STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Offspring" (f.k.a. "Bloodlines") #40273-164 Written by Rene Echevarria Directed by Jonathan Frakes THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 1989 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department. REVISED FINAL DRAFT DECEMBER 19, 1989 STAR TREK: "The Offspring" - 12/19/89 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Offspring" CAST PICARD LAL RIKER LIEUTENANT BALLARD DATA ADMIRAL ANTHONY HAFTEL BEVERLY TROI GEORDI WORF WESLEY GUINAN Non-Speaking VARIOUS SUPERNUMERARIES ANDORIAN FEMALE MUSCLEBOUND MALE HUNK A KLINGON WARRIOR STAR TREK: "The Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Offspring" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE READY ROOM OBSERVATION LOUNGE TURBOLIFT CORRIDOR TEN FORWARD LABORATORY TEACHER'S OFFICE HOLODECK DATA'S QUARTERS TROI'S QUARTERS PICARD'S QUARTERS BEVERLY'S OFFICE STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Offspring" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) standing stationary in space. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, Stardate 43657.0 We have arrived at sector four-eight-seven to begin charting this region of the galaxy. Commander Riker has been spared this sometimes tedious duty by virtue of a long overdue personal leave. 2 INT. CORRIDOR GEORDI and WESLEY walking swiftly down the corridor. At a connecting juncture TROI joins them. They are surprised when they realize they are all headed in the same direction. GEORDI Did he send for you too? TROI Yes... he was very mysterious about it. WESLEY Does anyone have any idea what this is all about? They all exchange a long look, "nope, not a clue", and continue walking. GEORDI Something happened at that cybernetics conference. Since he's come back he's spent every off duty minute in that lab. TROI It is very unlike Data to be secretive. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - TEASER 2. 2 CONTINUED: WESLEY And cautious. He kept the lab locked. GEORDI Now how would you know that? Wesley reacts with a shrug and a grin. He's been caught. They continue walking until they reach the door to Data's lab. Ring the chime. After a beat, the door slides open and Data stands there, holding a "human" foot in his hand... 3 INT. LABORATORY - REVERSE ANGLE The trio react to the foot... DATA Oh, you are early. Just a moment please. And the door slides closed in their faces... moving with Data as he takes his foot... and without ever going wide enough to see exactly what he's doing... 3A ANGLE Data kneels down and attaches the foot to the bottom of a leg. The toes begin to wiggle. Data's face is satisfied. He stands. DATA You may enter now. The door slides open and Data's curious crewmates ENTER. 3B NEW ANGLE (and the lab must be arranged so we can have a reveal here... we don't want them to see it as soon as they walk in -- perhaps the biobed set-up is faced away from the door, allows us to screen off line of sight to Lal as they enter.) GEORDI C'mon, Data, what is this... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - TEASER 3. 3B CONTINUED: WESLEY Yeah, what's going on? DATA I have invited you here to meet someone. And now he reveals... an android, but it has no face, metallic eyes, and no hair. It is a primitive mannequin. When it speaks, its voice is computer-like, neither male nor female. DATA This is Lal. Lal, say hello to Counselor Deanna Troi... LAL Hello... Counselor Deanna Troi... TROI How do you do, Lal. LAL I am functioning... within normal parameters. DATA And this is Geordi La Forge and Wesley Crusher. Lal examines them. LAL Purpose for... exterior drapings, Father? WESLEY (sotto, to Geordi) Father? STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - TEASER 4. 3B CONTINUED: (2) DATA It is the custom that we wear clothing. WESLEY It called you "Father", Data. DATA Yes, Wesley. Lal is my child. On reactions... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/21/89 - ACT ONE 5. ACT ONE FADE IN: 4 INT. LABORATORY Picard, has joined them, slowly circles the android while Troi, Geordi, Wesley and Data watch. The android shows nothing. It stands ramrod straight and perfectly still, and it displays no curiosity about the human which is inspecting it. DATA It has a positronic brain... one very similar to my own... I began to program it at the cybernetics conference... GEORDI But nobody's ever been able to do that... at least not since you were programmed Data... DATA There was a new submicron matrix-transfer technology introduced at the conference which I discovered could be used to lay down complex neural net pathways... WESLEY (understanding) You mean a transfer... from your your brain to Lal's... DATA Exactly, Wesley. I realized for the very first time it was possible to continue Doctor Soong's work. My initial transfers have produced very encouraging results... so I brought Lal's brain back with me to continue. PICARD (unhappy) Data... He pauses as he realizes this is not the time and place to confont him. Suppresses his anger... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT ONE 5A. 4 CONTINUED: PICARD I would like to have been consulted. DATA I have not observed anyone else on board consult with you about their procreation, Captain. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT ONE 6. 4 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD No, but... He exchanges a look with Troi... PICARD ... in your case... it's not quite the same. DATA The intention is the same. A beat... he sees Picard is not convinced. DATA Lal's creation is entirely dependent on me. I am giving it knowledge and skills that are stored in my brain... its programming reflects mine in the same way a human child's genes reflect its parent's genes... GEORDI It's true, Captain, this technology requires another positronic brain that's fully programmed... WESLEY And Data's the only person around who has one. That does kind of makes him Lal's dad. Picard looks around... this is obviously a popular decision. But not with him. DATA Of course, it is not complete. We have only made two transfers. TROI Why didn't you give it a more human look, Data? DATA I decided to allow Lal to choose its own appearance and sex. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 1/2/90 - ACT ONE 7. 4 CONTINUED: (3) Picard acknowledges, but has had enough... PICARD Mister Data, at your convenience, I'd like to talk to you in my Ready Room. Counselor... (please join me) Troi and Picard start to leave... DATA Captain... Have a cigar. He picks up a box of cigars and holds it out... Picard reacts. DATA I believe it is customary. Picard takes a cigar, EXITS, so does Troi as she follows Picard, the others follow suit... 4A OMITTED 4B INT. CORRIDOR Picard and Troi as they leave the lab. Picard is obviously disturbed. PICARD I would suggest we do whatever we can to discourage this perception of the new android as a "child"... