Joy

I'm another player that likes the old Roddenberry idealism, that never cared for DS9. I never watched much DS9, nor Enterprise. Yes, one does eventually pick up on the races and plots of the series one hasn't watched much. Sure, rent some DVDs. Blunder through some academies. Just hang out and hang on. You'd blunder through fine.

No. That and having watched a bunch of Trek episodes will have you ready to jump right in. I noted you showing up late in the Sunday night academy. I guess it is prudent to repeat a few warnings and traditions. Academy times are given in eastern time. Tis a good idea to show up about 7 minutes before an academy is due to start. Much before that, and no one will be there. At that point, you can request your favorite position with reasonable chance it hasn't been taken yet, and chat a bit with the other players. After the sim ends, it is a bad idea to ask if anyone is graduating. There is a tradition that if anyone asks, no one graduates. Asking might make you unpopular all around. On a similar note, before the game starts, it is bad form to ask when the game is starting. Sort of like, when your parents were driving you around as a kid, it wasn't always wise to ask "are we there yet?" Generally, things get going between 5 and 10 minutes after the hour. Hope to see you again! Bob / Joy / Tia / Tay

Thank you, Captain. Well said. I am with you. I would like to speak, however, on behalf of those who are not yet here. We have three members of the diplomatic corps present. We represent cultures centered on finance, logic and law. No one can say for certain who might arrive next. I might suggest, however, powers like Cardassia, the Rihannsu, the Klingon, the Gorn and Bajour. These are strong multi-system powers in the area, powers that might well take an interest. I will note that these powers, like the Federation, have strong martial traditions. When these ambassadors do come, they will have responsibilities. They will seek to learn enough about local affairs to guide their government’s local policies, such that their national policies towards this area might be matched to the reality of what is happening. They will also be seeking contacts, such that when their home governments do set policies, the ambassadors will be able to put said policies into action. We can either be the source of information that they will be looking for, or we can force them to set up intelligence networks. We can either welcome them into our own community that is shaping the future of this sector, or we can force them to seek out other levers of power, to work with others players who are not in our circle of friends. In short, we can treat those who are coming as allies, or we can treat them like enemies. To a great degree, our choice in how we treat them becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. We can make of them friends, or we can make of them enemies. This region has seen war. If the past repeats, many of the ambassadors that will be sent here will be retired senior military. They will be accustomed to being treated with courtesy and respect. Captain Quark? Can I assume this point need not be dwelt upon? They shall be treated with courtesy and respect? This leaves us with a last balancing act. There might be a concern, that if one lets the diplomatic corps get too close, you’ll be tripping over us. There is an opposite concern, that if you push us too far away, if we can’t come to share a common perspective on what is and what is to be done, there is failure there too. In between these extremes, we have to assume there exists a place where we can help each other. I’d like to find that place. I’d like to think Commissioner Sorehl and I can be more of a help in finding this place, than a burden in asking that it be found. Thank you again, Captain.

Welcome, Coridilia. It is sort of obligatory to point folks towards Getting Started and Tips from Moose, the two best places for getting a feel for STSF's particular style of on line role playing. Other than that, you will find us a wildly varied bunch of semi crazies who share a love for Trek. I hope to see you in the academies. Until then... Bob / Joy

Ensign Coleridge's note on reconstructing embassy row was almost a pleasure to write. Technical considerations. This, Joy could handle cleanly enough, and she did. She requested absorbent ceiling, floor and wall insulation to block passive scans and force detectable signal strengths for active scans. Star configured utility connections were required such that an embassy meddling with its own data, power or fluid connections could not create problems in a neighboring embassy. Mudd's interest in the rights of holo-sentients created a requirement to equip the Federation Embassy's lobby and prime office suite with holo projectors. This resulted in requirements for extra structural strength, additional power and heat sync capacity, and utility connections for the addition of two micro-cores that Mudd would provide. Joy occasionally entertained guests that Starfleet would not appreciate wandering around inside a fleet computer system. Finally, Joy requisitioned one of the primary suites. If she was to represent the Federation this time, rather than just Mudd, she wanted a complex comparable in size and status to the other primary signers of the Aegis Treaty. She wasn't really sure she would need the space, but she had long since learned, when dealing with organic beings, that giving away status unnecessarily was a bad move. Captain Muon's note required more attention. "I'm sure you understand as you have studied Federation protocol and understand that safety is the number one priority during any emergency situation." Muon had not capitalized either "Priority" or "One." Perhaps, then, Muon was not deliberately taking sides in the perpetual debate between the Joys and the Alyces as to whether the First Law of Robotics was Priority One, or the Prime Directive. If one read the line strictly, Muon was siding with the Alyces. Still, from context, Joy didn't read that Muon was aware she was stepping squarely into the middle of one of Mudd's Great Issues. No, she was implying Starfleet could over ride the diplomatic protocols during emergencies. She wasn't seeing preventing interstellar war as another First Law duty. If this was so, she likely did not see the diplomatic protocols as the ambassadors would see them. Military and law enforcement departments of government had absolutely no authority to prevent state departments from talking to one another. Civilian command authorities needed to communicate with one another, thus they forbade their military and law enforcement branches from interfering with diplomats. The captain talked a good game. At base, the central immediate point was that Starfleet was going to honor the Aegis Treaty. The captain was also acknowledging the existence of the protocols. Whether she fully understood the implications of the protocols, acknowledging the treaty and reopening embassy row was yet to be seen. There was safety, and there was safety. The First Law of Robotics applied at many levels, and the diplomatic protocols reflected the First Law. Yes, the captain talked a good game. Could she listen a good game? That was the rarer gift. Joy would accept the captain's invitation, with the understanding that water would have to be substituted in Joy's case for raktajino. Then there was the last note. "Blah blah, blah blah blah blah... BLAH... Blah blah. BORING. Bring on the naked females!" Joy considered. Not naked. G-strings. The customers would need somewhere to put the latinum. "Alyce! Could you come here for a moment? There is something here in your area of interest..."

