"I, Borg" Line-bye-Line

[Orac]

Riker [OC]: Captain, we just experienced some kind of loop where everything repeats itself.

 

[Enterprise1981]

LAFORGE: I'm not sure, sir. The subroutines are pretty complicated. I'd probably have to study the data processing algorithms. It's the only way I could trace the access codes.

 

[Orac]

Picard: If we could get to the root command, we could introduce an invasive programming sequence through its biochip system and then return it to the hive.

 

[LeadHead]

La Forge: The Borg are so interconnected it would act like a virus.

 

[Orac]

Picard: Which would infect the entire Collective. We could disable their neural network at a stroke.

 

[LeadHead]

Crusher: "Infect" it? You make it sound like it's a disease.

 

[Orac]

Picard: Quite right, Doctor. If all goes well, a terminal one.

 

[LeadHead]

Later, in the observation lounge, Picard, Riker, Data, Crusher, La Forge and Troi are assembled for a meeting.

La Forge: If this works the way I think it will, once the program starts spreading, it'll only be a matter of months before the Borg suffer total systems failure.

 

[Orac]

Picard: Comments.

 

[LeadHead]

Crusher: A question: What exactly is total systems failure?

 

[Orac]

Data: The Borg are extremely computer dependent. A systems failure will destroy them.

 

[LeadHead]

Crusher: I just think we should be plain about that. We're talking about annihilating an entire race.

 

[Enterprise1981]

PICARD: Which under most circumstances would be unconscionable. But as I see it, the Borg leave us with little choice.

 

[Orac]

Riker: I agree. We're at war.

 

[LeadHead]

Crusher: There's been no formal declaration of war.

 

[Orac]

Troi: Not from us, but certainly from them. They've attacked us in every encounter.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: They've declared war on our way of life. We are to be assimilated.

 

[Orac]

Crusher: But even in war there are rules. You don't kill civilians indiscriminately.

 

[LeadHead]

Riker: There are no civilians among the Borg.

 

[Orac]

Picard: Think of them as a single, collective being. There's no one Borg who is more an individual than your arm or your leg.