star trek captain picard quotes

Star Trek: Captain Picard's 15 Best Quotes, Ranked

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Across the Star Trek universe, The Next Generation 's Captain Picard remains one of the most iconic figures of the franchise. From his sophistication and strict command of the Enterprise to his love of diplomacy and rules, fans have watched the progression of his character over the decades and have come to hold him in high regard. The resurrection of Patrick Stewart's epic character as retired Admiral Picard in the Paramount+ original series Picard brought viewers closer than they'd ever been to the former Starfleet officer, providing glimpses into a past that shaped him into the man fans knew and loved, before shaping his future in ways no one could have ever expected.

While each captain or commander introduced across the franchise's numerous spin-offs left a mark on audiences, Picard holds a special place in both hearts and memories. He was a much different captain than William Shatner's James T. Kirk , approaching obstacles through diplomacy as often as possible. He inadvertently shaped the life and future of Deep Space Nine's Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) as Locutus of Borg, and though they never met on-screen, Captain Katherine Janeway's (Kate Mulgrew) awareness of Picard's assimilation and interactions with the Borg almost definitely influenced her interactions with them in the Delta Quadrant.

During his time, Picard bestowed a lot of wisdom to his crew, the aliens he encountered along his way, and the very fans who tuned in each week to see what dangers the Enterprise and her crew might face. People remember him for his understanding of Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra, and his love of Earl Grey tea. They fondly recall his often-strained relationship with Beverly Crusher and her son Wesley. More than anything, however, they remember the things he said, and how easily they could be applied to everyday life.

15 "Make it so."

Three little words that may not seem all that important, but they set things in motion. Picard needed to do little more than issue that command, and the ship's crew came alive to carry it out. Whether he was launching them into a mission or agreeing with a plan laid out before him by a subordinate, the words "Make it so" were his way of saying let's do this. Every captain had his own launch into action phrase, and while it's sometimes difficult to remember what those were, Picard's phrase remains with viewers to this day.

14 "Engage!"

When setting the ship for warp speed, or engaging the engines to take off for their next adventure, every captain seems to have his own special catchphrase. Anson Mount's Captain Christopher Pike has been known to say "Hit it" in the Paramount+ series Strange New Worlds . Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) coined the phrase "Let's Fly" in Discovery . For Captain Kirk, it was "Execute". Captain Picard was known to issue the command, "Engage," and this also occasionally applied to enemy engagement as well.

13 "To be alive is a responsibility as well as a right."

All throughout the first season of Picard , laws against creating Artificial Intelligence were at the core of the plot. When Picard and his new crew found themselves on Dr. Soong's planet of refuge, they discovered an entire society of AI that wanted desperately to be given the same rights and responsibilities as other life forms. The problem with that, as far as Picard could see, was that though they had all the signs of living beings, they didn't really understand what being alive actually meant.

Though they may have had a right to live, they also had a responsibility as living beings to explore and embrace life. The thing about his words that resonate is they don't just apply to AI, they could apply to anyone living and struggling to find their place and purpose.

RELATED: Patrick Stewart Wants to Move Forward with a Star Trek: Picard Movie

12 "The past is written, but the future is left for us to write."

Picard introduced a lot of new characters to the universe, including Captain Cristobal Rios (Santiago Cabrera) of the La Sirena. Captain Rios was a complicated character, prone to drinking, dark philosophy, moping, and splitting his image and personality between the ship's five Emergency Holograms.

It was obvious from his introduction that he'd been through and seen a lot, and it gave him a bleak enough outlook that Picard had to remind him that though there was darkness in his past, he had control over what his future might become. Wise advice to anyone suffering from the mistakes of their past.

11 "If we want to save the future, then we have to repair the past."

During season two of Picard , his long-time nemesis Q made a sudden reappearance to interfere with the retired Starfleet officer's life by thrusting them into the past to stop a future in which Picard himself becomes a bloodthirsty warmonger much different than the man he actually became. While Picard's quote about saving the future was a literal reference to the historical past, taking those words to heart makes them resonate. Much like his advice to Captain Rios on taking control of his future, all too often people allow their pasts to define their futures. By healing the damages suffered in one's past, they have the ability to save their future.

10 "Tea. Earl Grey. Hot."

Out there among the stars, there is no true concept of time. Even if Starfleet adheres to the 24-hour military clock, a captain's hours are often long and fraught with stress. Captain Picard relied on the caffeinated power of tea. Earl Grey tea , to be precise, and he liked it hot.

His love of Earl Grey is so well known, it's become a meme unto itself, and there is hardly a Trekkie who would ever order it without quoting the captain. Even decades later in Picard, he ordered his beloved Earl Grey, but took it decaf on doctor's orders.

9 "There is a way out of every box, a solution to every puzzle..."

While confined by an alien species, Dr. Beverly Crusher and Captain Picard found their minds linked by a strange implant. Their imprisonment created a great deal of tension, but as he often did, Picard kept his cool, reminding Crusher, "There is a way out of every box a solution to every puzzle.

It's just a matter of finding it." Much like his many other words of wisdom, they aren't just situational. They can be applied to almost any situation. No matter the complications, there is always a way forward, especially for those willing to put the time and effort into searching for a solution.

8 "To say you have no choice is a failure of imagination."

Nearly everything the man said could be combined into an epic tome of advice for people on how not to give up. All too often, the defeated fall back on their shortcomings, unable to imagine a future different from the one they're currently living. In season one of Picard, Soji is ready to start a war to fight for the rights of other AI like her. She throws it in Picard's face that humanity has dictated their very existence, never giving them a choice.

Picard's response points out that if the AI want to be considered as living beings, they need to demonstrate imagination and find another solution. Once more, this is applicable to just about every hopeless situation imaginable.

7 "Fear is fear. It doesn't speak in riddles."

Across the course of his long career, Jean-Luc Picard had a lot to say about fear. He called fear "the great destroyer" and "an incompetent teacher," pointing out the folly in allowing it to determine one's choices. During Picard season two, it was up to him to convince his own ancestor, Renee Picard, to follow through with her journey to the stars in an effort to save the future. Her nervous and depressive demeanor reminds him of his mother, who suffered from severe mental illness.

When she confides in him about fear being a warning against something one's not ready for, he busts out an incredibly profound statement on the direct nature of fear and how it can work to empower a person, rather than hold them back.

6 "Change always comes later than we think it should."

When Picard and his team went back in time to save the future in Picard season two , he met a much younger Guinan just as she was about ready to give up on Earth. While convincing her to stick around wasn't easy, his reflections on the nature of change and its often untimely arrival resonated with her well enough to set a course for the future they shared on the Enterprise. As much as people try to provoke change, or dictate when it should arrive, it comes precisely when it needs to. It's never too late for change to occur.

RELATED: Star Trek Producer Hints at Kirk Brothers’ Reuniting on Strange New Worlds

5 "...Political power flows from the barrel of a gun."

Picard had a pretty good handle on politics, and was far more keen to handle matters with diplomacy than unnecessary bloodshed. When it came to his views on obtaining power through violence, he stood firmly behind his beliefs, once telling Data, "I have never subscribed to the theory that political power flows from the barrel of a gun."

Even as Data brought up numerous examples in which terrorism achieved what diplomacy had failed, he asked Picard if that meant terrorism should be used when all other options fail. Not quite having a good answer for that, he noted that mankind had been searching for the answer to that question forever.

4 "It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose."

When Data loses a game of strategy, it puts him in an inconsolable state that causes him to neglect his duties on the bridge. Picard finally had enough of his shenanigans and went personally to his quarters to get him back in place, but Data felt that his inadequacy should be reason enough for the captain to choose another first officer. After all, he might make a mistake.

Picard agrees that he very well might, but it doesn't mean he can abandon his duty. Before leaving, he tells Data, "It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness; that is life." As an artificial intelligence, the concept of life was often difficult for Data to understand, but he tried very hard. Fortunately, he had Captain Picard beside him to help him reach his potential as a living being.

3 "Make now always the most precious time."

Even when he was not quite himself, Jean-Luc Picard was chock-full of wisdom. While living through the final years of the planet Kataan through an individual known as Kamin, he experiences decades as Kamin. Getting married, having children, even becoming a grandfather, he looks toward a future that is not guaranteed and wishes often that things could be different.

As Kamin, he offers wisdom to his daughter Maribor, telling her, "Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again." All too often, life takes advantage of the moments it has been given, always believing there will be more to come. Picard's reminder that time is fleeting never gets old.

2 "Things are only impossible until they are not."

Similar to his quote about there being a solution to every puzzle, he won't stand for it when Data tells him breaking through the shield in Season 1, Episode 17, "When the Bough Breaks," may be impossible. Maybe it is impossible, but once they find a way around it, it won't be impossible anymore. Apply that to just about any seemingly-impossible situation for a little bit of comfort from the captain's chair.

1 "With the first link, the chain is forged."

While not a direct Jean-Luc Picard quote, he did use its outright wisdom in a courtroom, ironically against the daughter of the Starfleet judge who coined it. Words once spoken by Aaron Satie, ""With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied chains us all irrevocably,"

Picard turned them on his daughter, Admiral Norah Satie, to point out her abuse of power. Timeless wisdom on the destructive nature of censorship, he may not have coined it, but the fact that he understood the concept well enough to use it to his advantage is just another reminder of how intelligent and well-spoken he was.

Captain Picard's Best Quotes From Star Trek: TNG

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Mark Harmon Set to Reprise NCIS Role Onscreen for First Time in 3 Years

15 best buck & eddie scenes on 9-1-1, ranked, one of the best new western series has a fascinating twist.

Fans can’t wait for the upcoming third season of Star Trek: Picard , which will see Patrick Stewart return once again to the beloved character. He will be joined by even more of the cast from Star Trek: The Next Generation , giving fans a chance to see some of their favorite characters years after the end of the hit TV series.

RELATED: Star Trek: TNG's 10 Best Away Team Members, Ranked

When he was Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the starship Enterprise, he became known for his impassioned speeches on the rights of sentient beings and Starfleet's dedication to the Prime Directive. This resulted in a number of memorable quotes that showcase why Captain Picard was a favorite crew member on Star Trek: The Next Generation .

10 “There Is A Way Out Of Every Box, A Solution To Every Puzzle; It’s Just A Matter Of Finding It.”

Jean-Luc Picard had a number of important qualities that helped make him a great captain of the Enterprise . One of his most important attributes was his analytical mind. The crew frequently survived due to Picard’s ability to work his way out of puzzling situations or traps.

This became even more clear when Picard and Dr. Crusher were forced to escape prison together in the seventh season’s “Attached.” The close friends had devices implanted that began sharing their thoughts. This also made it impossible for them to be too far apart from each other. It was a difficult situation, but one they managed to find a solution for together.

9 "There Are Times, Sir, When Men Of Good Conscience Cannot Blindly Follow Orders."

Captain Picard was always the first to bring up Starfleet's dedication to the Prime Directive. However, he was also forced to go against it on more than one occasion. His loyalty to Starfleet also came into question when he was asked to carry out orders he didn’t believe in based on his own morals.

When Data created his own artificial offspring named Lal, an admiral from a Starfleet science facility attempted to separate them for research. Capt. Picard spent a lot of effort in helping to define the rights of artificial lifeforms like Data, and he refused the admiral’s command. “Order a man to hand his child over to the state? Not while I am his captain.”

8 "The Prime Directive Is Not Just A Set Of Rules; It Is A Philosophy, And A Very Correct One.”

Starfleet operates with a very strict rule that has governed every version of the Enterprise over the years. The Prime Directive forbids intervention in another alien culture’s development. Capt. Picard was forced to clarify this when Dr. Crusher discovered a problematic relationship between two planets in the first season’s “Symbiosis” episode.

Picard and Crusher disagreed about their level of involvement, and Picard was forced to follow the Prime Directive to the letter. “History has proven again and again that whenever mankind interferes with a less developed civilization, no matter how well-intentioned that interference may be, the results are invariably disastrous."

7 "I Have Never Subscribed To The Theory That Political Power Flows From The Barrel Of A Gun."

The Enterprise-D was frequently involved in political matters on the various planets they visited, such as in the third season episode “High Ground.” Dr. Crusher was kidnapped while giving medical aid by a group of terrorists fighting against their government. However, she soon learned that they were rebels fighting against an oppressive government.

RELATED: 10 Things You Completely Missed In Star Trek: Picard Season 1

Captain Picard made his own thoughts on their political situation very clear when contemplating their position. The government’s violent actions that started their rebellion were just one of many that highlight the issues that come with ruling through force. Picard’s ideals followed the Federation’s beliefs which came from a mostly utopian society on Earth and other planets.

6 “There Are Four Lights!”

Capt. Picard was taken prisoner by Cardassians in one of the best episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation , the two-part “Chain of Command” episode from the sixth season. He was on a secret mission that was revealed to be a trap as the Enterprise received a new captain. The Cardassians were attempting to extract information from Picard by using extreme torture methods.

Picard was implanted with a device that caused immense pain at the touch of a button. His interrogator was a Cardassian named Gul Madred, who was trying to mentally break Picard. Behind him were four lit lights, but he attempted to make Picard claim there were five. Picard never broke despite the pain, defiantly shouting to Gul Madred the truth until he was freed.

5 "There Can Be No Justice As Long As Laws Are Absolute. Even Life Itself Is An Exercise In Exceptions."

The first season episode “Justice” explored a beautiful and seemingly peaceful planet. Unfortunately, the crew of the Enterprise soon discovered that peace came with a deadly catch. When classic Star Trek: TNG character Wesley Crusher accidentally destroyed newly planted flowers in an area that was specifically marked, he unknowingly broke a law that had fatal consequences.

Picard was forced to fight against that planet’s laws to stop his young ensign from being killed for an innocent mistake that ultimately hurt no one. The planet’s absolute justice may have kept them peaceful, though it wasn’t true justice. Exemptions had to be made in some situations to protect the innocent, not condemn them.

4 "You Have To Measure Your Successes And Your Failures Within. Not By Anything That I Or Anyone Else Might Think."

“Coming Of Age” from the first season followed Wesley Crusher’s first attempt to enroll in Starfleet Academy. He competed against the brightest minds from a few other planets and was a clear frontrunner. However, he decided to help his comrades instead of focusing on his own work, which ultimately cost him the position.

RELATED: Star Trek: 10 Characters Who Should Have A Picard-Style Solo Series

Crusher was worried that Capt. Picard would be disappointed in what he perceived to be a failure. Picard hadn’t quite warmed up to the children on his ship at this point in the series. However, he still offered words of wisdom to the aspiring young cadet. Picard and Wesley began to grow much closer after the captain shared that he failed his first entrance exam as well.

3 “What We Leave Behind Is Not As Important As How We Lived.”

Captain Picard met another commander of the Enterprise from the past when the TNG cast made the jump to the big screen in 1994’s Star Trek: Generations . Picard met Captain Kirk from The Original Series in a metaphysical realm after they were both caught in a cosmic ribbon. It gave a spotlight to some of Captain Kirk's greatest quotes as he shared his wisdom with Picard.

As Picard collected things from the destroyed Enterprise alongside Will Riker, he shared his thoughts on how he planned to spend the time given to him. “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.”

2 “It Is Possible To Commit No Mistakes And Still Lose. That Is Not A Weakness. That Is Life.”

One of Captain Picard’s most memorable quotes came from the“Peak Performance” finale episode of the second season. The ship was engaged in a series of combat simulations in order to prepare for the new threat of the Borg. A strategist was brought on board for the simulation. He managed to defeat the occasionally Jedi-like Data in an advanced game of strategy.

Data’s confidence was shattered to the point that he felt he could no longer perform his duties on the bridge. Picard was able to give him a pep talk that restored Data’s confidence and allowed him to defeat the strategist. Picard’s quote falls in line with one of Starfleet’s captain tests called the Kobayashi Maru, which makes cadets train in a simulated “no-win” exercise.

1 "Let's Make Sure History Never Forgets The Name Enterprise."

A rift in time resulted in an ill-fated Enterprise from the past arriving in the present, which severely altered the timeline. One of the biggest changes was the return of Lt. Tasha Yar to the bridge, despite her death in the main timeline. It soon became clear that the Enterprise-C ’s removal from its place in time led to a violent war with the Klingon Empire that threatened the Federation.

Guinan was able to recognize that something had changed. It was decided that the Enterprise-C had to return back to its own time, where it faced certain destruction. However, the destruction of that ship would end the war that never should have happened. Capt. Picard proved he was one of the best captains in Star Trek with a rallying speech that further inspired the ill-fated crew.

• star trek (tv)

This site uses cookies to improve user experience. By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies and other technologies.

• POP CULTURE

12 Inspiring Jean-Luc Picard Quotes to Guide You Through the Stars

These inspirational quotes from Star Trek will help you "make it so!"

Captain of the starship USS Enterprise Jean-Luc Picard first appeared on screens in 1987 with the premiere of the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation . 

Portrayed by acclaimed Shakespearean actor Sir Patrick Stewart, Picard proved himself to be quite different from Captain Kirk in the original series. While Kirk had a tendency to barrel brashly into situations with blind bravery, Picard asserts himself as a more level-headed and strategic leader.

As Star Trek: Picard comes to a close, it's worth looking back at the wisdom and inspiration that Jean-Luc Picard has offered to his crew and his viewers over the years. Here are 12 of Picard’s greatest lines across the Star Trek franchise to help you pursue your best future.

7 Huge Hazards of Living in the Star Trek Universe

“If we’re going to be damned, let’s be damned for what we really are.” ( Star Trek: The Next Generation — “Encounter At Farpoint”)

• Photo Credit: Paramount Television

In the very first episode of the series, Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise encounter Q, an omniscient being. Q issues the crew a challenge to uncover the mysterious secrets of the starbase Farpoint. 

Captain Picard responds with this quote after a crew member asks him how they should behave under the watchful eye of an all-knowing creature. Picard’s poignant response speaks to the fact that, no matter how difficult times may become, a person must always honor the true version of their self.

Want more Star Trek ? Sign up to get the best sci-fi sent straight to your inbox!

“Things are only impossible until they’re not!” ( Star Trek: The Next Generation — “When the Bough Breaks”)

In episode 16 of the first season , the children aboard the USS Enterprise are stolen by a race which has been plagued by the inability to produce their own children. 

When a planetary shield stands between Picard and his rescue mission, Lieutenant Commander Data warns him that penetrating the barrier may be impossible. 

However, impossible doesn’t seem to be a phrase that exists within Picard’s vocabulary. This quote exemplifies Picard’s heroic determination, and it serves to express that the only thing that truly stands between a person and their goals is a feeling of defeat.

Explore the Final Frontier With These 10 Stunning Star Trek Books

“The only person you’re truly competing against... is yourself.” ( Star Trek: The Next Generation — “Coming of Age”)

When the young Wesley Crusher is denied entry into the Starfleet Academy after the results of his entrance exam, the boy is overcome by a sense of disappointment and shame. 

Though Wesley’s rejection was not for a lack of effort on his part, he finds Captain Picard to apologize for letting the crew of the USS Enterprise down. 

With this quote, Picard reassures Wesley that the important thing isn’t necessarily success, but knowing that you put everything you had into a task, and measured your growth only against yourself.

The Best Monthly Science Fiction and Fantasy Ebook Deals

“No being is so important that he can usurp the rights of another.” ( Star Trek: The Next Generation — “The Schizoid Man”)

Episode six of the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation deals with an ill yet brilliant scientist who sets his sights on prolonging his life. 

Unfortunately, he decides that preserving himself within the vessel of Data’s android body is the perfect solution. When Picard uncovers what the scientist has done, he is greatly disturbed, uttering the above quote which asserts that all creatures, regardless of origin, have the same right to life and autonomy as any other. 

Despite what any one person may have to offer, the lives of others should not be viewed as less valuable by comparison.

RELATED: 50 of the Best Science Fiction Books Ever  

“It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness, that is life.” ( Star Trek: The Next Generation — “Peak Performance”)

In the penultimate episode of Season 2, the USS Enterprise crew must engage in simulated war games as the Borg threat looms closer. 

However, when Data’s android intellect and reflexes don’t bring him to victory against the renowned strategist sent to monitor them, he comes to believe he is defective. 

Picard reassures Data with this bit of advice, reminding him that failure is not the greatest tragedy of existence, but rather a natural and sometimes helpful occurrence.

Read the True Story Behind One of the Best Star Trek Episodes Ever

“Villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well-camouflaged.” ( Star Trek: The Next Generation — “The Drumhead”)

The 21st episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation ’s fourth season delivered tense intrigue with the arrival of Admiral Nora Satie, who was sent to investigate an act of potential treasonous sabotage aboard the USS Enterprise . 

When Satie’s interrogations devolve into a fanatical witch-hunt, Lieutenant Worf expresses his regret that he aided her goals because he was unable to see her true nature. 

Picard imparts the truth that good and evil will not always appear in black and white, and that hidden threats will always be the most dangerous. He continues to insist that vigilance and skepticism are the only means of combating foes with ulterior motives.

“Every choice we make allows us to manipulate the future… A person’s life, their future, hinges on each of a thousand choices. Living is making choices.” ( Star Trek: The Next Generation — “A Matter of Time”)

In episode nine of Season 5, the crew of the USS Enterprise attempt to save a planet after it has been hit by an asteroid. Because missions can never run too smoothly, a historian from the future arrives to interfere with their efforts. 

Upon being told that helping the injured planet will change the course of the future, Picard rallies against the idea that he must submit to the path of a future that has yet to pass for him. He upholds the importance of not only choice, but the beautiful unknown of possibility.

8 Times Star Trek Accurately Predicted Future Technology

“Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives. I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we’ve lived. After all... we’re only mortal.” ( Star Trek: Generations )

• Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

In this feature film, Jean-Luc Picard joins forces with the presumed dead Captain Kirk in order to stop unhinged scientist Dr. Soran’s planetary massacre. 

In a discussion with Commander Riker, Picard opposes Soran’s bleak outlook on the passage of time. Picard finds the beauty in what’s temporary, and frames the fleeting nature of time as something that can be used to inspire people to live their best lives in the present.

Related: 10 Exceptional David Gerrold Books

“Part of having feelings is learning to integrate them into your life… learning to live with them. No matter what the circumstances… Sometimes it takes courage to try... Courage can be an emotion, too.” ( Star Trek: Generations )

Data installs a chip within himself which allows him to experience a full range of emotions. However, the newness of feeling is disorienting and hard for him to control. 

Luckily, Picard can turn anything into a teachable moment. Emotions can be harrowing even for people who have lived with them their entire lives, and facing the truth behind your feelings can be terrifying, but that doesn’t mean the privilege of feeling isn’t worth it.

RELATED: 20 New Sci-Fi Shows to Watch Right Now  

“Buried deep within you, beneath all the years of pain and anger, there is something that has never been nurtured: the potential to make yourself a better man. And that is what it is to be human. To make yourself more than you are. Oh, yes — I know you. There was a time you looked at the stars and dreamed of what might be.” ( Star Trek: Nemesis )

Star Trek: Nemesis dives deep into a dark plot hatched by a young clone of Jean-Luc Picard, Shinzon. 

Shinzon has designs on eradicating all forms of life within the Federation, and yet Captain Picard still finds a well of empathy within himself for his counterpart. Picard embraces an ideal of humans being capable of continual betterment—of being able to rise above their circumstances, if given the chance.

Star Trek Gifts for the Trekkie in Your Life

"The past is written, but the future is left for us to write. And we have powerful tools, openness, optimism, and the spirit of curiosity. All they have is secrecy and fear. And fear is the great destroyer." ( Star Trek: Picard)

While the plot of "Broken Pieces" (Season 1, Episode 8 of Star Trek: Picard ) follows the conflict between the Romulans and synths, Picard's words of wisdom are emblematic of the sort of lessons we all can learn from the best versions of science fiction. The idea that the future is still there for the taking—that we can win battles (however small or large) without compromising our morality—are powerful reminders that we can use in our everyday lives.

"There will be a time when you will need to remember that no matter how bleak or unwinnable a situation, as long as you and your crew remain steadfast in your dedication, one to another, you are never ever without hope." ( Star Trek: Picard )

The conflict of Season 3, Episode 4 is in the title: "No Win Scenario." As Picard and his crew are defeated, drifting through a dangerous nebula, they must band together to survive and face the consequences of their own actions. The situation is undoubtedly bleak, but they form a risky plan to recharge their literal and metaphorical batteries. Facing down the nebula and an enemy ship, Picard and co. are certainly desperate but not without hope.

Sign up to get our favorite sci-fi and fantasy books sent straight to your inbox!

© 2024 OPEN ROAD MEDIA

• We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Best Picard Quotes In Star Trek: The Next Generation

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Star Trek: Picard's Synthetic Body, Explained

Star trek: 8 best holodeck creations ever, star trek: 7 destroyed starships, key takeaways.

• Captain Picard's iconic speeches have made him one of Star Trek's most legendary characters, showcasing his theatrical flair and moral compass.
• Picard's speeches in The Next Generation, such as his famous lines about drawing the line with the Borg, have become iconic and trendsetting moments in Star Trek.
• From inspiring his crew to face their insecurities to reminding the Federation of its founding principles, Picard's speeches empower and guide others, even in the most challenging times.

Captain Picard is one of Star Trek 's most famous characters, and the only one to spawn an eponymous spin-off series. However, despite the recency of Star Trek: Picard , the character is best known for appearing in The Next Generation. The series was followed by four feature films.

Is Picard even a real person in the last two seasons of his Star Trek series?

While much of TNG 's success can be attributed to the way that it updated the classic Star Trek formula for a new era, it also benefited from Patrick Stewart's performance . Stewart brings a theatrical flourish to Picard, so it's no surprise that he also delivers some of The Next Generation 's most famous speeches.

1 "The line must be drawn, here and no further."

Star trek: first contact.

• "I will not sacrifice the Enterprise . We've made too many compromises already; too many retreats. They invade our space and we fall back. They assimilate entire worlds and we fall back. Not again. The line must be drawn, here and no further. This far, no further."

Star Trek: First Contact balances Picard's Borg-related trauma with an action-packed battle against the Collective. The Enterprise must travel back in time to prevent the Borg from changing history, but Picard struggles to handle the threat.

Picard's monologue about the unstoppable Borg was mocked both by director Jonathan Frakes and elsewhere in the Star Trek canon: Quark, the Ferengi star of Deep Space Nine , delivers a similarly worded rant about the state of the Ferengi Alliance. Picard's First Contact speech is not just iconic—it's a trendsetter.

2 "The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth."

"the first duty" (season 5, episode 19).

• "The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth, whether it's scientific truth or historical truth or personal truth! It's the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based. And if you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened, you don't deserve to wear that uniform."

Fans remain divided on the merits of Wesley Crusher , but few deny that the character was put to good use in "The First Duty." Wesley helps to cover up an accident, but it isn't long until Picard learns the truth.

The holodeck is a fascinating aspect of the Star Trek universe. These creations demonstrate its potential as both a technology and a narrative tool.

The captain's dressing-down of Wesley demonstrates the Starfleet legend's rigid moral compass. Picard knows from experience that Wesley is capable of great things, and his speech to the disgraced cadet is as much an encouragement for Wesley to do better as it is a chastisement.

3 "It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose."

"peak performance" (season 2, episode 21).

• "Commander, it is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life."

Data is one of The Next Generation 's most memorable characters, but the android genius is not without his faults. Data is shocked when he loses a game despite making all the correct moves and starts to doubt his capabilities. Luckily, Picard is on hand to deliver the pep talk needed to get Data back in the game.

Picard may be brusque with his crew, and his orders can be demanding. However, as demonstrated in "Peak Performance," he knows the importance of forcing them past their insecurities. It's this mindset that makes Picard one of Starfleet's most legendary captains.

4 "We're out here to explore, to make contact with other life forms..."

"galaxy's child" (season 4, episode 16).

• "We're out here to explore, to make contact with other life forms, to establish peaceful relations, but not to interfere, and absolutely not to destroy—and yet look at what we have just done."

Gene Roddenberry's futuristic Federation may be full of humans who have left behind greed and selfishness, but his heroes are not immune from making mistakes. "Galaxy's Child" sees the Enterprise apparently kill a large space organism, horrifying Picard, who had no intention of doing so.

Picard's response to the apparent accident is to reiterate the founding principles of Starfleet—in other words, to boldly go where no one has gone before. However, the captain also stresses that this must be done responsibly to prevent all possible harm.

5 "Let's make sure that history never forgets the name... Enterprise."

"yesterday's enterprise" (season 3, episode 15).

• "Attention all hands. As you know, we could outrun the Klingon vessels, but we must protect the Enterprise -C until she enters the temporal rift. And we must succeed. Let's make sure history never forgets the name... Enterprise ."

"Yesterday's Enterprise" depicts a version of the future in which the Federation and the Klingon Empire are fighting a devastating war. However, the shock arrival of the Enterprise -C through a temporal rift has the potential to change history for the better.

These starships were among the many to have been destroyed in the space-themed world of Star Trek.

Picard's words show that, even in a darker timeline, he still maintains his sense of gravitas and duty. He is willing to sacrifice the Enterprise -D so that its precursor can travel safely back in time, thus averting the war. Even in the most desperate of times, Picard maintains his integrity.

6 "The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged."

"the drumhead" (season 4, episode 21).

• "You know, there are some words I've known since I was a schoolboy: 'With the first link, the chain is forged. The first censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably.' Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie, as wisdom and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged."

The courtroom episode is a classic Star Trek trope, and "The Drumhead" is one of its best. Picard must defend a young crewman who is suspected of sabotaging the Enterprise . However, the prosecutor, Norah Satie, doubts Picard's intentions.

