Berlioz.

Captains log, stardate 50893.5. 

The moment I have dreaded for nearly six years has finally arrived. 

The Borg, our most lethal enemy have begun an invasion of the Federation, and this time there may be no stopping them.

[Enterprise-E observation lounge]

RIKER: 

How many ships?

PICARD: 

One, and it's on a direct course for Earth. 

It'll cross the Federation border in less than an hour. 

Admiral Hayes is mobilising a fleet in the Typhon sector.

DATA: 

At maximum warp it will take us three hours twenty-five minutes.

PICARD: 

We're not going.

RIKER: 

What do you mean,

'We're not going'?

PICARD: 

Our orders are to patrol the Neutral Zone, in case the Romulans decide to take advantage of the situation.

TROI: 

The Romulans?

DATA: 

Captain, there has been no unusual activity along the Romulan border for nine months. 

It seems highly unlikely they would choose this moment to start a conflict.

CRUSHER: 

Does Starfleet feel we need more shakedown time?

LAFORGE: 

Captain, we've been out in space for nearly a year now. 

We're ready! 

The Enterprise-E is the most advanced starship in the fleet. 

We should be on the front line.

PICARD: 

I have gone over all this with Starfleet Command. 

Their orders stand. 

...Number One, set a course for the Neutral Zone

[Picard's quarters]

(classical music is playing SO LOUDLY, it would RATTLE ya ANCESTORS..!! — Riker enters with a PADD.)

RIKER: 

Bizet?

Picard: 

Berlioz. 

What do you have?

RIKER: 

We've finished our first sensor sweep of the Neutral Zone.

PICARD: 

Oh, fascinating —

Twenty particles of space dust per cubic metre. 

Fifty-two ultra-violet radiation spikes and a class two comet. 

Well, this is certainly worthy of our attention.

RIKER: 

Captain, why are we out here chasing comets?

PICARD: 

Let's just say that Starfleet has every confidence in the Enterprise and her crew —

They're just not sure about her Captain. 

They believe that a man who was once captured and assimilated by the Borg should not be put in a situation where he would face them again. 

To do so would introduce an unstable element to a critical situation

RIKER: 

That's ridiculous! 

Your experience of the Borg makes you the perfect man to lead this fight.

PICARD: 

Admiral Hayes disagrees.

TROI (on intercom): 

Bridge to Captain Picard.

PICARD: 

Go ahead.

TROI (on intercom): 

We've just received word from the fleet. 

They've engaged the Borg.

[Enterprise-E bridge]

PICARD: 

Data, put Starfleet frequency one four eight six on audio.

DATA: 

Aye sir.

FLEET COMMUNICATIONS: 

Flagship to Endeavor. 

Standby to engage at grid A-fifteen. 

...Defiant and Bozeman, fall back to mobile position one. 

...Acknowledge. 

...We have it in visual range. 

A Borg cube on course zero point two one five, speed warp point nine six.

BORG COMMUNICATIONS: 

We are The Borg. 

Lower your shields and surrender your ships. 

We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. 

Your culture will adapt to service us. 

Resistance is futile.

FLEET COMMUNICATIONS: 

All units open fire. 

...They've broken through the defence perimeter. 

... Continue to attack. 

...We need reinforcements. ...Ninety-six dead and twenty-two wounded on the Lexington.

PICARD: 

Lieutenant Hawk. 

Set a course for Earth.

HAWK: 

Aye sir.

PICARD: 

Maximum warp. 

...I am about to commit a direct violation of our orders. 

Any of you who wish to object should do so now — 

It will be noted in my log.

DATA: 

Captain, I believe I speak for everyone here, sir, when I say  :

...to HELL with Our Orders.

RIKER: 

RED ALERT! 

All hands to battle stations.

PICARD:

Engage.

O echoing valley,

Where, at the break of day,

I once wandered singing, alas!

Will he ever sing again beneath your great woods,

Poor Hylas?

Rock gently upon your sublime breast,

O mighty sea, the child of Dindymus.

O cool bower,

Beloved refuge

From the fires of the day, alas!

When shall you give back your scented shade

To poor Hylas?

Rock gently upon your sublime breast,

O mighty sea, the child of Dindymus.

O humble dwelling,

Where I received

My mother's farewell, alas!

Will he see your happy poverty once more,

Poor Hylas?

Rock gently upon your sublime breast,

O mighty sea, the child....