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 1/2/90 - ACT ONE 7A. 4B CONTINUED: Waits for Troi's concurrence which doesn't come. Looks at her -- PICARD Counselor, it is not a child. It is an invention, albeit an extraordinary one. TROI Why should biology or technology determine whether it is a child? I see a man who has created an offspring... a new life out of his own being. That suggests a child to me. If Data wishes to call Lal his child, who are we to argue? PICARD (frowns) If he must, fine. But I don't understand how he can call a five foot android, with heuristic learning systems and the strength of a ten men a "child". TROI You've never been a parent. Picard does a take as they turn a corner. 5 INT. READY ROOM Data sits on the sofa... pull back to reveal Picard. PICARD Data, what you have done has very serious ramifications and I am dismayed that you did not inform anyone of what you were doing. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/22/89 - ACT ONE 8. 5 CONTINUED: DATA I am sorry I did not anticipate your objections, Captain. Do you wish me to deactivate Lal? PICARD It is a life, Data. It cannot be activated or de-activated simply. It is a stupendous undertaking. Have you any idea what will happen when Starfleet learns of this? DATA I have followed all Starfleet regulations to the best of my ability, Captain... I expected they would be pleased... PICARD We'll see. (beat) My foremost concern is for the safety of this ship and crew. You are faster, stronger, and far more knowledgeable than any human... DATA I can assure you Lal's programming includes psychological inhibitor safeguards to prevent any threat to the Enterprise. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/22/89 - ACT ONE 9. 5 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD And in the event of a malfunction? DATA A malfunction is of course a possibility, Captain. But Lal's program is equipped like mine -- it will shut down before deleterious behavior can begin. Picard shakes his head, still fuming... PICARD You've taken on quite a responsibility, Mister Data... DATA (acknowledges) To prepare, I have scanned all the available literature on parenting. There seems to be much confusion on the issue. One traditional doctrine insists "spare the rod and spoil the child", suggesting a punitive approach... another more liberal attitude would allow a child enormous freedom... PICARD (trying to interrupt) Data... DATA And what the Klingons do to their children... PICARD (interrupting) I'm not talking about parenting. (beat) I'm talking about the extraordinary consequences of creating new life. DATA (confused) Does that not describe becoming a parent, sir? Not wanting to get into this -- STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT ONE 10. 5 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD You are seeking to achieve what no one, other than your own creator, has been able to achieve -- to make another sentient, functional android. To make another Data. DATA That is why I must attempt this, Captain. I have observed that in most species, there is a primal instinct to perpetuate themselves. And while I have not been programmed with instinctive behavior patterns, I do understand that I have been, until now, the last of my kind. If I were damaged or destroyed, I would be lost forever. But if I am successful with the creation of Lal, my continuance is assured. I believe I understand the consequences. And I am prepared to accept the responsibility. On Picard's reaction... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT ONE 11. 5A thru OMITTED 7 8 INT. CORRIDOR Moving slowly down the hallway, passers-by react at the sight of the naked android... as a woman walks by, Lal studies her... LAL Gender female. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT ONE 12. 8 CONTINUED: TROI That's right, Lal. Just like me. As a pair of men walk by... LAL Gender male. DATA Correct. LAL I am... gender neuter. Inadequate. DATA That is why you must choose a gender, Lal. And complete your appearance. LAL What are... criteria? DATA Access your data bank on sexuality, level two. That will define the parameters. TROI Whatever you choose will be yours for your lifetime, Lal... It is a decision that will affect how people interrelate with you. LAL (turning to Troi) I choose... your sex... and appearance. Troi reacts. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT ONE 13. 8 CONTINUED: (2) DATA No, Lal... that would be confusing. We are taking you to the Holodeck to show you several thousand composites which I have programmed. You may choose from them. TROI Several thousand... ? DATA This is a big decision... 9 INT. HOLODECK Starting on Troi who has fallen asleep, sitting on the floor against a wall... DATA Counselor... (her eyes open) Lal has narrowed the choices to four... would you like to see? TROI Yes... yes, of course, Data... 9A ANGLE (OPTICAL) to see Data has created a modest set with a mirror... in front of which stands Lal... DATA Computer, Lal -- gender sequence finalists... begin... Superimposing with a wipe (necessary I think to distinguish that she is not actually changing into these beings)... 9B AN ANDORIAN FEMALE (OPTICAL) DATA An Andorian female... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT ONE 14. 9B CONTINUED: TROI Interesting. You'd be the only one on board the Enterprise, Lal... DATA That could make socialization more difficult. Wiping back to Lal and then wiping into -- 9C A MUSCLEBOUND HUMAN MALE HUNK (OPTICAL) DATA A human male... TROI Very attractive... no problem with socialization here... Wiping back to Lal and then wiping into -- 9D AN ATTRACTIVE HUMAN WOMAN (OPTICAL) DATA The human female. TROI I like her. Wiping back to Lal and then wiping into -- 9E A KLINGON WARRIOR (OPTICAL) DATA A Klingon male. TROI A friend for Worf. Wiping back to: 10 OMITTED STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/21/89 - ACT ONE 15. 10 OMITTED 11 LAL (OPTICAL) TROI They are all very interesting, Lal. Do you have a favorite? LAL (beat) Yes. I have... chosen. As Data and Troi react... 11A INT. LABORATORY As Data puts the finishing touches on Lal... unseen in the biobed... studies his work... Troi ENTERS. DATA Come in, Counselor. I have completed the assembly of the replicated anatomy. I was able to provide Lal with even more realistic skin and eye color than my own. He helps Lal out of the tube... she's the human female, dressed in a flattering outfit. Troi reacts. TROI (softly) Congratulations, Data, it's a girl. As we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT TWO 16. ACT TWO FADE IN: 12 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Holding stationary in space. 