When Picard quotes Satie's father, he not only exposes the hollowness of the trial but also exposes Satie herself. She is pursuing a vendetta, rather than the law, and the trial falls apart.

7 "Let's see what's out there."

"encounter at farpoint" (season 1, episode 1).

• "PICARD: Some problem, Riker?
• RIKER: Just hoping this isn't the usual way our missions will go, sir.
• PICARD: Oh, no, Number One. I'm sure most will be much more interesting. Let's see what's out there. Engage."

While "Encounter At Farpoint" is not without its issues , the pilot does offer one of Captain Picard's most iconic lines. "Let's see what's out there" encapsulates the show's philosophy in a concise package, and the mindset would come to define the next seven years of The Next Generation .

Yet the performance is just as important as the dialogue itself. Stewart's awed delivery makes this line what it is: a mission statement for the entire golden age of the Star Trek franchise.

8 "And that is what it is, to be human. To make yourself more than you are."

Star trek: nemesis.

• "Buried deep within you, beneath all the years of pain and anger there is something that has never been nurtured. The potential to make yourself a better man—and that is what it is, to be human. To make yourself more than you are. Oh, yes, I know you. There was a time you looked at the stars and dreamed of what might be."

Star Trek: Nemesis is disliked by fans and critics alike, but it does feature some notable confrontations between Picard and his clone, Shinzon . Picard believes that Shinzon can be reformed despite a difficult upbringing, and attempts to convince the former slave of this.

While Picard is unsuccessful, his sentiment rings true. In fact, it sums up everything about the human race in Star Trek : it has matured beyond its baser instincts. Nemesis may not be a classic, but Picard's speech is one of his best.

MORE: Weirdest Star Trek Easter Eggs

• Movies & TV

Screen Rant

Star trek tng: captain picard's 10 most heroic quotes.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

34 Years Later, Star Trek's Most Disappointing TNG Character Exit Still Hurts

Recasting star trek: the next generation for a movie reboot, i’m glad star trek didn’t reverse a heartbreaking tng death.

Few pop culture characters are as heroic, honorable or moral as Captain Jean-Luc Picard , the famed captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D. A philosopher, historian and truth-seeker, Picard followed his innate goodness and became a champion on the side of right. He stuck to his principles and refused to budge, even at the cost of his own career.

RELATED:  Star Trek: Picard – 10 Things We're Looking Forward To In Season 2

A character as courageous as Picard has a wealth of memorable quotes that are easily remembered by fans. As the real world goes through some dark times, it's a good excuse to revisit the implicit morality, integrity and truth of Picard's most heroic quotes from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

"The First Duty Of Every Starfleet Officer Is To The Truth. It Is The Guiding Principle Upon Which Starfleet Is Based."

Season 5's "The First Duty" placed an uncomfortable light on Wesley Crusher during his days at Starfleet Academy. During a squad demonstration, Wesley and his team perform a forbidden maneuver that leads to the death of one of their own, prompting them to create a cover story to shield themselves from expulsion.

The lie soon catches up with Wesley after Picard does a little digging, and he confronts Wesley as a superior officer and boldly reminds him of the first duty that every Starfleet officer must uphold— lest they allow corruption and dishonor to permeate everything the organization stands for.

"I Do Not Fire On Defenseless People."

The Season 5 episode "Conundrum" put the crew of the Enterprise in a very tough position when an alien weapon successfully wiped the memories of the entire crew. After the confusion had settled, a mysterious infiltrator posing as a Starfleet officer concocted a false narrative that the Federation was at war with another species.

When Picard realized that their greatest foe was severely outmatched by the sheer might of Federation technology, he began to suspect something was wrong. The infiltrator pushed Picard to fire on an installation with no means to defend itself, and he replied with this quote which summed up his sense of morality, honor and compassion.

"You Must Not Kneel To Me. I Do Not Deserve It."

Season 3 was loaded with great stories that allowed Picard to shine through as a true hero. One such episode was the excellent "Who Watches The Watchers ,"  in which an accident causes a Federation research team to inadvertently expose themselves to a primitive civilization.

Events spiral out of control when the aliens believe a God named "the Picard" is watching over them. To help undo the damage, Picard has one of the most enlightened of the group beamed onto the Enterprise where she promptly kneels due to fear. Unwilling to allow this worship to occur, Picard utters this quote to help her understand that he is in no way superior to her.

"There Can Be No Justice As Long As Laws Are Absolute. Even Life Itself Is An Exercise In Exceptions."

The first season of The Next Generation put heavier emphasis on the concept of the Prime Directive than the original series bothered to do. A seemingly harmless accident on a paradise planet in the episode "Justice" ends up with Wesley Crusher scheduled for execution.

RELATED:  Star Trek: The 10 Most Hated Storylines

When a powerful alien entity attempts to uphold the execution by interrupting the Enterprise's transporter system, Picard appeals to it directly with this quote which demonstrates the need to continuously re-examine laws as society evolves.

"You Have To Measure Your Successes And Your Failures Within. Not By Anything That I Or Anyone Else Might Think."

The episode "Coming of Age" sees Wesley Crusher participating in an entrance exam for Starfleet Academy featuring a number of difficult trials. Wesley performs admirably but ends up failing, which shatters his confidence and leads him to believe he has let the Enterprise down.

Picard instantly dismisses this mode of thinking and reminds Wesley that studying harder will lead to success on his next attempt. He then speaks this quote, which is excellent advice not just for Wesley, but for all of us.

"There Are Four Lights!"

After being captured by the Cardassians during season 6's "Chain of Command," Picard is subjected to inhumane physical and psychological torture in an attempt to break his spirit. One method is to activate four lights and then force Picard to admit that there are actually five— a direct reference to George Orwell's 2+2=5 scenario in 1984.

As Picard tries valiantly to maintain his sanity and composure, his Cardassian captor ratchets up the torment before his government is forced to release Picard back to Starfleet. Before leaving, Picard turns and screams this quote in direct defiance.

"I Have Never Subscribed To The Theory That Political Power Flows From The Barrel Of A Gun."

The Season 3 episode "High Ground" tackles the very uncomfortable subject of ideological terrorism and the cycle of perpetual violence which always follows in its wake. The Enterprise soon becomes involved when Dr. Crusher is kidnapped by terrorists and used as leverage to spark a violent revolution designed to draw in the Federation.

A key scene in the episode features Commander Data discussing the nature of terrorism as an effective tool for political change. While Picard does admit that humankind has wrestled with this for centuries, he utters this quote which directly scorns and rebukes all forms of terrorism as a means for advancing a cause.

"If The Cause Is Just And Honorable, They Are Prepared To Give Their Lives."

In Season 3's "The Defector," a high ranking Romulan  admiral flees his home world to warn Starfleet of a plot to start a war. Forsaking his career, his home and his family, the admiral agrees to help Picard investigate the site of a potential staging ground for an invasion.

They soon learn the entire thing was a ruse to test the loyalty of the admiral, whilst luring the Enterprise into a potential diplomatic incident. After refusing to surrender, Romulan commander Tomalak urges him to reconsider for the sake of his crew. Picard responds with this noble and heroic quote which is echoed among Starfleet officers who realize the value of giving their lives for the right cause.

"Order A Man To Turn His Child Over To The State? Not While I'm His Captain!"

Commander Data's decision to create an android daughter in the Season 3 episode "Offspring" proved to be a particularly controversial one. While Data struggled with the concept of parenting, Picard faced scrutiny from Starfleet who had their own intentions for this new android, named Lal.

RELATED:  10 Shakespeare References In The Star Trek Franchise That You Probably Missed

When a high ranking Starfleet Admiral arrived to take custody of Lal, Picard stepped in. After being threatened with discipline and damage to his career, Picard refused to budge, replying with this quote— a testament to his dedication towards being a man of good conscience above all else.

“The First Speech Censured, The First Thought Forbidden, The First Freedom Denied...Chains Us All, Irrevocably."

The Season 4 episode "The Drumhead" saw Picard face a much different enemy— one from within the Federation. A highly respected Starfleet admiral arrives on the Enterprise to interrogate a Romulan saboteur, but expands her investigations towards the entire crew.

Picard soon realizes that the Admiral is spreading unjust fear, paranoia and rampant conspiracy theories aboard the Enterprise and its crew. She uses every method at her disposal to divide her targets while pushing a punishment in search of a crime. Picard finally utters this quote— a direct line from the Admiral's own father which single-handedly destroys her narrative and exposes her for what she is.

NEXT:  Star Trek: The Next Generation - 10 Major Ways The Show Changed Throughout The Seasons

• Star Trek: The Next Generation

Revisit Picard’s Words of Wisdom From ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (VIDEO)

Everyone remembers “Make it so,” “Engage,” and even “Tea. Early Grey. Hot.”

But the  U.S.S. Enterprise captain also had more eloquent moments throughout  The Next Generation ‘s seven seasons.

Here are 10 to revisit — each available to stream on CBS All Access — while you anxiously await  Star Trek: Picard ‘s 2020 premiere.

“Justice” (Season 1, Episode 8)

The primitive Edo people are loving but surprisingly resolute in this: The punishment for all infractions, even if unintentional, is death. Capt. Jean-Luc Picard ( Patrick Stewart ) must show the powerful “God” ship ruling the Edo that, in life, exceptions do matter when youngest crew member Wesley Crusher ( Wil Wheaton ) faces execution over a minor accident.

Comic-Con 2019 Day 3: 'Star Trek: Picard,' 'Riverdale' & More Star Portraits in Our Studio (PHOTOS)

Picard Says: “There can be no justice so long as laws are absolute.”

“When the Bough Breaks” (Season 1, Episode 17)

Picard is outraged when the Aldeans — who are infertile and desperate to repopulate their world — kidnap the children aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise to continue their civilization. When the cause of the sterility is found to be fixable, he persuades them to accept a less drastic course.

Picard Says: “Things are only impossible until they’re not.”

“Coming of Age” (Season 1, Episode 19)

Picard and Wesley each face tests of their mettle. The captain bristles over an investigation to decide whether his logs accurately depict the U.S.S. Enterprise ‘s missions. Wesley, meanwhile, is among the finalists vying for a single open spot in Starfleet Academy. When another candidate is chosen, Wesley’s commander/mentor reminds him that doing your best is the real victory.

Picard Says: “The only person you’re truly competing against is yourself.”

First Look: 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' Never-Before-Seen Photos

“the offspring” (season 3, episode 16).

Lt. Cdr. Data ( Brent Spiner ) uses technological advances to create an android, named Lal, based on his own neural interface. The captain is initially shocked to hear Data refer to Lal as his child, but in another instance of Picard championing open-mindedness, he refuses Starfleet’s request to remove Lal for observation, having come to see Data’s parental love.

Picard Says:  “There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders.”

“Allegiance” (Season 3, Episode 18)

A lesson about wrongful detention: Picard has been imprisoned with three others in a mysterious holding cell and replaced aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise with an imposter. After he realizes the situation is an elaborate ruse, aliens appear and explain they were using him to study leadership.

Picard Says: “Imprisonment is an injury, regardless of how you justify it.”

'Picard' Cast on Reprising Their 'Star Trek' Roles & How Characters Have Changed (VIDEO)

“the wounded” (season 4, episode 12).

How can a commander who has seen the tragedy of war manage to later keep the peace? That is Picard’s dilemma when confronted with a renegade Federation captain bent on upending a new treaty with the violent Cardassians. Picard convinces the man to back down but also understands his motives, later explaining to Chief O’Brien ( Colm Meaney ) that some men wear their bitterness forever.

Picard Says: “When one has been angry for a very long time, one gets used to it. And it becomes comfortable, like…like old leather. And finally it becomes so familiar that one can’t ever remember feeling any other way.”

“Darmok” (Season 5, Episode 2)

Over seven encounters in 100 years, the Federation and the Tamarians have each failed to understand the other’s language. Picard is transported to a nearby planet with the Tamarian captain, who seems to offer a knife for combat. Instead of taking up arms, Picard, with time and persistence, forges a historic bond of respect between them.

Picard Says: “In my experience, communication is a matter of patience and imagination. I would like to believe that these are qualities that we have in sufficient measure.”

“The Inner Light” (Season 5, Episode 25)

For 25 minutes, a beam from a puzzling space probe renders Picard comatose. During that period, the probe also causes a confused Picard to experience, in his mind, an entirely separate adult life — love, fatherhood, and aging — as a man named Kamin on a climate-challenged planet called Kataan. Whatever the identity, though, he recognizes that every moment counts.

Picard Says: “Seize the time…. Live now! Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.”

“Attached” (Season 7, Episode 8)

Picard and Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) beam down to planet Kesprytt, looking to further their relations with the Kes people. Suspicious, the neighboring Prytts intercept the visitors and lock them up. The two are now able to read each other’s thoughts, and the ever-deductive Picard assures that things will work out.

Picard Says: “There is a way out of every box, a solution to every puzzle; it’s just a matter of finding it.”

5 Takeaways From the 'Star Trek: Picard' New York Comic Con Panel

“all good things” (season 7, episodes 25 and 26).

In the series finale, Picard is manipulated through past, present, and future experiences by the devious godlike entity Q (John de Lancie), who insists the captain will do something to destroy humanity. Picard at first refuses to be thusly tried, but with his crew’s assistance in all three periods, he finds a solution — and makes it so.

Picard Says: “We are what we are, and we’re doing the best we can. It is not for you to set the standards by which we should be judged!”

Stark Trek: Picard , Thursday, January 23, 2020, CBS All Access

Star Trek where to stream

Star Trek: Picard where to stream

Star Trek: The Next Generation where to stream

Star trek: picard, star trek: the next generation, patrick stewart.

Benefits to Registering & Following

(It's free!)

• Create account
• Contributions

Star Trek: Picard

Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023) is a science fiction television series based on Gene Roddenberry ’s Star Trek and set two decades after Star Trek: Nemesis .

Remembrance [1.1]

Maps and legends [1.2], the end is the beginning [1.3], absolute candor [1.4], stardust city rag [1.5], the impossible box [1.6], nepenthe [1.7], broken pieces [1.8], et in arcadia ego, part 1 [1.9], et in arcadia ego, part 2 [1.10], the star gazer [2.1], penance [2.2], assimilated [2.3], watcher [2.4], fly me to the moon [2.5], two of one [2.6], monsters [2.7], mercy [2.8], hide and seek [2.9], farewell [2.10], season three, the next generation [3.1], disengage [3.2], seventeen seconds [3.3], no win scenario [3.4], the bounty [3.6], dominion [3.7], surrender [3.8], the last generation [3.10].

• Patrick Stewart – Admiral/Captain Jean-Luc Picard
• Alison Pill – Agnes Jurati
• Isa Briones – Dahj Asha, Soji Asha and Kore Soong
• Michelle Hurd – Rafaella "Raffi" Musiker
• Santiago Cabrera – Cristobal "Chris" Rios
• Evan Evagora – Elnor
• Jeri Ryan – Seven of Nine
• Orla Brady – Laris/Tallinn
• Harry Treadaway – Narek
• Jonathan Frakes – Captain William Riker (Guest: Season 1, Main: Season 3)
• Marina Sirtis – Deanna Troi (Guest: Season 1, Main: Season 3)
• Brent Spiner – Lieutenant Commander Data , Dr. Altan Inigo Soong, Dr. Adam Soong, Lore and Daystrom Android M-5-10 (Guest: Seasons 1–2, Main: Season 3)
• Gates McFadden – Beverly Crusher
• LeVar Burton – Geordie La Forge
• Michael Dorn – Worf
• Ed Speelers – Jack Crusher
• Amanda Plummer – Vadic
• Todd Stashwick – Captain Liam Bradshaw
• Whoopi Goldberg – Guinan
• John de Lancie – Q
• Annie Wersching – Borg Queen (season 2)
• Penelope Mitchell – Renée Picard
• Wil Weaton — Wesley Crusher
• Alice Krige – Borg Queen (voice, season 3)
• Mica Burton – Alandra La Forge
• Tim Russ – Tuvok (Changeling, original)
• Walter Koenig – Anton Chekov
• Jean-Luc Picard

External links

• Official website

• 2020s American science fiction TV shows
• Cancelled shows
• Space adventure TV shows
• Paramount+ shows

Life Lessons From Captain Picard

Patrick Stewart may have entertained geeks everywhere acting as the Starfleet's finest captain on Star Trek: The Next Generation , but his character also taught us a lot about life. Click through the gallery to read some of Captain Picard's most memorable quotes that showcase his sense of leadership, humanity, and hope.

On Being Judged

"We are what we are, and we're doing the best we can. It is not for you to set the standards by which we should be judged!"

On Equality and Peace

"If there is one ideal that the Federation holds most dear, it is that all men, all races can be united."

On Persistance

"There is a way out of every box, a solution to every puzzle; it's just a matter of finding it." "Things are only impossible until they're not!"

On Facing Issues Head-On

"If your issues are with me, then deal with me. This has nothing to do with my ship, nothing to do with the Federation!"

On Having Faith in Others

"All I can say is that although we have only been together for a short time, I know that you are the finest crew in the fleet. And I would trust each of you with my life. So, I am asking you for a leap of faith — and to trust me. "

On Dreaming About a Better Life

"Buried deep within you, beneath all the years of pain and anger, there is something that has never been nurtured: the potential to make yourself a better man. And that is what it is to be human. To make yourself more than you are. Oh, yes — I know you. There was a time you looked at the stars and dreamed of what might be."

On Living in the Moment

"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived."

• Patrick Stewart
• Captain Picard
• Digital Culture

Jean-Luc Picard Quotes

There is a way out of every box, a solution to every puzzle; it’s just a matter of finding it.

– Capt. 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…we’re only mortal.

Things are only impossible until they’re not!

We think we’ve come so far. Torture of heretics, burning of witches, is all ancient history. Then, before you can blink an eye, suddenly, it threatens to start all over again.

A matter of internal security: the age-old cry of the oppressor.

Seize the time…Live now. Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.

The past is written, but the future is left for us to write. And we have powerful tools, openness, optimism, and the spirit of curiosity. All they have is secrecy and fear. And fear is the great destroyer.

There can be no justice so long as laws are absolute. Even life itself is an exercise in exceptions.

I’m not in the habit of consulting lawyers before I do what needs to be done.

Murder is not justice. There is no solace in revenge.

The line must be drawn here! This far, no further!

To be alive is a responsibility as well as a right.

With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably.

You cannot explain away a wantonly immoral act because you think that it is connected to some higher purpose.

The road from legitimate suspicion to rampant paranoia is very much shorter than we think.

The acquisition of wealth is no longer the driving force of our lives. We work to better ourselves and the rest of humanity.

There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders.

I’d be delighted to offer any advice I have on understanding women. When I have some, I’ll let you know.

Torture has never been a reliable means of extracting information.

There’s still much to do; still so much to learn.

If we’re going to be damned, let’s be damned for what we really are.

Being first at any cost is not always the point.

Anyone who treats me like a dying man will run the risk of pissing me off. Is that clear?

No, I am not dead. Because I refuse to believe the afterlife is run by you. The universe is not so badly designed.

It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness, that is life.

There are many parts of my youth that I’m not proud of. There were loose threads, untidy parts of me that I would like to remove. But when I pulled on one of those threads it unraveled the tapestry of my life.

Fear is an incompetent teacher.

Buried deep within you…is the potential to make yourself a better man. And that is what it is to be human. To make yourself more than you are.

The only person you’re truly competing against…is yourself.

Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before!

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Celebrate Captain Picard Day with Our Favorite Star Trek Quotes

It’s Stardate 47457.1, or June 16—otherwise known as Captain Picard Day! We can’t help but be reminded of all the things Jean-Luc Picard has said throughout the stardates. We talked to a few in-house Star Trek fans and they shared their favorite Picard quotes with us:

• “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness—that is life.” —”Peak Performance” (S02 Ep. 21)
• “Seize the time…live now. Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.” —”The Inner Light” (S05 Ep. 25) 
• “There are four lights!” —”Chain of Command, Part II” (S06 Ep. 11) 
• “We think we’ve come so far. Torture of heretics, burning of witches, it all ancient history. Then, before you can blink an eye, suddenly it threatens to start all over again.” —”The Drumhead” (S04 Ep. 21)
• “Sokath, his eyes uncovered!” —”Darmok” (S5 Ep. 02)

From Aimee:

• “Things are only impossible until they’re not!”—”When the Bough Breaks” (S01 Ep. 17)

And since we’re all about books here, we can’t help but talk about our favorite Star Trek novels as well, featuring Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise ! Here are our favorite quotes matched with each book. Happy Captain Picard Day—engage!

STAR TREK and related marks © 2020 CBS Studios. All Rights Reserved.

This post was originally published on GetLiterary.com.

Notice : Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /var/www/offtheshelf.com/htdocs/web/app/themes/ots/_inc/template-parts/books/book-modal.php on line 52 Notice : Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/offtheshelf.com/htdocs/web/app/themes/ots/_inc/template-parts/books/book-modal.php on line 52

“Make it so.” (S01 Ep. 01) —"Encounter at Farpoint” (S01 Ep. 01)

CAPTAIN'S LOG, STARDATE 41254.7: The  U.S.S. Enterprise™ is en route to Cygnus IV—the edge of the known galaxy. There, we will rendezvous with the ship's new first officer and the other command personnel and proceed with out mission: discover the truth about Farpoint Station, a starbase facility built by the inhabitants of Cygnus IV, a starbase of unparalleled size and complexity...and infinite mystery. And the success or failure of this, our first mission together, may well determine the course of human exploration across the galaxy for centuries to come...

WHERE THE ADVENTURE BEGAN...

CAPTAIN'S LOG, STARDATE 41254.7: The U.S.S. Enterprise™ is en route to Cygnus IV -- the edge of the known galaxy. There, we will rendezvous with the ship's new first officer and the other command personnel and proceed with out mission: discover the truth about Farpoint Station, a starbase facility built by the inhabitants of Cygnus IV, a starbase of unparalleled size and complexity...and infinite mystery.

And the success or failure of this, our first mission together, may well determine the course of human exploration across the galaxy for centuries to come...

MENTIONED IN:

By Get Literary | June 16, 2020

“I don’t want the game to end.” —“Remembrance” (S01 Ep. 01)

Every end has a beginning…and this electrifying novel details the events leading into the new  Star Trek  TV series, introducing you to brand-new characters featured in the life of Jean-Luc Picard—widely considered to be one of the most popular and recognizable characters in all of science fiction.

An original novel based on the new Star Trek TV series!

A thrilling novel leading into the new CBS series, Una McCormack’s The Last Best Hope introduces you to brand new characters featured in the life of beloved Star Trek captain Jean-Luc Picard—widely considered to be one of the most popular and recognizable characters in all of science fiction.

Pop Culture Spotlight on Star Trek: Picard Author Una McCormack

By Get Literary | August 4, 2020

WATCH: Our Favorite San Diego Comic Con 2020 Panels

By Get Literary | July 15, 2020

6 Fast-Paced, Interstellar Reads for Fans of Star Trek: Picard

By Sara Roncero-Menendez | May 20, 2020

Quiz: How Big of a Star Trek Fan Are You?

By Get Literary | March 25, 2020

You must be logged in to add books to your shelf.

Please log in or sign up now.

The best Quotes by Jean-Luc Picard

Jean-Luc Picard is a fictional character in the Star Trek franchise, most often seen as the captain of the Federation starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D). Played by Patrick Stewart, Picard has appeared in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) and the premiere episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, as well as the feature films Star Trek Generations (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). He is also featured as the central character in the show Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023).

You might like these Quotes aswell

Related pages to jean-luc picard.

• Shop Everything
• Star Trek Universe
• Sci-Fi Ships & Vehicles
• Themed Sherpa Blankets
• Professional Model Building Services
• Unassembled Model Kits and Model Lighting & Sound Kits
• Model Kit Lighting Control Boards
• Model Kit Lighting Accessories
• Hallmark Ornaments
• Sci-Fi Gifts, Wall Art & Decor
• Star Trek Themed Shirts & Clothes
• Old School Sci-Fi VHS & Other Video
• Other Universes
• About Us/Contact Us
• Financing/Shipping
• Sci-Fi & Model Kit Building Articles

Jean-Luc Picard , Picard , Picard Quotes , Star Trek Picard , Star Trek The Next Generation - June 17, 2020

Our 10 Favorite Captain Picard Quotes

What makes captain picard quotes stand out, narrowing the list, letting go of context, the top 10 (standalone) captain picard quotes, 10. episode: “justice” (season 1; episode 8), 9. "when the bough breaks" (season 1; episode 17), 8. "the schizoid man" (season 2; episode 6), 7. "peak performance" (season 2; episode 21), 6. "the hunted" (episode 3; episode 11), 5. “in theory” (season 4: episode 5), 4. "the drumhead" (season 4; episode 21), 3. "the drumhead" (season 4; episode 21), 2."attached" (season 7; episode 8), 1.   star trek generations   (motion picture), honorable mention: a standoff, honorable mention: "sins of the father" (season 3; episode 17), any list is only a beginning, leave a comment.

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.
• Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device

Jean-Luc Picard

Jean-Luc Picard was a celebrated Starfleet officer , archaeologist , writer , historian , diplomat , and philanthropist , who served throughout much of the 24th century . The highlights of his career were centered around assignments as commanding officer of the Federation starships USS Stargazer , USS Enterprise -D , and the USS Enterprise -E . In these roles, Picard not only witnessed major turning points of recent galactic history, but played a key role in them also, from making first contact as captain of the Federation's flagship with no fewer than 27 alien species , including the Ferengi and the Borg . His successful contact with the Children of Tama resulted in his name being incorporated into the Tamarian language through the metaphor " Picard and Dathon at El-Adrel ".

He also became the chief contact point with the Q Continuum , and served as Arbiter of Succession of the Klingon Empire , where he presided over the investiture of Klingon Chancellor Gowron . Picard would expose the Romulan Star Empire as backers of Gowron's chief rivals , later aiding a Romulan underground movement of dissidents to gain a toehold on the Romulan homeworld . He continued to serve as captain of the Enterprise -E, the sixth Federation starship to bear the name, until at least the early 2380s . ( TNG : " The Battle ", " The Last Outpost ", " Q Who ", " Darmok ", " Encounter at Farpoint ", " All Good Things... ", " Redemption ", " Redemption II ", " Unification II "; Star Trek: First Contact ; Star Trek Nemesis ; PIC : " Remembrance ")

Following his command of the Enterprise -E, he rose to the rank of admiral , he resigned from Starfleet for a time, after he felt that the organization had strayed from its ideals, before eventually rejoining as the Chancellor of Starfleet Academy . ( PIC : " Remembrance ", " The End is the Beginning ", " The Star Gazer ")

Picard would later retire a second time, but a distress call from Dr. Beverly Crusher called Picard back to action one last time in order to save the son he never knew he had from the Changelings and the Borg . Reuniting his old command crew along with the rebuilt Enterprise -D, Picard would bring a final end to the Borg threat before returning to his peaceful retirement. ( PIC : " The Next Generation ", " Disengage ", " Võx ", " The Last Generation ")

• 1.1 Origins
• 1.2 Childhood
• 2.1 Academy years
• 2.2.1 Service aboard the Reliant
• 2.2.2 Other adventures
• 2.3 Service aboard the Stargazer
• 2.4 Meeting Natasha Yar
• 2.5.1 Encounters with the Q entity
• 2.5.2 Encounters with the Borg
• 2.5.3 Kamin and the Ressikan probe
• 2.5.4 Loss of the Enterprise -D
• 2.6.1 Stopping the Borg
• 2.6.2 The Ba'ku and the Son'a
• 2.6.3 Dealing with the Romulans
• 2.7.1 Evacuating the Romulan people
• 3.1 Zhat Vash mystery
• 3.2 "Death" and resurrection
• 4 Return to Starfleet
• 5 Second retirement
• 6 Anything but canon account
• 8.1 Energy vortex encounter
• 8.2 Federation-Klingon War
• 8.3 Nausicaan attack
• 8.4 Quantum fissure encounter
• 8.5 Anti-time encounters
• 8.6 The Nexus
• 8.7 Confederation of Earth
• 9 Holograms
• 10.1 Medical record
• 11.1.1 Jack Crusher
• 11.2.1 Lwaxana Troi
• 11.2.2 Vash
• 11.2.3 Kamala
• 11.2.4 Nella Daren
• 11.2.5 Anij
• 11.2.6 Beverly Crusher
• 11.2.7 Laris
• 11.3.1 Guinan
• 11.3.2 William T. Riker
• 11.3.3 Data
• 11.3.4 Worf
• 11.3.5 Geordi La Forge
• 11.3.6 Ro Laren
• 11.3.7 Elnor
• 11.4.1 James T. Kirk
• 11.4.2 Spock
• 11.4.3 Gowron
• 11.5.3 The Borg / Borg Queen
• 11.5.4 The House of Duras
• 11.5.5 Shinzon
• 12.1 Catchphrases
• 13.1 Quotes about Picard
• 14 Chronology
• 15.1 See also
• 15.2 Appearances
• 15.3.1 Trivia
• 15.3.2 Reception
• 15.4 Apocrypha
• 15.5 External links

Early history [ ]

Origins [ ].

Jean-Luc Picard was born in La Barre , France on Earth to Yvette and Maurice Picard on July 13 , 2305 . ( TNG : " Family ", " Conundrum ")

Despite Picard having been born in France, he had a distinct English accent . According to " Code of Honor ", by the 24th century, French was considered an archaic language . Picard remembered French children's songs like " Frère Jacques ", which he played on the Ressikan flute in " The Inner Light ", and he spoke the language on numerous occasions. He also occasionally cursed " merde " in times of stress, such as in " The Last Outpost " and " Elementary, Dear Data ", and spoke at least basic French, as demonstrated in " 11001001 " and " Remembrance ". In 2399, Picard still spoke French occasionally, and even taught his dog Number One to answer to spoken French commands in " Remembrance ". He also spoke it once to Guinan in " Mercy ".

