Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)

The Drumhead (1991)

Jean Simmons: Adm. Nora Satie

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Quotes 

• Captain 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 today...

  Admiral Nora Satie : How dare you! You who consort with Romulans, invoke my father's name to support 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!

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Admiral. What you're doing here... is unethical. It's immoral. I'll fight it.

  Admiral Nora Satie : Do what you must, Captain. And so will I.

• Admiral Nora Satie : Spies and saboteurs don't like the bright lights of an open inquiry. They're like roaches scurrying for the dark corner.

• Admiral Nora Satie : [to Picard]  There have been others in the past who doubted me. They came to regret it.

• Admiral Nora Satie : Captain. May I tell you how I've spent the past four years? From planet to starbase to planet. I have no home. I live on starships and shuttlecraft. I haven't seen a family member in years. I have no friends. But I have a purpose. My father taught me from the time I was a little girl still clutching a blanket, that the United Federation of Planets is the most remarkable institution ever conceived. And it is my cause to make sure that this... extraordinary union be preserved.

• Admiral Nora Satie : Captain, do you believe in the Prime Directive?

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Of course.

  Admiral Nora Satie : In fact, it's Starfleet's General Order Number One, is it not?

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Your point, Admiral?

  Admiral Nora Satie : Would it surprise you to learn that you have violated the Prime Directive a total of nine times since you took command of the Enterprise? I must say, Captain, it surprised the hell out of me.

• Admiral Nora Satie : Tell me, Captain, have you completely recovered from your experience with the Borg?

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Yes, I have completely recovered.

  Admiral Nora Satie : It must have been awful for you... actually becoming one of them. Being forced to use your vast knowledge of Starfleet operations to aid the Borg. Just how many of our ships were lost? Thirty-nine? And a loss of life, I believe, measured at nearly 11,000. One wonders how you can sleep at night, having caused so much destruction. I question your actions, Captain; I question your choices, I question your loyalty!

• Admiral Nora Satie : [to Picard about her belief in a conspiracy aboard the Enterprise]  Last time it was just a hatch cover. What if next time it's more serious? What if lives are lost? Can you afford not to act?