The Quandary of Infinity - Part 2

The temperature was approximately -130° Celsius.

Selena was watching the Earth from the surface of the moon quietly. Her view was tranquil as she oversaw man's daily processes play out on a scale of over eight billion strong. In some ways, Selena was perhaps the most blessed individual out of all those caught up in the machinations of Nana. She had the opportunity to oversee all of the events of billions of years, coupled with a lack of need for constant stimulation. Some would perhaps argue that she was only so pleased with her existence because she had no way of knowing what she had been missing, cooped up alone here for so long. Which would perhaps have worked as a point, if it wasn't for the fact that Selena was psychologically predisposed to being gratified with minimal social interaction.

Today would be yet another break in her isolated existence, though.

Selena glanced behind her as she sensed a certain someone touch down, smiling. "Another visit this year? My goodness, you are beginning to stifle me, darling."

Nana smirked. "I can't help myself. You just keep complaining about how you're getting too much alone time, so I feel compelled to remedy the problem. Besides, I can't get enough of how chatty you are."

The two goddesses laughed, and Selena conjured up a table for them again, with a pair of ornate, cushy chairs. "Host's choice again, Nana? Or do you have a request?"

"If it's all the same to you, would you be interested in some chamomile tea, Selena?"

"I have no objections, my friend."

Selena summoned the requested tea for Nana and herself with a wave of her hands, together with the cups. Selena poured the tea for both Nana and herself, and settled down into her chair, waiting expectantly. She could tell with a glance that Nana was feeling conflicted, and in quite a significant way. Understanding the consequences that can come from a god or goddess having their internal quandaries go unresolved, she gave Nana her full attention.

"Thank you for this, Selena." Nana brought the drink to her lips, drinking slowly. She turned her attention to the side, gazing off at the Earth again, the look in her eyes somewhat detached.

"You have a great deal on your mind again, Nana."

Nana nodded. "Always, Selena. I...am feeling deeply tempted to experiment with new ideas. Drastic ones."

Selena nodded. "I believe I understand what your line of thought is. You went into great detail about feeling fatigued with watching the human experience last time we spoke." Selena sipped her beverage, looking pensive. "And I take it that observing their heroics and struggles up close isn't doing much for you anymore either?"

Nana shook her head. "I am afraid not. It is as if the human species has been tapped out as a source of interest for me."

Selena gazed off, nodding. "Very well. Have you considered introducing a new species onto the planet to co-exist with human beings? Or even rival the human species as the dominant force of the planet?"

Nana raised an eyebrow. "You seem quite open to me making drastic new changes like this. I must confess, I came here wondering how you might attempt to dissuade me from drastic action."

Selena chuckled. "As long as you aren't exercising outright cruelty and torment to the sentient beings of your domain, Nana, I can't see what issue I would have. That blue sphere has been left to you as your land to watch over, along with all of its life. How you choose to organize and experiment with the world is up to you, yes? Everything, from choosing how the weather functions to which species dominates the land, and all in between, is up to your discretion."

Nana nodded slowly. "It assuredly is. I must say, Selena, I so deeply miss the goddess that I used to be. But after all this time of seeing the humans fight, and squabble, and kill, and fail to truly surprise or fascinate me any further, I struggle to foresee my appreciation returning."

Selena hummed. "And yet, let us not pretend that no human being has gained your favor. How many of them have you traveled with on these adventures of yours? As you currently are with Conrad Walters."

"Oh, quite a number now. And I am not so cynical as to claim they have done nothing for me. Over the many, many thousands of years of mankind being here, I have walked with several. Some who faced their challenges with bravado, some who had to be encouraged. Some who preferred to solve their problems alone when possible, some who welcomed the help of their peers and always jumped to help in return. I am glad I opened myself up to the idea of speaking and walking with the humans personally."

Selena leaned in. "And the most recent one...?"

Nana sighed. "Conrad...is a respectable young man. He has irritated me to a degree from time to time, but even when he does, I understand that he always means well. At this point, I think the thing that I appreciate about him the most is that he is incredibly keen to experience all manner of new things. He doesn't scream and wail and curl up in his bed when tragedy strikes him...though, admittedly, I have had to educate him on how that is the natural order of the world. Ultimately, even when he experiences things he isn't thrilled about, I can tell that he's glad to be taking a break from the life he lived prior to meeting me."

"Was his previous life truly so traumatic?"

"There was grief involved in his life prior, particularly in regards to his relationship with both his parents. But his greatest issue was how trapped and stifled he felt, bound by his father's expectations for him."

"And now he's become someone you care for a great deal."

Nana nodded. "He has, Selena. I still want to see him take risks and overcome them. I'm going to make sure he sees the remainder of his pilgrimage through, and in the interest of his development, I cannot hold his hand. But, admittedly...the thought of him being harmed or killed bothers me at this point."

The two sat in silence for a moment.

Finishing her tea, Nana stood, smiling at Selena. "I believe I will call it here for today. I have much to ponder, Selena."

Selena nodded. "You are always welcome back, as you know, my friend."

As Nana walked away, Selena presented her with one last question.

"...Do you feel this will be your last book, Nana?"

Nana glanced back, her expression somber again. "It is beginning to look that way, Selena."