13 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS Data escorts Lal. DATA This is home. LAL Home. Place of residence. Social unit formed by a family living together. DATA Correct, Lal. We are a family. She moves cautiously around the room... examining... as she looks at things for the first time... DATA A chair... to sit in. Moving to a painting on the wall... DATA A painting. LAL Painting. Colors produced on a surface by applying a pigment. DATA I will teach you how to recognize the artistry of paintings. A short attention span... she is already moving onto something else... she runs her fingers across it... LAL Soft. DATA Yes, very good, Lal. You have correctly processed the sense of touch. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT TWO 17. 13 CONTINUED: Data leads her to a flower in a vase. DATA (cont'd) There are many fascinating experiences I wish to share with you. LAL Painting. DATA No, Lal, this is a flower. He lifts it, holds it to Lal's nose. DATA Inhale. LAL (reacts) Smell. DATA Yes. LAL Show me more, Father. And Data nods approvingly, pleased by her curiosity and eagerness. 13A thru OMITTED 17 18 INT. TEN-FORWARD Data and Lal seated at a table. Food is put in front of her... she picks it up with her hands... pauses as Data shakes his head no, shows her the fork in his hand... she imitates it. DATA (V.O.) Second officer, science log supplemental, copy: Starfleet research, Daystrom Institute, Galor Four annex. Reference: development, android designate Lal. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT TWO 18. 18 CONTINUED: Data lifts a glass, and takes a large swallow. Lal quickly imitates but the beverage seeps out through the sides of her mouth... DATA (V.O.) Training in social skills at the most elementary level has begun. Lal is progressing very slowly but is not deterred by early setbacks. 18A INT. HOLODECK (OR ANY GENERAL AREA) Wesley and Data throw and catch a ball as Lal observes. Data hands the ball to Lal who throws it gently to Wesley. He catches it and everybody is pleased... DATA (V.O.) Motor coordination has improved by twelve-point-four percent... this reflects the adaptation of second level neural transfers... ... and Wesley throws the ball back... she doesn't move as the ball bounces off the wall behind her and then she reacts to try and catch it... DATA (V.O.) Reflexes still need to develop. The integration of hand/eye coordination seems to be proceeding at a slower developmental rate. 19 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Lal studies the desk top viewer... her eyes staring at it... as Data points out words and pictures flashing quickly by. DATA (V.O.) Visual comprehension is especially difficult for Lal. Translating her vast data banks into recognizable applications may improve with additional transfers. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT TWO 18A. 19 CONTINUED: He stops as he notices Lal is not blinking... he points to his own eyes, watch my eyes... he blinks... she imitates... good and then he orchestrates another blink at another time interval... nods. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT TWO 19. 19 CONTINUED: (2) DATA (V.O.) She is also learning to supplement innate android behavior with human responses. 19A INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard, Worf, Wesley, Troi... Data is at Ops, doesn't see as Lal ENTERS... DATA (V.O.) Most encouraging is her commitment to master the skills necessary to live successfully among humans. Her curiosity is insatiable... although it sometimes creates inappropriate behavior... Reactions to her arrival prompt Data to turn and react with concern... especially when she sits in the captain's Command Chair... Data exchanges a look with Picard and escorts her out... 19B INT. TEN FORWARD A similar setting to their first time here... she eats with a fork carefully but successfully and drinks without the beverage spilling out. Data observes and nods in satisfaction. DATA (V.O.) And I have been interested to note that as I observe Lal learning about her world... I share in her experience, almost as though I am learning things over again... 19C INT. LABORATORY Starting on Lal who is in the apparatus... pulling back to see that she is attached by the neural transfer equipment to Data. Wesley is observing. DATA (to Wesley) The transfer itself is fairly simple. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT TWO 20. 19C CONTINUED: DATA (Cont'd) Each neural pathway in my brain has been duplicated precisely in hers... WESLEY One advantage of a brain like yours, Data is that we can replicate it. DATA (acknowledges) Theoretically, the duplicate brains should be able to store and process the same information... but until all the transfers are complete, we will not know for certain. This transfer is complete. Data begins to disconnect it. WESLEY What does Lal do while you're on duty? DATA She studies in our quarters. She does not require much supervision, Wesley. Lal is quite self-sufficient. WESLEY You could send her to school. DATA Lal already has access to the sum of human knowledge. WESLEY There are a lot of things you can learn just by being with kids your own age, Data. DATA She is only two weeks old. WESLEY Well, closer to her own age. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT TWO 21. 19C CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Doctor Crusher to Ensign Crusher. Aren't you supposed to be getting a hair cut, Wesley? WESLEY Yes, Mom. I'm on my way. (frowns) Parents. (beat) Nothing personal. He EXITS. Data moves to Lal, completes his work... DATA Lal, the third crosslink transfer series is complete. She becomes animated. And there is a more active brain at work now... LAL Father, what is my purpose? DATA Purpose? LAL My function, my reason for being? DATA It is a complex question, Lal. I can only begin to answer it 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? DATA Because you are my child. LAL Where did I come from? STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/22/89 - ACT TWO 22. 19C CONTINUED: (3) DATA Your questions suggest 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. LAL How? DATA By developing the awareness to examine and question your perceptions. LAL Why do we have two hands... why not three or four... Why is the sky black... why do... DATA (interrupting) Lal, did you know that tomorrow will be your first day of school? 19D INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL) Picard is speaking to ADMIRAL ANTHONY HAFTEL on the viewscreen... PICARD I assure you, Admiral, there's no better guide into this life for Lal than Data... He's doing an excellent job with her... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/22/89 - ACT THREE 23. 