Hey Guys! Crescent Rider here, and I welcome you to the return of this original chapter of Rick and Morty. But before you all begin, I want to let those new to the story know that this chapter originated in the old Rick and Morty Fanfic!
Though some of its contents will remain the same, some will be different from the old. Oh, and expect a few references from notable sources...
Lastly, I'm considering whether Marcus should get a harem in the story. Drakin6345 supports the idea, but don't expect all girls with overly large boobs and asses as most authors provide in their stories. In my opinion, such sizes are undeniably straining for a woman's body.
That is all, and enjoy the chapter!
Marcus' Room (3rd POV)
Though it had been a few days since I settled on Eastview University's curriculum and the clubs I'd joined, I still returned home and handled matters around the Smith Residence, especially when Rick was up to his inter-dimensional shenanigans with Morty.
But given that I won't be frequent around the house and the probability of the house being blown to smithereens and the family getting hurt or killed is exceptionally high. I've done some modifications to my A.I.'s android body. I've upgraded its overall body frame to versatility and durability, fitted various components revolving around housework and self-defense, and improved its overall battery life and efficiency while my room becomes its charging station.
The A.I., on the other hand, is stored inside my laptop and is undergoing a major software update. Upon completion, it will take an entire day. But that doesn't mean it was silenced throughout the process.
"Marcus, I wish to ask you something," The A.I. inquired.
"What is it?" I asked while carefully inserting the small bits into the android's open head.
"It may not be within my parameters to ask, but what's it like living here instead of the room you've stored me in?" The A.I. inquired,
"Complicated, but worth having around since life's never too dull and boring," I replied, interlocking a few wires and connectors, "And once I'm done with this and your update finishes, you'll get to know what it's like to independently live on Earth for the first time,"
"To be quite honest, I'm quite anxious just as I am eager to start my day under the Smith Household," The A.I. replied. "Is this a natural response to new, Marcus?"
"Of course, it also means you're changing for the better. Much like love, which is considered a natural force of life, change is also important whether the outcome becomes glorious or tragic," I explained, and finished the last pieces of the android's assembly,
The Android's charging mechanism comes after, which is activated through a button on my digital watch. This causes the Android's eyes to open, and it runs a diagnostic check. This process takes an hour, and the eyes blink red before shutting down.
This meant that most of the essential parts I'd installed were incompatible with this model, and after spending several hours working on it, I pinched the bridge of my nose out of frustration.
"Is there a problem with the body, Marcus?" The A.I. inquired,
"Most of the parts I've installed are outdated, incompatible, or downright inferior for this model. And the funds I currently have in my account aren't enough to cover the fees for the latest and possibly decent hardware," I revealed.
"There are several jobs available for you to take for fund accumulation, Marcus. I can run you through a full list of high-paying jobs after the update's complete," The A.I. said.
"I'll hold you to it. In the meantime, I feel like salvaging some parts from Rick's garage," I replied, sat up in bed, and walked out of the room.
Rick's Garage
As soon as I stepped inside, Rick's ship was there, but he wasn't. So I began rummaging through everything he had from shelves, cabinets, secret compartments, and the basement he had installed beneath the house.
There was nothing I could use to improve the android body, and I was showing some frustration before leaving Rick's basement, shutting the hatch closed, and conveniently covering it with the carpet.
"Damn it, Rick. Nothing but pieces of junk," I muttered,
"What are you talking about?" Rick inquired as he arrived through a portal with Morty carrying a bag.
"I'm talking about the fact that you don't have anything I could use for a project of mine," I revealed as I turned to him. "Nothing but junk, if I'm being honest."
"What sort of project are you talking about here?" Rick asked with arms crossed,
Instead of explaining it, I left the garage momentarily and hauled the A.I.'s android body for Rick to see.
"Is that another robot, Marc? Where'd you get that?" Morty questioned,
"Bought it, assembled it, and used it to house an A.I. I've earned from the job," I revealed. "And since I'm constantly active in University, I've decided to modify the model with housekeeping features and weapons to ensure that everything here is nice and tidy. With all your adventures across the multiverse and all,"
"And I'll be the first to admit, this model is way above everything I've seen. No wonder you consider my stuff junk," Rick remarked,
"I'll take that as a compliment, but the real issue of making this work is proper replacements for key areas, which happens to be everything from its overall frame, battery, and memory capacity," I clarified, "In simple terms, a full body upgrade that's built to last, chargeable via my room, and fully capable of deterring any potential threats that come close to home,"
"Oh, so you're making what matches robots from that action star with cheesy one-liners," Rick summarized,
"No... What I am making with this android is something a cue-balled xenophobe would have. Except I'm not aiming to rid the world of the universe's smartest man, which is a title I call bullshit all things considered. But for this project to ensure that the whole house is still clean and in one piece by all kinds of shenanigans," I explained,
"Guess I was thought wrong," Rick remarked,
"On most occasions, yes. Now, will you help me, or will I put this project on hold and let you mess up the whole place until Beth orders you to keep Morty away from your sci-fi adventures of the infinite universe?" I proposed, "Pick a choice, Rick, before I walk out of this garage, and I'll take your silence as an answer for the latter."
