Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)

The High Ground (1990)

Patrick Stewart: Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Photos 

Quotes 

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : History has shown us that strength may be useless when faced with terrorism.

• [Dr. Crusher has been abducted by terrorists] 

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I would like to leave Commander Riker here to assist in your search for Dr. Crusher.

  Alexana Devos : [shrugs]  If you like.

  Commander William T. Riker : You don't sound very optimistic.

  Alexana Devos : I know my enemy, Commander; they don't leave much room for optimism.

• Lt. Commander Data : [on the transport device of the terrorists]  Captain, anyone who is willing to transport in this manner would suffer significant internal damage that could be detected.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Hm... It sounds as though they may require the services... of a doctor.

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Beverly, it is our obligation to think of escape.

  Doctor Beverly Crusher : [referring to Finn]  He's prepared to kill you.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : An excellent reason to escape.

• Lt. Commander Data : I have been reviewing the history of armed rebellion. And it appears that terrorism is an effective way to promote political change.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Yes, it can be. But I have never subscribed to the theory that political power flows from the barrel of a gun.

• [last lines] 

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : [while Wesley is welcoming back his mother]  Take us out of orbit, Mr. Crusher.

  [Wesley is still hugging his mother] 

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : At your convenience.

• Doctor Beverly Crusher : I'm sorry. If I'd only gone back to the ship.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I should've beamed you up.

  Doctor Beverly Crusher : You wouldn't dare.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Oh, yes, I would, and should.

  Doctor Beverly Crusher : Without my permission?

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : If you don't follow orders.

  Doctor Beverly Crusher : If you'd give reasonable orders, I'd obey.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Doctor, I will be the judge of what is reasonable!

• Kyril Finn : I am fighting the only war that I can against an intractable enemy. Now I'm fighting a big war against a more powerful adversary. Can't you see how that helps me?

  Doctor Beverly Crusher : I'm afraid I can't.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : He's added another chair to the negotiating table.

  Kyril Finn : *You* added the chair, Captain; I am simply forcing you to sit in it.

• Lt. Commander Data : But if that is so, Captain, why are their methods so often successful? I've been reviewing the history of armed rebellion, and it appears that terrorism is an effective way to promote political change.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Yes, it can be. But I have never subscribed to the theory that political power flows from the barrel of a gun.

  Lt. Commander Data : Yet there are numerous examples when it was successful: the independence of the Mexican state from Spain, the Irish Unification of 2024, and the Kenzie Rebellion.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Yes, I am aware of them.

  Lt. Commander Data : Then would it be accurate to say that terrorism is acceptable, when all options for peaceful settlement have been foreclosed?

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Data, these are questions that mankind has been struggling with throughout history. Your confusion is... only Human.

• [first lines] 

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : [voice over]  Captain's log, stardate 43510.7. The Enterprise has put in at Rutia 4 to deliver medical supplies following an outbreak of violent protests. Although non-aligned, the planet has enjoyed a long trading relationship with the Federation. Now, a generation of peace has ended with terrorist attacks by Ansata terrorists, who are demanding autonomy and self-determination for their homeland on the western continent. Recreational shore leave has been prohibited and all away teams have been instructed to beam down armed.