Childhood [ ]

He and his elder brother , Robert , spent their childhood tending to their family vineyards with their father . Concerned about the preservation of their familial values, Maurice and his wife educated their sons in the ancient traditions, avoiding, in particular, any superfluous technologies . ( TNG : " Family ")

As a young boy, Jean-Luc watched his grandfather " [d]eteriorate from a powerful, intelligent figure to a frail wisp of a man, who could barely make his way home. " ( TNG : " Night Terrors ")

He took piano lessons, but eventually gave it up because he dreaded performing in front of an audience. In his later life, he would regret doing so, because his playing used to please his mother . ( TNG : " Lessons ", " The Perfect Mate ")

Picard had a loving relationship with his mother, Yvette Picard who often played games of hide and seek with him and encouraged him to "look up at the stars." ( PIC : " The Star Gazer ", " Monsters ") Unfortunately, what young Jean-Luc took as mere flights of fancy, was mental illness. At some point in the early 2310s , Yvette lost Jean-Luc while they were playing hide and seek in the tunnels underneath their home. After finding Jean-Luc, whose foot had gotten stuck, Maurice Picard found Yevette and locked her in a room for the night for her safety. Yvette pleaded with Jean-Luc to let her out. He did and the next morning, he found his mother dead by suicide. ( PIC : " Hide and Seek ") Later, as an adult, he'd often picture her as an old woman, inviting him to have some tea with her, and telling him that they would have a "nice, long talk." ( PIC : " Hide and Seek ")

One of Picard's childhood heroes was Dixon Hill , a fictional private detective living in the early 20th century . ( TNG : " The Big Goodbye ")

A fascination of his that intrigued him well into adulthood was the ship in a bottle . As a boy, he built model airships , and even a model of a Promellian battle cruiser . ( TNG : " Booby Trap "; PIC : " The Star Gazer ", " Hide and Seek ") Moreover, he was captivated by the Phoenix , mankind's first warp-capable vessel , which he admired "hundreds of times" at the Smithsonian , but was never able to touch. ( Star Trek: First Contact )

Picard, reverted to the age of 12

In grade school , Picard remembered singing such children's songs as "Frère Jacques". ( TNG : " Disaster ") Like his nephew René , Jean-Luc wrote a ribbon -winning report on starships in school . ( TNG : " Family ") Later in life, he recalled reading about the ancient Bajoran civilizations in his fifth grade reader . ( TNG : " Ensign Ro ")

Although Maurice intended his sons to work at the vineyards, it became obvious very early that Jean-Luc knew he wanted to join Starfleet, something that his father would never condone, up until his death. ( TNG : " Bloodlines ") Jean-Luc would later remember that he devoted his childhood to that end, which was like skipping that age altogether. ( TNG : " Suddenly Human ") His brother would later note that Jean-Luc always sought higher standards, such as becoming president of his school and later a valedictorian and even an athletic champion . Robert was also jealous of seeing Picard being the favored son and getting away after his mischiefs. Sometimes Robert had to bully his younger brother. ( TNG : " Family ")

When Picard joined the poker game with his senior officers for the first time in 2370 , he recalled that " actually, I used to be quite a card player in my youth. " ( TNG : " All Good Things... ")

Starfleet career [ ]

Academy years [ ].

Cadet Picard during his Academy years

Picard caused "quite a stir" by leaving his family's generational vineyard and applying to Starfleet Academy . ( TNG : " Family "; Star Trek Nemesis ) Although he failed to gain entry on his first attempt, Picard succeeded in his second attempt in 2323 . He subsequently became one of the most outstanding cadets in his class. ( TNG : " Coming of Age ", " The First Duty ")

Picard's career at the Academy was difficult, at best – years later, Picard credited Academy groundskeeper Boothby with helping him develop a mature attitude. ( TNG : " The First Duty "; VOY : " In the Flesh ") Among Picard's friends at the Academy were Donald Varley , Cortan Zweller , Marta Batanides , and an acquaintance called " A.F. ", whom he blamed for his failed semester of Organic Chemistry and whose initials Picard carved into Boothby's prized elm . ( TNG : " Contagion ", " The Game ", " Tapestry ")

Peter David 's Star Trek novels state another Academy classmate of Picard's was Morgan Korsmo, who was later killed fighting the Borg just before the start of the Star Trek: New Frontier novels .

At the Academy, Picard developed an interest in archaeology . His professor , Galen , encouraged him to continue in this field, but Picard ultimately refused his offer of becoming an archaeologist. He would nevertheless keep his interest in the subject, and became to be considered quite knowledgeable in the field. ( TNG : " The Chase ", " Qpid ") It was also during this time he took great interest in studying the Iconians . ( TNG : " Contagion ")

Picard also excelled in sports . He won the Starfleet Academy marathon in April 2323 on Danula II , becoming the first freshman to win the race. ( TNG : " The Best of Both Worlds, Part II "; Star Trek Generations Picard family album ) During a wrestling match, Picard caught a Ligonian with a reverse body lift and pinned him down in the first fourteen seconds. ( TNG : " The First Duty ")

According to the Star Trek: Starfleet Corps of Engineers eBook series, Captain David Gold was an upperclassman that freshman Picard beat in the Academy marathon.

During his sophomore year, Picard was assigned to training on Morikin VII where he had his first encounter with Nausicaans , who had an outpost on a nearby asteroid . ( TNG : " Tapestry ")

On 4 April 2327 , Cadet Picard joined the Speed of Light Club after he flew three hundred-thousand kilometers per second in level flight on the cruiser USS Leondegrance , commanded by Captain Nyota Uhura . He was awarded a certificate celebrating this occasion. ( PIC : " Remembrance ", " The Star Gazer ")

An Academy photo Picard kept in his study

Picard graduated at the top of his class. He recalled to Wesley Crusher in 2365 that, as he entered the ranks of being an officer , he was " green as hell. And oh, so cocky. " ( TNG : " Samaritan Snare ") Several years after this, in 2379 , Picard showed Beverly Crusher a photograph from his Academy days, asking, "remember him?" She replied that " he was a bit cocky, as I recall. " By that point in his life, Picard considered his younger self as " a damn fool. Selfish, ambitious, very much in need of seasoning. " ( Star Trek Nemesis )

Picard, later told Boothby that if it wasn't for the groundskeeper, Picard would have never graduated. Boothby assured Picard that " you made a mistake. There isn't a man among us who hasn't been young enough to make one. […] You did what you had to do. You did what you thought was best. I just made sure that you listened to yourself. " ( TNG : " The First Duty ")

Early postings and assignments [ ]

Ensign Picard stabbed

Shortly after graduation in 2327, Ensign Picard's promising career nearly ended abruptly while he was on shore leave at Farspace Starbase Earhart . During a bar brawl over a rigged game of dom-jot , he was stabbed through the heart by a Nausicaan, and had to undergo emergency surgery to replace his heart . He later related to Wesley Crusher that he laughed after looking down to see the knife protruding from his chest. This event helped him realize how fragile life could be, and thus made him more willing to take risks and make his mark in the universe, which he only realized when Q proposed him to change this event in 2369 . ( TNG : " Samaritan Snare ", " Tapestry ")

On the day of his first posting, Picard was so nervous he walked a light year in a circle before he mustered the courage to beam aboard. ( PIC : " The Last Generation ")

Service aboard the Reliant [ ]

As an ensign, Picard was posted to the USS Reliant , where he served with Lieutenant Nakamura . ( TNG-R : " The Measure Of A Man ") Picard served on the night watch on board the Reliant . ( PIC : " Broken Pieces ") Also while an ensign, Picard was capable of detecting by ear variations in a ship's torque sensors , as such, he was capable of hearing a three micron misalignment. ( Star Trek: Insurrection )

Other adventures [ ]

As a junior officer , Picard met Walker Keel at an exotic bar on Tau Ceti III , where the two became very close of friends; they later became friends with Jack R. Crusher and his fiancée , Beverly Howard. ( TNG : " Conspiracy ", " Journey's End ", " Attached ")

Picard demonstrated command abilities early in his career, in particular, when he led an away team on Milika III to save an ambassador . This incident would later be mentioned by Q as one of the crucial events forming Picard's personality. ( TNG : " Tapestry ")

As a young lieutenant, Picard attended the wedding of Sarek 's son, where he briefly met Sarek and Spock for the first and only time before the 2360s . ( TNG : " Sarek ", " Unification I ")

Caution was still in place during the writing of "Sarek" about dealing with characters from The Original Series , thus it is only implied that the son in question is Spock. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion , 2nd ed., p. 127) Picard's line in "Unification I" only states that he has met Spock before but does not explicitly state when that meeting occurred, though likely it would have been at the wedding. This wedding was portrayed in the early chapters of Josepha Sherman and Susan Shwartz 's novel Vulcan's Heart .

In his career, prior to 2365, Picard had been transferred "dozens of times", each of which was preceded by what he called "the practice of the feast before the transfer." ( TNG : " A Matter Of Honor ")

By 2369, he had spent "thirty years of [his] life aboard starships". ( TNG : " Rascals ")

If taken literally, by the time of said statement, Picard would have had forty-two years of service in Starfleet – twenty-two as captain of the Stargazer and about six aboard the Enterprise -D) – leaving about two of those thirty years aboard starships and another twelve years of not serving aboard starships still unaccounted for.

Service aboard the Stargazer [ ]

Picard on the bridge of the Stargazer some years after its loss

Picard was assigned as a helmsman aboard the USS Stargazer . In 2333 , Picard assumed command of the vessel when the captain was killed on the bridge . Starfleet awarded Picard a promotion to the post of captain, making him one of the youngest Starfleet officers ever to attain the position. ( TNG : " Tapestry ") Picard remained in command of the Stargazer for twenty-two years. ( TNG : " The Battle ", " Relics ", " Bloodlines ")

The length of Picard's command of the Stargazer is from the Star Trek: The Next Generation Writers'/Directors' Guide . The year he took command is derived from " The Battle ", in which it is stated Picard lost the Stargazer in 2355 . His assuming command of the ship is depicted in the novel The Valiant , which portrays him as a lieutenant commander and the ship's second officer at the time.

In 2339 , Picard last visited with his archaeology professor, Doctor Galen. At this time in his life, Picard was seriously considering a career in this field of science . ( TNG : " The Chase ")

In 2342 , Picard dated a young woman named Jenice at the Café des Artistes in Paris . Unfortunately, he became afraid of a possible future relationship and stood up Jenice, who later married Paul Manheim . ( TNG : " We'll Always Have Paris ")

In 2346 , Picard met Miranda Vigo on Earth while he was on shore leave; they were introduced by a mutual friend . Picard described it the as being involved for a short time, detailing that the affair was " all very romantic, very intense, probably because we both knew I would be leaving in two weeks . " The two kept in touch for awhile, but never crossed paths again. ( TNG : " Bloodlines ")

During his time in command of the Stargazer Moritz Benayoun was his chief medical officer and undertook a mission to the Fireforest of Calyx . ( PIC : " Maps and Legends ")

During the Cardassian wars , the Stargazer was involved in a truce offering by the Federation. After making contact with a Cardassian warship, Picard lowered the ship's shields as a gesture of good will, but the Cardassian commander ignored the gesture and disabled the Stargazer 's weapons and impulse engines . The Stargazer managed to regroup and flee. ( TNG : " The Wounded ")

Picard in the early 2350s at Starbase 32

In 2353 , Picard was on an away mission when he saved the life of one team member at the expense of another; Jack R. Crusher was lost in the line of duty. Picard met with Crusher's widow, Beverly, on Starbase 32 to present the body; it was one of Wesley Crusher's earliest memories. ( TNG : " Encounter at Farpoint ", " Coming of Age ", " The Bonding ", " Violations ")

In 2355, the Stargazer was seriously damaged in a battle with an unknown enemy vessel , later discovered to be a Ferengi ship. Picard managed to destroy the enemy vessel using the Stargazer 's warp engines in a unique tactical maneuver (later named the " Picard Maneuver "), but was forced to abandon the Stargazer aboard a shuttlecraft , where he and the other survivors travelled for weeks through deep space before being picked up by passing Federation starship. ( TNG : " The Battle ")

His actions during the battle were called into question by Phillipa Louvois , an officer of the Judge Advocate General during his court martial , but he was exonerated by the inquiry board and was later awarded the Grankite Order of Tactics (Class of Excellence) for the development of the aforementioned "Picard Maneuver". ( TNG : " The Measure Of A Man "; Star Trek Generations Picard family album )

The encounter with the Ferengi vessel, later known as the Battle of Maxia , eventually came back to haunt Picard. DaiMon Bok , whose son was killed in the battle, twice tried to exact revenge on Picard. ( TNG : " The Battle ", " Bloodlines ")

Meeting Natasha Yar [ ]

Picard's next command found him responding to a distress call from colonists in the Carnelian minefield around 2363 . During this mission he first met Natasha Yar . ( TNG : " Legacy ")

The novel The Buried Age filled in many of the gaps between Picard's command of the Stargazer and Enterprise that have otherwise been largely unexplored, including Picard's first meetings with Deanna Troi , Data , Natasha Yar , Kathryn Janeway , and Geordi La Forge .

Commanding the USS Enterprise -D [ ]

Picard, shortly after taking command of the Enterprise

In 2363, Picard was assigned command of the newly commissioned Galaxy -class starship USS Enterprise -D , the most prestigious captaincy in Starfleet. He commanded the flagship for eight years, participating in many important missions. Among these were the defeat of the Borg invasion of 2366 , and his command of the fleet which blockaded the Klingon-Romulan border during the Klingon Civil War .

" Let's see what's out there… "

Picard hand-picked most of his senior staff , such as two young officers who impressed him enough upon first meeting. Geordi La Forge once piloted Picard's inspection tour shuttle and stayed up all night to refit an engine part Picard had made a passing comment on, and Picard witnessed Natasha Yar risk her life to save colonists amid a Carnelian minefield. He had also picked William T. Riker as his first officer and promoted him to commander sight unseen, impressed by the young officer's record of independence. ( TNG : " The Next Phase ", " Legacy ", " The Pegasus "; PIC : " The Star Gazer " commemorative plaque )

Mere months after taking command, Picard was offered a promotion to commandant of Starfleet Academy with the rank of admiral by Admiral Gregory Quinn , but turned it down to retain command of the Enterprise . ( TNG : " Coming of Age ")

Picard on the bridge of the Enterprise in 2370

Although Picard often heatedly defended a strict interpretation of the Prime Directive , he broke it numerous times when he felt it was warranted. Thus, in 2364, he allowed an Edo woman to confront her "god" from space, and in 2366 , Picard brought a Mintakan leader aboard the Enterprise to undo the damage done by cultural contamination . ( TNG : " Justice ", " Who Watches The Watchers ", " The Drumhead ") Furthermore, in 2370 , the Enterprise , by hand of Dr. Nikolai Rozhenko , transported a primitive group of Boraalans into a holodeck from Boraal II before an atmospheric dissipation rendered it uninhabitable. Although in violation of the Prime Directive, Picard ordered that the Boraalans be stealthily resettled, having no other humanitarian options. ( TNG : " Homeward ")

In 2369, when the Enterprise was undergoing a baryon sweep at the Remmler Array , Picard uncovered a plan, by mercenaries, to steal toxic waste from the ship's warp core . He managed to take out all of the intruders by setting traps throughout the various sections of the ship. He even used the Vulcan nerve pinch technique on Devor . ( TNG : " Starship Mine ")

Encounters with the Q entity [ ]

Commanding the Enterprise on her first mission, Picard made first contact with a member of the Q Continuum – Q . Picard and his senior officers had to stand trial for Humanity 's immaturity. To prove their worthiness as a species, Picard had to solve the "mystery of Farpoint Station ." The crew of the Enterprise discovered that the inhabitants of Deneb IV , the Bandi , had captured a space-dwelling being to serve their own purpose. The Enterprise helped to free the creature, and Q, somewhat disappointed by the crew's success, retreated, though he hinted that it would not be their final encounter. ( TNG : " Encounter at Farpoint ")

Q explains to Picard that how Humans respond to a game tells him more about them than a direct confrontation would

Thus, later that year, Q created a bizarre and deadly "game" for the crew of the Enterprise in order to demonstrate that he had given Riker Q-like abilities. Ultimately, Riker rejected these new powers, and Q again disappeared. ( TNG : " Hide And Q ") One year later, in 2365, Q first expressed an interest in joining Picard's crew. When Picard declined, Q tried to show how much he could be of assistance by hurling the Enterprise into the path of a Borg cube . Q was hoping to show that the Federation was entirely unprepared to meet some of the more powerful races that existed in the universe. Ultimately, Picard had to beg for Q's help in escaping from the pursuit of the Borg vessel. ( TNG : " Q Who ")

A fourth encounter with Q occurred in 2366, when the other members of the Continuum had stripped him of his omnipotence and immortality as punishment for his irresponsibility. He sought refuge on the Enterprise and, although Picard and the rest of the crew were initially unconvinced of the sincerity of Q's pleas, the captain agreed to provide Q temporary asylum . As the Enterprise began to suffer from Calamarain attack, Q resolved to end his life to prevent further risk to the Enterprise crew, but another member of the Q Continuum prevented Q from sacrificing himself, and restored his powers as a reward for his selfless act. ( TNG : " Deja Q ")

Late in 2367 , Q returned to the Enterprise to "properly" thank Picard for his role in helping him regain his standing in the Continuum. At the time, Picard was meeting Vash , whom he had met on Risa the year before. Q resolved to teach Picard a lesson about love and cast the captain, Vash, and the Enterprise command crew into an elaborate scenario styled by the ancient legend of Robin Hood . Q himself assumed the role of the High Sheriff of Nottingham . Ultimately, Picard learned his lesson, and everyone was returned to the Enterprise . Intrigued by Vash, though, Q offered to take her on a journey of exploration to explore various archaeological ruins of the galaxy , and she accepted. ( TNG : " Qpid ")

In 2369, Q once again appeared aboard the Enterprise , this time to instruct Amanda Rogers , a Human who was the child of two Q and possessed Q powers herself. Although Q's petulant and acerbic attitude did little to ingratiate himself to Amanda, he eventually convinced her to go with him to the Continuum to learn to use her new-found abilities. ( TNG : " True Q ")

Later that same year, Q appeared to Picard when the latter was critically injured during an ambush from a group of Lenarians . Appearing as " God ", Q told Picard that he had died because of his artificial heart, and offered him the chance to return to the incident in his youth, allowing him to relive the events leading up to his near-fatal injury and change history. Although Picard was successful in changing history, he eventually realized that the event – and his previous nature as an arrogant, brash young man – was a part of his identity, and had helped mold him into the successful Starfleet officer he had become. Although he was uncertain as to whether the experience had been real or simply a vision, Picard was grateful for Q's revelation. ( TNG : " Tapestry ")

" You don't get it, do you, Jean-Luc? The trial never ends. "

In 2370, Q returned to the Enterprise to continue the trial against Humanity. Claiming that the seven-year-old trial had never actually ended, Q proclaimed Humanity guilty of "being inferior" and informed Picard that his race was to be destroyed. He sent Picard traveling through time to his past, present, and future, where he was presented with a temporal paradox in the form of an eruption of anti-time in the Devron system . In this paradox, Picard himself was responsible for the creation of the anomaly that propagated backwards in normal time (anti-time having the opposite properties of normal time), thus destroying Humanity in the past.

In addition to sending Picard jumping through time, Q also provided Picard with hints to understanding the nature of the paradox. Ultimately, Picard determined the solution and devised a way to close the anti-time anomaly in all three time periods. Following the captain's success, Q revealed that the entire experience had been a test, aimed at determining whether Humanity was capable of expanding its horizons to understand some of the advanced concepts of the universe. Departing, Q promised to continue watching Humanity, proclaiming that "The trial never ends." ( TNG : " All Good Things... ")

Encounters with the Borg [ ]

Abducted by the Borg in 2366

In 2365, Q sent the Enterprise 7,000 light years into uncharted space, into the path of a Borg cube . Although the Enterprise suffered losses, it became the first ship known by the Federation to survive an encounter with the Borg, and managed to inform Starfleet of the Borg's existence. ( TNG : " Q Who ")

One year later, in 2366, the Borg launched their first invasion of the Federation. A single cube destroyed the New Providence colony and the USS Lalo , and kidnapped Picard when the Enterprise attempted to intervene. Picard was partially assimilated and became a Borg drone known as Locutus of Borg . The cube proceeded towards Earth and engaged Starfleet in the Battle of Wolf 359 , resulting in the destruction of 39 Federation vessels. On arrival at Earth, an away team from the Enterprise successfully rescued Picard and used his connection to the Borg to implant false data in the cube, destroying it. ( TNG : " The Best of Both Worlds ", " The Best of Both Worlds, Part II ") It was revealed years later that his assimilation and time spent in the Collective had a profoundly disturbing effect on Picard's life. ( Star Trek: First Contact ) Unbeknownst to Picard or Starfleet, the Borg genetically altered Picard while he was Locutus, turning him into a receiver without the need for organic implants. This would result in Picard being able to hear the Borg Collective whenever they were in close proximity to him and later caused his physical death from what was misdiagnosed as Irumodic Syndrome . ( PIC : " Vox ")

Picard as Locutus of Borg, and the Borg Queen

The Enterprise again encountered the Borg in 2368 when they rescued a Borg drone from a crashed Borg shuttle. This drone was cut off from the Collective and slowly regained an individual identity, eventually being named Hugh . Initially, the plan was drafted to use Hugh to destroy the collective in its entirety, although Dr. Beverly Crusher resisted the extermination of an entire race – even if it was the Borg. Picard eventually confronted Hugh, who immediately recognized Picard as Locutus. Picard took the role of Locutus while talking to Hugh, to simulate the authority that Hugh was used to. Geordi La Forge, Data , Dr. Crusher, and other members of the Enterprise crew had a profound effect on the former drone. Even Guinan , who initially wanted nothing to do with Hugh, taught him that resistance is not futile. Guinan's homeworld had been destroyed long ago by the Borg, but the fact that Guinan was still alive was proof of this assertion.

When Picard reminded Hugh that "resistance is futile," Hugh informed him that it was not so. When Picard told Hugh that La Forge would be assimilated, Hugh stated that La Forge did not want to be assimilated. When Picard said that this was irrelevant, Hugh specifically said that he (and Hugh used the word "I") would not assist in the assimilation of La Forge. Picard was stunned that a Borg drone would say such things. He decided that he could not send Hugh back with the file that would destroy the Borg. Picard offered Hugh asylum on board the Enterprise , but Hugh said that the Collective would not stop looking for him until they found him. Hugh agreed to go back to the crash site and to be taken back into the Collective, to protect the Enterprise from harm. ( TNG : " I Borg ")

The individuality present in Hugh spread through the ship he returned to, causing a catastrophic separation of the ship from the rest of the Collective. This rogue mini-collective was unsure how to cope with its freedom, and so fell under the influence of the android Lore . Lore persuaded them to aid his plan to conquer Earth. Using the rogue ship , they attacked several outposts before being tracked down by the crew of the Enterprise -D. They destroyed the Borg ship and were able to persuade the remaining members of the mini-collective of Lore's unreliability. The mini-collective then disappeared into space and has not been encountered since. ( TNG : " Descent ", " Descent, Part II ")

There were some within Starfleet who blamed Picard for the destruction of the task force at Wolf 359 . Benjamin Sisko , who was serving as first officer of the USS Saratoga at the time, lost his wife Jennifer in the attack. Picard and Sisko finally met in 2369 , after the Enterprise was the first Starfleet vessel to arrive at Deep Space 9 . Sisko was, at first, hostile toward Picard, but later came to forgive him. Sisko also gave Picard his letter of resignation, which Picard did not send, feeling Sisko was the right person for command of Deep Space 9. ( DS9 : " Emissary ")

Meeting the Borg Queen again

In 2373 , the Borg launched their second invasion of the Federation, and again the crew of the Enterprise played a major role in their defeat. Initially, the Enterprise was not to have participated in the Battle of Sector 001 , because according to Starfleet Command , Picard would bring an "unstable element into a critical situation." Seeing that the Borg were getting the best of the fleet, Picard ordered the Enterprise to Earth to assist. He was instrumental in defeating both the main invasion and an attempt by the Borg to prevent the formation of the Federation by altering history. ( Star Trek: First Contact )

Kamin and the Ressikan probe [ ]

Picard plays his Ressikan flute in private

In 2368 , the Enterprise encountered a space probe of unknown origin, which emitted a nucleonic beam directly at Picard. This led to his fainting and awakening on an unknown world where he was known as an ironworker named Kamin and was married to Eline . Picard later found out that Kamin was a member of the Ressik community on a planet called Kataan . For five years, Picard clung to his life aboard the Enterprise and searched for ways to return, but eventually settled into his life as Kamin, having two children with Eline and eventually a grandchild. In the approximately thirty-five years Picard spent as Kamin, he learned to play the Ressikan flute , dabbled in astronomy , and analyzed soil samples from the planet, eventually confirming that Kataan was a dying world.

Near the end of his life on Kataan, it was revealed to Picard that Kataan had been destroyed more than a thousand years previously, and the residents of the Ressik community had engineered the probe to share the memory and experiences of their people with someone who could then teach others about their civilization. He awoke on the Enterprise as Jean-Luc Picard once more and discovered that he had lived a lifetime in only twenty-five minutes. The probe was collected by the Enterprise and disassembled. A Ressikan flute was found inside the probe, which Riker then presented to Picard. ( TNG : " The Inner Light ")

Picard considered the flute to be one of his most prized possessions. As of 2379 , he kept the flute on his desk in his ready room aboard the USS Enterprise -E . ( TNG : " Lessons "; Star Trek Nemesis )

Loss of the Enterprise -D [ ]

In 2371 , the USS Enterprise -D was lost over Veridian III , with the vessel's primary hull crash-landing on the planet's surface. Picard also met the legendary James T. Kirk while in the Nexus with him, and recruited him in defeating and killing Dr. Tolian Soran before he could have the chance to destroy the Veridian system. The casualties were light aboard the Enterprise , and most of the ship's senior crew was reassigned to the USS Enterprise -E , the sixth Federation starship to bear the name. ( Star Trek Generations ; Star Trek: First Contact )

Commanding the USS Enterprise -E [ ]

Stopping the borg [ ].

Picard in command of the Enterprise -E in 2373

Picard was installed as commanding officer and given a new authorization code : "Picard-4-7-alpha-tango." After a one-year shakedown cruise , the new Enterprise was nearly lost when the senior staff decided to sacrifice the ship in order to save Earth's future by preventing the Borg on board from changing history. Fortunately, the crew was able to repel the Borg attempt without having to destroy the Enterprise . ( Star Trek: First Contact )

The Ba'ku and the Son'a [ ]

Two years later, in 2375 , Picard ordered the Enterprise -E to the Ba'ku planet in the Briar Patch when it appeared that his operations officer, Lieutenant Commander Data, had malfunctioned and assaulted members of the research team there. Picard was able to capture Data and uncovered a plot by Admiral Dougherty , the Son'a and some in the Federation Council to relocate the Ba'ku against their will. Picard rebelled against Dougherty, bringing word of his actions to the public. Picard was able to protect the Ba'ku and stop Son'a leader Ru'afo from destroying the Ba'ku's homeworld. ( Star Trek: Insurrection )

Dealing with the Romulans [ ]

Picard and a dying Shinzon

Picard continued in command of the Enterprise through 2379 , when the ship was sent to Romulus after the coup by Praetor Shinzon . Shinzon was a clone of Picard created by a former Romulan government – they intended to replace the captain with a spy of their own. Following a change of government and concern that it would lead to war, the plan was abandoned and Shinzon was sent to Remus to die. Instead, he prospered, becoming a highly successful leader during the Dominion War . Shinzon used a thalaron radiation weapon to eradicate the Romulan Senate and had planned to do the same to Earth. He needed Picard in order to repair faults in his own genetic makeup.

In a pitched battle between the Enterprise and Shinzon's flagship , the Scimitar , Picard was eventually able to board the enemy ship and eliminate Shinzon. Data saved Picard's life by transporting the captain back to the Enterprise before sacrificing his own life; he destroyed the Scimitar by firing on the thalaron weapon with a hand phaser , thereby saving the crew of the Enterprise . ( Star Trek Nemesis )

In 2380 , Q remarked that Picard was "no fun, he's always quoting Shakespeare, he's always making wine." ( LD : " Veritas ")

This reference to making wine may be anachronistic, as it precedes Picard's retirement to his vineyard. Alternatively, he may have started having a more active role in supervising vineyard activity long-distance while still aboard the Enterprise .

