S2E8: Cradle of Civilizations

Long gone is the day when my dear Inanna birthed Adamu, a moment that marked the inception of a new era for both our kind and humanity. Today, our census count soars beyond a couple of thousand humans, a testament to the growth that has unfolded across the these decades. Among them, a tapestry of diversity weaves itself, with individuals both pure-blooded and interbred with the planet’s primitive natives.
Observing the lineage of Adamu is a marvel in itself. His genealogy boasts a lifespan that far surpasses the average among humans. Perhaps it is the imprint of being the first, the ancestor… I find myself pondering the mysteries of their longevity, for I am no scientist. Our conversations span wide realms of knowledge, yet I have noted that Inanna often skirts around the subject of Adamu’s lineage, a topic she seems cautious to explore in depth.

Now I, Marduk, son of Enki, stand at a crossroads of destiny and duty. Anu himself, the venerable leader of our kind, has entrusted me with a task of great import – to organize the burgeoning human population into distinct civilizational pockets. It is a weighty responsibility, one that I undertake with a blend of hope and pride.

Anu’s vision for Earth’s inhabitants is grand, if not somewhat contentious. The decree is cast, following Enlil’s paradigm – the Anunnaki shall be viewed as living gods among these humans, ushering order, imposing control, and shaping destinies. Enlil, always stern in his ways, believes this to be the path of least resistance, a path where we harness their reverence to consolidate power. I, however, harbor reservations, for humanity’s path ought to be one of enlightenment, not subjugation. I share Inanna’s vision of love for humankind.

My chosen ground to commence this grand endeavor is a place I have dubbed Baalbek – a vast new quarry where the foundations of future megacities shall arise. There, colossal stones shall be hewn and shaped, a testament to both the potential of human labor and the might of our own advanced technologies. From Baalbek, I shall oversee this formidable enterprise. From Baalbek to every corner defined as a potential pocket.

As the megacity construction surges forth, I find myself reflecting on the gravity of my role. These humans, they possess a spark of ingenuity, of creativity that should not be stifled. Yet, Enlil’s design prevails, casting us as celestial beings of command. The people gaze upon us with awe, attributing to us powers that are far from divine. It is both flattering and disconcerting.

Just the other day while using my sonic spear to cut a mountain in half I was dubbed god of tempests and winds. Some humans now call me Baal, the one that blew Baalbek’s mountains down… What was I supposed to say? Technology to the ignorant will always be magic!

I endeavor to strike a delicate balance. Benevolent guidance shall be my mantra. While I honor the directive given by Anu, I am determined to guide humanity toward intellectual progress rather than submission. Education centers will emerge within the megacity that I will oversee, where knowledge will be exchanged, arts nurtured, and the potential for greatness cultivated.

I’ll call it Kan-Digirak, the Gate of Gods… you now call it Babylon.

In less than a year we have the main city habitable… it stands resplendent, a testament to human endeavor and Anunnaki ingenuity. The humans, guided by our hand and technology, inspired by their own aspirations, have built something remarkable. The stones they have shaped under our direction not only form the foundations of architecture but also the foundations of a nascent civilization.
But shadows loom, as they always do. Enlil’s grip on control has grown tighter, as have my concerns. The humans, seeing us as gods, do not question our motives, our intentions. While I strive to enlighten, Enlil weaves webs of manipulation, fostering devotion instead of empowerment. The equilibrium we seek falters, and I am torn between loyalty to my uncle and loyalty to the destiny I envision for humanity.

My father is right… I must take action, for the sake of balance. It is time for a whisper of truth to sweep through the hearts of the humans. Enki, and myself, have established clandestine networks, small groups of nine enlightened humans within the two megacities who will train others on the truth secretly, who yearn to uncover the genuine nature of their benefactors. It is a risk, a gamble, but a necessary one to break the chains of blind obedience for ages to come.

The murmurs will slowly grow stronger, the spark of inquiry ignited. The small groups I am nurturing will be nodes of resistance, seekers of truth in a world veiled by divine illusions. Enlil’s hold on the humans shall be weakened as skepticism finds its voice, and the tides of destiny shifts subtly.
The journey is but at the very beginning, and the path remains treacherous. The delicate balance between benevolent guidance and insidious control must be maintained. As I gaze upon the bustling megacities, I am reminded that the future is an intricate tapestry woven with choices – choices that shape destinies, choices that define the legacy we shall leave behind.

In these tumultuous times, my trust in the justice and intentions of my father, Enki, remains unwavering. His wisdom guides my steps, even as the currents of power and deception churn around us. Enki, the pioneer of this world, has sown seeds of compassion and creativity that have taken root within me. Also, I find myself drawn to Inanna, my half-sister, and the embodiment of Enki’s legacy. She carries within her the spark of both Anunnaki and human, a bridge between realms. With her by my side, I have vowed to be the hands of her heart, the shield of her emotion.

I have laid the first stone… the cradle of civilizations!