Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)

Inheritance (1993)

Brent Spiner: Lieutenant Commander Data, Dr. Noonien Soong

Photos 

Quotes 

• Lt. Commander Data : I would like to get to know you better... Mother.

• Lt. Commander Data : [Data has just found out about his early years and - to his surprise - about his "mother"] 

  Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge : I can understand that this might all be a little disconcerting for ya Data... It came out of the blue, and it doesn't fit into your logical processors.

  Lt. Commander Data : That is true.

  Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge : But that's life, Data. Part of being human is learning how to deal with the unexpected - to risk new experiences, even when they don't fit into your preconceptions.

  Lt. Commander Data : I admit I am finding it difficult to accept the possibility of a past about which I know nothing. But it is also true, I am curious to learn more about it.

• Lt. Commander Data : [to Dr. Tainer]  There is something I think you should know. My father told me... that he had only one great love in his life; and that he regretted never telling her how much he cared for her. I am certain he was referring to you.

• [Dr. Soong's hologram has asked Data not to reveal to Dr. Tainer that she is an android] 

  Lt. Commander Data : Then you do not believe she should know the truth?

  Dr. Noonien Soong : The truth? Truth is - in every way that matters - she *is* Juliana Soong. I programmed her to terminate after a long life. Let her live out her days - and die, believing she was human.

• Dr. Juliana Tainer : [answering an earlier question from Data]  No, I wouldn't have left you behind if you'd been my biological child.

  Lt. Commander Data : Hm... Is that because you place more value on biological life than artificial life?

  Dr. Juliana Tainer : Absolutely not! I cherished every android your father and I created as if it *were* my child, even Lore - despite the fact that he turned on us, despite the dreadful things he did. Dismantling him was the most difficult thing I ever had to do. I was afraid that if you turned out like him, I would have to dismantle you too... And I couldn't bear to do that. I'm not trying to justify leaving you behind. I'm just sorry I did.

• [Dr. Tainer has praised Data's violin play] 

  Dr. Juliana Tainer : And considering that giving you a creative aspect was my idea. Oh, your father didn't really see the point. He thought that since you didn't have emotions, there would be no real need for you to express yourself. Somehow, I had the feeling the opposite would be true.

  Lt. Commander Data : I do not know for certain. But I believe it is during my creative endeavors that I come closest to experiencing what it must be like to be human.

  Dr. Juliana Tainer : Well... I'm glad I insisted.

• Dr. Juliana Tainer : Deanna Troi - is that who you're going to visit?

  Lt. Commander Data : Yes.

  Dr. Juliana Tainer : Your father would be so pleased.

  Lt. Commander Data : Pleased?

  Dr. Juliana Tainer : Well, he was worried that the sexuality program he designed for you wouldn't work.

• Dr. Noonien Soong : [to Data]  How are you, boy?

• [last lines] 

  Dr. Juliana Tainer : Take care of yourself, son.

  Lt. Commander Data : Goodbye, mother. Energise.