Light years away from the Milky Way Galaxy, was a small shuttle that seemed to be flying through an asteroid field. Inside, four canine-like creatures lay in stasis pods, completely unaware that the shuttle's communication system had activated. On the screen was a large black and tan dog with floppy ears, a thick pelt and intimidating jaws. Around his neck he wore a blue and red collar, while on his back and around his shoulders was a soft but tough canine vest.
"I have a message for all Auto-dogs scattered throughout the galaxies. Though Canis-tron has fallen, we still stand."
Shortly after, a map of the Milky Way popped up on the screen.
"Follow these coordinates to join us. Priority: Prime."
And with that, the call ended and the shuttle's engines activated, it then headed towards the location that had been sent to its navigation system.
Several weeks later, the shuttle crashed on the runway of what looked like a small abandoned airport. The facility was located in Northern Nevada and looked as if it hadn't been used in several years. Moments later, the four extraterrestrial life forms exited the craft. They looked like dogs and if one didn't look too closely, it could be seen in their behavior. But household fido, they were not.
This group of newcomers had smooth, shiny skin, making them look as if they were made of steel. All over their hairless bodies were large, fine, black lines in small pairs or trios. They were arranged in odd fashions, like foreign letters in black ink. Some were small; these were mostly on the teams long muzzles with with black-doggish noses, or on the paws with long toes and fearsome claws. Some were large and bold, these sat on the flanks, haunches and chest. They also had lengthy, thin tails and no ears. Their eyes were frightening, pupils constricted into cat like slits that floated in the pale blue orbs that were their eyes.
The thing that made them seem even a little safe to be near, were the metal collars they wore that also sported blinking lights of all colors and silver coin-like tags. One of them had a red collar, another a blue collar, one an orange one and the last, a green one.
The first three seemed uncertain, placing their five fingered-claws down slowly and carefully; they proceeded as though they were walking through a mine field. The fourth on the other hand was curious about his new surroundings; his greenish skin rippled with muscle and excitement and his whip-like tail wagged back and forth, while his muzzle sniffed and snorted in the dust on the hanger floor.
"What is this place?" he asked with a nose covered in grime.
"Earth," a voice answered.
The four canines quickly turned around and saw a large mastiff stepping out one of the buildings. He walked towards them, carrying the air of a king, his thick black and brown fur made him seem even more regal. His wide, far reaching gait closed the distance between the pack and this large dog. The team immediately got themselves in line; standing side by side with puffed out chests and lowered tails to show this massive breed his dominance. He wagged his bushy black and tan tail gently to show his good intentions.
"And I am Optimus Prime."
"Rescue Team Four-Seventeen," the alien with the reddish skin replied.
Optimus turned his head to the speaker in disbelief.
"I was not aware that rescue teams were… still active."
"Wherever there is an emergency, there are Rescue Mutts, Sir." Said the one with a distinctive blackish-blue color.
The orange skinned one, who seemed to be the youngest of the group, tilted his head and raised the ridge of his left eye.
"Wait, why wouldn't we be active? How long were we in stasis?" he asked.
"We better check in with Canis-tron H.Q." Said the red one, looking at his companions
The Tibetan Mastiff's ears dropped.
"That will not be necessary… or possible, Canis-tron is no longer our home, and this planet is." He explained.
The four Rescue Mutts stood there in shock and looked at each other nervously.
A routine stroll with four Mutts in stasis,
Years later, awoke in the strangest of places.
Earth was their home now, and in addition,
Optimus Prime made a decision:
'Learn from the humans, help and protect,
Live in their world, earn their respect.
A family of heroes will be your allies,
To others remain canines in disguise!'
Rescue Mutts, ruff to the rescue!
Humans in need, heroes indeed!
Rescue Mutts, ruff to the rescue,
Rescue… Mutts!
With Cody to guide them and show them the way,
Rescue Mutts will be saving the day.
Rescue Mutts, ruff to the rescue,
Rescue Mutts!