Admiralty [ ]

By 2381 , Picard had been promoted to admiral and was substantially funding the work of independent archaeologist Petra Aberdeen as a patron of the Independent Archaeologists Guild . ( LD : " The Stars At Night ")

Admiral Jean-Luc Picard in 2381

Picard would meet Riker for a celebratory drink to toast Riker and Troi's newborn son Thaddeus . Riker informed Picard of the touch-and-go delivery and how Riker felt like he was about to lose his son then. ( PIC : " Seventeen Seconds ")

In 2384 , Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway told her crew that she promised Admiral Picard that she wouldn't lose the USS Voyager -A in the Delta Quadrant like she did the USS Voyager . It was left unclear if Janeway was joking or not to break the ice of meeting her new bridge crew. ( PRO : " Into the Breach, Part I ")

According to the press kit for PIC Season 1 , Picard left the Enterprise and was promoted to admiral in 2381, to assist the Romulan people. [1] This is also supported by the picture of Picard wearing his admiral's uniform while holding Thaddeus Troi-Riker , who was born in 2381 and clearly not quite 1 year old. ( PIC : " Nepenthe ")

Evacuating the Romulan people [ ]

By 2385 , he was tasked with developing a fleet of ships to help rescue the populations of Romulus and other worlds of the Romulan Star Empire that were within the blast radius of an impending supernova . The Romulan government had requested the Federation's aid in this. ( PIC : " Remembrance ")

In a log on the " Star Trek: Prodigy Logs" Instagram account, set after the events of PRO : " Crossroads ", Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway mentions Picard being involved with evacuation dealings with Romulans; given the timeframe of said log, it would seem Picard had been working on these efforts since at least 2384 . She mentions that if she had pursued the USS Protostar into the Romulan Neutral Zone , it could have compromised Federation-Romulan relations and that "Jean-Luc would've never forgiven [her]." [2]

Sometime later, Picard had managed to help get some of the Romulan refugees to Vashti , in the Beta Quadrant . He visited the planet several times and on one occasion, brought Elnor , a young Romulan boy he had befriended and placed under the care of the Qowat Milat , a copy of the book The Three Musketeers , and on April 5, 2385 , began to teach him to fence. During the lesson, Raffi Musiker informed him that the rescue fleet under construction on Mars was under attack by rogue Synths . Picard, shocked at the news, bid farewell to the Qowat Milat and told them that he would try everything within his power to make sure the rest of their people could be saved. ( PIC : " Absolute Candor ")

Admiral Picard speaks with Commander Musiker about his meeting with the Federation Council

The attack destroyed not only all the ships of the rescue fleet but also Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards and ignited the stratosphere for years to come, rendering the terraformed planet uninhabitable. Picard called the attack, which cost over 92,000 lives, "devastating" in a Federation News Network broadcast at the time. Following this, the Federation chose both to enact a ban on the creation of synthetic lifeforms and to cancel the Romulan evacuation, dooming the majority of the population to death by the eventual supernova in 2387 . Picard met with the Federation Council with a plan for a new fleet, with "mothball ships" and significantly fewer officers but believed the evacuation could still work, he gave the council a choice: his new fleet or his resignation.

In truth, his threat to resign from Starfleet was the last, desperate card Picard had to play to continue the evacuation plan, and he was stunned when the council simply accepted it. Picard called the ban on synths "a mistake." His resignation angered Raffi Musiker, who had believed in his idea and suspected possible Tal Shiar involvement in the attack on Mars. ( PIC : " Remembrance "; ST : " Children of Mars "; PIC : " The End is the Beginning "; Star Trek )

Retirement [ ]

Following his resignation, Picard returned to his childhood home in France where he lived a pleasant but unfulfilling life. Living with him were two Romulan refugees Laris and Zhaban who joined his household about four years later, and also his dog Number One . He spent the next twelve years writing history books and tending to the vineyard. As the years wore on, Picard started to be plagued with dreams of Data and the destruction of Mars. ( PIC : " Remembrance ")

Zhat Vash mystery [ ]

Picard meets Dahj

In 2399 , now ninety-four years old, Picard was sought out by Dahj Asha , an android created from the remaining neural code from Lieutenant Commander Data. After having a dream about Data painting, Picard went to his vault inside the Starfleet Archive Museum to inspect a painting that Data had given him in 2369 . The woman in the painting looked exactly like Dahj, and since Data had named the painting "daughter", Picard concluded that Dahj must be an android, too. Dahj found Picard outside the archive, where he explained to her what he had learned. They were chased by Romulan operatives and Dahj was killed. Picard sought out cyberneticist Dr. Agnes Jurati at the Daystrom Institute to find more information about the deceased young woman. Jurati told him that Bruce Maddox might have managed to create androids based on Data's code, including Dahj and a "twin" sister . ( PIC : " Remembrance ")

Back at Château Picard, Laris , Picard, and Zhaban reviewed the security footage from Starfleet Headquarters where Dahj was killed. The computer told them that there was no trace of Dahj. This led Laris to believe that the Tal Shiar or even the Zhat Vash were behind the attack and were covering up their tracks. Soon after, Picard and Laris investigated Dahj's apartment in the greater Boston area. They discovered that their fears were true and the Zhat Vash were behind the events that were unfolding. Later that night, Dr. Moritz Benayoun visited Picard to inform him that he could not clear Picard for interstellar travel. Picard had passed all the tests Starfleet required, save for the abnormality in his parietal lobe . Picard went to Starfleet Headquarters to speak with Fleet admiral Kirsten Clancy to be reinstated and given a small ship and crew to track down Maddox and the second android. Still angered by the interview Picard gave only days before condemning Starfleet for abandoning the Romulan Rescue, Clancy denied his request. Later, Picard was visited by Dr. Jurati who informed him that Dahj's background had been created within the last few years, and there was no record of her before that time. Picard sought the help of his former first officer, Raffi Musiker , to find an unregistered ship and off the books pilot he could hire to help him track down Bruce Maddox and solve the Zhat Vash mystery. ( PIC : " Maps and Legends ")

Picard orders Rios to head to warp

Picard was able to get Musiker to agree to help after having a heart-to-heart with her. He apologized for letting her down and not being there when she needed him most. She put him in contact with Cristóbal Rios , the experienced pilot and CO of La Sirena . Picard beamed aboard Rios's ship, where he met the captain and his Emergency Medical Hologram . Picard and Rios discussed the latter's past with Starfleet and the job Picard was offering, which Rios seemed willing to accept. Back at the Château, Picard revealed to Laris that he never really felt at home at the vineyard and always felt he was best suited for life out among the stars. After Zhaban entered with provisions for Picard's journey, the three were attacked by Zhat Vash agents. They managed to defend themselves and dispatch the attackers. When a straggler came into the room after the main group, trying to shoot Picard, he was killed by Agnes Jurati, who had showed up unannounced. Jurati told Picard that Commodore Oh visited her and asked her about her conversations with him. Picard then interrogated one of the Romulan attackers and learned that they believed that Soji was "the Destroyer", " the end of all ". Before Picard and the others could learn more, the Romulan agent committed suicide with an acid capsule hidden in his teeth. Moments later, Rios called Picard to warn him of more trouble headed his way. Dr. Jurati convinced Picard to take her along on his mission, and the two beamed aboard La Sirena . To Picard's surprise, he found that Musiker was there, too. She told Picard that, based on the information he gave her, she had discovered that Bruce Maddox was on Freecloud . Picard ordered Rios to jump to warp to begin their mission. ( PIC : " The End is the Beginning ")

Picard speaks with Elnor on Vashti

A short while into the mission, Picard decided to have Rios change course to Vashti . Ostensibly, he wished to visit the Qowat Milat , an all female order of Romulan warrior nuns, and find a qalankhkai , a sworn blade, to join his cause. Musiker suspected he was really looking for Elnor , a young Romulan Picard had developed paternal feelings towards during the Romulan Rescue Mission. Musiker informed Picard that Vashti had become grimmer since he had last visited, and the destruction of the Romulan homeworld left many with bitter feelings towards the Federation. Once on Vashti, Picard reunited with the Qowat Milat. He was surprised to find Elnor still living among them. Elnor, who had once admired Picard, was now feeling resentful since Picard had abandoned him and his people. Picard asked Elnor to become his qalankkhai , but Elnor refused. While waiting for a transporter window to return to the ship, Picard decided to have a drink in a tavern with a "Romulans Only" sign, which he tore down. A former Romulan senator confronted Picard about the failures of the Federation, and escalated the conflict to a physical fight. Picard refused to fight the man, and was saved by Elnor, who declared himself Picard's qalankkhai . Once the two of them were back on La Sirena , the ship was attacked by Kar Kantar , a local warlord commanding an old Romulan Bird-of-Prey . During the fight, a mysterious ship appeared to help but was nearly destroyed in the process. Once the Bird of Prey was disabled Picard, Rios, and Musiker beamed the pilot on board La Sirena , to discover it was Seven of Nine , who was working for the Fenris Rangers . As soon as she was safe on board, Seven quipped, "You owe me a ship, Picard." and passed out. ( PIC : " Absolute Candor ")

Picard in his bounty hunter disguise

Back en route to Freecloud, Seven and Picard met in his study on La Sirena's holodeck and discussed Picard's mission and Seven's work as a vigilante. Seven thought Picard was on a typical grandiose diplomatic mission, but when he told her he was trying to save someone who had no-one else to help her, Seven agreed to help him. Upon arriving at Freecloud, Picard and the others came up with a plan to extract Bruce Maddox from Bjayzl , the nightclub owner and ruthless merchant of Borg parts who was holding him prisoner. Picard played the part of a bounty hunter who offered Seven of Nine in exchange for Maddox. During the meeting, Seven revealed that she knew Bjayzl and was planning to kill her as revenge for Bjayzl killing Icheb , the ex-Borg who was like a son to Seven. Rios and Picard managed to de-escalate the situation and rescue Maddox. Back on La Sirena , Picard appealed to Seven not to try and seek revenge. Seven asked him if after his time in the Borg Collective he felt he had gained back his Humanity. Picard admitted he did not think he had gained back all of it, " but we're both working on it, aren't we? " Seven agreed, but beamed back down to Freecloud to kill Bjayzl anyway. Later Picard met with Maddox in sickbay, and Maddox told him about Soji and revealed that she was on the Artifact . ( PIC : " Stardust City Rag ")

Picard and Hugh share a hug upon meeting again after many years

On the way to the Artifact, Jurati and Picard discussed the death of Bruce Maddox and Picard's past as Locutus of Borg. It became clear that Picard was still traumatized by his time in the collective and he got angry when Jurati suggested the isolated Borg on the Artifact might have changed. He retreated to his holographic study, where he had been researching the Borg Reclamation Project and its director, Hugh , a former Borg Picard had encountered decades earlier. In order to gain access to the Artifact, Picard asked Musiker to use her connection to Captain Emmy Bosch to get him diplomatic credentials. Bosch made him a special envoy to the Reclamation Project, but the Romulans refused to let Sirena land and insisted Picard had to beam over alone. Once on board the cube, was plagued by more flashbacks until he was welcomed by Hugh, and the two had a heartfelt reunion. Hugh showed Picard around the Reclamation Project and explained his work and the plight of the xBs . He agreed to help Picard in finding Soji, but when they went to her quarters they found them empty and in disarray. At first, Hugh was unable to track Soji, leading Picard to guess someone might be keeping her hidden. Once Soji freed herself from the death trap Narek set for her, though, her signal reappeared and Hugh and Picard tracked her down. Although Picard told Soji he was a friend of her father's and her sister had come to Picard for help, she was hesitant to trust him. Ultimately, though, she believed him when he said he was trying to help her, and Picard, Hugh and Soji fled from the Romulans that were pursuing them to the queencell . Hugh activated the spatial trajector hidden in the cell to help Picard and Soji escape. When they were accosted by Romulan guards, Elnor came to the rescue, after having gained access to the Artifact despite Picard's orders to stay on La Sirena . Picard told Musiker and Rios he was going to take Soji to Nepenthe and they should rendezvous there. He ordered Elnor to come along, but Elnor refused, insisting he should cover Picard's escape. ( PIC : " The Impossible Box ")

Picard shares a moment with Riker

Upon arriving on Nepenthe, Picard and Soji were greeted by Kestra Troi-Riker , the daughter of William T. Riker and Deanna Troi . Kestra took the two visitors to the Riker residence, where Picard joyfully reunited with Deanna and Will. Picard explained the situation to them and they welcomed him and Soji to stay as long as they needed. During the visit, Picard spent time with his old friends, reminiscing about the Rikers' late son Thaddeus Troi-Riker and discussing Soji and his current mission. Initially, Picard did not want to give away the details, Will was able to guess that Soji was Data's daughter, and thus an android. At dinner, Deanna and Will helped Picard to convince Soji she could trust him, and Soji revealed how Narek had manipulated her into telling him about her homeworld. Going off the details she mentions and with the help of a friend, Kestra was able to identify the planet Soji was describing as Ghulion IV , and they all agreed Picard should get help from Starfleet and take Soji to her homeworld. ( PIC : " Nepenthe ")

Picard speaks with Soji about her past and Commander Data on board La Sirena .

After getting back to La Sirena and making introductions, Picard asked Rios to plot a course for Deep Space 12 and to get him a secure channel to Starfleet Command. In his holographic study, Picard spoke with Admiral Clancy about Soji and the other possible synths and asked for a squadron to travel to the Vayt sector . He proceeded to add arguments to his cause before Clancy bluntly shushed him, telling him that a squadron would meet him at DS12. After this, Picard spoke with Dr. Jurati in sickbay, where told her she would be turning herself in at DS12 for the murder of Bruce Maddox. Jurati told him about the mission Commodore Oh gave her and the Admonition , though Picard remained somewhat skeptical. Soon after, the crew gathered and, guided by Musiker, pieced together the truth about the Zhat Vash, the Attack on Mars, Commodore Oh, and the synths. Realizing she had given the Romulans the means to eradicate her people, Soji tried to hijack La Sirena and change their course to head directly for her homeworld and warn the synths there of the impending attack. Rios was able to regain control of the ship, but Picard agreed with Soji and tried to take command of Sirena himself. He was foiled when he was unable to work the ship's controls. Soji managed to convince Rios to help take her home, and together, they headed for the transwarp conduit that would take them to Ghulion IV. ( PIC : " Broken Pieces ")

"Death" and resurrection [ ]

Upon arriving on the synth homeworld of Coppelius , in which the La Sirena crashed on the surface, Jurati was able to discover the abnormality in Picard's brain, which he revealed to the rest of the crew as being diagnosed as terminal just before La Sirena left Earth. He made a point of saying he would not be treated like a dying man, and they would continue with the mission. As he had promised, he delivered Soji to her people at Coppelius Station , a community of synths led by Dr. Altan Soong , the son of Data's creator Noonian Soong. Picard and Soji told the assembled synths that the Romulans were en route to their world to destroy them. Picard sent a secure message to Starfleet informing them that he had made first contact and requested diplomatic negotiations and Starfleet protection for Coppelius and its inhabitants. The synth community, led by Sutra , had come to another conclusion: They had discovered that the " Admonition " that the Zhat Vash believed to be a warning against synthetics was in fact a message meant for synthetics, to call for help from a hidden race of advanced artificial lifeforms to preserve their existence… even if it meant exterminating organic life in the process. In order to stop him from trying to instill doubt in the others, Soong and Sutra ordered that Picard be held under house arrest. ( PIC : " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 1 ")

Picard leaving a complex quantum simulation as his consciousness is transferred into a golem

Picard was eventually rescued by Jurati, and the two of them traveled to the La Sirena ; unbeknownst to them, the others had returned to Coppelius Station to stop the construction of the transmitter. Having learned the ship's controls from his observations of Rios, Picard was able to take the ship back into orbit and face down the Romulan fleet, led by Commodore Oh, now revealed as a Romulan general. A fleet of Starfleet ships, led by Riker aboard the USS Zheng He , arrived in response to Picard's transmission, informing the Romulans that Coppelius was under Federation protection. Picard pleaded on an open channel with Soji, who was working to build the transmitter, to not become the "Destroyer" that the Romulans believed her to be. Finally giving in, Soji destroyed the transmitter, leaving the Romulans no choice but to withdraw in the face of the overwhelming Starfleet force. With Coppelius saved, Picard collapsed, his body beginning to fail as the result of his illness. He was beamed to the planet's surface, where he died in the company of the crew he had led on this mission. Soong had been working to create a golem to transfer his consciousness into, and had just completed the work before the Romulans arrived; working with Jurati and Soji, Soong was able to transfer Picard's consciousness and memories into the golem before his brain functions ceased completely. ( PIC : " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 ")

With a second chance at life, he continued on with the crew of the La Sirena , noting along with Soji Asha that with the Federation's synthetic ban lifted, they were both free to travel as they pleased. Notably, the golem 's neural net did not contain the defect in Picard's parietal lobe that caused the death of his Human body. The android body was built to be identical to his Human body in all other ways, lacking any enhanced physical or mental abilities and having the same remaining lifespan Picard's Human body would have had if not for his brain defect. ( PIC : " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 ")

Return to Starfleet [ ]

Picard chancelloring in 2401

By 2401 , Picard was reinstated as an admiral in Starfleet, and appointed Chancellor of Starfleet Academy . He also continued to run Château Picard . At this time, Laris , Romulan refugee under his employ, made her feelings of affection known to him. Despite clearly having romantic feelings for her, Picard's sense of duty left him unable to reciprocate. When Picard suggested that nothing had to change between them following her confession, Laris responded that ruing would be awkward she was too old for awkward.

Shortly after giving the opening statement at Starfleet Academy , Picard was visited by Fleet Admiral Sally Whitley on a very sensitive matter. Whitley explained that an anomaly showed up in space, caused a large spike in Adler-Lasky temporal radiation , and then began to broadcast. She played the initial distorted broadcast, then filters it out to " help us, Picard ". Whitley explained the transmission fell under Article 15 , an entreaty to join the Federation and apparently, they only wished to speak to Picard about it. She held out a combadge for him, which he reluctantly accepted.

Picard boarded the USS Stargazer , now under Rios’s command, in order to initiate contact with the anomaly. When there was no reply to his hail, he tried again, only for a legion of voices to speak his name. Energy spikes caused the consoles and viewscreen to stutter and something began coming through the rift. Rios called for red alert and ordered the helm to give them distance. A massive vessel came through the rift and emitted a shock wave . It soon became apparent that the vessel was Borg. While Picard and others debated whether the Borg should be trusted, the Borg Queen , covered in metallic armor, arrived on the Stargazer and began to take control of the ship. In order to stop the Borg Queen from taking over the vessel, Picard called for the ship to self-destruct .

Picard suddently found himself in an alternate timeline where the Federation had been replaced by a militaristic Confederation of Earth whose goal to eliminate all other life in the galaxy. He was then visited by Q who reminded Picard about the words that he said to him when they last parted ways, " the trial never ends. " Q reminded Picard about how he had talked about second chances and told him that he was now at the " very end of the road not taken. " ( PIC : " The Star Gazer ")

Picard soon discovered that he wasn’t alone in this timeline – Q had brought Rios, Agnes, Raffi, Elnor, and Seven as well. A captured Borg Queen, scheduled for execution, revealed that, since the Borg have insight into various timeline ]s, she knew the when the timeline divergence occurred—the year 2024 . After hooking up the Queen to the CSS La Sirena , the crew traveled to Earth that year, crash-landing next to the Château, which had been deserted since World War II at that time, before transporting to Los Angeles.

Thanks to a Watcher named Tallinn , Picard discovered that the focal point of the divergence was his ancestor, Renee Picard who was scheduled to depart on the Europa space mission. ( PIC : " Watcher ") Tallinn informed Picard that Renee suffered from debilitating bouts of depression, which reminded Picard of his own mother who suffered from the same condition. ( PIC : " Monsters ")

Ultimately, the entire scenario was Q’s effort to help Jean-Luc deal with the trauma of his mother’s suicide when he was a child. The timeline was restored, and Q sent the group, minus Rios, who elected to stay in 2024, back to the Stargazer just before Picard called for the self-destruct. He quickly realized that the mysterious Borg Queen was Agnes, who’d been assimilated by the Queen in 2024. Her intent was not malicious – it was to warn the Federation of the real threat the anomaly posed. Though the Queen knew how the anomaly could be defended against, she didn’t know the nature of the threat and asked for provisional membership in the Federation so that she could be "the guardian at the gate."

Picard returned to the Chateau and discovered that Laris arranged for the solarium to be restored to its former glory. She also began preparing to leave the chateau for good. Having come to understand the origin of his difficulties regarding long-term relationships, Picard admitted his foolish behavior and asked Laris for her forgiveness and a second chance. Laris agreed. ( PIC : " Farewell ")

Second retirement [ ]

Picard's original body

Later that year, Picard retired from Starfleet again and made preparations to accompany Laris to Chaltok IV where she would be setting up diplomatic security. The plan changed when he received an encrypted message from Dr. Beverly Crusher, asking for his help. ( PIC : " The Next Generation ")

Subsequently, Picard was reunited with his old command crew and Seven of Nine on the USS Titan -A and discovered that Jack Crusher , the target of Vadic and a rogue faction of the Changelings , was actually his son.

Vadic had stolen Picard's body from where it was stored at Daystrom Station in order to extract a part of his brain. Ultimately, his body was destroyed along with Vadic and her ship, the Shrike . ( PIC : " The Bounty ", " Surrender ", " Võx ")

Following the defeat of Vadic, it was discovered that Picard had been genetically altered when he was Locutus of Borg to be a Borg receiver. This resulted in Picard subsequently being able to hear the Borg Collective even without implants in the years following his rescue from assimilation. The alteration had been misdiagnosed as Irumodic Syndrome and was what had actually killed him. Jack inherited this genetic abnormality from Picard, but he instead become a transmitter capable of communicating with the Collective. The Changelings used the abnormality, extracted from Picard's original body, to allow the Borg to take over Starfleet officers and begin the assimilation of the Federation, virtually unchallenged.

With the Titan -A falling under Borg control, Seven and Raffi Musiker fighting a rebellion, and Jack captured, Picard, Beverly, Will Riker, Worf, Data, Deanna Troi, and Geordi La Forge retreated to the Fleet Museum , which was under La Forge's command. Geordi revealed that he had spent the last twenty years secretly rebuilding the destroyed USS Enterprise -D, the saucer section of which had been recovered from Veridian III to avoid impacting the planet's development in accordance with the Prime Directive. As an older ship, the Enterprise was not linked into Starfleet's mainframe and its modern fleet automation system and was thus unaffected by the Borg takeover. Picard resumed command of his old ship to once again fight the Borg, humorously accepting a field demotion to the rank of captain after the Enterprise computer identified him as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, due to the long-outdated crew manifest . ( PIC : " Võx ") He, in turn, ordered everyone to take their stations and to set course for Earth.

Under Picard's leadership, the Enterprise engaged a Borg cube over Jupiter , where Jack was held and used to communicate with all assimilated Starfleet officers. Picard beamed aboard the Borg ship to rescue Jack, while Riker and Worf boarded to locate a beacon used to command the compromised fleet. Picard was confronted by his old enemy, the Borg Queen. She revealed that the Borg Collective had been decimated to the point of near destruction by the neurolytic pathogen spread by an alternate timeline version of Admiral Kathryn Janeway decades earlier ( VOY : " Endgame "). The Queen resorted to cannibalism to survive; the collective had been reduced to a handful of drones, a single cube, and the aged and starving Queen.

In an effort to save his son, Picard linked with Jack, who eventually broke free as the Enterprise destroyed the beacon. With a chain reaction desolating the cube, Deanna took the Enterprise helm to intercept and retrieve the away team. She detected their position via her mental link with Riker, beaming Picard, Jack, Worf, and her husband out at the last moment. The Enterprise raced free of the cube as it exploded, ending the Borg once and for all and breaking their control over Starfleet. As a reward for saving the Federation, Picard and his crew all received full pardons for their criminal actions while Seven was promoted to the rank of Captain.

A year later, Picard and La Forge returned a fully-restored Enterprise- D to the Fleet Museum for display. Picard, having returned to his retirement, enjoyed a drink and a game of poker with his old command crew at 10 Forward Avenue . He also accompanied Jack to the former Titan -A to see his son off on his first assignment as a Starfleet ensign . Now under the command of Captain Seven, the ship was rechristened the USS Enterprise -G in honor of the actions of Picard and his command crew. While on the Enterprise -G, Jack was visited by Q, who revealed that while the trial of Humanity was over for Picard, it had just begun for Jack. ( PIC : " The Last Generation ")

Anything but canon account [ ]

A 24th century photo of Jean-Luc Picard being viewed in the late 32nd century

By the 32nd century , Picard's personal files were still part of the Federation and Starfleet databases that survived the Burn . In 3189 , the USS Discovery 's chief science officer , Commander Michael Burnham , examined his files and saw his encounter with her brother Spock on Romulus. ( DIS : " Unification III ", " Terra Firma, Part 1 "; TNG : " Unification II ")

In 3190 , Hugh Culber cited Picard's resurrection as the first successful implementation of the Soong Method when he was preparing to use it to provide Gray Tal with a new body. Following the success with Picard, there was a low success rate with other people, and it was eventually abandoned. ( DIS : " Anomaly (DIS) ")

In 3191 , Doctor Kovich told Burnham about Picard's involvement with the discovery of the Progenitors and showed Burnham footage of Picard receiving the Progenitors' message. Kovich revealed that following Picard's discovery, Doctor Vellek -- one of the Romulans present when Picard uncovered the Progenitors' message -- had subsequently discovered the technology used by the Progenitors to create humanoid life. Starfleet had also kept the discovery top secret for centuries out of fear of what might happen should the technology fall into the wrong hands. The discovery of Vellek's science ship started a treasure hunt for the Progenitors' technology. ( TNG : " The Chase "; DIS : " Red Directive ")

Alternate realities and timelines [ ]

Energy vortex encounter [ ].

Picard from six hours in the future

In 2365 , the Enterprise -D was pulled into an energy vortex and could not return to normal space. In order not to be pulled even further, La Forge had to hold the ship at maximum warp, but such power drainage threatened to destroy the Enterprise . Thinking that the vortex recognized him as the "brain" of the ship and wanted him, and not the Enterprise , Picard boarded the shuttle El-Baz and left the vessel. The Enterprise was still destroyed, and the El-Baz was pulled six hours back in time, where it was picked up by that time period's Enterprise . Picard encountered his past self, who wanted to discover what would happen to the ship in the future and how to prevent it. Frantic, the future Picard tried to depart in the El-Baz again, but his past counterpart decided that it was time "to end the cycle" and killed him with a phaser. The Enterprise was then able to escape the vortex. ( TNG : " Time Squared ")

This Picard was scripted as "P2" and was, in some scenes, portrayed by Stephane Gudju .

Federation-Klingon War [ ]

A wartorn Picard making a final stand against a Klingon attack

In 2366 , the USS Enterprise -C emerged from a temporal rift . Its disappearance from the year 2344 caused an altered timeline, where the Federation was losing a war against the Klingon Empire . Picard was still the Enterprise -D's commanding officer, though more toughened due to the horrors of war. Upon Guinan's advice, Picard decided to send the Enterprise -C back to the past. After Captain Rachel Garrett was killed during a Klingon attack, Picard allowed Richard Castillo to assume command and return the Enterprise -C to 2344 . ( TNG : " Yesterday's Enterprise ")

"Yesterday's Enterprise" Director David Carson noted, " Patrick Stewart loved playing that war-like captain in a war situation after 20 years of war. " [3]

Nausicaan attack [ ]

Lieutenant junior grade Jean-Luc Picard

In an alternate timeline created by Q, Picard was given the chance to walk away from his fight with the Nausicaan that caused serious injury to his heart, forcing a bionic replacement to be installed. When he returned to the present, Picard was a mere lieutenant junior grade , with Worf as his supervisor. This was because his near-death experience made the young Picard realize just how fragile life was and how important it could be, thus making him even more determined to make his mark in the universe and take risks; as it was, all Picard learned from the incident was to play it safe and not take risks. Picard convinced Q to allow him to correct the damage to his timeline and returned to his reality (although it was never confirmed whether this actually happened or if it was just a near-death hallucination). ( TNG : " Tapestry ")

Quantum fissure encounter [ ]

Picard from another quantum reality

In 2370 , Lieutenant Worf encountered a quantum fissure which caused him to begin shifting between quantum realities . In several universes, Picard was still captain of the Enterprise and attended a surprise birthday party for Worf, though his services were stated to be required on the bridge. In the final universe in which Worf arrived, William Riker was the captain, as Picard was lost in the Borg encounter of 2367 . In another reality, the Borg had invaded the Federation and the Enterprise was one of the few ships left. Worf was finally returned to his own quantum reality and the quantum fissure was sealed. ( TNG : " Parallels ")

Anti-time encounters [ ]

Picard in an alternate timeline

Also in 2370, while standing trial by Q, Picard's consciousness was shifting between three alternate timelines. In an alternate 2364 , Picard disobeyed Starfleet orders from the moment he arrived on board the Enterprise at Earth Station McKinley. He called a red alert while docked at the station, ordered the ship to the Devron system instead of to Farpoint Station and took the vessel into a temporal anomaly there. In an alternate 2370 , Picard was diagnosed with Irumodic Syndrome by Dr. Crusher. This caused her to reconsider her relationship with Picard, and she reversed her earlier decision to remain just friends. The Enterprise was dispatched to the Devron system near the Romulan Neutral Zone where it discovered the temporal anomaly. In an unknown, alternate future timeframe , Picard found himself at his family's vineyard with Geordi La Forge. Picard contacted Riker, now an admiral and commanding officer of Starbase 247 , for help in investigating the anomaly, but Riker refused to allow him passage to the Neutral Zone, thinking Picard had been affected by his Irumodic Syndrome and was delusional. Later, Picard convinced his ex-wife, Beverly Picard, to take her medical ship, the USS Pasteur , to investigate the anomaly. The Pasteur was attacked and destroyed by Klingon battleships , but the Enterprise , under command of Admiral Riker, arrived to rescue the crew and fight off the Klingons. Picard once again pleaded with Riker to return to the Devron system , but he was then sedated and returned to quarters. Armed with new information gathered from the other two timeframes, Picard woke and went to talk to Riker and the other former Enterprise officers, and convinced them that the anomaly existed. The Enterprise returned just in time to watch it form, and Riker ordered the Enterprise into the anomaly, where it used a static warp shell in concert with the other Enterprise s to collapse it. After the anomaly was sealed, the timelines were erased, and only Picard retained memory of those events. He told his staff of his experiences in the future, in hopes that things such as the conflict between Worf and Riker that followed Deanna Troi's death never happen. ( TNG : " All Good Things... ")

The Nexus [ ]

Picard in the Nexus

In 2371 , Picard was briefly trapped in the Nexus during a mission to stop renegade El-Aurian scientist Dr. Tolian Soran from destroying the Veridian system . In the perfect world in the Nexus, his nephew René (who had recently died in a fire) was still alive, and he had a wife and four children. Realizing that it wasn't real, he rejected the reality offered to him and left the Nexus to defeat Soran with the aid of Captain James T. Kirk. ( Star Trek Generations )

Confederation of Earth [ ]

A young Jean-Luc Picard

In an alternate timeline created by Q where Earth had become the Confederation of Earth by the 25th century , Picard was a ruthless and highly successful general in the Confederation Corps . During his years of service, he subjugated and conquered hundreds of species and annihilated several planets, such as Qo'noS . At one point, he had either overseen or directly commanded the CSS World Razer .

