Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV Series)

Heart of Stone (1995)

Avery Brooks: Commander Benjamin 'Ben' Sisko

Photos 

Quotes 

• Nog : My father is a mechanical genius. He could've been chief engineer of a starship if he'd had the opportunity. But he went into business, like a good Ferengi. The only thing is, he's not a good Ferengi - not when it comes to acquiring profit. So now, all he has to live for, is the slim chance that someday, somehow, he might be able to take over my uncle's bar. Well, I'm not going to make the same mistake. I want to do something with my life, something worthwhile.

  Commander Sisko : Like Joining Starfleet.

  Nog : I might not have an instinct for business. But I have my father's hands and my uncle's tenacity. I *know* I've got something to offer. I just need a chance to prove it.

  Commander Sisko : [after a moment of reconsideration, Sisko smiles]  Alright. I'll see to it you get that chance.

  [Nog can't believe his ears] 

  Nog : You're going to recommend me to Starfleet Academy?

  Commander Sisko : I'll see to it that letter will be sent first thing tomorrow morning.

  Nog : [overwhelmed with joy]  Commander, I don't know how to thank you!

  [laughing with joy, Nog jumps and gives Commander Sisko an excited and grateful hug] 

  Commander Sisko : [calming him down; softly]  Whoa, whoa, whoa... .

  [Nog calms down and straightens himself up like a real soldier] 

  Commander Sisko : Don't thank me yet. You've got a lot of work ahead of you.

  Nog : Don't worry. I won't let you down. You'll never regret this!

  [They shake hands. Nog laughs, over the moon] 

• Nog : [a suspicous Sisko has just expressed his reluctance to send a letter of recommendation to Starfleet Academy and Nog is upset]  I want to join Starfleet. I want it more than anything I've ever wanted in my life!

  Commander Sisko : You're a Ferengi. Why would you want to be in Starfleet? Where's the profit in it?

  Nog : I don't care about profit!

  Commander Sisko : [grabs Nog by the shoulders]  Then what *do* you care about? Come on, Nog, tell me! Why is it so damned important that you get into Starfleet? Why're you doing this?

  Nog : [shouts in distraught]  Because I don't want to end up like my father!

  Commander Sisko : [genuinely surprised; no longer angry]  Your... father?

  Nog : That's right, my father. He's been chasing profit his whole life. And what has it gotten him? Nothing! And you know why? Because he doesn't have the lobes. And neither do I.

• Nog : According to Ferengi bylaws, section 105, subparagraph 10: "Upon reaching adulthood, Ferengi males must purchase an apprenticeship from a suitable role model." I choose you.

  Commander Sisko : You want to be *my* apprentice?

  Nog : That's right. I want to be the first Ferengi in Starfleet! Now, who do I see about getting a uniform?

• Lieutenant Jadzia Dax : *Nog*?

  Commander Sisko : My reaction exactly.

  Lieutenant Jadzia Dax : I always thought it would be interesting to have a Ferengi in Starfleet - but Nog?

• Commander Sisko : [18th Rule of Acquisition]  A Ferengi without profit...

  Nog : ...is no Ferengi at all.