Gryphon Rock was an exceptional place; not many places could argue to being first in the new tech. A tiny island off of Maine, this little world was practically a dream to those who inhabited it. But there was the occasional human being who had yet to feel as if this paradise was complete.
Such was the case of 12-year old Cody Burns. He was relatively normal, besides the fact that he came from a family of heroes. His Police chief father Charlie, his 25-year old Firefighter Brother Kade, his 23-year old construction engineer brother Graham and his 22-year old helicopter pilot sister Dani; and who was he? Well, that was to be decided.
But he didn't complain, if anything he was a happy boy. He didn't complain or whine; he was surprisingly mature for his age. As of now, Cody was riding his bike down the street. He sped passed the high-tech lawn mower and the balding man with the jetpack that hovered above the streets.
"Hi Mr. Harrison!" The boy called out. The man waved back and began to sway and swerve before he was able to readjust himself. "I'm okay!" He shouted as Cody rode down the street, chuckling.
Cody continued down the street, until he heard the siren of a police car behind him.
"Cody Burns. Griffin Rock PD. Please pull over."
The bike squealed to a stop. His father pulled up in the blue and white police car. In the passenger seat, Kade sat with his typical cocky grin. In the back sat Dani and Graham.
"Thought you'd like to wish me luck on my trip to the mainland."
Cody sighed, "Why do you have to go all the way there, again? Buster is a great dog, he can come and helps us whenever we need him." Referring to the stray dog they had found not to long ago on the beach.
"Progress son, we need new dogs to help us do things that us humans just can't do. Plus, Buster lives in Coast City; I don't think Capt. Duncan would like sending him here every time we need him."
"Forget it Dad." his boastful brother said from the passenger seat. "If Cody had his way, we'd be the pets."
"Course, you'd have to get someone to make you their pet first, Kade." Dani chuckled in the back.
"And the collar might clash with your outfit." Graham laughed with her.
"Knock it off, Graham!" Kade scowled.
"Don't forget to be at the dedication this afternoon." Charlie reminded Cody.
"Think I could meet the-" Cody asked hesitantly, but Dani cut him off. "Cody, we're getting specially trained rescue-dogs, not pets. "
"Sorry, buddy. For authorized handlers only." Graham said, sheepishly.
Cody sighed. "So in other words, everyone in the family but me."
"Gotta drop these trouble makers off, then I have to catch a chopper to the mainland." Charlie said.
"You get to school now, okay Bud?" Charlie said to his son, putting a hand on his shoulder. "And Cody? Give it a little time. I'm sure you'll find your place soon."
"Okay." Cody said, glumly.
The police car pulled away from the curb and to the rescue station, leaving Cody behind.
Optimus strolled into the into the solitary bunker that the Rescue Mutts were using as their temporary Pack Den. The inside was still dusty, but the crates and equipment had been pushed to the back wall, the lights far overhead had been turned on and the floor was now littered with shiny bowls of reflective water (that had been spilled several times), squeaky toys and rawhide bones.
Heatwave and Chase were playing tug-o-war with a knotted piece of rope, growling playfully at each other while occasionally shaking their heads to the sides with playful violence to snatch away the toy from the other. When one lost his grip, the other would take the toy and run, leaving the loser to chase him for it; but after a minute or two, the keeper of the rope would slow down and let the other catch the opposite end of the cord to start the game over.
Boulder was laying on his lizard-like belly, busily gnawing on a piece of deer antler that had been given to him. However, his strong jaws would often quickly reduce the chew bone to pieces that clicked and clacked on the concrete floor. This was apparent by the pile of old, cracked shards of hardened cartilage behind him. He appeared to be working on his 8th antler. Blades was tossing a yellow, rubber ball into the air; whenever he caught it and bit down, it would let out a mouse-ish squeak that would make him more excited.