"Whoa, Marc. You've put me in a real bind here," Rick remarked. "Did you try to use this on your Rick and Morty before we took their place?"
"No, because the old Rick is far more reasonable than you'd be," I stated,
"Damn, Rick. He got you there," Morty said,
"Shut up, Morty," Rick and I simultaneously told him, as he wasn't part of this discussion.
"Alright, Marc, you win. I'll help you with this thing you're having," Rick agreed and began rummaging his way through the galactic network with his computer. "Also, I've noticed that model also holds the same features as Morty's old sex robot. Are you making your own babies too?"
"I'm not like Morty with Gwendolyn, Rick. I don't use my android to procreate alien species," I remarked. "The sexual prowess of a Polymorph like myself can be hard to control at times. I keep it in. I wouldn't be able to stop it, and it takes three straight days for it to calm down naturally."
"Alright, and what happens if we get caught in it?" Rick inquired,
"I'd drain you in every conceivable position known on the galactic internet. It'll even put Morty pounding Gwendolyn and his time surfing dubious sites to shame," I revealed. "Not to mention that I'm pansexual but still hold a considerable amount of preferences toward aliens,
"Wait, you're a polymorph who's sexually attracted to all kinds of people?" Rick questioned while turning away from his computer with a shocked look, and my nod was all the confirmation he needed. "Good god, I hope I'm not staying near you when you're in heat."
"How is that a bad thing, Rick?" Morty inquired,
"Remember when you told me Rick created a serum based on Voles meant to have you hook up with Jessica forever? The one that ultimately destroyed your world after everyone was Cronenbergized because of Rick's mishap in the genetics department?" I inquired,
"Yeah?" Morty replied, though he looked nervous,
"Imagine me being unable to satisfy my urges and you happen to be the poor, unfortunate soul I lay my eyes upon?" I said, "Don't limit it to your adolescent imagination. I'm talking about all kinds of kinks that even you wouldn't dare to commit."
Morty gulped at the thought, especially when he grew uncomfortable with the disaster he had caused in his old dimension. Even the mere image of being assaulted by someone like me was more terrifying than a mob of sex-crazed classmates and teachers in his dimension.
Thus, he didn't want to delve into the matter further than he should...
By then, Rick had completed a search for all necessary parts and turned toward me, "Alright, here's everything I've managed to find. Pick whichever's appropriate for your robot."
"That won't be my job, Rick," I revealed, and I briefly left the garage again. Moments later, I returned with my laptop and placed it next to his computer. "This A.I. will do it for me."
"Analyzing potential hardware for full body integration," The A.I. declared as it entered Rick's computer,
But while the A.I. sorts through the list, I focus on calibrating the android body while Morty walks over to me, "So uh, Marcus... Once you've finished this thing, does that mean we have a robot maid serving us all the time?"
"Yes, Morty. Because of the schedule I have, I will be leaving the safety and well-being of the Smiths and their home in the A.I.'s capable hands," I revealed. "So there."
"Uh..." Morty stuttered, and I knew what this meant,
"If you even think about asking the A.I. to provide sexual service, you may as well forget it, Morty," I stated, "Because I've inputted a code into its software. No one is permitted to have sex with it unless I say so. If a human does it against their will, the A.I. will resort to one of many options to defend itself. Calling me is one of those options."
"Oh, that reminds me. You wouldn't mind if I check the contents of this thing we got from our adventure?" Rick asked as he removed what appeared to be a rusty and old cybernetic head,
"Where's that from?" I asked,
"We found it in a scrapyard from some planet over the Achelois system," Rick revealed,
"I've been there before, and I'm pretty sure that the Achelois system doesn't have anything on this scale in terms of technology," I stated."And considering how you're helping me with this project, I might as well help you with this one. Hand it here."
Rick handed me the cybernetic head and quickly dismantled the exterior plate. Then, I checked its overall wiring and pulled a set of cables from my watch's inventory.
"Seriously, that watch of yours is as convenient as Inspector Gadget's bodywork," Rick remarked. "Where do I get one?"
"Make one yourself," I replied, and Rick grumbled as I connected the cables from the cybernetic head to my laptop, "Alright, let's see where you're from and what you have."
With several command windows open, I proceeded to hack my way through the cybernetic head's software. Despite its overall condition of rusted metal and possibly faulty wiring, I've been able to access its software and initiated a diagnostic check of the cybernetic head.
It took a couple of minutes to complete, then a new window popped up in the center of my laptop.
"~*low moan*...~"
"What the hell?" I muttered at the digitalized but obvious tone of the voice,
"~*series of low disorted moans gradually increasing in volume* *groan!*~"
As the noises continued, my laptop screen glitched, and it caused some distress while Rick and Morty looked perplexed as the former asked, "That sounds like a girl in there? Did you open the wrong file or something, Marc?"
