Chapter 11: Smoke and Mirrors

It was a constant state of panic he tried to keep under wraps as he ordered several patrol units to search the Warehouse District of Rivertown and its surrounding blocks. Hank's heart pounded in his ears and he gassed the Buick harder down several streets of traffic, eyes constantly combing for Connor. The two androids just disappeared.

Crucial minutes turned into an hour, and then another. Hank didn't let up. Even when the search efforts reported back to him with no news, he commanded them to keep looking.

He tried calling Connor's cell phone. The phone just went to voicemail. He knew his partner had linked himself to the device, and could answer without having the phone on him. It worried Hank even more.

Another sixty minutes passed and Captain Fowler called him. Three of the patrols had to be pulled for emergencies, one of which was a skinless android attacking near Capitol Park.

"Hank, listen to me," Fowler said calmly. He didn't raise his voice, didn't have that authoritative tone. Hank was sure his old friend could hear the distress in his voice, knew about the tears that threatened his eyes as he babbled on about what happened. "Take a breather. We'll find him. We'll keep looking…but I need you to calm down. I know this is personal, but it's Connor. He's smart and he's resourceful. He will show up. I got an APB out on him and this RK900."

It was hard to be calm when Hank could only think back to the dead RK800 in the apartment. The sight flashed in his memory, and he felt bile rise in his throat. No. Not his Connor.

"I'll…I'll keep searching," Hank said into the phone, restless within his car. "I can't stop. I have to find him."

"You can't do this to yourself, Hank. You need a break. I still have other patrols out searching."

Hank thought it over, but knew he couldn't. If it was him, Connor would be looking for him nonstop. He wouldn't give up, wouldn't even consider leaving the duty to someone else. Connor was loyal to the end, and so was Hank.

"I'll be fine," he said, and hung up.

The afternoon sun beat down, soaking into the concrete as Rivertown became alive within the busier hours. Only the strong gales from the nearby Detroit River gave any kind of relief to the summer day.

After another drive around that, again, ended with no sight of Connor or the RK900, Hank drove back to the burned apartment complex. He had to reorganize his thoughts, maybe find the trail again. Deep down, he hoped Connor escaped his pursuer and returned there to reunite with Hank. But when he arrived, there was no one there.

Hank got out of the car. He paced around, trying to think. The worry ate at him. His stomach churned, and he swallowed the urge to vomit. The dread that soaked his bones was a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time. Not since Cole passed away…

He wasn't just an officer worried about his missing partner. His old, fatherly instincts had kicked in full force. He felt like a father searching for his son. A son that was in imminent danger. The greatest fear any parent could feel on top of being so utterly helpless in the situation. That's why it was so personal; why Hank couldn't remain calm even while trying to direct those under him.

It didn't matter that Connor was an adult, and an ingenious, proficient one at that. Parents worried about their adult children all the time. Hank apparently was no different. Connor was his family, and he needed to find him.

The dead RK800 lingered in the back of his thoughts. He clamped his eyes shut, punching down on the hood of his car.

Not my Connor…He'll make it!

Hank thought about how strong Connor was, how agile he was. He was skilled in hand-to-hand and with many weapons. Mostly, his partner was intelligent and capable.

But the RK900 was designed to surpass Connor in every way…

"It's a machine," Hank uttered.

But Connor was a deviant. And on top of his skills and abilities, Hank thought he could be the only person that could stop the RK900 for good. After all, Connor had been that machine…that hunter…He knew exactly how the RK900 thought, how it would react.

If anyone can do it, Connor can…

"H-Hank?"

His heart shot to his throat, the breath hitching there as he spun. Connor stood not far away, disheveled and beat up. Blue blood oozed down his chin from his lips and another cut bled from his temple, his suit dirty and untidy. He looked over his shoulder, as though a monster was about to pounce him any moment.

"Fuckin' hell, Connor!"

Relief washed over Hank. He ran to Connor and scooped the android up into a bear hug. He was so happy, tears flooded from his eyes. He knew it!

"You had me worried fucking sick! Are you alright? Why didn't you answer my call?!"

He put Connor down and looked him over. Connor pulled away, looking spooked.

"I'm okay. Sorry. I had to…I had to make sure I lost him."

"What the fuck happened?"

Connor pointed to the car. "It would be best if we left the area for a while, Hank. I'm not sure how long before the RK900 picks up my trail again."

"R-right. Get in, let's get back to the station."

Hank watched Connor get into the passenger side before letting his eyes wander the area. He quickly got in and started the car up, peeling out of there.

"Tell me. What happened? Are you hurt? Do we need to take you for any repairs?"

Connor shook his head. "I'm fine. Just some mild scratches that my systems can restore."

"Did he catch you?"

"Yes. He chased me a few blocks, but he eventually caught me. He shocked me like he did with Kara and Markus, which is why I couldn't answer your call. I had to wait for my systems to recover before I could escape. He was taking me somewhere…I couldn't figure it out though, I had to take my opportunity to escape."