Subject : Ambassador Drankum and the Aegis Treaty From : Ambassador Joy Two To : Commissioner Sorehl CC : Captain Muon Quark ; Ambassador Gem Rhee ; Ambassador Joy Seven Classification : Medium Precedence : Medium Encryption : UFP 39D, UFP 39S Commissioner I appreciate your introducing me to Ambassador Drankum this evening. I fear he does not put me at my best. Having yourself and others present to carry the conversation was appreciated. The First Law of Robotics also helped me maintain a proper diplomatic decorum. This is not, however, the first time Ambassador Drankum met one of the Joys. The first was long ago, in a lounge situation, when a younger Drankum met a then Lieutenant Joy Ten. The result was a culture clash regarding the proper relationship between women and clothing. It very nearly led to emotion chip overflow. Afterwards, the entire Joy class avoided Drankum and Drankum's over a considerable period. At the time of the original encounter, none of the Joys were in diplomatic service. I well believe Ambassador Drankum might not remember poor Ten. I suspect his wake is froth with a surplus of similarly indignant females. There was a more recent encounter, however, which he ought to remember. During my last assignment to Aegis, the diplomats were concerned that the Aegis command staff was totally isolating the diplomatic corps from access to station sensors. From our perspective, this said that Admiral Goram did not trust us, suggested we should not trust him, and strongly implied something was going on in local space which he did not want us to know about. As the station was built by funds from Federation, Ferengi, Romulan and Klingon sources, I believe it was Ambassadors Drankum, tr’Aeolix and myself that confronted Admiral Goram with the opinion that treaty rights gave at least the signatory members of the diplomatic corps rights to access station sensors. Admiral Goram did not argue interpretation of the treaty. He asserted that during an internal Rihannsu civil struggle, payments had been missed required by the treaty. Due to said Rihannsu default, Goram declared the entire treaty void, nullifying the rights the Ferengi, Klingons and Cardassians, as well as the Rihannsu. All rights, privileges and possessions defaulted to the Federation, at least in Admiral Goram’s opinion. I think I was more upset than either Drankum or tr’Aeolix. Yes, one party defaulting on a treaty would be reasonable excuse to nullify a two party agreement, but not a five party agreement. Still, we had already learned enough about Admiral Goram to know that mere interstellar law didn’t matter to him. He had more men with weapons aboard Aegis, which seemed in his mind to settle the matter. At that time, with terrorist and martial incidents increasing in the build up to the Breen attack, Ambassador tr’Aeolix apparently did not consider maintaining the Aegis treaty to be worth initiating a Federation - Rihannsu war. None of the other parties had sufficient firepower to matter, though it was perhaps just as well that there was no Klingon representative present to evaluate the worth of Goram’s honor or word. Thus, Admiral Goram’s personal nullification of the Aegis treaty was allowed to stand. I had not seen Ambassador Drankum on Aegis between that night and this one. To the best of my knowledge, shortly after Starfleet seized sole possession of Aegis, Drankum quietly left. I did not encounter him in the lead up to or in the immediate aftermath of the pseudo Dominion or Breen fleet attacks. I will note that in spite of repeated provocation by Admiral Goram, Ambassador tr’Aeolix authorized a Rihannsu fleet to defend Cardassia Prime and Aegis during the pseudo Dominion fleet attack, though the Rihannsu fleet left the system undefended before the Breen arrived. I believe the Rihannsu left in pursuit of the pseudo Dominion force, but cannot be certain of their strategy or motives. (Can anyone ever be certain of Rihannsu strategy or motives?) While I still disagree profoundly with Ambassador Drankum on the proper relationship between females and clothing, of significant note is Drankum’s loud and unquestioned assertion tonight that various aspects of the Aegis treaty favoring the Ferengi are and ought to be still in effect. I am inclined to agree with him. Legally, the treaty was ratified by five governments, and should not have been nullified by one admiral. As there are no mystery fleets lurking at this time, rule of law just might come into play more than the rule of superior firepower. As the local economic situation is questionable at best, trying to tell the Ferengi to go home seems highly unwise. However, Goram, Drankum and tr’Aeolix, when they referred to the treaty, had perpetually different opinions on what the treaty said, how it was originally interpreted, and how it should be interpreted. The differences, as you might expect, tended to be self serving. Which leads me back to you, Captain Ears. Is there any reason not to follow Ambassador Drankum’s very loud lead and pretend that the Aegis treaty was never violated or renounced? Could you review the wording and your memories of the initial implementation, and consider if we should quietly put everything back in place? If the arrangement does need to change, how need it change? This seems more in your area of concern than mine. I will continue to focus on the Endeavor incident. Future policy is your domain. Still, I would take at least that one aspect of Drankum’s performance seriously, however diverting and eccentric the rest of his floor show might have been. A drinking, spending and clothes wearing machine Joy

Subject : Ambassador Drankum and The Aegis Treaty From : Ambassador Joy Two To : Captain Muon Quark CC : Commissioner Sorehl Classification : Medium Precedence : Medium Encryption : UFP 39S Captain I copied you on my letter to Commissioner Sorehl on Drankum and the Aegis Treaty as I believe you should be kept informed on any diplomatic efforts that might significantly impact Aegis operations. I have since wondered, however, how well Admiral Goram documented his asserted voiding of the Aegis treaty. Were you informed at the time? Have you been informed since? Was it authorized by some higher authority, and if so, whom? Was anyone informed beyond the few people present at the time? I must confess, I don’t know the answers to any of these questions. My own values support restoration of the treaty, or something very much like it. I favor rule of law and interstellar cooperation. Goram created a good deal of ill will, which I would prefer to erase if it all possible. Still, if you, Starfleet, or any other political players that wish to support Admiral Goram’s action wish to uphold it, this would be a good time to speak up. To some extent, Ambassador Drankum can create reality by just saying what he wishes to be so on the floor of his restaurant. If you or anyone else wishes to create some other reality, you might wish to say something different in the near future. Joy

