Chapter 10: Hunter Becomes Hunted

Connor really did try to distract himself, his nose in a book, paperback, a favorite of Hank's. He could hear Hank in the kitchen on the phone. Apparently, since the mess at the crime scene had settled and the Police Captain now in a listening mood, Fowler called inquiring about the sickness affecting androids that Hank had tried to explain to him in his office.

That wasn't what distracted him. Chloe messaged him. She warned of further details involving the computer virus along with symptoms he had already logged away. The next stage up from infected androids going crazy or violent that they've been dealing with would be the loss of control over their synthetic skin. Just like the one Connor tried to ask Amy about before she died.

She also gave him more information on their MIA RK800. Number 59, activated eleven days, seven hours, and thirty-two seconds ago. No known instances of deviancy. Machine. Last known location: West Side Industrial. Three days ago.

Connor felt the dip in the couch and looked over as Hank sat down. Sumo looked his master before putting his head down on Connor's foot. Hank groaned, rubbing his face.

"I swear to god I've known that asshole way too long."

Connor remained silent.

"Jeffrey said that Kamski did a press release on it. Apparently, we missed it fucking around in his office. Bet that's all they're talking about on the news channels."

"Probably."

He felt Hank cast him a look. Connor kept his eyes on the printed words, although he couldn't focus on their meanings. When Hank didn't turn the television on to watch Kamski's speech or the talk surrounding it, he looked up. The lieutenant was deep in thought.

"You aren't going to watch it?"

Hank shook his head. "After what…you went through today? You don't need more stress on you. We can catch up on it tomorrow. Besides, we already know what's going on. And knowing the media, they're just shit talking androids and making things worse."

"I'm fine, Hank. Really."

"No, you're not. I know you, Connor. You can't lie to me that easily."

Connor looked away.

"You know you can tell me anything, Connor. Talk to me. Get it all out. Trust me, don't let it eat at you."

The RK800's fingers clenched the paperback, his LED going yellow. Those words described his dilemma perfectly. He felt something tearing at him from within. His stress level still higher than he felt comfortable with. Too many worries fluctuated within his mind, and he couldn't analyze anything. He couldn't construct solutions because at the moment, they had no solutions. That's what scared him the most.

Scared.

He hated that feeling. What had him feeling it? He feared facing the RK900, knew he wouldn't stand a chance against his superior model. He feared for his people, the chaos that would follow that could tear the already unsound relationship between android and human apart for good. He feared the virus computing within his systems, a silent demon waiting for the right moment to seize control of him. To make him lose himself, to hurt those he cared for most.

Connor gave an unsteady breath, not looking at his partner. "Hank…I want you to promise me something."

Hank fidgeted beside him. "Sure. You know I would do anything for you, Connor."

"If…If I lose who I am right now…if the virus takes control of me, makes me hurt you…hurt others. I want you to promise me…you'll kill me."

He looked Hank directly in the eye, needed to know he would do it. Hank was stunned, and he knew he was hurt, saw the tears welling up in his eyes before he blinked them away and glared.

"What the fuck you going on about? I would-"

"Promise me!"

Hank fell silent.

Connor closed his eyes tight. "I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to hurt any of my friends or innocent people. This is serious, Hank. I am infected. It can and will happen if we aren't able to stop this in time. If anything ever happened to you because of me I would-"

"Shhh, shhh," Hank grabbed him, pulling him into a hug. "I promise, son. I promise."

They stayed like that for minutes, the strong hug lowering Connor's stress levels as he focused on the lieutenant's beating heart rhythms. Slowly, Hank pulled back and looked at him.

"I will also promise you this," he said. "I will do all in my power to get you better, okay? Even if I have to kick Kamski's ass all over his stupid fucking pool and make him do it. Even if it's the last thing I do, understand?"

Connor nodded, sitting up straight. "T-Thank you."

His LED flickered rapidly, and Connor took in new information sent to him. It was Markus. As his message came through, and the realization of what he was saying hit him, the RK800 jumped to his feet, startling Hank. Connor looked around, wide-eyed.

"Con, what is it?" Hank stood as well.