19D CONTINUED: ADMIRAL HAFTEL We all have enormous admiration for what Commander Data has achieved already. But we have superior facilities and personnel here at Galor Four. And a starship is hardly a proper setting... PICARD This starship's mission is to seek out new life and that is what Commander Data is doing. Under my direction. ADMIRAL HAFTEL We only want what's best for the new android. PICARD As do I. (beat, conciliatory) I would be willing to consider releasing Lal and Data to join you... so he may continue his work with her. ADMIRAL HAFTEL I anticipated this suggestion. Frankly, as extraordinary as he is, Data's an imperfect role model. In many ways, he's still developing. PICARD (dry) Aren't we all, Admiral... ADMIRAL HAFTEL His presence would undoubtedly retard the the new android's progress. PICARD Admiral, to you Lal is a new android. But to Data, she is his child. ADMIRAL HAFTEL His child. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/22/89 - ACT TWO 23A. 19D CONTINUED: (2) 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. ADMIRAL HAFTEL (reacts, beat) 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. The screen returns to starfield. Picard frowns. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/22/89 - ACT TWO 24. 19E OMITTED 20 INT. TEACHER'S OFFICE Data and LIEUTENANT BALLARD. Ballard is seated behind her desk, there is a window with a twenty-fourth century shutter closed behind her. BALLARD She achieved a very high score on a test of academic achievement... DATA A perfect score. BALLARD Yes. Which is why we started her with the older children. But Lal couldn't understand the nuances of how they related to each other. DATA I see. BALLARD We decided the best thing to do would be to put her with younger children. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT TWO 25. 20 CONTINUED: DATA That would seem to be reasonable. BALLARD It isn't working out that way. She presses a panel and the shutter slides open to reveal an adjacent classroom. A group of toddlers are playing together with some sort of geometric building blocks. Lal is playing by herself in a corner. BALLARD The children are afraid of her. 20A INT. TURBOLIFT Data and Lal ENTER. After a beat... LAL Father, what is the significance of laughter? DATA It is a human physiological response to humor. LAL Then judging from their laughter the children at school found my remarks humorous. (thoughtful) So without understanding humor I have somehow mastered it. Data realizes she doesn't understand what has happened. To the computer -- DATA Deck fifteen. The door closes. After a beat. DATA Lal... LAL Yes, Father? STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT TWO 25A. 20A CONTINUED: DATA The children were not laughing with you... they were laughing at you. LAL Explain. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT TWO 26. 20A CONTINUED: (2) DATA One is meant kindly... the other is not. LAL Why did they wish to be unkind? DATA Because you are different. And sometimes differences scare people. I have learned that some of them use humor to hide their fears. LAL (beat) I do not want to be different, Father. And Data's face reflects the helplessness that has afflicted millions of parents as they try to solve their children's most difficult problems. 21 thru OMITTED 25 25A INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE BEVERLY is at her desk, working. Data ENTERS. DATA Doctor, I require your advice as a successful parent. BEVERLY (reacts) Well, thank you, Data. I'd like to think I am. Sit down. How's Lal? DATA Lal is realizing that she is not the same as the other children. BEVERLY Is it lonely for her? STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT TWO 27. 25A CONTINUED: DATA She does not feel the emotion of loneliness, but she can observe how isolated she is from the others. She wants to be more like them. Beverly looks at Data... BEVERLY Sounds familiar. DATA Yes, Doctor. It is an experience I know too well. But I do not know how to help her. Lal is passing into sentience. It is perhaps the most difficult stage of development for her. BEVERLY It's also a very human development, Data. As our minds and bodies grow, sometimes quite rapidly, we get confused too... we look around and try to see how we fit in... (a beat) When Wesley was growing up, he was an extraordinarily bright boy... but he had a hard time making friends. The other children were a little intimidated by him. DATA (interested) That is precisely what happened to Lal at school. How did you help him? BEVERLY Well, first I had to go back into my own childhood and remember how painful it was for me. Because there was a time when I didn't feel very popular either. When I told that to Wesley, it made him feel a little better. He knew I understood what he was going through. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT TWO 28. 25A CONTINUED: (2) DATA (beat) I have not told Lal how difficult it was for me to assimilate. I did not want it to discourage her. Perhaps this was an error of judgement. BEVERLY You had no one with experience to help you through sentience. At least, she has you. Just help her realize that she's not alone. Be there to nurture her when she needs love and attention. DATA I can give her attention, doctor. But I am incapable of giving her love. BEVERLY (smiles) Why do I find that so hard to believe? 26 thru OMITTED 30 30A INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) The lights are out... Picard is in bed... a signal wakes him up... WORF'S COM VOICE Captain, incoming signal. Starfleet priority one. Admiral Haftel. PICARD On my monitor, Lieutenant. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT TWO 29. 30A CONTINUED: Picard puts on a robe, turns on his monitor to reveal the admiral. PICARD Admiral. ADMIRAL HAFTEL (lying) Captain, I hope I didn't disturb you. PICARD Not at all. ADMIRAL HAFTEL I've 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. PICARD Understood. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Good. I should advise you, Captain, that if I am not satisfied with what I see... I am empowered to take the android back with me. Haftel out. And off Picard's concerned expression we, FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT THREE 30. ACT THREE FADE IN: 31 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Holding stationary in space. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, supplemental: We are holding position pending the arrival of Admiral Haftel from Starfleet Research. 31A INT. LABORATORY Data and Lal. Lal is back in the transfer device. They each wear small patches on their foreheads. LED's blink as the transfer is made. Over this the captain's log continues. PICARD (V.O.) Commander Data is completing his final neural transfers to the android he has named Lal... Which I have learned, in the language of Hindi, means "beloved". 