MERIBOR
I've analyzed the rings in old
trees. I've examined rock strata
to correlate evidence of climactic
changes over the centuries.
(beat)
Father -- this planet is dying.
He looks at her with a mixture of anguish and
adoration.
PICARD
Perhaps I should have filled your
head with trivial concerns...
games and toys and clothes...
She smiles gently at him.
MERIBOR
I don't think you mean that.
PICARD
No... but it saddens me to see
you bear the burden of knowing
things... things you can't change.
MERIBOR
It's no more a burden than you
bear.
PICARD
But I'm not sixteen. With my life
ahead of me.
A beat, and then, pensively --
MERIBOR
Father? I think I should marry
Dannick sooner rather than
later... don't you?
PICARD
I can only say...
(Beat)
... Live now, Meribor. Always make
"now" the most precious time.
"Now" will not come again.