It was dark. Zo'or stood before a window aboard the mother ship. Lost in thought he looked out into space.
When he heard someone enter the room he turned around and had to stifle a groan. It was T'than.

“Zo'or, I...”
“Do you have to report something important? Something that needs my attention as Synod Leader?”
“No, but I want to...”
Zo'or turned back to the window. “I'm not interested in what you want. Leave me alone!”
For him that was the end of their conversation and he hoped T'than would leave.

“Zo'or?” To Zo'or's surprise T'than's voice sounded uncertain.
“Zo'or, why do you hate me so much? Don't get me wrong, I really don't like you and I have a very different opinion about our treatment of the human race. And as you know I think we need a different leader, but you... you don't think of me as an enemy as I do of you. You really hate me from the bottom of your heart. And now, when I think of it, it had always been that way, since you were young. Even as a child you always got into my way, you never showed me the respect you had shown to the other adults. Even before you became member of the synod you always worked against me. You didn't even profit by your actions. Why is that? Is there a specific reason or is it just part of this childish behaviour you insist on keeping? You probably don't even know the answer yourself.”

While speaking the last sentence T'than's voice retained its arrogance again. When Zo'or didn't answer, T'than turned around to go.
“Do you really want an answer?” Zo'or walked to T'than, his voice as cold as ice. “You will get it.”
He stretched out his hands to touch T'than with his fingertips. He didn't want to share, he just wanted to show some memories.

Darkness was around and the world was full of little but steady pain. It was depressing. He could hardly move and perceived only small parts of the world, mainly by hearing. And the everlasting pain. But there were good feelings, too. He was held in arms, lovely words were whispered to him, he could communicate in thoughts with his parent and the most important thing: He knew he was loved.

Suddenly a loud, unfeeling voice entered the peace.

“That's a waste of energy, Da'an. It's too weak, too disabled!”

“‘Its’ name is Zo'or, T'than. Mit'gai examined him carefully. It's possible that he will be in good health some day if he's treated. And even if there is some permanent physical handicap, his mind is all right. He has a keen mind. I am already communicating with him by thoughts. By the way, he can hear and understand everything you say.”

“You are imagining things! I understand your reaction, it's sad that the, most likely, last of our children is that handicapped. But look at it, look at the way it's hanging in your arms! It doesn't move, it can't see and it never made any noise. You say it can understand what I'm saying? Well, I think it doesn't understand anything and never will. I will tell you again: It's a waste of energy to keep it alive. It will never be of any use to our race, it will never contribute anything to the commonality. It would be better to let it die! It's not worth living!”

Footsteps went away, only sadness and growing rage was left.

“Don't listen to him!” The loving voice of Da'an. “We both know he's wrong. One day you will show him, so keep hope and courage! I love you, my child!”

The transfer ended.
“Even if you didn't believe it at that time, I understood your words very well! And I never forgot them! In that moment I swore to myself I would show you! That one day I would be your superior! That the life you thought to be worthless, the helpless child you would have let die is more qualified than you. And I made it! I'm the youngest leader the synod ever had. You have to obey me! And I really enjoy every moment!”

T'than just stared at Zo'or, he didn't know what to say.

“Isn't it ironic, T'than? You yourself created your bitterest enemy, you rose my fighting spirit and my ambition! Actually I have to thank you.”
A cold grin appeared on Zo'or's face.
“Yes, really. Thank you very much T'than. You made me what I am. I thank you... but I ask myself if you thank yourself, too.”

With these words Zo'or left the chamber in a good mood.