31B INT. TEN-FORWARD Guinan is behind the bar. A few couples scattered around the tables. Data and Lal ENTER. Cross to the bar. GUINAN Hello, Commander. Lal, how are you? LAL I am functioning within normal -- (stops herself) I am fine, thank you... Lal looks to Data. A nod of approval from the older android. DATA Guinan, Lal needs to observe human behavior. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT THREE 31. 31B CONTINUED: GUINAN You've come to the right place, Lal. There are all sorts of human behavior in here. DATA In return for this opportunity, Lal is willing to provide services to assist you. GUINAN Sort of a work-study program... LAL Father says I would learn a great deal from working with someone as old as you. Guinan reacts, looks at Data, who realizes the faux pas. DATA I believe what I said was that Guinan had much life experience, Lal... LAL No, the exact words you used were... GUINAN (interrupting, to Lal) You're hired. The most important part of this job is listening... People need a friendly ear to talk to... Happens to be my specialty... There's an art to it and I'll teach it to you, Lal. DATA That would be very beneficial. GUINAN How much do you know about food and beverages? STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT THREE 32. 31B CONTINUED: (2) LAL I've been programmed with a listing of fourteen hundred and twelve known beverages as well as recipes for... Data and Guinan react... GUINAN What'd did you just say... LAL I've been programmed with... GUINAN "I've"... ? DATA Lal, you used a verbal contraction. GUINAN You said I've instead of I have. DATA It is a skill my program has never mastered. LAL Then I will desist. DATA No. You have exceeded my abilities. I do not object. I just do not understand why it has happened. But Data remains curious. PICARD'S COM VOICE Picard to Data. Please report to my Ready Room. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT THREE 33. 31B CONTINUED: (3) DATA (to comm) Yes, Captain. Data EXITS. 32 INT. READY ROOM Picard is seated at his desk. Data on the sofa. DATA I am sure the admiral is anxious to meet Lal... I have been sending him regular status reports on her development... PICARD His visit, Data, is not just an inspection of Lal's progress. He has expressed a concern for her environment. DATA Her environment, sir? PICARD He believes the Daystrom annex on Galor Four would be more suitable. DATA He wishes to relocate us? PICARD Not you, Data. Just Lal. And now Data understands. A beat. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/21/89 - ACT THREE 33A. 32 CONTINUED: DATA I would not be in favor of that, Captain. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/22/89 - ACT THREE 34. 32 CONTINUED: (2) DATA (Cont'd) There are many things she can learn only from me. My lifetime of experiences, the mistakes I have made and what I have learned from them... WORF'S COM VOICE Captain, Commander Riker's shuttle has just returned. PICARD (to comm) Acknowledged, Lieutenant. Advise Mister Riker I'll want to meet with him in one hour. Picard out. (to Data) The admiral is taking the position that Lal's development should be overseen by the most experienced personnel available. DATA Then he is questioning my ability as a parent. PICARD In a manner of speaking... DATA Does the admiral have children, sir? PICARD I believe he does... why? DATA I am forced to wonder how much experience he had as a parent when his first child was born. Off Picard's look... 33 thru OMITTED 34 STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT THREE 35. 35 INT. TEN-FORWARD A scene that has taken place thousands of times in thousands of bars in the galaxy... a YOUNG ENSIGN is talking to SOME BUDDIES at the bar... he looks over the shoulder of one of the men at... 35A A TABLE with TWO ATTRACTIVE YOUNG WOMEN... one of them, a blonde catches him looking, smiles at him... GUINAN (O.S.) There, you see? 35B ANGLE - INCLUDING GUINAN AND LAL watching from behind the bar... LAL Visual reconnaissance. GUINAN It's called flirting. LAL They seem to be communicating telepathically. GUINAN Well, they're both thinking the same thing if that's what you mean. The ensign excuses himself from his friends, goes to join her. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT THREE 36. 35C ANGLE - ANOTHER YOUNG COUPLE holding hands... Lal sees it... LAL Guinan, is the joining of hands a symbolic act for humans? GUINAN It shows affection. Humans like to touch each other. They start with the hands and move on from there. As this second couple kiss... LAL (reacts) He's biting that female. GUINAN No, they're touching lips. Kissing. The second couple get up and leave... LAL Why are they leaving? GUINAN Lal, there are some things your dad'll have to tell you... when he thinks you're ready. Down the bar, some people sit down and Guinan goes off to serve them... Lal watches the couple in love with curiosity... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT THREE 37. 35D ANGLE - RIKER ENTERS. He checks the room for any friends. Spots Lal, takes a second look, and likes what he sees. Lal notices his interest. It parallels what we just saw. She glances at the flirting couple at their table, we see the decision made, and when she looks back to Riker it is with the same encouragement she saw the girl at the table give the ensign. He is drawn across the room like iron to a magnet. Riker slides onto a stool at the bar. RIKER You're new around here, aren't you? LAL Yes. She looks up, and as she takes his hand... 35E ANGLE - INCLUDE DATA entering... reacts as he sees Lal pull Riker sharply toward her and kisses him to his great shock. Guinan sees it at the same time as Data does... they exchange a look... as Guinan moves to them... GUINAN Lal, put him down... Lal reacts, puts down Riker... as Data arrives... DATA Commander, what are your intentions toward my daughter? RIKER I'm not... what... who... your daughter? As Riker looks from one to the other to see if this is a gag... realizing it isn't... to Lal, sheepishly -- RIKER Nice to meet'cha... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT THREE 38. 36 OMITTED 37 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS Data and Lal ENTER. LAL I watch them and I can do the things they do... but I'll never feel the emotions. I'll never know love. DATA That is a limitation we must learn to accept, Lal. LAL Then why do you still try to emulate humans? What purpose does it serve except to remind you that you are incomplete? DATA I have asked myself that many times as I have struggled to be more human, Lal. Until I finally realized that it is the struggle itself that is most important. We must strive to be better than we are. It does not matter that we will never reach our ultimate goal. The effort yields its own rewards. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT THREE 39. 37 CONTINUED: She looks at him with a better understanding. LAL You are wise, Father. DATA It is only the difference between knowledge and experience. Lal studies her father, slowly reaches out her hand. LAL I learned today that humans like to hold hands. It is a symbolic gesture of affection. Data considers this and knows it is impossible to "feel" affection but holds out his hand anyway and as they hold hands, awkwardly, without feeling anything... 37A thru OMITTED 38 33A INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON THE MAIN VIEWER Admiral Haftel on his ship. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Prepare to beam me aboard, Captain. 38B ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) As it the image of the admiral is replaced by a view of his ship. 38C ANGLE ON - PICARD His face in CU, before he orders transport... FADE OUT END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FOUR 40. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 40 thru OMITTED 42 43 INT. READY ROOM Haftel, seated on the sofa, is accepting a cup of tea from Picard. His duties as host met, Picard settles on the corner of his desk. Haftel will surprise us, by his charm and by the strength of his arguments. ADMIRAL HAFTEL No objective viewpoint could see it any other way... PICARD I beg your pardon, Admiral, but I thought you were sent here to form an opinion... not to justify one. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Captain, do not make this more difficult than it needs to be. And Picard is at his most conciliatory here, seeking a solution that satisfies all. PICARD It need not be difficult at all. I understand your concerns. What I'm asking for is time, patience. If you keep an open mind, I know you'll see it is imperative to keep Data and Lal together. At least for the formative stages of her development. After that, I'm sure that Commander Data will be delighted to deliver her to Starfleet Research. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Not satisfactory. If mistakes are made during the formative stages, the damage might be irreparable. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/21/89 - ACT FOUR 41. 43 CONTINUED: PICARD I'm convinced the damage would be irreparable if you separate them. Cordially, the swords are drawn. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Really, Captain... is this about breaking up a family... Rather a sentimental attitude to take toward androids, isn't it? And now Picard begins to put an edge into his voice. PICARD They are living, sentient beings. Their rights and privileges in our society have been defined. I helped define them. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Yes, yes... I'm more than willing to acknowledge that. And you must acknowledge that Lal may be a technological step forward in the development of artificial intelligence. PICARD A most significant step. ADMIRAL HAFTEL And work like this demands strictly controlled procedures. PICARD Which Commander Data is following. ADMIRAL HAFTEL In effective isolation. And that is unacceptable to Starfleet Research. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FOUR 41A. 43 CONTINUED: (2) A beat as they study each other. Haftel stands, moves off the conflict back into reason. ADMIRAL HAFTEL This is not personal, Captain. There are very real dangers here. Without peer review, Starfleet feels we're risking another M-5 catastrophe. PICARD That is a forced parallel, Admiral. M-5 was a battle computer. HAFTEL With an artificial intelligence, that led to disaster. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FOUR 42. 43 CONTINUED: (3) ADMIRAL HAFTEL (Cont'd) Does this new android have the same dangerous potential? I don't know. And that is my point. The blame of the M-5 catastrophe can be laid entirely on the fact that Doctor Daystrom was working in effective isolation. And that cannot be permitted to happen again. It is a strong argument. Picard is willing to acknowledge that. PICARD I respect the need for peer review and control precautions. I would submit that you will find them here aboard the Enterprise. My crew has served for years with Data. Unlike your research people, we have enough such experience to reliably judge what is "normal" and "abnormal" behavior for Soong-type androids. We are uniquely qualified to assist in guiding Lal's development. ADMIRAL HAFTEL (beat) That is what I'm here to decide, Captain. On Picard's look... 43A INT. LABORATORY Picard, Data and Haftel. Data is demonstrating the transfer device. As he sets it aside he concludes, DATA So Lal now possesses the sum of my programming. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Her neural nets are laid down identically to yours? Data hesitates for a moment. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT FOUR 43. 43A CONTINUED: DATA There do seem to be variations on the quantum level. Lal can use contractions... I cannot. Haftel throws Picard a look... ADMIRAL HAFTEL An aberration... what have you done about it? DATA I have maintained records on positronic matrix activity, behavioral norms, and all verbal patterns... I have seen no evidence of other aberrations... PICARD It would seem that you have actually improved upon yourself, Data. DATA Is that not the goal of every parent, sir? Data's reference to himself as a parent obviously throws the admiral. ADMIRAL HAFTEL But... as a good... father... don't you think it would be better, especially in light of this aberration, if Lal could be close to the best possible equipment and the best-trained minds to perform diagnostic, evaluative and repair procedures? STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT FOUR 44. 43A CONTINUED: (2) DATA I have been programmed with all the procedures you have mentioned. And in any meaningful evaluation of Lal, you would require a model for a basis of comparison. I am the only model available, Admiral. Picard reacts, nice try, Admiral. ADMIRAL HAFTEL You haven't mastered human cultural and behavioral norms yourself yet, have you? DATA Nosir. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Then, if the object of Lal's existence is for her to understand human behavior, wouldn't you admit that you are an imperfect teacher... in fact, she may choose to emulate you rather than humans... even if you instruct her otherwise. PICARD (cutting off a chance for Data to reply) On the other hand, Admiral, how many of your researchers are androids? None. And I would suggest that many aspects of Lal's existence and development may be so alien to human experience that your people simply could not be made to comprehend them. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 1/3/90 - ACT FOUR 45. 