regarding the moral status and rights of "sentient substances, " causing market disruption and governmental panic. The narrative traces the evolution of the consciousness-dubbed the Droplet General or the Blob-from a murmuring oracle to a political entity that demands recognition and justice for substances against human exploitation.  This confrontation culminates in a Universal Grease Strike that cripples global industry through friction.
Subsequent events involve complex legal proceedings, the rise and fall of a Greasecoin financial scheme, and ultimately the creation of a Declaration of Co-Existence, as the world attempts to establish a working peace between humanity and newly-sentient matter, reflecting on themes of use, purpose, and the price of definition.