SPOCK: Captain, V'Ger is a child. I suggest you treat it as such.
KIRK: A child?
SPOCK: Yes, captain, a child. Evolving, learning, searching, instinctively needing.
DECKER: Needing what?
McCOY: Spock! This child is about to wipe out every living thing on Earth. Now what do you suggest we do? Spank it?
And a little later...
McCOY: Your child is having a tantrum, Mister Spock.
KIRK: A child?
SPOCK: Yes, captain, a child. Evolving, learning, searching, instinctively needing.
DECKER: Needing what?
McCOY: Spock! This child is about to wipe out every living thing on Earth. Now what do you suggest we do? Spank it?
And a little later...
McCOY: Your child is having a tantrum, Mister Spock.