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Vice Admiral Haftel was a male Human Starfleet flag officer in the 24th century who specialized in cybernetics. He had at least one child.

He was attached to Starfleet Research at the Daystrom Institute annex on Galor IV during the 2360s.

In 2366, he learned of Lieutenant Commander Data's success in building another Soong-type android on the USS Enterprise-D. He believed that the study of this new android should be done with a strict peer-review process and convinced Starfleet Command that he should take custody of Lal. He contacted Jean-Luc Picard and informed him of his intentions. Picard said he would allow it if Data accompanied her, but Haftel did not think it best, since Data was still developing as well.

Haftel transported on a Federation starship to the Enterprise to review Lal's progress. He first tried to convince Data to willingly allow her to come back with him, but Data refused, as he would not part with his child, and he is capable of performing all the diagnostics that Haftel's team could perform. Haftel then observed Lal, impressed with her abilities but did not approve of her learning Human interaction in Ten Forward. He spoke to her directly, stating his intention, but she said she wished to remain with her father. When Lal had left, Haftel ordered Data to release her to him. Picard intervened and refused, explaining that as long as he was Data's Captain, he would not order a man to "turn his child over to the state." While Haftel did consider the androids to be sentient, he ignored their personal liberties and freedom. Picard added that he would be ready and willing to take the matter to Starfleet, despite Haftel's insistence that as the superior officer present, he was Starfleet.

He later volunteered to assist Data when Lal suffered a neural system failure caused by the conflicts she felt about being taken from Data. They were, however, unsuccessful in saving her although Data gained Haftel's respect in refusing to give up until nothing more could be done. The admiral sadly remarked that "it just wasn't meant to be." (TNG: "The Offspring")

Admiral Haftel was played by Nicolas Coster.
According to the episode's script, Haftel's first name was Anthony. [1]

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