{"sf1_id":1761189,"sf2_id":"qmywY9W1","title":"Power Loader Antics","author":"Marcwolf","words":606,"posted_at":"2021-09-08T03:54:21.000Z","tags":["Human","Sci-Fi","Wolf"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1761189-power-loader-antics","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/qmywY9W1","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/ae/94/ae9417d7-b905-47be-9b87-bcb316b84004","description":"Had a strange dream re power loaders, and remember a classic scene from Red Dwarf where the Cat showed his piloting skills with the Star Bugs.  \nSo Enjoy - and let the imagination run free.","content":"A Korben Class Powerloader\u0026nbsp; UX-400-QBT is a mean, but vital piece of equipment to have on a space dock.   \n 15 meters high, nuclear powered, and about the only thing that can handle the RT class shipping containers that came in on the big freighters.\u0026nbsp; To an old Sci-Fi fan it bore a faint resemblance to a Power Loader in an old Earth movie driven by someone called Ripley.\n\nThat being said – one does nor just drive it. An operator is essentially plugged in brain-to -loader AI via an interface.  \n  \n Currently the dock master was at a loss – GERT the loader was inactive and offline – it's last operator deciding to skip out leaving everyone in the lurch. Sure there were others who 'could' drive GERT however GERT was an older model and had a testy personality that had grown over years and even if they plugged in - GERT would just refuse access.\n\nSo the Dock Master was desperate enough to interview a young Lupiod. The Lupoid – a male, still had some of his 'Puppy Ruff'- not yet grown out to accommodate his full adult mane.\n\n“Chad.. You said you worked on loaders before\"  \n “Yes – Korben \u0026nbsp;PR series, and UB. I was born on a freighter and spent my days learning the trade. Got the implant when I was 9 years old.\"  \n The DM checked Chad's ID card and verified that he was as he said he was – young, but experienced. He also had an easy going nature that would mesh in well with the other workers – that is if GERT would let him connect.\n\nThey wandered out to the docks where GERT was sitting idle – you never power a loader down, no need as their fuel run for decades.\n\nChad gave a low Whooing sound – a Lupoid equivalent of a whistle. “Wow – I've never seen a UX up close before. May t?\"  \n The DM nodded and Chad padded over the GERT. Nimbly climbing up the frame he slid in to the operator cavity – adjusting the legs moulds for digigrade stance, and the arms mould for his size. Then the moment of truth came when he reached behind – took the interface cable and jacked in.\n\nWhat happened next drove one dock hand to drink, and another off it. \u0026nbsp;Chad closed his eyes for a minute then opened them with a smile. GERT came on line and it's servo's ran up to load. Then suddenly from GERT speakers blared.. Music!!! A fast but playful beat. Then a feminine voice.\n\n_Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want_  \n_So tell me what you want, what you really, really want  \nI'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want_\n\nGERT took a step forward – lifter arms moving gracefully as it multi-tonne chassis lightly stepped – it's ankle joints adapting to Chad's digigrade form\n\n_If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends_  \n_Make it last forever, friendship never ends  \nIf you wanna be my lover, you have got to give  \nTaking is too easy, but that's the way it is_\n\nGERT pivoted – almost bounced and deftly turned and picked up a shipping container – lifting the dead weight up and accurately balancing it.\n\nChad yelled down “Where do you want this DM?\"  \n “Bay 15.. if you please\" he stammered\n\nGERT spun on one leg and deftly weaved towards the required bay. As the power loader went past the DM, \u0026nbsp;Chad yelled down to him   \n  \n “Oh – by the way – It's not GERT.. she's GERTUDE.. “\n\nEnd.."}