Chapter 13: City-State
Two months before the summer solstice,
Interstellar space...
Deep within the massive floating city below layers of rune-inscribed bedrock, lead-lined concrete, and exotic titanium alloy a small group sat in executive chairs around a hollow oval-shaped table done in rich wood. Above the center of the table floated an ocean blue real time wireframe of the Earth and its continents with nearly a dozen holographic screens surrounding it, each displaying one or more news feeds from around the globe as well as scrolling documents from the planet's internet.
"I have to say," Arianasa remarked dubiously, looking at the various news feeds floating before them in what they had termed the 'Situation Room', "from the way you spoke of your homeworld I expected it to be in better condition. The few times we went to California years ago it was much nicer."
Ash nodded, the Dragon's avatar represented by a full color real time holographic display that showed him sitting in one of the other chairs. "Sadly the world has been in decline these last twenty years. Every year things got a little bit worse even with our help. When we first started the company this is not how I envisioned things to go."
"Nor did I." Heaven's Light stated flatly, the nordic AI's face filling another screen as her brow scrunched seemingly in consideration. "The level of pushback we encountered regarding our various technologies was higher than anticipated."
"Can you elaborate on that?" Beowulf asked, thoughtfully nibbling on a claw.
"Admittedly the first few years saw great interest from various military and industrial sectors globally regarding our clean fuel and alternative technologies as well as our medical advancements." Heaven's Light explained. "However before they could become more mainstream various political factions within the government as well as neo-conservative grassroots organizations began campaigns opposing these new products."
"On what grounds?" Arianasa asked in confusion.
"Safety concerns for the most part." Heaven's Light replied. "They suggested that the potential for widespread destruction and loss of human life if our power cells or reactors ever malfunctioned was considerable, comparing to a miniature Chernobyl or Three Mile Island. Naturally we rebutted such accusations but the specter of nuclear energy and its destructive capabilities were still on people's minds even though the technologies are quite different."
"In other words they launched smear campaigns against us." Prometheus stated flatly.
"Surely any evidence they might have conjured up could have been disproven." Arianasa protested quietly.
"Of course." Heaven's Light replied. "But disinformation and repetition of talking points seemed to spread the more we attempted to refute those claims. The saying that a lie can spread halfway across the globe before truth can tie it's laces is sadly, quite accurate. Moreover, people often believe what they wish to believe and surround themselves with like-minded people who reinforce those beliefs whether they are true or not. Some suggested that we offer up the schematics of our technologies if we really wished to prove they were safe but doing so would violate trade secret laws and could leave us open to inferior and potentially dangerous copies of those devices. Naturally we declined but that only reinforced the image that we were more concerned with our bottom line than the safety of the public."
"Which is what they no doubt intended." Davis remarked. "It would have been a losing situation for us no matter what we did and they knew it."
"Who is 'they' exactly?" Beowulf asked with a sharp look. "Do we have any information on who started this pushback?"
"Various senators and representatives within the Congress." Davis replied. "All of them with a history of right-wing policies so it was hardly surprising. Even now they only have a limited understanding of even the most basic of technology and they seem to be intent on wallowing in their ignorance. The petroleum conglomerates also had a hand in it, stalling the creation of infrastructure and pulling their own strings in various agencies they had influence in. A few states including California have the infrastructure for our fuel cells in place but not enough to mainstream things."
"And the rest of the world?" Arianasa asked.
"A few countries have been supportive of us but Europe's fears were not about the safety of our technologies but rather our growing influence in the global marketplace." Ash explained. "After several years we had become a multi-national, multi-billion dollar corporation that had a higher income stream than the GDP of many third and second world countries due to our various military contracts. Many in the EU feared we were becoming too powerful and too large considering we had contracts with many different militaries around the world. The possibly of us becoming a global monopoly in various markets was real given that no one else had been able to truly replicate what we were creating on the same scale and level of quality. Also, a rumor began to spread that we had created back doors in our more advanced weapon systems that allowed us to remotely override their operator's control and use them how we wished. Once again we refuted those claims but we had no real way of proving otherwise without baring all of our technical designs to the public and even then we would have been accused of doctoring them or leaving the back doors out of the documents. Simply put we were too big for our own good." He admitted.
