☑ 1st Security Check [Video]

[always_alert]

[Oh hey, it's that redhead who was too paranoid to introduce himself on the network until now.]

[The video opens to a scrawny, (literally) red-haired man who looks like he could use a few consecutive weeks of sleep, given how dark and sunken in his eyes are. His expression is one of thinly-veiled exasperation, which seems aimed solely at the camera, as if it offended him somehow. Probably because he actually has to, you know, use it. To communicate with people. Most of whom he doesn't know or trust; which is sort of a big deal to him.]


I found this hiding behind a trash-receptacle nearby my place of residence.

[He holds up a small, underweight puppy with dirty paws for a few moments, before placing it back on the floor once it starts squirming and trying to lick his face.]

I've contacted the local animal shelters, and to their knowledge, no one has reported a missing animal matching this one's description. If this...dog belongs to you or someone you know, please contact me at the earliest convenience.  Preferably with some sort of verification of ownership.

[He leans forward to shut of the feed, but just before he can, the puppy jumps onto his lap, smearing it's dirty paws all over his clean white shirt. He makes a face, mutters something unflattering in his native language, then scoops up the pup and shuts of the camera.]

Comments

permavid

[heartlessglitch]

[ watching him with those pupil-less eyes a long moment before she says, simply: ]

The animal seems fond of you.

Permavoice

[always_alert]

So I've been told. It's why I'm having trouble understanding.

[All he did was take him home out of the cold and feed him and bathe him and---]

[Okay, yeah, he can see why the puppy would like him. That doesn't mean he can't still be confused by it.]

Re: Permavoice

[heartlessglitch]

You are its rescuer. It is not uncommon for animals of higher intelligence to display loyalty under such circumstances.

[ a beat. ]

Do you not wish to keep it?

[always_alert]

[He actually has to stop and think about that for a moment.]

I'm... not sure, honestly.

[He's never had a pet before, okay. He's not really sure what he's supposed to do, or how the whole pet/owner dynamic even works.]

[heartlessglitch]

Acknowledged.

Perhaps increased exposure to the task of caretaking will assist you in making your decision. I would offer relevant canine maintenance references, but I am currently disconnected from my databases.

[always_alert]

[Another pause, this one thoughtful.] Hn. Maybe you're right.

[He still doesn't know diddly about dogs, though.]

I'll most certainly need to do some research of my own, later on. Animal care taking isn't something one should learn by trial and error.

[heartlessglitch]

You seem familiar with the other Cybertronians. They may be able to assist you, as they have more extensive personal experience with the needs of organic beings.

[always_alert]

I've had my fair share of experience with organics, though admittedly my exposure has mostly been limited to humans rather than canines.

[If only Hound or Beachcomber were here. They'd be the mechs to ask about this sort of thing.]

[heartlessglitch]

Then you will be fine. Humans are infinitely more difficult.

[always_alert]

That they are.

[They're also not nearly as fluffy and adorable.]

[heartlessglitch]

You are fortunate that the physical and emotional needs of a canine subject are much less complicated.

[always_alert]

"Less complicated" doesn't necessarily mean "easier to understand" but I'll take whatever mercies I can.

[heartlessglitch]

I'm certain you will manage somehow.

[always_alert]

I appreciate the vote of confidence.

[He's got a lot to learn, but he'll get there. Eventually.]

[Hopefully.]

[heartlessglitch]

You're welcome.