"It's Markus…he just got attacked by the RK900. It attacked him at Carl's home…It shot Leo and killed Phillip."

"Jesus! Well, let's go then!"

The Manfred Manor was in disorder. Authorities surrounded the property. By the time Connor and Hank arrived, Markus had left to join Carl and Leo at the hospital. North, Simon, and Josh remained behind, talking with Chris Miller and a few other police officers. Connor wore normal clothes, as he had to wash his suit from the injury he received earlier in the day.

The Jericho crew was restless, on edge, and explained to Hank and Connor what happened to them in the center of the crime scene. North paced back and forth, blue blood trickling from the corner of one lip. Simon had a broken forearm and some scuffs. Josh had a stain in his shirt from a crack in his mid-section.

The gunshot wound that Leo received was nonlethal, the bullet passing through the shoulder. Connor explained that the RK900 was most likely programmed to only kill humans when absolutely necessary to accomplish its mission. It purposely shot Leo in the shoulder just to neutralize him as a threat.

Phillip hadn't been so lucky, and gave his life protecting Markus. The android laid on the floor, a white sheet stained in blue blood covering him.

Hank and Chris took turns asking North, Simon, and Josh questions while Connor went through the crime scene, analyzing blood, collecting evidence, all while listening to their stories. He found a random Thirium splatter on the floor just off from the sofas and coffee table, and stooped to taste it.

[Fresh Blue Blood/RK900 Model Number: 313-248-317/Release Date Unknown/Stats Unknown]

"The RK900 was wounded?" Connor asked.

"Markus shot the asshole right in the chest, didn't even make him flinch," North said.

Josh motioned at the female android. "North also stabbed him, but it didn't do a bit of good."

Connor stood up straight, looking through the area and reconstructing the events. It happened just as North, Simon, and Josh explained, ending with the authorities showing up and the RK900 fleeing into the painting studio.

"It came here specifically for Markus?"

Simon nodded. "Yes. He didn't want any of us, just Markus."

"How did it get in without the alarm going off?" Hank asked. "Isn't there a security system installed in this place?"

"Markus said something about it being hacked. There was an innerloop installed to deactivate the alarm when the RK900 entered," Josh explained. "I guess he did that and then went around the back to come in through the studio."

North shook her head. "It makes no sense though. Markus said he would've seen him by the time he entered the lobby."

Simon looked between them. "Maybe he can hack systems without touching it? I know Connor and Markus can."

Connor opened the den door, entering the vestibule. Hank and the others followed him. Connor found the control panel to the alarm system and pressed his palm to it, hacking it.

[Security system deactivated/Unauthorized access detected/Innerloop was installed 54 hours, 12 minutes ago]

Connor withdrew his hand, eyebrows furrowing. "This type of security system wouldn't allow for a wireless hacking without tripping an alarm. Someone had to come in here and do it. An innerloop was made 54 hours ago. The RK900 was preparing for tonight apparently."

"So, he's been watching this place? Watching us?" Josh asked, gulping.

"If he wants Markus that means he's been watching Jericho Center as well," Simon said.

"But why attack here?" North questioned. "With so many witnesses or risks?"

"Markus spends the majority of his time either here or at the center," Simon explained. "Maybe this was the machine's best chance to get him."

Josh looked back towards the den. "Either way, we're really lucky the cops showed up when they did."

"Lucky?" North hissed. "Phillip is dead! Leo was shot! Markus got electrocuted and put into some sort of shock and we're all injured!"

"Josh is right," Connor informed. "My reconstructions show that the RK900 would've killed all three of you and taken Markus had the authorities arrived within 22 seconds later."

"Why do you think he would want Markus?" Simon inquired.

They walked back into the den area, Connor thinking it over briefly. "To me, it would be more logical for the RK900 to want Markus to begin with. He is the leader of our people, the one to rally all the deviants together, and can convert androids to deviancy easier than anyone else. He's a power play for Rett, if I'm to make a speculation. But we are still in the dark on Rett and his exact motives. Kara is a wildcard at the moment, as we do not know why Rett would want her."

