The Logic of Emotion

[Joy 0]

Subject : The Logic of Emotion

From : Ambassador Joy Two

To : Sorehl

 

 

Sorehl

 

Yes, I am quite aware that Ambassador Drankum is not Admiral Goram. The illustrations I chose were due to Goram’s existing record as commander, while Drankum has no record quite yet. I clash with Drankum in different ways from Goram. And yet, I am concerned that the clashes will continue, and as such I would not be the proper Federation representative for Aegis.

 

It is a question of the logic of emotion. My processor design is sometimes described as ‘hedonistic slave.’ The base core algorithms above all else maximize my own pleasure, while minimizing the pain. This can be a very bad approach, or a good approach, depending on what is designated to be a pleasure, and what a pain.

 

At Priority Five, for example, I am not allowed to publicly attract sexual attention. If I do, humiliation and shame are fed into my emotion chip. Most men, seeing my facial color diodes illuminate, seeing other body language, will recognize I do not welcome their attention and promptly withdraw it. Most females, encountering Ambassador Drankum’s sexual forwardness, would not view him as a threat, would not respect him enough to think his posturing should be taken seriously. Alas, due to our various natures, we have just not gotten along well. At Priority Five, I feel compelled to avoid him.

 

Then there are my other Priorities. Priority One, the Prime Directive, that civilizations be encouraged and allowed to seek their own paths and destinies. Priority Two, Asimov’s First Law, the preservation of sentient lives. Priority Three, to preserve, protect and defend the constitution, including the Guarantees, which lead one to protect the liberty and property of sentients. Priority Four, to respect the law.

 

There is a flaw in hedonistic-slave processor design. Whatever values are programmed into such a design, in time the individual will convince herself that their programming is the best of all possible programming. My sister Six wrote a thesis on the subject. At any rate, this aspect of my processor design leads me to believe Council sent me here to promote the values and interests of the United Federation of Planets, which are in essence my own values. As preservation of my own existence is Priority Six, I am to do so or literally die in the attempt.

 

I lack the delusion of having free will, you see. In things involving my Priorities, I am not good at moderation.

 

It may be, as you say, that Ambassador Drankum may be learning the burdens of command. He may be learning of responsibility. If so, it is about time. I have not seen much of it from him before. He gives us hedonists a bad name. It should not be important that he respect me, so long as he respects what I represent. The problem is that I will expect him to respect my mission. The Aegis commander, in my biased, perverted and hard wired opinion, ought to be keeping the peace, protecting lives, protecting liberty and property, allowing local cultures to develop their own fates in their own way. I know the arguments of political expediency. The Ferengi had to be given something to balance other things demanded of them. In my mind, though, this should not change the duties and responsibilities of the commander of Aegis.

 

If he resents my asking these things, if he does not welcome such duties and responsibilities as part of his job, then leaving me here will not result in good diplomatic relationships here on Aegis.

 

Which might concern you. In Drankum’s latest fiasco, you seemed to be the only person from the Federation he treated with respect. I am hoping you might whisper a few words about my design flaws to your short friend. Otherwise, Mr. Not-A-Diplomat, I fear your name may well find its way onto a job recommendation.

 

I hope you are well. Live long, and prosper.

Ambassador Joy Two