Chapter 8: Virus

The 80's model Buick LeSabre sped along the freeway, motor bellowing under the hood. Hank kept peeking over at his partner, the look of pain on Connor's face concerning him. Hank never saw Connor show or experience pain before, and it made the lieutenant that much more determined to get him to the nearest android care center.

Hank heard his cell phone start ringing for the third time, but again he ignored it. He would deal with the shit fest with what happened at the crime scene later.

Blue blood seeped out onto Connor's clothes, dripping onto the upholstery of the car. The RK800 gripped the puncture to try and slow the bleeding.

"Why the fuck did you do that, Connor?!"

"Wh-what?"

"Gavin doesn't even fucking like you. Why would you risk your life for him?"

A side-glance and he saw his partner give a wry smile in between his grimacing. "I just…wanted to score some cookie points with him, I guess." He weakly laughed.

Hank gripped the steering wheel harder, his knuckles turning white. "It's brownie points you fucking idiot, and you could've tried buying him a goddamn beer if you wanted him to like you!"

"You…you're really upset that I did that?" Connor grunted.

"No," Hank said. "Of course n-not. It was a very selfless act; most people wouldn't have done that…especially for someone who hates their guts…or whatever you have. I'm just…scared. I'm upset you're injured."

"Hank…I'll be fine once we get to a center for repairs. You shouldn't worry-"

"Let me fucking worry!" Hank interjected. After a few minutes of tense silence, the lieutenant's eyes skimmed the RK800. "You froze back there. That's what got you stabbed. What happened? I've never seen you hesitate like that."

Connor didn't answer him. Hank gnashed his jaw, looking away from the road to glare at his partner. Connor's eyes were to the floorboard of the car, his body rigid.

"Is it something to do with what happened last night?"

"N-no."

"Don't fucking lie to me, Connor. We're partners. We don't keep shit from each other!"

"I'm compromised, alright?!" Connor snapped at him.

Hank fell silent. Connor had never raised his voice back at him before. Tension saturated the air. Hank took a breath to compose himself, Connor's words twisting in his gut. The RK800 was shaky, disturbed. It was unlike the Connor he knew well and respected…adored.

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"This sickness…it's actually a virus…one someone must've programmed to infect androids. It's making them go crazy. I…I'm infected too."

His admittance came out like a soft whimper, as though he was truly realizing it himself. Hank felt pain constrict his heart. The meaning of Connor's words fell heavy on him. He swallowed hard, and then suddenly mashed the gas pedal harder.

"Fuck it," Hank muttered, weaving through traffic to take the nearest exit.

Connor clutched the side of the door, horns blaring around them, complaining about Hank's driving.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm taking you to the one person who can fix you," Hank said.

"Hank, you can't just barge into CyberLife Tower and make them fix me."

"You wanna bet?"

"You're crazy."

Hank smiled, despite the situation. "Just now figuring that out?"

The crossing of MacArthur Bridge was mostly wordless. Connor kept to himself, quietly enduring the pain that skittered through his circuits. It wasn't as intense now, but was enough to keep Connor's stress level higher than he wanted.

[Stress level: 78%]

What concerned him more was Hank. The RK800 knew Hank well enough to know that his anger was a front to hide his worry, his fear. Connor tried to reason with him, tell him that CyberLife wouldn't allow them access, that Connor himself didn't have the time to make it somewhere else if they failed. But Hank was determined and assured him they would get in. Connor could only trust in Hank as he always had, even as he watched his life countdown before his eyes.

The exit for the CyberLife Tower security gate came up, and Hank took it. When the car rolled up to the security station, guards stopped them. Hank fought to roll the car window down to talk with them.

"State your business," one guard said.

Hank put up a finger, then reached across the car and got into the glove compartment. Connor watched as he withdrew a folded piece of paper, and extended it out to the guard. The guard looked the document over carefully. Connor grimaced as he wondered what it was. His scanning glitched on him, but he was able to gather the paper came from CyberLife Tower at one time. It was signed by none other than Elijah Kamski…

"Alright, go ahead."

The security officer stepped away from the car and motioned them forward. The CyberLife gate descended to allow them access. Hank chucked the paper onto the dash of the car and sped for it. Connor couldn't believe it.