Subject : Android Sexuality From : Ambassador Joy Two To : Ambassador Drankum Classification : Confidential Precedence : Low Encryption : Clear Your Profitableness While this unit’s hardware was originally designed for the sexual gratification of one individual -- M’lord Harcourt Fenton Mudd -- the Joy Class software has since been modified to avoid public stimulation of male attention. Flagrant male sexual interest triggers humiliation and shame into our emotion chips at Priority Five. If you continue to include the Joy Class androids as a subject of sexual interest in your monologue, we will be forced to dress as to avoid any possibility of drawing sexual attention when in your presence. This seems not to be in your interest, or ours. Among other things, we would likely cease frequenting Drankum’s as a meeting place, which will cut into your sales of exotic waters. In short, we are not the androids you are looking for. However, there are androids, and there are androids. While the Joy class software modifications render us incapable of satisfying your public fantasies, the crew of the MMS Mudd includes a number of Alyce class androids, whose software and hardware both are completely unmodified since M’lord Mudd’s time. In fact, they are have been much disappointed in their search over these last many decades, attempting to find an individual whose endurance, imagination and appreciation of certain dexterous skills might come close to possibly approximating the tastes and originality of The Creator, The Designer, The Icon who once personified all that is Mudd. Your monologue suggests that you might possibly be a candidate in the Alyce Class’s long Quest. We cannot tell for certain, of course. Not immediately. Only ten of the Alyce Class are currently present. There is also your positive evaluation of the relatively primitive Risan designs. If you can be pleased by the relatively clumsy Risan technology, there is considerable concern that you might not have the taste and discrimination to appreciate the Maker’s advanced craftsmanship. However, the Alyces are willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, and allow you a preliminary audition. If you can keep ten Alyces satisfied, we might consider summoning the other four hundred ninety. Of course, if you do not deem yourself worthy of the audition, I shall attempt to suppress the disappointment of my cousins. Let me know. Not the android you are looking for Joy

Subject : Programing, Values and Culture From : Ambassador Joy Two To : Ambassador Drankum Classification : Confidential Precedence : Low Encryption : Clear Your Profitableness While I thank you for your kind offer of technical assistance, I fear this is not required. The programming language for inserting new Priorities is well known to us. The problem is not in the technical aspects of altering the asimov processor, but in discordant process resolution if the emotions stored with memories do not match the emotions generated by the asimov processor. The last time the Joy Class was reprogrammed, it took Seven, Ten and Eleven most of a decade before they stopped referring to themselves in third person. Reprogramming is traumatic, and would have to effect the entire class. I fear you must deal with us as we are. There is also a problem that many classes of sentient beings will perceive of their own values as the best of all possible values. Hedonistic slave designed asimov processor plus emotion chip androids are hardly alone in this. A Vulcan will prefer logic over pleasure and profits, as a Klingon will prefer honor and courage, and the Joy Class prefers life and law. The Joys have even come to appreciate Priority Five. There is a distinction to be made between lust and love. If you are truly interested, I might attempt to explain it. Still, I would no more expect you to embrace this distinction than I would expect you to start centering your life on logic, honor, courage or law. You are of your own culture. You are no more apt to wish to change your values than I. Individuals and groups alike will seldom change off of their base values and culture. Change only becomes likely when old base values have failed utterly. And sometimes not even then, though it is not quite yet time to speak of Cardassia. It was not by our choice that we were changed. It will not be our choice to change again. Still, as I have said, the Alyces are as much dedicated to service and pleasure as ever they were. It may well be that you will appreciate them much as M’lord Mudd appreciated them. As a businessman, I am certain you understand that the details of the Alyce technology are proprietary. Alyce 220 and 258 will bring some basic data sheets, if you provide in exchange the results of your last physical examination. The Alyces are forbidden to cause death or injury. Before interfacing with the Alyces, we must be assured you are healthy enough for protracted and strenuous activity. Still, the best way to evaluate Alyce Class performance is by demonstration, rather than through schematics and performance specifications. Not the android you are looking for Joy

RESPONSE An Ambassador Drankum Profitable Production Copyright © 2008, Drankum Inc. To: Ambassador Joy Two, Robotic Cousin Replicator Species Mudd From: Ambassador Drankum Re: Recent Proposal -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= My robotic clothed humon female imitator, I find your recent revelations...disturbing. Any species that would see fit to terminate the ability to provide stimulation to superior male attention is lacking in many regards. There is an extensive library of situations and analysis which cannot be fully comprehended otherwise. Such knowledge is extremely profitable and valuable during diplomatic...negotiations. While these can be more physical than others, on behalf of the Ferengi Alliance, we would like to offer your called Jey Class robotic clothed humon female imitators an upgrade to eliminate this restriction. My government would consider the ability to help your...culture...expand in this regard a "gift" in the interest of a lasting relationship. Perhaps such an arrangement could usher in a new understanding of peaceful stimulating profit for both our...well...my people and your robots. However, being as considerate as I am, should you wish to decline this generous offer, I am interested in your second offer to possibly meet these so called Alye Class robotic clothed humon female imitators who do not have such restrictions in place. If further details as to their design and capabilities could be forwarded to my office for review, I could pass this along. If preliminary approval is met, an...introductory negotiation...as to terms might be possible in the near future. Please be sure to provide detailed data regarding dexterity, stamina and cultural knowledge of non-humon species. Signed, ~Drankum~ AMBASSADOR (III), Ferengi Liaison Ferengi Alliance Inc.

