Offspring



In biology, an offspring is the product of reproduction from one or more parents.

Humanoids often refer to their offspring as a child (plural: children). While the term generally applies to adolescents, indeed, James T. Kirk once described children as "Little ones like yourselves. They grow." ; the term may also be applied to adult members of a species, alternatively known as a son (male offspring) or a daughter (female offspring).

Captain Picard claimed that children were too young to understand the dangers of reality, and so adults were needed to protect them from harm and corrupting influences. 

Occasionally beings have posed as a child to gain insight into Humanity's existence, strengths, and weaknesses. The children of Drayan II were individuals nearing the end of their lives, rather than beginning them. 

Some species did not rely on offspring as a means of continuing the species. For example, the J'naii and the Changelings were two species that reproduced in other ways. Prior to the intervention of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) on Gamma Trianguli VI, the planet's inhabitants had no need for what they described as "replacements", as they were forbidden by Vaal. 

Betazoid Ambassador Lwaxana Troi was the daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed. 

Commander Sisko compared the "behavior" of the station's computer with a child after the computer started to function differently. 

While under the influence of the Saltah'na energy sphere, Jadzia Dax compared her relationship with Benjamin Sisko as being a son or nephew to her.