:21:00
We are six hours
from the Neutral Zone.
:21:03
I have been unable to make contact
with any Federation colony here.
:21:08
- How many outposts are nearby?
- Nine.
:21:11
We should assume
they've been destroyed.
:21:14
- By the Romulans?
- It fits their historical pattern.
:21:18
We've had no contact
with the Romulans
:21:20
for 53 years,
seven months, 1 8 days.
:21:23
We must consider
our information out of date.
:21:26
So the information they have
about us is also out of date.
:21:30
I think it's that lack of information
that this is about.
:21:34
Go on.
:21:35
The Romulans want a confrontation.
Specifically with us.
:21:40
- The Enterprise?
- Not by name, but the Federation.
:21:43
They know the Federation will send
their best,
:21:46
enabling them to see how far we have
advanced in technology and technique.
:21:52
- What are you recommending?
- I've no specific recommendation.
:21:56
Perhaps we should assume
the initiative.
:21:58
I agree.
This may be our only opportunity.
:22:01
We should seize it.
:22:06
Mr Data?
:22:07
The strategy is built on a single
premise. Their hostile intent.
:22:13
If the premise is sound,
so is the proposal.
:22:18
If their intention isn't hostile,
what is it?
:22:21
Capt Picard?
:22:24
This is Capt Picard.
To whom am I speaking?
:22:27
Ralph Offenhouse.
:22:29
I need to talk to you.
:22:31
Number One, did you give him
permission to contact me?
:22:34
No. He must have seen me
use the comm panel.
:22:38
Listen, Mr... Offenhouse,
we're in a very important conference.
:22:43
I'm sick ofbeing put off
:22:44
by you and your staff! This is
the worst-run ship I've been on!
:22:49
You should learn from the QE2.
That's an efficient operation!
:22:54
Data, identify. What is a QE2?
:22:56
It was a passenger liner, which
travelled Earth's Atlantic Ocean