Bobbing for Bad Apples

[Joy 0]

Joy entered Ten Forward and stopped, not quite sure of herself. This was an organic fueling area. She, of course, didn't need organic fuel, but this was also a place for social interactions. So much of organic social behavior was based on the exchange of proteins and carbohydrates. After spending a long shore leave with Holly, Joy thought she might seek out some normal people, assuming this quest a rational one on board USS Republic. Joy very politely ordered her usual, "Water, cold, pure, please." She hoped the replicator properly appreciated her respect, and did not give her toast instead.

 

Dave Johnson was there ahead of her, one hand on his cheek, sipping a cut of vulcan brandy, staring out the window. He turned to look at her. "You're a tea totaler aren't you?"

 

Joy smiled. "Quite the tea totaler. Tea would be too strong for me."

 

"So you pick cold water... Reminds me how cold..." He paused with another sigh. "Never mind."

 

Joy sampled her water quickly, reading the temperature sensors in her tongue. "Well, not too cold. It is not ice, after all." She smiled. "Joy. Joy Twelve. Science department."

 

He cracked a small smile. "I have heard of you. I took the liberty of reviewing most of the crew manifest before I came aboard, so I could make some friends. You're an android right, like Lt. Cmdr Data of the Enterprise?

 

She settled down opposite him on the table. "An android, yes. Like Commander Data?" She paused. "That depends on how specific one wants to get on design. A removable emotion chip?" She shook her head, gently. "There are many similarities, but he is Soong, while I am Mudd. It is said that never the twain shall meet."

 

Dave chuckled. "To be honest... I may be an engineer but not that type of one."

 

"That's not surprising. Soong and Mudd together aren't common enough to attract many engineers into robotics and AI as a specialty. We end up in 'doctor heal thyself' territory often enough."

 

"In any case... I could use a sounding board right now, especially one without natural human emotions. Do you mind?"

 

"No. I can listen. Go ahead." Hopefully, her unnatural emotions would prove useful.

 

"Do you know who Lt. Cmdr BobO is?"

 

Joy tilted her head briefly. "No. Can't say that I do."

 

"He's one of the engineers... to heck if I know what his background is, he didn't show up on my list."

 

"Not on your list? Which list? The Republic's crew manifest?"

 

"He was on the manifest but I couldn't find out anything else about him, like I could about Lt. Cmdr Jax for example. Any ways, I think for whatever reason he has it in for me. I have tried engaging him in conversation. I have tried interaction. But no matter what I say he just yells at me and then gives me demeaning tasks to do. You know what he ordered me to do today?"

 

"No...."

 

"Check out the shuttles for a "funky smell" Dave laughed, sarcastically.

 

Joy smiled. "Better you than me. I'm not equipped for that particular task. Did you find one?"

 

"No... no I didn't." He shook his head, clearly annoyed. "Look... the bottom line is that I may be young but I am a starfleet officer. I went through the academy"

 

"So... Another form of wild goose chase." She decided not to bring up her own way of dealing with wild avians.

 

"You hit the plasma conduit there."

 

"And you wish to be treated with dignity."

 

Exactly.. At least some dignity. I want to confront him... but... I am not sure how. Hell I have already ended up in the brig since I came onboard."

 

Joy blinked. "Oh yes. You were the one who shot Will." She smiled. "Good shooting, by the way, though you should likely not try it again..."

 

He chuckled. "I am starting to feel better about that having talked with about half a dozen people about him.

 

"He does find ways of getting shot."

 

"In any case... I have set up a meeting with Lt. Cmdr Jax. The question I suppose is how to explain this to her so that she can ask him to treat me more politely in a way he will understand.

 

Joy considered. "A lieutenant commander in engineering.... She would have to know him, and know him relatively well. Tell me, is it just you he treats this way, or is he equal opportunity obnoxious?"

 

I haven't seen him interact with anyone else. But I have a feeling he doesn't act like that to Jax, they may have the same rank, but she is the Chief of the Department.

 

"Hmm... Well... When my sisters were first in Starfleet, mostly Seven in Academy days, we had some similar problems. Some people enjoy causing others discomfort. I can say you are right in thinking you don't have to endure it. The harassment I endured was sexual and racial. That you are male and human should make no difference. "

 

"Any of them treated like this by a superior when they didn't deserve it?"

 

Joy smiled. "Ambassador Joy Seven was harassed by an ambassador who was also on the Federation Council. She invoked Robert's Rules of Order, demanding an apology, and brought the entire Federation Council to a stand still. You have a right to expect respect."

 

"I don't want to cause an incident, I just want him to see where I am coming from, that I could use help from a veteran like him, that I am not a genius. But as I said I am a starfleet officer and I do deserve the same respect he gets.

 

"The Republic is a somewhat irregular ship. Well... you have met Will, and Jax. We are not as polished and civil as many another vessel in the fleet. Each ship develops its own feel. Republic, more than many ships, you might be expected to earn respect rather than demand it."

 

"I can understand that, but I don't think Lt. Cmdr Jax would want me running around sniffing shuttles. She is very busy and has a lot on her shoulders right now or so it seems. Is there any, polite way I could confront BobO before my meeting with her?"

 

"I'm not sure if the councilor is aboard. I have not seen him since Earth. In most ships, if you cannot get satisfaction out of your department chief, you should seek out the councilor. But you should likely try to work with Jax first. She ought to be aware of the problem. She might not think it is a problem. I don't know." Joy shrugged. "I don't think I can say much more without getting to know the dynamics of your department better."

 

"Maybe if I just don't say anything to him and work on tasks that need to be done... he won't give me tasks to do that don't make sense which I think he is only doing to get me out of his way."

 

"That sounds right... but it might not be that simple. Abusive people like to abuse people. They get addicted to a particular style of causing emotional distress. It might be that no matter what reasonable avoidance strategies you use, he might well seek you out."

 

Perhaps so. Well I gotta get back on duty I appreciate you lending me you're ear.

 

"Good luck, then. If you need anyone to talk to, I do have an ear or two."

 

"That's good to know." He smiled, and left the lounge.

 

Joy watched him go, sipped her water, and checked to make sure the number 12 was still blazoned on her necklace. She then addressed the image of herself, reflected off the exterior window. "Scientist. Twelve is the scientist. Six is the expert on rogue AIs. Nine is the councilor. Scientist, Twelve, you are the scientist..."

 

She didn't sound entirely convinced.

 

 

(Sorry, the subtopic should of course be "Dave and Joy...")

Edited July 31, 2006 by Joy

[STSF_BluRox 0]

Really nicely done!! Awesome log!

 

Merit awards to both!