"The First Duty" Line-by-Line

Brand: That was not my question, Cadet.

 

Hajar: "...We had discussed changing our approach after I filed the flight plan. Final decision was made in route to Saturn. I didn't consider it significant enough to mention here. I apologize for the confusion, sir. I should have been more precise."

 

Satelk: Did you see Mister Albert's ship break formation before it collided with your ship?

 

HAJAR: No, sir. My first indication of trouble was when my proximity alarm went off.

 

Satelk: You may be seated. Did any of you see the collision take place?

 

LOCARNO: No, sir.

 

Satlek: Cadet Sito, you were in the tail position, therefore you should have seen any sign of trouble from Cadet Albert. Yet you saw nothing?

 

Sito: That is correct, sir.

 

Satelk: Did your attention falter?

 

Sito: No, sir. I was flying solely on sensor readings at the time. I did not have any visual contact with Cadet Albert's ship when he broke formation.

 

Satelk: Sensor readings?

 

(a murmur goes around the room)

CRUSHER: What's wrong?

 

PICARD: Well, it's unusual to fly on sensors alone in this type of maneuver. The pilot relies on visual cues from the other ships to maintain formation.

 

Brand: If you were flying on sensors alone, perhaps you could tell us the orientations of his ship before the collision.

 

SITO: I don't know, sir.

 

Brand: You were flying a ship, traveling eighty thousand kph, with Cadet Albert's ship less than ten meters away and you don't know what his orientation was?

 

SITO: I don't remember, sir.

 

Lacarno: Sir, may I?

 

BRAND: Go ahead.

 

Locarno: Admiral, Josh was a good pilot, but lately he'd been having difficulties. He'd get nervous during close fly-bys and pull away in the final seconds. His formation flying was a little erratic.