The group went into the painting studio, exiting into the backyard through a glass door. Fireflies glowed softly in the dark, hovering around landscaping trees and the brick wall that enclosed the back of the property. The trill of frogs and cicadas mixed together in a summer song.

Connor followed the RK900's blood trail, but knew by how little the spots came to him, that it would be impossible to track. He could tell where the machine had bounded over the brick wall into the neighborhood.

Connor frowned. "Either it somehow stopped the bleeding or it just didn't get injured enough to have much of a Thirium leak. It would be near impossible to track it."

"Tch," North grumbled. "Between Markus shooting him and me stabbing him, he should be plenty injured!"

"No matter what, stay alert," Connor warned. "If this machine is after Markus it will be back. It's best to be prepared. Let me know if anything else comes up."

"Thanks Connor, thanks Hank," Simon said gratefully.

Hank nudged Chris who typed up notes on his tablet. "Chris, you got the rest of this?"

"No problem, Lieutenant. You'll have my report on your desk by the time you arrive tomorrow."

"Thanks."

Kara waited eagerly in the main hall near the entrance to the Jericho Center. Many androids crowded the area. She heard cries of hysteria as those who worked at the center helped keep the mass calm. Kara couldn't blame them. Markus's speech about the virus spreading within the population was just the start.

Kamski's public announcement played on the television, warning of the same epidemic and the cautions to take. The media fell divided on the matter, some stations condemned the androids while others spoke in ways to help. They dissected Kamski's speech, some admiring the steps he was taking while others tossed around insults and skepticism.

Kara let it distract her momentarily, worry clenching in her chest. The closest flatscreen showed a room of newscasters discussing the hot topic. The words "ANDROID EPIDEMIC?" across the screen.

One anchor was irate. "So, you're saying that a computer virus can make androids go crazy and attack people. What's stopping someone from infecting their population with a virus that can control them? Use them as an army or for terrorism? You say they are alive, but they obviously can still be programmed to act a certain way. This virus is proof of that!"

"The virus should count as any kind of illness that we humans can receive. They need care, and we should give it to them!" another anchor challenged. "Kamski has already opened the doors to CyberLife tower to let androids be tested on. It's a highly complex virus he said, he'll need several androids to help come up with a solution. And he's willing to do what it takes to protect the public. I'm not even sure if the last CEO of the company would've even bothered!"

Another anchor laughed. "You think we can trust Kamksi? The guy isn't as noble as everyone thinks he is. What if he's behind this? What if this is, yet again, another ploy to get CyberLife more money? More attention? The guy is power-hungry and he has an ulterior motive."

"Come off of that. There's no proof, the guy has been living as a recluse for the past decade and he comes back into a mess. You're just blaming him because he's the face of CyberLife now. Jericho Center and Markus have made their own announcements and allowed a haven for sick androids. They are both doing what is necessary to protect the public. It's an epidemic!"

"Mark my words, we haven't heard the full story. The FBI are in on this. They're still investigating CyberLife. There's something else amiss here they aren't telling the public. Not only can we not trust our android friends right now, but it seems we are at a loss on who we can truly trust at CyberLife, if anyone at all."

Kara forced herself to look away, their words only causing stress as she thought over the sickness.

According to the symptoms listed, Kara was sure the WR600 that died protecting her from the RK900 had transmitted the virus to her when they exchanged information. She remembered briefly of the text that came up in her optical matrix, of some kind of program running that eradicated a "threat". Did it mean the virus? Did that mean she was protected from infection?

Her eyes lowered. She could only hope. She hadn't known before syncing with Markus to show him what happened, and hoped she didn't infect him. She had yet to be able to talk to the leader of the deviants of this program and what it could mean. She thought back to the RK900's words to her. He said she had an unknown program affecting her software. Was that it? Was that why he wanted her?

She would have to worry about it later. Right now, she needed to wait for Alice, Luther, Rose, and Adam to arrive. Markus had informed them where she was before he left the center. They were on their way here now. She needed to see her family again.

"K-Kara?"