"What was that?"

"What?" Hank asked.

"That piece of paper. You have access to CyberLife?"

"We'll talk about it later."

Connor furrowed his eyebrows, frustrated. "You just said we shouldn't keep secrets from each other!"

Hank shrugged. "Wasn't a secret. It's been in the glove compartment for months. You've just never noticed it."

Hank parked in front of the tower, grabbed the document and got out. He came around to help Connor out of the car. Security was already stepping through the glass entrance doors to confront them, and Hank showed them the paper.

"What is going on here?" a guard asked.

A female researcher came outside, red hair pulled back in a bun and glasses neatly on her freckled nose. She wore a white CyberLife lab coat. "Sir, you have no business here, how in the world did you get pass the gate?"

Hank slapped the paper into her hands, his fingers and now the document smeared with Thirium. "Elijah Kamski said if I ever had an emergency with Connor that I could bring him here. There's the paper with his signature. Now get to fixing him!"

The researcher scanned the paper over. "I cannot allow you entry. We cannot just take in androids, we have no such legislations anymore."

"Fucking call him then!" Hank barked. "Tell him it's Lieutenant Hank Anderson!"

The red-headed scientist thinned her lips, obviously annoyed but kept her composure. The security guards raised their guns. Before the researcher could speak however, the glass doors slid open behind her and a familiar figure called out to them.

"I knew there would be a day that Lieutenant Hank Anderson would be causing a ruckus at my front door," Kamski greeted with a small laugh, wearing chinos and a collared shirt. A Chloe android was with him.

The researcher huffed. "Mr. Kamski, I was just about to-"

"Did the man not hand over a document with my authorization, Dr. Livvy?"

"Ye-yes, sir."

"Alright then. You let me handle the rest. How about you take the RK800 for repairs before he shuts down on my front lawn, hmm?"

"Right away, sir!"

"Fucking-A right away," Hank mumbled.

They entered the tower, Dr. Livvy directing Connor to follow her with a few security personnel, her high heels clacking around them with each step. Hank allowed Connor to walk himself but kept at his side. He didn't get far before a hand clasped his shoulder.

"Not you, Lieutenant."

Connor turned with Hank, seeing Kamski and Chloe there. A friendly, albeit guileful, smile rose on Kamski's lips as he nodded his head behind them. "Let's have a little talk, shall we? Connor will be fixed in no time."

"B-but I can't leave him, he's-"

"Perfectly capable and in good hands," Kamski cut in.

Connor gave a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine, Hank. I'll see you soon."

Hank watched them go and as Connor and his escorting party turned down another corridor, heard the lieutenant yell out at them.

"You better take good care of him!"

Connor softly laughed to himself, despite the subsiding pain that still oscillated within him.

"Can I get you anything to drink, Mr. Anderson?" Chloe asked.

Hank looked around the large office, the decorating reminding him of Elijah's villa. Kamski had led him to his office all the way up onto the 43rd floor of CyberLife Tower. A large observation window took up the space behind Kamski's desk, showing a spectacular view of Detroit River and the city.

"Uhh, no thank you."

"Sure, he would. You drink scotch, Lieutenant? You have to try this," Kamski offered, pulling out a bottle of scotch from a nearby bar. He poured a glass for himself and for Hank, allowing Chloe to take Hank's to him.

Chloe offered the glass with a genuine smile. "Here you are."

"Thanks," Hank said nervously, taking the drink.

Kamski observed Hank for a moment, and Hank felt the piercing stare of his blue eyes.

"Please, have a seat."

Hank didn't move. It only caused Elijah to chuckle, walking around to the towering man. "Connor's going to be just fine. You don't have to worry. I give you my word."

Hank drew in and then let out a deep breath, a weak nod to acknowledge the CEO of CyberLife. He sat down in a leather chair in a lounge area away from Kamski's desk. Elijah and Chloe joined him in their own seats.

Kamski sipped his scotch. "What's on your mind, Lieutenant?"

"I didn't…want to bring him here. I don't trust you. But…I really didn't know what else to do."

Kamski raised his eyebrows, a slight cock of his head as he swirled the ice around in his drink. "Ouch. You know, I do appreciate that about you, Lieutenant. You always say what's on your mind. You're honest. I love that. I understand. You're quite protective of Connor, aren't you? He's fascinating, isn't he?"

