''The High Ground'' - Line-by-Line

[LeadHead]

Picard: You have assaulted a Federation starship, killed and wounded several members of her crew, kidnapped two of her officers, and you don't respect a response?

 

[Vanyel]

Finn: On the contrary, I'm counting on it.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: You want Federation involvement?

 

[Vanyel]

Finn: Captain, the Federation has a lot to admire in it, but there's a hint of moral cowardice in your dealings with non-aligned planets. You're doing business with a government that is crushing us and you say you're not involved. You're very, very much involved. You just don't want to get dirty.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: You accuse of of cowardice while you plant bombs in shadows?

 

[Vanyel]

Finn: I am fighting the only war that I can against an intractable enemy. Now, I'm fighting a big war against a more powerful adversary. Can't you see how that helps me?

 

[LeadHead]

Crusher: I'm afraid I can't.

 

[Vanyel]

Picard: He's added another chair to the negotiating table.

 

[LeadHead]

Finn: You added the chair, Captain. I am simply forcing you to sit in it. The Federation will quickly tire of our little war. They'll want you back. They will want to get as far away from Rutia from they can. And I will not make it easy. Eventually, the Federation will force the government into make concessions. And then a few more, and then a few more. Until we can finally reach an honorable agreement that saves face for all sides. Except, we win.

 

[Vanyel]

Picard: You understand I will not cooperate with you in any way.

 

[LeadHead]

Finn: You already have, Captain. Just by coming here.

Sometime later on the Enterprise, Troi exits her quarters, walking into a corridor. Finn appears.

Finn: I am not here to hurt you, just hear what I have to say. Your people are safe. How long they stay that way depends on you. We demand an embargo and trade sanctions leveled against Rutia. The Federation will blockade the planet. No ships will be allowed in or out. This will continue until the government of Rutia consents to talks mediated by a Federation counsel. You have 12 hours to make your decision.

Security arrives, Finn disappears in the dimensional jump.

 

[Vanyel]

Bridge:
Wesley: Got it. We've pinpointed the Ansata base to some 300 kilometers from the city, on the southern tip of the continent.

 

[LeadHead]

Data: Sensors indicate it is located 30 meters below the ground, implying a cavern like dwelling.

 

[Vanyel]

Riker: Any passages leading to the surface?

 

[LeadHead]

Data: Our reading show no evidence of any, Commander.

 

[Vanyel]

Riker: Any light they have must be artificially generated.

 

[LeadHead]

Alexana: If we could shut that down, you could use the confusion to find your people.

 

[Vanyel]

Worf: Request permission to join the rescue party, Sir. I owe it to the Captain.

 

[LeadHead]

Riker: Permission Granted. You have the Bridge, Mister Data.

 

[Vanyel]

Data: Aye, sir.