"Eventually as the global climate pattern began to alter itself due to previous decades of carbon emissions people began to focus more on basic survival needs rather than the latest technology." Heaven's Light continued. "At first the weather simply became more unpleasant with greater extremes of temperature in the summer and winter months. However even that had an impact on things such a forest fires, heat-related illness, and snowfall predictions. Eventually the standard weather patterns seen around the year became unstable leading to unpredictable growing seasons and changes in soil viability. Previous regions that were capable of producing large amounts of food each year found their ability to do so dwindling as time went on. The partial melting of the polar ice caps also greatly impacted coastal cities including our main shipyard in California due to severe flooding. Venice in Italy eventually became greatly submerged. Poorer countries were even harder hit given that they had no ability to prevent the floods in those areas. All of this created several humanitarian crises over the last ten years with mass migrations of various peoples across the globe leading to border disputes and even multiple local wars in the middle east, southern Asia, and in Africa. All of this has led to the stalling of our more benign product lines that were poised to create a paradigm shift in various markets. We were forced to shift our focus to humanitarian aid and devices like easily portable water purifiers, self-expanding sea walls, and sanitation facilities. Not that we were reluctant to do so of course but the fact remains that the company has been operating at a deficit for several years due to the inability of the various governments to pay their bills with few exceptions. The windfalls from the various military contracts we had in the past and still have ensure we have a large amount of capital remaining as a backup for operating costs but eventually it will run out. Fortunately Prometheus's broadcast has created new demand for next generation military hardware so the company is not hurting at the moment."
"So what do we do about all this?" Arianasa asked in concern. "We cannot leave these people to their fate purely because they were ignorant of the damage they were doing."
"Indeed we shall not." Prometheus agreed. "This world will need a great deal of healing and we will be in a position to facilitate it but we must first gain their trust or it will be much more difficult to aid them. The best way to do that is to let them see us as we truly are in our homes and how we live our lives."
"Will they not believe it is all an act or a show put on for their benefit?" Beowulf asked. "We are all of us your followers after all. They will accuse us of being biased or instructed to paint everything in a positive light."
"Some will no doubt accuse us of this, yes." Prometheus agreed. "We shall do what we can to convince them otherwise but some will refuse to be convinced no matter what we do. But our energies must focus on those we can help and convince. This is what I propose..."
Now…
A month had passed since Prometheus's offer at the UN and the various governments had been scouring their diplomatic corps to find just the right person to attend the grand tour of Prometheus's city ship. Prometheus himself had sat in many discussions over the month with the General Assembly regarding what rules would be enforced while the dignitaries were present as well as what kind of security forces would be present and what other civilians would be allowed to join them. Once those had been ironed out and sent out for public distribution offers had poured in from every corner of the globe with every organization worth knowing about wanting to send someone in their stead. Most were turned away as they were either too insignificant to be bothered with or had a government ambassador already included in the list of guests whom they could obtain answers from once the tour was over. However, members of the major media organizations as well as a few private multinational organizations were allowed to send someone.
The day of the tour the streets of New York City were once again filled with throngs of people waiting to see what would transpire. The flash of cameras and phones was omnipresent as the various ambassadors and media journalists, as well as private investigators and charity workers stood outside the UN behind a barricade of SWAT and National Guard in riot gear, the great city floating off the coast several hundred feet away. As the appointed hour arrived Prometheus appeared in a flash of silver light before the delegation.
Looking over at the sea of flashing cameras and microphones he smiled kindly at them. "Would that I could allow all of you the opportunity to view my home and the homes of my people but alas even my city has its limits. For now let the words and recordings these delegates make be your eyes and ears into my world. In the days to come you shall see more than what is offered here but for now it must suffice. I bid you all a good day!" He said as he moved to face the delegation of nearly three hundred people.
"As it would take far too long to shuttle all of you back and forth to the city we shall go as a single group." He announced to them. "Observe!"
Transforming slowly into his Dragon form so as not to startle them he held out his paws. Gold and silver light began to spill from them, flowing to the ground and under the delegates' feet, making them shuffle about. Finally the entire group stood upon a massive glowing circle of gold and silver that slowly solidified into a gold and silvery disc several inches thick.
"Now we begin our journey." He told them.
A translucent golden barrier sprung up around the edges of the disc as the metal sheet began to rise into the air seemingly of its own volition. The crowds cried out in surprise and awe as they saw the large group of people lifted up and slowly floating away towards the great city.
"How is this possible?" One of the ambassadors asked incredulously as he looked over the side.
Prometheus chuckled. "A two kilometer asteroid covered in buildings floats nearby and you ask how this is possible?" He asked, making the ambassador flush slightly.