A holographic recording of General Picard

By 2401 , General Picard had obtained a synthetic body, as a result of his battle with Gul Dukat . That year, Picard was to speak at the Eradication Day ceremonies on Earth, where he was to publicly execute the Borg Queen and receive the title of " Borgslayer ".

General Picard had a large home on Earth, maintained by android servants and Romulan slaves. In one room of the house, he maintained a large trophy room . ( PIC : " The Star Gazer ", " Penance ")

Holograms [ ]

Picard as an Admiral in Barash's holoprogram

• As part of Reginald Barclay 's holo-addiction , he had created at least two programs that had recreations of Jean-Luc. One was a recreation of the Enterprise -D, the other, Barclay Program 15 , had Picard as one of The Three Musketeers . ( TNG : " Hollow Pursuits ")
• A Jean-Luc Picard hologram was in Barash 's holoprogram , this future Picard was a full admiral. ( TNG : " Future Imperfect ")

Personal life [ ]

Picard in a Dixon Hill holographic novel

Picard held diverse intellectual interests and recreational pursuits. He was a lifelong avocational archaeologist, inspired by his Academy instructor, Galen, having studied the Iconian culture since his cadet days. Picard even addressed the Federation Archaeology Council as keynote speaker in 2367 , on the subject of his oft-studied Tagus III ruins.

He also had a deep love of Terran literature, from the works of William Shakespeare to detective stories featuring Dixon Hill , and preferred to read them in their written form rather than on a holo-visual display. Picard had studied semantics and kept his Latin fresh. ( TNG : " The Chase ", " Qpid ", " Hide And Q ", " Clues ", " The Game ")

Other subjects that enthralled Picard were physics and celestial mechanics. He kept up with the Atlantis Project on Earth through journals. Picard was fascinated to be the first to reveal an ancient Promellian battle cruiser , as visiting such an elegant craft was always a dream of Picard's, a dream he had held on to ever since he was a child when he used to build model airships and starships in bottles, surmising that he likely had a Promellian battle cruiser in his collection. ( TNG : " Family ", " Booby Trap ")

Picard, while painting on the Enterprise

After his experience with the Kataan probe, Picard began to play the Ressikan flute and was good enough to perform works by Mozart . He considered the flute to be one of his most prized possessions. It represented, to him, an entire lifetime he lived in only 25 minutes. As of 2379 , Picard kept the flute on his desk in his ready room aboard the Enterprise -E. His attempts at painting were less successful. ( TNG : " The Chase ", " Family ", " The Inner Light ", " A Fistful of Datas ", " A Matter of Perspective "; Star Trek Nemesis )

Despite Picard being a rather private person, he maintained a good relationship with the members of his senior staff on board the Enterprise , but only joined in their weekly game of poker after seven years. ( TNG : " All Good Things... ")

When enjoying the comforts of home on the Enterprise , Picard drank Earl Grey tea . He delighted in fencing , horseback riding , and his scale models of various Starfleet vessels. His opponents in fencing included Lieutenant Dean and Guinan , whom Picard coached in the sport. She initially lost one of their matches and said she did not think she liked the sport. Picard replied she liked it well enough two weeks prior, when she scored him two touches. ( TNG : " We'll Always Have Paris ", " I Borg ")

Picard on holiday

Only rarely did Picard take extended time off to relax. In 2366 , several of the members of his crew persuaded him to go on holiday on Risa . While intending to just relax in the suns, reading a book, he ended up going on a treasure hunt for the Tox Uthat , an artifact from the future. ( TNG : " Captain's Holiday ")

Philosophically, Picard saw life and death as more than two choices of eternal or momentary existence. In fact, he believed there was another concept yet beyond Human understanding due to the marvelous complexity and the clockwork precision of the universe. In 2364 , confronted by Q, Picard quoted from Shakespeare: " What a piece of work is man? How noble in reason? How infinite in faculty, in form, in moving, how express and admirable. In action, how like an angel, in apprehension, how like a god… " Upon Q's interruption that surely he did not see his own species like that, Picard answered that he saw Humankind one day becoming so. In Picard's opinion, genetic engineering with its predetermination robbed Humanity of the unknown factor that makes life worth living. ( TNG : " Lonely Among Us ", " Hide And Q ", " The Masterpiece Society ")

Medical record [ ]

Picard always remained in excellent health, thanks to a regimen carried over from his days as an athlete, and at the age of seventy-four (in 2379), was still a vibrant and healthy man. Even twenty years later, Dr. Moritz Benayoun told Picard, "For a relic, you're in excellent shape." ( Star Trek Nemesis ; PIC : " Maps and Legends ")

Despite his captaincy of the Enterprise , Picard still found time for fencing, racquetball , and equine sports, usually on the holodeck . Nevertheless, he did show a tendency to overwork, avoided formal vacations, and had reported bouts of insomnia . Additionally, Picard usually tried to avoid his annual physicals, to the great irritation of Dr. Crusher. ( TNG : " We'll Always Have Paris ", " Pen Pals ", " Suddenly Human ", " Captain's Holiday ", " Allegiance ")

At a very young age, Picard was diagnosed with Shalaft's Syndrome , a rare congenital defect that left him hypersensitive to any kind of sound. His condition was treated, but his hearing was still highly acute. As an ensign, Picard could sense subtleties as faint as a starship's torque sensors out of alignment by three microns. ( Star Trek: Insurrection ; Star Trek Nemesis )

Picard lost his hair by the 2350s , although he was known to have had a shaved head for some time as a student at Starfleet Academy . ( TNG : " Rascals ", " Tapestry ", " Violations "; Star Trek Nemesis )

Undergoing cardiac replacement surgery in 2365

Owing to a near-fatal stabbing through the heart in 2328 , an artificial heart was implanted to save Picard's life. The unit required replacement when it malfunctioned in 2365 , overseen at Starbase 515 by Dr. Katherine Pulaski . Four years later, the unit was damaged and again replaced following a near-fatal Lenarian compressed tetryon weaponry attack. ( TNG : " Samaritan Snare ", " Tapestry ")

Following his assimilation by the Borg in 2366, Picard was formally declared dead as a casualty of war by Admiral J.P. Hanson . The ruling was rescinded six days later when Picard was recaptured by the crew of the Enterprise . Along with the physical recovery, the incident took an enormous emotional toll and required several weeks of intensive counseling. Even after over thirty years since his assimilation, Picard would tell Seven of Nine that he didn't feel as if he had regained all of his Humanity since his liberation from the Collective . Picard underwent similar, though less lengthy, recuperation following his capture and torture by Cardassians in 2369 . ( TNG : " The Best of Both Worlds ", " Chain Of Command, Part I ", PIC : " Stardust City Rag ")

Ronald D. Moore commented regarding Picard's assimilation: " I lobbied for giving Picard a permanent bionic arm , but Rick and Michael wouldn't go for it. Picard's arm is his own. " ( AOL chat , 1997 )

In an alternate future timeline, Jean-Luc developed Irumodic Syndrome , and in the corresponding alternate "present" timeline in 2370 he became aware of his future condition due to being shifted through time by Q . When Picard asked Dr. Crusher to perform medical scans on him in regards to this apparent fate, Crusher confirmed that Picard had a small structural defect in his parietal lobe that could possibly lead to Irumodic Syndrome, among other possible disorders. ( TNG : " All Good Things... ")

In 2399 , Picard asked Dr. Moritz Benayoun to provide him with a certificate for interstellar service . Picard's results were at or above Starfleet standards in every category ( cardiovascular , metabolic , and cognitive ), but the defect in his parietal lobe had developed further. Dr. Benayoun said the defect indicated one of several syndromes, all of which were fatal. ( PIC : " Maps and Legends ") He ultimately died just after the Defense of Coppelius due to the defect, only continuing to live on when his consciousness was transferred into a golem lacking the defect but otherwise identical to his Human body. ( PIC : " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 ") It was later revealed that Picard did not in fact have Irumodic Syndrome as was previously believed, but rather it was a false positive. In reality, Picard's condition was a result of the Borg changing him on a genetic level when he was Locutus of Borg . This turned Picard into a receiver for the Borg Collective , meaning that he could hear them even without his implants, and it was inherited by his son Jack Crusher as a transceiver. Even as a golem, Picard retained this residual link to the Collective. This was a part of the Borg Queen 's long-term plans. ( PIC : " Võx ", " The Last Generation ")

The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Millennium novels also depicted Picard with Irumodic Syndrome in 2399.

Personal relationships [ ]

Picard shows Deanna Troi his family photos

Picard claimed that he was able to trace his family's roots in western Europe back to the time of Charlemagne in the 8th century . He had "never been a family man," and was thus long uncomfortable with the presence of children aboard the Galaxy -class Enterprise . The orphaned son of Lieutenant Marla Aster again raised his concern about the vessel's civilian family contingent, although his unease with children had lessened since being stranded with three youths during a shipboard quantum filament crisis. His time on Kataan also affected his views concerning family and children, as he admitted not being able to imagine a life without them. His initial reaction to family was also reflected in the friction with his father, and later his older brother, over leaving the family business. Upon the sudden accidental deaths of his brother Robert and his nephew René, the issue of lineage and Picard's lack of offspring caused a strong yet brief period of depression. ( TNG : " Journey's End ", " The Bonding ", " Disaster ", " The Inner Light ", " Family "; Star Trek Generations )

Much of the above paragraph, written by Memory Alpha contributors, appeared almost word-for-word on the therapist's PADD used in the Star Trek: Picard episode " Monsters ". [4]

In 2370, DaiMon Bok threatened Jason Vigo , claiming that Jason was Picard's son. It was soon revealed that Jason was not actually Picard's son. As a parting gift, Picard gave Jason an archaeological artifact of significant sentimental value. ( TNG : " Bloodlines ")

Jack Crusher [ ]

Jack Crusher in 2401

Picard's romance with Beverly Crusher produced a son, Jack Crusher. Jack grew up never knowing he was Picard's son as Beverly kept Jack's father's identity a secret. Following the Changeling and Borg crisis on Frontier Day , the two grew close with Picard accompanying his son to his first assignment on the USS Enterprise -G . ( PIC : " The Next Generation ", " Disengage ", " The Last Generation ")

Romance [ ]

Lwaxana troi [ ].

Picard and Ambassador Lwaxana Troi in 2365

When Ambassador Lwaxana Troi visited the Enterprise in 2365 , she had just entered her Betazoid phase , and so she set her sights on several male crewmembers as potential mates, including Picard. She announced her " wedding " with William Riker on the bridge of the Enterprise shortly before moving on to Picard. Following an intimate dinner with the ambassador, Picard hid himself on the holodeck in a Dixon Hill holonovel . Lwaxana continued to teasingly flirt with Picard during her future visits to the Enterprise . On one occasion, Picard pretended to be in love with Lwaxana in order to save the ambassador's daughter, Deanna Troi, and Riker from Ferengi captivity. Lwaxana was most impressed with his Shakespearian poetry. ( TNG : " Manhunt ", " Ménage à Troi ")

Picard had a relationship with an "adventurer" and some-time criminal named Vash . They initially met when Picard aided her attempts to find a rare artifact. Over the course of their adventure, the two developed an intimate relationship. Vash later returned to the Enterprise as part of an archaeological advisory team and was upset to find that Picard had not told his friends about their relationship. At the same time, Q appeared on the ship, and in return for Picard's aid in getting back to the Q Continuum, he created a Robin Hood fantasy world in which Picard (Robin) had to save Vash ( Maid Marian ). Eventually, Vash and Picard parted on good terms, as she decided to travel the universe with Q. She later reappeared one last time on Deep Space 9 after being unceremoniously abandoned by her "partner" Q. ( TNG : " Qpid "; DS9 : " Q-Less ")

In 2368 , while mediating negotiations between the warring planets Krios and Valt Minor , Picard encountered Kamala , an empathic metamorph intended as a gift for Valtese Chancellor Alrik . Due to premature emergence from stasis, Kamala underwent her bonding phase before the marriage could be completed. When circumstances placed Picard and Kamala in close proximity to each other, she eventually bonded with the captain. Having adapted to be perfectly compatible with Picard, Kamala found that her sense of duty demanded that she proceed with the marriage rather than pursue a relationship with Picard. Picard was deeply affected by Kamala, as shown by his reaction to Ambassador Briam 's inquiry about the experience. ( TNG : " The Perfect Mate ")

Nella Daren [ ]

Picard and Nella Daren in 2369

In 2369 , Lieutenant Commander Nella Daren came aboard the Enterprise to become head of the ship's Stellar sciences department . In her new role, she was very forthright in her requests for ship resources to support her department's studies. Soon after coming aboard, she and Picard met. A friendship quickly formed, based on their shared love for music. Daren accompanied the captain on a portable piano while he played the Ressikan flute. Their friendship soon blossomed into love. The crew reacted differently to Picard and Daren's romance: Deanna Troi was happy for Picard and gave her blessing; Beverly Crusher seemed jealous; and Riker felt that Daren was asking for special treatment because she was the captain's "girlfriend."

When a fire storm threatened the Bersallis III Federation outpost, Daren suggested a plan to shield the outpost against the heat while the Enterprise evacuated the colonists. Eight crewmen lost their lives, but Daren survived. Afterward, it became obvious to Picard and Daren that it would be extremely difficult to continue their relationship while serving on the same ship, thus Daren requested a transfer. As they said goodbye, they promised to keep seeing each other, but knew their relationship would never be the same. ( TNG : " Lessons ")

Picard and Anij on Ba'ku

In 2375 , Picard developed a short, though intimate relationship with the Ba'ku woman Anij , while protecting her planet from the combined Starfleet- Son'a threat. Anij, while over three hundred years old, appeared as a woman in her late thirties. Despite their intimacy, Picard returned to the Enterprise after the planned relocation of the Ba'ku was averted. Shortly before leaving, Picard said he had 318 days of vacation time coming, and that he planned on using them. ( Star Trek: Insurrection )

Beverly Crusher [ ]

Picard and Crusher in the captain's ready room

Beverly Crusher and Picard maintained a close friendship while serving on the Enterprise -D, usually sharing their morning meal together. Crusher usually tried to serve a new and exotic food, although both she and Picard preferred something simple. ( TNG : " Attached ")

Their relationship stayed platonic, for the most part. They considered one another close friends and would give each other advice when dealing with difficult decisions. While Crusher was in anguish over Odan 's failing health while the symbiont was in Riker's body, Picard gave her a hug, and assured her that he would always be her friend and be willing to help her any way he could. ( TNG : " The Host ")

Crusher's anger over the treatment of Kamala led to Picard spending time with her, where he quickly learned that he was falling for the metamorph. Crusher did not know what to say, but reciprocated the emotional support he had offered the year prior. ( TNG : " The Perfect Mate ")

Picard tried to make Crusher realize that the deaths of Jo'Bril and later Reyga were not her fault and that she should not try to rush her investigation. Crusher was too upset and preoccupied to understand his words, and Picard was extremely disappointed when she broke the Prime Directive and performed an autopsy on Reyga. ( TNG : " Suspicions ")

Picard knew that Crusher's odd decisions after meeting Ronin were not normal and confronted her on Caldos colony . Although Crusher initially resisted his demands for an explanation, she broke free of Ronin's influence after he attacked Picard. ( TNG : " Sub Rosa ")

Early on, Crusher and Picard experienced several romantically close calls. Once she was under the influence of the Psi 2000 intoxication , Crusher flirted with Picard and attempted to seduce him on the bridge of the Enterprise . Later, Crusher seemed hopeful for some time alone with Picard in the Dixon Hill holodeck simulation, but Picard seemed oblivious to her and invited Data and Whalen as well, much to Crusher's dismay. Commander Dexter Remmick interrogated Crusher about Picard in mid- 2364 and questioned her about her true feelings towards Picard. Crusher refused to answer, claiming that they were irrelevant to the operation of the ship. ( TNG : " The Naked Now ", " The Big Goodbye ", " Coming of Age ")

Another instance when Picard and Crusher almost established romance was in the first draft script of " The Battle ", where, after embracing in "a friendly hug," they headed for a kiss but were interrupted by Data hailing Picard. He reacted by commenting, " Story of my life, " before answering the call.

In 2366 , a duplicate of Picard replaced the captain in order to learn about Human relationships. The replica had all of the memories and experiences of Picard but his behavior was different from the captain. He was more outgoing and especially flirtatious with Dr. Crusher, inviting her to dinner, where the two had a romantic evening, including dancing. Once the duplicate had enough information, it unceremoniously bade Crusher farewell. She teasingly held the real Picard responsible for his duplicate's actions when he was returned to the Enterprise . ( TNG : " Allegiance ")

Several times, Crusher began to explain her true feelings to Picard, once while they were held captive on Rutia IV , and another time with Picard's duplicate in the warp bubble universe, but she was interrupted in both instances. Both also displayed some jealousy when the other found a love interest, such as Crusher with Odan or Picard with Jenice Manheim and Nella Daren . ( TNG : " The High Ground ", " Remember Me ", " The Host ", " We'll Always Have Paris ", " Lessons ")

Crusher and Picard telepathically attached on Kesprytt

In 2370 , Picard and Crusher were taken captive on the planet Kesprytt , and linked together by psi-wave devices in order to decrease their odds of escaping. The devices transmitted their thoughts to one another, where they learned each other's most intimate secrets. Crusher stayed up one night to listen to Picard's dreams, and Picard discovered that Crusher almost always had some biting comment at the ready, although she had learned to repress the urge to say them out loud. One night, Crusher brought up her late husband Jack , and feelings of guilt washed over Picard. She finally learned that he, too, felt an attraction, but did not act on it out of respect for his dead friend. Once they returned to the Enterprise , Picard expressed desire to further their relationship. Crusher ultimately decided that she did not want to ruin their friendship or be placed in a conflict of interest, and they decided to remain mutual friends. ( TNG : " Attached ")

In an unknown, alternate future timeframe , Picard and Crusher were married, but eventually separated. Dr. Beverly Picard agreed to take her ex-husband to the Romulan Neutral Zone aboard the USS Pasteur , an Olympic -class medical vessel of which she was in command. They shared a kiss in the "present" during that time. ( TNG : " All Good Things... ")

The production staff kept Crusher and Picard from a serious romantic relationship to leave the captain free for possible future storylines, such as that in Star Trek: Insurrection . ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion , 2nd ed., p. 272)

Sometime around the early 2380s , Picard and Crusher entered into a relationship. In lieu of wine or roses, Picard made her a compilation of classical music. Eventually, the two had a falling out and the two did not speak to one another for nearly twenty years . Picard later found out that Crusher bore his son, Jack Crusher and the fractured family unit was briefly reunited. It's unknown if they resumed a romantic relationship following the conclusion of the Changeling and Borg crisis, but Picard and Crusher were at the very least co-parenting Jack together a year later. ( PIC : " The Next Generation ", " Disengage ", " The Last Generation ")

Laris in 2401

Following the Romulan supernova , the former Tal Shiar agents Laris and her husband Zhaban were employed by Picard at his family’s Château Picard . Following Zhaban’s death in 2400 Laris and Picard developed romantic feelings for one another. Despite this, when she confessed her feelings Picard’s childhood trauma left him unable to enter into a relationship with her. He tried to assure her that nothing had to change between them; she disagreed and began planning to leave the Château for good. ( PIC : " The Star Gazer ")

During Picard’s stint in 2024 Q and Tallinn were able to help him work through the root of his trauma-the death of his mother Yvette . He apologised to Laris and asked for a second chance, which she was open to. However, their plans were interupted by a distress call from Dr. Beverly Crusher which Laris instructed Picard to respond to, promising to be waiting for him when he returned. ( PIC : " Farewell ", " The Next Generation ")

Friendships [ ]

With Guinan in her quarters in 2371

Guinan and Picard shared a long-term relationship, which, according to her, went "beyond friendship and beyond family." ( TNG : " The Best of Both Worlds ") She also once said to Geordi La Forge that she was attracted to bald men. ( TNG : " Booby Trap ") In return, Picard once observed Guinan to be "very selective about whom she calls a friend." ( TNG : " Ensign Ro ")

Guinan originally met Picard in 1893 when he, Data, Riker, La Forge, Troi, and Dr. Crusher had traveled back in time from the 24th century to stop some Devidians from stealing energy from Humans in the 19th century . Guinan, learning of their predicament from Data who had thought she was the Guinan from the Enterprise -D, agreed to help in any way she could. When she was injured in the confrontation with the Devidians, Picard stayed behind to make sure she was all right. Samuel Clemens , returning from the 24th century, helped Picard return. ( TNG : " Time's Arrow, Part II ")

In 2365 , Data's rights as an individual were challenged when cybernetics expert Commander Bruce Maddox wanted to disassemble the android for study. Picard challenged Maddox's assessment before the local Judge Advocate General . As the hearing neared its end, Picard admitted to Guinan he feared he was losing the case. Guinan asked what Maddox gained if he would be successful in disassembling and reassembling Data, and Picard responded he would possess the ability to build many more androids. He remembered Guinan's words that the decisions made today have implications for the future, and so Picard reasoned that if it would be decided that Data was indeed Starfleet property, all future androids would be also. Guinan noted there was an ancient word for that: slavery . Eventually, Picard won Data's case by pointing out that an entire race of Datas would be used as slaves, strictly against Federation principles. ( TNG : " The Measure Of A Man ")

In 2367 , Guinan played the role of Gloria in one of Picard's Dixon Hill holonovels . She was not much impressed with the program. ( TNG : " Clues ")

Besides joining Picard on the holodeck, they would occasionally share a game of chess , and Guinan was also coached in fencing by Picard in 2368 , begun when she considered exercise to strengthen her arm. Shortly prior to their match, the Enterprise had taken a Borg drone, later named Hugh , on board. Although Guinan initially questioned Picard's decision to have done so, she was convinced by La Forge to speak with the former drone. She could not, but acknowledged this Borg was developing a personality, becoming an individual. Upon her conversation with Hugh, she convinced Picard to speak with him as well. ( TNG : " I Borg ")

In 2400, Picard and Guinan reunited when he showed up at Ten Forward to ask her for advice regarding his changing relationship with Laris and his fear of pursuing her. Guinan listened to his troubles and supported him in opening his heart to love again. ( PIC : " The Star Gazer ")

When Picard and his friends were thrown into 2024 by the machinations of Q, he encountered a younger version of Guinan. She had grown disillusioned with attempting to help Humanity and was prepared to leave Earth. At first, this version of Guinan did not recognize him and threatened him. Picard told her about the bond they would share in the future, and convinced Guinan to help him find the contact he needed, a Watcher. She led him to the person he needed, and then left, so that the Watcher could feel comfortable speaking to him alone. Before she left, Picard pleaded with her not to leave the Earth "just yet". ( PIC : " Watcher ")

William T. Riker [ ]

Picard with Riker in 2364

When choosing a first officer prior to the launch of the Enterprise -D in 2363, Picard accessed the records of a number of candidates for the job. He eventually came across the record of one William T. Riker. Picard saw it as a glowing record filled with statistics and the Letter of recommendation that he felt told him nothing about the kind of officer Riker actually was. Picard was about to move on to the next candidate's record but stopped when he saw that a notation in Riker's record regarding an incident that took place on board the USS Hood in which Riker refused to allow Captain Robert DeSoto to beam down to Altair III . Picard was impressed that Riker would challenge his captain's authority if needed, and put the safety of the captain and the crew ahead of his own career if the need arose. This was a major factor in Picard's selection of Riker as his first officer – Picard wanted an officer who would not be afraid to stand up to him and be more concerned about the safety of the ship and mission than his personnel records. ( TNG : " The Pegasus ")

Picard and Riker on the holodeck

Picard was very cold towards Riker during their first meeting and ordered the manual docking as a test of Riker's abilities. When he performed the docking with great expertise and skill, Picard formally greeted Riker, requesting that his new first officer make sure that he not allow Picard to "make an ass of himself" in front of the many children aboard the ship. One year later, Picard felt as if he had not done a good job of congratulating Riker, so he did it once more, this time making his feelings clear. ( TNG : " Encounter at Farpoint ", " The Icarus Factor ")

Eventually, Riker and Picard became very good friends. With the best of intentions, Riker suggested that Picard vacation at Risa in 2366 , asking him to return with a horga'hn . Picard did not realize the history behind the statue and kept it with him after purchasing it for Riker, making it appear as if the captain was seeking jamaharon . ( TNG : " Captain's Holiday ")

The only time Riker and Picard ever verbally fought in front of the Enterprise crew was in 2366 while under the influence of emotions projected by Ambassador Sarek , who was suffering from Bendii Syndrome . ( TNG : " Sarek ")

Picard tried to counsel Riker when he was offered command of the USS Melbourne in 2366 , reminding him that the Enterprise would continue without his presence and that officers like Elizabeth Shelby were very much as he was before he learned the lessons necessary for command of a starship. Riker also came to Picard for advice when Worf wanted his help with the hegh'bat and when he struggled with a decision involving Soren . ( TNG : " The Best of Both Worlds ", " Ethics ", " The Outcast ")

An age-reverted Picard pretends to be Riker's son

In early 2369 , members of the Enterprise crew, including Picard, were turned into twelve-year-olds due to the effects of a molecular reversion field . Unfortunately, a group of Ferengi commandeered the Enterprise about that time. Believed to be a child, Picard was confined to a classroom aboard the ship while Riker was held in the observation lounge . Picard threw a tantrum and demanded to see his "father," Riker. They pretended to be father and son in order for Picard to plant a suggestive message to Riker, requesting access to the Enterprise main computer from the classroom. Picard, along with the other affected Enterprise crewmembers, were able to design a plan to retake the Enterprise from the Ferengi. ( TNG : " Rascals ")

During the Pegasus incident of 2370 , Picard tried to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ship's disappearance. He ran into many dead-ends as most records had been sealed, and had to use many favors in Starfleet Command to even get a look at the findings of the board convened to investigate the loss of the Pegasus . Riker would not divulge further information under the orders of Admiral Erik Pressman , and Picard reluctantly continued the search. He made it clear to Riker that he hoped he still placed the safety of the Enterprise as his top priority, and if Picard had found this to be untrue, he would reevaluate his trust in Riker. After the crisis was resolved, Picard visited Riker in the brig and returned him to duty aboard the Enterprise , understanding of Will's mistake in the past and satisfied that he had made the correct decisions in the present. ( TNG : " The Pegasus ")

Picard served as Riker's best man during his wedding to Deanna Troi in 2379 . He gave a toast to Riker, calling him his "trusted right arm" and lamenting his loss of a fine first officer. ( Star Trek Nemesis )

Picard remained in contact with Riker after Riker became captain of the USS Titan . He met Riker's son Thaddeus at least twice, once when Thad was a baby and once when he was five. ( PIC : " Nepenthe ")

Picard and Riker are reunited on Nepenthe

Although Picard initially intended not to involve Riker (or any of the rest of his surviving Enterprise crew) in his quest for Soji Asha , once he found her on the Artifact and needed a safe haven, he brought Soji to Riker and Troi's home on Nepenthe . Picard was grateful for Riker's friendship, and that he did not attempt to talk him out of helping Soji and her siblings . After Picard left, Riker requested temporary reassignment to Starfleet in order to help him with his mission, and led a squadron of starships to Coppelius . ( PIC : " Maps and Legends ", " Nepenthe ", " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 ")

From 2364 to 2371 , Lieutenant Commander Data was appointed as head of operations when serving on board the USS Enterprise -D, and head of operations from 2372 to 2379 on board the USS Enterprise -E. Data looked up to Picard as something of a father figure throughout his service under the captain, asking for his advice on numerous occasions in his quest to become more Human. Picard always gave Data advice whenever he could.

