Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)

Chain of Command, Part I (1992)

Ronny Cox: Capt. Edward Jellico

Photos 

Quotes 

• Captain Edward Jellico : Lemec is a Cardassian, and Cardassians are like... timber wolves, predators - bold in large numbers, cautious by themselves, and with an instinctive need to establish a dominant position in any social gathering.

  Counselor Deanna Troi : So you're trying to establish a dominant position by making him wait for *you*?

  [Jellico makes an affirmative gesture] 

  Counselor Deanna Troi : The trouble with wolves is that... sometimes in the fight for dominance, one of them ends up dead.

  Captain Edward Jellico : In that case, the trick is... to be the wolf that's still standing at the end.

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : [about Riker]  He's been decorated by Starfleet Command five times; he's been offered his own ship more than once. I think if you just gave him a chance, you would find him an outstanding officer.

  Captain Edward Jellico : Jean-Luc, let's be candid for a moment. The Cardassians aren't going to listen to reason, and the Federation isn't going to give in to their demands. And the chances are you won't be coming back from this mission of yours. I want this ship ready for action, and I don't have time to give Will Riker or anyone else... "a chance". And forgive me for being blunt - but the Enterprise is mine now.

• Gul Lemec : [sitting in the Enterprise's Observation Lounge displeased when Jellico suddenly walks in, followed by Riker and Troi; he gets to his feet]  What is going on? I've been waiting here for over an hour...

  Captain Edward Jellico : [talking over him]  I'm Captain Jellico. I believe you know Commander Riker and this is Lt Commander Troi. Let's get to it, shall we?

  Gul Lemec : [with great disdain]  This treatment is a deliberate insult to the Cardassian Union! I have been kept waiting here for over an hour!

  Captain Edward Jellico : Then I'm sure you're ready to talk.

  Gul Lemec : [Jellico, Riker and Troi sit but Lemec is suddenly uncertain]  I did not agree to allow others into this meeting.

  Captain Edward Jellico : If it alarms you, I can ask them to leave.

  Gul Lemec : [defiant]  I am not alarmed, but we did agree...

  Captain Edward Jellico : [interrupts again]  A great many people are depending on our efforts here, Gul Lemec. We don't need to quibble over minutiae.

  Gul Lemec : [leaning in, inches from Jellico's face]  I have come to negotiate a Federation withdrawal from the borders... not to be dictated to by some mere Captain.

  Captain Edward Jellico : [suddenly gets to his feet and locks eyes with Lemec]  I can see you're not serious about these talks.

  [Lemec narrows his eyes at Jellico's] 

  Captain Edward Jellico : If the Cardassion Union truly wishes to discuss peace... they can send someone who can negotiate in a civilised manner!

  [Jellico storms out, followed by Riker and Troi, leaving behind Lemec, more uncertain than ever] 

  Lt. Commander Data : [announcing Jellico's presence when he sees the three of them]  Captain on the Bridge.

  Captain Edward Jellico : [amused, but also businesslike]  Let him stew for a few minutes, then go in and tell him that you've convinced me to meet with him one more time. Tell him I'm a loose cannon and that he needs to be more reasonable because I'm such an unreasonable man. Lemec will want to bring his own aides on board. Pretend to be worried that I'll object and then give grudging permission for two aides... no more. Understood?

  Commander William T. Riker , Counselor Deanna Troi : Aye, Sir.

  Commander William T. Riker : [Jellico heads off for the Ready Room]  Well, I'll say this for him... he's sure of himself.

  Counselor Deanna Troi : No, he's not.

• Captain Edward Jellico : [about Riker]  He was your first officer for five years...

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : One of the finest officers that I have ever served with.

  Captain Edward Jellico : Of course he is, Jean-Luc. I'm sure it'll all work out.

• Captain Edward Jellico : I relieve you, sir.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I stand relieved.

• [repeated line] 

  Captain Edward Jellico : Get it done!

• Captain Edward Jellico : ...and get that fish out of the ready room.

• Gul Lemec : Where is Captain Picard?

  Captain Edward Jellico : Reassigned.

  Gul Lemec : [smugly]  Well, I hope his new assignment is not too dangerous. It would be a shame if something were to happen to such a, uh... such a noted officer.

  Captain Edward Jellico : [dryly]  Yes. It would.