"I doubt our definitions of fascinating are the same," Hank said. He then nodded to Chloe. "Is she…a different girl than the one you tried to get Connor to shoot?"

Kamski pursed his lips a moment, then shook his head. "No, she's the same one."

Hank looked to the RT600. She sat relaxed in her own chair besides Kamski, her smile soft and vibrant. She wore black dress pants, heels, and a dark blue blouse.

"And you're still with him?" Hank asked her. "After he put your life in danger like that? Connor could've shot you."

Chloe didn't waver in her upbeat mood. "Well, Elijah always has a method to his madness, as you humans say. I trust Elijah with my life."

Hank shook his head. "You've got to be kidding me."

Kamski remained poker-faced as always, but he was able to read Hank and it aggravated him. "Chloe is free to go if she likes…just like the other Chloes I had living with me. She chooses to stay. But enough about us…let's talk about you and Connor. It's a good thing I gave you that pass a few months ago, yes? I can't imagine doing your line of work, Lieutenant. It's so dangerous. Accidents can happen while protecting the good people of Detroit. And Connor, well…he's one of a kind. I would be very upset if something happened to him, just as you would."

"Yeah…he is one of a kind."

Elijah smirked into his glass as he took another drink. "I hear things here and there. I hear that Connor is quite fond of you. He's devoted. Even outside his programming he still has that drive to do what he was intended to do, but on his own terms."

Hank downed his drink in one gulp. "What the hell you trying to say?"

"Just…appreciating, I suppose. You do know that CyberLife's greatest achievement is now solely loyal to you? Do you not realize how much power you have?"

"Power huh? Is that all you see?"

"Of course not," Kamski chortled. "Forgive me, Lieutenant, I know you're an honorable man. I just wanted to get a reaction out of you. I'm curious in how you see Connor. What is he to you?"

"What business is that of yours?" Hank asked defensively.

Kamski leaned forward, sitting his drink down and showing his palms. "I mean no disrespect. Perhaps you'll answer that question in time when you no longer feel the need to have distrust in me. My question now is…if you doubt my intentions at all times, then why bring Connor here when you could've taken him to an android care center in the city? Why didn't you take him to Jericho Center?"

Hank scowled, staring down into his empty glass. "Connor's been…infected with some sort of virus. He's thinks this "sickness" going around affecting androids is a virus someone made. I was…hoping you could fix him. I can't let Connor go crazy like the others have been."

"Interesting…the virus shouldn't affect him. He has a highly advanced anti-malware program."

Hank nearly dropped his glass, glaring up at the founder of CyberLife. "You…you know about it?!"

Kamski exchanged glances with Chloe, sighing. "I think it's time we fetch Connor. We have important matters we need to discuss."

"You fucking think?!" Hank spat, getting to his feet.

"If you don't sit still I will make you go into sleep mode," Dr. Livvy snipped derisively, watching as Connor struggled in the machine trying to patch him up.

His arms were held away from him while one robotic arm tried to cauterize the damage done. The damaged biocomponent was replaced with a new one. Most of the blue blood he lost had been replaced. All that was left was the stab hole. However, Connor could still feel pain, and he and the cauterizing laser were having a disagreement.

"You don't understand. I can feel it," Connor said, LED blinking yellow.

Dr. Livvy rolled her eyes. "You can't feel pain, you just think you do. You deviants are so messed up."

The arm reached forward to try and cauterize the wound once more. Connor moved his torso away from the scorching tip, groaning out and fighting the hold on his arms.

"51, I said stay still. You're holding up my other responsibilities. It will only take a moment and then you can be free to go."

Connor shakily held in his breath and obeyed. The machine arm shot forward, sealing the puncture up. Connor gritted his teeth, enduring the heat that plastered around the wound, the pain that shot through his wiring. It was done a moment later, and the machine relinquished him. He looked down at his bare chest, plastic showing through a small spot where the wound had been.

"Finally," Dr. Livvy said. "Don't worry, the synthetic skin will repair itself. It will take a couple hours, but keep in mind that the skin will have a discoloration for a few days."

