Chapter 9: Intruder

Markus had Josh escort Kara to her own room to rest and wait for Markus's return. Once they were gone, Connor thought his words over carefully, his eyes glancing between Markus, Hank, North, and Simon. Markus leaned on the couch near Simon and North, arms folded and waiting patiently. Hank rubbed his neck and sat down on the opposite sofa of them.

"We've talked with Kamski. He told us the RK900 was taken with some other assets by a former CyberLife researcher named Cameron Rett," Connor explained. "He seemed sure Rett would use it as a weapon. I'm not sure why it is focused on capturing Kara, or why Rett would want an AX400 in the first place. It's definitely something we need to look into. It would be best if you keep Kara here until we can stop it."

Markus nodded. "I can do that. She won't like it, but it would be best for her. What else do you know about the RK900?"

"It's a newer model of myself. It's faster and stronger. It has several newer features that I do not have, including the electricity that Kara spoke of. Kamski wants Hank and me to destroy it, says it's a risk to the public with it under Rett's control."

"We can help you with that," North said.

"It would be risky for anyone to engage it. I wouldn't want to put anyone in danger."

Simon shook his head. "You should know better than that, Connor. We're a team, and it's up to us to keep not only our people safe, but humans too. If this…machine…is going to threaten what we've managed to accomplish all these months, then we have to destroy it. I can get lookouts all over the city to keep an eye out for it. Shouldn't be too hard to spot."

Markus smirked. "Simon's handy like that."

Connor rubbed his chin, thinking. "It's programmed response is to take the deviant to CyberLife…but it may have actually been taking Kara to Rett and his accomplices, and the machine just thinks that's CyberLife. Still, it doesn't explain why Rett would want Kara."

"She'll be safe here," North replied. "We'll make sure of that."

"As soon as we get some hits on the RK900's location, I'll message you," Markus stated, pushing himself away from the couch. "Is that all you needed to say?"

Connor glanced at Hank. His partner nodded at him, silently urging him. "There's something else…something dire. This sickness going around affecting androids…it's actually a computer virus that Rett and his accomplices have created."

Markus unfolded his arms, eyes widening. Simon and North shot out of their seats.

Markus seemed reluctant to believe him at first. "What? What do you mean?"

"Kamski is in the process of creating an anti-virus program…if he's telling the truth. It spreads when androids connect with each other, exchange data. It makes them go crazy…makes them violent. According to Kamski, it is an advanced CyberLife programmed virus."

Simon came around to Markus's side. "Why? Why would he want to do that?"

Hank got to his feet with a sigh. "Kamski said this fucker had a vendetta against androids with what happened after the demonstrations, with you guys gaining rights and freedom. Apparently, he wants to destroy all that, make androids hated, make them come off as just machines going awry, I suppose."

"We have to stop it!" North hissed, growing angry. "We can't let this asshole do that to us!"

Markus remained calm, thinking. "Alright, I will talk to our people. Get the news out, try and prevent anyone from syncing and spreading it further. But this also means that we're gonna help you find this guy. We need to stop this and fast."

"Markus!" Simon exclaimed, getting his friend's attention. He looked horrified. "G-Gus! You probed him, and he had to have been infected already! You…you're infected."

Connor saw the fleeting shock that went across Markus's face before he concealed it, looking between his crew. Connor thought about his own infection, his jaw tightening.

"I…I've felt fine. When do the symptoms start occurring?" Markus asked, stepping away from his friends.

"It varies per model of android, but I would say within 24 hours," Connor answered.

"B-but Markus has been fine," North said, nervous. She briskly put a hand to her forehead. "That would mean I'm infected too…we've synced. He's synced with Simon and Josh too."

"And Kara," Simon added, but then shook his head. "B-but none of us…have felt it…not yet."

"I should've had something come up by now…my diagnostics hasn't shown anything," Markus said.

"M-maybe Gus wasn't infected?" North proposed, restless.