The disc slowly rose until it was level with the surface of the asteroid and began floating towards it, the trip taking about fifteen minutes. The group watched raptly as the city grew closer and closer with most of them filming the voyage on their phones or other recorders. As they drew closer they could see several metallic extensions jutting from the edges of the city like miniature runways. The disc flew through the Infinity Drive bubble with nary a ripple before slowly setting down in a large concrete plaza before a gathering of individuals in white robes and various raiment. Before the group stood a pair of individuals, both of them striking in their appearance. The first was a slim, ethereal young woman with pale skin, silvery white hair, and striking blue eyes dressed in royal finery of white, gold, and silver with a circlet upon her head. The other was a canine-like creature covered in light brown fur and stylish robes of white and gold. His left arm appeared to be made of glittering chrome and his eyes were a brilliant gold. As Prometheus stepped away from the group he gestured to the pair.
"They shall answer any questions you may have and begin the tour of my city. Excuse me for I have matters of my own to attend to." Saying so he vanished in a flash of golden light before Arianasa stepped forward with a welcoming smile and outstretched hands.
"Welcome to all of our distinguished guests and to those who will see this in the future!" She announced happily. "Permit me to introduce myself! I am Arianasa Sunflare, Empress of Utopia and bonded mate to His Holiness, God-Emperor Prometheus of Utopia! We are all honored by your visit and hope that you will not only enjoy your stay but find the answers you seek!" She gestured to her side. "With me is the Emperor's High Priest and chief servant, Beowulf, along with others from his holy order." She said, gesturing to the others behind her. "They will be happy to answer any questions you may have and be your guides as you go throughout the city. The rest of the citizens have been notified of your impending arrival and will be willing to help you as well should you need it but these men and women will be able to answer your questions more easily than others."
She clasped her hands before her waist as she took on a slightly more serious tone. "Please keep in mind that there will be sections of the city that are closed due to security and safety reasons. We ask that you not attempt to enter those areas unless granted permission to do so. Also, while we will attempt to answer all of your questions to the best of our abilities there will be some that we cannot or will not answer for similar reasons. But fear not," she smiled, "we will let you know if you are inadvertently asking about a state secret or a personal matter."
The crowd chuckled quietly at this.
"Food and drink as well as places of rest and entertainment will be provided to you upon request as we expect that you will remain here for several days at least." She said. "Hopefully the accommodations will meet your needs though if you have any special requirements you need only ask, it will not be an inconvenience. We have also scheduled several events that we believe will be of interest for all of you though, of course, attendance is not mandatory. We shall also be giving tours of the city after this for those who wish for a guided experience. We would prefer if members from the various organizations could be grouped together so that each group has a more well-rounded experience." She explained. "However before we start the tours we will be holding a short question and answer session for those that have immediate questions or questions that we are in a better position to answer. As always, if you have any special needs simply ask."
She looked about at the group with an expectant smile. "So then, questions?"
Several hands shot up and she pointed to one.
"First I think I speak for all of us when I say how appreciative we are that you came to greet us personally your Highness." The man said. "You say you are the Empress and wife of Prometheus. Might we have your full title for our publications?"
Arianasa nodded. "I am her Eminence Arianasa Sunflare, Empress of Utopia, High Priestess of the Order of Illumination, Ascendant of Bahamut, and Queen of Mercy." She smiled modestly then. "That last one was a popular title bestowed upon me by my subjects, actually."
The group smiled in appreciation at this as she picked another member of the audience with their hand raised.
"Apologies if this is a sensitive question your Highness, but what umm...race?...is Beowulf?" The man asked before hurriedly explaining. "On Earth we do not have….err...people such as him."
"Your question does not offend me." Beowulf replied calmly in his gravelly voice. "I am aware that on Earth humans are the only sentient race. On our world it is quite different. Many different species and groups became sentient over the centuries though many are not what you would call 'refined' or 'civilized'. I am one of the few that rose above my circumstances to become what I am. To more specifically answer your question, I am known as a Gnoll."
The man nodded, making a few notes as Arianasa picked one of the women in the group.
"Why do your people call you the Queen of Mercy?" She asked.
"For many years before I became Empress I was a battlefield medic and healer for my...my unit." Arianasa explained. "Our Empire was forced to involve itself in several skirmishes over the years and so my skills were in great demand in those times. Naturally I learned everything I could of the healing arts to better help those in need and so I was often seen tending to the wounded. Word spread and eventually they began to call me that."
"Might I ask about those skirmishes, at least briefly?" Another asked.
