asgardeventide | Third Imprint

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Third Imprint | Text

I'd like to know more about the powers here. If there's any information on how the gods gave them to us. In my word people don't have abilities like this, and anything that is learned can be programmed into the brain with the correct technology.

It is possible to collect various abilities, but nothing on this level.

[There's a pause. Perhaps she should end it there. But the part of her that wants to know more doesn't cease.]

Some in my world consider it evolution. But there was also more at play, not just ability to adapt to new programming. 

I don't think it works like that here, but I'm curious as to how it relates. Why give them to us in the first place?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He would have responded in text as well, but since she asked about their given abilities, he feels that the video would be more appropriate. After all, with the power of flight, the impressive, angelic wings on his back are for more than just show. But he feels that's self-explanatory, and is much more interested in her second inquiry.]

Control. If you take away a being's natural abilities, it's like taking away a part of them. They will of course be angry and wish to rebel, and if you want them to do something, that's not exactly the best way to go about it. So by giving us powers as a replacement, claiming that they are incompatible with this realm, it gives the illusion that they care for our well being and wish to arm us properly for the war they cannot fight.

[Coolly,] It's a very simplistic tactic, which is why it's not working, clearly.

[A very cruel tactic. But she's honestly surprised she didn't see it until he pointed it out.]

So giving some their powers back is merely an illusion. Just like giving some of our possessions. [She's oddly reminded of a certain scripture here. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. How apt.]

Essentially. Both actions foster a sense of trust, an unconscious obedience to the gods out of a misplaced sense of thanks for these gifts. It would have worked, but they got ahead of themselves. Making an example should come well after they've earned their worshiper's fear or trust, not alongside the initial process.

You speak from experience. [She knows speculation when she hears it. This isn't a guess.]

I've seen as many gods come into existence as I've seen fall.

[Without a pause, he'll just introduce himself with a polite nod] Lucifer Morningstar. I would say "at your service," but that's not true at all.

Gods. [She raises her eyebrows. The more practical side of her really wants to debate this, but living in Asgard as shown her that quite a few things are possible.]

I don't know who I am, but for convenience's sake, you can call me Claire.

Gods. [He repeats it definitively] Little 'g,' however. The big 'G' is the one in charge of all of them.

[He sits back, linking his fingers together with a shrug] But the hierarchy of the supernatural and divine is sometimes a bit much to swallow. So I'll simplify it by saying that it is easier to thinks of gods, including those here, as only differing from humanity in the details. As you've seen, they have just as many shortcomings.

I'm not surprised. [Look at Alpha. It was completely an ego thing, to call him-- them, better and more advanced than humans. He was also completely crazy.]

It's an ego trip then. Because they can.

[He smiles slightly]

Because they have no other choice. They are gods standing on the edge of their demise. Even they fear death, but they cannot prevent it. They need subjects to save themselves.