Parenting as Protocol: Data Records Lal
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Data methodically records Lal's developmental progress in a formal Starfleet research log.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Engaged and determined; not ashamed by the mistake, focused on learning and copying Data's behavior.
Lal is seated across from Data, takes food with her hands then watches Data, imitates his fork handling, and copies his drinking motion; liquid leaks from the corners of her mouth, revealing an early motor coordination deficit.
- • Learn how to use utensils and perform basic social dining behaviors by copying Data.
- • Gain approval and affirmation from Data through successful imitation.
- • Assimilate human social cues through direct modeling.
- • Imitation of Data's actions is the correct path to learning.
- • Repeating demonstrated behaviors will produce the desired skill.
- • Data is a reliable instructor whose actions should be copied.
Neutral by implication; functions as a procedural placeholder for institutional oversight.
The Second Officer is cited verbally as the addressee of Data's supplemental science log; present only as a bureaucratic recipient of evidence rather than an onstage participant.
- • Be provided a formal copy of Data's supplemental science log for institutional record.
- • Ensure chain-of-custody and documentation protocols are followed through receipt of the log.
- • Official records should be maintained and routed to proper research channels.
- • Data will comply with procedural reporting, enabling institutional review.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Ten-Forward meeting table provides the immediate stage for the lesson and Data's transcription; it holds the food, utensils and glass, collects the small spill, and visually anchors the private instructional moment within a public social space.
The Ten-Forward fork functions as the central pedagogical prop: Data holds and demonstrates its use, and Lal copies the motion, transforming the utensil into a diagnostic tool that exposes nascent motor control issues when drinking occurs.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Galor Four annex is named as the destination for a copy of Data's supplemental log, representing the institutional repository and research sink where Lal's development will be archived and potentially scrutinized.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Lal's early struggles with motor coordination and Data's clinical assessment of her progress parallel his later reflections on how teaching Lal has allowed him to relearn and experience the world through her development."
Key Dialogue
"DATA: Second officer, science log supplemental, copy: Starfleet research, Daystrom Institute, Galor Four annex. Reference: development, android designate Lal."
"DATA: Training in social skills at the most elementary level has begun. Lal is progressing very slowly but is not deterred by early setbacks."