"The Inner Light" Line-by-Line

BATAI: We need help if we're to increase the water supply. We think there are ways to reclaim some of our water.

 

Administrator: Batai, you're being a bit of an alarmist. True, we are in a drought, but water rationing has produced a sizeable savings.

 

PICARD: If the weather pattern doesn't change, rationing will not be enough. We'll run out of water.

 

Administrator: Who is this?

 

Batai: Kamin, Sir.

 

Administrator: Kamin. Do I know you?

 

Picard: No. I haven't spoken to you before.

 

ADMINISTRATOR: Well, Kamin, I'm open to all the people of this town. I'm delighted to hear what you have to say.

 

PICARD: I suggest that we build atmospheric condensers which could extract water from the air.

 

ADMINISTRATOR: I don't mean to quash your very creative ideas but building atmospheric condensers would be a monumental undertaking. We could not hope to sustain such a project.

 

PICARD: Each community would be responsible for its own. Condensers could make the difference between watering our crops or watching them die.

 

ADMINISTRATOR: Well, I'll be glad to pass along your idea. You'll see that this kind of participatory government works for everyone. Be well, Batai. I shall see you next month. Good to meet you, Kamin.

 

BATAI: Go carefully, Administrator.

 

BATAI: That went very well. I think he was impressed with you.

 

(Picard obviously doesn't think much of the meeting)

PICARD: But there'll be no atmospheric condensers.

 

Batai: These things take time, but it will happen. I'll make sure of it.

 

Picard: Come and have supper tonight, my friend. I'll make some vegetable stew. Let's talk about building our own condenser.

 

BATAI: Kamin. Hearing you talk to the Administrator, I realized that for the first time in years, you were speaking as though you were truly a member of the community. It was good to hear that again.

 

[Courtyard]

Frere Jacques drifts through the evening air.

BATAI: You've been brooding behind that flute all evening.

 

Picard: I'm not brooding. I'm immersed in my music.