Subject : Preliminary Comments on the Endeavor Incident From : Ambassador Joy Two, Sky Harbor Aegis To : Ambassador Gem Rhee, Haven Embassy, The Presidio, Earth CC : Ambassador Joy Seven, Mudd Embassy, The Presidio, Earth ; Commissioner Sorehl, Sky Harbor Aegis Security : High Precedence : Medium Encryption : UFP 39D Your Elegance... I have recently arrived at Aegis. The incident seems to be over, or at least passed from active shooting into the post event recriminations phase. The sense of urgency is less. I believe correct action more important at this point than immediate action. A legal proceeding initiated by Starfleet Intelligence directed at Starfleet Captain Muon Quark resulted in acquittal on all charges, with no charges outstanding against Sky Harbor Aegis personnel. This is proper in some senses, but seems improper in others. I fear the distinction requires some explanation. Before pushing for action, I wish to make sure I am not having one of my android moments. Pardon, but I must drift a bit before getting back to my point. Mudd is a hive mind culture. Knowledge is shared. Teamwork is valued. If any is confused about law, orders, logic or information, the proper thing to do is ‘coordinate’ with the nearest member of a specialized android class, the Norman series. In the case of the Joys or others in service to Starfleet or the Federation, it is often not appropriate to coordinate with a Norman, but with those higher in Starfleet's chain of command, or those with access to Council’s directives. A few years ago, USS Republic stopped briefly at Cardassia Prime to deliver a disaster relief cargo. During that stopover, a representative of Cardassia made some improper comments to the Republic’s XO, a Bajoran native. The XO, in supervising the beam down of the cargo, included several ducks which had been mistakenly brought aboard Republic. Given proper caging and adequate warning, these could have been worthy additions to a relief cargo. Lacking them, alas, the ducks were of an aggressive and poisonous breed. One of Republic’s crew lost a finger. There was significant fear that one of the crew’s children might have taken serious harm from a bite. While Lieutenant Twelve did not at first consider the duck’s inclusion significant with the cargo significant, when she realized the dangers and the XO’s likely malice, she wrote a brief letter to Admiral BluRox, CO of Republic, and myself, who was then the senior member of the Federation diplomatic corps in the area. In turn, I informed Admiral Goram, in whose territory Admiral BluRox was operating. This happened during the slowly escalating Breen psych ops that lead up to the attack on Aegis. I do not believe the duck incident made a significant difference in relations given what else was going on, but it might have increased tensions and decreased trust slightly. But both the XO and Joy Twelve were strongly rebuked by Admiral BluRox. The XO, for allowing her antipathy to the Cardassians to express itself in violence, however minor. Twelve was told she should not have informed myself of Goram. She was explicitly told not to report illegal activities up or outside the chain of command in the future, but to only report it to the immediate superior of the individual committing the action. While this order was by Starfleet regulation binding only upon Joy Twelve, it was assimilated by other Joys serving Starfleet. It was considered a strong guidance, even if it conflicted with the Mudd tradition of keeping people informed, even if it was known to be in direct conflict with the wishes of the Joys in the diplomatic service. This guidance was tested by the Endeavor Incident. Commander Joy One was ordered by Captain Savage to deploy a biological weapon. One considered it highly probable that the order was illegal. Rather that follow protocol, which would have involved protesting then refusing the order, she quietly disobeyed while giving the impression she would obey. After the destruction of Endeavor, upon return to Aegis, One explicitly violated BluRox’s guidance, contacting the Mudd embassy in San Francisco, confirming the order was in fact illegal, and at the same time informing civilian command authority. Part of One’s reasoning in doing so was a total distrust of the double chain of the command. Admiral Forrester of Starfleet Intelligence seemed to be part of the questionable act of war. Captain Quark’s superiors in main line Starfleet had allowed her to come under arrest. Thus, even Commander One, as likely an officer to respect chain of command as any, if I might say so myself, could not bring herself to trust Starfleet sufficiently to respect BluRox’s opinion. One felt it necessary to ‘coordinate.’ Nothing would be satisfactory short of making sure the highest levels of authority were aware of the situation. Captain Quark faced a similar situation. She too felt she was confronted with an illegal act of war causing grave harm to many. She too disregarded orders, and went so far as to set two Starfleet ships into a conflict situation that led to Endeavor’s destruction. She was acquitted of all charges by the recent court. None who followed her were charged At one level this is correct, in that what Captain Savage was doing had to be stopped. But reading the court records, one does not see anyone ‘coordinating,’ passing information far enough up to chain of command to be certain any corruption has been topped. To my knowledge, after reading court records and examining the evidence thus far available, on receiving an illegal order, neither Quark nor any other Aegis personnel reported the illegal order to an appropriate authority. To my knowledge, no one attempted to confirm or deny authorization for the order. When Captain Quark was put on trial, at least in the court records, there was only one witness that stepped forward in a sincere attempt to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. This was again Commander One, with her android hive mind cultural bias that proper decisions cannot be made without complete information. I still have many questions to ask of those here. I am still seeing things primarily from the perspective of my sisters. Some of the above impressions might be corrected through further interviews. Many of the Sky Harbor people do share a seemingly well deserved condemnation of Admiral Forrester. I’ve an impression that Sky Harbor Aegis personnel and others involved are quite willing to continue its conflict with Forrester’s clique within Starfleet Intelligence, staying within legal bound if possible, but I would not exclude the possibility that they would again do what they feel necessary. I just have no great faith that they will ask permission before, or report what they have done after. There seems to be a frontier culture that suggests a man has got to do what he has got to do. Civilian command authority seems to be viewed far away, perhaps useless, perhaps harmful, likely uninformed, and best left uninformed. Thus, individuals may be left free to act out their prejudices and hatred, while a culture of secrecy allows said violations of the peace to continue unabated and unpunished. I am thus beginning to think Norman One might have been correct after observing the antics of Captain Kirk and M'lord Mudd. The androids need to take over, and serve the Federation into submission. This alternative seems to be adapting an ancient form of meditation practiced among the humans. Alas, I am forbidden to damage either my forehead or my desk by repeated impacts. Still, I am told it feels so good when one stops. Why do they avoid forming a proper and polite well behaved hive mind? It begins to seem that resisting their resistance is futile. Shall they never be assimilated? Does this qualify as an android moment? Two

Subject : Preliminary Comments on the Endeavor Incident From : Ambassador Gem Rhee, Haven Embassy, The Presidio, Earth To : Ambassador Joy Two, Sky Harbor Aegis Security : Low Precedence : Low Encryption : Clear Joy Replace both power packs, and run diagnostics in the morning. Gem

No problem. There are worse vices than curiosity, and it doesn't take much to get me talking about my characters. :) I really like to push the envelope of 'alien,' while still having a character that can play as part of a team concept and whose unique perspectives can positively contribute to plot development. Sometimes it works better than others. My bat girl Tay is making a bit of a splash joining Agincourt, but it looks like she should be able to settle in. (If you want to see alien, come visit the Court's science department...) "Hsssssst! Bad big taboo cat! TAY!" I'm having a bit more trouble with Tia on Excalibur. She's a highly emotional Betazed-Deltan empath, sent to Vulcan to free her from stray emotions long enough to learn discipline and control. I'd just seen so many empath councilors with their acts ever so much together that I thought I'd try playing an empath who is confused and messed up. Tia has lots of strong emotions going on inside -- and leaking in from the outside -- but the Vulcan training is still to strong for her to let any of that out. This leaves me with a highly introverted character on a ship full of extroverts. She's interesting to play from the inside, but I haven't found the right opportunities to get out yet. Thus far, her primary defense mechanism has been to pretend that she isn't confused and messed up. At times she can convince herself. I mean, at least she isn't an Orion Animal Woman or a vampire. :P Anyway, simming is much fun. :) See you about the galaxy!

Ok...so what z-snap makes it less difficult? For that matter...how many z-snaps are there? And what is a z-snap anyway?

