William Riker quotes from Star Trek: The Next Generation

Edward Jellico

Let's drop the ranks for a moment. I don't like you. I believe you're arrogant, insubordinate, willful, and I don't think you're a particularly good First Officer. But you are also the best pilot on the ship.

William Riker

Well, now that the ranks are dropped, Captain...I don't like you, either. You ARE arrogant, and closed-minded. You need to control everyone and everything. You don't provide an atmosphere of trust, and you don't inspire these people to go out of their way for you. You've got everyone wound up so tight, there's no joy in anything. I don't think you're a particularly good Captain.

Worf

Captain, incoming message from the New Berlin Colony. They have cancelled their distress call. Evidently a Ferengi trading ship entered their system and someone panicked.

Riker

Third time today. Stand down Red Alert. Reduce speed. Return to our patrol route.

Jean-Luc Picard

Mister Worf, acknowledge the signal from New Berlin, transmit another copy of Starfleet's ship-recognition protocols - and tell them to read it this time.

Worf

Aye, sir.

Riker

They were fast, aggressive, almost vicious. It was more like fighting Klingons than... [realizes] ...Borg. [to Worf] No offense.

Worf

None taken.

Riker

That's it! I can see that diplomacy is not going to get us anywhere today, and I do not have time to negotiate. So let's put all of our cards on the table. [to Lorin] You're concerned the Kes are going to be admitted to the Federation.

Correct.

Riker

As First Officer of the Enterprise, I think I can promise you it is not going to happen. The Kes will be denied membership.

You have no authority to make that decision! Despite whatever games you played with the Prytt when you arrived, we still plan to take our petition directly to the Federation Council! They'll listen-!

Riker

They will also listen to the reports of the Captain of the Enterprise and his First Officer! And I can tell you right now the First Officer's report will go something like this: "Kesprytt, a deeply troubled world with social, political, and military problems that they have yet to resolve. The Kes, while a friendly and democratic people, are driven by suspicion, deviousness, and paranoia. It is the opinion of this officer that they are not ready for membership."

Picard

Well, they seem to have a somewhat exaggerated opinion of me.

Riker

Oh, I don't know, I think the resemblance is rather striking. Wouldn't you agree, Number One?

Picard

Isn't there something else you have to do?

Riker

I'll be on the bridge!