If I may speak Voyager's database contains a complete fossil record of my
planet your genetic markers appear not only in humans but in hundreds of
species throughout our history that's a lot of random convergence. If you take a
look at the data we have the data isn't in question your interpretation is.
Professor Kagan I don't want to be here any more than you do and frankly. I would
prefer not to be responsible for disgracing one of our most venerable
scientists. All I ask is that you admit the possibility that your interpretation
is wrong will you at least do that I will admit that there are still
questions the picture is incomplete but. I am certain of this we are from the
planet these humans call Earth there are those who disagree.
Tovah via you're an accomplished young scientist you were initiated into the
circle of archaeology with the highest of honors. Yes minister and you have been
Professor Kagan assistant for six years. I've had that privilege you are
familiar intimately involved with all of your mentors research regarding the so
called distant origin theory that is correct in your expert evaluation what
is the validity of the professor's analysis it is flawed Minister dear
you're saying you and Gagan were mistaken yes I've reviewed all of his
research including data from the voyagers computer I've checked and
rechecked the procedures I now believe that we were overzealous we saw an
evolutionary connection when in fact there was not enthusiasm and passion are
never wrong there your only mistake was allowing them to distort your judgment
you may go
professor Kagan I will ask you again could you be mistaken what did you say
to him that you'd take away his honors if he
didn't cooperate that should send him to a detention colony could you be mistaken
did you threaten his family respond to the question no why should I you've
already made up your mind this inquiry isn't about evidence and proof it's
about keeping you in that chair Gagan it's about maintaining a myth that keeps
the ministry in power you'd do anything to silence me but it won't work
I'll never retract my claims I'd rather go to prison than help you perpetuate
ignorance your true skills are finally showing you're right Minister I was
mistaken I thought you might actually care about the truth even if it called
into question some of our deepest beliefs we are not immigrants I will not
deny 20 million years of history and doctrine just because one insignificant
sorry and has a theory one last time could you be mistaken it's you who are
mistaken minister but you accuse Gagan of having his objectivity clouded by
wishful thinking but aren't you guilty of the same charge I am not on trial
here I understand but in a way your beliefs
are how you think about yourselves your place in the universe that is on trial
and this isn't the first time what do you mean I've had the opportunity over
the last few days to learn something about your culture your great
accomplishments consider the breakthrough into transwarp an
incredible achievement and yet your ancient doctrine predicted terrible
disasters if it were even attempted that held your race back for millennia until
someone took a chance and challenged that prediction they succeeded and your
society entered new chapter of exploration and your
doctrine was changed accordingly I know from the history of my own planet that
change is difficult new ideas are often greeted with skepticism even fear but
sometimes those ideas are accepted and when they our progress is made eyes are
open