Following Natasha Yar's death in 2364, Data was puzzled about her death, thinking not about Tasha but rather how he would feel in her absence, thinking that he missed the purpose of her memorial, but Picard assured him that he understood the purpose of the memorial perfectly. ( TNG : " Skin Of Evil ")

Picard defends Data's rights as an individual

In 2365 , Data's existence was threatened when Commander Bruce Maddox wished to disassemble and study Data to gain a better understanding of how his positronic brain functioned. Data refused to submit to Maddox's procedure, finding his research flawed, but Maddox claimed that Data was property of Starfleet and therefore not a sentient being and as a result had no choice other than to submit to the procedure. Captain Phillipa Louvois supported Maddox's claim, and Picard intervened by challenging their reasoning, saying that Data was indeed sentient and deserved the freedom to make his own decisions. He also said that Data represented an entire race and that forcing him to submit to Maddox's procedure is tantamount to slavery – strictly against Federation law. Ultimately, Louvois sided with Picard's standpoint and agreed that Data, android or not, was indeed sentient and entitled to the same rights as any other Starfleet officer. ( TNG : " The Measure Of A Man ")

Picard with Data in 2367

In 2367 , Picard's seemingly unbreakable trust in Data was tested when Data refused to fully cooperate with an investigation into a number of events that happened within a 24-hour time span, although Data claimed that the time span was only 30 seconds. Data's intransigence threatened to end his Starfleet career and even his own existence, but it was later revealed that Picard was himself responsible for Data's unusual behavior after an encounter with the Paxans in a T-Tauri type star system . ( TNG : " Clues ")

During the Klingon Civil War , the Federation made an indirect intervention with a blockade of Starfleet vessels placed in formation to use the pioneering tachyon detection grid in an effort to expose Romulan support for the House of Duras . Picard assigned all of his senior officers positions on board other ships, except for Data. Data questioned Picard about why he was not assigned command of a vessel, considering that there was a severe lack of senior officers available for the mission, wondering if he felt that his being an android made him unsuitable for command. Picard, slightly embarrassed by Data's question, assigned Data command of the USS Sutherland . During the blockade, Data disobeyed direct orders from Picard and was able to expose the Romulans' involvement in the civil war. Later, Data wished to submit himself for disciplinary action for disobeying a direct order from his superior officer, but Picard instead praised Data for not complying, summing up his belief of too many tragedies throughout history being directly traceable to officers "just following orders" rather than independently assessing their situations, with the words, " Mr. Data: nicely done. " ( TNG : " Redemption II ")

In 2369 , Data refused to allow a group of exocomps to be sacrificed in order to save the lives of Picard and Geordi La Forge, who were trapped on board the Tyrus VIIA station , believing that they were sentient and, therefore, capable of making their own decisions. After agreeing to a compromise suggested by Commander William Riker, the exocomps were released and able to save the lives of Picard and La Forge. Picard understood the predicament that Data was faced with as he had defended Data's sentience just a few years previously, but this time the exocomps had no advocate and Data felt compelled to act on their behalf. Picard considered Data's actions to be the most "Human" decision that he had ever made. ( TNG : " The Quality of Life ")

Later that year, following an accident in main engineering that activated a dormant program in his positronic brain, Data sought advice from several officers, including Picard, on his "visions." Picard was curious why Data was studying thousands of different cultures to interpret his visions. Data said that he had no culture of his own, but Picard told Data that he did have a culture – a culture of one and that its validity is no less than that of a billion. Picard suggested that Data should consider what the visions meant to him instead of what they mean to other people. ( TNG : " Birthright, Part I ")

After a malfunctioning emotion chip fused with Data's positronic net in 2371 , Data felt guilty for not saving La Forge from capture by Tolian Soran on board the Amargosa observatory . Overwhelmed by emotions, Data requested to be shut down until the chip could be removed. Although Picard felt sympathy for Data, he told him that part of having emotions is integrating them into one's life and learning to live with them, and denied Data his request. ( Star Trek Generations )

Picard and Data defend the Enterprise -E from a Borg invasion

In 2373 , when the Enterprise -E traveled back to the year 2063 on Earth, Picard and Data initially went down to the planet to observe the damage the Borg had done to Zefram Cochrane 's missile complex in Montana . Down in the missile silo of the Phoenix , Picard, upon touching the missile that would make history by becoming the first Human starship traveling at warp , explained to Data that sometimes a touch can make objects more "real." Upon suspecting a Borg presence aboard the Enterprise , Picard and Data transported back to the ship. Fighting off the Borg near main engineering, Data was soon captured and brought to the Borg Queen. Instead of attempting to assimilate Data, the Queen made him physically more Human by attaching Human skin onto his android skeleton.

When it appeared impossible to hold off the Borg any longer, Picard was convinced to initiate the Enterprise 's auto-destruct sequence and ordered all remaining crew to evacuate. He himself went on to engineering to find Data and to convince the Queen, who he had encountered several years previously, to let Data go. Picard was even prepared to take Data's place at the Queen's side, willingly becoming her equal. Data claimed he did not wish to go, even after the Queen ordered him away. Thus, the Queen ordered Picard's assimilation, but not before witnessing the destruction of the Phoenix by Data.

Data fired a spread of quantum torpedoes , but they missed by the smallest of margins. Quickly thereafter, he burst a plasma coolant tank, releasing plasma coolant which liquefied organic material on contact, killing the Borg. The Queen was killed, but Picard survived. Helping Data standing up, Picard asked him if he was ever tempted to join the Borg's cause. Data replied that, for a fraction of a second, hinting at his kiss with the Queen, he was. He added that, for an android, that brief moment was like an eternity. ( Star Trek: First Contact )

Following the wedding of Riker and Deanna Troi in 2379 , Data was confused by Picard's mixed feelings for the couple – although the captain was happy that Will was due to accept promotion to the rank of captain and take command of the USS Titan , and that his new wife was to transfer over to the Titan and take position as the ship's counselor , Picard was somewhat saddened by their departure and tried to explain to Data that experiencing feelings of both happiness and sadness at the same time are common in these situations.

Data sacrifices himself to save Picard aboard the Reman vessel

At the climax of the Battle in the Bassen Rift , Data jumped across the void of space from the Enterprise -E to the Scimitar , saving Picard by using a prototype emergency transport unit , but sacrificed his own life to save the crew of the Enterprise by firing at the thalaron radiation generator and so destroying the Scimitar . Following the battle, Picard held a toast with the Enterprise -E's senior officers as a tribute to their fallen comrade. ( Star Trek Nemesis )

Picard helps a copy of Data's consciousness to die

The death of Data weighed heavily on Picard, who continued to have dreams about his lost friend for decades. Picard's feelings about the loss of Data helped motivate him to help Dahj and Soji , whom he regarded as Data's daughters. Picard resolved his guilt over Data's death when he met a surviving copy of Data's consciousness in a quantum simulation , and helped that version of Data to die, as he wished to have a finite existence. ( PIC : " Remembrance ", " The Impossible Box ", " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 ")

By 2364 , Lieutenant junior grade Worf was serving on the Enterprise -D as a junior bridge officer under Picard's command. Upon the death of Lieutenant Natasha Yar, he was promoted to chief tactical officer and security chief . ( TNG : " Encounter at Farpoint ", " Skin Of Evil ", " The Child ")

In 2366 , the Klingon High Council accused Mogh , the deceased father of Lieutenant Worf, of treason. Picard, understanding the severity of the charges and their implications for Worf, had the Enterprise change course to Qo'noS . Worf's brother Kurn initially served as his Cha'DIch , but after an assassination attempt left him in critical condition, Worf asked Picard to take up the role. Picard initially declined, saying that there were younger, more able men on the ship from which Worf could choose. Worf insisted that there was no one he would rather have at his side. Picard accepted and stood by Worf when the conspiracy against his family was uncovered. ( TNG : " Sins of The Father ")

When the Klingon Civil War erupted in 2367 , Worf resigned from Starfleet and fought on the side of Gowron against the forces of the Duras family. With the help of Picard, Worf and other Gowron supporters revealed Romulan assistance to the Duras cause. This collapsed support for the House of Duras, and Gowron won the chancellorship. Gowron restored the honor of the House of Mogh in thanks for its assistance during the war. Worf returned to Starfleet, but was reprimanded because he killed Duras in revenge. ( TNG : " Redemption ", " Redemption II ")

Worf and Picard shake hands aboard the Enterprise -E

Worf commanded the USS Defiant in the battle against the Borg at Sector 001 , and fought the Borg temporal incursion into 2063 . A heated conflict occurred between the two when Picard had called Worf a "coward" for not wanting to continue fighting the Borg aboard the Enterprise -E, and a furious Worf stating that if he were any other man he would kill him where he stood, to which Picard angrily ordered Worf off his bridge. Picard later apologized to Worf for his harsh comments and admitted that Worf was "the bravest man" he had ever known, and their friendship was restored. ( Star Trek: First Contact )

Geordi La Forge [ ]

Like several crew members, Geordi La Forge was hand-picked by Picard to serve aboard the Enterprise -D. La Forge impressed Picard with his above average work ethic during an inspection tour. ( TNG : " The Next Phase ") Picard had tremendous confidence in La Forge's ability to accomplish tasks he was assigned, which led to his eventual promotion to chief engineer, earning him the rank of lieutenant commander. ( TNG : " The Child ") He was one of the very few officers Picard addressed by his first name, indicating a close bond between them.

Ro Laren [ ]

Picard and Ro had what could be described as a father/daughter-like relationship. When they first met, Picard wrote her off as dishonorable. He did eventually take her under his wing and help her along a path towards redemption. ( TNG : " Ensign Ro ") Upon Ro's defection to the terrorist organization, the Maquis , she asked Will Riker to convey her deepest regrets to Picard for letting him down. Despite this, Picard was severely disillusioned by Ro's actions and felt betrayed in a very personal way. ( TNG : " Preemptive Strike ")

When Picard began evacuation efforts of Romulus in cooperation with the Qowat Milat, he grew close to Elnor, despite his discomfort around children. The two spent a lot of time together, with Picard teaching him to Fence, telling him stories of Data, and reading him stories, such as The Three Musketeers . After the attack on the Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Picard resigned from Starfleet, and did not return to Vashti for 13 years. Elnor was angered at Picard's sudden disappearance, and when Picard returned in 2399, asking Elnor to bind himself to his mission to find Soji, he at first refused, but rescinded this decision. Picard always regretted not being able to find a proper home for Elnor, as the Qowat Milat was by tradition, an all-female organization, and Elnor could never be fully recognized as one. ( PIC : " Absolute Candor ")

Despite the years apart, Elnor's admiration of Picard carried into his service with him, and he admitted feeling joy when Picard said he did not wish to leave him behind on the Artifact when he chose to stay behind to cover Picard and Soji's escape from the Zhat Vash. ( PIC : " The Impossible Box ")

When they met up again on Coppelius, Elnor embraced Picard in happiness that he'd survived the assault on the Artifact, and was hesitant to leave his side as Picard's health began to deteriorate. Picard convinced him that the xBs needed him more, and Elnor agreed to protect them, leaving Picard's service. The two were briefly reunited before Picard's death, and Picard expressed happiness at seeing him one last time. Elnor took Picard's passing very hard, and mourned heavily while Raffaela Musiker attempted to comfort him. When Picard was revived shortly afterwards, Elnor chose to travel with him once again. ( PIC : " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 1 ", " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 ")

James T. Kirk [ ]

Although their association was brief, James T. Kirk and Jean-Luc Picard had profound personal effects on one another. Having been a captain of the Federation's flagship, an admiral, and back to a captain again, Kirk advised Picard to not do anything that would have Starfleet move him away from the Enterprise , because as captain, he could make a difference. Very much like Spock and Leonard McCoy, Picard was instrumental in helping Kirk find meaning in his life after his greatest adventures were essentially over. In fact, it could be argued that Picard was one of the most significant people in Kirk's entire life, as he embarked on his final adventure with him and passed away knowing that he had "made a difference." Picard laid Kirk to rest on Veridian III and was his lone mourner. ( Star Trek Generations )

Spock was confronted by Picard and Data on Romulus , where he was suspected to have betrayed the Federation. To the contrary, Spock was on a "personal mission of peace," and Picard insisted on staying until Spock's affairs were complete. Spock saw much of his father, Sarek , in Picard and was very resentful of his perceived meddling in his affairs. Picard and Spock eventually developed a mutual respect for each other, with Picard offering Spock to mind meld with him to see how Sarek truly saw his son. ( TNG : " Unification I ", " Unification II ") Spock later utilized Picard and Deanna Troi in delivering defecting Romulan officials to the Federation. ( TNG : " Face Of The Enemy ")

In 3189 , a recording of Spock made on stardate 45825 was retrieved from the personal files of Admiral Picard and viewed by Michael Burnham and Cleveland Booker . ( DIS : " Unification III ")

Picard stated in the episode " Sarek " that, as a lieutenant, he had briefly met with Sarek at the wedding of the latter's son. Episode writer Ira Steven Behr recalled that caution was still in place during early The Next Generation about dealing with characters from The Original Series , thus it was only implied that the son in question was Spock. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion , 2nd ed., p. 127)

If it was indeed Spock's wedding, it would have occurred between 2327 and 2333. Since Picard graduated from Starfleet Academy in 2327 and was apparently promoted when he was given command of the USS Stargazer in 2333, he was a lieutenant at some point during the intervening time span.

In the novel Vulcan's Heart , it is the wedding of Spock and Saavik, in 2329, and Lt. Picard, not really knowing why he was there, spends most of it in the company of one of the few other Humans in attendance, Leonard McCoy.

Picard was Gowron 's Arbiter of Succession following the deaths of K'mpec and Duras . ( TNG : " Reunion ") Although he initially refused to aid him during the Klingon Civil War, Picard later convinced Starfleet to assist Gowron's forces by exposing the alliance between Lursa and B'Etor and Sela , a high-ranking Romulan officer. ( TNG : " Redemption ", " Redemption II "). Although he considered Picard an honorable ally of the Klingon Empire, Gowron was less than accommodating when asked to assist Starfleet find Spock on Romulus. Nevertheless, on more than one occasion, Picard used his relationship with Gowron as leverage against other Klingons. ( TNG : " Unification I ", " Aquiel ") These events appeared to be reconciled during the events surrounding the resurrection of Kahless . ( TNG : " Rightful Heir ")

Q and Picard had a complicated relationship. Even though he was very antagonistic towards them, Q clearly had a great respect and affection for the crew of the Enterprise -D, particularly Picard, ( TNG : " Qpid ") who in contrast viewed Q with a tremendous amount of disdain and distrust. ( TNG : " Deja Q ") It was not until their final two encounters that Picard became grateful to Q for their association. ( TNG : " Tapestry ", " All Good Things... ")

After the death of his son caused by Captain Picard during the Battle of Maxia , Bok had tried to seek vengeance on him twice. First by having him destroy the Enterprise -D through a mind altering device he hid within the derelict of the USS Stargazer , then by attempting to kill his alleged son Jason Vigo (which whom he re-sequenced his DNA in order to fool Picard into thinking he was his son). ( TNG : " The Battle ", " Bloodlines ")

The Borg / Borg Queen [ ]

After being assimilated by the Borg, Picard (assuming the identity of Locutus) then went to destroy nearly all Federation starships at the Battle of Wolf 359 before proceeding to Earth for an attempted assimilation of that planet. After being de-assimilated, Picard had long resented the fact that the Borg had used his knowledge and experience to kill and/or assimilate innocent people, and developed a hatred for the Borg that would become a defining trait in his later encounters with them; during the incident in which the Borg attempted to disrupt First Contact, he became increasingly volatile and irrational, and would destroy drones with a modicum of enjoyment – even if they were former members of his crew that had only just been injected with nanoprobes. This resentment stayed with him at least six years after he was first assimilated. ( TNG : " The Best of Both Worlds ", " The Best of Both Worlds, Part II ", " Reunion ", " I Borg ", " Descent ", " Descent, Part II "; Star Trek: First Contact )

The House of Duras [ ]

Jean-Luc Picard became a prominent figure in Klingon politics, largely due to his loyalty to Worf during the trial of the House of Mogh in 2366. Picard was determined to uncover the conspiracy that was attempting to frame Mogh for crimes committed by Ja'rod . During his investigation, Duras, son of Ja'rod sent an assassin to murder Picard, but the attempt was unsuccessful and ultimately revealed the complicity of K'mpec and the High Council in these crimes. Even after the death of Duras at the hands of Worf, the House of Duras continued to be antagonistic towards the Federation, with particular emphasis placed on Picard and the crew of the Enterprise -D, which was eventually destroyed by Lursa and B'Etor . ( TNG : " Sins of The Father ", " Redemption ", " Redemption II "; Star Trek Generations )

Shinzon [ ]

As a direct clone of Picard, Shinzon developed a distinctive and deadly rivalry with the captain of the Enterprise , much like Will Riker's rivalry with Thomas Riker and Data's rivalry with Lore . ( TNG : " Second Chances ", " Brothers ") Picard saw traits in Shinzon that he perceived to be flaws within himself. He was bothered by the fact that Shinzon was capable of genocides of interstellar magnitude and was haunted by the notion that he may have chosen the same path as Shinzon had he led his life. During Shinzon's attempt to carry out these genocides, Picard implored him to let go of his past and embrace change, which Shinzon quickly rejected. Picard was significantly pained at the death of Shinzon, but this pain was replaced mere moments later after Data sacrificed himself to save Picard. ( Star Trek Nemesis )

Memorable quotes [ ]

" Space... The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before. "

" Shut off that damn noise! Go to yellow alert. "

" If we're going to be damned, let's be damned for what we really are. "

" Let's see what's out there. Engage. "

" The quest for youth, Number One. So futile. "

" The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth, whether it is scientific truth or historical truth or personal truth. It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based! And if you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened, you don't deserve to wear that uniform! "

"Federation starship Enterprise : Surrender and prepare to be boarded." "That will be the day."

" 'With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably.' Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie as wisdom and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged. "

" There… are… four … lights! "

" It's been a long time, Captain. " " Have we met before? " " Yes, sir. We met in battle. I was on the Saratoga at Wolf 359. "

" Good luck, Mister Sisko. "

" There is a way out of every box, a solution to every puzzle, it's just a matter of finding it. "

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

" Someone once told me that time is a predator that stalks us all our lives but I rather believe that time is a companion that goes with us on a journey and reminds us to cherish every moment… because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we've lived. "

" I'm about to commit a direct violation of our orders. Any of you who wish to object should do so, now. It will be noted in my log. "

" I will not sacrifice the Enterprise . We've made too many compromises already, too many retreats. They invade our space and we fall back. They assimilate entire worlds and we fall back. Not again! The line must be drawn here ! This far, no further ! And I will make them pay for what they've done! "

" Mr. Data? " " Sir? " " Shut up. " " Yes, sir. " " Fifteen years, I've been waiting to say that. "

" Things are only impossible until they're not! "

" Let us make sure history never forgets the name, Enterprise . "

" It says a great deal about the mind of Commander Data, that looking at the Human race with all its violence and corruption and willful ignorance. He could still see kindness, immense curiosity, and greatness of spirit. And he wanted, more than anything else, to be part of that. To be a part of the Human family. We are such stuff as dreams are made of. And out little life is rounded, with a sleep. "

Catchphrases [ ]

" Make it so! "

According to Robert H. Justman , this was an homage to Captain Horatio Hornblower , who gave the same command in novels by C.S. Forrester . ( Star Trek Encyclopedia , 2nd ed., p. 172)

" Engage. "

" Tea, Earl Grey, hot. "

" Number One "

" What the devil? " or " What in Heaven's name? "

Reminiscences [ ]

In 2369 , after Vash arrived on Deep Space 9, Miles O'Brien told Benjamin Sisko about her relationship with Picard, explaining " Well sir, Vash and Captain Picard were friends. Close friends, if you follow my meaning. " While Sisko replied " Somehow she doesn't seem to be his type, " O'Brien thought it was because Picard "likes a good challenge."

Later when Q saw Vash working over Quark , he described her actions as "perfectly vile," adding " If that's the kind of company you kept before meeting me, it's no wonder you ended up with Picard. "

Later yet, when Q placed Sisko in a boxing match, he was shocked after Sisko knocked him to the ground. " You hit me… Picard never hit me! ", to which Sisko shot back, " I'm not Picard! "

Finally, when the crew of the station could not tie the odd happening on the station to one of the artifacts Vash had brought aboard, Q appeared before the senior staff and claimed how " Picard and his lackeys would have solved all this technobabble hours ago, " before directing to Sisko, that it was " No wonder you're not commanding a starship. " ( DS9 : " Q-Less ")

In 2372 , Worf and Miles O'Brien reminisced in Quark's about rescuing Picard from the Borg Collective. ( DS9 : " The Way of the Warrior ")

Later that year, after a member of the Q Continuum arrived on her ship seeking asylum, Captain Janeway automatically assumed he was Picard's Q – which instead made him nervous and agitated. When that Q, tasked with capturing the renegade, appeared on the bridge, she realized that he was the being she'd heard so much about, he laughed and asked her, " Has Jean-Luc been whispering about me behind my back? " ( VOY : " Death Wish ")

In her effort to look through every log entry of Starfleet captains who had contact with the Borg, Captain Janeway cited Picard's words among others: " In their collective state, the Borg are utterly without mercy – driven by one will alone, the will to conquer. They are beyond redemption, beyond reason ", with Chakotay claiming that she had unknowingly mimicked Picard's vocal mannerisms while quoting him. ( VOY : " Scorpion ")

According to Valerie Archer , while discussing Boothby to Chakotay , " Half the captains in Starfleet wouldn't be where they are today if it weren't for Boothby, " including Picard. ( VOY : " In the Flesh ")

In 2375 , Ensign Nog mentioned Al Lorenzo having a curious interest in taking holophotos of himself sitting behind the desks of famous Starfleet captains. Usually, he would sneak into their offices, but the Dominion War made it difficult for him to get away. Among the photos in his collection included Lorenzo sitting behind the desks of such famous commanders as Robert DeSoto and Jean-Luc Picard. ( DS9 : " Treachery, Faith and the Great River ")

Q mentioned "Jean-Luc" as another option for helping to raise his son to the satisfaction of the Q Continuum. He wondered aloud if it was not too late to ask Picard instead of Janeway. ( VOY : " Q2 ")

Quotes about Picard [ ]

" … the heart of an explorer, and the soul of a poet. "

" You know, I never thought I would say this, but it's good to see you again. It brings a sense of order and stability to my universe to know that you're still a pompous ass. And a damn sexy man. "

" I've never known anyone with more drive, determination or more courage than Jean-Luc Picard. "

" I had such high hopes for you, Picard. I thought you were a bit more evolved than the rest of your species. But now I realize you're just as weak as all the others. Still, it pains me to see the great Jean-Luc Picard brought down by a woman. "

" Jean-Luc, I never knew you were such a cad . I'm impressed. "

" Really, Vash, I can't believe you're still pining for Jean-Luc, that self righteous do-gooder. "

" Actually, what I was hoping for was a little witty repartee, but I see I'm not going to get any of that either. At least your beloved Jean-Luc knows how to turn a phrase… "

" You know Picard. Every part of that guy that's not ego is rampaging id. "

Chronology [ ]

• 2305 : Born in La Barre , France , on Earth .
• 2322 : Applies to Starfleet Academy for the first time, but is rejected.
• 2323 : Is admitted to Starfleet Academy, wins Academy marathon.
• 2327 : Graduates Starfleet Academy, and has to be implanted with an artificial heart after a fight with a Nausicaan .
• 2333 : Assumes command of the Constellation -class starship USS Stargazer . ( TNG : " The Battle ")
• 2346 : Has a relationship with Miranda Vigo . ( TNG : " Bloodlines ")
• 2355 : Participates in the Battle of Maxia against a Ferengi vessel; invents a new tactical ploy to win the battle, later dubbed the " Picard Maneuver ." ( TNG : " The Battle ")
• Early 2360s : Picard, while commanding an interim starship responds to a distress call from colonists in the Carnelian minefield .
• 2363 : Assumes command of the USS Enterprise -D ; his first mission as captain involves contact with the Q entity. ( TNG : " Encounter at Farpoint ", PIC : " The Star Gazer " commemorative plaque )
• 2366 : Is captured by the Borg and forced to become a member of the Borg Collective , leading the invasion of the Federation as Locutus of Borg ; this includes leading the Borg victory over the Federation at the Battle of Wolf 359 . Despite Borg control over him, Picard manages to relay information to the crew of the Enterprise which allows the Borg to be defeated. ( TNG : " The Best of Both Worlds ", " The Best of Both Worlds, Part II ")
• 2367 : Prevents an attempt by the Romulans to take over the Klingon Empire by indirectly interfering in the Klingon Civil War . ( TNG : " Redemption ", " Redemption II ")
• 2369 : Discovers an ancient message left by the first humanoid beings in our galaxy. ( TNG : " The Chase ")
• 2370 : Blights the second Borg invasion of the Federation , led by individualized Borg drones under the influence of the android Lore . ( TNG : " Descent ", " Descent, Part II ")
• 2371 : The Enterprise -D is destroyed over Veridian III . ( Star Trek Generations )
• 2372 : Is assigned command of the USS Enterprise -E . ( Star Trek: First Contact )
• 2373 : Travels back in time to 2063 to defeat an attempt by the Borg to create an alternate timeline in which the Federation is never created. ( Star Trek: First Contact )
• 2375 : Rebels against Starfleet Admiral Dougherty in order to protect the Ba'ku . ( Star Trek: Insurrection )
• 2379 : Travels to Romulus to meet Praetor Shinzon , a clone of himself. Kills Shinzon during the battle with the Scimitar . ( Star Trek Nemesis )
• 2385 : Retires from Starfleet in protest after Federation denies continued aid to the Romulans and bans synthetic lifeforms following the attack on Mars and the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards by Synths . ( PIC : " Remembrance ", " The End is the Beginning ")
• 2399 : Visited by a female android named Dahj Asha who is seeking his help. Later dies on Coppelius and has his memories and consciousness transferred into a golem . ( PIC : " Remembrance ", " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 ")
• Between 2399 and 2401 : Appointed Chancellor of Starfleet Academy
• 2401: Retires from Starfleet

Appendices [ ]

See also [ ], appearances [ ].

• " Encounter at Farpoint "
• " The Naked Now "
• " Code of Honor "
• " The Last Outpost "
• " Where No One Has Gone Before "
• " Lonely Among Us "
• " Justice "
• " The Battle "
• " Hide And Q "
• " The Big Goodbye "
• " Datalore "
• " Angel One "
• " 11001001 "
• " Too Short A Season "
• " When The Bough Breaks "
• " Home Soil "
• " Coming of Age "
• " Heart of Glory "
• " The Arsenal of Freedom "
• " Symbiosis "
• " Skin Of Evil "
• " We'll Always Have Paris "
• " Conspiracy "
• " The Neutral Zone "
• " The Child "
• " Where Silence Has Lease "
• " Elementary, Dear Data "
• " The Outrageous Okona "
• " Loud As A Whisper "
• " The Schizoid Man "
• " Unnatural Selection "
• " A Matter Of Honor "
• " The Measure Of A Man "
• " The Dauphin "
• " Contagion "
• " The Royale "
• " Time Squared "
• " The Icarus Factor "
• " Pen Pals "
• " Samaritan Snare "
• " Up The Long Ladder "
• " Manhunt "
• " The Emissary "
• " Peak Performance "
• " Shades of Gray "
• " Evolution "
• " The Ensigns of Command "
• " The Survivors "
• " Who Watches The Watchers "
• " The Bonding "
• " Booby Trap "
• " The Enemy "
• " The Price "
• " The Vengeance Factor "
• " The Defector "
• " The Hunted "
• " The High Ground "
• " A Matter of Perspective "
• " Yesterday's Enterprise "
• " The Offspring "
• " Sins of The Father "
• " Allegiance "
• " Captain's Holiday "
• " Tin Man "
• " Hollow Pursuits "
• " The Most Toys "
• " Ménage à Troi "
• " Transfigurations "
• " The Best of Both Worlds "
• " The Best of Both Worlds, Part II "
• " Brothers "
• " Suddenly Human "
• " Remember Me "
• " Reunion "
• " Future Imperfect "
• " Final Mission "
• " The Loss "
• " Data's Day "
• " The Wounded "
• " Devil's Due "
• " First Contact "
• " Galaxy's Child "
• " Night Terrors "
• " Identity Crisis "
• " The Nth Degree "
• " The Drumhead "
• " Half a Life "
• " The Host "
• " The Mind's Eye "
• " In Theory "
• " Redemption "
• " Redemption II "
• " Ensign Ro "
• " Silicon Avatar "
• " Disaster "
• " The Game "
• " Unification I "
• " Unification II "
• " A Matter Of Time "
• " New Ground "
• " Hero Worship "
• " Violations "
• " The Masterpiece Society "
• " Conundrum "
• " Power Play "
• " The Outcast "
• " Cause And Effect "
• " The First Duty "
• " Cost Of Living "
• " The Perfect Mate "
• " Imaginary Friend "
• " The Next Phase "
• " The Inner Light "
• " Time's Arrow "
• " Time's Arrow, Part II "
• " Realm Of Fear "
• " Man Of The People "
• " Schisms "
• " Rascals "
• " A Fistful of Datas "
• " The Quality of Life "
• " Chain Of Command, Part I "
• " Chain Of Command, Part II "
• " Ship In A Bottle "
• " Face Of The Enemy "
• " Tapestry "
• " Birthright, Part I "
• " Birthright, Part II "
• " Starship Mine "
• " Lessons "
• " The Chase "
• " Frame of Mind "
• " Suspicions "
• " Rightful Heir "
• " Second Chances "
• " Timescape "
• " Descent "
• " Descent, Part II "
• " Liaisons "
• " Interface "
• " Gambit, Part I "
• " Gambit, Part II "
• " Phantasms "
• " Dark Page "
• " Attached "
• " Force of Nature "
• " Inheritance "
• " Parallels "
• " The Pegasus "
• " Homeward "
• " Sub Rosa "
• " Lower Decks "
• " Thine Own Self "
• " Eye of the Beholder "
• " Genesis "
• " Journey's End "
• " Firstborn "
• " Bloodlines "
• " Emergence "
• " Preemptive Strike "
• " All Good Things... "
• DS9 : " Emissary "
• Star Trek Generations
• Star Trek: First Contact
• Star Trek: Insurrection
• Star Trek Nemesis
• ENT : " These Are the Voyages... " (voice only; archive audio)
• ST : " Children of Mars " (picture only)
• " Remembrance "
• " Maps and Legends "
• " The End is the Beginning "
• " Absolute Candor "
• " Stardust City Rag "
• " The Impossible Box "
• " Nepenthe "
• " Broken Pieces "
• " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 1 "
• " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 "
• " The Star Gazer "
• " Penance "
• " Assimilation "
• " Watcher "
• " Fly Me to the Moon "
• " Two of One "
• " Monsters "
• " Hide and Seek "
• " Farewell "
• " The Next Generation "
• " Disengage "
• " Seventeen Seconds "
• " No Win Scenario "
• " Imposters "
• " The Bounty "
• " Dominion "
• " Surrender "
• " The Last Generation "
• DIS : " Red Directive " (archive image)

Background information [ ]

Patrick Stewart wears a hairpiece during a flashback sequence from " Violations "

Patrick Stewart during the filming of Star Trek Nemesis , with Director Stuart Baird

Picard was played by Patrick Stewart in all of the character's television and film appearances. David Tristan Birkin played Picard as a child in TNG : " Rascals ", while Marcus Nash appeared as Picard as a young ensign in " Tapestry ". Tom Hardy was seen as Cadet Picard in a photograph in Star Trek Nemesis ; Hardy also played Picard's clone, Shinzon , in the same film.

