| R: |
How many ships?
|
| P: |
One, and it's on a direct course for Earth. They will cross
the federation board in less than an hour. Admiral Hayse is mobilizing
a fleet in the typhon sector.
|
| Da: |
At maximum warp, it will take us 3 hours, 25 minutes...
|
| P: |
We're not going.
|
| R: |
What do you mean we're not going?
|
| P: |
Our orders are to patrol the neutral zone in case the Romulans decide
to take advantage of this situation.
|
| De: |
The Romulans?
|
| Da: |
Captain, there has been no unusual activity along the Romulan border
for the last 9 months. It seems highly unlikely they would choose
this moment to start a conflict.
|
| Cr: |
Does Starfleet feel we need more shakedown time?
|
| Ge: |
Captain, we've been out in space nearly a year now. We're ready.
The Enterprise E is the most advanced starship in the fleet. We should be
on the front line.
|
| P: |
I have gone over all this with starfleet command. Their orders stand.
Number One, set a course for the neutral zone.
|
| R: |
Bizet?
|
| P: |
Berlioz. What do you have?
|
| R: |
We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone.
|
| P: |
Oh, fascinating. Twenty particles of the space dust per cubic meter,
52 ultra violet radiation spikes, and a class-2 comet. Wow,
this is certainly worthy of our attention.
|
| R: |
Captain, why are we out here chasing comets?
|
| P: |
Let's just say the Starfleet has every confidence in the Enterprise
and her crew. They're just not sure about her Captain. They believe that
a man who was once captured and assimilated by the Borg should not be
put in a situaiton where he would face them again. To do so would
introduce an unstable element to a critical situation.
|
| R: |
That's ridiculous. Your experience with the Borg makes you the perfect
man to lead this fight.
|
| P: |
Admiral Haze disagrees.
|
| De: |
Bridge to Captain Picard.
|
| P: |
Go ahead!
|
| De: |
We've just received word from the fleet. They've engaged the Borg.
|
| P: |
Mr. Data, Put starfleet frequency 1-4-8-6 on audio.
|
| Da: |
Aye, sir.
|