The Atlas Paradox

If power is a thing to be had, it must be capable of possession. But power is not any discrete size or weight. Power is continuous. Power is parabolic. Say you are given some power, which then increases your capacity to accumulate more power. Your capacity for power increases exponentially in relation to the actual power you have gained. Thus, to gain power is to be increasingly powerless.

If the more power one has, the less one has, then is it the thing or are you?

“Varona,” Libby said, taking a step toward him. “We need to talk.”

Then she collapsed into Gideon’s arms.

He, Gideon noted, seemed for once too stunned to speak, one hand still pressed to his mouth and the ghost of Gideon’s kiss.