According to the Star Trek Encyclopedia , 4th ed., vol. 2, p. 145, Robert H. Justman said that Picard was named after oceanographer Jacques Piccard .

According to the Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion , 2nd ed., p. 13 the original casting call sent out to agents asked for the following:

" CAPT. Julien Picard – A Caucasian man in his 50s who is very youthful and in prime physical condition. Born in Paris , his Gallic accent appears when deep emotions are triggered. He is definitely a 'romantic' and believes strongly in concepts like honor and duty. Capt. Picard commands the Enterprise . He should have a mid-Atlantic accent, and a wonderfully rich speaking voice. "

The character of Picard changed quite a bit from the March 1987 version of the Writers/Directors Guide. In that guide, he was born in Paris, carried a touch of French phrasing in his speech, and pretended that France is "the only true civilization" on Earth (reminiscent of Pavel Chekov ).

In 1986 , D.C. Fontana made an attempt to recruit actor Stephen Macht for the role. " She called me in 1986 and said she wanted me to come in and meet Gene Roddenberry , " said Macht. " She told me he was the writer of Star Trek and she wanted him to meet me. So I went in, I sit down opposite him in his office, and D.C. was with me. He said, 'D.C. has brought me clips of everything you've done since you've been in Hollywood. You are my next Star Trek hero, Picard.' And I'm full of piss and vinegar at that time. I was forty-two and doing well. I said to him, 'I've seen these things, and I don't want to do them. I don't want to speak to guys with six heads for the rest of my life.' He said, 'It's not about that, Stephen. They're morality tales. I want you to do it. You just have to come read for the studio head.' 'I don't want to read. You want me to do it? Offer it to me. You know who my agent is.' " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 92)

Also considered for the role of Picard were Louis Gossett, Jr. , Yaphet Kotto , James Earl Jones , Billy Dee Williams , Avery Brooks , and Keir Dullea . By 9 April 1987 , a meeting between the studio and Kotto was scheduled (with no audition to be held) on 14 April 1987. On or shortly before 9 April, Kotto's agent called TNG Casting Director Junie Lowry , suggesting Kotto would fly down only if Paramount paid to have him flown down, and that Kotto would prefer to take Gene Roddenberry for lunch rather than having a meeting. Lowry replied that a meeting would be preferable to everyone at the studio, owing to all the busy schedules involved, and notified the agent that Kotto would be meeting not only Roddenberry but also both producers and Jeff Hayes. She also said it was unlikely that the studio would pay to fly Kotto in for a meeting, to which the agent quickly began to concede on that point. He then enquired as to how serious the studio's interest was in casting Kotto, a question already asked. Lowry answered that, if the studio decided to go for a black captain as the series lead, Kotto was under extremely serious consideration. The meeting remained scheduled, and Lowry included a written account of the phone call in a casting availability update memo she sent to "all concerned" on 9 April 1987. In the memo, she listed Gossett, Kotto, and Williams as being available, whereas Jones and Brooks were noted as unavailable. As noted in the same document, Gossett's agent doubted that Gossett would be interested, and a VHS tape of Dullea was meanwhile being shot in New York. The casting notes also mentioned Stephen Macht, without specifying the role he was being considered for, though the memo did state, " He is certainly very interested. "

Robert Justman was instrumental in the casting of Picard. Patrick Stewart was discovered by Justman and his wife when pre-production work for the then-forthcoming Star Trek series had been taking place at Paramount for about a month or two. The event occurred one night while Stewart was giving a dramatic reading at the University of California at Los Angeles, as part of a UCLA extension course on humor which Justman and his wife were taking. That night, Stewart was one of two speakers reading from Shakespearean comedies and Noël Coward. While Justman sat with his wife and watched the readings, he thought Stewart looked familiar, but couldn't quite place him. " Patrick sat down, pushed up his jacket sleeves to display his massive forearms, and commenced to read, " Justman reflected. " He spoke a few sentences and I was thunderstruck. I turned to my wife, Jackie, and I said, 'I think I found our new captain!' " Justman was so impressed by Stewart's performance that night that, the next day, he called the Screen Actor's Guild and determined who Stewart's agent was in Los Angeles, because the actor was living in London and was temporarily in America just to perform the reading at UCLA. Contacting the agent, Justman arranged for Stewart to meet with Gene Roddenberry and Justman himself at Roddenberry's house the following Monday. " Patrick came in his rental car, and we sat around for thirty-forty minutes, " Justman continued, " and then he made his good-byes and left to fly back to England. After he drove away, Gene closed the door and turned to me, and I will quote him exactly. He said, 'I won't have him.' " Roddenberry himself noted, " My first reaction was, 'Jesus Christ, Bob, I don't want a bald man.' " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , pp. 89-90 & 91)

As of 13 April 1987, the performers who were being considered to play Picard included Mitch Ryan , Roy Thinnes , Yaphet Kotto, and Patrick Bauchau . On that day Bauchau successfully auditioned for Gene Roddenberry; the "favorites" for the part were meanwhile regarded as Bauchau as well as Patrick Stewart, with the other three performers scheduled to start auditioning the following week. These developments were included in a general TNG casting memo from John Ferraro to John Pike (also forwarded to Jeff Hayes), sent the same day as Bachau's audition – 13 April 1987. [5]

Another memo sent on that date specifically pertained to the casting of Picard, and was from Junie Lowry to, again, "all concerned." It noted about Yaphet Kotto that, although he was available for the part, the studio was still waiting to find out if he would fly down or would only send a tape of himself. The same memo listed Keir Dullea, John Saxon , George Hearn , Lee Van Cleef , Andrew Duggan , John McMartin , Theodore Bikel , Thomas Hill , Edward Mulhare , Dick Shawn , James Olson , Don Ameche , James Gammon , Telly Savalas , and Billy Dee Williams as all being available for the part. Both Mulhare and Savalas were noted as actually being interested in it, too. Both Dullea and McMartin were in New York, and the studio was yet to receive a tape from Dullea, who refused to audition for the role without a test option agreement first being arranged. Hearn and Williams weren't interested (in Williams' case, his disinterest was because the series would be syndicated), and Hill would only be available after 24 April . Anthony Quayle was listed as possibly being interested, though he was currently in London. Performers who, despite having been considered, were listed as not available included Paul Gleason , Noble Willingham , Moses Gunn , William Devane , John Hillerman , Robert Hogan , Fred Gwynne , Dana Elcar , Peter Donat , and Peter Michael Goetz . Listed as uninterested were George Grizzard , Rip Torn , and Scott Glenn (Torn wasn't interested in doing any TV at that point in his career). [6]

Shortly after Robert Justman discovered Patrick Stewart, Rick Berman met Stewart. Like Justman, Berman was impressed, so he advised Justman that they needed to persuade Roddenberry to cast Stewart as Picard. " Bob said to me, 'We can't. When Gene makes up his mind, it's a waste of time to try and change it,' " Berman recounted. " But in my case, ignorance was bliss. I didn't believe that. " Justman himself stated about Roddenberry, " No matter what I said, he was adamant, and the reason was because the character he had created in his own mind was a very hairy Frenchman, so we embarked upon a campaign that lasted for some months, and when Rick Berman came on the show and became supervising producer with me, Rick jumped all over it, too, and said, 'He's perfect!' " Berman characterized himself as "the guy who basically bugged Gene into realizing that Patrick was the best Picard." Roddenberry recalled, " In his wisdom, Justman kept his mouth shut and let me grow accustomed to him. " Said Justman, " Our casting director was for it, everyone was for it, except Gene. We went through everybody in town and in foreign countries trying to find the right person to play the captain, and couldn't. Finally, our last candidate came in, read for us and left, and we were sitting there – the casting director, Rick, Gene, and myself – and he finally turned around and looked at us and said, 'All right, I'll go with Patrick,' and that was it. It was so right, I've never been more sure of anything in my life, at least in the business, than casting Patrick in that role. He was everything that a captain ought to be. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , pp. 90 & 91)

At first, Gene Roddenberry's acceptance of Patrick Stewart as Picard was conditional. " He said, 'But when we bring him to the studio for the final audition, I want him to wear a wig, because I don't want this guy going in bald,' " Rick Berman remembered. Via phone call to London, Stewart had a wig made by one of the most well-renowned theatrical wig makers in England, then had the wig dispatched to America. When TNG Supervising Producer David Livingston first met Stewart, the actor visited Livingston's trailer (where Livingston was otherwise alone) with a box of wigs, and asked where he could find the make-up and hair staff, as the production crew wanted to see what he looked like with the wigs on. Stewart eventually found someone who helped him put on the wig. He then auditioned for John Pike, who was well aware that Stewart was really bald. " He had seen all the photographs of him, and we had played him a tape of Patrick's clips, " Berman noted. ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , pp. 91-92)

By this time, the only remaining contender for the part, according to Rick Berman, was Stephen Macht. Like Stewart, he also auditioned for John Pike. Despite regarding Macht as "a very good actor," Berman believed he wasn't anywhere near as suitable for the role as Patrick Stewart was. Years later, Macht admitted that, at that point in his life, he hadn't been prepared to play such a major role, partly because he had been too young and egotistical, and partly because he had been uninterested in doing a series. " I just was not ready, " he declared. " I would be now, but I wasn't then. In the intervening years, of course, after so much experience, I found that there are so many layers to who I am that I can reveal slowly and that would have made a TV series like The Next Generation more appealing. Looking back at it, I thank Dorothy and Gene for a marker in my life that I can really think about in terms of seeing what the trajectory has been over a whole period of years [… ] Had I known then what I know now, I would have knocked the shit out of that role. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 92)

Ultimately, John Pike opted for Patrick Stewart rather than Stephen Macht. Pike did so with one extra piece of advice: that Stewart "lose the wig." Remarked Berman, " That was the best three words we could have heard. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 92) In a one-line memo Helen Mossler sent Gene Roddenberry on 1 May 1987 , Mossler announced, " Patrick Stewart's deal has been finalized and has been sent to his agent for his signature. " [7]

Picard was originally intended to be in his early fifties, with a twenty-two-year stint captaining the Stargazer ( citation needed • edit ) ; Stewart himself was forty-seven in 1987 . The show established a long gap between the Stargazer and the Enterprise -D; the Okuda timeline states he was 59 in TNG Season 1 (and thus is 74 in Star Trek Nemesis , compared to Stewart having been 62 when that film was made). ( citation needed • edit ) Similarly, although Stewart was 79 when he filmed the first season of Star Trek: Picard , set in 2399, Picard is 94.

When Patrick Stewart accepted the offer to play Picard, a friend of his asked him what he thought it would feel like to portray "an American icon." At the time, that prospect made Stewart feel uneasy. ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 93)

During an interview with Michael Parkinson , Patrick Stewart related how, in his first press conference for The Next Generation , a reporter asked Gene Roddenberry how Captain Picard could be bald, figuring that baldness would surely be cured by the 24th century . Roddenberry replied, " By the 24th century, no one will care. " [8]

In a 2014 appearance on NPR 's quiz show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! , Patrick Stewart indicated that the real life reason for Picard lacking a French accent was that it sounded silly when he attempted it:

Patrick Stewart was, though, fascinated with attempting to assert strength in his portrayal of Picard. " It was always important to me to try and establish and affirm the quiet, but absolute authority he has on the ship, " said Stewart, " and that seemed to be successful. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 94)

Picard was irrevocably altered by his ordeal as Locutus, in " The Best of Both Worlds " and " The Best of Both Worlds, Part II ". " Picard became more Human than ever before, " commented writer Michael Piller . " He was the indestructible captain, untouchable, above all risk and danger, and suddenly, in this two-parter, he is a man who's been raped by the Borg and has to deal emotionally with huge consequences [… ] And after that, Picard was more complex, never the same; he was a far more interesting character after that. " ( Mission Overview , TNG Season 4 DVD special feature) Ira Steven Behr agreed that temporarily having Picard, "who, compared to Kirk, was an administrator more than an adventurer," be transformed into a Borg "kind of gave his Humanity back to him" and was a "genius" idea. Patrick Stewart concurred, " Making the man more Human and vulnerable and prone to error and mistake was a great decision. " ( William Shatner Presents: Chaos on the Bridge )

David Livingston , who directed the TNG episodes " The Mind's Eye " and " Power Play ", found it was relatively very easy to direct Patrick Stewart's characterization of Picard. " The only run-in I ever had with him, I was on the set as a producer and I thought I heard him say a line wrong, and the director said 'cut, print.' I told the director, I think Patrick got that line wrong. Patrick said, 'No, I didn't.' The director said, 'It sounded fine to me.' I had the sound man, Alan Bernard , play back the take, and I was right. They did the line over again, and Patrick said thanks. That was dangerous. I could have kept my mouth shut, but I had a responsibility. That seems like a minor thing, but when you tell Patrick Stewart he went up on a line and nobody else heard it, that's dangerous. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , pp. 94-95)

The idea that Picard served under Captain Uhura while at the Academy has its roots in a story proposed for Star Trek: Short Treks , in which a young Picard would have been mentored by an elderly Uhura. Although the proposed Short Treks episode never came to fruition, two pieces of set dressing for Star Trek: Picard (the Speed of Light Club certificate in Picard's quantum archive, seen in " Remembrance ", and the commemorative plaque for the USS Leondegrance seen in " The Star Gazer ") establish the relationship canonically. [9]

Jean-Luc Picard was the first character to be seen on Star Trek: The Next Generation . Likewise, he was the last person to be seen in the final TNG outing, Star Trek Nemesis .

Other than in alternate timelines , Picard appeared as a captain throughout the entire run of TNG and the subsequent films. Data and Dr. Crusher are the only other characters from TNG to remain at the ranks they started with, though a costuming error in " All Good Things... " has Data wearing the wrong insignia for part of that episode.

Picard is the only character to have appeared in the pilot episodes of three Star Trek series ( TNG : " Encounter at Farpoint ", DS9 : " Emissary " and PIC : " Remembrance "). Patrick Stewart is also the first actor seen on screen in each episode, and speaks the first lines in each episode, although in " Emissary " he appears and speaks first as Locutus of Borg.

Apart from James T. Kirk , Picard is the only person to captain two Enterprise s, commanding the Enterprise -D and the Enterprise -E. With the restoration of a cut scene from an extended version of the episode " The Measure Of A Man ", Picard also shares with Pavel Chekov the distinction of having served aboard two starships named Enterprise and one named USS Reliant .

Picard has the distinction of having on-screen dialogue with three of the other main Star Trek captains, the most by any other main Star Trek captain. Picard meets with James T. Kirk in the film Star Trek Generations , Benjamin Sisko in the DS9 pilot "Emissary", and Kathryn Janeway in the film Star Trek Nemesis . However, this is second to Ambassador Spock who has had on-screen dialogue with four of the main Star Trek captains in James T. Kirk in the Star Trek: The Original Series , Captain Christopher Pike in Star Trek: The Original Series, Discovery, and Strange New Worlds (as well is in the Kelvin alternate universe) , Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation , and Michael Burnham in Star Trek: Discovery . Although Spock achieved the rank of Captain in Starfleet , he was not a primary lead in any of the the television series or films.

Picard is the only lead character in any Star Trek production who is unambiguously not American . Jonathan Archer was born in upstate New York and raised in San Francisco , California ; Christopher Pike was born in Mojave , California; James T. Kirk was from Iowa ( his alternate reality counterpart was born in space, but raised in Iowa); Benjamin Sisko was born in New Orleans , Louisiana ; and Kathryn Janeway was born in Bloomington , Indiana . Michael Burnham was also born on Earth, and while her nationality hasn't yet been confirmed outright, she speaks with an American accent.

Picard's name, Jean-Luc, is the hyphenated French variants of John and Luke. Picard's sense of French national pride only surfaced briefly in some early episodes, most notably " The Last Outpost ". Over the run of TNG, the character adopted several characteristics commonly associated with the English: he enjoys the works of William Shakespeare , and is never seen reading any works of literature by a French author. He drinks Earl Grey tea , an English beverage named after an English nobleman, and is rarely seen drinking wine , a beverage which is commonplace in French life, only drinking it on five occasions, in " Family ", again in " First Contact ", at the end of Star Trek Nemesis , and in PIC : " Remembrance " and " Nepenthe ". Additionally, his father, brother, and nephew all spoke with English accents.

Reception [ ]

At least initially, fans of Star Trek: The Original Series responded unfavorably to a new captain of the Enterprise being introduced in TNG. Rick Berman later remembered, " They felt, how can you put a new captain at the seat of the Enterprise ? [… ] And when they heard it was going to be a forty-year-old bald Englishman, they kind of went nuts. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 89) Eventually, the viewers became more accepting towards Picard, much to Patrick Stewart's relief. He commented, " I'm happy that people accepted the captain as a non-American [… ] They refer to the vivid contrast between the previous captain and myself, not in a competitive way, but in that they are so different there isn't any sense of overlap. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 93) Berman has proclaimed that, ultimately, the fact that Captain Picard was bald was "the greatest sales point for The Next Generation ." ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 92)

The cast and crew of TNG approved of Patrick Stewart as Picard. Co-Producer Brannon Braga offered, " So much of the success of Next Generation was Patrick Stewart, quite frankly. We always used to say the guy could read a phone book and we'd watch him. He just was so good. I always said a Star Trek series is only as good as its captain, and Picard was pretty fucking great. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 93) David Livingston agreed, " If anyone would captain a starship, it would be [Stewart]. He would never blink. Only when he was off-camera. If you watch him on-camera, I defy you to find a time he was blinking, because of the intensity of his captain [… ] It was a delight to direct him. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , pp. 92 & 94)

Thomas Dougherty, professor of American Studies at Brandeis University, observed, " Captain Picard – he of the balding dome and clipped accents – blossomed as the unchallenged power, the series' pivotal character and controlling force. Ensemble sensibilities aside, the writing staff conceded the obvious – that a strong central protagonist is as necessary to drive the narrative as command the Enterprise . In Shakesperean actor Patrick Stewart, the new crew found a perfect tribal patriarch. Stewart exudes authority and presence, consistently keeping the proceedings away from Space Patrol kitsch. Even in a dumb costume, declaiming deep-space doubletalk, he brings a kind of Elizabethan stature to his role. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , pp. 93-94)

The infamous Picard facepalm

In recent years, several popular Internet memes have surfaced in connection with Picard, most notably the "Picard facepalm" (originally based on a scene from " Deja Q "), and its numerous derivatives. [10]

There are a number of musical tributes to Picard, most notably DarkMateria's "Picard Song Tribute" [11] and Bryan Erickson's "Futile". [12]

Apocrypha [ ]

In the alternate future of the DS9 book series Millennium , Picard was captain of the Enterprise -E. He took Ensign Nog under his wing after Nog was assigned to the Enterprise . On stardate 52145.7, Picard attempted to intercept a Dominion warship carrying Weyoun 5 . Weyoun escaped into the Pah-wraith wormhole . In 2381 , the Enterprise was destroyed at the Battle of Rigel VII. According to Thomas Riker , a Starfleet hearing was called, since Picard had lost his third ship (the Stargazer , the Enterprise -D, and the Enterprise -E), but the case was dismissed and Picard was given command of the Enterprise -F in 2383 , described as the "first of its class." In 2385 , Picard accepted a promotion to admiral, and William T. Riker was given command of the Enterprise . When Earth was destroyed by the Grigari, Picard survived. By 2399, Picard was stricken with Irumodic Syndrome, and would occasionally do such things as speak to nobody (although he claimed to be speaking to Q), or mistake other officers for his old crew (for example, he called Nog "Will" and Jake Sisko "Geordi"). It is implied that he married Beverly Crusher , as he comments to Julian Bashir that, between Bashir and Leonard McCoy , he was always worried that his wife would leave him for one of her heroes. Picard headed up a task force to build a timeship known as the USS Phoenix to try and undo the timeline. The Phoenix was destroyed before it could accomplish its mission, but Picard, Nog, and Vash traveled back in time twenty-five thousand years, where they became three Bajoran mystics who wrote prophecies of the events they had experienced; it is also implied that Vash and the elder Picard were married. The entire timeline was later reset thanks to the actions of Benjamin Sisko.

The novel Death in Winter by Michael Jan Friedman told of Picard beginning a romantic relationship with Dr. Beverly Crusher after rescuing her from a planet under Romulan control. A subsequent book, Greater than the Sum , by Christopher L. Bennett , portrayed them as married and expecting a child. The later Paths of Disharmony , by Dayton Ward , shows them with a son, René.

The graphic novel The Gorn Crisis showed Picard undertaking a mission during the Dominion War to make an alliance with the Gorn .

Picard in Star Trek: Countdown

The comic book series Star Trek: Countdown , a tie-in to the 2009 Star Trek film, depicted Picard as having left Starfleet by 2387 to become the Federation Ambassador to Vulcan ; with Data, resurrected in B-4 's body, succeeding him as captain of the Enterprise -E. When the Enterprise arrived at Vulcan, with the Romulan mining vessel Narada in tow, Picard arranged so that the Vulcan High Council would put aside their prejudices and allow Spock to make his case regarding the Hobus supernova. Despite their best efforts, the Council could not be convinced to give the red matter to the Romulans. After Nero had set off, Hobus erupted with the shock wave of the detonation threatening to destroy Earth and Vulcan in a matter of weeks. After La Forge had been called on and the Jellyfish procured as a vessel to launch the red matter, Picard received several Starfleet reports of ships from all the major galactic powers being destroyed when they neared Romulan space. Suspecting Nero, Picard contacted Worf and requested he intercept the madman with his fleet. When the Jellyfish was ready for launch, Picard boarded the Enterprise to join Worf's fleet. Upon arrival, they found the Narada to have been augmented with Borg technology, the Klingon fleet in pieces and Worf near death. Nero offered to return Worf to them, provided they lowered their shields. Though Picard convinced Data to do so, the Enterprise was crippled as a result, leaving her unable to pursue the Narada . Once repairs were complete, the Enterprise arrived to a collapsing singularity with no sign of Spock or Nero. Concluding that Spock had always known his journey would end like this, Picard led the crew in mourning their departed friend.

Picard's image appeared in the comic book adaptation of the 2009 film as part of a collage from Countdown used to depict Spock's mind-meld with the younger Kirk .

The comic miniseries Star Trek: Spock: Reflections established that after the events of Star Trek Generations , Picard sent a message to Spock explaining how Kirk did not die on the Enterprise -B , but was pulled into the Nexus and how he left it to help Picard defeat Soran from killing two hundred million people in order to re-enter the Nexus and in the process, Kirk was killed while saving Picard and millions of others. Since Kirk was already thought dead, and explaining the nature of the Nexus to Starfleet would be difficult, Picard buried Kirk on Veridian III where he gave his life to save millions. Nonetheless, he felt Spock should know of Kirk's fate. Picard met with Spock a year later at the Kirk family farm in Iowa where he realized Spock had traveled to Veridian III to retrieve Kirk's body and brought him back home to Earth. Spock explained how Kirk did the same for him, at a terrible cost and that he needed to be equal to Kirk's sacrifice. Picard then tells Spock that he would be welcomed to return to Starfleet duty, in any capacity, but Spock planned to return to Romulus to continue his work. Picard asks whether arrangements can be made to make Spock's presence there official, but Spock declined, saying he has always led "a life of solitude and duty". As Spock remembers how he once worked with remarkable friends and comrades, he tells Picard to treasure those times in his own life, since they will someday end. They exchange the Vulcan salute and Picard walks away, but turned back to see Spock still standing quietly by his friend's grave.

Picard returned in the Star Trek: Ongoing story arc The Q Gambit . Beginning shortly after the events of Countdown , Picard is visited by Q, who informed him that Spock still lived, and that the black hole actually sent him into an alternate reality . When Q attempted to discuss this timeline, Picard cut him off, believing that the various timelines should remain separate from one another. Annoyed, Q reveals he had come for Picard's counsel as Spock had set off a chain of events that would doom that timeline. But since the former captain was uninterested, Q took his leave for the other timeline despite Picard's attempt to call him back. Picard reappeared at the end of the arc where Q returned, now enveloped by the energies of a Prophet . Flatly, Picard said he didn't want to know.

The 3-issue comic miniseries Star Trek: Picard - Countdown , a tie-in to the television series , detailed the efforts of Picard and his first officer, Lt. Cmdr. Raffi Musiker , to aid in the evacuation of Romulan citizens ahead of the impending supernova depicted in Star Trek . In 2381 , now promoted to admiral, Picard left the Enterprise to take command of the USS Verity ( β ) on an envoy mission to offer aid to the empire after Starfleet intercepted communications and learned of the coming catastrophe. Through tense negotiations, Picard convinced the Romulans to allow Starfleet to help evacuate soon-to-be affected worlds, a logistical challenge that he would later compare to the evacuation at Dunkirk during World War II . Picard directed Commander Geordi La Forge to build a specialized fleet at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards above Mars to better assist in the relocation. By 2385 , a number of worlds had slowly been evacuated. As the first of La Forge's new fleet was near ready to come off the line, the Verity was ordered to to evacuate Romulan colonists from Yuyat Beta, where Picard and Musiker learned of a massive native population the Romulans were prepared to let die. They thwarted a plot by the governor and the Tal Shiar to capture the Verity to use against Starfleet, who they believed was using evacuations as a ruse to sabotage the Romulan Empire. Evacuation of the Romulans and Yuyati proceeded. Picard was introduced to Laris Avem and Zhaban Noctis , two Tal Shiar agents in an illicit love affair who aided in de-escalating the situation. Picard offered them safe haven from retribution on his family's vineyard on Earth.

The alternate future of Star Trek Online established Picard's retirement to private life as occurring in 2402 when he settled in his ancestral home of France.

External links [ ]

• Jean-Luc Picard at Wikipedia
• Jean-Luc Picard at Wikiquote
• Jean-Luc Picard at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• Jean-Luc Picard at the Star Trek Online Wiki
• 2 Daniels (Crewman)

• Black Voices
• Female Voices
• LGBTQ Voices
• Diverse Voices
• Upcoming Authors
• Author Interviews
• Bookstr Talks
• Second Chapter
• Featured Authors

2021: In Memoriam, The Writers We Say Farewell To

6 Amazing Books To Learn All About Kwanzaa

Writer And Journalist Joan Didion Dead At 87

Poetry Collections That Feel Like Winter

• On This Day
• Bookspot / Libraries
• Bookstagram
• Bookish Memes
• Bookish Trends
• Favorite Quotes

Bookstr’s 10 Best Poetry Collections Of 2021

10 Best Adaptations Of 2021: Movies And Series

Tom Riddle Quotes We Won’t Forget

• Comics & Graphic Novels
• Just For Fun
• Adaptations

Who From ‘The Princess Bride’ Said This?

Wanted: Have You Seen this Narnia Villain?

• Food & Wine
• Art and Music

Festive Drinks Paired With The Perfect Holiday Reads

Harlem Students Earn Reading Rewards From Vending Machine

Bookish Anomalies: 5 Books That You Won’t Believe Exist

5 Books About Greenland: Not The North Pole But Close Enough

• Young Readers
• Science Fiction
• Poetry & Drama
• Thriller & Mystery
• Young Adult
• Three To Read
• Female Authors
• New Authors

Stephenie Meyer has Written Two Amazing YA Books

For the love of books

5 Inspiring Quotes from Star Trek’s Captain Picard

Need some inspiration? Look no further than the wise words of Star Trek’s Captain Picard. Here are five “out of this world” quotes to help you reach the stars.

Patrick Stewart, the famed actor behind Star Trek’s Captain Picard, is celebrating his 81st birthday today. In honor of his big day, we have some “out of this world” quotes from the lovable and wise Jean Luc Picard that will help you reach for the stars.

“Seize The Time! Live Now! Make Now Always The Most Precious Time. Now Will Never Come Again.”

Carpe Diem! When a bar fight ended with Picard stabbed in the heart, he only laughed at the fact and uttered this quote. Picard’s advice to seize the day is something we should all keep in mind when going about our daily routines. It’s important to live life to the fullest because you never know what the future holds.

“There Was A Time You Looked At The Stars And Dreamed Of What Might Be.”

In this scene Picard is confronting his evil clone, Shinzon. Shinzon planned to eliminate all forms of life in the Federation yet Picard still finds a way to emphasize with him. Here Picard recognizes the pain Shizon himself has gone through and shows the importance of trying to find the good in all people and being aware of how people’s circumstances affect their lives.

“Things Are Only Impossible Until They’re Not.”

It only takes one person to break a barrier and prove that something is possible. People used to think it was impossible to make it to the moon but now scientists and astronauts explore outer space on a daily basis. Here, Picard reminds us that there is always the potential to break new ground and do the unthinkable. Don’t let past expectations hold you back from what can be achieved in the future.

“I prefer to think of the future as something that is not written in stone.”

Your life is what you make of it. No one follows a set path and it’s never too late to make a change. Picard reminds us that you can take control of your fate and make the reality you want to see.

“Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived.”

