“SIR?”
Robo perked his ears, and sighed when he saw it was only Savage bringing in his evening meal. He didn’t want to talk to Savage right now. His future was the world, with dogs like Sabu. Savage was from his past, where his dreams were tied to nothing more than the well being of one small pack. In fact, he didn’t want Savage around here anymore. With the robot dogs fully in place, Blue now dead, and the orb in his possession, there was no reason to share his power with his Beta. There was no reason for him to share his power with anyone.
Robo smiled broadly.
“Savage, we haven’t talked in such a long while,” he said smoothly. “I’ve just been so busy. Do you have any interest in taking a short walk? I need to stretch what muscles I have left.”
Savage was taken aback by the sudden friendliness, but was happy that Robo had noticed him again.
“Sure!” he said, wagging his tail.
The two walked down the hallway. For Savage, this was a chance to renew an old friendship; for Robo, it was a chance for a new, solitary future.
Clover pattered down the hallway, tongue lolling out of his mouth, as usual. The dogs ignored his presence since, even though he looked like he could be a killer, everyone knew now that it was just a front. Clover was always in a good mood, friendly, helpful, and, in many ways, too likeable. He always just wanted everyone to get along.
Clover had found a place in the compound, and even with Robo. Despite his never-ending responsibilities, Robo would frequently summon Clover to join him for dinner. There was something about this affable dog that allowed Robo to relax and laugh. He amused him.
Now, Clover walked down the hallway to talk to Robo about the videos streaming around the world. The dogs had talked about it in hushed tones, excited about the coming war. With the orb, all the dogs in the mountain fortress knew they were now unstoppable. After months of defeat and challenges, the first video of their brothers taking over the fighting pits empowered the troops. The videos that followed were even more impressive. Robo was winning across the globe through sheer might.
Clover still wasn’t sure this was the right approach. He thought if he talked to Robo, his concerns would be answered. He knocked on the door of Robo’s den, and it slowly opened. Robo was nowhere to be seen.
The room was dimly lit to reduce the strain on Robo’s electronic eye. Clover stepped into the room, scanning quickly. Like the control room, it was also filled with monitors, many running constant streams of data he didn’t fully understand. Clover continued to walk among the monitors, low desks, and Robo’s bed, his big tail swishing back and forth. He accidently knocked several papers off the desk and a photo with burned edges and a faint image—a Great Dane puppy and a girl. Clover stared at it. Getting nervous, he quickly put the photo back into place. He was ready to leave when he felt a sudden urge to see his home. It would only take a second; just a quick GPS search for his Wolfie.
He regretted it. Clover was taken aback by the grainy security image showing his former family. Wolfie seemed so sad. Clover looked closer. His father was also there. They were trapped in a small cell with a dirt floor. His dad looked exhausted and grim as he paced the cell. Wolfie looked worried and thin.
“Clover?”
Quickly, Clover switched screens, and swung around. He saw Unknown at the door.
“What are you doing?” she asked sweetly, looking around the room.
“Um, I just wanted to drop a few things off for Robo, but I tripped and just made a big mess,” Clover said, using his natural clumsiness to his advantage.
“Robo and Savage have taken a walk, so I think we have time to get this back to ship-shape.” She paused. “I don’t really know when they’re going to get back,” her voice trailed off.
She narrowed her eyes at Clover again.
“Clover, are you okay?”
Clover quickly nodded, and started picking up the scattered papers. As he stacked them neatly, he used some to shield his quick close of the security screen. She wasn’t paying attention any way, picking up cans, batteries, and cords. Finally, he pushed past her, trying not to show his tears.
“Yep, I’m totally fine. Don’t worry about me,” he said cheerily.
A new, cunning dog emerged from Robo’s den, one that would use his ‘niceness’ to his advantage. Unknown, who had always liked sweet Clover, watched him go, before firmly closing Robo’s door behind them.
Savage was getting worried about leaving the troops alone for so long without their Alpha or Beta.
“Hey, Robo, we probably should head back, yes?” he asked.
“Not quite yet,” Robo said calmly. “We need to check on the humans.”
Savage frowned, but didn’t complain. Robo walked deeper into the compound, and started to sniff for the small cave that housed the humans.
Robo had been worried about how to keep the humans from creating more of the serum. Cynically, he discovered they were the least of his problems. If you pay them enough or promise them fame, humans would happily betray their own species.
Amazing, he thought.
Dogs, on the other hand, were much more difficult. Especially dogs like Savage. Robo didn’t want or need him anymore, but Savage was so loyal, such a good leader, that even Robo couldn’t kill him. He had devised a different plan.
“Savage,” he said. “I want you to see this new lab we’re building. We’ve brought in a new team of hackers to continue breaking into banking security systems. We need more money and more recruits.”
Savage nodded in agreement.
Robo stepped aside. “Go ahead, check it out. I think you’re going to be amazed with what I’ve built.”
Savage, adjusting to the dim light, stepped inside and walked carefully across the floor.
“Robo, there’s really nothing here to see—”
The steel door slammed shut. Robo breathed deeply, relieved. It took a moment for Savage to realize what had happened. He started lunging at the door.
“Robo, what are you doing?” he screamed and barked. “Robo, why are you doing this?” He crumpled against the door. “I have always tried to protect you. You were like a father to me.”
Robo stood quietly against the other side.
Savage, after a while, also grew quiet. “I loved you,” he whispered.
Robo heard it and winced.
Love is greatly overrated, he repeated to himself as he walked away. Power is better.
It has to be.