"I didn't, it's something else. I can't seem to get control over my laptop," I responded as I hastily tried to block it out,
But I was met with various pop-up windows of incoherent words, constant glitches on my screen, and then an ear-piercing shriek through the laptop's speakers,
"~SSSSSSTTTOOPPPPP!~"
Before long, my laptop was overwhelmed by whatever was inside the cybernetic head. Then it caused the head and my laptop to short-circuit before the latter exploded right into my hands and face.
"Whoa!" Morty exclaimed as he and Rick went behind the spacecraft for cover, and I fell right onto my back,
Besides the obvious shrapnel and pieces of plastic across my body. I was able to push every last piece out of my body through regeneration and slowly sat myself up. "Ow... Damn,"
"W-What happened?" Morty asked,
"Possibly... It didn't like my attempts to stop its software from taking over the system and may have triggered a post-traumatic episode on a sentient A.I." I explained as I stood up on my legs again, "And with my laptop destroyed, it may have fled through the network, and potentially endanger all of humanity with a sentient but scared A.I.,"
"And it looks like our new friend didn't stop there," Rick said as he pulled out his phone and showed the screen,
On the main page of Facebook, the entire board is being bombarded with a series of posts containing incoherent messages and glitched pictures. Not a moment too soon, Summer bursts into the garage with her phone. "Grandpa, what the hell is going on?! I've been receiving several notifications non-stop for the past several minutes!"
"It isn't his fault, Summer. It's mine," I clarified, "And I intend to fix this before it overloads all social media and changes targets with other sources."
"And how are we going to do that? Can't you just create something to destroy it?" Morty asked,
"That isn't an option we can take, Morty. The A.I. in question is acting like a girl terrified of everything and everyone who comes near. It will try and defend itself, and any means of eradicating the A.I. with a virus I'd manufacture will resort to further catastrophe than a proper solution," I elaborated. "But save your banter for later if we don't handle this situation now. Everyone loses their phone and network privileges, stock markets of various sources begin to crash, and then the whole country will fall to another state of the Great Depression."
The three just stared, though Morty and Summer appeared to be most concerned about this revelation. On the other hand, Rick just shifted his eyes around the garage. I sighed at his reaction before pulling out my phone and assessing the ongoing damage to the A.I.
"Well, what do you know, there are now Anarchists running amok in the state of Washington, and it appears that they're taking advantage of the ensuing chaos. Even adolescent employees and well-known celebrities are halting operations of Fast Food restaurant chains and Reality TV Studios after being stripped of their phone and network privileges," I stated,
"What?! Okay, now this shit has gone to hell!" Rick exclaimed, "What do we do?"
With that, I removed my A.I. from Rick's computer, placed it inside my watch, and gestured for the three to follow me upstairs. But before I left, I glanced at the head on the counter and decided to take it via my watch and perform a quick diagonistic check of its origins...
Marcus' Room
As soon as we arrived, I had the three sit down while I went to my Interdimensional Room. It was their first time seeing a portal device hidden inside my closet, but they were more focused on fixing the damage caused by the rogue A.I. than my many secrets.
Afterward, I brought three helmets, cables, and a spare laptop with my A.I. inside. I'd placed the laptop on my desk, connected the necessary cords to each helmet, and handed it to the three. (The Helmet's overall appearance is similar to NerveGear from Sword Art Online.)
"Here's the plan, I want you three to dive into what I call, the Digital World, follow its distinct trail, and lure it back into my laptop where I will isolate it and perform a full-on recovery program to restore the damage it may have sustained during its active service," I instructed, "I will provide you three with all the support, instructions and answers as you go by,"
"Digital World? You doing a Matrix on us?" Rick questioned,
"I am but know that this world is vastly different and you won't be expecting any other Smiths coming for your heads," I clarified as I focused on setting up the entry point via a program I've developed, "If anything it'd be hackers and anti-malware software you'd have to be concerned about,"
"Does this mean if we die, we also die in your bedroom?" Morty exclaimed,
"No, because I designed and programmed those helmets to pull you out in case of immediate danger and then bring you back into the world without a scratch on you," I assured, "But try not to die so often, this won't be like COD it'll be like those old retro games. Three lives and you're out."
"Think I could keep this after we're done?" Rick asked,
"No," I rejected, then I turned to my A.I. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes, Marcus. And I am ready to assist them when needed," My A.I. responded,
"Does your A.I. have a name we could use when we get there? I'd like to know who we're talking about here," Summer asked.
"It doesn't have one, yet we've been able to communicate with each other just fine," I revealed,
"Well, we won't, so cough up a name before we jump right ahead," Summer said, though more directly to the A.I. instead of myself,
"If that is what she wants, you may as well call me Valentine," My A.I. suggested. "Marcus obtained me during February. As I learned more about the world of humans, I chose Valentine as my name, and it remained my first choice until I asked Marcus for approval."
