Second Self

by Una McCormack

“No, I do not. I do not believe in the supernatural. I believe that the universe is ultimately explicable, but that we might not yet have found the language or the means by which it can be explained.

“It’s Garak,” he said. “Plain, simple Garak.”

“But then, I suppose, there are more things in heaven and earth, than are dreamt of in our philosophy…” He saw Raffi’s expression and sniffed. “I never really liked Hamlet. A childish idiot.” “I can see how Iago might appeal,” said Raffi. “These days,” said Garak, “I feel a certain sympathy with Lear.

“Laris,” said Picard, shaking his head, “I make mistakes, all the time. Sometimes I see people as instruments of a higher purpose. I forget who they are in themselves. I am stubborn and intransigent and often do not see what is directly in front of me…”