"English"
::Comm. link::
{Cybertronian}
[HUD notifications/scans]
::Bond conversations::
:Speaker speech:
"Intercom"
Memories/flashbacks/stasis
{:Ghost/apparition speech:}
(Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers; just Filly and any other OC's I may or may not have mentioned.)
(Authors Note: Hello dear readers, I hope you've all been enjoying this story so far because I am having so much fun writing it and updating it for all of you. I apologize for not uploading a new chapter sooner, but I've been working on my other FF's lately and have been on a roll with uploading new chapters for almost all of them. I've been quite productive with my other hobbies as well and have made great progress on my crafts that I've been working on lately. Bust mostly, I'm glad to be uploading new content for all of you to enjoy. Feel free to comment for I love your input and feedback. Until next time, keep safe, keep sane, keep warm and keep being awesome!)
Chapter 16
-Later-
As Filly was being tucked into her berth for the night, she looked up at her creators and said, "Baba, Papa, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, baby girl. What's on your mind?" Jazz asked as he gently tucked the thermal blanket around her tiny frame.
"Are all dogs like the one we rescued earlier? Or do they come in different shapes and colors like us?"
He shook his helm, "Nah, they're all different like us and humans. Sure, some of them may be of the same breed or type, but their DNA is always unique, just like humans and us Cybertronians. Am I makin' any sense?"
She nodded, "Yea, I think so." *yawn* "How come we don't have cyberdogs on the Ark?"
Prowl stood next to the berth and answered, "Because there wasn't time to gather any for transport before we fled Cybertron. Also, with the war, they weren't really a necessity and even before the war, there weren't many around."
"Oh...why not?"
"Because unlike Earth, Cybertron doesn't have a vast selection of lifeforms inhabiting its surface. Granted, there are various types of bots and cons, but not as many beasts in which one could tame and keep as a pet."
"How come?"
"I honestly cannot say, sweetspark. That answer lies with Primus."
She pouted, "That's not really an answer."
He chuckled, "No, but that's the most logical one I can come up with at the moment. Now, the time is late and you need your rest. Goodnight, Filly."
*yawn* "Goodnight Papa."
"Sweet dreams, lil' spark."
"Night, Baba."
Both Jazz and Prowl then gave her a kiss goodnight before exiting her quarters and entering their own. "Dearspark, I've been meanin' to ask your opinion on somethin'."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
"Would you be opposed to the idea of havin' a dog in the base? I ask this because our lil' sparkling was so taken with that furry critter we rescued earlier. I think she'd be responsible enough to have a pet of her own."
The SIC vented a sigh as he looked at his sparkmate, "While I have no doubts that she would be an excellent caretaker for another being, I'm sorry to say that I cannot permit bringing a dog on base. For one, organics require a variety of nutrients that we cannot readily procure on a regular basis. And two, organics have considerably shorter life spans. No doubt Filly would grow very attached to whatever organic she would be presented with, but sooner or later, said creature would inevitably perish and she would be left sparkbroken over the loss. As a Sire, I cannot allow our creation to feel such pain after she has endured so much in her short life thus far."
Jazz's visor dimmed slightly at his words, "Yer right, Prowler. I didn't take into consideration the shortness of life expectancy to be had when dealing with organics. I was just thinkin' of Filly's happiness, but I don't even wanna imagine her sorrow at the loss of a pet."
He gave a nod and gently cupped his cheek, "It's alright. Your spark was in the right place, but unfortunately, that is the reality of our situation."
"Wait...What if we had Wheeljack build her a cyberdog? I mean, he built the Dinobots, so surely a dog wouldn't be a problem for him."
Prowl pondered this for a moment before giving his sparkmate a fond smile, "Then it seems we'll have another member to our growing family unit before too long."
"Oh Prowler, you are such a wonderful mech," he then kissed him which was warmly reciprocated by his sparkmate.
XXXXX
-The next morning-
Jazz and Prowl were currently in the Lab while Filly was in the rec room watching a movie with Bumblebee and Bluestreak. Her creators wanted to use this opportunity to speak with Wheeljack about creating a cyberdog for her. However, they also had to inform Ratchet of the situation, seeing as how he co-created the Dinobots with Wheeljack and his opinion would be beneficial to the project. Optimus was also notified and stood beside the CMO as his SIC and TIC spoke with the scientist.
"So, you two want me to make a Cyberdog for Filly, huh? I think that can be arranged, provided you give me an idea on the design."
"Well, Prowl an' I were thinkin' you'd make somethin' that's not too small where it would likely get stepped on by anyone. Nor do we want anything too big that it would be problematic in the long run. Maybe somethin' in the middle would do."
"Ah, so something similar to Ravage's size?"
Prowl vented a sigh at the mention of that Con's name, but gave a nod, "Indeed. As much as I dislike the example you used, yes, that size would be preferable. I understand that it would be quite large in comparison to Filly's current height, but in time she'll grow considerably taller which won't be an issue."
"Aw Prowler, don't say that. I want our lil' sparklin' to be tiny and huggable for a long time still."
He chuckled, "And she shall, Jazz. But eventually, she'll grow up."
"Not helpin' dreaspark," he frowned.
"Ahem," Wheeljack cleared his vocalizer before continuing, "Now, before I can get started, I was going to ask which dog breed you'd like me to replicate in this project."