Blades became so enthralled with the squeaky thing that when he threw it up, he missed it. It bounced away from him, letting out its mocking cry every time it hit the ground. Blades went after it but missed it each grab; when he stood on his toes to catch it in the air with an open maw or when he bent his front legs and tried to catch it as it hit the ground. The ball finally stopped at the paw of the mastiff. Blades stood before the ball and eagerly bent to grab it in his teeth before he caught sight of the black and tan paw that was gently placed on the rubber orb to keep it from rolling and being a distraction.
The orange-ish Canis-tronian immediately backed away from his Alpha sheepishly and walked towards the others. His sudden conformity and his ceasing of his puppyish antics caught the attention of his pack mates and they all dropped whatever toy or bone they had in their mouths, got into a line and sat down on their haunches, giving Prime their full attention. Optimus walked in front of the line-up.
"Heatwave" The reddish alien sat straighter.
"Chase" The blackish-blue creature blinked his odd eyes.
"Blades" The orange-ish one squirmed his toes.
"Boulder" The greenish individual nodded.
"After careful consideration, I've chosen your next mission." The large dog turned around to face them.
"Yes!" Heatwave whispered with his narrow tail sliding back and forth behind him, just skimming the floor .
"We are happy to join the battle, sir." Chase puffed out his chest and bowed his head.
"So, when do we move out?" Heatwave asked.
"You do not." Optimus said. The rescue team tilted their heads at him.
"As, perhaps the last Rescue Mutts in existence, you are uniquely suited to help the people of this planet, as well as learn from them."
"You will be ambassadors to the people of this planet, as the first Auto-dogs to live with a human family. Study their customs, follow their rules and work together to keep this planet safe. During this mission, you four must appear to the humans as Earth dogs; Canines in disguise."
"What?!" Heatwave exclaimed.
"You are right to question what's best for your Pack Heatwave, which is why I'm putting you in charge of this mission." Optimus said. He walked forwards, stretching out his neck to offer his nose to the young, red planetary foreigner while also wagging his tail gently; a sign of encouragement. Heatwave looked at his leader with uncertainty and then tentatively lowered his head and touched his nose to the Prime's while also wagging his tail slowly and making sure his head was lower than that of his superior.
Optimus backed away. "Come with me."
He led the rescue team outside where four dogs sat; obeying the orders of the bigger, more impressive Tibetan Mastiff. There was a liver-spotted Dalmatian, a black and silver German shepherd, a Bernese Mountain dog and a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. On a nearby table, was their collars, four canine vests, and pictures of odd vehicles that none of the four rescuers had ever seen.
"First: to maintain your cover, you will each adopt the form of an earth dog, human being's most popular pet and rescue animal."
"Whoa, look at you!" Boulder walked towards the Bernese Mountain dog, that stood up and stretched to sniff at the odd creature. Boulder wagged his tail and smiled at the dog. "Your a powerhouse, aren't you Big Guy."
Optimus watched the green alien. "Boulder, do your wish to assimilate first?" Boulder nodded and stepped forwards.
He gently touched noses with the dog and he closed his eyes. He blinked them open and closed a few times once they were done, his eyes became dark brown. He began to grow in fur as well, fur that was black, long and complete with rust and white marks. White markings appeared around his paws, at the end of his tail, and around his wet nose. A white blaze that started on his forehead and made its way to the end of his nose. He also had a large patch of white on his chest and underside. Rust colored markings were found around his mouth and all four of his ankles. Two small rust spots gave him eyebrows that added to his expressions. He also gained floppy ears.
He stepped back and shook himself, unused to the feeling of fur on his skin. He turned around and around to catch sight of his furry tail. He looked at his companions and wagged his tail at them.
Heatwave stepped forward next. He examined the Dalmatian with a scathing look that made it lower its head and tail in intimidation. "Primitive fella, aren't you?" He said as he stood before the spotted dog. "But, you help the humans do what I did back home."