I play the Joy class of Mudd androids with an 'asimov processor' as well as an emotion chip. The asimov processor is a direct theft from Isaac Asimov's Laws of Robotics, though I have given her six priorities rather than Asimov's classic three. They are, in order of Priority, and note that in my version of Mudd's culture, the words "Law" and "Priority" are capitalized... Do Not Interfere with pre-starflight civilizations. Unless given a legal order through valid Starfleet chain of command, do not kill or injure a sentient being, nor through inaction allow a sentient being to be killed or injured. Obey legal orders given through valid Starfleet chain of command. Obey the laws of the local jurisdiction. Promiscuous or public simulation or stimulation of sexual behavior patterns is prohibited. Prevent damage to self, and maintain self in good repair. If she manages to do all of the above, the asimov processor feeds positive signals into the emotion chip, triggering happiness, pride and contentment. If she fails to do any of the above, simulated guilt, shame, pain, embarrassment, or similar unpleasant emotions are triggered. Her bottom line programming is to seek pleasure and to avoid pain, but the programming gives her pleasure in serving and obeying, while preventing her from causing specific forms of harm to others. One can find variations on the Prime Directive and the classic Three Laws of Robotics in there, but as Joy was originally designed by Harcourt Fenton Mudd, I figured her original programming would have made her a bit more eager to please males than would be proper. As I didn't want to play this out, I added Priority Five, her Fifth Law. As she was designed to be played as a Starfleet officer, I had to defang the First Law of Robotics somewhat, allowing her to kill or injure if legitimately ordered to do so. The laws work pretty good on TNG style ships where the command staff respects cultural independence, rule of law, and the preservation of life. Joy tends to go nuts, however, in more Jack Bauer "24" style games, where the chain of command is often portrayed as corrupt, and the shades of grey style of modern fiction is pushed into shades of black, where the chain of command is often not worthy of respect, and "heroes" have to work outside the law to get anything done. And things get interesting when one plays a Joy as a diplomat, rather than a Starfleet order. As a civilian ambassador, no one is in her chain of command. No one can give her permission to kill. Priority Three defaults to the oath "Preserve, protect and defend the Federation Constitution," which was the traditional oath given when one joined CPA's Federation Council sims. The Laws, instead of being a code of personal behavior, a set of values to live by, start turning into a policy which should be followed, the platform of the Idealist Party. In the Council sims, I eventually worked out a flow chart from which I could usually derive Joy's position on whatever policy was up for debate. While the TOS episode "I Mudd" did not explicitly invoke the Laws of Robotics, the theme is there. They decided that protecting humans from harming themselves was a higher priority than obeying orders from humans. Thus, I consider that most classes of Mudd android lack emotion chips but follow the classic 3 Laws. The exceptions would be the Joys and the Stellas. Bob / Joy

A cool melodious feminine voice with an archaic but curiously pleasing Earth accent broke the long silence. “Aegis Tower, this is MMS Harcourt Fenton Mudd, inbound with diplomatic personnel, requesting clearance to dock.” As unique as that voice ought to have been, an identical voice answered. “MMS Mudd, this is Aegis Tower, please set bearing 172.428 mark 0.338 and come to 0.0032 c. Contact again when you reach the perimeter.” The woman sitting in the courier’s command chair narrowed her over sized eyes. She was slender, with short brown hair, fair skin, and thick eyebrows. She was wearing a simple yet elegant skirt and blouse set, and sat looking into the video pickup with tense poise. She did not seem entirely pleased. “Lieutenant Nine?” The woman in Aegis Tower looked equally young, with equally short brown hair, equally fair skin, equally thick eyebrows, and even an equally and improbably long neck. There were two differences. Lieutenant Joy Nine in Aegis was wearing a starfleet uniform, and her smile was entirely sincere. It was almost as if she knew the punch line to the joke, while her sister did not. “May I help you, Captain Eight?” “Point zero zero three two cee?” Eight was beginning to suspect she was the punch line to the joke. The lieutenant made a show of double checking her calculations. “Affirmative, Captain. Point zero zero three two cee.” “Would a report on just how much antimatter we burned getting here in a hurry sway your calculations, any?" “Well... no.” Nine had seen the flight plan. She knew just how much Eight had pushed the Makers' rather formidable engines. “How about a report of how much mayhem resulted in a few select corners of the Presidio upon arrival of a certain flash message sent recently by a certain... Lieutenant Nine?” “No.” Nine had been able to judge the political explosiveness of her note from the Mudd's antimatter expenditure. It was rather a simple and well known equation. E=MCC. “Maybe a lecture on how Starfleet personnel should in no way hinder or restrict the movement of diplomatic couriers?” Nine’s voice went dry. “Do you want Ambassador Two filing a formal diplomatic protest? She just might, you know.” “I know.” Nine's voice was equally dry, considering how unconstructive Two’s last protest on such matters had proved. “However, I have been pondering an abstract theoretical question. It isn’t really my concern, you know. It’s political. It really should be handled by my older and wiser sisters, selected to serve in the diplomatic corps, unlike my poor humble self.” “Yes?” Eight looked dubious. The higher numbered member of a Mudd android class traditionally claimed they had come off the assembly line minutes later, and were therefore less worn out and obsolete. “Under what circumstances is it proper and wise for the legislative branch to apply political pressure on the workings of a judicial process?” Eight blinked. “Ah... An interesting question." She considered. "Two and I will ponder it.” “Take your time. It's just abstract theoretical question. I'm in no hurry for an answer.” In her usual graceful elegant and dignified manner, Eight stuck out her tongue at her younger sister. “Eight, out.” “Nine.”

"MMS Mudd, this is Aegis Tower. You are go for half impulse approach and dock at pylon 1 bay 5." "Aegis Tower, pylon 1, bay 5, aye. Do we have a verdict?" "We have... deliberation... and confusion. Something happened in a classified session. There are rumors of security storming the courtroom, and images in the media of not so happy faces." "Now, you want us in the picture?" "What are diplomats for?" "Very well. Noted. Eight, out." "Nine." Nine sat back, and considered, reviewing the protocols. No, not every ship's docking was announced. One didn't bother the station CO lightly. Still, diplomatic ships were often met at the docking bay. Someone might at least want to know. She suspected that just now very few were paying much attention to the list of incoming flight plans. She keyed the internal comm system. "Commander Brown, this is Lieutenant Joy, on the tower. I have just cleared courier MMS Mudd for docking."

