Jean-Luc Picard (Pours some wine): I've been saving this for a special occasion. My brother on Earth produces fruit known as grapes, which he turns into wine. He's really quite good at it. Chancellor, we have a tradition called a toast. It is a drink to salute one's friends and good fortune, and I would like to propose a toast to a new friendship.
We have something very much like this here on Malcor Three.
Jean-Luc PicardI think we shall find we have much in common.
And much that is not in common.
Jean-Luc Picard
An opportunity to learn from one another.
Trust requires time and experience.
My world's history has recorded that conquerors often arrived with the words, we are your friends.
Jean-Luc Picard
We are not here as conquerors, Chancellor.
Jean-Luc Picard
A beginning. But how we proceed is entirely up to you.
And if my wishes should conflict with yours?
Jean-Luc Picard
There'll be no conflict.
And if I should tell you to leave and never return to my world?
Jean-Luc Picard
We will leave and never return. Chancellor, we are here only to help guide you into a new era. I can assure you we will not interfere in the natural development of your planet. That is, in fact, our Prime Directive.
I can infer from that directive that you do not intend to share all this exceptional technology with us.
Jean-Luc Picard
That is not the whole meaning, but it is part of it.
Is this your way of maintaining superiority?
Jean-Luc Picard
Chancellor, to instantly transform a society with technology would be harmful and it would be destructive.
I go home each night to a loving wife, two beautiful daughters. We eat the evening meal together as a family, I think that's important. And they always ask me if I've had a good day.
Jean-Luc Picard
And how shall you answer them tonight, Chancellor?
I will have to say this morning, I was the leader of the universe as I knew it. This afternoon, I am only a voice in a chorus. But I think it was a good day.
CACytherian Alien
Emotive, electrochemical stimulus response; cranial plate; bipedal locomotion. Endoskeletal. Contiguous external integument.
Jean-Luc Picard
I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard, of the Federation Starship Enterprise.
CACytherian Alien
Hierarchical collective command structure.
Jean-Luc Picard
Who are you?
CACytherian Alien
Interrogative!
VVash
Meet my new partner.
Jean-Luc Picard
Him?!
Jean-Luc Picard
I'll tell you why not...!
Now, Jean-Luc, let's not be unkind...
Jean-Luc Picard
He's devious, and amoral, and unreliable, and irresponsible, and... and definitely not to be trusted.
VVash
Remind you of someone you know?
Jean-Luc Picard
(forced to smile) As a matter of fact, it does.
Jean-Luc Picard
You know, there are some words I've known since I was a schoolboy. "With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably." Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie as wisdom and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged. I fear that day--
ANAdm. Norah Satie
How dare you! You who consort with Romulans invoke my father's name in support of your traitorous arguments! It is an offense to everything I hold dear. And to hear those words used to subvert the United Federation of Planets. My father was a great man. His name stands for integrity, and principle! You dirty his name when you speak it! He loved the Federation! But you, Captain, corrupt it! You undermine our very way of life! I will expose you for what you are! I've brought down bigger men than you, Picard!
Jean-Luc Picard
We think we've come so far. Torture of heretics, burning of witches, is all ancient history. Then, before you can blink an eye, suddenly, it threatens to start all over again.
I believed her. I-- I helped her. I did not see what she was.
Jean-Luc Picard
Mr. Worf, villains who twirl their moustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well-camouflaged.
I think... after yesterday, people will not be so ready to trust her.
Jean-Luc Picard
Maybe. But she, or someone like her, will always be with us. Waiting for the right climate in which to flourish, spreading fear in the name of righteousness. Vigilance, Mr. Worf. That is the price we have to continually pay.
Picard
Mr. Worf, get him out of here.
[Worf gets himself free from the other Klingons who were holding him back, and takes La Forge into custody.]
VVagh
Harming our enemies is not enough! Now the Federation would murder me to achieve its aims!
Picard
Governor, if I could explain this, I would.
[Data enters.]
I believe I can help, Captain. I've been able to determine that Commander La Forge was abducted by Romulans en route to Rissa. It is likely that he was somehow forced to take part in the plot to assassinate Governor Vagh.
AKAmbassador Kell
I saw no evidence of Romulans! We just witnessed him acting very much alone.
No, sir. You did not. I do not believe the Commander is acting out of his own accord. He has been receiving heat band signals through his VISOR, signals which are carrying direct commands to his brain. I have surmised that Commander La Forge was conditioned by Romulans, a process referred to historically, and somewhat inaccurately, as "brainwashing."
VVagh
But to what end? Why would the Romulans want to kill me?
Picard
The Romulans have always wanted to destroy the alliance between the Federation and the Klingons. If Mr. La Forge had killed you, Governor, I think you will agree that they might have succeeded.
KKell
Who sent these signals? A cloaked Romulan ship?
No, sir. That is not possible. The signals had to be transmitted within close proximity to the VISOR.
Picard
Are you suggesting that there was a Romulan accomplice who was in close proximity to Mr. La Forge when he was receiving signals?
VVagh
This Romulan accomplice. Who is he?
I have narrowed the list of possibilities to two people. The only two people who were with Mr. La Forge all three times when the transmission was recorded: Captain Picard and Ambassador Kell. One of them may be concealing a heat band transmitter. If they would agree to be searched...
KKell
I am a Klingon! An Emissary of the High Council! I will not submit to being forced to be searched by you or anyone else o on this ship!
VVagh
I am forced to agree, Captain. We will take the ambassador with us and search him ourselves.
Uzani. His army with fist open.
Jean-Luc Picard
A strategy? With fist open? With fist open...
His army with fist closed.
Jean-Luc Picard
With fist closed? An army with fist open... to lure the enemy. With fist closed... To attack? That's how you communicate, isn't it? By citing example. By metaphor! Uzani's army with... with fist open.
Sokath! His eyes uncovered! [understanding, revealing truth]
Jean-Luc Picard
[paraphrasing The Epic of Gilgamesh] Gilgamesh, a king. Gilgamesh, a king at Uruk. [metaphor about ancient Babylonian legends from Earth] He tormented his subjects. He made them angry. They cried out aloud: "Send us a companion for our king! Spare us from his madness!" Enkidu, a wild man from the forest, entered the city. They fought in the temple. They fought in the streets. Gilgamesh defeated Enkidu. They became great friends. Gilgamesh and Enkidu at Uruk.
Jean-Luc Picard
The... the new friends went out into the desert together, where the Great Bull of Heaven was killing men by the hundreds. Enkidu caught the bull by the tail, Gilgamesh struck him with his sword.
Jean-Luc Picard
They were victorious. But... Enkidu fell to the ground, struck down by the gods; and Gilgamesh wept bitter tears, saying, "He who was my companion through adventure and hardship, [as Dathon dies] is gone forever."
Star Trek: The Next Generation · 525 quotes
