Luther Sloan quotes from Deep Space Nine

Let's just say I belong to another branch of Starfleet Intelligence. Our official designation is Section 31.

Julian Bashir

Never heard of it.

We keep a low profile. Works out better that way for all concerned.

Julian Bashir

And what does Section 31 do, apart from kidnapping Starfleet officers?

We search out and identify potential dangers to the Federation.

Julian Bashir

And once identified?

We deal with them.

Julian Bashir

How?

Quietly.

Julian Bashir

So if I had been a Dominion agent, what would have happened to me?

We wouldn't be standing here having this conversation.

Julian Bashir

[appalled] Starfleet sanctions what you're doing?

We don't submit reports or ask approval for specific operations, if that's what you mean. We're an autonomous department.

Julian Bashir

Authorized by whom?

Section 31 was part of the original Starfleet charter.

Julian Bashir

But that was 200 years ago. Are you telling me you've been working on your own, ever since? Without specific orders? Accountable to nobody but yourselves?

You make it sound so ominous.

Julian Bashir

Isn't it? Because if what you say to me is true, you function as judge, jury, and executioner, and I think that's too much power. For anyone.

We're on the same team. We believe in the same principles that every other Federation citizen holds dear.

Julian Bashir

And yet you violate those principles as a matter of course.

In order to protect them.

Julian Bashir

Well, I'm sorry. But the ends don't always justify the means.

Really? [considers for a moment] How many lives do you suppose you've saved in your medical career?

Julian Bashir

What has that got to do with anything?

Hundreds? Thousands? Do you suppose those people give a damn that you lied to get into Starfleet Medical? I doubt it. We deal with threats to the Federation that jeopardize its very survival. If you knew how many lives we've saved, I think you'd agree that the ends do justify the means. Now, I'm not afraid of bending the rules every once in a while if the situation warrants it. And I don't think you are, either.

Your assignment is to gather data on the Romulan leadership. In essence, we want you to take the pulse of their government, no pun intended.

Julian Bashir

You want me to spy on an ally?

To evaluate an ally, and a temporary ally at that. I say that, because when the war's over, the following will happen in short order: the Dominion will be forced back to the Gamma Quadrant. The Cardassian empire will be occupied. The Klingon Empire will spend the next ten years recovering from the war and won't pose a serious threat to anyone. That leaves two powers to vie for control of the quadrant: the Federation and the Romulans.

Julian Bashir

This war isn't over, and you're already planning for the next.

Well put.

Julian Bashir

Remember these? Romulan mind probes. Not the most pleasant of devices, but they're very efficient.

They're also illegal in the Federation.

Julian Bashir

Oh, I hope you can appreciate the irony of that statement.