| Ha: |
You have Lal after a wonderful start in life, Commander.
And announce(that?) would be a parent is all about? However I have finally
decided that I must ask you to release her to me.
|
| Da: |
May I ask why, sir?
|
| Ha: |
Oh, other arguments aside is one that is irrefutable. There are only
two Soong type androids in existence. It would be very dangerous to
have you both in the same place, expecially aboard the starship. One
lucky shot by Romulan, we'll lose you both.
|
| P: |
Yeah, Admiral, that is a fine argument. But it doesn't change my
feeling that the proper place for Lal to develope is by Data side.
|
| Ha: |
You're not a parent, Captain? I am. I have learned with difficulty
that there comes a time. And there comes a time when all parents
must give up their children for their own good.
|
| P: |
But this is not the time. Damn, even I can see the, the unbilical
code is virtually uncut. The child, the child depends on him.
|
| Ha: |
Mr. Data, it would be better for Lal, if she left knowing that you
have voluntarily decided, this is the best course of action.
|
| Da: |
Admiral, when I created Lal, it was in a hope that some day she
would choose to enter the academy and become a memeber of the
Starfeet. I wanted to give something back and 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 Starfleet's to guide her through
these difficult steps to maturity, to support her as she learns, to
prepare her to be a contributing member of socity. No one can relieve
me from that obligation. And I cannot ignore it. I am her father.
|
| Ha: |
Then I regret that I must order you to transport Lal aboard my ship.
|
| P: |
Belay that order, Mr. Data.
|
| Ha: |
I beg you pardon?
|
| P: |
I will take this to Starfleet myself.
|
| Ha: |
I am Starfleet, Captain. Proceed, Commander.
|
| P: |
Hold your ground, Mr. Data.
|
| Ha: |
Captain, you are jeopardizing your command and your career.
|
| P: |
There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly
follow orders. You acknowledge their sentience, but you ignore the
personal liberties and freedom. Order a demand to hand this child
over to the state, not while I'm his catptain. If you wish, you can
accompany us to Starfleet where we sahll...
|
| De: |
Troi to Commander Data, report to your lab at once.
|
| P: |
Acknowledged, Counselor, he is on his way. Is there a problem?
|
| De: |
Yes, Captain. Something is teribbly wrong with Lal.
|