A not so gentle knock at the door brought Connor out of stasis. The sky outside was in the blinding whites of morning. He hurriedly trampled up to the door and gave a cautious "who's there?"
"It's Mar-"
"Connor fucking open the door it's an emergency." North's voice cut through.
Willow padded up behind curiously.
Connor steeled himself for this 'emergency' as he pulled the door back. Before he could even get a good look at them North pushed past. She had Markus' jacket draped loosely across her shoulders. Markus followed, face grim.
Connor tipped his head up and down as he took in the disheveled appearance of the android leader. "What happened?"
Markus frowned, genuinely baffled. "You've not heard?"
Connor shook his head imperceptibly.
"What the hell have you two been doing?" North's exasperated voice stole Connor's attention.
His and Willow's eyes flickered to one another, but neither said anything.
North exhaled, meeting Markus' eyes. He nodded. The jacket from her shoulders dropped to the floor.
Willow put her hands to her mouth. "What the hell."
Connor turned back to Markus for an explanation. His face said it all. He sauntered past Connor into the couch space and turned on the TV. As he expected the news were still covering last nights/this morning's events.
Connor and Willow slowly made their way to the couch. The four of them watched the aftermath of the highway war with hollow gazes.
The pain was just the beginning. But the destruction was spreading.
Connor rather reluctantly opened the door, again. "Kamski." It sounded like more of a statement than a greeting.
"Connor." He dipped his head.
Connor stepped aside for him.
"Hello, Connor." Chloe greeted genuinely, drifting in from behind Kamski.
"Chloe." Connor replied more warmly.
By the time he closed the door and made his way to the living space Kamski was already inspecting North's shattered arm. She shifted uncomfortably on the couches arm rest. "Can you fix it?"
"You'll need a new arm entirely. If you get one I can replace it." He stood up straight and backed away from her, at which she seemed relieved.
"I can get one for you." Markus assured her.
Kamski was watching the muted television report of the looped highway footage intently. His eyes glistened with genuine consternation. "My, they've certainly let things get out of hand."
Connor shifted forward. "Cyberlife?"
He nodded without turning.
"Did you create the 900's?"
Kamski smiled. Connor may be deviant but he was an interrogator at heart. "No, actually." He swiveled round to see the android's curious reactions. "The 900 is the only RK model that I didn't have control over. After you, Connor I was done. But they wanted to take you one step further."
North scoffed. "One step?"
Kamski glanced back at the screen for a moment. "They certainly seem to have been carried away."
North gripped the remaining part of her arm as the images on the screen prodded at her memories of last night. "They're not going to stop until either Markus or Connor..."
"or both..." Willow muttered.
"...are dead." She finished grimly.
Connor tore his eyes away from the screen. "But why? Why are they trying to stop us from curing the pain." He looked to Kamski.
"My best guess is, the people at Cyberlife don't like androids very much." He stated simply, as if it was the obvious answer.
Willow scrunched up her face in disgust. "So you're saying that you think this is happening because Cyberlife has been taken over by a bunch of anti - android supporters. And that's why they're doing this. Just because they can't accept us?"
"I don't have proof but what other reason is there?"
Markus and Connor shared a foreboding look. That was probably it wasn't it? Nothing profound or logical. Just a hatred for a new species that's sparked an all out war for survival.
North's eyes drifted with defeat to the floor. "We have enough to deal with, the pain is spreading and now we've got RK900s to deal with. It's too much."
Chloe looked to Kamski with remorseful eyes, prompting him to help and with a sigh he spoke up. "What if you only had one of the problems left to deal with."
"Meaning?" Markus queried.
"Deactivation codes. If you had them I'm certain you could find a way to broadcast them out and put an end to all RK900's. Then you'd be down to one problem."
"Do you know how to get them?"
"I know where they might be. Though, It would be a long shot." Kamski didn't seem interested in their answer either way, he was barely paying attention to his own words. Like all of it made no difference to him. Connor noted, though, this was the first time he had interfered or offered his assistance at all.
After a short mental conversation with North, Markus nodded. "How do we get them?"
With the sound of the phone ringing Hank's throbbing head sparked to life. He scrambled through the covers and reached for it on the bedside table. "What?"
Nothing.
