Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)

Ensign Ro (1991)

Patrick Stewart: Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Photos 

Quotes 

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I understand you've been discussing alternative adversarial engagement strategy with Mr. Mot.

  Commander William T. Riker : It'd be more accurate to say he was discussing them with me. He's the best barber in Starfleet. What can you do?

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Yes, Ensign Laren, please sit down.

  Ensign Ro Laren : Ensign Ro, sir.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I beg your pardon?

  Ensign Ro Laren : The Bajoran custom has the family name first, the individual's name second. I am properly addressed as 'Ensign Ro'.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I'm sorry, I didn't know.

  Ensign Ro Laren : No, there's no reason you should. It's an old custom. Most Bajora these days accept the distortion of their names in order to assimilate. I do not.

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : In an age when their technology should be able to clothe and feed all of them; that they should live like this.

  Ensign Ro Laren : I couldn't. And I wouldn't. That's one reason I ran away. They're lost, defeated. I will never be.

• Admiral Kennelly : I can't tell you how difficult it was to get her out of prison.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : It's that important to you?

  Admiral Kennelly : It's that important to the mission.

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Captain's log, supplemental. I read about the achievements of the ancient Bajoran civilization in my fifth grade reader. They were architects and artists, builders and philosophers, when Humans were not yet standing erect. Now I see how history has rewarded them.

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I'm not here to debate Federation policy. I am prepared to offer assistance...

  Keeve Falor : Simply because of one terrorist attack? Then perhaps I have been wrong. We should have attacked the Federation long ago. What do you think of that, Ro?

  Ensign Ro Laren : I think you are a small man who feels a rush of power in his belly and enjoys it far too much, Keeve. Stop talking and listen.

• Doctor Beverly Crusher : I met Holza at a symposium a few years ago.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : What can you tell us about him, Doctor?

  Doctor Beverly Crusher : I found him to be a very concerned leader and a good spokesman for his people... and a terrific dancer.

• Ensign Ro Laren : Captain, I-I don't know who to trust anymore. But that strange bartender of yours has a way of getting to you, and... and she said that you were her friend.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Then we have one thing in common.

• Keeve Falor : I'm sorry, I don't wish to help you. Don't misunderstand; I for one believe the raid on the Federation outpost was poor judgment. You are innocent bystanders. And I cannot condone violence against those who are not our enemies.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Then I... I don't understand why you're unwilling.

  Keeve Falor : Because you're innocent bystanders. You were innocent bystanders for decades, as the Cardassians took our homes. As they violated and tortured our people in the most hideous ways imaginable. As we were forced to flee.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : We were saddened by those events, but they occurred within the designated borders of the Cardassian Empire.

  Keeve Falor : And the Federation is pledged not to interfere in the internal affairs of others. How convenient that must be for you, to turn a deaf ear to those who suffer behind a line on a map.

• Gul Dolak : You are protecting the enemies of the Cardassian people. If you do not withdraw, we will take great offense.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I'm sorry to offend you, Gul Dolak. But we cannot withdraw.

  Gul Dolak : We are prepared to take any steps necessary.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Is that intended as a threat?

  Gul Dolak : It is a complaint - from your Cardassian neighbors.

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I think you've got a great deal to learn from Starfleet.

  Ensign Ro Laren : I always thought Starfleet had a lot to learn from me, Captain.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : That's an attitude that I've found common among the best officers I've ever served with.

• Ensign Ro Laren : Captain, I know the routine. You don't have to worry about me. We're stuck with each other. So let's just get this over with as quickly as possible and go our own separate ways, okay?

  [leaves Picard's ready room unasked] 

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Dismissed.

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I'm not here to debate Federation policy with you. But I can offer you assistance.

  Keeve Falor : Simply because of one terrorist attack? Well... perhaps I should have known. We should have attacked the Federation long ago.

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Guinan is very selective about whom she calls a friend.