It’s important not just to live in the moment, but to enjoy the moment as well. Stop and smell the roses, take in the beauty of life and treasure every day. Picard emphasizes that when you look back on life, you should smile without regrets, knowing you have fully seized each and every day.

Featured Image Via Grunge and IMBD

Star Trek: Picard Quotes

To be alive is a responsibility, as well as a right.

• Star Trek: Picard
• Jean-Luc Picard
• Responsibility

Fear is an incompetent teacher.

The past is written, but the future is left for us to write.

The dreams are lovely. It’s the waking up that I’m beginning to resent. [Laris: Bad dreams?]

Hope and the odds make poor bedfellows.

Fear is fear. It doesn’t speak in riddles. Fear means you’re smart. You understand the risks.

Anyone who treats me like a dying man will run the risk of pissing me off. Is that clear?

A butterfly that lives forever is really not a butterfly at all.

Watch now on:

You might want to point that thing at my head. My heart is solid duritanium.

You have a past. You have a story, just waiting to be claimed. [to Soji]

You don’t leave the doors open if you want to keep the wolves out.

We have powerful tools: openness, optimism, and the spirit of curiosity. All they have is secrecy and fear. And fear is the great destroyer. [to Rios]

• Curiosity ,

Related Series

• Series: Star Trek: Picard
• Genre: Sci-Fi
• Year: 2020–2023

Star Trek: Picard Characters

• William Riker
• Deanna Troi

The Origins of 11 Famous Star Trek Lines

Few franchises have had the cultural impact of the various Star Trek television series and movies, and nowhere is that more evident than in the snippets of dialogue that have become a part of the American vernacular—and in some cases, found their way abroad, too. Here are 11 of the most notable Star Trek catchphrases, as well as a little more information about their origins.

1. "Live Long and Prosper"

The Vulcan greeting and the finger-separating hand gesture that accompanies it first appeared in the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series , during an episode titled “Amok Time.” Spock himself (actor Leonard Nimoy) has made no secret of the fact that the gesture and phrase were his idea, and that he based them on Orthodox Jewish blessings he remembered from his childhood. In the Jewish blessing, the position of the fingers forms the Hebrew letter “Shin,” which represents the name “Shaddai” (Almighty God). Nimoy put his own spin on the traditional gesture by holding up just one hand (instead of both) and changing up the verbal blessing slightly.

2. "Highly Illogical..."

While Spock never shied away from questioning the logic of those around him—usually Kirk—it wasn't until the second season that he took things up a notch and deemed the actions of the native inhabitants of planet Omega IV “highly illogical” in the episode titled “The Omega Glory.” Previously, it had always just been “illogical” or, in rare cases, “most illogical,” but it took a pair of natives attacking Kirk in a jail cell for Spock to pair his trademark raised-eyebrow reaction with the term “highly illogical.” The phrase would then be repeated in several more episodes, as well as the subsequent films and J.J. Abrams' reboot of the franchise.

Bonus: “Highly Illogical” was also the name of Leonard Nimoy's 1993 music album featuring several songs he recorded in the 1960s (including “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”) as well as a few new tunes.

3. "Beam Me Up, Scotty"

One of the most interesting aspects of this phrase—a request directed at Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott for transport back to the USS Enterprise—is that it was never actually uttered in any of the Star Trek television series or movies. More often than not, the command was akin to “Three to beam up” or more directly, “Beam them up,” with the closest approximation being “Beam us up, Scotty” in a few episodes of the Star Trek animated series. However, William Shatner did say this line while reading the audio version of his novel Star Trek: The Ashes of Eden .

4. "I'm A Doctor, Not A..."

Everyone knows that Dr. Leonard McCoy is not an engineer, a coal miner, or an escalator, but that never stopped him from reminding his fellow crew members. The first time DeForest Kelley uttered his famous catchphrase as we know it was in a first-season episode titled “The Devil in the Dark.” In that episode, McCoy saw fit to let Kirk know that he was a doctor, not a brick-layer. It's worth noting that an earlier episode, “The Corbomite Maneuver," had him asking Capt. Kirk, “What am I, a doctor or a moon-shuttle conductor?” but it wasn't until much later in the season that we got the full line that would later be heard in just about every subsequent series, as well as the Star Trek films. The line even made it into J.J. Abrams' 2009 reboot, with Karl Urban (as McCoy) exclaiming, “I'm a doctor, not a physicist!”

5. "Make It So"

Captain Jean-Luc Picard's signature line was a part of Star Trek: The Next Generation from the very start, with actor Patrick Stewart uttering what would become his character's most memorable catchphrase in the pilot episode, “Encounter at Farpoint.” The episode was written by Gene Roddenberry himself, so it's likely that he wrote the line for Picard, though the phrase has been in use for quite a while in military circles as a way to tell someone to proceed with a command.

6. "To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before..."

The infinitive-splitting opening narration for each episode of Star Trek: The Original Series (with the exception of the pilot episodes) was famously recited by William Shatner, but the actual origins of the line are uncertain at best. Some reports suggest that it was inspired by a 1958 White House press booklet promoting the space program, though some have speculated that it came from a statement made by explorer James Cook following an expedition to Newfoundland. Writer Samuel Peeples, who authored the pilot episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” is often credited with the decision to make the phrase such a significant part of the series. The line was eventually repeated—with a few minor tweaks—in each iteration of the series and films.

7. "Khaaannnn!"

Possibly the most meme-friendly line of dialogue ever to come out of the Star Trek universe, this scream of rage originated in (no surprise here) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan . Left marooned on a dead planet by the evil villain Khan then taunted about his predicament, Kirk let loose with a primal roar—and the rest was viral-video history.

8. "I'm Givin' Her All She's Got, Captain!"

Much like “Beam me up, Scotty,” this famous catchphrase often associated with USS Enterprise Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in Star Trek: The Original Series was never said in this exact form by actor James Doohan in the series or subsequent films. The closest approximation is a line in the second-season episode “The Changeling,” when Kirk asks Scotty to divert more power to the ship's shields. Scotty responds with, “Giving them all we got.” However, Doohan did utter every word of the famous line as part of a cameo in 1993's Loaded Weapon , in which he turns up as a panicky police officer trying to fix a coffee machine. Similarly, Simon Pegg used the same line “I'm givin' her all she's got, Captain!” in 2009's Star Trek reboot, in which he plays a young Montgomery Scott.

9. "Nuclear Wessels"

Russian crew member Pavel Andreievich Chekov's inability to pronounce the letter “V” became a recurring joke after the character was introduced in the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series as the ship's navigator. While it made for some funny moments throughout the series and subsequent movies, one of the most memorable pronunciation gaffes occurred during Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home , when Chekov begins asking passers-by in 1980s San Francisco where he can find “nuclear wessels.” Even though Walter Koenig had been playing the character for almost 20 years before The Voyage Home hit theaters, the two-word line soon became indelibly connected with his portrayal of the character.

10. "Resistance Is Futile"

This famous line was first uttered by robotic aliens The Borg in the epic third-season finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation , titled “Best of Both Worlds, Part 1.” Not only did the 1990 episode offer up one of the greatest cliffhangers in television history, but it also coined a phrase that would live forever in the nightmares of fans—mainly because it was recycled for use in countless other series and films down the road.

11. "Set Phasers To Stun"

It was established early on in Star Trek: The Original Series that the phasers used by the crew of USS Enterprise had a “stun” setting (as mentioned in “The Man Trap” episode), and both Kirk and Spock often found themselves instructing their crewmates to use the non-lethal capabilities of their standard-issue weapons. However, it wasn't until the second season of Star Trek: The Animated Series that we first heard Kirk issue the command “Set phasers to stun.” The line eventually became an oft-repeated order in subsequent series, turning up in both Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: The Next Generation , as well as many of the movies (including 2009's reboot).

This article originally appeared in 2013.

• Article Timeline
• Article Archive
• Gniblets – Bite Sized Articles
• Article RSS Feed
• Gnomecast RSS Feed
• Random Article
• Game Making
• Game Mastering
• Player Perspective
• Treasure Tables
• All Categories List

List of All Authors

• Angela Murray
• Chris Sniezak

Jared Rascher

• John Arcadian
• Josh Storey
• Lori Caskey-Sigety
• Matthew J. Neagley
• Old Man Logan
• Phil Vecchione
• Poddy Gnomington
• Senda Linaugh
• Tomas Gimenez Rioja
• Troy E. Taylor
• Walt Ciechanowski
• Articles by Gnomes Emeritus
• Articles By Guest Contributors
• Thank You Patrons!
• About Gnome Stew
• Meet the Gnomes
• Guest Contributors
• Gnomespotting – Gnomes at Conventions!
• Testimonials
• Gnome Stew in Other Languages
• Code of Conduct
• Gnomenclature
• Gnome Stew Paper Miniature Maker
• Recipe for Gnome Stew
• Write for Gnome Stew

Select Page

• Star Trek Adventures: The Roleplaying Game Second Edition Core Rulebook Review

I have received review copies in the past from Modiphius for other 2d20 products, but I have not received any review material for the Star Trek Adventures: The Roleplaying Game Second Edition Core Rulebook, and I purchased this for review on my own. I have not had an opportunity to play through or run the material in this book, but I have run the first edition of the game for multiple campaigns, as well as other 2d20 RPGs.

  Star Trek Adventures: The Roleplaying Game Second Edition Core Rulebook 2d20 System Designer Nathan Dowdell Project Manager Jim Johnson Writers Mike “O’dah ziibing” Ashkewe, Tilly Bridges & Susan Bridges, Rachael Cruz, Alison Cybe, Michael Dismuke, Nathan Dowdell, Keith Garrett, Patrick Goodman, Jim Johnson, Fred Love, Erin Macdonald, PhD, Aaron M Pollyea, J.D. Kennedy, Chris McCarver, Troy Mepyans, Al Spader Editors Jim Johnson, Marieke Cross, Scott Pearson Proofreaders Jim Johnson, Marieke Cross Art Director Ariel Orea Graphic Designers Michal E. Cross, Mark Whittington, Stephanie Toro Cover Artist Paolo Puggioni Interior Artwork Artists Eren Arik, Cristi Balenescu, Marc Bell, Carlos Cabrera, Joshua Calloway, Alexey Chernik, Aurea Freniere, Michele Frigo, Chaim Garcia, Nick Greenwood, Aaron Harvey, Eva Lara, Jens Lindfors, Toma Feizo Gas, Matheus Graef, Vincent Laik, Thomas Marrone, Wayne Miller, Ariel Orea, Dat Phan, Paolo Puggioni, Tobias Richter, Vadim Sadovski, Martin Sobr, Steve Stark, Vitali Timkin, Rodrigo Gonzalez Toledo, Salvador Trakal, Justin Usher, Rhys Yorke, Eaglemoss Ltd., CBS Studios, Inc. For Paramount Global Marian Cordry, Stephen Zelin, Brian Bromberg, Aaron Hubberman, Brian Lady, Danwei Lando, James Salerno, Russell Spina With Thanks To Gene Roddenberry, Marian Cordry, BC Holmes, and the many fans who support this game

Computer, Display Schematics

For this review, I have had the opportunity to look at both the PDF and the hardcover version of the game. The hardcover is a solid chunk of a book that is very similar to both the original Star Trek Adventures book and the Klingon variation of the core rules. It uses similar font, but the colors deviate from the darker colors of the spines for the original books. The original version of the game had pages that emulated the L-CARS appearance of Next Generation consoles, including the black background for the pages. The second edition ditches those black backgrounds for a white one, which I can understand. It’s always a little disheartening when you end up with a permanent fingerprint on your solid black pages.

The official page count of the book is 384 pages, and includes the following:

• Front Endpapers with a map of the Alpha and Beta Quadrant (2 pages, PDF, endpapers in hardcover)
• Back Endpapers with a timeline of Star Trek properties, the Prime Timeline, and the Terran Universe Timeline (2 pages, PDF, endpapers in hardcover)
• Credits Page (1 page)
• Table of Contents (1 page)
• Character Sheet (2 pages, front and back)
• Personal Log (1 page)
• Index and Acknowledgements (4 pages)
• Front and Back Cover (2 pages, PDF, front and back cover, hardcover)

Most of the book is in a two-column layout. Some pages have a smaller column with sidebar commentary, as well as offset text boxes exploring topics brought up on the page. There are full color pieces of art introducing each chapter, and there are many half page pieces of art portraying various scenes that would be common for a Star Trek narrative, which includes staring at majestic ships in drydock, Starfleet medical personnel treating inhabitants of a planet, enjoying a meal in the lounge, and the more action oriented combat scenes. There are images from across the timelines detailed, and most are in the same style, except for a few “ Lower Decks ” styled images inserted in various locations.

While there are images from across the timelines, the book also uses a set of iconic characters, first introduced in the quick start. These characters are all from the Strange New Worlds era of Star Trek , with the same uniform and gear from that show. This includes a Betazoid security officer, a human science officer, a Vulcan chief medical officer, a Tellarite chief engineer, an Andorian first officer, and a Trill captain. These are the characters that make some opening comments about the topics introduced in the various chapters.

In addition to those iconic characters and their chapter introductions, there are quotes from a wide range of characters. Some of the characters that contribute quotes or commentary include Picard, Archer, Worf, Tendi, Boimler, Pike, Janeway, Gwyndala, Zero, McCoy, Booker, Data, Georgiou, Kirk, Mariner, Nog, Decker, Sisko, Freeman, Kira, Quark, Ransom, La Forge, and M’Benga.

The book itself is broken up into the following sections:

• A Star Trek Primer
• The Final Frontier
• Reporting for Duty
• Your Home Among the Stars
• Technology and Weapons
• Gamemastering
• Introductory Adventure
• Allies and Adversaries

The new format makes one nice improvement. There aren’t the random strings of numbers on various pages that were meant to represent cluttered data on a viewscreen. I often run the PDF text to speech function while reading, and it could get very tedious when those numbers were read as text instead of a background image.

For The Seasoned Officers

Before I dive into the details of the book, I wanted to hit a quick summary of the differences between the 1e and 2e edition of Star Trek Adventures . This is just a fast rundown, so feel free to check out the details further in the review.

• Say goodbye to the challenge dice–damage and progress are tracked without them now
• Stress is now determined only with your Fitness attribute, unless you have a trait that uses a different attribute
• Some challenges may use stress as one of the consequences of accomplishing goals
• In combat, you take an injury unless you spend stress equal to the weapons rating to resist the injury
• You can recover different amounts of stress by taking a breather (10 minutes or so), taking a break (a half hour to a couple of hours), or sleeping (several hours)
• NPCs don’t have a stress track, but Notable and Major NPCs can spend threat to resist injury
• In ship combat, shields work more like a progress track you are working to complete, rather than the stress for the ship
• There are guidelines for when to use a challenge versus when to use an extended task
• Your progress on extended tasks is based on your rating in a relevant department, rather than the results of the challenge dice
• Many species talents of been rewritten
• You get an additional focus at the end of character creation to reflect a personal interest (for example, Riker might use this extra focus for Jazz)
• There are more guidelines to what species traits are meant to summarize
• Character progression now defaults to the “personal log” method first introduced in the Klingon core rulebook
• Much like in certain political discussions of climate change, the scientific method has been abandoned
• The book is a “greatest hits” of some of the previous releases, incorporating some player character rules for species, traits, technobabble, reprimand and acclaim, and commendations, to name a few

Life in the Federation

I wanted to talk about the Star Trek primer section of the book first, because I think the summary of how the Federation operates may be one of the most concise and inclusive attempts that I’ve seen in any Star Trek product. The primary purpose of this section is to set the tone for what a Star Trek Adventures campaign should look and feel like, but it does more than that. The baseline assumption is that Star Trek Adventures is meant to portray a hopeful future, where humanity can live up to it’s potential, and learn and grow by interacting with other advanced species, while also pointing out where conflict happens.

There is a section that touches on the major cultures of the setting, including:

• The Klingon Empire
• The Romulan Empire
• The Cardassian Union
• The Ferengi Alliance
• The Orion Syndicate
• The Borg Collective
• The Dominion

These aren’t exhaustive treatments, but they often touch on those societies in multiple eras. The Klingons and Romulans both get multiple pages, the Cardassians and the Dominion both get a page, and the others each have a half-page of information. The information is current up through the third season of Picard , but that also means we get some season four information from Discovery .

There is a page on “other civilizations,” which includes a few paragraphs on the Tholian Assembly, the Q Continuum, and the Pakleds (including Lower Decks updates), as well as a paragraph that talks about Delta Quadrant societies like the Hirogen, Kazon, Vidians, and Talaxians. A notable omission is the Gorn Hegemony, which I imagine may have been avoided since Strange New Worlds is still in the midst of an ongoing narrative with that culture.

The information about life in the Federation is where this section shines. Have you ever wondered exactly what Star Trek means when various characters say they don’t have money in the Federation, especially in light of situations where Federation members seem to be working for profit or trading with cultures that definitely do still use money? What about human religion in the Federation? Have you ever wondered why sometimes something from the holodeck can leave the holodeck? Why can’t you use cargo transporters to transport large numbers of people from one place to another? These all receive answers that should make you feel better equipped to answer those questions when they come up.

Life in an Alternate Federation?

The previous version of Star Trek Adventures included a section on planet classification, space-phenomenon, and the basics of warp travel and subspace. This time around, there are a few more sections that touch on additional topics like alternate universes and time travel.

There is a brief section on the Terran Universe (or the Mirror Universe), and Quantum Multiverses (lots of different realities where things may be changed in smaller, significant ways). This also touches on time travel, and the different ways it can be accomplished in Star Trek (there are at least five different ways that this can happen outlined in the book).

Life in Starfleet

While this iteration of Star Trek Adventures isn’t quite as tied to portraying only Starfleet Personnel, it is still considered the default mode of playing the game. As such, we get a section on how Starfleet works, and how it has changed over the eras.

There are some sidebars on organizations adjacent to Starfleet, like Division 14, the section of Starfleet introduced in Lower Decks , which deals with Starfleet personnel that have been affected by strange phenomena. There is also a sidebar with a few paragraphs on Section 31, which frames the organization the way I prefer it to exist, as an organization that isn’t known outside of a few members of Starfleet that are allied with it, which does not have any official standing with the Federation or Starfleet.

The book touches on the Temporal Prime Directive and assumptions about what Starfleet personnel should do in a time travel situation. The original Prime Directive is also addressed. I enjoy that the examples they give make the Prime Directive feel more like something you can discuss and use in game, rather than an absolute hammer to drop on players that make the wrong decision. True to many of the episodes, you may need to justify your interpretation, but unless you completely throw it out the window, it should provide you with more roleplaying opportunities rather than an excuse to punish players for making hard decisions.

The section on Starfleet then discusses Starfleet Academy, duty assignments, and mission types. I appreciate that among the mission types, we get Second Contact missions integrated into standard Starfleet procedures, giving us a solid tie into the contribution made by Lower Decks.

There is a half-page dedicated to Non-Starfleet campaigns, which are better supported than in the original Star Trek Adventures book, but not as supported as, for example, in the Klingon core rulebook, which make sense. The biggest support from this section would be Federation civilians working in concert with Starfleet personnel, representing characters like ambassadors and civilian academics working with Starfleet science personnel.

(Quantum) Game Mechanics

The heart of the 2d20 system is pretty simple. Whenever you make a check, you roll two twenty-sided dice. You compare this to a number derived from an attribute and a department (in the case of Star Trek Adventures ). Your attribute will top out at 12, and your department will top out at 5. If you roll under those two numbers added together, you get a success. If you have a Focus that applies to the task you are attempting (like Martial Arts if you are making a hand-to-hand combat attack), you gain an additional success if you roll below your Department score. That means if you have a focus that is relevant, on 2d20, you could get from 0 to 4 successes.

You can spend some game currencies to buy extra dice, and some talents may add an additional die. You can never roll more than five on a check., meaning you would max out, in a spectacular series of rolls, at 10 successes. In some situations, someone else can aid you, but they will only be rolling 1d20, and you can only add their successes to your own if you have at least one success. That means, if you are facing a Difficulty 3 check to calm down an enraged government official, and someone is aiding you, and they roll two successes on their attempt to help you, if you roll 0 successes, it doesn’t help you at all. But if you roll one success, you can add their successes to your own and meet the Difficulty of three.

There are several currencies in the game. Momentum tops out at six. If you get more successes than you need on a check, you can generate momentum to add to your pool. You can use Momentum for several things, like buying extra dice, asking additional questions, or adding damage to a weapon’s rating. Threat is a similar currency that the GM can use. Whenever a PC rolls a complication (usually a 20), the GM can create a trait in the scene or add two additional Threat to their pool. Among other things, the GM can use this to create scene traits, or to modify NPC rolls in a manner similar to what PCs can use Momentum for. Players can choose to add threat whenever they don’t have Momentum to spend.

The final currency is Determination. You can only have three Determination at any one time. You can only spend Determination if you have a Value relevant to the task you are attempting, or if your task is related to the mission directives you have been given. Determination buys you an extra die, but the die is considered to have rolled a 1. That die does count against your five dice maximum. Your Values determine what your character believes, and if you challenge one of your values, you can add a Determination, cross it out, and rewrite it after the mission is over.

Talents work the way you may expect, being much like feats, talents, perks, or other game rules across RPGs. They are exceptions to how the regular rules work, granting you things like rerolling dice under certain circumstances. There are talents that add additional species abilities, general abilities, or abilities related to what career path you are on.

Character advancement is tracked by filling out character logs. The log doesn’t need to be a deep explanation of what happened in a game session. Instead, it’s a quick note about “X happened, this relates to my Value of Y.” After a number of log entries, a character gains an advancement, and characters can “spend” those log entries to remember a relevant situation to generate Determination in a current mission.

A good portion of play deals with traits. A scene trait may narratively deny a course of action or may make something more difficult to accomplish. Traits can have higher magnitudes, so you can have Ion Storm (3), which would make the difficulty of checks to transport through the storm, or send communications through the storm, increase by three. Traits are more open-ended, where the GM and the players can discuss what those traits mean and when they apply.

Character Creation

Character creation can be done in one of two ways. The first is a Lifepath system, where you walk through your character’s life up to the current day, adding attributes, department ratings, talents, and values at various steps of the process. The lifepath follows the following steps:

• Environment (where you were raised)
• Upbringing (how you were raised)
• Career Path (what you learned)
• Experience (how long have you been doing this)
• Career Events (significant events)
• Finishing Touches

If you don’t want to go through this process, there is the Creation in Play method. In this case, the character has a number of values, focuses, and unassigned division ratings. When your character attempts to do something, they can decide they want to assign points to one of their departments, and maybe a focus, to help with the roll. Once this happens, those elements are locked in, and the character has one less of each of those to assign.

There is much more direction about what a character’s species trait means. For example, they give examples that something that requires raw strength may be slightly less difficult for Klingons or Vulcans, because they have above average strength for humanoids their size. The species abilities have been reworked, and I like the directions many of them have moved. For example, Vulcans can spend stress to avoid gaining a trait associated with an emotional state, but if they are Fatigued, any emotional state trait they have is increased in potency by 1, to represent that Vulcans aren’t emotionless, they are just tightly in control of their strong emotions.

There are additional career paths that are civilian based, instead of the standard Starfleet career paths, including Diplomatic Corps, Civilian (Physician), Civilian (Scientist), Civilian (Official), and Civilian (Trader). Service roles integrate some of the slightly different roles that appear in the Star Trek Adventure’s Player’s Guide, including civilian postings like Bodyguard, Expert, Merchant, or Political Liaison. You can also choose to have a character that has cybernetic components or that has been genetically modified.

Starship combat is a little different from the first edition of Star Trek Adventures , but not dramatically. One of the big differences is that it has been framed to look a lot more like personal combat, but with a few more formal procedures that take place with each action. I don’t mind some extra procedure in rules like these, mainly because starship combat in Star Trek is more deliberate and tactical when it occurs. But that added procedure still needs to be approachable.

Like ground combat, movement is defined by zones. Unlike 1e edition, the similarity in combat rules means that you can fly your ship behind cover if cover exists in the zone, making you harder to hit. If your helm operator takes the Evasive Action option on their turn, the difficulty of hitting your ship changes from a static number to an opposed test. Damage takes down your shields, but you may also be reducing incoming damage as well based on your size and hull. If you can’t mitigate oncoming damage, you suffer a breach. When a system is breached, you need to make temporary repairs to get it back online, but if it takes a number of breaches equal to your ship’s scale, that system has been effectively destroyed.

Certain options are available to characters in different positions on the ship. For example, the Operations console allows you to reroute power to regenerate your shields.

Should I drop supporting characters here? Your number of supporting characters is tied to the scale of your ship, so why not?

Just like in STA 1e, you can bring supporting characters into scenes. This can be done when a player’s role on the ship doesn’t make sense for the away team, for example. You can create a number of supporting characters up to your Crew Complement, and these characters belong to the ship, not any particular player. Supporting characters have a slightly lower standard array of Attributes, a range of Department ratings, and three foci.

Lower Decks has inspired a new twist on this, which is a Supervisory character, a senior character not played by one of the players that can be adopted by players when they need an officer to help direct them. They get a slightly higher array for their attributes and departments, and an additional focus. They also start with a value and stress track. Since I had a crew of players where no one wanted to play the captain, this would have been a nice rule to have available for that campaign.

While you can still contribute your own advances to supporting characters, reintroducing a supporting character now triggers an advancement once per adventure. These include gaining a Value and a stress track, increasing Attributes or Departments, adding a focus, or adding a talent to the character. A character that has gone through all of these improvements can’t be further improved unless a player adopts them as their new player character.

Mission Status

In addition to the rules, character creation, NPC stat blocks, and ships, the core rulebook also contains a starting adventure. If you’ve been following my reviews for a while, you know I’m a fan of including adventures. Even if you aren’t going to use them, they help you to see how the designers intend the rules to be used for game sessions.

The adventure included in this book is based in the Strange New Worlds /just pre-The Original Series era. I like the structure of this adventure, because it presents a Prime Directive quandary, and enough wiggle room to argue for limited intervention, in addition to the science/medical emergency that is the primary conflict of the adventure.

The adventure includes a synopsis, a section on Spotlight Roles (the crew positions that will be doing the heavy lifting in the adventure), and the mission directives. The action is divided into three acts. The adventure has one encounter that might turn into combat, but most of the conflict comes from the moral quandaries and the science that needs to be done.

Glory to Your House  The broader options for non-Starfleet characters open up some character types that we’ve seen in multiple series. 

The way much of this book has been put together really does simplify the processes in the game. Combat makes more sense. Stress is more versatile. The species abilities are more nuanced and work together well with some of the new talents. The broader options for non-Starfleet characters open up some character types that we’ve seen in multiple series. There are better examples for when to utilize challenges and when to use extended tasks, and extended tasks are a little easier to follow. While the challenge dice were never a major impediment to me, I have to admit that when I’ve played 2d20 games that don’t utilize them, everything feels like its rolling along just a little bit smoother.

I Protest, I Am Not a Merry Man

The discussion of species traits did a wonderful job of explaining how those traits can be used in a contextual manner to cover a wide range of abilities native to the species. I wish they had extended that logic to Attribute bonuses, which are still tied to species. The organization of the book is much better than 1e edition, but I still feel like I need to hunt a bit to pull together all of the Starship rules. Some of the game rules are great and make sense for Star Trek, like the character log advancement, but may seem a little intimidating to a player that has first encounters it.

Recommended–If the product fits in your broad area of gaming interests, you are likely to be happy with this purchase.

When the original Star Trek Adventures rulebook came out, I thought it was one of the best examples of an RPG based on a property that understands its topic and is designed to support the emblematic narratives native to it. This version is no exception, doing what a solid new edition does–keeping a lot of the familiar structure that works, and streamlining the elements that weren’t as flexible or as intuitive in long-term play.

• STA 2e Cover - Images for Journalistic / Review Purposes     
• Personal Photo - Other     
• Reporting for Duty Chapter Art - Images for Journalistic / Review Purposes     
• Operations Chapter Art - Images for Journalistic / Review Purposes     
• Allies and Adversaries Chapter Art - Images for Journalistic / Review Purposes     

About The Author

Jared Rascher has been gaming since 1985, when he stole his sister’s D&D Basic Set to rescue it from disuse. In the past, he has written several articles for the Forgotten Realms fan site Candlekeep, was present for ground zero as a GM for Pathfinder Society Season Zero at Gen Con 2008, and helped provide feedback on the original documents for that organized play program. He has been a moderator for several online gaming communities, and these days, he likes to write RPG reviews to justify all of those games he can’t keep himself from buying.

Check out our newest content!

• Adventure Design: Thematic Bosses

September 18, 2024

September 16, 2024

Commenting System Changes and User Cleanup

February 15, 2021

• Gnomecast 197 – Brand New Players

September 11, 2024

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

It Came From The Stew Pot

Written by a team of veteran Gamers and Gamemasters, Gnome Stew is a widely read gaming blog with multiple awards, ennies, and thousands of articles. We’re dedicated to helping gamers have more fun at the gaming table.

What Are People Saying?

What are people saying?

“ If you like GMing tips, advice, and perspectives you have to hit Gnome Stew. The crew at the Stew doesn’t sleep, I swear. Great articles (by the tonne) plus a great community guarantees you’ll improve your GMing and make new friends in the process. “

Johnn four , roleplayingtips.com, recent articles.

• Earning Their Trust: Keeping Your Promises
• Gnomecast 196 – Two GM Slip Ups

Our Products

Our books for gms.

Through our partner Engine Publishing, we've published six system-neutral books for GMs, with over 28,000 copies sold. Available in print and PDF.

Through Encoded Designs

Through our partnership in the G.E.M. collective, many of the Gnomes are affiliated with creating products through Encoded Designs. Available in print and PDF.

Pin It on Pinterest