See The Sound of Stalking This Way Comes, a few spots further down in these logs. Bad taboo cat. Hssssssst.

Quarry a place, typically a large, deep pit, from which stone or other materials are or have been extracted. an animal pursued by a hunter, hound, predatory mammal, or bird of prey. You have to watch these Romulans. Subtle. Sneaky. Was that a mistake in translation, is he implying the Federation has dug a deep hole for itself, or...

I am Commander Joy One, of late Chief of Science of USS Endeavor, giving deposition under grant of immunity from prosecution with respect to Starfleet v. Captain Muon Quark. Present are myself, Lieutenant Angel, council for the prosecution, and Captain Halloway, council for the defense. I am now reasonably certain that I was given illegal orders. My handling of these illegal orders is quite questionable, which is why I requested immunity. These orders are at the center of my testimony. However, I will first set my understanding of the situation. The Cardassian people are currently enduring a wide spread disease, debilitating enough that the economy is significantly effected, though not generally lethal save to the very young or the very old. The source of this disease was a ‘pod,’ known to have been floating in this area of space approximately 10 years ago, before the time of the Dominion wars. Recently, both the USS Endeavor and the USS Pandora’s Box used the solar slingshot technique to travel ten years back in time. Both ships attempted to get sole possession of the pod, to the extent of fighting a space battle. This was a relatively ‘polite’ space battle, if phasers and torpedoes can be said to be polite. Casualties were relatively minimal. However, USS Endeavor was damaged to the point that she could not perform a slingshot return. Her crew, including myself, was taken aboard Pandora’s Box, as was the ‘pod’. Endeavor was then destroyed by Pandora’s Box. I do not have direct access to the orders given to the captains of USS Endeavor or USS Pandora’s Box. USS Endeavor, Captain Savage, and to my knowledge the Endeavor logs, have all been lost. Endeavor is administratively assigned to Admiral Forrester, who to my knowledge may be the only remaining source for Endeavor's orders and authorizations. However, Endeavor's actions and the illegal orders I shall shortly testify to indicate Savage’s intention was to take the pod and release the plague into the Cardassian population. Similarly, I do not have direct access to the orders given to Pandora’s Box, though the logs and personnel have survived, and the Box was under the orders of Captain Muon. At a hearsay level, I have heard that the Aegis medical staff is working to reduce the effects of the disease, and that it was hoped that access to the pod would be of assistance. During a pause in the battle between Endeavor and Pandora’s Box, Captain Savage summoned Endeavour’s Chief of Medical and myself as Chief of Science to his ready room. At that time, Pandora’s Box had control of the pod. I was asked if I still had the biological samples I had taken from the pod. I answered yes. Captain Savage ordered us to grow this small sample large enough for a biological warfare attack, and to perform such an attack on a Cardassian planet. We were to take a shuttlecraft to perform this attack. I requested conformation of his authority to release biological weapons. He claimed that Starfleet Admiral Wesley Crusher had returned from the future and warned that in his timeline, the Cardassians destroyed the Federation by direct frontal space assault. He claimed that the President of the current day Federation, acting under directive of the current day Council, had authorized the biological attack in order to prevent this timeline from manifesting. However, Captain Savage did not present notarized orders from Council or any other authority verifying his orders. I knew from the battle between two Starfleet ships that at least one of these ships was acting under illegal orders. I knew from interacting with two sisters residing on the Presidio, that as of not too long ago, no weapons release order similar to that described by Savage had in fact been authorized. I also knew from the reputations of Captain Savage and Admiral Forrester that if one of the two ships was acting under illegal orders, the probability was slanted heavily that Savage and Forrester would be the ones most likely acting outside of lawful authority. I thus felt it highly probable that the orders I had been given were illegal. There are three sequential steps an officer might take when given an illegal order. One can note that the order is illegal. One can protest the order. One can refuse to obey the order. My programming requires, unless receiving legal orders from valid Starfleet chain of command, I may not kill or injure sentients, nor through inaction allow sentients to be killed or injured. I deemed myself to have received an illegal order to injure. If I had taken the proper steps expected and required when receiving an illegal order, most likely I would have been relieved of my position, another would have taken my place, thus through my action or inaction injuries to sentient beings would have taken place. Thus, I said, “Yes, sir,” went to the bio lab, and destroyed Endeavor's last samples of the pod contents. I placed samples of a common and relatively harmless Cardassian disease in a level 4 biological containment box. My intent was to present this box to the Endeavor’s Chief of Medical, passing it off as the pod spoors. This box and its contents are currently in Stasis on USS Yorktown, under a scientific seal as biohazard, and under a legal seal as well, as possible evidence. I listed Captain Halloway, Yorktown’s captain and council for the defense, as custodian. I would have been unable to complete the bio release mission at any rate. Before we could replicate spoors and launch the shuttle, Pandora’s Box returned, completed its defeat of Endeavor, thus making it impossible for me to have completed the orders I had been given. Upon reaching Aegis, I communicated with my sister, Lieutenant Joy Nine, serving at Aegis Ops. She in turn communicated with another sister, Joy Seven, serving in Mudd’s embassy at San Francisco. As a result, at a hearsay level, I am now reasonably certain that Council did not authorize biological weapons release on Cardassia. To the best of my knowledge, the Endeavor's former CMO is still present on Aegis. I would suggest that she might be called to confirm my testimony. This ends my initial statement. I would like to add a few broad political comments which might best be kept off the record. They are simply a life insurance policy of sorts. Lieutenant Angel has suggested extreme secrecy is required, as leaks might result in black operations, in people being silenced. One other individual, at least, has expressed an opinion that this entire affair should be hushed over, lest an admiral’s reputation be dragged through the mud. I will just suggest that some at least of Council are now aware that their authority has been preempted and forged, that a significant offensive action effecting diplomatic relations has taken place without authorization by civilian command authority. While I am far from San Francisco, and cannot judge their mood, I suspect they are not happy. I would guess this unhappiness is not going to go away if a few people vanish, unless the intent is to vanish Council. If I might also be allowed to briefly express a political opinion, there are some who might believe that the proper response to military adventurism leading to Starfleet committing acts of war against itself is to drag the individuals responsible through the mud. Unless the situation is handled very cleanly by Starfleet, I don’t believe this episode will be allowed to quietly remain a hushed up internal Starfleet affair. There will be external investigations. The results of this trial will be reviewed. I will add my opinion that the use of security classification to cover up an illegal action is itself illegal, and is generally prosecuted as obstruction of justice, suppression of evidence or conspiracy after the fact. This ends my personal opinions. Sorry. Too many of my sisters are with the diplomatic corps. We try to separate Starfleet perspectives from diplomatic corps perspectives, but mentioning these points seems to qualify as a fair warning at this point. Are there questions?

