The Sky's the Limit - Marco Palmieri [133]
Through his presentation, Data redefined his actions to the Tamarians as a reenactment of this myth. Rather than an affront against the proper ritual patterns of the universe, they had simply been the intervention of a different ritual. And since that ritual/ myth involved madness, it was only natural that it had intruded when least expected. Like many cultures steeped in myth and mysticism, the Tamarians had great respect for madness, seeing it as a source of divine wisdom. In their view, it would be most unwise not to heed the message that Palwin had unexpectedly sent them through the person of Data. And that message was one of peace.
Moreover, once they understood the experiment and its consequences, they gained a new respect for Data. His willingness to risk himself in the name of communication evoked—and honored—the memory of Dathon’s sacrifice at El-Adrel. The parallel even helped the Tamarians identify with the Federation, in the same way that they identified with their ancestors and archetypes through metaphoric parallels. Rather than bringing war, Data’s actions had supplied an even stronger foundation for peace.
“And all it took was finding the right metaphor to define it with,” Borges told the others once they reconvened in the briefing room. “It’s a testament to the power that symbolism has. It can change the way we perceive the world—even without a special chip to retune our brains.”
“I am glad you feel that way, Doctor,” Data told her. “Because in the wake of recent events, I think it would be unwise to continue the experiment with my emotion chip.”
“Now, don’t be so quick to say that, Data,” she cautioned. “You did find a way to recover your balance all on your own, without any outside intervention. That strongly suggests you’d be able to do it again. And it would be a valuable asset to the Federation. There are other species besides the Tamarians whose alien modes of thought make communication difficult.”
“I acknowledge the value of your work, Doctor Borges,” he said. “I hope you can continue it. However, I must decline to participate any further.” He took in Deanna with his gaze. “For some time, I have believed that my emotion chip would make me more complete. Lately I have attempted to rely on it to make me a better communicator. But when I restored myself to sanity, I did so despite the influence of the chip. It was still active, but it did not hold my answers. It required the intellect and discipline I already possessed to enable me to manage it.
“I still value my emotion chip for the insights it can bring me into my friends and colleagues, and for the new experiences it allows me to explore. But I recognize now that I cannot let it define me or control me. With or without an emotion chip, I am still Data. That is what defines me. And I believe my greatest value can come not through seeking to emulate others, but through appreciating my own unique nature.”
Borges glared. “You mean being an android is better than being a human or a Tamarian?”
“Only if one is an android to begin with,” he said with a gentle smile. “Polonius, when Laertes departed, Doctor.”
She blinked. “Remind me.”
” ‘This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.’ “
Suicide Note
Geoff Trowbridge
Historian’s note:
This tale is set between the feature films Star Trek: First Contact and Star Trek: Insurrection, sometime after the events of the sixth-season Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode “In the Pale Moonlight.”
GEOFF TROWBRIDGE
Having spent his childhood in northern