O'Brien: I'd just like to say, sir, he was a good man. What he did was terribly wrong, I know that now, but I'm still proud to have served with him.
Picard: Thank you, Chief. And well done. That'll be all.
Macet: His loyalty is admirable, even if it is misplaced.
Picard: The loyalty you would so quickly dismiss does not come easily to my people. You have much to learn about us. Benjamin Maxwell earned the loyalty of those who served with him. You know, in war, he was twice honoured with the Federation's highest citation for courage and valour, and if he could not find a role for himself in peace, we can pity him, but we shall not dismiss him.
Macet: You are welcome to your opinion. I, for one, am grateful he is under lock and key.
Picard: One more thing, Gul Macet. Maxwell was right. Those ships were not carrying scientific equipment, were they? A research station within arm's reach of three Federation sectors? Cargo ships running with high-energy subspace fields that jam sensors?
Macet: If you believe the transport ship was carrying weapons, Captain, why didn't you board it as Maxwell requested?
Picard: I was here to protect the peace, a peace I firmly believe is in the interest of both our peoples. If I had attempted to board that ship, I'm certain you and I would not be having this pleasant conversation, and that ships on both sides would now be arming for war.
Macet: Captain, I assure you...
Picard: Take this message to your leaders, Gul Macet. We'll be watching. (Turns away)