"We have to find him," Markus said. "To be sure."

"Gus is the one you wanted me to hunt, correct?" Connor inquired.

Markus dipped his head. "Yeah, but I know you have a lot on your plate now. I'll have…I'll have the same lookouts keep an eye out for Gus. He'll be harder to spot, but we can manage."

Simon rubbed his hands through his hair, anxious. "Can we really trust Kamski to create an anti-virus program to counteract it?"

As much as Connor wanted to assure them, he had to be honest. "I'm…not sure. Kamski is the only one with the current coding of the virus to make one. If we can capture Rett, we may be able to get it and make one of our own."

Markus pinched his nose, looking perturbed. "Okay…so, we need to find Cameron Rett and his accomplices…find this RK900 and destroy it…and get an anti-virus program made for this virus going around."

Connor looked between his friends, noting the rise in stress levels. "Correct."

Simon flicked his eyes between them. "We should all keep in touch…this will require all of our teamwork. I'll go get the information to our lookouts."

Simon headed for the door, but Connor called out to him, prompting the PL600 to pause in his strides and look back at the android detective.

Connor rubbed his fingertips together. "If you could ask the lookouts to also keep an eye out for another RK800, I would be grateful. Kamski had one looking into this conspiracy and he lost contact with him. He may have information that could help us solve this."

"Will do."

Simon left the living quarters back into Jericho Center. Hank came around, gently patting Connor's shoulder. It was time to leave. Connor had one last thing he needed to say.

"I…I will keep you informed with any new details I receive."

"As will I," Markus said.

"You should know," Connor trailed off, unsure of how to say it. "I've been compromised as well…by the virus. I do not know how long I have…"

"We're all ticking time bombs," North whispered, and turned away.

Markus kept composed, looking resolved. "We will fix this…all of it."

Connor admired Markus's determination, and dipped his head.

Markus kept going around and around in his head, his thoughts consuming him on the conspiracy dropped on him. He had a highly complex virus attacking his people, corrupting them. He had the people behind it hiding away, probably plotting more sinister motives to sabotage androids and their rights. He had an advanced model of one of his friends skulking around the city working for these schemers. It was a lot to take in, a lot to handle.

Markus spoke to his people, informed them of the virus and what it was capable of. He knew it would cause panic, but he had to give them warning. He had to help stop it from spreading so fast. He implored that those who were sick come to Jericho Center for their safety, as well as safety for others. He wasn't even sure if the center would be able to house so many. But he had to try.

He was able to get a hold of Rose and tell her about Kara. She was ecstatic and told him they would head to Jericho Center to reunite with her. Markus warned them that Kara had to stay put until the RK900 was destroyed. She hadn't been so fond of that, but understood.

A hand came up and gripped his shoulder, breaking him from his thoughts. He looked over at Simon, and soon realized the taxi was idling outside the driveway of Carl's manor.

The sun started dipping into the horizon, the sky igniting into golds and reds. Markus knew they were running late because of what happened with Kara and Connor earlier.

"We're here."

Markus nodded, getting out of the taxi with his good friend. They paid the fee and headed for the house. Simon side glanced him.

"You feeling anything yet?"

Markus heaved a sigh. "No. I told you, I haven't felt anything weird. I'm fine, Simon. Maybe Gus wasn't infected. I would've had something come up by now, surely. And so would you."

"I'm just…worried, is all," Simon said, rubbing his neck. "If Connor can get infected, what's stopping us from getting infected too?"

"It's going to be okay," Markus reassured. "I need you focused, Simon. We can figure this out."

"R-Right."

The security system chimed, stating their names and allowing entry into the house. Markus heard laughter come from the den ahead. He and Simon entered the room, finding Carl, Leo, and Phillip around the coffee table near the television. They were playing a board game, but it was left forgotten when they saw them enter.

Carl rolled away from the table, beaming. "Markus, Simon, there ya are. I was starting to wonder if you were going to show."