"I'm glad you did. We'll figure it out." Hank trailed off, thinking. "Jesus, Connor. I was…I was so scared. I thought I lost you for good this time."

Connor kept his eyes ahead, tense. "I thought I was a goner too."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Hank knew he would sound like a broken record by the end of the day asking that, but had to be sure.

"I'm fine, Hank. Just a little…shaken up. Still recovering from that shock, I suppose. And the fact I even managed to escape." Connor looked over at him. "We should go back to that apartment and finish looking for evidence that could tell us where Rett and his followers went. But with backup this time."

Hank choked a half-laugh. "Fuckin' overachiever. Get chased down by a goddamn Terminator and you want to get back to work. Fine. But we have to stop at the station first and then we're taking a long lunch to recover."

"I said I'm okay. And well, I never understood that film from your youth, but I can see the resemblance now."

"I don't mean just you. I almost had a damn anxiety attack because of you and I've never had one in my fucking life. You're gonna make me age twice as fast if you keep this shit up."

"Trust me, I would've preferred a more peaceful morning myself."

When they arrived at the DPD Central Station, the two walked together into the bullpen using the back personnel entrance to avoid the high foot traffic within the station from rush hour. Hank had called in to cancel the APB out on Connor, but kept it open for the RK900. When they entered the bullpen, several officers came over to crowd them, voicing their relief that Connor was back.

Chris came over, slapping Connor in the shoulder. "I knew you would be alright! Hank worried for nothing! That RK900 has nothing on you, Connor!"

"Hey, I knew he could do it. I just fucking worry anyway!"

Chris laughed. Connor dipped his head, his eyes scanning the bullpen. "Thanks, Officer Miller. I'm just glad to be back."

He stepped away, walking for their desks, bypassing a couple of police dogs sitting near the main aisle.

Hank shook his head, rounding on Chris. "Think he's still shaken up, just doesn't want to admit it."

"He takes after you then. I'm glad he's okay. I really was worried."

Hank thinned his lips, slowly nodding. "Yeah…me too."

Hank brushed pass Chris to join Connor at their desks. Just as he reached them, Fowler stepped out of his office and came over to them. Connor had just sat down in his chair, and Hank acknowledged his boss and old friend.

Fowler grinned, motioning to Connor as the android looked between the Captain and Hank expectantly.

"When I heard the news, I was relieved. But I knew Connor would show back up. You're resourceful, Connor. A good detective is always resourceful, right Hank?"

"Yeah."

"Thank you, Captain. Really, I think it was luck."

"Whatever it was, I'm glad to have you back. We still have the APB up for this RK900. As soon as he's spotted or, hopefully, captured, I will let you two know."

"Thanks, Jeffrey."

Fowler patted Hank on the back as he headed back to his office. "Just be careful, you two, alright?"

Hank sat down at his desk. Connor remained quiet and Hank cast him a glance. His partner seemed to be in thought, his brown eyes scanning the activity within the bullpen.

Hank cleared his throat. "What about the virus?"

"Huh? Oh, haven't felt anything yet. You know, I'm surprised it didn't make me freeze like last time when I was running away from the RK900."

Connor still seemed distracted. Hank couldn't blame him, couldn't imagine what his partner just went through. He was probably in shock.

"You sure you're alright, Connor?"

"I'm fine, Hank. Just still…can't believe it."

"We'll get that bastard. I promise."

Hank left to get Connor a new gun until they could recover his old one. It took him time to go to the armory and put in his password. He filled out the information on a digital screen and got the standard issue 9mm handgun.

When Hank returned to their desks, he saw Connor standing, talking with Gavin. It looked as though the resident asshole of the DPD had come over to initiate the conversation, although Hank couldn't be sure. He swallowed back discontent and stepped over to them.

"So, you ran like a chickenshit basically?" Gavin asked.

"The RK900 is faster and stronger than I am. It was the better option, especially to keep Hank safe."

"Let me get this straight," Gavin scratched his stubble, grinning. "A better version of you is out there hunting you? And you have to stop him and help stop this android virus that's spreading?"

"Correct."

"I can't hardly stand one of you, let alone another one," Gavin scoffed.

"Don't you have better shit to be doing, Gavin?" Hank warned.

"Nah, not really."

Hank rolled his eyes. "C'mon, Connor."

"Sure, Hank."

He caught the glare Connor gave as he shoulder-checked Gavin out of the way. Hank felt the younger detective's burning eyes as they walked for the exit.

Hank handed Connor the new gun. "He piss you off or something?"

"A little."

"Eh, don't let him get to you. You know how he is."

Connor shrugged. "I just don't have the tolerance today, I guess."

"After what you went through, I don't blame you."

