Alpha Insignia

Dogs are pack animals, and this is one aspect of their nature that fascinates the Toba - the mix of individuality plus concern for the greater good is something that the Toba respect because it reflects their own goals, and their own ideas of how-to properly order a society. …but just because Earth dogs work together well, and are friendly, does not mean that they are free of hierarchy and status. Dogs, like Toba themselves, naturally sort themselves, with some taking primary roles, some taking supporting roles, and some filling in the bottom of the social pyramid, helping where they can but largely staying out of the way.

The first generation of Rocket Dogs, after being brought to Quantum Prime and being treated with a DNA serum to slightly increase intelligence and increase self-awareness, began to contemplate these matters, much as the Toba themselves had. Over time, their self-conception sharpened and formalized, and they decided that their natural emergent social hierarchy should be made crisper and more legible.

What had heretofore been unclear and murky should be made explicit - when one Rocket Dog earned the respect of his peers, he should be awarded an Alpha Insignia, which he can wear on his clothing or equipment. The insignia makes it clear to all other Rocket Dogs who among them is best at leading, coordinating, and driving forward…and that, in turns, makes it easy for a Rocket Dog to throw his allegiance and hard work behind such a hero.