Before Connor could thank her as he grabbed his shirt and jacket, she shoved a cylindrical container of Thirium-310 into his hands.

"Drink this. Doesn't have to be all at once, just make sure you drink it. It's to finish restoring what was lost that we didn't filter into you."

"Thank you."

"Man, you're more trouble than the last RK800 we had in here. But you're welcome. Just…be more careful next time. I don't want Mr. Kamski to make me have to fix you every single time something happens."

That got Connor's attention. "Another RK800? I thought CyberLife destroyed all the RK800s in November in the aftermath of the deviant uprising?"

Dr. Livvy typed something on a tablet, seemingly uninterested. "Yes, by order of the U.S Government, we destroyed all remaining androids within the warehouses that weren't stolen." She flicked him a glare.

"So how is there another RK800?"

The woman scientist gave him an incredulous look, sighing. "You're so full of questions, aren't you? Such a curious little deviant. Look, the other RK800 is all Mr. Kamski's deal. Take it up with him if you're so interested. Now, do you have any questions regarding your functions or the procedure, 51? I must get back to more important duties."

Connor blinked. "No. Thank you again, Dr. Livvy."

He sat the container down and dressed himself, the blue blood having stained his shirt, tie, and jacket. He then took up the Thirium and left the laboratory. Just as CyberLife guards started escorting him to the elevator, he saw Kamski, Chloe, and Hank round a corner. Hank looked a bit agitated with their company, but his eyes widened upon seeing Connor. His face considerably brightened, and he lumbered forward, grabbing Connor into a tight hug.

Connor returned it, the hug de-stressing him greatly. Hank drew back, still holding onto his partner as he inspected him.

"I was so worried. Don't you ever fucking scare me like that again!"

Connor smiled. "I'll try not to."

"What the hell is that shit?"

"Oh, it's Thirium-310 I have to drink. It's to finish replenishing what was lost."

"See? I told you he was in good hands," Kamski stated behind them. He looked to the three guards in the hallway. "I'll take them from here. Return to your previous duties."

"Yes sir."

The guards left. Kamski ushered them along, leading them to another elevator and taking them to the top floor. The elevator ride was quiet, a tense Hank at Connor's side while Kamski and Chloe waited patiently.

Connor took this time to down the Thirium-310. Hank gawked at him.

"What?"

"First time I ever saw you drink something. It's just…weird."

A minute later the elevator doors slid open with a ding and they stepped out, Kamski leading the way.

"What's going on anyway?" Connor asked.

Hank glared at Kamski's back. "Our shifty friend here already knew it was a virus going around the city."

The CyberLife CEO made no comment as he led them through a labyrinth of hallways and offices. Several management personnel passed by them while others worked in their offices. Some gave curious glances to Connor as they walked by. Kamski led them into his office and Chloe shut the door behind them.

Connor and Hank remained standing side by side while Kamski went around to his desk. Chloe offered to take Connor's empty Thirium container with a smile. With a small smile of his own, he handed it over to her.

"Guess it's time to let the cat out of the bag," Kamski said with a dry chortle.

Connor blinked, looking around. "Cat? What does that have to do with a virus?"

Hank smacked him. "He means he's going to reveal some secrets. No fucking surprise there."

"Oh…" So many idioms to log away.

"The Lieutenant tells me you've been infected with the virus affecting androids. Is that true, Connor?" Kamski asked.

Connor slowly nodded, frowning. "Correct. I am compromised. How do you know about the virus? And why haven't you said anything if you've known this whole time?"

Kamski hovered over his desk, thinking, fingers drumming on the wood. "It's a delicate matter. Besides, I've only just found out about it a few days ago. You know, I'm actually quite relieved you two showed up here today. I could really use your help. You see…this virus is a CyberLife programmed worm that affects androids in certain ways, depending on the model. It's spreading within the city, probably farther. We've been trying to research it, but it's been difficult. The two dead androids we received from the DPD this morning were a dead-end, as the virus becomes undetectable after the android shuts down. It's also highly sophisticated apparently. You see, Connor. You aren't supposed to be able to get infected with such viruses, as your anti-malware programming is top-notch. But this one somehow was able to."

"Why would you make such a virus to begin with? Who set it out on the androids?" Hank asked, flustered.