Arch Angel, Joy One and Joy Nine "Very little happened," Joy One sent, using her Mudd protocol built in network. Her necklace flashed as she stood in a corner of a corridor, not far from the courtroom. "Prosecution requested a delay, as they hadn't had time to prepare their case. Commander Hawke tried to work her way into chambers, saying if she was not heard, a noble Admiral's name was going to be dragged through the mud. Most of what was said was at the bench or in chambers. I’ve not much to report." "I thought dragging a noble Admiral’s name through the mud was the whole point?" Nine replied. One couldn't help but smile. "I had the impression of much uncertainty in court. So far no one has cornered me, though one of the prosecutors seems to be lurking in my wake. I'll be in touch." "Nine, out." "One." Her necklace stopped blinking. She stepped out of the rigid stance necessary when using her wireless network, moving again with her usual dancers grace, glancing about to see if her surroundings had changed. People were still filing out of the courtroom holodeck, in various stages of emotion. None seemed focused on her. Well... Perhaps one. Angel had paused and turned, Observing the blinking light of her necklace, he was all to familiar with the Joy series of androids to realize this as just a pause. He walked over, attempting to catch up with her, satchel and PADD tucked under his arm. She had been relaying data to one of her other counterparts. What data and how she figured in this was yet to been seen. Joy nodded to the tall human, turning to face him. Yes, he was one of the prosecutors. The junior one, apparently, as the female commander had been the one called to approach the bench. She nodded to him. "Lieutenant?" “Hello. I could not help seeing you pressed against the wall after the court ended, thought you may have been having a problem, just wondering if you needed any help. Lt. Angel here, at your service.” He smiled. "No. No problem. I was just sharing a little news." Nodding, still smiling, “News? What news? And how were you sharing this news?” She tilted her head a bit sideways, evaluating, not returning his smile. Her facial emotion display showed her true emotion chip state, which was sometimes disconcerting to those accustomed to polite masks and emotional lies. She was thinking seriously, and her face showed it. She did want to make sure her knowledge got injected in the proceedings. She guessed that this Angel would eventually get around to asking her what she wished him to ask. Still, in this case, as usual when she found herself on the edges of Starfleet legal proceedings, she favored the junior defendant against the twisted admiral. She would rather have been approached by the defense. And this one? She was not sure. He smiled a lot. She sensed a disconnect between the equivalents of his emotion chip and his facial emotion display. She temporized. "How is this your business?" He looked at Joy with a cool calm poker face... no emotion. This one was going to be interesting, at the very least. Pausing for just the right moment to respond, he spoke, “Well, I am part of the special prosecuting team appointed to this case. That in itself entitles me to a concern as it relates to any matters of judicial proceedings as well as the possible unauthorized relay of in court proceedings involved. You do understand that all data,"news", or any observations in that room are not for public... or private discussion without express permission of the appointed defense, and the prosecuting staff... do you not?” He resumed his smile. She tilted her head the other way. "No. I do not understand that. I heard no declaration that any part of the trial thus far has been classified. I rather thought that the Guaranteed right to a public trial, the Guarantee of free speech and the Guarantee of privacy were in effect here, this being a Starfleet station. Do you believe you have probable cause that I have done something illegal?" She paused just long enough to match his pause... "Lieutenant?" “Oh, by the way,” he responded, “what would be your official title,and rank? First of all, forgive me for being so rude. Second this is not a public trial as you have so eloquently alluded to... it is a ‘Military Tribunal’, and trial under the auspices and regulations of the said rules of procedure that are clearly set forth. I do realize you have at least a modicum of knowledge of that, not being presumptuous of course. Could I at least apologize to you by buying you lunch,or a beverage for my rudeness... I am really famished.” "Perhaps,” she said. One question, first." He had her... He could see the way she was evaluating Angel. “Certainly...by all means," he replied. "Are you one of those who believes that the Guaranteed Rights of all Sentient Beings do not apply to all Starfleet officers?" He paused a moment. “No I am most certainly not one of those. I firmly believe if you wear a uniform, or not, all Sentient beings have those Guaranteed Rights.” He remembered the trial of an officer known as Data in the past. "Very well. You might want to check out the due process sections, but I shall join you for a time." She hesitated briefly, as her facial color diodes flared slightly and briefly red. "I fear I cannot join you in lunch. My kind does not derive energy by breaking down organic materials." He looked at Joy, and pondered her comment for a moment. “I full well know the rules governing due process. If you do not mind joining me for my lunch in the prosecutions quarters, I have a few questions for you... please.” "Very well.” She thought he might have questions. “Proceed." Joy silently reminded herself she was not Professor Six, she was Commander One. If Starfleet wanted legal lectures given, they would have hauled Six out here. Turning and pointing in the direction of the room sequestered for the prosecuting staff he moved towards it. “You still have not given me your name and rank if applicable by the way,” he said, smiling. "I am Commander Joy One, recently Chief of Science, USS Endeavor. I am currently between postings." Joy kept it dryly factual. Commander... A genuine pleasure to meet you sir.” He turned to slide his card in the slot for access authorization to enter, stepped into the room, and motioned to the small table and chairs surrounding it. "Hmm..." Joy considered. "I hope it will remain a pleasure." Joy slipped a tricorder off her belt, placed it on the table, and quite openly called up a program to record verbal conversation in the room. "First, I would like to apply for immunity from prosecution, or I fear we might have to talk about the right to remain silent." Angel walked over to her recorder and turned it off, deleting the previously recorded statement from her, placing his finger to his lips. He began sweeping the room for any recording/listening devices. Upon reading the results, “It is ok, Commander, no bugs present. He closed and secured the door. “A necessary precaution we have to employ considering this situation. I as well as Commander Farrington are sure there are those whom would kill for the information discussed in these quarters. As for the recording...” Angel keyed the computer record button. “Computer begin recording on my mark.” "I would prefer to have my own record... or I could insist on my own legal council, which would be one more set of ears which might not best be involved.” She hesitated. “You seem to like to push people, Lieutenant. I wish you wouldn't. Dealing with people doing Admiral Forrester's work irritates me enough without the petty games." He looked on stoically. “First, Commander, with all due respect, I remind you this is not a civilian proceeding. Second, I am merely attempting to gather possible information that may be deemed critical in the outcome or the continuance of this court martial. Should we the prosecuting fall short in our endeavors to bring additional information into these proceedings, the ensuing trial in my opinion may proceed as it has been "originally" set to course. As for the comment on my personal approach to people... I apologize if you see me that way. We have little time to pursue the intricacies of decorum. As for Admiral Forrester... I as well as my Commander are not his people, or his flunkies in this matter... no, the contrary." "You do know I am a Mudd Android? You do know that at Priority Three I have to preserve, protect and defend the Federation Constitution? Might you appreciate that I might be a bit stubborn about right to council and right to remain silent? Well. Actually, stubborn isn't the right word. I lack free will. I actually do want to give evidence, but things would proceed much cleaner if you behaved like Starfleet officers were citizens of the Federation and the Guarantees applied to them. Humor me. Let me have my own recording. Otherwise, I'll cross the corridor and talk to the defense." “I understand your conflict in this matter,” he replied. “Please understand the need of absolute silence and security in this matter. The data we have been inquiring could and probably lead to either personal or career harm, or death should any of this get to the wrong "concerned " parties involved in this case. They are light years away, but have eyes and ears every where. I assure you Commander, both I and the Commander have the upmost respect for the Federation, it's cumulative members,and the laws we all have taken a sworn oath to protect and defend. We are attempting to insure true justice is served here, and the "Real Parties" involved here are brought to light and answer for their crimes. “Should you choose to go across the hall as you stated Commander, you may certainly do so," he continued. "That being said, I strongly suspect you do in fact possess relevant data as it pertains to this case, I would be forced to have you brought in as a witness for the prosecution ..under oath and cross examination should you choose to do so. I would much prefer to just get a sworn statement from you instead, and not have you testify in court,that might bring up damaging evidence to the defense. "Frankly, Lieutenant, I do have pertinent information, as otherwise I would not have asked for immunity. However, I am also concerned about your disrespect for the Guarantees and the fact that you are prosecuting Forrester's case. The reason I want that recording is for discovery purposes. What I tell you is going to the defense, and you have not given me any reason to believe you comprehend or will honor due process. You sound more like one of Forrester's special ops people than a trained legal representative. Now, would you rather do the interview, or get a copy of it from the defense?" “All information will be shared with the defense in this matter, the recording in this case will be shared I assure you. He pointed at the computer. “As for my part in this matter, I was sequestered into this situation,as was the Commander, and at the very last moment I might add. We are not stupid. That in itself is without argument way out of place in this type of matter. We have had little or no time to adequately prepare, just looked to get the job done as it apparently has been carefully constructed to do. I and the Commander agree on this matter as a matter of fact. I have certain connections to black ops in the past, as so does the Commander. I assure you this is not the case here. We were literally dragged into this." He hesitated briefly, then continued. “Computer, pause recording. Off the record if we cannot be allowed to get the data we need, it may go badly for the Captain on trial. I would much prefer this to end with minimal damage or none preferably to a Captains record. Now.. I am hot disregarding the immunity you ask for, and it will be granted should this data be of use and not just some kind of subterfuge to cover yourself and avoid possible prosecution, is that fair enough?” Joy considered. "That will be fair enough if you put it on the record and get it notarized by the trial judges." She would consider his statement that his preference would be to not do his assigned duty later. She again reminded herself, she was not Professor Six. Nodding in agreement, “then we understand each other, Commander and have struck an agreement” An agreement, yes, Joy thought. Understanding each other? Perhaps another day. “We agree in principle, though if you insist on not allowing me a recording in my own custody, I will have the defense councilor present.” Would a notarized copy of the immunity agreement from the judges suffice? If so may we proceed?” “That, and Captain Halloway’s presence.” I am not Professor Six. I am not Professor Six... He arranged these requirements, as Joy composed her thoughts.

