Random Thoughts

[Kernel Sohcahtoa]

I was thinking of the following Picard and Worf dialog from the Star Trek TNG episode "the drumhead"

Background

Admiral Nora Satei has been holding witch hunt hearings on board the enterprise in order to uncover a conspiracy of sabotage on board the enterprise despite evidence that strongly indicates that there was no sabotage.  At the last hearing, Satei completely loses her objectivity after she engages in a personal attack against Picard, which results in the lead admiral, Admiral Henry, walking out of the hearing with a look of disapproval regarding Satei's conduct .  Hence, during the last scene in an empty meeting room on board the enterprise, the following dialog occurs between Worf and Picard:

Worf: It is over.  Admiral Henry has called an end to all hearings on this matter.

Picard: Good

Worf: Admiral Satei has left the Enterprise.

Picard: We think we have come so far—torture of heretics, the burning of witches is all ancient history.  Then, before you can blink an eye, suddenly it threatens to start all over again.

Worf: I believed her.  I...I helped her.  I did not see what she was.

Picard: Mr Worf, villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot.  Those who cloth themselves in good deeds are well camouflaged.

Worf: I think after yesterday people will not be so ready to trust her.

Picard: Maybe.  But, she or someone like her will always be with us—waiting for the right climate in which to flourish—spreading fear in the name of righteousness. 

Picard: Vigilance, Mr Worf. That is the price we have to continually pay.