PICARD: I noticed in your envelope that Captain DeSoto thinks very
highly of you. One curious thing, however: you refused to let him beam
down to Altair III?
RIKER: In my opinion, sir, Altair III was too dangerous to risk exposing
the captain.
PICARD: I see. A captain's rank means nothing to you.
RIKER: Rather the reverse, sir. A captain's life means a great deal to
me.
PICARD: Let me postulate something here, Mr. Riker. Isn't it just
possible that you don't get to be a starship captain without knowing
when it's safe to beam down or not? Isn't it a little presumptuous for a
first officer to second guess his captain's judgment?
RIKER: Permission to speak candidly, sir?
PICARD: Always.
RIKER: You've been a first officer yourself. You know that assuming that
responsibility must, by definition, include the safety of the captain. I
have no problem with following the rules you lay down. But under no
circumstances will I compromise your safety. If you have a problem with
that, sir, you can put me back on the Hood before she leaves.
PICARD: You don't intend to back off that position?
RIKER: No, sir, I can't.
Picard takes another beat to study him carefully, then:
PICARD: One further thing a special favor I have to ask of you.
RIKER: Anything, sir.
PICARD: Using the same kind of strength you showed with Captain DeSoto,
I'd appreciate it if you can keep me from making an ass of myself with
children.
RIKER: Sir?
PICARD: I'm not a family man, Riker, and yet, Starfleet has given me a
ship with children aboard.
RIKER: (nods) Yes, sir. And families ...
PICARD: And I don't feel comfortable with children. But, since a captain
needs an image of "geniality" toward the little monsters, you're to see
that's exactly what I project.
RIKER: Aye, sir.
For the first time, Picard smiles, extending his hand. We see he's
surprisingly warm when he wants to be. Riker takes Picard's hand for a
firm and friendly handshake.
PICARD: Welcome to the Enterprise, Mister Riker.