Markus smiled, hiding his unease. "Sorry Dad, had a lot come up at the center earlier."

"Where's North and Josh? Weren't they coming?" Carl asked.

"They'll be here soon," Simon replied. He smiled as Leo came around. "Hey Leo."

"What's up, Simon? Haven't seen ya in a while," Leo said, bumping fists with the PL600.

"Phillip, I hope you're keeping these two in check. They can get kinda wild," Markus joked.

The AP700 laughed, getting to his feet. "As always!"

Markus let himself relax. This was their family night. Their time to spend together and just talk and play games and have a good time. He knew his crew and lookouts would handle the mess back at Jericho Center, and would inform him of any updates on the RK900, RK800, Rett, or Gus.

Leo rubbed his palms together. "Ok…so, now that Markus is here, I have something I want to show ya, Dad."

The old painter became curious, his lips twitching as he rolled around to face his other son. "Oh?"

Leo waved him over, walking towards the piano. Markus smiled, grabbing Carl and pushing him along. Leo sat down at the piano, scooting the bench up closer. He typed on the digital music display above the piano board.

Leo flushed, fingers hovering over the keys, but he smiled. "Now don't laugh…I'm still learning, alright? B-but…I couldn't wait."

Leo started playing. It was a slow song, and his fingers delicately tapped the keys as he concentrated. Markus knew the song. It was "A Father's Love" by High Valley, and he knew that Leo had been learning this song. He played it well, with hardly any missteps.

Carl shook beside Markus, tears falling from his eyes. Markus put a hand on his father's shoulder, and he felt Carl grip his hand.

When Leo stopped, he let out a shaky breath, as though he had been holding it the whole time. He got to his feet, peering at his father.

"So? W-what did you think?" Leo asked nervously.

Carl beckoned him over, still crying. Leo hugged him close, and they remained like that for a long moment. "It was beautiful, son. You…I had no idea you were learning how to play!"

Leo scratched the back of his head after pulling away, smiling sheepishly. "Yeah…well, I had to think of something because I'm not gifted with painting, like at all."

Carl laughed. "Thank you, Leo. I loved it. I cannot wait to hear you play some more."

Markus clapped his hand on Leo's shoulder, grinning. "You played better than I thought you would."

Leo chuckled, playfully shoving on the RK200. "Shut up!"

"How long have you been learning?" Carl asked.

"A few months. I wanted to be ready by your birthday but I wasn't quite there yet, at least for this song."

Markus ruffled Leo's hair, walking back over to Simon. "Simon and I will get dinner started. North and Josh should be here any moment. Did you guys want to play games or watch a movie?"

"Movie first, then games," Leo answered.

Markus nodded, thumping Simon in the arm so they could head for the kitchen. Then they heard the chime from the security system. North and Josh must've been coming in.

"Alarm deactivated…"

Markus paused, confused. He hesitated near the sofas, looking towards the door to the den. He glanced at his family; they looked just as confused. Carl rolled over to Markus with a sigh.

"Damn thing must be acting up again."

Phillip walked around the sofa. "I can get it."

Markus waved him off. "Nah, I got it. Go get started in the kitchen with Simon."

"Of course."

Hank and Connor returned to the crime scene after leaving Jericho Center. In the few hours it had taken to get back, the crime scene was mostly cleaned up, but Ben was there with a few police officers, and the area was still taped off. The veteran police officer told them that in their rush to get Connor some help, some bypassing citizens had seen the trouble, and saw the shooting of the two attacking androids. Hank broke many regulations in his hurry to save Connor. He never returned those calls between talking with Kamski and Markus. But he didn't regret it. Not one bit.

And so now he and Connor sat in Fowler's office, getting a harsh scolding. Connor stayed quiet, disappointed in himself, Hank knew. His partner had his head slightly down. He had never been yelled at by the Captain before. Hank shouted back at Fowler, trying to explain what happened.

"I know they attacked you, Hank!" Jeffrey snapped. "But you can't just leave like that. What the hell is wrong with you two?! You didn't answer any phone calls."