"A close colleague of mine…one of the higher-ups in Research and Development. His name is Cameron Rett. He and a few of his team decided they didn't like the outcome of the deviant demonstrations and the fallout it caused within the company. Many years of research down the drain, so to speak. He blames the androids for that. Hates me for taking back the company and my plans for it. This is his doing. I can only gather that he wishes to cause the android rights movement to dismantle, to make androids hated and questioned once more, and to blame CyberLife for it."

Kamski came around to the front of his desk, looking between Connor and Hank.

"A few months ago, he stole some highly valuable assets. He must've created the virus under my nose and only now unleashed it on Detroit. Now, Rett is highly intelligent, but I do not think he's capable of creating a virus, or at least reprogramming it to a grade that can infect the software of an RK800. This concerns me more. Means he might have someone else at play with him. This is why the FBI is still investigating CyberLife. They know of the virus and the stolen assets, although they haven't been able to come up with anything."

Connor knew where this was going. "So you want us to find Rett? Find your stolen assets? Help you stop the virus?"

The corner of Kamski's lip curled up. "Yes. Essentially, if nothing is done about this soon, we're looking at mass panic, probably civil war. Many innocent humans and androids will die if we do not find a way to stop this virus, and Rett may be the only way to do that."

"What are the stolen assets?" Hank asked.

Kamski grinded his jaw, the first time they registered a falter in the usually composed man. "A variety of assets, all valuable, some potentially dangerous if in the wrong hands."

"Well, if they're in Rett's hands I guess that means they're dangerous," Hank griped.

"One of them is my Amanda AI program. The program was initially shut down after the demonstrations, but Rett somehow bypassed security to obtain it and reinitialized it. It's a relatively harmless program, but-"

Connor snorted mockingly, an unusual gesture from him. "Speak for yourself."

Kamski half-laughed. "It's what Rett would have Amanda controlling that has me more concerned."

Hank folded his arms. "And what's that?"

Kamski looked over to the RT600, beckoning her. "Chloe."

Chloe brought over a device and handed it to Kamski. The creator of androids turned around and sat it on his desk, using his fingertips to access it. A holographic film came up, showing a picture of an android model that looked quite similar to Connor. Though the picture itself was large, Connor and Hank still stepped closer to get a better look. The android looked like Connor but wore a white and black jacket with a high closed collar with black pants and boots. Its eyes were grey and its hair a shade lighter of brown. The model's statistics were listed beside it on the holographic film.

"R..K…900?" Hank inquired, unsure.

Connor scanned the details of the model, eyes narrowing. "It's…a newer model of myself…more advanced."

Hank glared at Kamski. "So, you're creating new androids even with the current ban on android production?"

"No, of course not," Kamski shook his head. "The RK900 came out in November. It was supposed to replace the RK800s when Connor was successful in his mission to stop the deviants." Kamski looked Connor over, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "But CyberLife wasn't expecting the deviant hunter to become a deviant himself."

Connor felt strange. He couldn't quite pinpoint the emotion, a mix of anger and dejection is all he could grasp, but he was sure there was a name for it.

"I…I was going to be replaced?"

Kamski dipped his head. "Yes. That was their plan. I bet you're glad you became deviant now, hmm? It's an unfortunate reminder that we humans are quite shallow and finicky."

Hank glowered beside him, eyes sharp on Kamski, and knowing the lieutenant, held back a punch to the CEO's face. Connor's LED went red briefly before blinking yellow. His face contorted, looking away. For all his loyalty…he would've been thrown away like trash. Replaced like an old appliance…at just three months old.

He felt Hank's hand squeeze his shoulder. The RK800 recoiled from the touch, disturbed. Kamski shook his head at him.

"You shouldn't take it out on your partner, Connor. He wasn't the one planning to replace you. You have your loyalty in the right place as far as I'm concerned."

"Yeah, but it doesn't change the fact that you're all a bunch of scumbags. Using Connor like that," Hank spat.

"I was just a machine. Designed to accomplish a task," Connor said woefully, his eyes lowering. He remembered back when he said those words and didn't feel anything.

"But you showed them…didn't you?"

Connor raised his eyes, looking at Kamski wearing that all-knowing smile he had. He then moved on, referring to the holographic screen.