"Hello! HELLO!" He shouted when he didn't get an answer. He took the phone from his ear and realised whoever it was had already hung up. "Ugh." He collapsed back into the bed.
Tyler and himself had stopped at a motel, too tired to ride all the way to the hotel they were supposed to go to. The bed beside his had been slept in but Tyler wasn't in it anymore.
Hank begrudgingly pulled himself up and got ready, only hearing the door click open a full 15 minutes later.
Tyler walked in holding 2 coffees. "Connor called. He said he called you first but you didn't answer."
"Yeah well he usually rings for much longer than that. Didn't give me the time." Hank scoffed.
Tyler placed the drinks on the TV stand. "Maybe he's scared to talk to you. Thinks you're still mad or something."
"Well I'm not mad at him, I was pissed at the time and took it out on him there's a difference."
Tyler sat on the end of her bed and switched on the TV. "Why don't you tell him that then? Come on even a quick text."
Hank shook his head. "No I'll tell him in person there'll be plenty of chances." His attention went to the remnants of the highway war on TV.
Tyler turned the volume up.
There are no confirmed civilian casualties but at least 8 officers hospitalized with what could be 'potentially serious injuries'. Still, we have received no confirmation on where the androids involved came from. Could Detroit be in danger of another android war? We'll keep you updated.
Mute
"Brilliant." Hank said tiredly. He leaned forward to pick up his coffee. "What Connor want us for then?"
Tyler tensed. "He has a job for us. To do with the RK900's. Apparently we're the best for the job because we're not androids and nobody will recognise us."
Hank narrowed his eyes. "Go on."
Tyler handed him her phone, an address on the screen. "He wants us to find android Deactivation codes."
The address led to a normal high-rise building in an area that was as ordinary as any. It had the dreary feel of a work space but the modern design of the new world.
Tyler and Hank stomped up the stairs. "Apparently on one of the floors are some well hidden Cyberlife offices. For the more inconspicuous workings." Tyler was explaining, reciting the information Connor had given her.
Hank would've scoffed if he wasn't so out of breath. "'Cause anything about Cyberlife is conspicuous. What about the rest of the building?"
"Some publishing company that has no idea what's going on right under their noses."
Hank smiled dryly. "And Kamski knew about them."
"Why wouldn't he." They made it to the doors which Hank held open for her. "He is the CEO after all."
"Was." He reminded.
"Was."
The sleek glass door closed itself behind them. Hank rubbed his hands together. Despite the recent sun, it was a more than windy day.
Tyler was already at the reception desk. "May I speak to Bishop please."
The human receptionist seemed a little taken aback but nodded and stood up soon after. "Of course." She squinted her brows at them before entering a back room.
Hank strolled up beside her. "Bishop?"
Tyler leaned on the desk, Hank could tell she was nervous. "It's what Connor told me to say. I guess it's a sort of code word. Or the guy in charge."
Not long after they were been approached by a watchful young man. "What's your business?" His voice was deep and demanding. Vigilant in his movements.
Hank was growing wary fast. So many things were wrong with this, Cyberlife and their secrets. They could be anywhere and everywhere, and that was dangerous.
"Um, we have an appointment with Mr Fritz." Tyler tried to sound half as assertive but the waver in her voice betrayed her.
According to Kamski, Mr Fritz was the man who would supposedly have the access to anything to do with the 900's. Conveniently on his lunch break. 'A man of habit' Kamski had said, 'Nothing could break him from his strict schedule.'
The man waited for more. Openly suspicious of them. Tyler was nervous, and he could see that, but Hank didn't budge - standing tall with his own equally intimidating presence.
Tyler held up her phone for the man to see. On it, a forged email directly from Mr Fritz, personally inviting them. Everything about the email was perfect. It had been made to look like it had been sent from one of Mr Fritz's most private emails. It was littered with secret phrases that only long time employees should know, and had an illicit bar code near the bottom which the man scanned after taking Tyler's phone off her to get a closer look.
It felt like a full minute of him just staring at the email, sniffing it out, but eventually he handed the phone back before pulling out a sort of key-card from his inner pocket. "Use this in the elevator, it will give you access to the right floor."
Tyler steadied her hand as she took it. "Thank's." She said awkwardly.
