The Chief :
O'Brien to Commander Sisko.
The Sisko :
Go ahead.
The Chief :
Sir, the Enterprise hailed us again.
Captain Picard is waiting to see you.
The Sisko :
Acknowledged.
This won't take long.
[Observation lounge]
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
Come.
(Sisko enters)
Commander. Yes, please,
come in. Welcome to Bajor.
( He misprounces it —
Pompous French prick. )
The Sisko :
It's been a long
time, Captain.
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
Have we met before?
The Sisko :
Yes, sir. We met in battle.
I was on the Saratoga
at Wolf-359.
(Oh dear, he's still carrying
a grudge. Big pause.)
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
I assume that you have been briefed on the events
leading to the Cardassian withdrawal?
The Sisko :
Yes, sir. I understand they've
spent the last half century
robbing the planet of every
valuable resource before
abandoning it.
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
They've left the Bajorans without
a means of being self-sustaining.
The relief efforts we've been
coordinating are barely adequate.
I've come to know the Bajorans.
I'm a strong proponent
for their entry into
The Federation.
The Sisko :
Is it going to happen?
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
Not easily. The ruling parties
are at each others throats.
Factions that were united
against the Cardassians
have resumed old conflicts.
The Sisko :
Sounds like they're
not ready.
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
Your job is to do everything short of violating
The Prime Directive to make sure that they are.
I have been made aware by Starfleet
of your objections to this assignment.
I would have thought that after three years
spent at the Utopia Planitia yards,
that you would be ready for a change.
The Sisko :
I have a son that I'm raising alone, Captain.
This is not the ideal environment.
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
Unfortunately as Starfleet officers, we do not always
have the luxury to serve in an ideal environment.
The Sisko :
I realise that, sir, and I'm investigating the possibility
of returning to Earth for civilian service.
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
Then perhaps Starfleet Command should be
considering a replacement for you.
The Sisko :
That's probably a good idea.
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
I'll look into it. In the meantime however
—
The Sisko :
In the meantime, I will do the job I've been
ordered to do to the best of my ability, sir.
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard :
Dismissed.