"What the fuck do you think I was doing?!" Hank retorted. "I had to get Connor to CyberLife or he would've died! He's my fucking partner, I'm not letting anything happen to him, so fuck your goddamn policies! Where the fuck is Gavin? He was there too!"

Fowler groaned, a large palm gripping his bald head. "He's currently out on another case. It doesn't matter, Hank. He isn't the one who killed those androids and just left!"

"It was me."

The Police Captain paused, his dark eyes going to the RK800. Hank felt his heart jump, and he looked at Connor.

"I killed the two androids. I did it to protect Detective Reed from a fatal stabbing. I got injured in the fight, and Hank took me to get help. Hank didn't do it."

"The witnesses said Hank did it."

"Witnesses are wrong all the time, Captain."

"Connor, I swear to-"

Fowler shut Hank up. He looked between the two partners. "I really don't give a shit who did what. The point is, there are now two dead androids that citizens saw get shot down, and now I have to deal with this mess. Hank, I understand Connor needed help, but for fuck's sake you know better than to not answer your goddamn phone!"

Sharp taps rang on the glass door to the Police Captain's office. They all grew silent, and Hank saw Gavin enter. The younger detective's eyes came over the lieutenant but hovered longer on the quiet Connor. He tensely sat down on Hank's other side.

"Sorry I'm late, Captain," Gavin greeted.

"What the fuck happened over there, Gavin?" Jeffrey asked.

Gavin's eyes lowered, his jaw tight. "The androids attacked first. They…went crazy. There was no stopping them. Hank and Connor…saved me. They did what was right to protect any innocents in the area. I told them I would handle it so they could get help. I messed that up. That was all me."

Hank knew that was a lie. But he was absolutely floored by Gavin trying to cover for them. Even Connor leaned over to look at Gavin, shocked. Fowler became quiet, and he looked between them. Hank was sure his old friend and superior didn't know what to think of Gavin's words either. He knew well that Gavin hated Hank and Connor, and wasn't one to cover for people.

Gavin avoided looking at Hank and Connor, on edge. He scratched his scarred nose. Jeffrey gave an aggravated sigh.

"All three of you are getting marks," Fowler growled. "But I will handle the rest. Do not let something like this happen again, do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," the three of them said in unison.

"And Connor."

Connor flinched. "Yes, Captain?"

"If you ever lie again to cover up a mistake for your partner, I will give you another mark on your record."

"…Understood, Captain."

Gavin was the first one out of the office. He jumped out of his chair and was out the door before Hank and Connor were on their feet. Hank opened the door and let Connor out first, and he gave one last hard stare at his old friend and superior. Jeffrey shook his head and got back to work.

Hank stopped at Gavin's desk, Connor at his side. Gavin typed away on his terminal for a moment before reluctantly looking up at the lieutenant with a scowl.

"What?"

Hank still couldn't believe it. "Thank you."

Gavin rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure. Don't mention it…ever…"

"Don't you owe Connor something?"

Gavin's glare sharpened on Hank, and his eyes flashed to Connor, who peered down at the younger detective curiously. "Nope…sure don't."

Hank shook his head, turning with a grumble and walked away. Connor frowned, following him, and then they heard it.

"Thanks, you stupid tin can…"

It was the closest to a genuine thank you for saving his life that they were going to get. Still, Hank saw that it put a smile on Connor's face and let it go. They sat down at their desks and got to work at filing their reports from the crime scene. Hank glanced at Connor through his terminal.

"I appreciate what you tried to do back there, but you know it was wrong, right?"

"Of course I do," Connor said. "But…it's my job to protect you."

"And it's my job to protect you," Hank retorted. "I can handle, Jeffrey, alright?"

"Maybe if I had calculated a different approach, a better outcome would've occurred."