The man watched Hank who hadn't said a word with a hostile stare, which Hank returned with his own more experienced one. Keeping the stature of a man who would take attitude from no one as he sauntered past the ominous character.
Tyler was practically running as the elevator dropped them off on the correct floor. "Okay, let's get this over with fast."
The floor, or at least the hall, seemed empty. The offices sealed and impervious to onlookers. Some had little glass windows on the doors, but even they were frosted and impossible to see through.
Hank gazed at it all in unamusement. "Yeah, you're right."
They had a plan already. Hank was to be on lookout while Tyler retrieved - or attempted to retrieve the codes.
He noticed her reluctance. "I'll call you if anythings wrong, or anyone shows up. Just be sure to get straight outta there when I do."
She nodded, suddenly ambitious and begun to make her way to the office marked 'Mr Fritz'.
"Wait." Hank's voice stopped her.
They did not have time for this. "What?" She turned, restless.
"Just..." He grumbled to himself. "Hurry."
She nodded and turned, unable to see the reluctant gaze behind her.
The office was unlocked, for whatever reason. Possibly Mr Fritz' confidence in the buildings security. Plus, men like him, powerful men didn't expect things like this to happen to them - they were untouchable, or so they thought.
Tyler leaped to the computer and used the password Connor - or Kamski technically - had supplied her with. Her fingers glided across the keys, heart thumping in rhythm with the tick tick tick of the clock. "Ghh shut up." She whispered to the inanimate object.
She knew where she should be looking but with all the different file names popping out at her, the curiosity was hard to ignore. The computer contained several saved draft emails; many conversations about the sick destruction of androids. Cruel words thrown around like it was a game. Twisted plans and ideas. Something else caught her eye, she came across a picture of at least 15 people, men and fewer women. Five of the men at the front, all middle aged with thin hair and chubby faces - one of them she knew as Mr Fritz - each proudly held up the head of an android, the remnants of blue blood staining their fingers. A feeling of dread swept through her, and she wanted to leave more than ever. 'My god they're fucking android trophy hunters'. She thought half disgusted, half mortified.
The tick of the clock reminded her that time was sacred and the scrolling started. Her hand grasped the mouse, clicking from one file to the next. There was one titled RK Models. That had to be it. She scrolled down rapidly, trusting if what she was searching for was here, her brain would catch onto it.
A vibration circulated her body, her phone buzzing in her pocket. It was most likely Hank but she was so close. She could feel it.
Her heart jumped again, in a different way, in excitement. It was here. The USB stick was in the computer in a second. Tyler dragged the file she needed into it and stiffened for the few tense moments it took to complete. She closed every opened window until there was no trace. Her hand went back to the keyboard - all that was left was ctr-alt-delete and the the sign out button.
The door opened and a tired middle aged man walked in. He seemed startled for a moment but fixed it fast. "Can I help you miss?"
Tyler had managed to swerve round to the other side of the desk, quickly leaving the computer in sleep mode. It was still signed in - and she had to leave before he realised that.
A polite grin masked her apprehension. "Hi there I was just looking for a Mr Greene's office. I'm Megan Thompson from the educational publishing council and was going to ask if he would be interested in a possible sponsorship." It was the best she could do with only a few seconds to think. And she knew from her brief research on this place, there was indeed a Mr Greene employed with the company - the actual publishing company, not Cyberlife.
The man's face was a subtle mix of skepticism and politeness. He smiled, moving closer to his desk. "I'm sorry but you have the wrong department, try a few floors up."
"Oh." She smiled again, feigning embarrassment. "My bad. I'm so sorry to have bothered you." She made to leave as the man hovered over his computer.
"Wait."
Her body tensed, frozen. With an inquisitive smile she turned her head to him. "Yes."
He was trailing his fingers smoothly along his desk. His smile didn't falter. His eyes were glinting. "I'm sorry, what did you say your name was again?"
"M-megan Thompson." It stuttered right from the start, her mouth suddenly dry.
"And you're with the..."
"Educational publishing council." At least she thought that was what she said. Tyler wasn't smiling anymore. The door was right there, she could go right now, make a run for it.
The man inhaled sharply as he sauntered around his desk.
"I really should get going I don't want to miss Mr Greene."
