Fabula
S1E19 · Coming of Age

Picard Demands Transparency as Quinn Prepares Remmick’s Report

Captain Jean-Luc Picard confronts Admiral Gregory Quinn in the admiral’s quarters, demanding direct answers about the shadowy investigation targeting the Enterprise and an immediate halt to the harassment of his crew. Quinn, burdened yet resolute, defers full disclosure until Commander Remmick delivers his final report, signaling a tense but respectful acknowledgment of Picard’s leadership and their strained friendship. This scene crystallizes the mounting pressure on Picard and sets the stage for revelations about Starfleet Command’s paranoia and the loyalty test underpinning the inquiry.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Picard confronts Admiral Quinn directly, demanding clear answers about the investigation and an end to the harassment of his crew, while Quinn stalls, citing the pending report from Remmick.

tension to guarded delay ["Admiral's quarters aboard the Enterprise"]

Quinn signals for Commander Remmick to report immediately, escalating the moment as Picard anticipates the forthcoming report that will clarify the investigation's status.

anticipation to mounting pressure ["Admiral's quarters aboard the Enterprise"]

Picard expresses sorrow over the strain the investigation has placed on his friendship with Quinn, who acknowledges regret but insists on the necessity of the probe.

friendship to reluctant acceptance ["Admiral's quarters aboard the Enterprise"]

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3

Resolute and frustrated, masking sadness over the fraying friendship and the invasive investigation threatening his command.

Captain Picard stands firm and confrontational yet visibly pained, demanding transparency and an end to the harassment of his crew. He uses direct dialogue to press Quinn for answers, revealing his protective leadership and emotional investment in the crew and his strained friendship with Quinn.

Goals in this moment
  • Obtain clear and direct information about the investigation.
  • Protect his crew from further harassment.
  • Preserve his leadership integrity and command authority.
  • Maintain some semblance of personal trust with Quinn.
Active beliefs
  • Believes in straightforward communication and accountability.
  • Trusts in the loyalty and honor of his crew and himself.
  • Views the investigation as an unjust strain on his command.
  • Values friendship but prioritizes duty and transparency.
Character traits
determined authoritative compassionate frustrated sorrowful
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Resigned and somber, carrying the weight of institutional demands while feeling regret over the strain placed on his friendship with Picard.

Admiral Quinn appears weary and burdened yet maintains a formal and resolute demeanor, carefully balancing his duty to Starfleet’s investigative process with personal regret. He defers full disclosure until the report by Remmick is complete, signaling both procedural strictness and an acknowledgment of Picard's leadership.

Goals in this moment
  • Ensure the investigation proceeds according to Starfleet protocol.
  • Limit premature disclosure to preserve procedural integrity.
  • Maintain control over the unfolding situation.
  • Balance duty with personal respect for Picard.
Active beliefs
  • Believes the investigation is necessary despite personal costs.
  • Trusts the procedural rigor of Starfleet oversight.
  • Views leadership accountability as paramount.
  • Accepts that personal relationships may suffer under institutional demands.
Character traits
austere weary resolute regretful dutiful
Follow Gregory Quinn's journey

Professional and focused, embodying the unyielding nature of the investigation.

Commander Remmick’s presence is invoked through the communication initiated by Quinn; his affirmative response signals his readiness to report imminently, underscoring his role as relentless investigator driving the procedural pressure on the Enterprise command.

Goals in this moment
  • Deliver the investigative report promptly and thoroughly.
  • Maintain the integrity and seriousness of the inquiry.
  • Apply pressure to ensure full cooperation from the Enterprise command.
  • Reveal any potential flaws or breaches in leadership.
Active beliefs
  • Believes in the necessity of thorough oversight.
  • Views the Enterprise command as suspect until proven otherwise.
  • Trusts in Starfleet justice and procedure.
  • Assumes full cooperation is mandatory and non-negotiable.
Character traits
relentless official detached authoritative
Follow Dexter Remmick's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Admiral Quinn's Com Button

Admiral Quinn uses a small, discrete com button embedded in his uniform to summon Commander Remmick, facilitating a swift and covert communication channel essential for the unfolding investigation. This device physically manifests the covert and procedural nature of Starfleet oversight in this tense moment.

Before: In Quinn's possession, ready on his uniform, inactive.
After: Actively pressed by Quinn, transmitting call to Remmick.
Before: In Quinn's possession, ready on his uniform, inactive.
After: Actively pressed by Quinn, transmitting call to Remmick.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Admiral's Quarters

The Admiral's Quarters serve as the confined and private setting where this critical confrontation unfolds, embodying the tension between friendship and institutional duty. The room’s reserved and tense atmosphere underscores the gravity of the investigation and the personal costs borne by those involved.

Atmosphere Quiet, tense, weighted with unspoken regret and formal restraint.
Function Meeting place for official confrontation and confidential discussion about the investigation.
Symbolism Represents the intersection of personal loyalty and institutional power.
Access Restricted to senior officers and authorized personnel only.
Dim lighting fostering an intimate yet forbidding mood Measured silence emphasizing the weight of the conversation

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"PICARD: If it's me you're after, Admiral, ask me directly what you want to know. Then tell me exactly what's going on."
"QUINN: I need a little more time, Jean-Luc."
"PICARD: I want to be here when he presents it."
"QUINN: That has always been my intention."
"PICARD: This has been a strain on our friendship."
"QUINN: I know. Believe me, Jean-Luc, I regret that, but it has been necessary."