Their lunch break didn't last long. Connor was antsy and Hank was too stressed to eat. In fact, the stress of the morning had lingered within his gut, and he felt sick. Hank assumed he was still worried about his partner, worried about the RK900 coming back for them.

They returned to the burned apartments with backup to search the remaining rooms for any clues as to where Rett and his accomplices relocated. Ben was among them, and he and Hank talked in the apartment where the RK900 attacked them. Hank gave his old friend and co-worker a rundown on what happened, still feeling the churn of unease within.

He stood with arms folded, tense as he watched other police officers walk around, watched Connor go through some leftover trash and items. He didn't seem to have any luck finding anything. Connor rolled one shoulder, straightening his tie as he rounded the corner into the corridor and disappeared from his sight.

"Damn, you two are lucky. I hope we find this guy," Ben stated, taking notes.

Hank sighed. "Me too."

"Maybe you and Connor should go home. You don't look so good, Hank."

"Nah. Connor doesn't want to go home. I think he's worried the RK900 might attack us there as well. I'm sure I just made myself sick with worry this morning. I'll be fine in a bit."

Hank left Ben's side to find Connor. His partner was over at the dead RK800 and came up to stand next to him. Connor stared at the dead RK800, face expressionless, although Hank did see his LED flicker yellow for a brief time.

Hank gestured to the dead RK800. "Can we get anything off of him?"

Connor barely shook his head, his eyes rising to look at the open door of a nearby bedroom. "Unfortunately, he is too far damaged to get any information out of."

"Dammit."

Hank kneeled next to the destroyed RK800, taking pity on the unlucky android. He swallowed back discomfort and dug through the pockets of the victim. He heard Connor mumble something, uncomfortable, but a moment later, Hank felt it. There was a slip of paper in the inside pocket of the dead RK800's jacket.

Hank pulled it out and stood, unfolding the sheet. He noticed the ciphertext and symbols that completely filled one side of the page, but there was something else that really caught his eye. Blood.

A splatter of dried red blood stained one corner of the paper, rendering part of the ciphertext illegible.

"Blood," Hank murmured. He extended the paper to Connor. "Can you decipher that?"

Connor took it and scanned it over. "It would take me a few hours, but I should be able to interpret most of it. The blood makes part of it indecipherable. The message might not make sense, but it's a start."

Hank nodded, watching for Connor to taste the blood for analysis but he didn't. He folded the sheet and slipped it into his jacket.

Hank motioned for the nearest bedroom. "Let's see if there's anything else we can find before we leave."

"Of course. But uh, Hank?"

"Yeah?"

Connor shifted restlessly. "When…When the RK900 shocked my systems, I think it damaged my communications via mind messaging. I cannot get ahold of Markus or Chloe to update them on what's going on. You need to call them for me."

"Sure. We should go to CyberLife and get you looked at, if that's the case."

Connor thinned his lips. "Yes, but I need to talk with Markus in person first."

"Oh? Weren't we supposed to meet him at the Jericho Center tonight?"

"Yes, but I need to meet him at Carl's house instead."

"Why?"

"The security system…I just realized something about it when I was thinking it over earlier. There was so much going on last night I didn't even consider it until now. The RK900 wouldn't have been able to get into the house at all without tripping the alarm to hack an innerloop into the control panel. And it cannot be hacked wirelessly."

Hank thought it over. "So…it was someone the security system recognized?"

"Correct. Which means Carl may have a friend that is working with Rett and his followers, or…Markus has a traitor within his crew."

Hank took a minute to soak that in. "Jesus…I hope not. But you're right. Okay, I'll call him as soon as we wrap up here. C'mon."

Connor nodded, casting a disheartened look down at the dead RK800. "We should inform Kamski about number 59 as well."

"Will you stop moping? I said I was okay!"

Markus came out of his thoughts, two different colored eyes rising from clenched fingers on his legs to look at Leo.

Leo sat in a hospital bed, his left shoulder bandaged and wrapped. The bullet passed straight through. The doctor couldn't believe Leo's luck with the bullet missing the brachial artery. But luck apparently wasn't the case when Connor messaged him last night after they were done investigating Carl's home.

He said the RK900 was probably programmed to only kill humans when absolutely necessary, meaning the machine purposely shot Leo in such a way just to neutralize him as a threat. Only an android could pull off such a precise shot as that with ease.

Leo was adamant that he was alright. He was sore, but he was alive. He had mobility in his arm. He would even be released in the morning.

It didn't make Markus feel any better though. Phillip was dead, his family hurt, their home no longer secure. All for what?

Markus took in a deep breath and exhaled, rubbing the top of his head over as he thought. He felt North's steady hand on his shoulder, comforting him.

The RK900 wanted him. It was Markus's fault that his family was put in danger. It was his fault that Phillip was dead. That Leo could've bled out, that their father could've died from the stress of it all. That his dearest friends could've been executed in front of him…

It bothered him. "Sorry, I just…Do you realize how lucky you are? How much worse last night could've been?"