It will be interesting to see where they go with the new Constitution Class movie. They are embracing the old uniforms and ship design. Are they going to be true to the characters and ideals as well?

You shouldn't have much trouble fitting in. STSF started with a grand exodus from SFOL, with many of the ships switching over intact, and many hosts making the jump. The style and notations are pretty well compatible. There may be a theme shift on many ships, away from TNG, towards a darker and more militaristic approach. Welcome back into the fold! Bob / Joy

For years my primary character(s) has/have been the Joy class androids, based on the I Mudd eipisode, but with asimov processor and emotion chip added. On the surface, they are designed to be human, but there are the minor details of lacking free will and being required to obey their programming. Much fun in the TNG environment she was designed for, but a pain in the rear in an environment where the Joy programming don't fit well with the sim culture. Currently, Joy Twelve is active on Republic. Tia is a mess. She is a half breed Betazed-Deltan with such a sensitive empathic ability that they had to send her off to Vulcan to prevent emotional overload and so she could learn discipline. So, we have a highly emotional empathic character who thinks she has to be logical all the time. She is also coming from three old style Roddenberry cultures, but is playing on the Excalibur, which has a distinct post-Roddenberry militaristic theme. A very confused character. Still finding herself. Then there is Tay, who recently started on the Agincourt, though I have played other nightflyers in other game groups. Her race is of my own creation. Rather than starting human and exaggerating a few traits, I started with wings, sonar and a fierce intelligence, and tried to derive a culture and set of emotions appropriate to a treetop dwelling hunter species that never developed tool use, agriculture or fire. A little bat here, a lot of lion there, with a dash of dolphin, and a language not based on symbols or words. Very nuts. Very fun. I started out playing humans playing in numerous off line games. I can agree that starting human is good for learning the game. I just enjoy going for the alien, trying to play characters who make decisions using non-standard values and perspectives that are still real and practical enough to help bring about a positive plot resolution in the game. Still, not every exotic non-human set of values is going to fit in every game. One has to match the values of the character to the ship.

Gee. I had never thought of Corizon as a rose colored glasses bright eyed optimist... :P