"Encounter at Farpoint" Line-by-Line

DATA [OC]: The saucer module is now entering orbit with us, sir.

 

PICARD: Acknowledged. Commander Riker will perform a manual docking. Picard out.

 

RIKER: Sir?

 

PICARD: You've reported in, haven't you? You are qualified?

 

Riker: Yes, Sir.

 

PICARD: Then I mean now, Commander.

 

Riker leaves.

Moments later, the saucer section is directly in front if the battle section, ready to reconnect. On the battle bridge, everyone is standing at the back of the room for some reason.

Data: Did you say we'll be doing this, manually, Sir? No automation?

 

RIKER: As ordered.

 

They approach the saucer from astern, of course.

RIKER: Velocity to one half meter per second. Adjust pitch angle, negative three degrees. Watch your roll angle, conn. All stations, prepare for reconnection. Thrusters to station keeping. All velocity zero. Her inertia should do the job now. Lock up...now.

The clamps rise and the two parts of the ship meet again.

 

Later in the observation lounge, Picard sits and prepares a cup of tea. Riker stands at the other end of the table.

Picard: A fairly routine maneuver, but you handled it quite well.

 

RIKER: Thank you, sir. I hope I showed some promise.

 

PICARD: I do have some questions for you though.

 

Riker: Yes Sir, I thought you might.

 

PICARD: I see in your file that Captain DeSoto thinks very highly of you. One curious thing, however, you refused to let him beam down to Altair Three.

 

Riker: In my opinion, Sir, Altair 3 was too dangerous to risk exposing the Captain.

 

PICARD: I see. A Captain's rank means nothing to you.

 

RIKER: Rather the reverse, sir. But a Captain's life means a great deal to me.

 

PICARD: Isn't it just possible that you don't get to be a Starfleet Captain without knowing whether it's safe to beam down or not? Isn't it a little presumptuous of a first officer to second guess his captain's judgment?

 

RIKER: Permission to speak candidly, sir?

 

PICARD: Always.