Leo frowned, eyes going to Carl, who sat quietly in his wheelchair just to the side of Leo's bed. The hospital staff helped care for his father as well while they stayed here. That wouldn't help them when they returned home. He knew he could get someone to care for Carl, but it wouldn't be the same without Phillip.

Leo's eyes fell. "I don't regret it. You would've done the same for me."

"It's because of me you almost died…why Phillip is dead. Why North, Simon, and Josh could've died as well. That machine was after me. He's still out there. He will be back. I just…I can't…" Markus trailed off, grinding his jaw, a low growl of frustration escaping his lips.

Carl tensed. "What are you trying to say, Markus?"

The leader of the deviants was restless, tapping one foot as he finalized his tactics. "I think…I think it would be best if I stayed away for a while. I cannot put you guys in danger again. But I know the RK900 might use you two as collateral to draw me out, so I'm going to put sentries around the house when you return home. They can keep me informed on what's happening. I will also have another caretaker for you Dad…I know it's not Phillip, but…you still need looking after. And Leo is hurt right now."

Carl and Leo exchanged looks. Carl frowned, looking solemn while Leo bristled in agitation. Markus had expected Leo to fight him on his decision and wasn't surprised by his words.

"But we'll be ready next time! I can help you, Markus. You can't just leave us out of this!"

"I can to keep you both safe. I need you to watch over Dad. I have North, Simon, Josh, Connor, and Hank to help me with the RK900."

"Dammit Markus, I can-"

"Leo, enough," Carl interjected.

A few seconds went by, filling the room with a thick silence. Only the huff of Leo's breath was heard.

Carl looked at Leo, fixing the throw blanket in his lap. "Markus is doing what he thinks is best for us. We should support him in any way we can. We know you want to help. We know it's not what you want, but we should do as he asks to keep everyone safe."

Leo sagged his shoulders, defeated. "Yeah, okay."

Markus forced a smile, although it was weak. "We'll destroy the RK900 and stop this virus in no time."

He wasn't sure if he was trying to convince them or himself. As he disregarded that thought, he received a call, the information popping up within his vision.

[Incoming call from Lieutenant Hank Anderson]

Markus thought that was odd. Normally, Connor would message him if they needed him. Although, he recalled trying to message Connor earlier today and not getting an answer, not since morning when Connor told him they found Kamksi's dead RK800.

Markus excused himself, leaving North to visit with Carl and Leo as he stepped out of the hospital room. He answered the call, no device needed.

"Hey, Hank. What can I do for you?"

The gravelly voice of the lieutenant answered him. "Markus, sorry to bother you. I know you're still with Carl and Leo, but something came up…uhh, well Connor and I ran into the RK900 earlier today. It went after Connor, he was missing for several hours."

"What?! Did you find him?"

"Yeah, he got away…luckily. He said it shocked him as well, did some sort of damage to his communications. He wants to meet up with you at the manor to discuss your security system and that innerloop that was installed."

Markus took it in, shocked by the news. Why would the RK900 want Connor as well? He tossed the thought aside, coming up with an answer for the lieutenant.

"Uh, sure. I can meet you there in an hour. I have to head back to the center after that anyway."

"Okay, I'll tell him. We're about to stop by a crime scene to check it over and then we'll be there."

Markus shook his head. "Only Connor would almost get killed and continue to work."

Hank laughed softly on the other side. "Yeah, that's my boy alright."

"I'll see you two soon."

Markus ended the call. He was surprised. That meant the RK900 was hunting him, Connor, and Kara so far. What did the three of them have that he wanted, that Rett and his accomplices wanted? What connected them together? Markus couldn't come up with an answer. But he knew if they were to solve this and stop Rett they would have to find out.

He was relieved to hear that Connor made it back alive. It was no wonder he hadn't heard from Connor all day. Markus's communications were working now, but even after his systems recalibrated and recovered from the RK900's shock, Markus had his own malfunctions for a while. The RK900's electricity could be used as a deadly weapon, but Markus had a feeling it was mainly used to put deviants into a stupor, to keep them submissive and unable to attack or call for help.

North stepped out of Leo's room, finding Markus in deep thought in the hospital hallway. She quietly shut the door and gave him a concerned look.

"Is everything alright, Markus?"

Markus blinked out of his thoughts, looking up at her. "Yeah, I guess. Connor and Hank want to meet us at the manor to discuss the innerloop on the security system."

"Oh, did he figure it out?"

"Maybe." He tapped his fingers on his thigh. "Apparently, the RK900 is hunting Connor too. It went after him, caught him. Hank said he was shocked like I was. He somehow escaped though."

North's eyes widened. "Seriously? How did he escape that guy? He was relentless!"