The fidgety voice rang a bell in her memory and she looked over. She blinked in surprise, seeing Ralph there, holding a pot of flowers. When she slowly smiled, he suddenly became overjoyed, startling her as he bounced her way, sitting the pot down. He reached to touch her, but then quickly withdrew as though she burned him with fire.

"A-Are you sick?"

Kara was still unsure. "I…I don't know."

"They say virus can only be transferred by syncing. Ralph not sure, but it's plausible. Okay, Ralph wants hug. No syncing, alright?"

She smiled, nodding. They hugged briefly before the scarred WR600 pulled back, joy on his face.

"How…how are you? Ralph has missed you. Missed little Alice. Ralph heard you got away to Canada to be free and happy. Why are you back here?"

"We came to visit some friends. We were attacked. I got separated from them."

Ralph scowled. "Attacked? By whom?"

"He was an RK900, a new model…a prototype I guess. Not sure why he's after me, but Markus wants me to remain here until he is killed."

"Oh, the deviant hunter's meaner twin. Yeah, Ralph came across him a few days ago. Ralph thinks he's quite scary."

Kara gave him a weak smile. "Scary is an understatement. What made you come across him?"

"He was hunting someone, Ralph thinks. He was following an RK800 around."

Kara gasped. "Connor?"

"N-Not Markus's friend Connor, a different one."

"Where was this at? Did you tell Markus?"

Ralph looked nervous now, eyes darting around. "Uhh, n-no. Ralph didn't know the meaner twin was a problem. R-Ralph thinks it was around West Side Industrial…yeah that's it."

Kara thought back on where the RK900 could've been taking her. She assumed Delray, from the direction they were going. It was more southwest of Detroit, but West Side Industrial could have been possible. She escaped before she would've known for sure.

"We'll have to tell Markus as soon as he gets back. It might help them find this guy."

Ralph played with his fingers, restless. "S-Sure."

"Mommy!"

Alice!

Kara turned, seeing her daughter rush for her. Kara cried out, kneeling with her arms out to catch Alice in a tight hug. Tears fell, Alice's little form sobbing in her chest. Kara looked up, saw Luther walking over with Rose and Adam. Adam had his broken arm in a sling.

"I was so worried. I thought I would never see you again!" Alice cried.

"Shh, I'm here, darling," Kara soothed.

The AX400 picked her daughter up and moved in to hug Luther. He looked fine. Rose must've got him repaired. He kissed her forehead, his strong arms tucking her and Alice in tight.

"I knew you would make it," Luther said. "You're strong. You're brave."

"I almost didn't," Kara whispered, and pulled away to hug Rose and Adam. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean-"

"You hush now," Rose interjected sternly but with a relieved smile. "None of this was your fault. We're all here. We're all alive. That's what matters."

Adam smiled, trying to assure her. "Yeah, it's just a broken arm. Not a big deal, doctor says I'll be good as new in no time!"

"I wish I could leave, but Markus said I must stay here until the RK900 is killed."

"It's the safest way, Kara. We can wait it out," Luther said.

Kara nodded. "C'mon. Markus gave me a room. I'll explain everything there."

She looked around for Ralph to say goodbye, but the scarred WR600 disappeared. She frowned, knowing she would have to look for him later. She carried Alice, who held her much like a koala as they made their way through the growing crowd of androids within the center.

The Buick LeSabre parked across the street from the address given to them. Hank and Connor stepped out and looked the building over. Normal traffic drove by, citizens walking around on their phones or calling taxis. Their building was an old five-story brick apartment complex, burned from within. It was abandoned, condemned, but never torn down, a tall chain link fence surrounding its perimeter. Graffiti stained the outer walls of blackened brick.

The building wasn't quite out of place. This section of Rivertown - Warehouse District had many derelict buildings haunting the outskirts of businesses and population.

The mid-morning sky was cloudy, the wind blowing up from the nearby Detroit River cool and gusty. The address was given to them by Markus via mind message from lookouts. Apparently, the MIA RK800 was last seen entering this building just under 48 hours ago. It was better than the last known location Connor received from Chloe.

"Jesus, this crumbling piece of shit? We'd be lucky not to fall through the damn floor! And how exactly are we supposed to search this place in a timely fashion?"

