"The Measure of a Man" Line-by-Line

[Leandar]

Data: No one regrets that necessity more than myself. You do understand my reasons?

 

[LeadHead]

La Forge: Yeah, I understand. I just don't like the idea of you being forced out. It's not fair.

 

[Leandar]

Data: As Dr. Pulaski would at this juncture, no doubt, remind us, life is rarely fair.

 

[LeadHead]

La Forge: Sorry but that just doesn't make it any better.

 

[Leandar]

Data: I shall miss you, Geordi.

 

[LeadHead]

La Forge: Me too. Take care of yourself Data.

 

[Leandar]

Phillipa: I have completed my research, based on the Acts of Cumberland passed in the early twenty first century. Data is the property of Starfleet. He cannot resign and he cannot refuse to cooperate with Commander Maddox.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: What if I challenge this ruling?

 

[Leandar]

Phillipa: Then I shall be required to hold a hearing.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: Then I so challenge. Convene your hearing.

 

[Leandar]

Phillipa: Captain, that would be exceedingly difficult. This is a new base. I have no staff.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: But surely, Captain, you have regulations to take care of such an eventuality.

 

[Leandar]

Phillipa: There are. I can use serving officers as legal counsel. You as the senior officer would defend.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: Very Good.

 

[Leandar]

Phillipa: And the unenviable task of prosecuting this case would fall on you, Commander, as the next most senior officer of the defendant's ship.

 

[LeadHead]

Riker: I can't. I- I won't. Data's my comrade. We have served together. I not only respect him, i consider him my friend.

 

[Leandar]

Phillipa: When people of good conscience have an honest dispute, we must still sometimes resort to this kind of adversarial system.

 

[LeadHead]

Riker: You want me to prove that Data is a mere machine. I can't do that, because I don't believe it. I happen to know better. So I'm neither qualified, nor willing. You're going to have to find someone else.

 

[Leandar]

Phillipa: Then I will rule summarily based upon my findings. Data is a toaster. Have him report to Commander Maddox immediately for experimental refit.

 

[LeadHead]

Riker: I see. I have no choice but to agree.