"Hmm." He chuckled. "Mr Greene, I've heard of him. It is quite strange you would confuse my office with his considering he is in an entirely different building. Quite the mishap."
Tyler turned to him fully, a little more hostile. "I thought you said he was a few floors up."
The man smiled again, not so polite this time. "Yes, but I'm not the only one lying now am I?"
Tyler pivoted and launched herself at the door handle. Mr Fritz was already on her, ripping her back and firing her at the desk. Her breath hitched, sharp pain spreading up her spine. He moved on top of her, smashing the back of her skull against the hard wood.
He kept her there, pinned, a snarl across his face. "Now why don't you tell me who you really are."
"F-fuck you." She spat. "Fucking android killer." The paper weight was in her hand, and then it was colliding with the side of the man's temple.
He grunted in pain, clutching at his hairline. It only fueled his fight. Tyler pushed off the desk but her legs felt weak and heavy. Mr Fritz dug his fingers into her shoulder and shoved her viciously to the ground. Enjoying the smack sound her body made. He madly thrust half the contents off his desk to the floor, many landing on Tyler. He picked up one of the chairs at the side and hurled it down at her.
Tyler was on her back now and when the chair came down her foot came up. The man, not ready for a counter attack stumbled and fell pathetically to the side.
Tyler spat red and using the desk hauled herself to her knees. She shuffled through papers and other items trying to find something she could use - there was no making it to the door like this.
The man was pushing himself up as she was crawling to the other side, tearing his drawers apart now. A pencil and a stationary compass were the two most deadly things she could find.
The man dragged himself up, his face an ugly mess of rage. The veins on his neck an accessory to his anger. "Fucking tramp!"
Still on her knees, Tyler glared at him in contempt. She went to stand up when the pencil slipped from her hands. When she leaned down to pick it up, she spotted a much deadlier weapon. The man had a gun taped under his desk. Without thinking about it she started clawing at it desperately but had greatly underestimated her window of time as the next thing she knew she was being dragged back by her hair.
The man used all his strength to pin her down, sparing no rage as a punch landed right in her stomach, and then another in the face. Everything was a daze, Tyler was sure the consensus was you were supposed to see stars but her vision was clouded with big pink splotches and the occasional glimpse of a mad man with saliva dripping from his mouth, towering over her.
He wrapped his hands around her throat and she was struck with how instantaneous the need for air was, the weight in her head an immediate reaction. Hank. Where the hell was Hank? Where was anybody? Did they not know she was dying? Were they not going to help her?
Tyler had never felt so much uncontrollable rage in her life as the she stuck the compass in her hand right into the mans wrinkly eye. "Bastard." She choked. He yelled in pain, a spasm rippling his body away from her. The air was welcomed, she was on her side now breathing it in through the sputtering.
The next thing Tyler knew she had crawled back over to the gun and ripped the tape keeping it from her. Hauling herself to her feet she limped to the side of the desk, using it to steady herself.
Mr Fritz was still screaming, covering his bloody eye like it would fix the problem. She aimed the gun at him. His good eye caught hold of what she was doing. From him there was a moment of fear and from her, a moment of hesitation.
Bang
Tyler had never shot at anyone and surprised herself when her aim was better than expected. The bullet went straight through his other eye.
A horrible moan left her. The gun clattered to the floor. She dropped back to her knees and rested her head on the desk.
The door burst open. Hank took a few steps in when his brain registered the scene in front of him. "Shit." He turned to Tyler who was a bloody mess of cuts and bruises. He went to her. "Fuck, Jesus are you okay?"
She nodded, a vacant look in her eyes.
Hank squatted down and rubbed his knuckles off his forehead. "Shit, I'm so sorry I knew something was up. Fuck kid I should've come sooner."
The same emptiness filled her voice. "No. It's okay. I'm okay. I handled it. And . . . I got what we came for." She stared at the body. "I'm not going to jail am I?"
Hank sighed. "No, no you're not." He stood up. "Because we were never here."
Frantic knocking had Connor up in a second. He speeded to the door and opened it for the third time today.
"Connor." She sounded relieved.
"Kara, you're okay."
She stood there, a slight nod, refusing to meet his eyes again.
He stepped aside for her and she smiled weakly.
Kara didn't turn to him as he closed the door behind her.
"So." The room went quiet. "Where were you?"