Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E19
· Coming of Age

Remmick's Report and Picard's Crucible of Command

In the Admiral's quarters, Remmick delivers the results of his exhaustive investigation into Captain Picard and the Enterprise crew, candidly admitting his failure to uncover any wrongdoing. His rare personal appeal to continue serving under Picard underscores a grudging respect born from witnessing the Captain's integrity. Admiral Quinn then reveals the true nature of the inquiry: a covert loyalty test amid growing fears of an insidious threat to the Federation. Offering Picard a pivotal promotion to Admiral and command of Starfleet Academy, Quinn seeks to place a trusted leader at the Federation's strategic heart. Picard, wary of the political machinations and uncertain of his own suitability, requests time to weigh this life-altering proposition. Their tense, weighty exchange closes with a handshake, symbolizing mutual respect and the heavy burden of choice before Picard as he stands at a crossroads between duty, trust, and personal conviction.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Remmick requests to continue serving under Picard after his Inspector General tour ends, signaling respect and trust despite the failed investigation.

defeat to hopeful resolve ["Admiral's quarters aboard the Enterprise"]

Picard asks for time to consider Quinn’s offer amidst doubts, who presses for a prompt answer before they shake hands and conclude the tense exchange.

uncertainty to cautious resolve ["Admiral's quarters aboard the Enterprise"]

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Thoughtful with underlying apprehension, grappling with the tension between duty, trust, and personal conviction.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard listens intently to the revelations, balancing his respect for Starfleet authority with personal wariness about political maneuvering. He thoughtfully considers the offer to become Admiral and Commandant of Starfleet Academy, expressing doubts about his political aptitude and the timing of such a life-altering decision.

Goals in this moment
  • • To understand the true nature of the investigation and its implications.
  • • To carefully weigh the promotion offer against his own values and capabilities.
Active beliefs
  • • Political machinations complicate even noble intentions within Starfleet.
  • • Leadership requires more than rank—it demands integrity and genuine suitability.
Character traits
reflective principled wary reserved honest
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
Gregory Quinn
Admiral
 primary

Calm yet imbued with a grave sense of responsibility and guarded suspicion.

Admiral Quinn presides over the meeting with authoritative caution, receiving Remmick’s report and revealing the deeper, covert nature of the inquiry as a loyalty test amid fears undermining the Federation. He offers Picard a promotion and pivotal command, emphasizing the gravity and political stakes at play.

Goals in this moment
  • • To confirm Captain Picard’s loyalty and integrity through covert means.
  • • To secure a trustworthy leader by promoting Picard to a strategic position within Starfleet.
Active beliefs
  • • The Federation faces an existential threat that requires unwavering loyalty in leadership.
  • • Picard represents the best hope to safeguard the Federation’s future.
Character traits
authoritative cautious strategic calculating diplomatic
Follow Gregory Quinn's journey
Dexter Remmick
Lieutenant Commander
 primary

Uneasy yet sincere, wrestling with the weight of his findings and a desire for belonging and professional redemption.

Inspector Remmick delivers the final investigative report with evident discomfort and earnestness, openly confessing his failure to uncover any misconduct aboard the Enterprise. Before leaving, he makes a personal appeal to serve under Picard, signaling a rare moment of vulnerability and respect.

Goals in this moment
  • • To transparently communicate the results of the investigation despite personal misgivings.
  • • To express loyalty and a wish to continue serving under Captain Picard.
Active beliefs
  • • Integrity is paramount, even when it exposes institutional suspicions as unfounded.
  • • Captain Picard embodies the leadership and moral standards worthy of trust.
Character traits
earnest uncomfortable honest respectful dutiful
Follow Dexter Remmick's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Admiral's Quarters

The Admiral's quarters serve as the solemn and tension-laden setting for the confidential discussion, embodying a private sanctum where weighty decisions and revelations unfold. The space’s dim lighting and measured silence underscore the gravity of the covert investigation and Picard's consequential crossroads.

Atmosphere Tense, formal, and heavy with unspoken political undercurrents.
Function Meeting place for a secretive investigation report and pivotal leadership decision.
Symbolism Represents institutional authority and the isolating burden of command responsibilities.
Access Restricted to senior officers and authorized personnel only.
Dim lighting focusing attention on the participants Measured silence punctuated by deliberate speech Sparse, formal furnishings emphasizing official tone

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 1
Causal

"Remmick’s admission of failure to find wrongdoing precipitates the reveal of the investigation’s true purpose—a loyalty test reflecting Starfleet’s paranoia—marking a narrative turning point."

Starfleet's Shadowed Trust: Quinn's Loyalty Test and Picard's Crucible
S1E19 · Coming of Age
What this causes 1
Causal

"Remmick’s admission of failure to find wrongdoing precipitates the reveal of the investigation’s true purpose—a loyalty test reflecting Starfleet’s paranoia—marking a narrative turning point."

Starfleet's Shadowed Trust: Quinn's Loyalty Test and Picard's Crucible
S1E19 · Coming of Age

Part of Larger Arcs

The intense investigation led by Admiral Gregory Quinn and Lieutenant Commander Dexter Remmick targeting Captain Jean-Luc Picard's command integrity aboard the USS Enterprise, provoking institutional suspicion, power struggles, and the fracturing of tr...

Key Dialogue

"REMMICK: "Admiral, I've done my best to be objective during this investigation. And yet, I feel a sense of failure.""
"REMMICK: "I couldn't find what you asked, sir. I spoke with officer after officer, at length. I probed the log reports. And I have found nothing wrong.""
"QUINN: "I want to promote you to admiral, Jean-Luc. I want you to take over as Commandant of Starfleet Academy.""
"PICARD: "Greg, the real issue is politics. I'm no good at politics. Surely there are others more suited.""
"PICARD: "I appreciate the value of what you're offering. It's not something I can decide quickly.""