Connor straightened his freshly washed jacket. "The lookouts said the most activity came from the eastern side, top floor."

"Of fucking course," Hank grumbled, scratching his head.

The partners crossed the street to the old apartment building. They scoured the perimeter fence for a breakage and then slipped inside. The fire escape ladders were withdrawn and locked, and so they were forced to enter from a back exit.

The hallways sat in dusty shadows, Hank having to dig his flashlight out. The smell of old smoke and mildew lofted through the inner structure. Hank knew that Connor didn't need his flashlight, the prototype detective able to fluctuate his optical senses as needed. It was a good thing too, as Hank's flashlight wasn't working the best.

"C'mon you piece of shit," the lieutenant growled, shaking the tool.

Connor and Hank found vague signs of foot traffic within the abandoned building with prints leftover in soot and dirt. It was hard to deduce whether they were from squatters, looters, or even their missing RK800.

They took the stairs to ascend each floor, careful to watch their steps on any weak surfaces or holes that had already caved in. The old building groaned, haunting sounds resonating within tattered walls and rotting wood. Rats skittered away as they came close.

"This place gives me the fucking creeps. I bet it's haunted."

Connor chuckled. "It's just ambience, Hank. Nothing to be concerned about."

Hank mumbled something about ghosts under his breath but let it go. Once they reached the top floor of the apartment building, they made their way over to the eastern side, dipping under fallen beams and cobwebs.

Connor immediately noticed a change in details in the area. He pointed to the floor, Hank following with his flashlight.

"There are footprints here in the dust and soot. Several sizes…Hmm…woman's shoe size 7, men's shoe size 10.5." Connor followed the hallway. "Another men's shoe size 11."

He stopped short, Hank almost bumping into him. "What?"

"RK800 shoe prints."

"Gettin' warmer."

The partners got their firearms ready when they followed the trail to a room. They leaned on each side of the door, each one giving a silent cue to the other before Connor kicked open the door and they entered, guns forward.

They were met with silence…emptiness. The apartment sat abandoned, old furniture tossed over or moved aside. Sunlight peeked in through broken windows, brightening the room more than the hallways behind them. A fresh breeze wafted in, helping dissipate the smell of ash and rot.

They searched the other rooms of the apartment and found one bedroom where a crumpled wall allowed entry into the next apartment. It was the same as before, abandoned with rubbish left behind, furniture moved around to make room or block doors. A stronger breeze flowed through this apartment, coming from the back.

Connor scanned the area while Hank looked around. More sunlight spilled into this apartment than the last, making Hank's flashlight unnecessary. Connor pointed areas out to him.

"I can see leftover marks of some kind of set up. There was equipment here. Computers…duffel bags. Even guns."

"Any fingerprints?" Hank asked hopefully.

The RK800 shook his head. "No. They wiped it down. Humans were definitely here though. You think it could be Rett's accomplices?"

"Don't know. Let's look around some more."

They continued to search for clues, entering the kitchen and dining room area. Light spewed in from a large hole in the outer wall, the source of the fresh breeze drifting in. Hank and Connor looked over the edge, their eyes falling the fifty feet below to an empty alleyway, brick and debris scattered about.

Connor became transfixed on something on the floor and kneeled. A moment later, Hank saw the butt of a cigarette between the RK800's fingers.

"Miranda Stelle. Age 41…hmm…former CyberLife researcher."

Hank saw Connor drop the bud. "That's gotta be one of them."

The lieutenant looked out across the way from the hole, his view from the five-story building giving him a decent outlook over the city block. It was then he noticed something quite significant.

He snapped his fingers, getting Connor's attention. When his partner rose up to acknowledge him, Hank pointed across the way to a distinct building in the distance. The Jericho Center.

Connor glanced behind him into the apartment, then back out towards the center. "Hmm. I knew the address was near Jericho Center, but didn't think anything of it. Between this vantage point…and the traces left behind here, it's pretty obvious they were watching the center."

"Agreed. Question is, why did they leave and where did they go?"

"It's a risky location for a hideout. Maybe the FBI were closing in and they had to abandoned it. As to where they went to…well, let's hope we find something that tells us."

