"The Offspring" Line-by-Line

Data: A perfect score?

 

BALLARD: Yes, which is why we started her out with the older children. But Lal couldn't understand the nuances of how they related to each other.

 

Data: I see.

 

BALLARD: We decided the best thing to do would be to put her with younger children.

 

DATA: That would seem to be reasonable.

 

BALLARD: It isn't working out that way. (She shows him the classroom. Lal is standing by the wall while the children are around a table together) The children were afraid of her.

 

[Turbolift]

LAL: Father, what is the significance of laughter?

 

DATA: It is a human physiological response to humor.

 

LAL: Then judging from their laughter, the children at school found my remarks humorous. So without understanding humour, I have somehow mastered it.

 

DATA: Deck fifteen. Lal...

 

LAL: Yes, Father?

 

Data: The children were not laughing with you, they were laughing at you.

 

LAL: Explain.

 

DATA: One is meant kindly, the other is not.

 

LAL: Why would they wish to be unkind?

 

DATA: Because you are different. Differences sometimes scare people. I have learned that some of them use humour to hide their fear.

 

LAL: I do not want to be different.

 

[Crusher's office]

DATA: Doctor? I require your advice as a successful parent.

 

CRUSHER: Well, thank you, Data. I'd like to think I was. Well, please sit down. How's Lal?

 

DATA: Lal is realising she is not the same as other children.