| De: |
The transfer itself is fairly simple. Each neuro-pathway in my brain
is duplicated precisely in hers. Theoretically, the duplicate brain
should be able to store and process the same information. But until all
of the transfers are complete, we will not know for certain.
|
| We: |
What is Lal doing when you are on duty?
|
| Da: |
She studies in our quarters. She requires very little supervision.
Lal is quite self-sufficient.
|
| We: |
Have you considered sending her to school?
|
| Da: |
She already has access to the some of human knowledge from me.
|
| We: |
Data, she can learn a lot by being with children her own age.
|
| Da: |
She is only two weeks old.
|
| We: |
O.K. Close to her own age.
|
| Cr: |
Dr. Crusher to Ensign Crusher. Aren't you supposed to be getting
a haircut, Wesley?
|
| We: |
I'm on my way. Parents... Nothing personal.
|
| Da: |
Lal, the third cross-linked transfer series is complete.
|
| Lal: |
Father, what is my purpose?
|
| Da: |
Purpose?
|
| Lal: |
My function. My reason for being.
|
| Da: |
That is a complex question, Lal. 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.
|
| Lal: |
Why am I me, instead of someone else?
|
| Da: |
Because you are my child.
|
| Lal: |
Where did I come from?
|
| Da: |
These questions ... these questions suggest that we have made a
successful transfer of the heuristic associative pathways. You
will now begin to process information of logic, aesthetics, metaphysics
and epistemology. You are truly becoming sentient, Lal.
|
| Lal: |
How?
|
| Da: |
By developing the awareness to question and examine your perceptions.
|
| Lal: |
Why do we have two hands?
|
| Da: |
Ah...
|
| Lal: |
Why not three or four? Why is the sky black? Why do...
|
| Da: |
Tomorrow will be your first day at school, Lal.
|
| P: |
I assure you, Admiral, there is no better guide into this life for Lal
than Data. He's doing an excellent job.
|
| Ha: |
We all have enormous admiration for what Commander Data has already
achieved. But we have superior facilities and personnel here at
Galor IV. A starship is hardly the proper setting for...
|
| P: |
The starship's mission is to seek out new life. And that is exactly
what Commander Data is doing under my guidance.
|
| Ha: |
We all want what's best for the new android.
|
| P: |
As do I. I would be willing to consider releasing Lal... and Data
to you so that he may continue his work with her.
|
| Ha: |
His presence would undoubtedly retard the new android's progress.
|
| P: |
Admiral, to you, Lal is a new android. But to Data, she's his child.
|
| Ha: |
His child?
|
| P: |
Yes, Admiral. It may not be easy for you and I to see her that way,
but he does. I respect that. They will remain here for now.
|
| Ha: |
Starfleet's policy on research is clear. You are making a stand on
a very uncertain ground. I do hope it doesn't fall out from under you.
Haftel out.
|