Captain Jean-Luc Picard quotes from Star Trek Generations (1994)

William Riker

"We the officers and crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, being of sound mind and judgement, hereby make the following charges against Lieutenant Worf. One, that he did knowingly and willfully perform above and beyond the call of duty on countless occasions. Two--most seriously-- that he has earned the admiration and respect of the entire crew."

Jean-Luc Picard

Mr. Worf, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander with all the rights and priviledges thereto. And may God have mercy on your soul.

Jean-Luc Picard

If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's never underestimate a Klingon.

William Riker

Computer, remove the plank!

Jean-Luc Picard

Number One, that's "retract plank," not "remove plank."

William Riker

Of course, sir. [leans over the side toward Worf] Sorry!

Tolian Soran

Welcome, Captain. You must think I'm quite the madman, hmm?

Jean-Luc Picard

The thought had crossed my mind.

Jean-Luc Picard

What you're about to do, Soran, is no different from when the Borg destroyed your world. They killed millions, too, including your wife... your children.

Tolian Soran

Nice try. You know there, was a time when I wouldn't hurt a fly. Then the Borg came, and they showed me that if there is one constant in this whole universe, it's death. Afterwards, I began to realize that it didn't really matter. We're all going to die sometime. It's just a question of how and when. You will, too, Captain. Aren't you beginning to fell time gaining on you? It's like a predator. It's stalking you. Oh, you can try and outrun it with doctor, medicines, new technologies, but in the end, time is going to hunt you down and make the kill.

Jean-Luc Picard

It's our mortality that defines us, Soran. It's part of the truth of our existence.

Tolian Soran

What if I told you I found a new truth?

Jean-Luc Picard

The nexus?

Tolian Soran

Time has no meaning there. The predator has no teeth.

James T. Kirk

You say history considers me dead. Who am I to argue with history?

Jean-Luc Picard

You're a Starfleet officer. You have a duty.

James T. Kirk

I don't need to be lectured by you. I was out saving the galaxy when your grandfather was in diapers. I'd say the galaxy owes me one.

James T. Kirk

Who am I to argue with the captain of the Enterprise? What's the name of that planet? Veridian III?

Jean-Luc Picard

Yes.

James T. Kirk

I take it the odds are against us and the situation is grim.

Jean-Luc Picard

You could say that.

James T. Kirk

You know, if Spock were here, he'd say that I was an irrational, illogical human being for taking on a mission like that. Sounds like fun.

Tolian Soran

Just who the hell are you?

Jean-Luc Picard

He's James T. Kirk. Don't you read history?

James T. Kirk

Did we do it? Did we make a difference?

Jean-Luc Picard

Oh, yes. We made a difference. Thank you.

James T. Kirk

The least I could do... for the captain of the Enterprise. It was... fun. Oh, my.
[Kirk's last words]

William Riker

I'm going to miss this ship. She went before her time.

Jean-Luc Picard

Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives, but I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment because they'll never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we've lived. After all, Number One, we're only mortal.

William Riker

Speak for yourself, sir. I plan to live forever.

William Riker

I always thought I'd get a shot at this chair one day.

Jean-Luc Picard

Perhaps you still will. Somehow, I doubt that this will be the last ship to carry the name Enterprise. [looks at Riker, then taps his combadge] Picard to Farragut-- Two to beam up.
[last lines]

James T. Kirk

Captain of the Enterprise, huh?

Jean-Luc Picard

That's right.

Kirk

Close to retirement?

Picard

I'm not planning on it.

Kirk

Well let me tell you something. Don't! Don't let them promote you. Don't let them transfer you. Don't let them do anything that takes you off the bridge of that ship, because while you're there... you can make a difference.

Picard

Come back with me. Help me stop Soran. Help make a difference again!

Kirk

Who am I to argue with the captain of the Enterprise? What's the name of that planet? Veridian III?

Picard

That's right.

Kirk

I take it the odds are against us and the situation is grim?

Picard

You could say that.

Kirk

You know if Spock were here, he'd say I was an irrational, illogical human being for going on a mission like that. [pause] Sounds like fun!