"The Offspring" Line-by-Line

[LeadHead]

Lal walks out of the room, Troi follows.

Back in the observation Lounge, Picard, Data and Haftel are having a tense discussion

Haftel: You have Lal off to a wonderful start in life, Commander. And that's what being a parent is all about. However, I have finally decided that I must ask you to release her to me.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

DATA: May I ask why, sir?

 

[LeadHead]

Haftel: All the other arguments aside, there's one that's irrefutable. There's only two Soong-type Androids in existence. It would be very dangerous to have you both in the same place, especially aboard a starship. One lucky shot from a Romulan, we'd lose you both.

 

[BlueStuff]

PICARD: Admiral, that is a fine argument, but it doesn't change my feeling that the proper place for Lal to develop is by Data's side.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

HAFTEL: You're not a parent, Captain. I am. I have learned, with difficulty, that there comes a time when all parents must give up their children for their own good.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: But this is not the time. Damn it, even I can see the umbilical cord is virtually uncut. The Child, the child depends on him.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

HAFTEL: Mister Data, it would be better for Lal if she left knowing you had voluntarily decided that this was the best course of action.

 

[LeadHead]

Data: Admiral, when I created Lal, it was in the hope that she would one day enter the Academy and become a member of Starfleet. I wanted to give something back, in return for all that Starfleet has given me. I still do. But Lal is my child. You ask that I volunteer to give her up. I cannot. It would violate every lesson I have learned about Human Parenting. I have brought a new life into this world, and it is my duty, not Starfleets, to guide her through these difficult steps to maturity, to support her as she learns, to prepare her to be a contributing member of society. No one can relieve me from that obligation. And I cannot ignore it. I am... her father.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

HAFTEL: Then I regret that I must order you to transport Lal aboard my ship.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: Belay that order, Mister Data.

One of Picard's best moments ever.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

HAFTEL: I beg your pardon?

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: I will take this to Starfleet myself.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

HAFTEL: I am Starfleet, Captain! Proceed, Commander.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: Hold your ground, Mister Data.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

HAFTEL: Captain, you are jeopardising your command and your career.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard: There are times, Sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders. You acknowledge their sentience, but you ignore their personal liberties and freedom. Order a man to hand his child over to the state? Not while I'm his Captain. If you wish, you can accompany us to Starfleet, where we shall see-

 

[Gul Re'jal]

TROI [OC]: Troi to Commander Data. Report to your lab at once.

 

[LeadHead]

Picard Nods to Data, who leaves quickly.

Picard: Acknowledged, Counselor. He's on his way. Is there a problem?

 

[Gul Re'jal]

TROI [OC]: Yes, Captain. Something is terribly wrong with Lal.

[Laboratory]

TROI: It lasted barely a moment. She experienced fear and confusion. And then for no apparent reason she walked out of my quarters. She didn't say another word, she just started walking here and each step became more and more difficult.

 

[LeadHead]

Data: Lal is programmed to return to the lab in the event of a malfunction.