Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)

Redemption II (1991)

Brent Spiner: Lieutenant Commander Data

Quotes 

• [Data has been assigned to command the USS Sutherland] 

  Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : Excuse me, sir. I'd like to request a transfer.

  Lt. Commander Data : May I ask why?

  Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : I don't believe I'd be a good first officer for you.

  Lt. Commander Data : Your service record to date suggests you would perform that function adequately.

  Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : No, no, no, that's not what I mean. I don't think I'd be a good first officer for *you*.

  Lt. Commander Data : Why?

  Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : Frankly, sir, I don't believe in your ability to command this ship. You're a fellow officer and I respect that, but... no one would suggest that a Klingon would be a good ship's counselor or that a Berellian could be an engineer; they're just not suited for those positions. By the same token, I don't... think an android is a good choice to be captain.

  Lt. Commander Data : I understand your concerns. Request denied.

• Lt. Commander Data : Captain, I wish to submit myself for disciplinary action. I have disobeyed a direct order from a superior officer. Although the result of my actions proved positive, the ends cannot justify the means.

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : No, they can't. However, the claim 'I was only following orders' has been used to justify too many tragedies in our history. Starfleet doesn't want officers who will blindly follow orders without analyzing the situation. Your actions were appropriate for the circumstances. And I have noted that in your record.

  [Data acknowledges with a nod and turns to leave] 

  Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Mr. Data... Nicely done!

• Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : [to Data; who, after giving an order to move the ship to Gamma Eridon, is looking up something in the Science and tactical station]  What are you doing?

  Lt. Commander Data : In disrupting the detection net, the Romulans may have caused a residual tachyon signature to form around their ships.

  Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : But we have no way of detecting it.

  [Data finds what he is looking for and stands up and addresses the Conn officer] 

  Lt. Commander Data : All stop.

  Ensign Craig : Aye, sir. All stop.

  Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : [genuinely shocked]  What? The fleet's been ordered to the Gamma Eridon!

  Lt. Commander Data : The tachyon signatures will not last long. By the time the fleet is redeployed, it will be too late. Begin to reconfigure sensors to detect ionized particle traces.

  Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : This entire area's been flooded with tachyon particles! We'll never be able to find what you're are looking for.

  Lt. Commander Data : I am well aware of the difficulties. Please bring the phasers back online.

  Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : [Hobson is starting to lose temper]  That will flood three decks with radiation!

  Lt. Commander Data : We will initiate radiation protocol when necessary.

  Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hobson : [snaps accusingly]  You don't give a damn about the people whose lives you're about to throw away! We're not just machines that you can...

  Lt. Commander Data : [interrupting; with a stern finality never seen before]  Mr. Hobson! You will carry out my orders or I will relieve you of duty!

  [after a tense pause, Hobson backs down]