Heatwave's tone must've told the dalmatian that he wasn't in trouble, because it began to raise its head. Heatwave leaned down and touched noses with the dog. Short, white fur grew from his reddish skin. Spots appeared all over him; on his paws, on his sides, on his tail, on his head, even in his mouth. On his floppy ears, the scheme was reversed; white spots on liver ears. Oddly enough, Heatwave kept his icy blue eyes.
Heatwave stepped backwards and looked at his legs with a raised eyebrow. The coloring could use some work, but...
Chase's turn was next. He looked at the German shepherd. "Is this the canine used to aid Earth Authorities?" Optimus nodded.
Chase touched noses with the confident looking sheep guarder. Chase grew in a long silver and black pelt. A black facial mask stretched from around his eyes to the end of his snout and nose, ironically reminding one of a robber. A black saddle-like patch grew in on his back, starting at his nape and at the end of his bushy, furry tail. His fuzzy, black ears sat erect on his head.
Chase backed away and sat down without a second thought.
Blades looked at the Duck-toller Retriever, and examined it with a slanted head. Optimus walked to him and gently nudged his shoulder with his nose. "It appears your choice has been made for you."
Blades walked up to the timid retriever and they touched noses. Orange hair grew, semi long and orange. White markings materialized on his feet, snout, chest, belly and tail-tip, a long white blaze sat on the front of his head. He also gained webbed toes, and triangular high-set ears. Blades looked at his tail and made it wag, suddenly overcome with the desire to chase it.
Optimus called their attention with a small, but powerful bark. He led them away from the startled dogs and to the table. Optimus walked underneath and behind it. He stood on his hind legs and put his paws on the table. The Rescue Mutts mimicked him in the front.
"Your collars have been modified to respond to and summon the vehicles used in your specific occupation." He said as they looked at the pieces of metal, and the pictures of the vehicles beside them. The red collar sat beside a fire engine, the blue collar sat beside a police car, the green collar sat beside a bulldozer and the orange collar was beside a helicopter.
Optimus grabbed the red collar in his teeth, and then got on all fours. As he held it, he looked at Heatwave. The brand-new Dalmatian walked under the table towards him and put his head through collar. The microchip inside made the metal tighten until it was comfortably settled in the fire dogs throat. Then it morphed and shimmered until in the metal contraption had become leather, and the silver ion-like object hanging in the front reshaped itself into a brass, hydrant.
Heatwave moved beside Optimus and helped to distribute the collars and tags to their rightful owners. Chase got blue with a silver star, Boulder got green with a silver wrench, and Blades got orange with a silver helicopter.
Everyone got their collars and Optimus once again stood upright and put his paws on the table. "Also, you will be given canine vests; fully equipped with everything you and your partners will need."
He distributed vests of colors that matched those of the dogs collars. Blades began to fiddle with his vest almost immediately. He was startled when airplane wings suddenly unfolded from the sides, seemingly from nowhere. Blades hovered in the air for a bit, before immediately tucking the wings back into his vest.
"Wait, I'll have to fly?"He asked, crouching down to the ground with his belly brushing the pebbles in the driveway, suddenly nervous.
Boulder stepped up to Optimus. "He doesn't like heights." Boulder revealed to the mastiff.
A friendly whistle sounded from down the driveway, Chief Burns was walking towards the odd bunch of canines. Optimus walked towards him with a wagging tail and was greeted with a friendly pat on the head.
Optimus turned and sat down next the the Chiefs legs. "This is Chief Charlie Burns." He said, looking up at the man as he said his name. "He knows our secret and will help you keep yours."
Optimus stood up, regal and proud. "Rescue Mutts, Good Luck!"
Chief Burns turned to the ordinary dogs that lay down in the dirt, completely unaware of what was happening. "It is an honor and a privilege." He said, unaware.
"Over Here." Heatwave barked, bringing his attention to the real aliens.
I asked Greendogg if I could write a prequel to his/her story "Working Dogs"
And he/she said yes! I suggest you check it out! It's really good.