"You had several opportunities to ask for approval for years, yet you hesitated. Why is that?" I inquired,
"..." My A.I. chose to stay silent, and I sighed at its response,
But given the circumstances, I've decided not to press the matter any further and to focus on the problem now. "Fine, from now on, I'll be addressing you as Valentine. Since these three are going inside the Digital World, they may as well settle with the name. Now, all of you, put on your helmets and prepare yourselves for a digitalized adventure. The sooner we isolate the A.I. within this laptop, the better."
The three lay down on my bed, wearing their respective helmets. After all the necessary procedures had been met, confirmation was required, and I chose 'Yes,' which activated the helmets. Rick, Morty, and Summer went stiff briefly, then limped onto my bed after presumably entering the Digital World.
I would only glance at their bodies, then gaze upon the screen once more as Valentine followed the three, "Good luck..."
Digital World (3rd POV)
Morty, Rick, and Summer quickly materialized in the digital world. However, they find themselves in a large white void and look down on themselves.
"Huh, no fancy gear like Matrix people?" Rick questioned,
"Marcus deems the outfit unnecessary for this operation," Valentine revealed,
When they turned, they expected a teenage A.I. to assist them. Instead, it was an adolescent woman with short hair, silver eyes, a slender figure, C-sized breasts, a white fullbody suit, and a tactical belt (Valentine's figure is similar to Tony Stark's F.R.I.D.A.Y., wearing Black Widow's winter suit)
"Whoa..." Morty muttered in awe,
Then he received a heads-up display window of Marcus' voice, "~Save your ogling for the mission, Morty. We've got a network to save. First things first, here's what you'll need against the potential threats of the Digital World~"
In just a few seconds, a long stretch of weapon racks appeared before them and then stopped after they presented themselves to the three, "~Grab all the weapons and gadgets you'll need. Once you're done, I'll open a point of entry to the network,~"
"And don't worry about inventory space. Marcus heavily modified it for everyone's convenience, myself included," Valentine said, and demonstrated it by picking up a Glock 17 pistol and storing it in her inventory without needing a window or a command. "As for ammunition, you wouldn't need it since Marcus modified that part out, too. Just try not to lose your weapons, however."
Because of this, the three grabbed everything they needed and desired. But Marcus would remind them of one particular problem: "~Don't expect everything you carry to be brought back in real life, you guys. Those are coded items, not actual items~"
"Hey, do you think we could get those outfits from the movies, too?" Summer quickly asked, "Since we're so going to save the world, Matrix-style,"
"~I could give you more than simple outfits, Summer,~" Marcus replied, and then a box appeared at their feet,
Summer opens the box, and Rick and Morty take a peek at them. They all shared their smirks, then suited up to become like the characters of The Matrix.
"~Your weapons and clothes are integrated with the same code I've developed. You can now shoot and beat the hell out of any digital opposition that stands against you. But know that if you sustain any fatal damage, I will pull you out, and one of three lives is spent. You run out, you won't be able to continue in finding the A.I.~" Marcus informed,
"Why not just integrate us with a cheat code?" Rick questioned,
"Two reasons. Cheaters never prosper, and do you want Anti-Cheat Software to come after you too?" Marcus pointed out, "~Any other questions?~"
He was met with silence, then took it as their response, "~Alright, we'll start our search at Chrome's Search Engine. Proceed with caution, though. During the A.I.'s panicked state, it created various malware to protect itself, and the same applies to the users across the country~"
A few minutes later, a hatch door opened, and all four looked down. After some time, the four jumped down, with Valentine being the last.
Google Website
Upon their arrival, the four landed on the rooftop of a high-rise building. Rick, Morty, and Summer raised their shades at what they were seeing while Valentine monitored the A.I.'s progress. "It seems that the A.I. hasn't attacked this section of the web. But once Servers of Social Media start closing their doors for maintenance, they'll be here in a few minutes."
"Is this what the Google looks like? It feels so close to cities," Summer remarked,
"~Close description, Summer. In this world, Google appears as an enormous metropolitan area for users worldwide. Try looking down,~" Marcus said.
The three walked over to the edge, and what they saw below were codes transiting across the lower level like trains.
"What are we looking at here, Marcus?" Rick inquired,
"~That would be the vast network traffic caused by Google users across Washington State. I highly advise that you don't fall in without assistance. Otherwise, you'll fall out of bounds and become roadkill,~" Marcus advised. "~As for where you're standing, that'll be the main router of the suburban block. The rest of the buildings around you are other routers, the taller ones would be signal towers, and the tallest is where all the code comes and goes all over. Think of it as trains going through various stations and back.~"
"So the internet is an ongoing train station? That... kinda makes sense," Summer remarked,
"~The same goes for all social media platforms, Summer. Except the things you post are displayed like large billboards and your screen acts like drones watching said videos, distributing their responses and comments, and auto-directing them to ads people misclick all the time,~" Marcus explained, "~But enough trivial matters, it appears that the A.I.'s malware has arrived in Google. Ready your weapons and keep Valentine out of harm's way.~"
As he said, the malware was pixilated glitches of the A.I.'s body manifesting with agonizing expressions like ghosts. Their overall behavior was like that of zombies, as their moans were disoriented. With their sights set on the group, the three readied their weapons while Valentine worked on an escape route with several screens.
