"The Offspring" Line-by-Line

[LeadHead]

Data: That is a very complex question, Lal.

Data opens the gate to the inner lab platform, allowing Lal to exit and begin wandering around.

Data: I can only begin to answer by telling you that our function is to contribute in a positive way, to the world in which we live.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

LAL: Why am I me instead of someone else?

 

[LeadHead]

Data: Because, you are my child.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

LAL: Where did I come from?

 

[LeadHead]

Data: These questions, these questions suggest that we have made a successful transfer of the heuristic associative pathways. You will now begin to process information on logic, aesthetics, metaphysics and epistemology. You are truly becoming sentient, Lal.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

LAL: How?

 

[LeadHead]

Data: By developing the awareness to examine and question your perceptions.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

LAL: Why do we have two hands? Why not three or four? Why is the sky black? Why do...

(He switches her off in mid-question)

 

[LeadHead]

Data closes the gate to the inner platform.

Data: Tomorrow will be your first day of school, Lal.

Data activates the inner platform and it rises to the ceiling.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

[Ready room]

PICARD: I assure you, Admiral, there's no better guide into this life for Lal than Data. He's doing an excellent job.

 

[BlueStuff]

HAFTEL [on monitor]: We all have enormous admiration for what Commander Data has already achieved, but we have superior facilities and personnel here at Galor Four. A starship is hardly a proper setting..

 

[Orac]

Picard: This starship's mission is to seek out new life and that is exactly what Commander Data is doing, under my guidance.

 

[BlueStuff]

HAFTEL [on monitor]: We all want what's best for the new android.

 

[Orac]

Picard: As do I. I would be willing to consider releasing Lal and Data to you so that he may continue his work with her.

 

[Athena28]

HAFTEL: His presence would undoubtedly retard the new android's progress.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

PICARD: Admiral, to you, Lal is a new android. But to Data, she's his child.

 

[Athena28]

HAFTEL: His child?

 

[Gul Re'jal]

PICARD: Yes, Admiral. It may not be easy for you and I to see her that way, but he does. And I respect that. They will remain here for now.

 

[Athena28]

HAFTEL: Starfleet's policy on research is clear. You're making your stand on very uncertain ground. I do hope it doesn't fall out from under you. Haftel out.

 

[Gul Re'jal]

[Teacher's office]

BALLARD: She achieved a very high score on a test of academic achievement.