"I'll go back to your previous question. You asked what else I resent my world's politicians for." There were quite a few things he could've resented them for. Like his exile, for instance. But that was a recent development and didn't matter that much when he never wanted to go back anyway. "Brainiac 5 is a title that was given to me by my people when I was born; my given name is actually Querl Dox. The first Brainiac was an infamous interplanetary criminal responsible for atrocities on my own world, Colu, and on many others. Every consecutive Brainiac in my family line was either morally bankrupt or openly villainous and most of them caused catastrophic harm to others."
He tapped his temple.
"My family line is also known for their intellect, which surpasses the highest range possible for normal Coluans -- a mutation caused by augmentations the original Brainiac performed on himself."
It wasn't a title he chose, was the point he was making. It was a legacy he was born into. A very dark one.
"My mother left the day I was born and my legal guardians were two politicians that sought to use my intellect to further their political careers -- largely because Colugov saw the Brainic intellect as an important commodity, something to be used in service of the planetary interest. I was considered something like royalty -- and state property."
That was reason enough to resent them.
"There is the answer to your first question." A pause. "The answer to the other, that you haven't quite phrased as a question: 'what the sprock happened to make you choose this life when you so clearly dislike being around most sentient beings?'"
That really was the other question in play.
"Colugov sent me to join the Legion against my will. Among peers my own age. Who were all exceptional sentient beings that over time showed me kindness and warmth I didn't think sentient beings were capable of. They also showed me the value of such sentiments as compassion and mercy -- important and highly logical externalities that allow for the continued existence of civilized society." He smiled slightly. "So, in answer to your second not-quite question: Because I made friends. Good ones. All of whom had excellent priorities."
no subject
"I'll go back to your previous question. You asked what else I resent my world's politicians for." There were quite a few things he could've resented them for. Like his exile, for instance. But that was a recent development and didn't matter that much when he never wanted to go back anyway. "Brainiac 5 is a title that was given to me by my people when I was born; my given name is actually Querl Dox. The first Brainiac was an infamous interplanetary criminal responsible for atrocities on my own world, Colu, and on many others. Every consecutive Brainiac in my family line was either morally bankrupt or openly villainous and most of them caused catastrophic harm to others."
He tapped his temple.
"My family line is also known for their intellect, which surpasses the highest range possible for normal Coluans -- a mutation caused by augmentations the original Brainiac performed on himself."
It wasn't a title he chose, was the point he was making. It was a legacy he was born into. A very dark one.
"My mother left the day I was born and my legal guardians were two politicians that sought to use my intellect to further their political careers -- largely because Colugov saw the Brainic intellect as an important commodity, something to be used in service of the planetary interest. I was considered something like royalty -- and state property."
That was reason enough to resent them.
"There is the answer to your first question." A pause. "The answer to the other, that you haven't quite phrased as a question: 'what the sprock happened to make you choose this life when you so clearly dislike being around most sentient beings?'"
That really was the other question in play.
"Colugov sent me to join the Legion against my will. Among peers my own age. Who were all exceptional sentient beings that over time showed me kindness and warmth I didn't think sentient beings were capable of. They also showed me the value of such sentiments as compassion and mercy -- important and highly logical externalities that allow for the continued existence of civilized society." He smiled slightly. "So, in answer to your second not-quite question: Because I made friends. Good ones. All of whom had excellent priorities."