I see. You realise that it is very possible the Enterprise-C will fail. We will continue in this time line, in which case your life, hopefully, will continue for a long while.
But Captain, at least with someone at Tactical they will have a chance to defend themselves well. It may be a matter of seconds or minutes, but those could be the minutes that change history. Guinan says I died a senseless death in the other time line. I didn't like the sound of that, Captain. I've always known the risks that come with a Starfleet uniform. If I'm to die in one, I'd like my death to count for something.
Jean-Luc Picard (after a thoughtful pause): Lieutenant...permission granted.
(prior to battle) Attention all hands! As you know, we could outrun the Klingon vessels, but we must protect the Enterprise-C until she re-enters the temporal rift. And we must succeed. Let's make sure that history never forgets the name Enterprise.
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. It is perhaps the most difficult stage of her development.
CCrusher
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.
That is precisely what happened to Lal in school. How did you help him?
CCrusher
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.
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.
CCrusher
You didn't have anyone experienced to help you through sentience. She at least has you. Just help her realise that she's not alone, and be there to nurture her when she needs love and attention.
I have asked myself that many times as I have struggled to be more human - until I realised it is the struggle itself that is most important. We must strive to be more than we are, Lal. It does not matter that we will never reach our ultimate goal. The effort yields its own rewards.
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 society. No one can relieve me from that obligation. And I cannot ignore it. I am...her father.
There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders. You acknowledge their sentience, but ignore their personal liberties and freedom. Order a man to turn his child over to the state? Not while I'm his captain.
[A shaken Admiral Haftel exits Data's laboratory as Data is trying to save Lal.]
AHAdmiral Haftel
His hands were moving faster than I could see, trying to stay ahead of each breakdown. He refused to give up. He was remarkable. It just - wasn't meant to be.