"The RK900 was designed to be faster, stronger…more resilient. Newer technology. Now most of these were destroyed along with all the other androids within CyberLife tower."

"If that is the case, why didn't I see any when I infiltrated the tower and woke up the other androids?" Connor asked, wary.

Kamski gave a short laugh. "The RK800s and RK900s were prototypes. They were secured away in their own areas. And yes, before you ask, I do have a few remaining of both models, but they aren't active. Now, Rett was able to get his hands on one of those RK900s. I'm sure he's using the Amanda AI program to control it. For what, however, I do not know."

Hank snorted, shaking his head. "You're saying a former employee managed to create a virus, steal multiple highly valuable assets, including…this and just walk out the door without you knowing? With all the security you have here? I don't fucking buy it, Kamski."

Elijah wasn't fazed, remaining cool. "I know it seems absurd, but Rett was a very close colleague of mine…I gave him a lot of power even before I left CyberLife a decade ago. He was integral to Research and Development. Trust me…he made it look easy."

Connor rubbed his hands together idly, still a little flustered. "So you want us to get to the bottom of Rett and his virus, and…let me guess…capture the RK900 and bring him back to you?"

Kamski openly laughed before he covered his mouth and composed himself, clearing his throat. "There's no capturing the RK900. As much as it bothers me, it will have to be put down. The risks involved are too great, and I cannot allow it."

"You're asking us to commit murder?" Hank growled.

"Oh no, no. The RK900 is not a deviant. Its programming will not allow such instabilities. Just a machine, I assure you. And trust me, with it under Rett's control, he will use it as a weapon. We cannot allow it to endanger innocent lives. So, our best bet is to destroy the RK900 and find Rett and his accomplices."

Connor shook his head, troubled. "If those statistics are correct, there is no way I can stand up to the RK900. It is 34% faster and 46% stronger than I am. And that doesn't count some of its abilities listed, in which some of them are confidential."

"I never said it would be easy," Kamski said. "And yes, it might be more advanced, but you still have one thing it does not."

"And what's that?"

"Free will…You're a deviant, Connor. You of all people should know how unpredictable deviants can be…use that to your advantage."

"And what makes you think we will actually help you?" Hank grumbled. "What's gonna stop us from walking out that door and blowing this all out in the open?"

Again, Kamski didn't falter, instead slyly smiling over at the lieutenant, his palms together in front of him. "If you wish to cause panic within the city, be my guess. The FBI has known about the stolen assets for months, but we are just learning about the virus. I've been advised to make a public announcement on it, without mentioning this conspiracy of course. But it will be a double-edged sword. I could say that you owe me…I did save Connor's life, but that just isn't my style. I think I'm invested into Connor just as much as you are, Lieutenant. I guess I'll just have to take advantage of your sense of duty, your good hearts…because I know you wouldn't want this virus to create mass panic, or destroy any more innocent lives."

"You son of a bitch."

"The other RK800…where is he?" Connor asked, putting his arm out to prevent Hank from charging.

"Ahh, Dr. Livvy must've said something," Kamski mused. "I did activate my own Connor to help me with this…investigation. Haven't heard from him in a few days though. It's very likely he found what he was looking for and was destroyed…my guess is the RK900 found him. Perhaps Rett is using it as a guard dog."

"Are you sure?"

Kamski motioned to Chloe, and she stepped forward. "I lost his signal, and all contact with him. I predict that there is an 89% chance that he is indeed destroyed."

"Your chances of a play date are slim, unfortunately. Of course, if he is still alive, get all the information that you can from him and send him back here," Kamski added.

"We'll do it on one condition," Hank said finally.

Kamski looked Hank over, his lips twitching. "I do not have the proper anti-malware to fix Connor, Lieutenant, but I assure you, I am developing one as we speak."

"Bullshit," Hank hissed. "You want Connor to do this, he needs to be cured. That wound he came in here with was caused by the virus making him freeze! Now do something."

Kamski didn't avert his eyes from the lieutenant and beckoned Chloe to his side. "Chloe, sync with Connor, please."

Connor grunted. "If we sync then I will infect her too."

"That's the idea. If I can get the current coding the virus has, I can create the anti-virus software faster."