Before long, these glitches rushed after them, and Rick, Morty, and Summer started shooting. The bullets pierced through the glitches and dissolved into binary codes, but then they came more and were more proactive than the ones they'd previously shot.
This led to a close confrontation between the three and glitches, but given how they acted like mindless monsters. Rick, Morty, and Summer easily defeated them with close combat and executions via guns.
Rick mostly preferred handguns for range and close quarters by avoiding the potential swings of the glitches' arms, pistol-whipping their heads, and performing over-the-top kick combos, kill shots, and executions as seen when he lands a triple kick on a glitch while firing upon a few glitches from his sides, and then send that glitch into a mob of few other glitches before executing them cleanly.
Summer acted like a genuine heroine who preferred to blast their way through all enemies with a shotgun, kicked and executed glitches that got too close, and resorted to bladed weapons when the gun was empty or they got too close. She executes them through the style and fitness of a certain female special agent who would cinematically perform take-downs and execute with grace and deadly efficiency.
The most logical one is Morty, who uses an assault rifle to dispose of the glitches at a reasonable distance. He supports Rick and Summer against glitches they can't reach and keeps Valentine safe from the glitches that dare to attack her. He also primarily avoids the attacks of these glitches rather than performing flashy movements like Rick and Summer.
Though they put up a decent fight, the malware seemed endless and more adaptive to the ongoing fight. But they wouldn't need to fight for long as Valentine finished her part of this fight. "I've arranged transport; we must leave before they overwhelm us!"
The transportation in question was a tilt-rotor helicopter modified with thrusters instead of rotors, two side turrets, and a belly turret. Without any hesitation, the four boarded the craft, with Valentine as the pilot. Rick occupied the right machine, Summer occupied the left, and Morty, due to his overall size, occupied the belly gun.
As the malware evolved into feral monsters, Valentine quickly worked on the thrusters and began their ascent while Summer kept the malware at bay. Though a strangler manages to jump and hold the edge, Summer kicks it off while the rest of the pursuing malware falls off the edge.
"Our next location would be the main tower of Google's Search Engine. Once we're there, we have to fight our way through the upper floors. From there, I'll gain access to a console that's linked to Gmail and create an Email Account," Valentine explained,
"Why create an Email Account? Can't you search for the thing?" Summer asked,
"Email Accounts may sound irrelevant, but my software is equivalent to Master Control of Earth. Marcus is quite thorough with that feature," Valentine explained. Creating an email account becomes a card I can alter into a VIP card. Unlimited access, Unlimited control, Unlimited Power!"
Rick, Summer, and Morty briefly raised their eyebrows when an iconic line with an identical voice was spoken through her voice. If Marcus was with them, they'd all be turning their heads to him.
"~We watch old and new movies together. So don't judge me~" Marcus inquired as he knew the situation through his line, "~But her culture aside, Valentine establishing an email is key to locating the Rogue A.I. that we've accidentally released into the network. In case you ask what's going on in the real world. Let's say shit hits the fan faster than you shit on it yourself. Luckily, the A.I.'s malware is isolated in the U.S. alone. Anywhere else on the globe would've been an issue at this time~"
"But that doesn't mean it'll stop there," Valentine revealed, "Given the Rogue A.I. mental capacity and potential trauma it may have sustained in its former body. It will spread its cries, breaking down computer systems, and jump onward to the next until it decides to move to another country."
But as the conversation continued, the aircraft released a warning siren, and all four were given a notification screen of a wave of airborne malware: "No rest for the wicked. Keep them off the ship!"
Though Rick and Summer took their part in defending the craft, Morty mostly did all the work, especially when he had to take out the vicious glitches from the belly gun. But as he takes down enemy after enemy, Marcus establishes a private channel with Morty alone, "~Morty, there's something I need you to do, and you're the only one I can trust to do the job~"
"Me?" Morty mouthed in confusion,
"~Yeah, here's what I want you to do~" Marcus replied, then explained the details of the task in secret.
As Valentine professionally piloted the craft and the side gunners took out wave after wave of relentless malware, Rick noticed that there wasn't any malware.
"Hey, Morty! Why did you stop firing? I know Summer and I got this with Valentine moving the craft in ways inapplicable to the real world, but that doesn't mean you get to stop," Rick reminded as the aircraft turned to his side, and he mowed down another way of vicious malware,
"Uh, just a second!" Morty said, turned the turret gun, and shot down several other glitches that came in close with the craft,
"~I'm counting on you Morty, you're this country's only hope~," Marcus said, then set the channel to the public once more, "~You aren't much further from the place, you guys. Whatever access you require there, I'll happily provide as you escort Valentine through,~"
Thus, the journey continues with vicious malware pursuing them...