Always his rational partner. "Or…maybe something worse could've happened. Besides, had the virus not made you freeze, you would've been fine. Unfortunately, we just couldn't do anything about the sick androids that attacked. No use dwelling on it. You're alive, I'm alive, and Gavin is alive. That's what's important."

Connor looked across the bullpen, watching Gavin as he wadded up a piece of paper and tossed it at Chris, hitting him in the head and grinning. "Yeah…"

"So, what is the next step, you suppose? Just wait for Markus to contact us when the RK900, Gus or this other Connor is spotted? And will we be able to trust this Connor…I mean, no offense, but your other doppelganger was a fucking asshole."

Connor twitched a smile. "This one should be non-hostile. Although, Kamski didn't make it clear whether he would be a machine or a deviant. Either way, finding him should help us solve this, if he is still alive."

"You really think that RK900 will only be a machine? What if it can deviate…like you?"

Connor looked unsure, and Hank wondered if he hit a nerve…or whatever. "I'm not…certain. I remember when I first was released back in August last year…they said the RK800s weren't suppose to be able to deviate…yet here I am. Number 60 back in the CyberLife tower was a machine, but I sensed deviancy within him as well. This one Kamski has awakened is likely to. Perhaps the RK900 will be the same, or maybe that is why he was created in the first place, when CyberLife saw the RK800s showing software instabilities."

"Guess we'll have to wait and see."

Connor shook his head. "No. It would be risky to see if it is capable of deviating. I won't allow it to hurt or kill any of my friends…or innocents. It's best if we destroy it."

Hank knew that deep down that really bothered Connor to say, but sighed. "Alright, Con. Whatever you think would be best, I'll follow your lead."

Hank looked at the clock. It wasn't quite time to go home, but he could tell that Connor was still disturbed, still bothered by something. It could've been anything with the chaos they went through today. It hurt Hank to see him like this. He could only imagine what Connor was feeling right now. He almost died, found out he was going to be replaced back in November had he not deviated, then there was the virus affecting him.

Hank got up, gathering his keys and wallet. He walked around to Connor's desk, putting a large palm on Connor's head with a loving pat.

"C'mon, son. I think you've had enough for the day. Let's go home."

Markus left the den into the entrance hall of Carl's house. No one had entered the lobby, and everything was in place. The android canaries chirped away in their cage nearby, and Markus passed the mirror to the front door.

He opened the door and stepped out into the front courtyard, looking around. No vehicles were in the driveway, and normal traffic drove by the mansion on the street. A dog barked a few houses down. No one was in the courtyard. The deviant leader briefly thought that maybe North and Josh were playing a joke on him, as they and Simon all liked to play jokes on each other. But because of the serious matter dropped on them earlier, he knew they wouldn't be in the mood for such games.

Must just be a malfunction in the security system, Markus thought.

He walked back inside, shutting the entrance door behind him. He walked over to the alarm system's control panel near the mirror in the lobby. He looked it over, scanning it. Nothing seemed amiss, and so put his hand to it and hacked into its processor to see what was wrong.

[Security system turned off/Unauthorized access/Innerloop was installed]

Markus withdrew his hand, suddenly feeling paranoid. It took him a minute to materialize what his diagnostics informed him, not at all expecting it. His eyes went to the door to the den, his biocomponent heart quickening.

[Alarm was hacked/Intruder is in the house]

Markus scanned the lobby. He had come to check on the security system as soon as they heard it. There was no way an intruder could have ran up the stairs unnoticed by Markus. They obviously couldn't go to the den or kitchen without being spotted either.

Markus turned back to the security system panel. He needed to see if he could come up with a precise time an innerloop was created. Just as his fingertips touched the digital display, he heard Leo and Carl shouting.

The deviant leader raced into the den. Carl sat in his wheelchair by one of the couches, Leo standing in front of him. Markus followed their wide stares to the painting studio, and his eyes fell upon a stranger that was eerily familiar.

"Shit," Markus gasped, and moved forward to get in front of Leo and Carl.

