“Paradise Lost” quotes from Deep Space Nine

Benjamin Sisko

There comes a time in every man’s life when he must stop thinking and start doing.

Nog

I'm sorry, Captain, the names of Red Squad members are supposed to be secret.

Benjamin Sisko

But you know who they are?

Nog

Hee-hee. It's not easy keeping secrets from a Ferengi, and I feel funny telling anyone else. Besides, if they found out I told you, I'd never get in.

Benjamin Sisko

Cadet, you are obviously under the mistaken impression that I am asking a favor. [increasingly hostile voice] I want a name and I want it now and that is an order. Understood, Mr. Nog?

Nog

Yes, sir.

...and our role would go unrecognized, at least for now.

Benjamin Sisko

Maybe if you had done your job right it would have. But you fouled it up, didn't you? You cadets did some sloppy work—some damn sloppy work.

Are you planning on using that?

Benjamin Sisko

Against a fellow officer? I hope not. [Takes off Leyton's combadge] But I will have to ask for your resignation.

You'll forgive me if I don't leap at the opportunity.

Benjamin Sisko

I have enough evidence to convict you of treason. We have Lieutenant Arriaga in custody on the Defiant, and he is ready to admit that under your orders, he attached a subspace modulator to the relay satellite on the far side of the wormhole. That's why it was opening and closing at random.

Why would anyone want to do that?

Benjamin Sisko

To make it look like a cloaked Dominion fleet was coming through the wormhole. That way, when Earth's power relays were sabotaged, people would think that an invasion was imminent.

That's a very interesting theory, but it's not going to do you much good. Lieutenant Arriaga isn't going to get to Earth. I've sent the Lakota to intercept the Defiant.

Benjamin Sisko

You really think one Starfleet starship will fire on another?

As far as Benteen's crew is concerned, the Defiant isn't a Starfleet ship. They've been told that everyone on the Defiant 's been replaced by Shapeshifters.

That was a mistake, Ben, talking to your ship from my office. Now that security knows you're here, you'll never make it past that door.

Benjamin Sisko

It doesn't matter whether I get out of here or not. By now, Odo is talking to Jaresh-Inyo. The President will have all the evidence he needs to stop you. It's over.

[slams his fist against his desk, furious] It's not over! I have enough loyal officers to make a fight of it.

Who will you fight? Starfleet? The Federation? Don't you see, Admiral? You're fighting the wrong war. And as for your loyal officers, Benteen's already abandoned you, and she was closer to you than anyone. You've lost. Don't make anyone else pay for your mistakes.

I hope you're not the one making the mistake.