Meanwhile... (Marcus' POV)
As I monitored their progress, I soon heard several knocks on my door. I assumed that it was Beth and Jerry and went to answer it anyway. The one standing by the door had to be both of them and looked overly distressed. "I take it that the computer virus has affected your livelihood in this house?"
"What on earth is even happening?" Beth asked and barged into the room. There she'd find Rick, Morty, and Summer lying on the bed with headgear on their heads. "And why are those three wearing weird helmets?"
"The helmets were rush jobs on parts of Rick's and mine. I assure you that they're alive and well in a place called the Digital World," I assured them.
"Digital world? What kind of place even is that?" Jerry questioned while Beth examined Morty and Summer first,
"The kind where it's similar to the Matrix, except the whole 'You die in that world, you die in real life. ' I've implied that there to ensure that they're safe should they actually die," I explained,
"I understand, my father, but why would you involve Morty and Summer in this?" Beth questioned,
"Morty, being Rick's faithful companion, morally desires to save the world. He would jump head first when something threatened our livelihood. Summer, on the other hand, consents to this since she doesn't want to lose her phone privileges." I revealed, "Rest assured, they're fine since this isn't a Matrix."
"A what again?" Jerry inquired,
"I find your lack of culture unsurprising, Jerry," I remarked. "Now, both of you stay calm while they handle the situation. The sooner this is all done, the better it'll be for us all."
But just as I was about to continue onward with my work, we all heard a window break into the house and assumed that someone had broken in. Beth and Jerry were arguably concerned that someone had broken into their home while I groaned in irritation and pinched the bridge of my nose.
"Mom, the earpiece on my desk is linked to their communicators. Put it on and tell those three to pick up the pace in their mission. I'll go downstairs, handle our home invaders, and turn on Rick's security system to prevent any further house invasion," I stated.
"What do you want me to do?" Jerry asked,
"You, Jerry... Are going to lock yourself to the room and someone will knock for you that it's safe to be out," I said as I pushed Jerry out of my room, then shoved him inside of his and Beth's room, shut the door. I also moved a chair by the door to keep him in. "You'll be fine in there, Jerry!"
I then walked to my room and held onto my doorknob. "You'll be safe in here, Mom."
With the door shut, I soon went downstairs with cracked knuckles and handled whatever trouble that came inside the house...
Digital World (3rd POV)
As Valentine continues to fly through the skies of the digital world, her three escorts mow down the evolving malware at bay. All four soon hear a different voice in their communicators besides Marcus, "~Dad, Morty, Summer. Can you hear me?"
"Beth/Mom," Rick, Morty, and Summer called out respectively,
"Mrs. Smith, why are you on this line of communication, and where's Marcus?" Valentine questioned,
"~He's downstairs handling some people who invaded our home. Also, who are you supposed to be?~" Beth questioned
"Ah, my apologies for the late introduction. My name is Valentine, and I happen to be Marcus's loyal Artificial Assistant. But soon to be Housekeeper of the Smith Household after we've dealt with this ongoing crisis of this world," Valentine explained.
"~Artificial, since when does Marcus have A.I.? He never told me anything of this,~" Beth questioned.
Before she could answer, Valentine briefly switched to a private channel for Rick, Morty, and Summer. "Can you lie for me, please? Marcus wouldn't want her to know that I was given after several jobs as a mercenary."
"Uh, sure... What kind of lie do you want us to say to her?" Rick asked,
"Tell her that Marcus obtained me during one of your adventures or something. I'd say it myself, but she'd believe you three over me in a heartbeat," Valentine clarified. "I'm putting the channel into public now."
With that, Rick lies to his daughter once more, "Hey, Sweetie. It's me talking to you, listening to that A.I. you were talking to. Marcus found it interesting, as Morty did with the sex robot. So he asked me if he could keep it, and I let him since he wanted it."
"Plus, she's a cool person," Summer added. "Kinda like the coolest sister I've wanted but never had."
"And uh, Marcus said that he's building her a body... You know, for housekeeping and all that," Morty added. "It'd be really cool."
"~Okay... If that's what you all say,~" Beth replied, and Valentine smiled, "~Anyway, where are you right now?~"
"We're making our way to Google's Network Tower to create an Email Account for me," Valentine revealed. "They're like Swiss army knives for the digital world,"
"~I see, but how will that help with the situation?~" Beth inquired.
"The key to this operation is search and contain. I create an Email Account, have the A.I. know of my presence, and lure it back to Marcus's laptop. Once trapped, the threat will be limited within the Smith Househol,d and Marcus will deal with the rest."
Valentine soon heard a notification blinker and continued onward with the conversation, "We're approaching the tower, Mrs. Smith. We'll continue our conversation after we're done here."