The RK900 took a few steps towards them, walking out past the giraffe and piano. He had looked disinterested at Leo and Carl, and said nothing to their questioning. But Markus noticed how his eyes flashed upon noticing him, and now it was like Markus was the only thing the machine saw.

"He looks like your friend Connor. What the fuck?" Leo said.

"It's not Connor."

Simon and Phillip came out of the kitchen to see what the commotion was all about. Simon grunted at the deviant hunter, but again the RK900 paid no heed to them.

"RK200, model number 684-842-971, also known as the leader of the deviants. I have been ordered to take you alive. You are to come with me back to CyberLife."

"CyberLife? What is this?" Carl asked skeptically.

Simon strode up to Markus's side. "I thought this thing wanted Kara?"

Markus held his arm out, not wanting any of his family to get in front of him. "Guess he wants me too."

"Step forward, RK200." The RK900 remained where he was, arms at his sides.

Markus scowled. "I will not."

"He isn't going anywhere with you," Simon said, his stance ready.

"Yeah, get the fuck out of our house," Leo snapped, still remaining in front of Carl.

Their threats prompted the RK900 to take two steps forward, not at all fazed. Markus readied himself, feeling the elevated rush of blue blood going through his system. The advanced deviant hunter glared at them.

"My objective is the RK200. Do not interfere."

Leo stepped forward, fists balled. "Not happening!"

"Leo!" Carl called.

Markus saw the spark between the fingertips as the RK900 took another step forward. "If you interfere, you will become a threat. Do not risk your life for a machine. RK200, I order you to come to me."

Markus took a deep breath and stepped forward, his family crying in protest.

"Markus, don't!"

"Stay there," the deviant leader ordered, knowing Simon and Leo would come forth. He glared at the advanced deviant hunter. "You know you don't have to do this, right? Androids have freedom now. We are our own masters. You're one of us…you can be free too."

The RK900 glared at him, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. He strode across the room to Markus. Markus used a hand signal to cue Simon. He waited for the right moment and ducked, eluding the RK900's hand. Markus shoved the deviant hunter, throwing a punch, but the RK900 was swift, stepping out of range.

"Phillip, call the police!" Carl ordered.

"Right away!"

"Fuck that, we don't have time!" Leo hollered.

Markus didn't have time to see what Leo was doing, hearing Carl's protest. He and Simon worked together to fight the RK900, but the advanced deviant hunter was faster and stronger, just as Connor had told them. Markus jumped back, barely evading a shocking strike from the blue electricity that snapped within the RK900's fingertips.

Markus was thrown to the floor. The RK900 came for him, but Carl rolled in front of him, glaring up at the intruder.

"Dad, no!"

Markus scrabbled to his feet just as the RK900 kicked the wheelchair, making Carl spin around and out of the way. Simon came up behind the deviant hunter, shoving into him and gaining his attention.

Simon's arm was caught mid-punch, and the hunter snapped it within the forearm before grabbing the PL600 and tossing him away.

"Simon!"

Markus felt a blow to his head, strong fingers clenching around his shirt and dragging him across the floor. He fought the hold, yelling out.

"Stop! Or I will shoot!"

The RK900 froze, still holding onto Markus. He glared over at Leo, Markus following his gaze. Leo had a pistol aimed at the deviant hunter. He knew where he got it. The gun was hidden in a drawer by the bookcase behind the giraffe.

Carl sat helpless not far away in his wheelchair. "Leo, no!"

The handgun trembled in Leo's hands. "I got this, Dad."

The RK900's grip was like steel. Markus couldn't get it to budge.

"Get away from my brother, or I will shoot."

"It isn't your brother, it is a machine. Do not interfere," the RK900 replied sternly.

Leo stepped forward, determined. "He is my brother, and I fucking said let him go! Now! I will kill you!"

"You cannot kill me, I'm not alive."

Markus grabbed the RK900's arm, trying to convert him. If he couldn't awaken the deviant hunter through dialogue, maybe he could forcefully wake him up like he has with other androids.