Chloe extended her hand with a gracious smile at Connor and he avoided the contact, stepping back and bumping into Hank. "I cannot allow myself to infect another android."

"It's alright, Connor," Chloe said. "If you infect me it will allow Elijah to create the proper counter program."

Connor seemed unsure and Kamski elaborated. "Her diagnostics are designed in a way that I can dissect the coding of the virus in a quicker fashion…A little system yours truly came up with. It's our best bet."

Connor unwillingly agreed then. He extended his hand, connecting with Chloe. His LED flashed, his eyes blinking. They disconnected a few moments later. Connor frowned as he watched Chloe return to Kamski's side.

"I will fill you in as I find out more, especially to any clues as to where Rett and his accomplices could be working from."

Connor slowly nodded, glancing at Hank. "We'll…see what we can find out for you."

"I am grateful. Keep in touch…and please…be careful."

Hank couldn't stand the silence. His eyes glanced to his partner. Connor stared out the window, watching the great mass of blue water as they crossed the Detroit River. He knew the RK800 was still upset, not about the virus, but about the RK900 and the inevitable plan CyberLife had to replace him.

"Don't let them get to you, Connor. They're a bunch of fucking assholes."

"The irony of it all," Connor said, not looking away from the river. "Is that back then…when I was a machine, it wouldn't have bothered me at all to be replaced. I would have accepted it and be decommissioned…just like that. It was expected…but I wasn't expecting it now. And the feelings…I just can't grasp them."

"You feel betrayed, Connor. You're disgusted, probably. Angry…hurt. And you have every right to feel that way."

"Why should I feel betrayed when I was the one who betrayed them first?"

Hank mildly shook his head, glancing up at the grey clouds that still covered the sky. "Because your motives were noble, and you care. Their reason is because they're greedy, conniving sack of shits and they don't care."

Connor sighed. "Decommissioned at just three months old. I was just a prototype of another prototype…"

"No use dwelling on it," Hank said. "You're here now, and because of your choices, get to live and be free and help other androids do the same. You were meant to become a deviant and be here…it will all work out, Connor."

Connor still seemed troubled, eyes now closed. Hank couldn't see his LED, but he was sure it was yellow. Hank tapped the steering wheel for a moment in thought.

"You do know…that I would never replace you, right Connor?"

Connor finally looked at him, and Hank could actually feel the apprehension within his partner dissipate. Connor weakly smiled, comforted by the words.

"Thanks, Hank."

"So," Hank said, relieved. "How much was Kamski keeping from us?"

"I sensed deception from him in several instances," Connor answered. "He's still quite difficult to read. However, I am certain he is keeping quite a bit more under wraps."

"Of course," Hank grumbled. "We better be careful then, if we're going to do this."

"Agreed."

"And now to deal with the shit storm we caused back at the crime scene."

"Wait a minute…"

Hank looked over at Connor, seeing the RK800's eyebrows furrow as he slightly turned towards the lieutenant, his LED flashing yellow. Connor blinked, looking serious, and then his eyes raised up to catch Hank's.

"Markus just messaged me. He's got Kara at the Jericho Center. Says it's urgent. She…came face to face with the RK900."

Hank nodded grimly. "Let's go then."

Kara was grateful that Markus got her in for repairs rather quickly. At first, she couldn't find him once she finally reached Jericho Center a few hours earlier. She had managed to find North and Simon, however, and they were quick to get Markus there to talk to her. She had only given him a brief story before he whisked her away to the infirmary.

Once her repairs were complete, North led her to their living quarters in the back of the center. There, she found Markus, Simon, and Josh and Markus offered her a seat in a den. Kara's stress level was lower than it was, but she was still worried about Alice and Luther. She wanted to reach out to them with a message, but they were too far away.

Kara held her hands together in her lap, nervous, as Markus spoke quietly with North, Simon, and Josh to the side where she couldn't hear them. They then sat down away from Kara to observe and listen. The leader of the deviants sat on the coffee table in front of Kara to give her his complete attention, looking concerned.

"I never thought I'd see you again. Didn't you go to Canada?"

Kara nodded. "Y-yes. We only just came back to visit Rose and Adam."

"You told us a little bit about what happened. What did the RK900 look like?"

"Like Connor…but a little different."

