Star Trek (TV Series)

Balance of Terror (1966)

DeForest Kelley: Dr. McCoy

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Quotes 

• McCoy : In this galaxy, there's a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets. And in all of the universe, three million million galaxies like this. And in all of that... and perhaps more, only one of each of us.

  [pause] 

  McCoy : Don't destroy the one named Kirk.

• Stiles : These are Romulans! You run away from them and you guarantee war. They'll be back - not just one ship, but with everything they've got. You know that, Mr. Science Officer. You're the expert on these people, but you've always left out that one point. Why? I'm very interested in why.

  Captain James T. Kirk : Sit down, mister.

  [Stiles does so, there is an awkward silence] 

  Mr. Spock : I agree. Attack.

  Captain James T. Kirk : Are you suggesting we fight... to prevent a fight?

  Dr. McCoy : Based on what? Memories of a war over a century ago? On theories about a people we've never even met face to face?

  Stiles : We know what they look like...

  Mr. Spock : Yes, indeed we do, Mr. Stiles. And if the Romulans are an offshoot of my Vulcan blood - and I think this likely - then attack becomes even more imperative.

  Dr. McCoy : War is never imperative, Mr. Spock.

  Mr. Spock : It is for them, Doctor. Vulcan, like Earth, had its aggressive, colonizing period - savage, even by Earth standards - and if the Romulans retain this martial philosophy, then weakness is something we dare not show.

• Stiles : We enter the Neutral Zone in one minute, Captain.

  Dr. McCoy : Do we violate the treaty, Captain?

  Mr. Spock : They did, Doctor.

  Dr. McCoy : Once inside, they can claim we did. A set-up. They want war, we furnish the provocation.