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 Picard: "Captain's
log, stardate 41235.25: Our location: Planet Ligon II,
source of a rare vaccine needed on Federation planet
Styrus IV. Starfleet has instructed me to engage in a
friendly visit and open treaty negotiations to acquire
this medicinal substance." |
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 Lutan: "Your skill
impresses me. I like you." |
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 Picard: "Captain's
log, stardate 41235.32: I am concerned. Over a full day
of waiting with no response from Lutan. We are now
testing whether they are aware of our sensors probing
them. So far we believe we have pinpointed Lutan's
government compound." |
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 Crusher: "Damn. Where are
the callouses we doctors are supposed to grow over our
feelings?"
Picard: "Perhaps the good ones never get them." |
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 Picard: "Wesley?"
Wesley: "I haven't stepped one food on your
bridge, Captain."
Riker: "It's alright, Sir, I'll see that he
leaves immediately."
Picard: "No."
Riker: "No?"
Picard: "Why don't you . . . sit at OPS next to
Lieutenant LaForge?"
Wesley & LaForge [in unison]: "Sir?"
Picard: "Is the whole ship deaf? Sit down over
there, young man . . . temporarily!" |
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 Picard: "Let's hear the
analysis."
Data: "It is a highly structured society in which
people live by strict codes of honor. For example what
Lutan did is similar to what certain American Indians
once did called 'county coup'. That is from an obscure
language known as 'French'. 'County coup' . . . "
Picard: "Mr. Data. The French language for
centuries on Earth represented civilisation."
Data: "Indeed? But surely, Sir . . . "
Riker: "I suggest you drop it, Mr. Data."
Data: "Yes, Sir." |
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 Troi: "Commander."
Riker: "Commander? That's quite formal."
Troi: "So is this request, Sir . . . We believe
it would be preferable, if the Captain led this away
party."
Data: "Agreed, Sir. Their customs concerning
guests make it much preferable."
Riker: "And I'm very much against that idea.
Lutan is clearly a liar,
 and
devious. Counselor Troi has admitted she believes he's
capable of killing. It is my duty to keep the Captain
from danger, sir."
Data: "Except that Ligonian custom makes it clear
that a visiting leader becomes an honored guest. Not us,
not second in command, him."
Troi: "And the custom requires that Lutan should
die rather than violate that."
Riker: "Yes, it seems reasonable, put that way.
But I warn you: If you get hurt I'll put you on report,
Captain." |
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 Picard: "Have you been
treated well, Lieutenant?"
Yar: "Fine, Captain. But they are showing some
signs of wear." |
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 Riker [log entry]: "Ship's
log, First Officer Riker reporting: We've been informed
of the challenge to Lieutenant Yar and are maintaining
combat readiness round the clock. We are probing Lutan's
compound deeply with our sensors now, still unnoticed." |
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 Picard: "It's a great pity
you began by abducting my security officer, Lutan,
because I should tell you: I do admire the hospitality
you offer here."
Lutan: "I am in the grip of forces you do not
understand."
Picard: "Some of it I do understand. She's a
rather lovely female."
Lutan: "You surprise me, Captain. What do you
know of needs and feelings?"
Picard: "Nothing. Well, almost nothing." |
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 Data: "Why that razor, my
friend? Why not the one I adjusted to perfect
efficiency?"
LaForge: "Shaving is a human art form, Data.
Technological perfection can shave too close." |
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 Picard: "You have both seen
the message about the plague."
LaForge: "And how badly the vaccine is needed.
Yes, Sir."
Picard: "We need to know as much as possible
about Ligonian armaments. Data, especially important is
an analysis of their combat capabilities. Geordie,
concentrate on their cutting edges wherever applicable.
Durability, composition. Weaknesses in material."
LaForge: "Aye, Sir."
Data: "From any particular point of view, Sir?"
Picard: "From the perspective of Lieutenant Yar
using them in combat with Lutan's wife."
Data: "Most interesting. Could this be Human Joke
Number 663?"
LaForge: "Negative, Data. That's a captain's
order."
Data: "Which makes it important to know which of
these weapons are to be used."
Picard: "And that won't be known until combat
begins." |
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 Riker [log entry]: "Ship's
log, Commander William Riker reporting: Continuing our
appraisal of Ligonian technology, the Captain has made
it clear he wants Lieutenant Yar beamed immediately to
safety if her life should become endangered. I fervidly
hope the rules of that contest make it possible." |
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 Riker [log entry]: "First
Officer's log, supplemental: Captain Picard, faced with
a critical need for a vaccine produced on this planet,
has permitted Lieutenant Natasha Yar to engage in a
fight to the death. I have yet to understand his
reasoning or his plan." |
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