Metamorphosis - Jean Lorrah [91]
There was an even longer delay as the computer utilized the universal translator’s most detailed comparative analysis. Finally the reply came. “Denotative, not connotative. In the language from which the Samdian language derived, the meaning of the morpheme “k-nr-” is “soul.” Root derivation of “konor’ is “those who possess souls.”” “Gods,” Thralen whispered, the blue of his face paling to a washed-out hue. He pushed himself up out of his chair, and began pacing behind the terminal. “If that is what we’re up against, we haven’t a chance.” Data turned to stare at him. “I don’t understand.”
“History, Data. The fiercest wars in all the history of the galaxy have been fought over religious differences. What ought to be the balm and consolation for the trials of life is made the instigator of fury and grief.” Thralen stopped pacing, and rested his hands on the back of Data’s chair.
“In my own family, those who denied that the Great Mother literally gave birth to the world, who understood that the story is a beautiful symbol of creation-we were cast out of our Ancient Den for daring to examine the facts of the universe as She presents them to us.”
“I am sorry,” Data said, recognizing that the Theskian sociologist was sharing something very painful.
Recalling the sorrow he had felt when he had thought himself forced to leave the closest approxima 253 tion to family he had ever known, Data could only guess at the agony of exile from true family that one had grown up in. Thralen shook his head. “I believe in the Great Mother as strongly as those who seclude themselves on our home world and claim that the rest of the galaxy is Outer Darkness. We agree on the most basic tenets of our faith, Data, and yet those of us who have ventured beyond our home planet are considered heathen.” His antennae retracted slightly. “Today, of course, the vast majority of Theskians, both on Theskia and on colony worlds, perceive the Great Mother as a manifestation of the generative force of the universe. But for some reason, She sent my spirit to be born into a family of the Old Faith.” He sighed. “If I was meant to enlighten them, I failed. When my studies led me to Starffeet Academy, they cast me out.”
The Theskian paused, as if waiting for a response, or perhaps contemplating what he considered a failure. Data was far out of his element here.
Still, he had to say something.
“At one time, I had stored in my memory banks gigabytes of information on gods throughout the galaxy. I could quote it, but it never meant more to me than any other information. Then I met up with some “gods,” and experienced what many would call a miracle. I do not understand any better now than i did before.”
“Those were not gods as I believe in a God,” Thralen replied. “One day we will understand the kinds of powers those Elysian “gods’ possess. But beyond us, beyond them, beyond anything the 254 sentient mind can comprehend, there is a force that drives the universe. While we are alive, we can only understand it in some familiar form, such as the Great Mother. But when we leave this state of existence, we will experience that force directly. I will go to the arms of the Great Mother; Mr. Worf would say that he will enter the Black Fleet. We both mean the same thing.”
“But you believe in an existence after death. You believe you have a soul.”
“Oh, yes. There is no doubt of it.”
“I do not know if I have one,” Data said.
Thralen smiled. “7 know you do,” he replied, “and you did not get it on Elysia.” Then he sobered. “But galactic history is full of atrocities committed by those who could not recognize that people unlike themselves have souls. If this particular group of Samdians, the Konor, refer to themselves as “those who possess souls’-was “Then,” Data realized, “by implication the other Samdians do not possess souls, and may be rightfully treated as animals or … property.
Oh, yes, Thralen,” he added grimly, “I understand that reasoning.”
Thralen’s coloring