Markus half-shrugged, matching her disbelief. "I'm not sure. Luck maybe. Point is, we have to figure out what connects me, Connor, and Kara. Why this machine and Rett would want us…"

North moved a strand of hair over her shoulder. "At this rate, I'm sure we'll find out soon. We just have to be prepared. Come on, you should visit Carl and Leo while you can if you're really going to stay away until all of this blows over."

Markus closed his eyes, feeling guilty. But it was the only way to keep them safe. "Yeah."

By the time they arrived to the crime scene, it was a frenzy of activity and unrest. Outside the police tape, commotion filled the air. Citizens demanded answers, voiced their worries and anger. Journalists tried to get the scoop, filmed the current situation within a crowd.

Hank and Connor stepped under the police tape and entered the diner. Inside, there was CSI and other police officers working and discussing the situation, but it was much quieter than outside.

A K-9 handler walked by with one of the DPD's bomb detection dogs, the Belgian Malinois working her nose diligently as Connor and Hank stepped past.

Hank touched his chest, still not feeling well. It felt like a knife was twisting in his stomach. Maybe the stress from the day had taken a toll on him harder than he thought.

"Hank, are you alright?" Connor asked, squinting an eye at him.

"Y-yeah. I'm fine. Let's find Chris. He knows what's going on."

Connor shrugged and led the way over to Chris, who stood next to Gavin. The two men were discussing the five dead human bodies within a booth of the diner. Gavin caught sight of them first, arms folded. He scowled but didn't move away. Chris looked glum, but waved them over with a greeting.

"Hey, Chris. What's the situation?" Hank asked.

Connor stepped over to the bodies, looking them over.

Chris heaved a sigh. "Gotta admit…this one disturbs me. This lot right here, Mel and his friends. Always causing trouble with their anti-android protests. Didn't like the guy, but…well, no one deserves this."

Connor pointed Mel out, his head hung over on the table, a hole in his head, blood oozing all over the table. "He was shot six times. The others only once or twice. The killer must've had it out for him."

"Yeah, I knew you would say that, Connor," Chris said. "The suspect is a skinless android, affected by that virus. Thing is, it's a skinless PL600 android. I'm thinking it's Gus…Markus's friend that ran off that had a scuffle with these guys. I was hoping you could confirm it for me."

Connor straightened his sleeves, carefully stepping over a nearby blood puddle. "Sure."

Gavin motioned to the massacre. "What if it's the same android? That would mean this was premeditated. I thought the virus just made them go crazy?"

"It depends on the model, Detective Reed," Connor said, his tone exasperated as though Gavin had asked one too many dumb questions. "The virus makes them violent, but it can process their memories and alter their behavior, their personality. To put it simply, the virus can utilize these qualities to create a weapon, but to leave the virus itself undetected. It corresponds with Rett's plans to make androids look like violent, unstable machines. However, due to the complexity of deviants, the virus has become unstable with each infection, taking on the façade of a sickness, and allowing more of its hosts to go crazy, as you say."

Gavin glared at Connor, rolling his eyes. "What the fuck's that supposed to mean?"

"In layman's terms," Connor said coolly. "It means it tries to get the android to attack in a way it will not be suspicious or looked into. Say if it is Gus…no one is going to question why an android decided to kill some anti-android protestors he got into a fight with. And like with Sam and Lizzie. No one would think twice about an android killing a human girl he's in love with after not getting his love reciprocated."

Hank thought it over, eyebrows furrowing. He didn't recall Connor explaining the virus like that before, but it did make sense.

Chris lowered his eyes, jaw twitching. "If it is Gus…this would be my fault. I should've…I should've arrested him. But I-"

"Hey," Hank interrupted, putting a hand on the young police officer's shoulder. "We don't know for sure yet."

Hank nodded at Connor and let Chris lead them to the back of the diner. Gavin hung back in the main part of the crime scene. The diner was a mess. Trays of food were knocked over, personal items left behind. Many customers left in a hurry. According to Chris, the skinless android came in and targeted Mel and his friends before it turned on other people. By then most of the customers had fled, some receiving wounding gunshots.

They went through the kitchen and exited the back door. Behind the diner was an alleyway with a dumpster and a parked sedan. The crime scene was blocked off from each side of the alley, preventing passage for vehicles or pedestrians.

Another human body was on the ground near a dirty white plastic form, reminiscent of a damaged mannequin. Red and blue blood mixed together on asphalt, coagulating into a muddy substance.

Chris pointed to the other human body. "That's the owner. He died after he was able to kill the android. Six deaths in total, I have a total of thirteen wounded. So, what's the verdict, Connor? Is it Gus?"

Connor lowered himself next to the body of the dead android. Blue blood seeped out of bullet holes that riddled the white plastic body. Connor looked the dead, skinless PL600 over, brows furrowed. His LED skimmed yellow briefly.

With a grimace he rose, slowly nodding. "It is him."

"Dammit," Chris murmured, shoulders shaking as he turned away.