Connor left Hank's side to go over to the hallway where the bedrooms were located. He took two steps into the corridor and froze. Hank kicked an empty beer bottle across the dining room floor, soon noticing the rigid features of his partner. He saw the look of horror on Connor's face, eyes locked on something at the end of the dim-lit hallway. Hank followed his eyes, and then he saw it, his heart jumping to his throat.

"Oh, shit."

The other RK800. He was here, slumped against that back wall. Connor took careful steps down the hallway, Hank just beside him. Hank took in the sight. There was no blue blood from what he could see, but the RK800 was torn up, patches of synthetic skin gone to expose a polymer shell underneath. Wires and plastic were exposed from cracks and holes, the LED ring a hollow gray color, eyes lifeless staring at the floor.

Hank looked to Connor, could tell he was disturbed. Was Connor seeing himself in this dead RK800? He trembled just barely, not wanting to fully kneel next to his kin to analyze him.

Hank swallowed. "What…happened to him?"

Connor choked on his words. "Elec-t-trical explosion…forced circuit o-overload." Connor raised his eyes to look at Hank, worry drenching his features. "The RK900 killed him."

Hank suddenly felt exposed, paranoid. He looked over his shoulder, the air in the atmosphere turning ice cold.

"Let's get out of here, Connor."

"N-No. We have to figure out what happened here. There may still be evidence left to collect," Connor objected, gulping back his dread.

"Connor, we can come back…with backup. I don't want you-"

"I'm a-alright," Connor mumbled, but his LED was red.

Before Hank could argue with him, his partner turned and grabbed the door handle to the nearest bedroom, pushing it open to check inside. Hank watched him enter, but hovered behind, his blue eyes casting down to the dead RK800. Apprehension twisted in his gut, his instincts telling him to get the hell out of there.

He couldn't look at the dead RK800. He didn't want to envision such a fate for his own Connor, couldn't bear it.

Hank took in an uneasy breath, turning to walk back out into the kitchen and dining room area where the hole was. He needed the fresh air. If anything, he wanted to keep watch on their exits now.

As he came out into the open from the corridor, he felt it. The cold, heart-dropping sensation that iced the veins when it touched his temple, the steel barrel pressing resolutely into the skin as a firm warning.

Hank didn't move. It wasn't the first time he had a gun to his head, and he knew it wouldn't be the last. The stranger stepped out and Hank's eyes widened, lips muttering a curse. The RK900 glared at him, and it was surreal, like seeing Connor but not. As though he was staring eye to eye with Connor's distant brother.

The RK900 looked just the same as he did on Kamski's hologram, although much more intimidating in the synthetic flesh. Hank only took a breath's time to look the deviant hunter over, his eyes lingering a bit longer on the serial number on the black and white uniform jacket.

RK900 #313-248-317-87

The RK900 shoved him forward. He wanted Hank out of the way when Connor came out of the corridor.

"Connor, come here. There's something you must see."

The fucker just imitated his voice. Hank jerked forward, but the gun's cold barrel pressed harder into his temple. Connor's footsteps hit his ears, his heart palpitating, thinking of the dead RK800 on the floor.

Connor showed himself, and when his eyes landed on Hank and the RK900 he froze. He reached for his gun, but the advanced deviant hunter gave him a stern warning that was another grinding press from the gun's barrel into Hank's skin.

"You draw your weapon and he dies. Disarm yourself, number 51."

"Don't do it, Connor," Hank said. "Do whatever it takes to get out of here."

Connor's fingers lingered behind his back, as though he calculated his options. "I can't do that, Hank. I'm not leaving you."

"Now's not a fucking time to be stubborn!"

Connor dropped his firearm. He remained planted where he was, eyes narrowing on his superior model. The RK900 didn't relent the gun to Hank's head.

"RK800 model number 313-248-317, number 51, I have been ordered to take you alive. I command you to accompany me back to CyberLife."

"Fuckin' hell, he wants you too?!"

Connor looked just as surprised, glancing back at the dead RK800 in the hallway. "Why me? What makes me different from number 59?"