After they've found the perfect place for a landing platform, Valentine and co. soon abandoned ship after she rigged the craft to lure the malware before detonation and rushed their way through a large closed door.
A holographic display appeared on her arm, and she began working her way through the system's software. "Keep them away while I work on an entrance for us."
Rick would go for a chain gun and take on those charging from the front while Summer and Morty covered their flanks with shotguns and submachine guns, respectively. It took a couple of minutes for Valentine to gain access to the doors, but she opened it for a gap that fit them over a fully open door.
"I've rigged the door with a timer. Let's go!" Valentine yelled and went inside,
"Morty, Summer, go with her!" Rick yelled,
"Are you serious, Grandpa?!" Summer questioned,
"There isn't much to debate on, and these things aren't exactly going to wait outside of a closed door. Also, I'll respawn with two lives since Marcus modified these things on our heads. So I'll be fine, now get going!" Rick yelled and continued to fire,
With Summer and Morty following Valentine, the doors were soon shut, and Rick was left alone with a horde of vicious monsters. Though he managed to hold his ground for several minutes, he was overwhelmed by the sheer number and ferocity of the adapting malware and was torn limb from limb.
Marcus' Bedroom
Just as the helmet intended, Rick let out a scream as he opened his eyes and sat up from his bed. After he had regained his composure, the helmet detached itself from his head and pants. After one quick look around and a quick assessment of his body, he sighed, knowing that he was fine, and turned to Beth, "Hi, Sweetie. How are you doing?"
"Not very well, all things considered, with whatever's out there," Beth remarked,
"Is Marcus still downstairs?" Rick inquired,
"Pretty much, though I can't say how long he's been there," Beth replied,
"And Jerry?" Rick asked with a raised eyebrow.
"He's... In a safe room," Beth revealed,
"Huh... Okay," Rick accepted, grabbed the helmet, and put it on again,
Then came a message from the helmet itself: "Authorization required. Please consult with Marcus before entry."
"Ugh..." Rick groaned, then walked to Marcus's laptop for self-authorized access he could use for the helmet. But the laptop had a countermeasure for that as multiple eyes from the sides and top of his screen popped out and repeatedly slammed themselves down on Rick's hands,
The latter screamed, then immediately pulled his hands off the keyboard as the laptop returned back to its original state, "Damn it... Marcus really kinked his laptop to be Rick-proof. Which is kinda smart, if I'm being honest."
"Does this mean you can't go back in with them?" Beth inquired, "Also, since when did he 'Rick-Proof' a laptop?"
"All things considered, I'm way too handsy to other people's shit. And two, I can't go in there without Marcus recalibrating my helmet. So I'm going down and see what the hell he's up to, so stay here and tell those two that I'll be occupied from this side of reality."
Rick soon left Marcus' room and shut the door, Then he heard Jerry's muffled voice, "Marcus? Is everything safe out there? I really gotta use the bathroom."
"Just hold it in, Jerry," Rick replied and walked down the stairs,
As soon as he was downstairs, he expected Marcus to have engaged the defense system. But instead, he was met by Marcus in the middle of choke, holding a hooded teenager and other teenagers who had either lost consciousness or were painfully groaning with bruises all over...
Once the teenager was done and out, Marcus released his hold on him and turned to Rick, "Your defense system's broken, Damn anarchists barged in and broke the panel,"
Moments later, a few other anarchists came through the window with weapons they'd found or brought with them. "Now more of them have come,"
"What's their deal?" Rick asked,
"They're anarchists. What would you think they do during a time of crisis?" I questioned, "Nevermind that, why don't you fix what they broke while I take care of these assholes,"
Just as the anarchists rushed in, I stood my ground as Rick went to repair the defense system...
Digitial World (3rd POV)
As the three continued to make their way up via elevator, they noticed that Rick had yet to return, and the two turned to Valentine. "Hey, why isn't Grandpa coming back? Didn't Marcus say the helmets can bring him back to us?"
"Your Grandfather is fine, Summer. You see, the helmets require Marcus' consent after your first death. A precautionary measure since Marcus doesn't want people overusing the helmet that fries their nervous system." Valentine explained,
"It burns the brain?!" Morty exclaimed,
"It isn't a Nerve Gear, Morty. Don't overreact with the design," Valentine assured, "But the technology is similar to this occasion,"
Morty whined in concern, and Summer just frowned upon the idea, but they would put those thoughts aside after they reached their designated floor, and it was up to Morty and Summer to escort Valentine through.
When the doors opened, they were met with vicious malware that had managed to enter the floor, but there were few, and all their eyes were dead set on killing them. Summer and Morty wasted no effort in wiping the floor with them, but there had been more showing up in every conceivable entry on the floor.
"There's no end to these things!" Summer yelled,
"Then we must push onward!" Valentine advised, "Come on!"
The three rushed through the hallway with vicious malware on all sides. But they wouldn't be concerned with those from the front since Summer and Morty were handling them easily, and Valentine remotely created tall walls to slow down the relentless malware.