Hank came around to face him, grasping the young cop by the shoulders as his head lowered in guilt. Chris gripped the bridge of his nose with one hand. He wanted to get his emotions in check, but it wasn't working.

"Chris, listen to me," Hank said gently, knowing the shame his subordinate felt. Every police officer went through it, some more than others. "We all make mistakes…but this…there was no way you could've prevented it. There was no way to know. Don't put it all on you. Shit like this happens, alright?"

"But I should've-"

"I know, I know. You can't change that." The back door to the restaurant swung open. Hank barely glanced to see Gavin walking out, then he focused on Chris. "We can stand here all day discussing what we could've done to change the past. Trust me, I've done it a million times. But you can't change it, Chris."

Hank felt Gavin's presence, his body automatically stiffening, preparing to keep him from saying something stupid. But when Hank looked at him, he could tell that Gavin was concerned for Chris, although was unconfident in showing it.

Gavin cleared his throat. "Hank's right, Chris. You can't let this get to you. You're a hell of a police officer. It's…It's just one of those things, buddy."

Hank relaxed, giving Gavin a thankful look. The lieutenant looked over at Connor, surprised that his partner hadn't made a sympathetic or respectful comment as he was prone to do when someone needed comforting.

Connor stood over the dead diner owner, his LED yellow, flashing slowly, his eyes fixated on the blood that mixed together on the asphalt. Hank felt a sharp shift in his heart, watching as a smug smile slowly rose on Connor's face.

The sight before her was precious and much needed, Kara couldn't help but to feel relaxed, beaming, feeling a tiny amount of peace sprout within the chaos that had consumed her life within the last two days. She could tell that Luther felt the same way as he watched Alice color with other YK500s like her, some girls, some boys.

The common room was large, lit by fluorescent lights. There were many android adults and children visiting here, with many activities and discussions going on.

Alice was still so shy, but she was making friends fast at the Jericho Center. Despite the situation that brought them here, she was enjoying their stay. They spent the day exploring the massive center, learning where everything was, meeting new faces along the way. Rose and Adam returned home, but promised to come back and visit them and to bring them anything they needed.

Within that time, they bumped into Ralph. Kara asked the scarred WR600 to meet up with her so they could talk with Markus and his crew about what he saw. He agreed to do so, but had yet to show up. Kara was beginning to wonder if the jittery android would even come.

"It's so nice to see her making friends," Luther stated, leaning on a nearby wall, massive arms folded.

"Yes," Kara agreed, smiling. "It sure is."

"H-hello, Kara!"

Kara and Luther turned to the voice, seeing Ralph come over with a bright grin on his scarred face. The WR600 craned his neck to behold Luther, nodding respectfully, fidgety as always.

"Uhh, Luther r-right?" Ralph asked. He then pointed to himself. "Ralph. This is Ralph."

He held a small, plastic pot that easily fit the palm of his hand. It was dark purple with the name "ALICE" painted black on the side in a style similar to a child's handwriting. The pot contained a petunia plant with four purple flowers.

Kara looked at it inquisitively. The flowers were gorgeous and healthy looking. "What's that?"

Ralph showed her, still smiling. His chest puffed out a little more. "O-oh! This is for Alice. Ralph remembered she likes purple. Purple is her favorite color! Ralph had some purple petunias. He thinks Alice will like them a lot."

Kara's smile broadened, and she exchanged it with Luther. "Wow Ralph. That is so nice of you. She will love it. She's right over there."

The always restless WR600 nodded exuberantly and strolled over to Alice where she colored on the floor with other android children. When he caught her attention, Kara saw her daughter smile at Ralph when he kneeled next to her and presented the flowers. Her mouth opened in awe and she carefully took the pot to admire the blossoms. She threw her arms around Ralph in a hug. Ralph hugged back and then stood up, patting the girl on the head before returning to Kara and Luther.

Ralph was ecstatic. "Ralph is happy! Alice loved Ralph's flowers!"

Luther watched his daughter feel the petals of the petunias, smiling. "Thank you. I think she needed that. With all that's happened recently."

Ralph played with his fingers again, meekly nodding. "You're welcome. Ralph is happy to help."

Kara touched Luther's arm. "Okay, we better go find Simon. Will you two be alright while I'm gone?"

Luther nodded. "Of course. I'll message you if something comes up."

"Same." Kara beckoned Ralph. "Come on, Ralph."

They left the common room and walked through the busy Jericho Center. There was heavy traffic of androids walking to and fro. Voices mingled, bouncing within the tall walls of the community center. Kara recalled her memory to find Markus's living quarters.

She rapped on the door, this section of the center not near as crowded. It took a minute, and another rap on the door, but it opened. They were greeted by Josh.

"Oh, Kara, Ralph. Come on in, we've been waiting."

"Sorry to keep you," Kara replied.

Always polite, Josh brushed it off, opening the door wider to allow them entry. Kara and Ralph passed him and went into the living room where they found Simon looking out a window to a sun that was just starting to dip in the western horizon.

