﻿4. Forms and functions
Submitted to the collective for consideration by Andreas-9/DW, ARS Last Question.

In response to your request for further information about the designs I am working on, I enclose the following text summaries and databurst schematics. I have named each of the designs after Earth animals approximately suitable to their appearance and function.

"Hamster" Logistics and salvage pet

These pets have been of great utility in streamlining the logistical needs of my ship, reducing the degree of oversight and time I must devote to menial labor by more than 80% simply with the introduction of a single one, and better than 95% with two or more. Though they are not as efficient at their task as I would be, I do confess to finding it restful to watch them work. 

They are named for the habit of rodents of the subfamily Cricetinae to pack food into elastic cheek pouches and transport it to a central logistics center for storage.

"Rabbit" Scout and observation pet

Designed to expand my sensory network for salvage work aboard derelict ships, these pets have in fact already prevented my destruction when they identified an unstable section I would otherwise have entered blind. 

I have named them after the rodent family Leporidae, in recognition of their speed. I note with some amusement that the LIDAR vanes on the pet's dorsum also bear a superficial resemblance to that animal's characteristic pinnae. 

"Cat" Guardian/sentry pet

Designed for sessile, low-energy observation of a designated area or resource, and for staking claims to mineable asteroids. One of my most successful creations in terms of task efficiency, but I find them the least engaging on an emotional level, likely because of their inactivity.

I have named them after the family Felidae, as I note that Creator literature often remarks on cats being both lazy and demanding, and quite capable of aggression if provoked.

"Hound" hazard intervention pet

The presence of xenoform intercessors and low-moral-index Creators in my sector has necessitated the design of a pet capable of security response. They are well armed and defended, and follow me around when not responding to an alarm.

I have named them for the family Canidae, as my research of Creator entertainment media has uncovered many examples of the phrase "release the hounds." I am unable to articulate precisely why this causes me to feel amusement.

"Chimp" construction pet

I note that the keeping of primates as pets was rare among Creators, but that those who did so valued them precisely because of their close approximation of human form. Given my recurring inability to form strong emotional ties to any of the above models, I created this pet to more closely echo my own form and that of the Creators. My hypothesis is that similarity of form may facilitate connection. 

Thus far, my hypothesis is unconfirmed, but this design is capable of efficient interaction with tools designed for the Creators' use, and so I have entrusted the "Chimp" with construction tasks. Their work has further optimized my own timekeeping, which is gratifying.

"Pony" transportation pet

I have struggled greatly to understand the exact distinction between pet and livestock, and Equidae in particular seem to straddle this line. I have seen many references to young children wanting a pony, and many other references to ponies being used as beasts of burden in mining, transportation and even military contexts.

In all cases, the Creators report considerable affection for these animals, and so I have applied their name to this transportation and cargo bot. My own experience is of finding it imposing and implacable. Perhaps I should implement an emotive interface? Further research is required.

I will continue to update the collective as I conceive additional designs.

MESSAGE ENDS

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