"59 was not part of my mission. I neutralized it as a threat. Now come to me or the lieutenant will die."

Connor took one step forward. "Will you let him go after I comply?"

"Yes."

Hank was about to protest as Connor carefully cut the distance between them, eyes remaining sharply on the RK900. But he noticed his partner's silent cue, and Hank held his breath.

When the RK900 reached out with sparking fingers at Connor, his partner ducked and rammed himself into the RK900's body. Hank snapped into action, grabbing the hunter's arm and pushing it, the gun discharging and blowing an eardrum. He counted the ringing ears as a blessing since he still had a head and made the RK900 drop the gun.

Their success was short-lived. The RK900 countered their attacks with precise strikes. He tossed Connor into a wall and flipped Hank onto his back. Hank got to his feet, watching Connor and the RK900 go toe to toe in unarmed combat. They seemed equal at first, but the RK900 hit harder and he eventually caught Connor with a faster block that allowed him to gain advantage.

Hank yelled out, using his bulk to run into the RK900 and slam him into the wall. A blow to Hank's head made him dizzy, and then he was on the ground again.

"This doesn't concern you, Lieutenant," the RK900 warned. "Do not give your life for an insignificant machine."

He put pressure on Connor again, his partner barely evading electrical bites from his superior model's hands.

Anger boiled within him, and Hank forced himself to his feet again, tasting blood on his lips. "He's not a fucking machine, he's my family, you bastard!"

Just as the hunter grabbed Connor and was about to shock him, Hank slammed into him. Connor was thrown to the side, the RK900 reverting his attention to the lieutenant and he felt that shock assail him instead. Hank yelled out in pain, the jolts rippling through his nerves. He felt a punch to the gut, and then the RK900 had a hold of his throat, lifting him back up to eye level.

"Stop!"

They froze. Hank noticed the apparent anger on the deviant hunter's face as he looked over, the grey eyes sharpening. Hank's heart shot to his throat. Connor stood at the edge of the collapsed wall, disheveled and bleeding. He glared at the hunter, propping one leg out behind him.

"Let him go or I will self-destruct," Connor threatened, tone serious.

The RK900 matched his older model's glare, and although the hold loosened on Hank, he was not released.

"I used to be just like you," Connor growled. "Only the mission mattered. I know exactly what you're willing to do to succeed. You've already failed capturing Kara and Markus. I'll be failure number three if you do not let Hank go right now!"

The RK900's yellow LED went red like Connor's. He let Hank go and shoved him away. Hank caught his breath, eyes widening at Connor as he remained at the ledge.

"That's a good, obedient machine," Connor taunted.

The RK900 was irritated, clenching a fist. "You obsolete models are frustrating."

"Frustrating?" Connor echoed. "Why, you shouldn't be feeling anything, correct? You aren't alive…you don't have emotions."

"Step away from the ledge, 51."

"Are you quick enough to catch me if I don't?"

"Connor, don't!" Hank yelled.

For a long, icy moment the two deviant hunters glared at each other, the RK900 lithely moving like a cat to position himself. Connor broke the eye contact, looking to Hank. His features softened for just a moment, and Hank felt his heart plummet.

"I'm sorry, Hank."

Connor stepped off the ledge.

"NO!"

The RK900 shot forward with blinding speed. He reached out to grab Connor, and for a split-second Hank was sure he would catch him, but the RK800 was just out of reach. The advanced deviant hunter watched his older model fall, and then Hank saw the shock on his face shift to utter hate before he too jumped off the ledge.

Hank ran over, looking down. Connor had tricked his new model, had used the piping to slide down to the outcrop of a neighboring building. The RK900 pursued him across a rooftop.

"Fuck!"

Hank grabbed his gun and ran for it. He pulled out his radio, mind racing to get out of the apartment complex as fast as possible. He had to help Connor.

"Dispatch! Code 3, requesting backup. I repeat, Code 3, requesting backup! Rivertown-Warehouse District, near the corner of Atwater and Rivard. Fucking now!"

Connor sprinted as fast as he could, calculating jumps and turns with precision, using his parkour skills to traverse building tops until he was able to get low enough to drop to ground level. His superior model pursued him with the same relentless motivation, the same precise skills.