Arianasa nodded, her face becoming a bit more solemn. "Our world is not so dissimilar from yours in many ways." She explained. "Just as there are many good and upright people in the land there are also those who would seek to destroy or impose their will upon others for the sheer sake of domination. Others do research for the sake of bettering society while others search for evil and forbidden knowledge to gain power over others or become powerful themselves for their own gratification. Because we are considered a beacon of light and wisdom it has become our mission to help root out those who would harm others or twist that which is good to evil ends. Our knights and soldiers are powerful indeed but they are not invincible."
"Can you tell us more about this Order of Illumination?" One of them asked as they were picked.
Beowulf nodded at this. "The Order of Illumination was founded by the Emperor as a way of bringing scientific and technological enlightenment to our world as well as offering understanding about Him and His ways. For many centuries on our world progress as you understand it was stagnant. While research did exist it was mostly done in isolation and the results usually kept secret by an individual, family, or cult as a means to increase their own power, whether it be political, magical, or simply raw ability. As a result such innovations were rarely shared with others. Technology and mechanical devices in general were largely ignored or at best seen as curiosities because we have access to magic and our world is overseen by our various gods. For this reason we saw no need to create technology such as you have here. The arrival of our Lord changed that thinking and for years He has worked to bring about an industrial revolution similar to the one that happened on your world centuries ago, except in this case ours is being planned out and guided by Him. Our Order helps facilitate that revolution so that it happens in the most effective yet compassionate way possible. The intention is to slowly convert our world to use a mix of technology, industry, and magic to further the happiness and prosperity of all as well as provide new opportunities for those who seek them."
"Based on the message Prometheus sent originally it sounds like you intend to do something similar here." Someone suggested.
Beowulf nodded. "We hope that the people of this world will embrace our message and come to faith in our Lord so that technology and progress can continue to occur safely and to the benefit of all. All too often technology that could improve the lives of others has been sidelined by others who wish to keep the status quo or increase their own profits rather than focusing on what is best for everyone. Upon our world most technological inspiration is granted through divine revelation by our Lord directly or through our tech-priests. Some would call it monopolizing or hoarding knowledge but considering most citizens would never even think of such creative endeavors on their own we attempt to cultivate it. Most of the devices or processes we have introduced are concepts most of you would take for granted in your world, yet in ours they were never conceived of."
"Can you give us some examples?" A voice in the crowd asked.
Beowulf nodded. "Medicine and chemistry is one example. As healing spells are a reality to us, concepts such as surgery or in depth studies of anatomy were considered gruesome or simply research done for the sake of pure learning without having any true practical value. Of course battlefield medicine and learning to stabilize a person was something which was practiced out of necessity but only enough to ensure they would make it to a priest or someone who could use healing magic to care for them more completely. Complex chemical solutions were created by alchemists on an as needed basis but only the simplest of potions or salves were available to commoners as you were, in essence, hiring a personal chemist to create something for you. Thus our Lord and His priests provide inspiration or suggestions for things which may be of use to most but have never been created."
Beowulf paused for a moment before continuing. "As my Lord has already stated we know of the ancient religions of this world and that their roots run deep; we understand that not all will join us but we accept that. Rest assured we have no intention of forcing others to join us. Unlike the religious wars of ancient times and extremist groups that existed at the beginning of the current century on your world we do not believe in forced indoctrination or war as a means to expand our reach. All who join us will do so of their own free will." He smiled. "Those who do will have access to the boons our Lord provides and will share in the bounties He offers. As I said, we one day hope to provide such things to all but for now those who join us will reap those benefits first."
"Can you demonstrate this magic you use?" Another asked.
From the crowd stepped a young Chinese man in a simple white robe with a pouch of cream colored cloth attached to his waist. Coming to the front of the group he looked about before reaching into his pouch and withdrawing what appeared to be a handful of silvery dust. Holding out his hand for all to see he focused on the pile of material. Suddenly it began to writhe in his hand before shifting and consolidating into a small, silvery dagger with a curved blade. Holding it up for the group to see he looked over at Beowulf who nodded slightly, holding out his silvery forearm. The man slashed at the arm with the blade, resulting in a loud clang of metal striking metal before turning back to the crowd, the blade in one hand and his hand level with his chest. Arianasa stepped forward, sliding a finger along the back of the man's hand before addressing the crowd with a sober face.
"Normally we would not use such a...distressing demonstration but our follower has insisted. He is willing to endure this pain that you might believe in the reality of what is about to happen."
