Dividing Lines Chapter 37
Chapter 37 of Dividing Lines is up (can't believe we're reaching the end here), co-written by the wonderful @lgwilt.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
The Founder turned towards the control panel, typing away at the keys. “There’s nothing in nature that can’t be improved on by science. I wouldn’t expect you to understand. Magic,” he scoffed, shaking his head. “Magic is chaotic and unpredictable. Time can’t be tamed by cheap conjuring tricks; the only true god is the one who can command technology.”
Through gritted teeth, Loki let out a cold laugh. “Your variant got tired of being a god. Apparently not everyone is built for it.”
Anger blazed in the Founder’s eyes. “My forebear was old, weak, and lazy. I am superior in every way. Where he failed, I will succeed, ushering in a new era of peace and stability.”
“I would hardly call the elimination of free will peace.”
“And here I thought you were intelligent,” said the Founder dismissively. “Free will – lovely idea; doesn’t work in reality. What most people don’t care to admit is that they’re terrified of choice because then they won’t have someone else to blame for their mistakes. You know this. What was it you once said? ‘Deep down we all crave subjugation’.” The Founder smiled. “Were you speaking from experience?”
Loki looked away, refusing to grace the question with an answer.
