"Inquisition" Line-by-Line

Bashir: So, why don't you tell me who you are? Who you work for?

 

SLOAN: I would think it's obvious. The same people you work for. The Federation. Starfleet.

 

Bashir: You don't expect me to believe you're with Internal Affairs, do you?

 

SLOAN: No, of course not. Internal Affairs is a competent department, but limited.

 

Bashir: So, which department are you with?

 

SLOAN: Let's just say I belong to another branch of Starfleet Intelligence. Our official designation is Section thirty one.

 

Bashir: Never heard of it.

 

SLOAN: We keep a low profile. Works out better that way for all concerned.

 

Bashir: And what does Section 31 do, apart from kidnapping Starfleet officers?

 

SLOAN: We search out and identify potential dangers to the Federation.

 

Bashir: And once identified?

 

Sloan: We deal with them.

 

BASHIR: How?

 

Sloan: Quietly.

 

Bashir: So if I had been a dominion agent, what would have happened to me?

 

Sloan: We wouldn't be standing here having this conversation.

 

Bashir: And Starfleet sanctions what you're doing?

 

SLOAN: We don't submit reports or ask for approval for specific operations, if that's what you mean. We're an autonomous department.

 

Bashir: Authorized by whom?

 

SLOAN: Section 31 was part of the original Starfleet charter.