Raising the weapon, the blade pointed downward, he took a deep breath before plunging it into the back of his hand with a cry. The crowd gasped in shock as the blade pierced clean through muscle and skin to emerge from the center of his palm with rulvets of blood streaming from the wound as his arm shook, his teeth clenched in pain before yanking the blade free and holding the bloody instrument up for all to see as well as his oozing palm. Many in the crowd turned green at the bloody display as Araiansa stepped close, speaking words of magic in a soothing tone. Silvery cool light poured from her finger as she rested her fingertip against the edge of the wound before slowing sliding it upwards. The crowd murmured in amazement as blood vanished and the wound sealed itself before their eyes with only a pale scar remaining once she was finished, the man panting quietly but seemingly no longer in pain as he had been. After taking a moment to collect himself he began to move his fingers about, confirming to them that he had full use of the appendage again.
Arianasa turned to them again. "Spread the word of what you have seen here for this is but a small sample of our healing arts. We offer what this world has longed for since the beginning of time. True magic. True healing. Life beyond death for those who will believe and the promise of technology great enough to tame the stars themselves."
Arianasa and Beowulf moved backward, melting into the crowd of acolytes and priests as the group stepped forward. The crowd was slowly separated into their various groups of diplomats, media, representatives, and others before several from each group was chosen before being guided away by one of the priests. Amongst them was a plain-faced and thin middle-aged man dressed in a tweed jacket and tan pants. Following at the rear of the group he had been placed in, Clarence allowed his dark and sharp eyes to flit about the plaza as they made their way to one of the city's districts, carefully listening to the priest who had chosen to play tour guide.
"The entire city was planned out in advance by our Lord in preparation for His coming." The priest explained. "While our world still retains a medieval building style and aesthetic He desired a more modern appearance that would not only be familiar to you but would also coincide with his vision for the future. As you can see there are many tall structures made from translucent material as well as metallic surfaces and stone. Geometric figures and gridwork as well as other mathematically precise displays will be a common theme as you will see." He said, pointing out several tall skyscrapers in the distance.
"Sounds rather sterile, all those straight lines and perfect angles." Someone suggested. "Are the parks filled with perfect squares of grass and topiary?"
The priest smiled at this. "Our Lord recognizes that some spontaneous and natural growth is beneficial so the parks, while bordered similarly do have winding paths and various types of trees and fauna in different configurations, some sculpted, some wild, though of course we maintain them to keep them healthy and safe for those who reside here."
"We are currently passing through one of the residential districts of the city." He continued as they followed him down a smooth stone side street, gesturing to the rows of single floor homes made of stone and trimmed with bronze or copper metal, each with a small yard in front. "As you can see there is no need for chimneys, each home is connected to a local climate control system which provides heat or cold as needed. Each home is furnished with modern amenities that would not be out of place in an upper class home on your world. Some of the fixtures are, of course, somewhat different compared to your devices but the principles remain the same. Mirrors, for example, can function as face to face communication devices if desired."
"Are all of these homes occupied?"
"Most of them are, yes." The priest replied. "We expect to house some residents from your world at some point."
"I don't suppose you have wi-fi here?" Someone suggested jokingly.
The priest laughed lightly at this. "Fortunately I am aware of your wireless communication system. Anyone outside the priesthood would simply look at you strangely if you were to ask them such a question. We do have a similar system in place for your convenience but most here do not use it as we have yet to develop a global data infrastructure such as yours. Our Lord has the means to do so of course but at the moment it would serve no practical purpose so it is a project for the future."
The group moved on from the residential area to a business sector with wider streets and taller buildings from several stories high to large towers, each of them sporting clean lines and neo-deco style.
"As you may have noticed during your journey here the entire superstructure is surrounded by a bubble of energy. That bubble acts as a barrier as well as making up a part of the life support system, ensuring the city is not exposed to the vacuum of space or other more exotic environments. Now this area we are entering is one of our research centers. Technology is of course our Lord's focus given His divine mandate but He promotes all forms of progress and learning across many different disciplines from mathematics, to chemistry, to engineering, medicine, and many others. All such things are of interest to him not only for pure research and the expansion of knowledge but also the practical applications that can be derived from those discoveries. It is within these buildings that such research and analysis are done."
The ground spent several minutes wandering the grounds before the priest guided them towards the center of the city where the great emerald and gold pyramid stood.