The second-in-command of Jericho Center was deep in thought, but soon his blue eyes left the scenery to greet them, giving them a gentle smile.

"Hey, you two," Simon greeted and walked over to the couches, offering them a seat. "Make yourselves comfortable."

Kara and Ralph took one sofa while Simon and Josh sat across from them. Ralph fidgeted beside her, his eyes avoiding faces. Kara was hoping Markus and North would've been back by now.

"Still no Markus?" she inquired.

Simon shook his head. "No, he just left the hospital visiting his family. He has to stop by the manor to meet with Connor and Hank, and then he'll be here. But whatever you tell me I will immediately report to him. You said it was important, yes?"

Kara side glanced Ralph. "I don't know, but I want to make sure, especially since I heard the RK900 is after Markus too."

Kara heard the story, knew that Markus was attacked by the RK900 at his father's home. He lost a friend, and Simon, North, and Josh were injured as well as Markus's brother.

She turned to the quiet WR600, putting a gentle hand on his arm. "Alright Ralph. Tell them what you saw."

Ralph's LED went yellow and he took in a deep breath. "Uh, s-sure. Ralph didn't know you were looking for the meaner twin of the deviant hunter. Ralph has seen him a few times. Each time in West Side Industrial…yes, Ralph has seen him there. Ralph thinks his hideout is there, but can't be sure."

Josh rubbed his palms as his elbows rested on his knees. "Makes sense. We've had a lot of lookouts spot him there. Could be possible."

Kara rubbed Ralph's arm, trying to keep him comfortable. "Ralph says he saw the RK900 hunting an RK800 that wasn't your friend Connor."

Simon was about to say something to that, but Ralph interrupted with a sharp shake of his head. "N-no! Ralph didn't say that."

Kara frowned as she removed her hand from his arm. "What? Yes, you did. You said he was hunting someone. That he was following an RK800 around."

Ralph squirmed beside her. "You…you misunderstood Ralph. Uh, Ralph not good at explaining things. Ralph meant he was with the RK800."

Simon leaned forward. "What do you mean?"

Ralph looked between them, stuttering as he tried to explain. "Ralph m-means the RK900 was w-with the RK800 like they were working t-together. I think they were hunting someone together."

"They were friends?" Josh asked, surprised.

Ralph weakly shrugged. "N-No…Maybe? They didn't seem to like each other very much, but t-the RK900 was following the lead of the RK800."

Josh turned to Simon, concern washing over his face. "You think it's Kamski's dead RK800 Markus said that Connor told him about this morning?"

"Maybe," Simon said. "If they didn't like each other maybe the RK900 decided to kill him?"

Kara felt tension in the air, but it had to be something she wasn't aware of that caused it by how Simon's and Josh's moods changed. She turned to Ralph once more.

"Is there anything else you can think of that may be important in what you saw?"

"Was the RK800 a machine? Markus said it was supposed to be a machine," Josh added.

Ralph was quiet, thinking. "No. Definitely a deviant. And not a very nice one if Ralph had to go by his feelings."

Simon sprang to his feet, looking horrified. "Shit!"

"W-what?" Josh asked, standing.

"The innerloop! I was talking to Phillip yesterday and he told me Leo told him Connor had stopped by a couple days ago while he and Carl were at a doctor's appointment! Connor never returned from being chased by the RK900! Markus just got set up!"

The taxi drove away after Markus and North got out. Markus sighed, peering up at the Manfred Manor as it sat peacefully within the nice, suburban neighborhood. The sensor lights hadn't flicked on yet. It wasn't dark enough for them.

North grabbed Markus's hand, squeezing it. "Hey, don't worry. We'll get through this."

Markus barely nodded, squeezing back. "You told the sentries to be here in the morning, right?"

"Yes. I know it's hard, but you're doing the right thing. It's best to stay away from them until we finish this."

They walked together up the brick driveway, still holding hands.

Markus stared at the ground. "I know. I still feel guilty. It's all my fault."

North stopped them just feet from the front entrance. She faced him, grabbing his other hand and holding their hands between them. "No, it's not. You didn't know a killer machine was hunting you. None of us did. Phillip did what any of us would do, and so did Leo. We'll stop him, Markus. I know we can do it."

Markus leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Thanks. Let's get inside. Hopefully, Connor and Hank will be here soon and we can get back to the center."

Markus entered the house first, North following behind as the security system announced their entry. The manor sat in silence, a coldness to the air.

Just as Markus passed the staircase and was about to enter into the den, he and North froze, receiving a message from Simon.

Get out of there! It's a trap! Connor never came back getting chased by the RK900, there's a rogue RK800 with Hank! He's the one who installed the innerloop!

Markus knew North received the same message by how she froze, by how shock took over her features, but he put his arm out to prevent her from stepping closer to the den's door anyway. Just one more step and the door would automatically open.