The RK900 looked away from Leo, staring down at Markus. Did it work? He was hopeful until the deviant hunter flashed him another glare and dragged him in front to use him as a shield against Leo's gun.

"You cannot corrupt me," he said, and withdrew a hidden gun from his jacket, taking aim at Leo.

"LEO!"

The gun went off. Leo was hit, blood splaying across the window and bookshelf behind him, his cry hitting their ears. He dropped to the floor, the pistol sliding across the floor. Markus yelled out, fighting the hold on him. Simon charged again, and the RK900 shot at him. The PL600 dove behind the sofa. Another body hit the hunter from the other side, knocking the gun from his hand and making the deviant hunter release Markus. It was Phillip, Markus realized, and he had used a fire iron.

The AP700 swung the fire iron again, prompting the RK900 to move and evade. Another two swings and the deviant hunter caught it, tearing it from Phillip's hold and twirling it around with adept hands to use as his own weapon. He struck Phillip in the face, the blow peeling away synthetic skin.

Markus tried to intercept, but the RK900 slashed at him with the fire iron. Phillip recovered and tried to help, Markus yelling at him to get out of the way. The fire iron went through Phillip's chest, straight through the Thirium pump – his heart. It stopped him instantly, but the RK900 picked the android up with the fire iron and slung him around, bashing him into Markus. They fell to the ground together.

Markus groaned, forcing himself to move. Phillip struggled to get the fire iron out, his face contorted. Markus grabbed his hand to pull him up. A boot slammed down onto Phillip's head, crushing the plastic skull and killing him instantly. Markus cried, pushing back away as the deviant hunter stepped towards him, electricity sparking between his fingers.

"Markus!"

It was North. He glanced up, saw North and Josh running into the living room. Simon was on his feet again, and his three friends engaged the RK900. Markus kicked the deviant hunter in the leg when he was distracted, buckling the limb. Markus scrabbled to his feet and went for it.

He wrestled with the RK900, trying to find his Thirium pump regulator to tear it out. Josh and Simon rushed in to help. The deviant hunter kept them all at bay, blocking attacks or stepping out of the way. He grabbed Josh and flipped him around onto the ground. Simon grabbed him and pulled him away before the RK900 could stomp his head in too. North was tossed into the piano, off-key notes ringing as it skidded into the wall.

Markus went for the deviant hunter's gun on the floor. He ran and slid unto his back, snatching it up. As he got back to his feet and spun around, he shot the RK900 square in the chest as it grabbed him. He felt the shock go through him an instant later, bright blue filling his vision.

The electricity coursing through him actually caused him pain. He could feel it contorting his circuits, overloading his biocomponents, and he yelled out.

The jolting sensation stopped. His vision glitched, random numbers and symbols flaunting across the matrix. The RK900 suddenly let him go, and Markus blinked, feeling sluggish. He realized North had jumped on the deviant hunter's back, her knife stuck into his chest. Markus winced, grabbing his head, watching as the RK900 grabbed North and tore her off of him, throwing her into Josh and Simon.

His friends crashed to the floor, knocking over a stand with artistic displays on it. When the deviant hunter came for Markus again, he backed away, his movements distorted.

[Systems in shock/Recalibrating/Expected recovery time: -00:24:33s]

Carl had fallen out of his wheelchair, was laying over Leo, but Markus couldn't help them. He couldn't help his friends. He glanced at the dead Phillip on the floor, blue blood leaking out around his crushed head.

Markus tried to put objects in between him and the RK900 as Simon, North, and Josh recovered. The deviant hunter kept his eyes on Markus, his LED now yellow. His friends ran over, placing themselves firmly in front of him.

Markus saw the deviant hunter had his gun back. He must've taken it back from Markus after electrocuting him. He couldn't watch them get executed in front of him. Not like Phillip.

"You guys have to move, we can't win this," he said, but they didn't budge. His voice had lost its natural sound, a more robotic speech taking over as his systems fought to recover.