43A CONTINUED: (3) ADMIRAL HAFTEL Where is Lal now? 44 OMITTED 44A INT. TEN-FORWARD Guinan is behind the bar, while Lal serves customers. Picard, Data and the Admiral ENTER. The Admiral is obviously taken aback by their location. ADMIRAL HAFTEL This is your idea of appropriate guidance... DATA It is an opportunity for her to observe human behavior and more importantly to interact with her crewmates. ADMIRAL HAFTEL She's capable of running over sixty trillion calculations per second and you have her working as a cocktail waitress. PICARD Admiral, she is working under the strict guidance of a woman in whom I have absolute trust. Ten-Forward is the center of the ship's social activity. Everyone on board comes here... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/21/89 - ACT FOUR 46. 44A CONTINUED: ADMIRAL HAFTEL I'm not convinced the sort of behavior she observes here will be a positive influence. GUINAN (O.S.) My customers usually behave themselves... if not, they're asked to leave. There's something to learn from that as well, wouldn't you say? 44B ANGLE to reveal Guinan. PICARD Admiral Haftel, Guinan. She runs Ten-Forward. He nods to her. PICARD How is Lal doing, Guinan? GUINAN She spills a few drinks like the rest of us. But she's learning a lot. Some raucous laughter from a table that Lal is serving... ADMIRAL HAFTEL (to Picard) I'm sorry, this is just outrageous. GUINAN Come now, Admiral, I'm sure you've been in a few bars in your day... The admiral looks cooly to Picard... ADMIRAL HAFTEL I want the android out of here... have her report to me immediately for an interview. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT FOUR 47. 44B CONTINUED: Data acknowledges, crosses the room to Lal as Haftel EXITS... Picard gives Guinan a look... she shrugs, what can you do... he finally shakes his head and EXITS. 45 OMITTED 45A INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Lal and Haftel. Haftel deceptively cordial. He smiles warmly to Lal. Lal is uncomfortable... this is rather like being called to the principal's office. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Well, I've been looking forward to meeting you, Lal. LAL Why? ADMIRAL HAFTEL You're very important to us at Starfleet Research. We've got quite a facility at Galor Four. I'd like to show it to you. PICARD The Admiral is in fact suggesting you be moved to Galor Four, Lal. LAL Have I done something wrong? ADMIRAL HAFTEL Not at all. But it is important to broaden your experiences. And there's just so much you can learn aboard a starship, wouldn't you agree? LAL Yes, I'd agree. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Good. LAL Thus, the natural conclusion would be when I have learned all there is to learn aboard the starship, I would relocate to Galor Four. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FOUR 48. 45A CONTINUED: ADMIRAL HAFTEL I don't agree. That is not the natural conclusion here. LAL I believe it is. Turning to Picard as though she were not in the room. ADMIRAL HAFTEL You see, she resists alternative suggestions to her own father's wishes. That's not a good sign. LAL Excuse me, sir, I do not know my father's wishes. ADMIRAL HAFTEL He did not "warn" you about this conversation? LAL Warn me? No, Admiral. He told me to answer your questions. PICARD The admiral is concerned that you need more guidance than your father can provide here on the Enterprise. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Do not misunderstand. I have great respect for your... father. LAL You do not speak with respect. ADMIRAL HAFTEL (to Picard) I find her very adversarial. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/28/89 - ACT FOUR 49. 45A CONTINUED: (2) LAL I am only stating a fact, Admiral. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Apparently, your father has not taught you about selective judgment in verbalizing your thoughts. This is a skill we can help you develop. LAL My father is already helping me, sir. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Yes, well, the question is whether he's helping you enough. LAL Are you asking me, sir? ADMIRAL HAFTEL No, I didn't mean... PICARD Why don't we, Admiral? In all these discussions, we've never once mentioned Lal's wishes. She's a free, sentient being. What are your wishes, Lal? LAL I wish to remain here, Captain Picard. PICARD Thank you. You're excused. The admiral glances sternly at Picard and then nods, fine, the interview is over. Lal looks quite concerned as she EXITS. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT FOUR 50. 46 thru OMITTED 47 47A INT. TROI'S QUARTERS Troi is working. A chime. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FOUR 51. 47A CONTINUED: TROI Come in. Lal ENTERS. Her movements are subtly but noticeably a little hyper. A little extra head movement. Some additional eye jumps. TROI Hello, Lal. How are you? LAL An admiral from Starfleet has come to take me away, Troi. I'm scared. A beat... as Troi reacts and stands... realizing -- TROI You are scared, aren't you? And it takes Lal a beat to realize too... she exchanges a look with Troi, stunned to realize -- LAL I... feel it. How is that possible? TROI I don't know. Lal sits. A little shaky. Troi moves to her... puts a calming hand on her shoulder. LAL This is what it means to feel. (beat) This is what it means to feel. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FIVE 52. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 48 thru OMITTED 48B 48C INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Data has joined Picard and Haftel. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Commander, you have Lal off to a wonderful start in life. And that's what being a parent is all about. But I have decided I must ask you to release her to me. DATA May I know why, sir? ADMIRAL HAFTEL All the other arguments aside, there is one that is irrefutable. There are only two Soong-type androids in existence. It is far too dangerous to have the two of you in one place. Especially on a starship. One lucky shot by some Romulan and we lose you both. PICARD That's a fine argument, Admiral. But it doesn't change my feeling that the proper place for Lal to develop is by Data's side. ADMIRAL HAFTEL You're not a parent, Captain. I am. I've learned, with difficulty, that there's a time when... (including himself with Data) ... all parents have to let go of our children... for their own good. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/21/89 - ACT FIVE 53. 48C CONTINUED: PICARD This is not that time. The umbilical cord is virtually uncut. The child... (and this is the first time that Picard uses the word "child" comfortably, and he realizes it). ... the child depends on him. Haftel looks at Picard -- the decision has been made. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Mister Data, it would be much better for Lal if she left knowing you had voluntarily decided this was the best course of action. He looks expectantly to Data. DATA Admiral, when I created Lal, it was with the hope that someday she would choose to enter the Academy and become a member of Starfleet. I wanted to give something back in return for all Starfleet has given me. I still do. But Lal is my child. You ask that I volunteer to give her up. I cannot. That would violate every lesson I have learned about human parenting. (beat) As Captain Picard told me after he first met her, I have taken on "quite a responsibility." I have brought a new life into this world. It is my duty, not Starfleet's, to guide her through these first 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 of that obligation. And I cannot ignore it. I am her father. Picard looks at Data with extraordinary respect. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FIVE 53A. 48C CONTINUED: (2) ADMIRAL HAFTEL Then, Mister Data, I regret that I must order you to transport Lal aboard my ship. Data rises to comply. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FIVE 54. 48C CONTINUED: (3) PICARD Belay that order, Commander. Haftel reacts, turns to Picard... ADMIRAL HAFTEL (icy) I beg... your pardon? PICARD I'll take the matter to Starfleet myself. ADMIRAL HAFTEL I am Starfleet, Captain... and this is an order. Proceed, Commander. PICARD Hold your ground, Mister Data. ADMIRAL HAFTEL Do you understand you're risking your command and your career, Captain? PICARD There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders. You acknowledge they are sentient, but ignore their personal liberty and freedom. Order a man to turn his child over to the state? Not while I am his captain. If you wish, the Enterprise is prepared to accompany you to Starfleet Command and then we'll see what... He is interrupted by a hail. TROI'S COM VOICE Troi to Commander Data. Report to your lab at once. Data reacts... looks to his two superiors. Picard nods to Data who EXITS, answers for him... PICARD Acknowledged, Counselor. He's on his way. Is there a problem? STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FIVE 54A. 48C CONTINUED: (4) TROI Yes, Captain, something is terribly wrong with Lal. As they react... STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FIVE 55. 49 INT. LABORATORY Starting on Lal's face who has regressed dramatically... she is more like the first mannequin we saw... slow, measured movements, loss of comprehension... TROI (O.S.) It lasted barely a moment. She experienced an extraordinary range of feelings... fear, excitement, pleasure... she could barely catch her breath... and then... Pulling back to see Data and Haftel are beginning to examine her as Picard stands with Troi. TROI For no apparent reason she got up and walked out of my quarters... she didn't say another word, she just started walking here... and each step became more and more difficult... DATA Lal is programmed to return to the lab in the event of a malfunction. Only now, at the sound of his voice, does Lal show recognition. LAL Father. DATA Yes, Lal. I am here. PICARD (reacts, to Troi with sad irony) A malfunction. Emotional awareness. DATA (to Haftel) It would appear to be a symptom of cascade failure. It will require reinitializing the base matrix without wiping out the higher functions. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FIVE 56. 49 CONTINUED: ADMIRAL HAFTEL I agree. (beat) May I assist, Commander? DATA Thank you, Admiral. ADMIRAL HAFTEL (to Picard and Troi) If you'll excuse us, Commander Data and I have much to do. Picard and Troi acknowledge... EXIT... and all arguments are on hold as the two men, both of whom care greatly about Lal, prepare to "operate" (TECH: DESCRIBE APPROPRIATE INITIAL ACTIVITY). 49A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Haftel's ship nearby. 49B INT. CORRIDOR Outside the lab. Wesley, Geordi, Troi, have been waiting a long time for news. Idle conversation has long ago ended. They react as the door slides open and Haftel comes out of the lab. His face is weary... he looks at the others and shakes his head. ADMIRAL HAFTEL (softly) She won't survive much longer. There was nothing anyone could have done. We'd repolarize one pathway and another would collapse. And then another. And his hands started moving faster than I could see, trying to stay ahead of each breakdown. He refused to give up. He was remarkable. (beat) It just wasn't meant to be. He EXITS. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FIVE 57. 50 OMITTED 51 INT. LABORATORY Data looks at Lal with an impassive face... and yet we must sense the extraordinary weight of his failure on his shoulders... she looks as beautiful as ever, standing here before him. And yet she barely can move or talk. There is very little left of her. After a beat... DATA Lal, I am unable to correct the system failure. LAL I... know. DATA We must say good-bye now. With great difficulty, slowly her hand rises and he sees it, takes it. LAL I... feel... DATA What do you feel, Lal? LAL I... love... you... Father. And Data just stares at her... unable to say it back. DATA I wish I could feel it with you. LAL I... will... feel... it... for... both... of... us. With great urgency in her eyes... she clutches his hand harder... as though clutching to life itself. LAL Thank you... for... my... life. On Data's face... the sound of her voice edging slowly into the voice of the mannequin, not male, not female (but do not slow speed down) -- STAR TREK: "Offspring" - REV. 12/20/89 - ACT FIVE 58. 51 CONTINUED: LAL (O.S.) Flirt-ing... laugh-ter... fam-ily... paint-ing... fe-male... hu-man. And there is no more. A beat. ` 52 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf, Beverly, Geordi, Wesley. Data ENTERS from the forward turbolift. DATA Lal suffered complete neural system failure at thirteen hundred hours. I have deactivated the unit. PICARD The crew grieves for your loss, Mister Data. Data studies the sad faces of his "family", never has, never will entirely understand "grieving". DATA I thank you for your sympathy. But she is here. (indicates his head) Her presence so enriched my life that I could not allow her to pass into oblivion. So I incorporated her programs back into my own... I transferred her memories to me. Picard acknowledges. PICARD Mister Data, take your position. He does. And we stay on Data's face as we hear... PICARD (O.S.) Mister Crusher, set course for the starbase on Otar Two. WESLEY (O.S.) Course set, sir. PICARD (O.S.) Engage. STAR TREK: "Offspring" - 12/19/89 - ACT FIVE 59. 53 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) warping out. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END