On Bonding (JazzProwl AU)
*this is relation to a JazzProwl fanfic that I’m writing. This is a headcanon solely for that fic… if you wanna use ideas from this, feel free!! But just know this doesn’t apply to all fics that use similar concepts
*here is the fic link if you're interested: the light in shattered crystals
A bond is a connection between two or more bots, localized in their sparks. Imagine it like a tether connecting one spark to another across space and time.
Like sparks, these bonds are physically small but can cause a noticeable affect on the bots that have them. Using medical scanners, doctors and medics are able to pick up the presence of bonds that they would not be able to see with their optics alone, though in very rare case, a strong bond can be seen. Despite this apparent minuscule size, bonds have inherent properties that transcend other forms of connection, such as interfacing (and I don't mean in the dirty way, you dogs). Emotions, thoughts, and sensations are able to be transmitted across bonds without any physical contact required.
It should be noted that direction interaction between sparks isn't always needed for a bond for form, but that it is most often the case. Bluestreak creating a bond with Prowl in the fic is a rare example of direct contact not being needed (and I'll get into that more soon).
The type of coding that a bot has will have an affect on the bond (as well as the type of bond, which I'll get into later). First, what do I mean by "types of coding"? Well, I mean coding like creator, cohort, trine, etc. Lots of coding can have affect on a spark bond, though not all—that fancy new gadget program that lets a bot see behind them in root mode isn't going to have an affect on the bond, though the sensation of "seeing behind oneself" could be shared. Over all, some coding programs are meant for bonds, such as creator programming and gestalt programming, where as others aren't but still have an affect on bonds, like cohort coding.
I'm going to summarize three examples of code effect: cohort coding, creator coding, and gestalt coding. This will highlight the differences and similarities between each hopefully.
Cohort Coding - Cohort mates have an increased sense of their surroundings when bonded, due to the fact that they get sensational input from their cohort mate's doorwings. Uniquely, they are able to "eavesdrop" on the wing-speak conversations of their cohort mates, because it is a language built on sensations through doorwings.
Creator Coding - At first, creator coding focuses on all needs of the sparkling which includes electromagnetic health (or the EM field). This causes creators to be more away of the emotions that their sparkling is feeling and are able to feel it more vividly. Furthermore, they are able to poke and prod more easily at their sparkling's field, teaching their sparkling how to manage it as they grow. Between creators and sparklings, emotions are always the most shared trait, even as sparklings get older and is able to control their own field more, thus letting that aspect fade.
Gestalt Coding - Gestalt mates are able to feel everything without prejudice, as if they are "one bot" because they can be one bot—a fact that runs deep in their coding. They can hear each other's thoughts, feel each other's emotions, and share sensations easily. In some ways, their coding creates what could be called a "hive mind" affect, allowing them to think together. However, unlike hive minds, each member is able to retain a sense of individuality and independent thinking and personality.
At their core, all bonds are the same: a tether connecting one spark to another. Differentiating between types of bonds depends on the context that bots give to the bond.
And of course, whichever code effect is present. Identifying a code affect can make easy to tell what a bond between two bots can be… but not all bonds are affected by code. For example, there is no conjunx coding. How could one tell the difference between a conjunx bond and an amica bond?
An amica and a conjunx bond will feel almost the exact same way and have the exact same properties, but if the bot with the bonds gets to decide which one is which. Often too, conjunx bonds are stronger due to more frequent spark merging and a prioritizing of that bond by the holder—it most cases, it is medically noticeable that conjunx bonds are often thicker and more robust than others, though that's not always the case. Some bots have amica bonds that are stronger than their conjunx bond or only have very very strong amica bonds. (Aroace bots exist!!!)
So at the end, determining the type of bond is down to two factors: context and coding affect.
And there are many types of bonds that can exist… Cassette bonds, trine bonds, trauma bonds… the list goes on!
Let's keep this part short: bonds can put a strain on sparks and also bolster a spark. This of course can depend on types of bonds and any pre-existing ailments to a bot's spark; from such, medics are able to figure out what to do when bonds are hurting a spark or when a spark needs a bond. Though both cases are rare, another factor in them is often an unhealthy or toxic bond that is affecting the spark. These cases are complicated, requiring actions and knowledge beyond what this summary can give.
Furthermore, as a last note, broken bonds do damage sparks, though the injury is mostly healable. In the way that a cut can scar and a scar can fade.
It is very rare that a broken bond causes the death of both parties, unless the bond was very strong and their sparks had become dependent on each other. This is something medical professionals watch out for and warn their patients of, so that they can make an informed decision going forward.
That's a sad note to end on… but ih…. Let me know if you want a part two of this bonding stuff!
Part one of this info series is: here