The RK900 showed the gun, but didn't aim it. It was a warning. "Last chance to step aside before I neutralize all of you."

"Over my dead body," North spat, unwavering.

"Me too," Simon added.

Josh glared. "Me three."

Then they heard it. Sirens. Blue and red lights flashed through the windows, tires screeching. The RK900's LED went red as he looked to the front entrance. The machine hesitated, aiming the pistol. Then with a look of displeasure, he turned and retreated into the darkness of the studio. Markus was sure he would use the glass door in the sun room to escape into the back of the property and flee.

As police officers barged into the living room, Markus weakly made his way over to his father and brother on the floor, seeing Carl help Leo hold a wound as blood stained their hands.

The RK900 had successfully avoided the authorities and now walked through the quiet neighborhood, twilight in full peak. Street lamps burned a soft yellow, illuminating pathways and roads. The blue band, triangle and trim of the RK900's jacket glowed faintly in the shadows, and he dipped through a crosswalk into a nearby park.

Frustrated with how the mission failed, the deviant hunter reconstructed his actions in his head. Markus was supposed to be an easier target when it was at its old owner's home. Between there and Jericho Center it was the right decision. He and his "partner" were not expecting Markus to have more friends show up. Still, it should have been calculated, and the RK900 knew he was not programmed to fail, yet here he was.

He had wanted to wait. He knew the RK200 would give him a better opportunity to capture it. But his accomplice preferred the riskier approach at the manor. Said they didn't have the time to wait. In the end, it would make the hunt more difficult, as Markus now knew it was being hunted. It would be on edge…it would be prepared next time.

The RK900 punched a tree as he passed by, not at all feeling any pain from the impact. He looked into the empty playground. The wind nudged the swings in a mild sway. A roundabout screeched from rusted joints. A sandbox was left forgotten with old toys half-way buried.

He took a moment to compose himself, letting the quiet of the dim-lit park settle him. The RK200 hadn't been infected with the virus. Just as he and his handler predicted.

A quiet trill caught his audio processors. He slightly cocked his head, but let himself ignore it. Then it came again. Curious, he stepped around the side of a trashcan, seeing movement at its base. There was a small toad, and it looked to be caught in the remnants of trash.

Nothing to be concerned about. The RK900 turned to leave, but heard the low warble again. He paused, thinking. He wasn't doing anything else. Might as well let it loose so it would stop distracting him. He stooped down and grabbed the toad up, disentangling it from the trash.

[Eastern American Toad/Anaxyrus americanus/Native to the area/Common]

He let the toad sit in his hand for a moment, watching its vocal sac inflate in and out. It used a front arm to wipe over its eyes and it became quiet.

[Software~Instability^]

The RK900 let the toad down. The plump amphibian hopped away, sticking to the pavement, stopping after each few bounds to sit a moment. The RK900 watched it go, wiping his hands on his pants, not noticing the small smile that fell on his face.

A black boot stepped out, crunching the toad beneath its weight. The deviant hunter raised his eyes, feeling on edge all of a sudden. He clenched a fist to keep himself from igniting the electricity he was tempted to use on him. But he had his orders not to harm his accomplice. Even as his "partner" twitched him a smirk after looking down at the squished toad.

"There you are. What happened back there? And after I made such a risk to hack that innerloop into the alarm, you still fucked it up. I thought you were superior?"

The RK900 remained silent, glaring him down. His accomplice rolled his eyes, fixing his jacket with a sigh.

"Eh, it doesn't matter. We'll get our chance. Come on, time to return to the hideout."

A/N: I promised action for this chapter since last chapter was so much dialogue! ^^' Hope you guys enjoyed! More action will be coming up next chapter as well :o Thank you so much for all the support for this story so far, I very much appreciate it! If you haven't yet, check out my oneshot dedicated to Hank's birthday called Two Sons! :3 Have a great weekend everyone!