Prowl stood in thought for a moment before making a calculated decision, "I believe it would be best to incorporate traits from several breeds to ensure the best outcome. But as for appearance, I think something in the style of a Labrador would suffice. As for the traits in question, we'd like for it to be friendly towards Filly and those she associates with, yet cautious when among strangers, but not aggressive unless it senses danger. It also needs to be loyal to her and our fellow Autobots, and it needs to listen when addressed."
"Got it. All the standard requirements," he stated. "Well then, I best get to work right away. Ratchet, you're welcome to assist me if you're not too busy."
He emitted a slight grunt, "Unless our resident terror twins show up with a new dent in their frames, I think I can spare a few groons of my time assisting you in this project. If anything it'll be to make sure nothing explodes in the process."
"Oh ye of little faith, Ratchet. Not all of my experiments and inventions explode. Often they just spark or burst into flames," he teased, making the CMO roll his optics.
Optimus finally spoke and addressed his SIC and TIC, "I'm glad you two are adding another edition to your family unit. I know Filly will appreciate and love her K9 companion once it's finished and given Ratchet's seal of approval."
The three of them had a slight chuckle at that, knowing well indeed that if the cyberdog was not up to Ratchet's standard, it would not be permitted to set foot outside of the Laboratory.
XXXXX
After several groons of non-stop labor, Wheeljack and Ratchet finally laid down their tools and took a look at their handiwork. "Well Doc, what's your verdict? Shall we fire this thing up and bring it to life?"
The CMO carefully inspected their work, making sure to check, double check and triple check everything so as to not overlook anything. When he saw that everything was in its proper place and looked physically stable, he gave a nod of his helm. "Alright Wheeljack, flip the switch."
"You got it, Doc."
"Don't call me Doc."
With a chuckle, Wheeljack flipped the switch and sent currents of electricity into the still form of the cyberdog, hoping to jumpstart the spark they inserted into its frame and bring it to life. Within seconds, they noticed slight movements coming from the K9 unit, to which Wheeljack cut the power and approached the operating table where it was lying. Both he and Ratchet were delighted to see a pair of blue optics open as the cyberdog slowly sat up on the table and began to wag its tail.
Appearance wise, it was the same height and size of Ravage, but instead of a feline build, it resembled a canine. Its ears were floppy and its body was built like a Labrador; however, unlike the canine breed it was designed after, it had a copper and chrome color to its frame as opposed to the typical black, brown or yellow shades. Around its neck hung an orange collar with an Autobot insignia tag and a blank plate along the band which would be reserved for its name inscription. Now all it needed was a name, but that decision would be Filly's to make.
XXXXX
Soon after activating the cyberdog, Ratchet and Wheeljack began running it through a variety of tests and commands to make sure that it understood and followed orders. The last thing they wanted or needed was for it to go rogue and cause destruction and disruption within the Ark. Unacceptable. Thankfully, it seemed to listen and respond well to their requests, but the true test would be to introduce it to Optimus, Prowl and Jazz before they could safely discharge it from the Lab and present it to Filly.
Upon receiving the Comm. message from Wheeljack, the three Autobots in question entered the Lab and were astonished to see the cyberdog casually sitting beside the CMO. "I gotta hand it to ya both, that's one amazing lookin' k9 unit."
"Well thank you, Jazz. Doc and I did a pretty good job if I do say so myself. Now, we've already ran her through the standard protocols and she passed with flying colors. However, we wanted to introduce her to the three of you and get your input and opinions before we discharged her from the Lab."
"Her?" Prowl asked.
"Yes," Ratchet stated. "Wheeljack and I decided it would be best if the k9 unit was a femme, seeing as how Filly is currently the only femme on base. In this way she won't be completely outnumbered by mechs."
"I know she'll appreciate that," Jazz replied with a chuckle.
"Indeed," Prowl agreed. He then watched as Optimus approached the cyberdog:
"Greetings, K9 unit. Can you understand me?"
She blinked her optics and gave a slight nod of her head before emitting a soft bark of acknowledgement.
"Then you know that I am an Autobot like the rest of my comrades."
*bark*
He smiled underneath his face shield and stated, "I am Optimus Prime, leader of the autonomous robotic organisms of the planet Cybertron, and I wish to be among the first to make your acquaintance."
She politely bowed her head as a sign of respect and acknowledgement of his title and rank as a Prime, to which he then knelt before her and gently placed his servo atop of her head and gave her a gentle rub. Her response was one of praise, for she then began to wag her tail and lick his digits.
"Well, it would seem that she meets Prime's approval," Ratchet responded with an amused smirk.
"Agreed," replied Jazz. "Of course, it's hard not to like 'im. He's a good mech. Now, I'm curious to see how Filly will react to having a cyberdog as her companion." At the mention of the little femme, the K9 unit's ears perked up and she happily wagged her tail some more. "Oh? So you know who Filly is?"
"Indeed she does," stated Wheeljack. "She's been programmed to know every Autobot on base, but her main priority is Filly, as she is her charge. Think of her as a four-legged nanny or a surrogate Carrier of a sorts. Now, she certainly won't replace you, Jazz. That role is strictly yours; however, she will be like a maternal figure to your femmling to some degree as it is her nature to care for and protect Filly."
"And that's all Prowl and I could ask for in a cyberdog designed for our lil' one. I have a feeling that she'll make a great addition to our family unit. Right Prowl?"
"Indeed. I look forward to presenting her to Filly."
"Same here, dearspark."