8
"Ladies and Gentlemen and those of other persuasions… I would like to show you something" Jack said as he stood on the stage, the podium was glass, so he was clearly visible, behind him the huge screen that had been full of his smile flickering and then changing to show a dog in full flight, running energetically to a boy. "People, that was me at age eight. That was Flash, my first and most beloved companion animal. Flash was mine from the age of five to seventeen when he developed cancer, and we made the decision to put him to sleep"
The dog was now standing staring at the audience, the screen full of a dog laughing, his teeth showing as the huge German Shepherd raised its ears as if hearing it's master calling.
"Flash" Jack said as he continued to look at the screen as well "Come here boy."
A large dog suddenly appeared from the side of the stage, running full tit towards Jack to stop with the same hand command he had given as a child in the video, the same laughter in the dog's face as it bowed, the same way it had to show loyalty.
"Everyone… meet Sim Flash, Or Flash Mark II" Jack said with a flourish, the dog now raising a paw as if to wave to the people who were out of their seats with shock. "Yes… this is the latest Sim now in production. We are going to create police and military aids as well as service those of you who want a forever pet."
"My god… do they all look like him?" someone shouted.
"No. We have generic models, much as our current Sims are but also, we do more… personalized models for a steeper price, given the work needed. Flash here took a month to create from the moment I handed over the video and photo footage to the day he was introduced to me" Jack grinned widely "Imagine. Your cat is run over, you can't stand the kids grieving… come to us. Within a week we will have another generic one… or wait a month or so, give them time to grieve before introducing the Sim. This one will never die. If it does get damaged, you have our full replacement guarantee… but try not to run it over again."
The place went wild and Jack held his hands up "I do want to point out… only pets. Cats, dogs, hamsters and the like. They are something we can do… humans … no. We are instituting a fourth law here at Harkness Enterprises. We shall not replicate a living human. We can't. Simply… they are too complex, it is an afront to god and… you would never be able to afford what would take years per model to even get close to something without a soul. No. Animals, yes. People no. Our Sims will continue to be generic and what they were always supposed to be… aids. Also, we want to be in line with the cloning laws."
Jack looked to the side of the stage where Ianto stood, the leash in his hand and nodded then added "And for future reference. Our Pet Programme is the Harkness-Jones Pet Program. In recognition of our greatest mind, Doctor Ianto Jones, who is responsible for what you see here today."
.
.
"That went well" Owen said as he fell into step with Jack, then made a noise and took off at a trot as Ianto approached. Jack watched Owen leave then glanced at Into.
"I know" Ianto replied like there had been something said out loud "He is still unable to apologise for his fuck up and is, instead, avoiding it. Typical Owen."
"Have you forgiven him?"
"Yes. But I do like seeing him squirm."
Jack laughed softly "Ianto, F2 is amazing and… at times feels like Flash… it is amazing what you can do. But… can you make him kill me?"
Ianto roared with mirth "Like, rip your throat out in your sleep? No. God... the laws apply to him too. He is a Bot. God…. No. I can control him in an emergency though. Any and all animals are service Sims so… I can override certain things but… no. They cannot harm or allow harm to a human. Another animal… well. If a feral dog were to run at you right now slathering at the mouth, F2 would interrupt and hold it down by it's throt. If it was still trying to harm you… last ditch effort is for F2 to kill it… yes. But it is not human. The last resort is seldom taken. F2 can hold another dog of equal weight and size down for up to five hours s without effort so… animal control will have arrived and interceded before it gets too much."
"Police dogs…"
"The same. In the pursuit of a suspect, they can take down a suspect and hold on the ground. Will not even break the skin but can cause moderate pain in the grip of the handler demanded a Firm Hold Command." Ianto advised, "We do have the meeting later today with the commissioner about their units."
"Almost ready?"
"I have three ready for the demonstration yes. A F2 model, a Doberman model and for shits and giggles… a poodle."
Jack stopped walking "A poodle?"
"Yes, a little tea cup one... about… yay big" Ianto motioned with his hands the size of a cat.
Jack was sort of excited about that, keen to see what a small toy dog could do if an intruder broke into a little old lady's house and found a Sim Pet waiting to defend.
Ianto really did think outside the box.
And finally, seemed to be more friendly towards him too.
Good thing… F2 was coming home with Jack today.