milliways_bar | (no subject)

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Guppy is enjoying not having to watch his back, and is looking refreshed and relaxed today. No Urquhart to bother him. No nasty administrator at work. He's even finished his paperwork.

He's now sitting with Carlotta, who was also at a loose end, playing what appears to be a Milliways version of Guess Who. Or so it would sound from the questions.

Carlotta peers at her game board for a moment, then asks.

"Are you human or human-like in appearance?"

"No."

Carlotta flicks down some of the little pictures.

Anyone else want to play? They're close to the end of the game.

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"When you're Bound there's a fund." Guppy says. "Otherwise there are various ways - providing services, working behind the bar, and so on."

"What sort of services?" Data asks.

"Well it depends on what skills you have."

"Do you perform any services here in Milliways?" Data asks, curious.

"Yes, I'm a doctor and perform medical work here. I only get expenses though, enough to cover what I need when I work here. For example if I have to stay overnight looking after someone. Other than that it's voluntary."

Data looks a little impressed.

"So you enjoy your work, then."

"Oh yes." Guppy says. "It's tiring at times though."

"That is understandable," Data says with a nod, then thinks of something. "You must encounter some interesting problems here in Milliways."

"Definitely that, yes. Not all my patients are human here for a start."

"I would be interested to hear some examples," Data says, folding his hands on the table and leaning forward.

"That would be against confidentiality." Guppy says. "Sorry."

"I understand," Data says. "I apologize."

"Not a problem, that's just why I can't tell you."

A thought occurs to Data. "Do you know anything about androids?"

"Not a lot, sorry. Depends how human they are. What did you have in mind?"

"I was simply wondering if I should come to you if I experience a malfunction," Data explains. "The doctor on my ship has learned a few things, and has been able to assist me in the past."

(There might be a detail about this conversation that Data is forgetting.)

"If you're in a crisis, I will do my very best to assist you." Guppy says. "But it's very much not my field, so if there's an alternative I'd choose them over me."

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