Tautology (short story)

Tautology was a Brief Encounter short story published in Doctor Who Magazine 194.

Summary
Professor Marius writes in his computer diary that he has been posted to a station close to the space lanes, and anticipates being bored there. He acquires an old computer from his niece's fiancé. Strangely, although it is from the 20th century, its technology is far in advance of that time. However, due to shuttle weight restrictions he is forced to not only have it scrapped, but also to leave behind his dog Toby. He keeps the computer's motherboard and Toby's dog tag as mementos. At the station, he befriends an electronic specialist who helps him construct a new computer based on the motherboard and sketches Marius drew. The professor plans to name it after the old computer: K9.

Characters

 * Professor Marius
 * K9 Mark I
 * K9 Mark III
 * Gloria
 * Frank
 * Moore
 * Toby

Continuity

 * Professor Marius appeared in TV: The Invisible Enemy, in which his dog (who went unnamed) was mentioned.
 * K9 Mark III first appeared in TV: A Girl's Best Friend.
 * This story was later contradicted by TV: School Reunion, in which K9 Mark III was destroyed and replaced by a fourth model.
 * Marius' dog and the creation of K9 were given a different background in PROSE: One Man and His Dog.