"The Offspring" Line-by-Line

[Gul Re'jal]

CRUSHER: Is it lonely for her?

 

[Athena28]

DATA: She does not feel the emotion of loneliness, but she can observe how isolated she is from the others. She wishes to be more like them. I do not know how to help her. Lal is passing into sentience.

 

[LeadHead]

Crusher: When Wesley was growing up, he was an extraordinarily bright boy, but he had a hard time making friends. I think the other children were a little intimidated by him.

 

[BlueStuff]

DATA: That is precisely what happened to Lal in school. How did you help him?

 

[Athena28]

CRUSHER: Well, first I went back to my own childhood and remembered how painful it was for me. Because I remember a time when I wasn't very popular either. And when I told that to Wesley, it made him feel a little better. He knew I understood what he was going through.

 

[BlueStuff]

DATA: I have not told Lal how difficult it was for me to assimilate. I did not wish it to discourage her. Perhaps this was an error of judgement.

 

[Athena28]

CRUSHER: You didn't have any one experienced to help you through sentience. She at least has you. Just help her realize that she's not alone; be there to nurture her when she needs love and attention.

 

[BlueStuff]

DATA: I can give her attention, Doctor. But I am incapable of giving her love.
(Data leaves)

 

[Athena28]

CRUSHER: Now why do I find that so hard to believe?

 

[Enterprise1981]

[Picard's quarters]

Picard is in bed, resting.

WORF (over comm): Captain, incoming signal. Starfleet priority one. Admiral Haftel.

 

[BlueStuff]

PICARD: On my monitor, Lieutenant. Admiral.

 

[Athena28]

HAFTEL: Captain Picard, I hope I didn't disturb you.

 

[BlueStuff]

PICARD: Not at all.

 

[Enterprise1981]

HAFTEL: I have discussed my concerns with Starfleet Command. You are to hold your position until I join you. Then I shall personally review the android's development.

 

[Athena28]

PICARD: Understood.

 

[Enterprise1981]

HAFTEL: I should advise you, Captain, that if I'm not satisfied with what I see, I am empowered to take the android back with me. Haftel out.

(What? After the ruling handed down in "The Measure of a Man"?)

 

[Athena28]

PICARD: Captain's log, supplemental. We are holding position pending the arrival of Admiral Haftel from Starfleet Research. Commander Data is completing his final neural transfers to the android he has named Lal which I have learned, in the language Hindi, means beloved.

 

[Iamnotspock]

Ten Forward.

GUINAN: Hello, Data.

 

[Orac]

Data: Guinan.

(He steers Lal away from the interesting people and onto a bar stool)

 

[Vanyel]

Guinan: Lal. How are you?