Symbiote

The theory of the Apostates thus shown as demonstrably sound, perforce we must discard of the specification god and - attempt to - substitute a more accurate descriptor.

For the sake of economy, let us for now borrow from potentology the label: Power.

Substantial variegation in the physiology of Powers not only infers a separate (introduced) species, it goes further to suggest multiple (unrelated) species.

More to the point, it is well-documented that Powers of deficient client subscription are inferior in the key indicators of capacity, intelligence and area. It is here tempting to posit that competition amongst Powers is no different than competition amongst predators, but we are then ignoring the co-operative phenomenon: competition amongst us the clients ourselves.

Maybe the potentologists have it wrong; or let us say, backwards. As an etiologist would ask:

Which is the parasite, and which is the host?

... Indagation of the Gods, author unclear