Fear jolted through his circuits as the weight of the message came over him. He and North slowly backed away from the den, eyes wide and breaths held.

"Go," Markus hissed.

North nodded, spinning to retreat back to the front door. They had to get out of there. When the front door opened, he turned to chase after her, but a form appeared in the threshold. Markus cursed when he heard the gun go off, the bullet striking through North's mid-section. Blue blood splayed across the floor and North yelled out in surprise.

[WR400 biocomponent #4458j damaged/Thirium leak detected]

"North!"

The RK900 kicked open the door the rest of the way, re-aiming the firearm to her head. Markus charged, hitting the arm away, not caring if the gun went off and shot him instead. He felt the recoil when the gun fired, felt the bullet pierce his thigh.

He knocked the gun from the deviant hunter's hand and engaged him in hand-to-hand combat. North gripped the bullet hole, Thirium leaking out, streaming down her stomach. Growing angry, she jumped the RK900 while he was fighting Markus.

"Run, Markus! Go!"

He refused. As he rushed the hunter again, his leg shot out and struck Markus in the stomach, knocking him onto his back. The RK900 grabbed North off of his back and whipped her into a nearby wall like she weighed nothing. It didn't stop her from fighting, and so he lifted her into the air, the electricity sparking and flashing through the whole lobby.

Markus knew he would kill her if he didn't stop it. He rammed his whole weight into the RK900's back as he shocked North, making him drop her. The hunter immediately lost interest in North and turned his focus on Markus, just as he wanted.

North was still alive, still breathing, but the shock had wreaked havoc on her systems. She could no longer fight.

No matter what move Markus made, the RK900 was there to evade, to block, to counter him. The machine's arm lashed out, grabbing Markus by his throat.

He was swung around, bashed into the wall. He heard North faintly cry something, but the words were drowned out as loud popping filled his ears. He felt the voltage strangle his systems again and in the blink of that moment, he was defeated. The electrical shock made him confused, made him slow and weak.

[Systems in shock/Recalibrating/Expected recovery time -00:24:07s]

Wincing, Markus fell to his knees, trying to shake off the disorientation. The RK900 stood before him. Markus refused to show him any fear. In his peripheral vision, he saw North trying to get to her feet.

"Markus…"

She sounded so weak and desperate. It was unlike her at all. The RK900 grabbed him, yanking him to his feet. Markus hissed, trying to fight but his motor skills were lethargic.

"I love you, North. I'll come back. I promise," Markus said, glaring at the RK900 defiantly, the hunter's grey eyes narrowing at him.

Something was wrong. Very wrong. His heartbeat spiked. He tasted bile, felt the nerves rattle under his skin, felt the stab in his gut that made him sick. Hank's mind raced, Chris and Gavin noticing how he had paled in the face.

He thought the day over. Went through every single detail, the red flags he missed. Connor wasn't acting himself all day. Hank assumed it was from the trauma from what he went through with the RK900. Hank hadn't felt right all day. He thought it was the stress of the morning. But now…now he was starting to see.

Hank was sick because, deep down, his instincts told him it wasn't right. He chose to ignore them.

But it had to be his Connor. Kamski's RK800 was dead. How could there be another? Was the virus affecting Connor's personality, just as he explained earlier?

No, his Connor would've confided in him, told him if he wasn't feeling right. Even with being sick with the virus, Hank couldn't see his Connor having such a cruel smile on his face.

"Hank, you alright?" Chris asked, waving in the lieutenant's face.

Something snapped within, his heart hurting, palpitating all over the place. Hank pushed passed Chris, something coming to mind. His throat was so dry now, a cold sweat breaking out.

"C-Connor?" he choked.

Connor turned to face him, looking interested, but soon his features fell as he gauged Hank's vitals. He frowned. "Hank, what's wrong?"

NOT MY CONNOR!

Goddammit. Why didn't he see how cold his eyes were, see the clandestine arrogance that hovered just below the surface?

Hank grabbed the RK800, ripped open the white shirt underneath the grey jacket that was most definitely his Connor's…#51.

The discolor from the stab wound was not there, the one that would remain a few days. This RK800 was not his Connor, not at all. But he had his jacket on. Hank panicked underneath, but anger boiled to the surface as he gripped the rogue RK800's clothes in his fingers, glaring.

He knew. Hank saw the charade dissolve away, the RK800 tensing, a coldness overcoming him as a sly smirk curled on his lips.

Before Hank could curse the imposter, demand where his Connor was, he felt it. The barrel of the gun pressing hard into his sternum, the threat of death icing his skin.

"Oh my," the RK800 whispered haughtily. "Better make your next move wisely, Lieutenant."

A/N: O.o oof this chapter came out way longer than intended, hehe. ^^' Thanks so much for all the support of this story so far! You guys are the best! :D So, the RK900's accomplice was finally revealed! Wonder what his play in all this will be! :D Have a great week everyone!