Star Trek: The Next Generation1987

Lt. Cmdr. Data:
Admiral, when I created Lal, it was in 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. 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 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 from that obligation. And I cannot ignore it. I am her father.

Admiral Anthony Haftel:
Then I regret that I must order you to transport Lal aboard my ship. [Data begins to rise]

Captain Jean-Luc Picard:
Belay that order, Mister Data.

Admiral Anthony Haftel:
I beg your pardon?

Captain Jean-Luc Picard:
I will take this to Starfleet myself.

Admiral Anthony Haftel:
I am Starfleet, Captain! Proceed, Commander. [Data again begins to rise]

Captain Jean-Luc Picard:
Hold your ground, Mister Data.

Admiral Anthony Haftel:
Captain, you are jeopardizing your command and your career.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard:
There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders. You acknowledge their sentience, but you ignore their personal liberties and freedom. Order a man to hand his child over to the state? Not while I am his captain.