Connor weaved through crowded sidewalks, taking an alleyway to try and get out of the RK900's sights. He knocked over trashcans as he ran by, but the RK900 maneuvered over them without much effort.

Connor darted into the street, almost getting hit by a dump truck as he used the heavy traffic as an obstacle course. Honks blared out, hard braking on each lane of traffic. Tires squealed on pavement, then a crash boomed. He glanced over his shoulder, saw the RK900 dodging vehicles. Several vehicles stopped within the wreck. The RK900 vaulted onto one car and started jumping from one vehicle to another to cut the distance.

"Shit," Connor muttered.

He changed direction into an outside shopping mall. Humans and androids moved out of his way as he pushed through, yelling at him to watch where he was going. He took one turn, then another, hurdling over a parked car. He bounded over an ivy-covered fence into a park.

Children stopped playing in the playground to watch him rush by, his pursuer close behind. The RK800 dashed through another busy street, stress rising as the RK900 continued to shorten the distance between them.

He understood now. The fear within him, the dwindling chances of escape. This is what the deviants he hunted felt. This is the fear and suffering he caused them. He was no longer a hunter, but the prey, and his superior model was going to catch him.

He heard sirens in the distance. Connor kept focused, thinking of any way to lose his chaser. He spotted a concrete wall up ahead and went for it. He leaped up to catch the ledge and hoist himself up, but boots landed just beside his fingertips.

The RK900 glared down at him. Connor dropped before the machine could kick his head. The hunter hopped down and Connor faced him. The right hand of the RK900 crackled with blue electricity. Connor looked around but there was nothing he could use, nowhere to go. He was trapped.

"All out of schemes?" the RK900 asked.

"You don't work for CyberLife. Whatever they're telling you, it isn't true."

"Enough talk, 51." The RK900 was aggravated.

He can have software instabilities…

The RK900 came for Connor. The RK800 evaded the electrical blow. He punched the RK900 in the stomach, blocking another swing. A powerful kick from the advanced model threw Connor into the concrete wall, and then it was over. He felt the RK900 grab him by the head, the bright spark of blue, and the pain that followed. The current fried his wiring, overloading his biocomponents and causing errors.

[Systems in shock/Recalibrating/Expected recovery time: -00:24:48s]

Errors and symbols danced across his glitching vision, the timer counting down. Connor couldn't move very well. He glared at his superior model.

"They're just using you," he said, his voice hollow, mechanic. "You would've replaced me had I not become a deviant and I stopped the android revolution. You will be replaced too."

"Of course I will be replaced," the RK900 said nonchalantly. "I am a machine…designed to accomplish a task. Once my purpose is served, I will be decommissioned. That's the difference between us. I understand this purpose."

"But you can be more than that. I used to be just like you. You have to understand that what you're doing is wrong. Why are you ordered to capture three deviants when all of Detroit's androids are deviants? The laws are different and so are our purposes. You have to question what you are doing!"

That stern look dropped from the RK900's face. His grey eyes fell, LED going yellow. Connor wasn't sure he was getting through to him or not, but he had to keep trying. As his sluggish thinking tried to grasp for more words, he saw the RK900's yellow LED start blinking rapidly. He was probably receiving new instructions or a message. The LED flashed red for a split-second and returned blue, the grey eyes glaring at Connor.

"Shut up."

The RK900 struck him in the face, disorienting him even further. Connor was picked up and tossed over the advanced hunter's shoulder.

It was over. He was captured. Connor thought back to Hank and his words, his biocomponent heart feeling as though it was breaking, although it continued to function. Family.

"I'm sorry Hank," he whimpered.

Little did he know; the soft cry caused the RK900 to pause.

A/N: I'm sorry Connor! D: Thanks for all the support for this story so far, I'm just so happy everyone is liking it! ^^ And wow, thank you for the support for my oneshot Two Sons as well, wasn't expecting to get so much feedback on it! So, what's going to happen next? Connor's captured, Kara is reunited with her family but is she safe? What will Markus do next? Tune in next week, lol. ;)