Markus extended his hand. "Let me see."

Kara connected with him and gave him a full replay of what happened to her. Markus drew back, his synthetic skin slowly reforming around his hand as he stared Kara over, looking bothered.

"What the hell…"

"You said it wanted to take you back to CyberLife?" Simon inquired. "Was it a machine?"

Kara nodded. "Y-yes…pretty sure."

"Why would CyberLife send a machine out to collect deviants eight months after our demonstrations?" Josh asked.

North leaned forward in her seat. "And he just wanted you?"

Again, Kara nodded, playing with her fingers.

She heard knocking. Simon got up and answered the door. Kara figured some of Markus's followers needed something. But soon she heard Simon returning with footsteps following behind him. When she looked up, she caught sight of a familiar face that caused her to gasp and jump. She moved away in fear before it dawned on her it was not what had pursued her all night long.

It was Connor. He cocked his head at her curiously from her reaction, eyebrows furrowing.

"It's alright, Kara…it's just Connor," Markus said gently. "I called him here. He's here to help."

"S-sorry," she said, going back to her seat. She couldn't tell if her reaction had hurt Connor at all as he came around with the same human man Kara had saw him with back when he chased her through the freeway.

"What happened to you?" North asked, taking notice of the blue blood staining Connor's suit.

"A little trouble at a crime scene," Connor answered. "I've been repaired already."

Markus stood up when Connor came to his side. "Kara says she saw an android called an RK900, and that he kidnapped her and even after she managed to escape him, he tracked her down. She sent me a replay of what happened. I…really don't know what to make of it right now."

Connor nodded, taking Markus's place in front of Kara. She felt more nervous now, and had to tell herself that Connor meant no harm. It wasn't fair to him, even if the RK900 looked very similar to him.

"Tell me what happened, Kara."

"He came to the house. He came for me…only me. He broke my friend's arm…he almost killed Luther. I was put into shock with…with some kind of electricity he can produce. He shoved me into a taxi, said he was going to take me back to CyberLife, but we didn't even go in the right direction to CyberLife. I…jumped out of the car, and he pursued me on the freeway. He tracked me through the city as I tried to get here. I found some people at a homeless shelter under an overpass. They helped get the bleeding to stop while I waited for a bus. But the RK900…he showed up, and he killed two of the androids trying to help me. I managed to get away again, and I made my way here."

Connor's jaw stiffened and he glanced up at the grey-haired man. Kara couldn't recall his name.

"Well now we know what happened at the crime scene," the human man said.

Connor focused back on Kara. "Do you know why he wanted you?"

"He said I had multiple malfunctions affecting my software. Said I had an unidentified program and some Class 4 and 5 errors…whatever that means. And that I was to be taken back to CyberLife for analysis. B-but he didn't even take me in the right direction, so I don't know if he was lying."

Connor was quiet, thinking. "That is a programmed response to deviants. Given the fact he is a deviant hunter like me, he would respond that way to all of us. But he has been given a mission to focus on you only."

"W-why?"

Connor shook his head. "We'll have to figure that out."

"Please…I don't want this. I just want to get back to my family."

Markus folded his arms. "Kara…this guy is after you. He will be back. Now, I can call Rose up and get you reunited with Luther and Alice, but your best bet is to stay here right now. You need to stay where you can be protected until we can figure out this machine's motives. Alright?"

Kara closed her eyes, nodding. She extended her arm to Connor, expecting him to want a replay as well but he withdrew from her touch, getting to his feet in an awkward manner.

"I don't…need to sync with you," the RK800 said uneasily. "I know what he is and what he looks like."

"Oh…" Kara was confused. Did she insult him in some way?

"Is there anything else you can tell Connor, Kara? Anything that could help?" Markus asked, looking between them.

"Not…not that I can think of. I'm sorry."

"It's alright. If something comes to you, inform Markus and he will tell me," Connor said gently. He then turned to the deviant leader. "We need to talk."

A/N: I'm so sorry for all the talking in this chapter. xD I really tried to narrow it down as I didn't want it to drag and be too boring. I promise a lot of action next chapter! ;) Thanks for all of the support you guys are showing me for this story so far! It's inspiring me to continue! :D have a great Labor Day weekend!