"Tribunal" Line-by-Line

[Athena28]

KIRA: Commander, Chief O'Brien's attitude toward the Cardassians is hardly a secret. What if he actually has done something?

 

[MacLeod]

SISKO: We need to know that too, don't we?

 

[Ziz]

(in O'Brien's cell)

KOVAT: Miles O'Brien? Yes, of course you are.

(He deactivates the forcefield and enters)

I am Conservator Kovat.

 

[MacLeod]

O'BRIEN: I've been told that I've already been charged, indicted, convicted and sentenced. What do I need with a lawyer?

 

[Orac]

Kovat: Ah, Mister O'Brien, if it seems immodest of me, I apologise, but the role of Public Conservator is key to the productive functioning of our courts. I'm here to help you concede the wisdom of the state, to prepare you to accept the inevitable with equanimity. There is an old Cardassian expression. Confession is good for the soul. But it's also good for the populace to see people like you confess. It makes them feel better about themselves. It makes their lives more bearable.

 

[MacLeod]

O'BRIEN: Is that what this is all about? To make the people of Cardassia feel better?

 

[Athena28]

KOVAT: No, no, no, but that's not a bad side effect. Now then, I have your biographical extract and your Starfleet record. All this will be very useful.

 

[MacLeod]

O'BRIEN: What am I being charged with?

 

[Athena28]

KOVAT: No need to worry about that at this point.

 

[Enterprise1981]

O'BRIEN: This is insane!!!

 

[BlueStuff]

KOVAT: Whatever you've done, whatever the charges against you, none of that really matters in the long run.

 

[Enterprise1981]

O'BRIEN: What does matter?

 

[BlueStuff]

KOVAT: This trial is to demonstrate the futility of behaviour contrary to good order. Everyone will find it most uplifting.

 

[Enterprise1981]

O'BRIEN: Not everyone.

 

[BlueStuff]

KOVAT: Once again, justice will be done. Our lives will be reaffirmed, safe and secure. Here on Cardassia, all crimes are solved, all criminals are punished, all endings are happy. Even the poorest of our subjects can walk the streets in the dead of night in perfect safety. You're only one man, but your conviction will be a salutary experience for millions. Now then, the trial opens tomorrow. Do you have any questions, anything you want to tell me?

 

[Enterprise1981]

O'BRIEN: Only that I am not guilty of any crime, and that I hold this whole procedure with nothing but contempt.

 

[BlueStuff]

KOVAT: That's good, that's good. Maintain that level of arrogance in the courtroom and we should put on a very good show indeed.

 

[Enterprise1981]

O'BRIEN: I do have one question.

 

[BlueStuff]

KOVAT: Yes, certainly.

 

[Enterprise1981]

O'BRIEN: Have you ever won a case?