"The center of our worship and government." He said proudly. "From here our Lord conducts business with his Ministers who also have their offices here as well as other leaders. He meets with petitioners if the matter cannot be dealt by the priesthood, and renders judgements on issues that the High Priest or the Empress are unwilling or unable to come to a consensus on. While normally one of the priests will hold services here on rare occasions our Empress, High Priest, or even our Lord Himself will grace us with His presence. We hold services at least twice a day to ensure our people can come when it is convenient for them."
"How does that work, holding religious service for a god dedicated to science and technology?" One of the media representatives asked.
The priest smiled at this. "Why not find out? In light of your visit we will be offering a special service tomorrow at noon that is closed to the public."
One of the ambassadors spoke up. "This all sounds very lovely and straightforward but our history has shown us that new technologies can be blessings or curses in disguise depending on how they are used. It is also our experience that often those in charge of funding said research will use it for their own gain. Your Empress stated that profit will not dictate what is researched or how it will be applied but how can we know that such things will not be turned against those whom the Emperor, in his wisdom, decides are a threat or liability to him?"
As the group murmured a bit the priest turned to them with a serious look. "In other words you fear that our Emperor may work against what is in your best interest or that He may consider you and your people a threat to His plans and decide to use said research against you."
The man raised his chin at this. "Yes, that is what I, and many others fear. How can your Emperor know what is best for us and what happens if we choose to ignore or defy him in order to do what we think is best?"
"You think of Him in terms of a human leader like a king or dictator." The priest said, his hands clasped at his waist. "I suppose it is understandable as you have never encountered one such as Him before. You have all heard Him claim divinity more than once and you have seen some proofs of His power, yet you do not truly understand what it means to be divine. A god's wisdom and knowledge is beyond anything a human mind could ever hope to encompass. No doubt you believe that to be mere dogma but I assure you it is the truth. Each of us, upon our induction into the priesthood, has been granted but the smallest fraction of his wisdom. For a brief moment each of us experiences just a small sliver of what it means to be divine from His perspective." The priest shook his head in wonderment. "Can you comprehend the vastness of the universe and the vast forces that link all things together like a tapestry? Can you see into the very minds and souls of those who serve you, knowing every good and evil thing they have ever done, and judge them with complete fairness? Can you observe the interplay of every component with a device and the forces that act upon it so that you can know how it will act under any circumstance over any time span? Can you describe down to the smallest mote a piece of technology that is beyond anything you could believe to be possible and then create it by an effort of will? That is the power of a god and that is only part of what He is capable of."
He looked at them earnestly. "He is wise beyond any man for he is not bound by the limitations of men. He is immortal, in need of nothing for he transcends the needs of the flesh. Yet He knows what it is like to be human for He too was once human." As the crowd muttered in confusion he nodded. "Yes. He has not spoken of it but He too once lived as we do. He knows our struggles, our difficulties, and our pains for He experienced them as we did. To answer the other part of your question He is well aware that all things can be used for good or ill."
"And those darker purposes you say he knows of?" The man persisted. "Are they simply forbidden? Does he merely hope that no one will discover such evils or if they do that they will blindly follow his decree?"
"A god does not hope." The priest replied levelly. "Just as technology and advancements can be used for evil there are those who desire to create and use such things for evil or their own selfish ends. He makes provision for those as well for He is well aware that there may come a day when such evils are necessary. Not to be used against humanity or those who refuse to obey him but those who would actively seek to destroy or enslave us for the sheer perverse joy of it. On our world such things have happened more than once and without our Lord's intervention life as we know it would have become naught but torture and pain for all time. Such are the terrible foes he faced and defeated. Against such evil as that there is no reasoning, no negotiating, no placating. Be grateful that you have never known such horrors." The man finished somberly.
Taking a breath the priest smiled quietly at them. "It was not my intention to burden you with such knowledge but I believe it needed to be said. I have served my Lord for many years and not once have I ever felt that His decrees were unjust or improper. I hope that you too will come to see this in time."
He paused for a moment in thought before looking at them seriously again. "Let me pose this thought to you for your consideration. There are many on our world who follow other gods for reality is theirs to control and He is one among many. Upon our world the gods leave their mark and commune with their priests regularly. If another god were to suddenly arrive as He did, there would be upheaval between them and indeed His arrival caused a great stir amongst the Lords of the high realms and the nine hells. But here..."
He gave them all a significant look. "I have yet to see any of your gods take umbrage with Him or even acknowledge His arrival. What does that say, I wonder, about your gods?"