Earth 101 : A Manual for the Visiting Cybertronian
Chapter Six: Proper Use of Holoforms
Holographic hard light disguises , known as holomatter forms or more commonly as holoforms are our way to interact with a planet when our natural form is too large or matters dangerous and dubious where we do not wish to risk our frame and spark.
These holoforms are capable of interacting from hundreds of miles away, with a max of 400 miles away from us, and generally are formed to match the native species of a planet.
Many bots have customized their forms in order to best suit them, be it in the gender of the form, the voice, the appearance, and overall aesthetics.
They are linked to us completely, and can be anything from a simple projected disguise, as an Autobot by the name of Arcee was happy to inform for this chapter, as she uses her projection when without her partner, so to blend in and appear to have a driver in her alt-mode.
They can also be so lifelike that they can interact with their surroundings to a near indiscernible degree.
That said, there is a certain set of rules one must follow concerning the holoforms on Earth.
A set of rules that has been amended so many times, dear reader, that even now, new rules are being added as the list is unending at this moment.
Especially as particular members of our kin tend to test the limits of these forms, which should sometimes not be tested.
Most commonly, is the attempt to try and consume human meals of varying degrees, which has resulted in less than favorable reports from human agents in alliance with the Autobot forces.
Holoforms, we must remind, are not made to consume human meals, and so, reactions may vary between user and the outcome afterwards when one does attempt to consume any sort of meal.
They have described the manner in which a holoform eats, and behaves to be rather unnerving, as they lack a lot of minute details and reactions that humans normally have.
One such example is how humans' chests rise and fall with their breathing, much like how our frames move when venting, but as humans are always breathing, unlike ourselves, it is a detail that can feel odd to those around a holoform.
Another detail is blinking, something that we also clearly do, but not as often as humans do it seems.
A lot of these minor but meaningful details of our holoforms behaviors have been described to resemble what humans know as the ‘uncanny valley’ effect.
Uncanny Valley has been described [by humans who volunteered testimony for this chapter] as an unsettling and disturbing sensation in response to not quite human creatures that appear vaguely humanoid, but are in fact not.
Which is an understandable sensation upon further inspection of the holoforms of many of our ranks.
We also implore that those rare few who seek romantic relations with humans try and recall the limitations of a holoform, and that is as far as this part of the manual will speak of such matters.
Holoforms are life like, but even they have their limits on certain parameters.
Though I myself have no experience with a holoform, having never really left the archives too much to require usage of one, I have noted that it is the Autobots who are closest to humans whom best know how to replicate the behaviors of humans.
Arcee has reported the most experience with holoforms due to her alt mode and the required usage of one due to her missions and to avoid suspicion when out on the streets.
Many other bots have noted usage of holoforms to be vital when concerning missions in rural areas, or highly dense populace zones, where blending in can be vital in order to avoid suspicions that would cause reports to local authorities.
How we present ourselves in a holoform is also a very personal matter.
Many choose to use their holoform in the manner of styling their visage to resemble their alt mode’s function, or the typical user or driver of their alt mode would dress like.
This is especially evident in military alt modes, as well as street and race alt modes, who will choose holoforms to resemble officers, race professionals, but with representations of their color scheme upon them in order to best portray themselves.
For some however, a holoform is also a manner by which to honor others.
Bumblebee, who shared a small but meaningful testimonial for this chapter, has stated that he has connected with many humans over the years, and has used their memory, when they have long been gone, to shape his holoform.
One that he spoke of, was of a young Witwicky boy, who he bonded with heavily in his first few years on Earth when he was on the move, and scouting Earth alone.
But he also spoke of a young lady from a seaside city, who gave him his namesake of ‘Bumblebee’.
His most current form is one that represents himself, with some help from his young partner from Nevada, but he has stated sometimes, he just wants to feel like he is back in those days, times where he wishes to drive with old friends.
Even Optimus Prime has been reported to have had a holoform, when not having agents accompany or ride in the cab of his alt-mode.
I was unable to get into contact with him for a testimonial, but his holoform was described to pay homage to someone quite dear to the Prime, of the humans he has met.
To use a holoform, in a way which honors humans that have formed unforgettable bonds with us, is a way of showing how meaningful they are to us.
I reviewed many testimonials, some from our oldest to our youngest, and all held forms which paid some form of respect to humans they held dear.
Regardless, holoforms should be a skin [or rather, holographic one] that all Cybertronians for different walks of life should feel most comfortable in, no matter the form they take.
Plenty of bots take forms that differ from what one would imagine, but in the end, it is meant to be the form they are most comfortable above all else.
If any would like to give testimonials regarding the meaning behind their own holoforms or how they found theirs and wish to provide guidance to aid others, please do submit via proper channels.
Perhaps I too will try and form my own holoform in the future.