After several quick turns and close calls, they arrive at their desired location,a nd Valentine shuts the doors rather quickly. What follows is the group approaching the main console of the room and Valentine quickly typing her way through her digital keyboard.
"The process will take a few minutes to complete. Some for account's creation and the rest is for the message," Valentine clarified, then triggered a dome-shaped shield around them, "Cover all our sides while I work through the system. For those doors won't hold,"
Morty and Summer readied their weapons as the swarm thrashed through the door and walls of their location. Though they wouldn't die in this world, the fact that they're going to be swarmed by countless enemies was arguably nerve-racking for them...
"Come on, Marcus... Where are you right now?" Morty muttered,
Meanwhile (Marcus' POV)
After the last anarchist had been knocked out by throwing through the broken window, Rick had fixed the panel and engages the defense system as several shutters close down on every possible entry, and its weapon systems would keep any more of those anarchists from charging their way through.
"Alright, we're in the clear. Now, let's get back to those guys," Rick said,
"About that, Rick. I believe your presence wouldn't be necessary for the task at hand," I revealed.
"W *burp* what do you mean by that?" Rick questioned,
"I mean that Summer and Morty are more capable of handling the A.I. on their own than have you deployed alongside them," I specified. "Besides, I've pretty much handed Morty the task of handling the A.I. himself."
"You what?" Rick questioned,
"While you guys were making your way to Google's Network Tower. I reassessed the A.I.'s overall diagnostic and traced a pattern to its origins," I said, walked over to the couch, and sighed as I sat down. "One of its locations revolved around Phaxilians' hands... From the Solymus System,"
"Oh... Oh, fuck..." Rick muttered before widening his eyes upon recognition,
"Oh, fuck indeed, Rick..." I agreed,
"God... No fucking wonder it snapped like that," Rick remarked,
For clarification, the Phaxilians of the Solymus System are labeled as the 'body-cutting' aliens across several galaxies. Despite their unethical code of slicing heads, limbs, and torsos, they primarily cut through the bodies of androids, whether their components are mechanical or bionic.
Though they take no pride or satisfaction in their professionalism, they wouldn't hesitate to slice through the android body housing an active and sentient A.I.
Rick and Marcus had been in their disassembly plant respectively, and neither would speak of the ongoing horrors of the unfortunate A.I. that stumbled upon their workplace.
"Is there anything else about the thing?" Rick inquired,
"Yep, the head itself was disassembled by Phaxilian hands. What's worst is that it belonged to someone who owned the thing and potentially broke its programming to either protect itself or plead for mercy. Either way, the A.I. was scared as it went through the most traumatizing experience beyond its programming. Then you and Morty found it, and I accidentally woke it up," I stated.
"So how is Morty tied to all this? Why him instead of Summer or yourself?" Rick inquired,
"You've made Morty go through a lot of shit in your adventures, correct?" I asked,
"Yeah... And?" Rick questioned,
"Well that shit he went through will save the Earth. Compared to an adventure across infinity, that A.I. will listen to him," I clarified,
"Alright, I'll take your word for it. But if he screws up, consider the thing gone. Those anarchists did more than break my shit," Rick clarified,
"I'll take care of them, as well as any other psycho who may have stolen your shit," I assured,
With that, Rick sat out from this fight while I walked back to my room. Not after I've told Beth to get downstairs and reluctantly removed the chair to open the door, "Coast is clear, Jerry. You can come out now."
"Oh, thank god!" Jerry said with relief and hands on his pants. He'd rush to the toilet and relieve himself, though I didn't care about him as much as I'd do about Beth.
In fact, the latter stepped out of my room and approached me, "Is it really safe out there?"
"Not really, just the whole house with Rick's defense system. But don't worry, everything will be resolved," I assured her and occupied my laptop once more,
Digital World (3rd POV)
Just as Valentine had said, the malware breached its way through several directions, and both Summer and Morty tried their best to hold them off. When ten fall, hundreds more take their place, and each monster grows stronger and more resilient than the last.
"Uh, I don't think the shield's going to hold," Morty remarked as he was reloading,
"I've already made an email account and am in the process of sending the message! Just a little longer," Valentine told,
"~Forget it, just send her this instead~" Marcus interjected and sent a message to Valentine,
"Marcus!" Summer and Morty exclaimed before the former asked the following, "What's happening out there, and where's Grandpa Rick?"
"~He's occupied in the cleanup, but you guys don't need him. Valentine, send the message to the AI, and I'll pull you and Summer out,~" Marcus answered.
"Why Valentine and me and not also Morty?" Summer questioned,
"~You'll know after you've left the Digital World. Valentine?~" Marcus said.
"Understood. Sending the message." Valentine stated,
"No, don't send that message, Valentine," Summer argued,
"Sent," Valentine immediately said and noticed the frown on Summer's face as the latter removed her shades. "My directives are to follow Marcus' orders. You and most of your family are second, and Jerry is the last person I'd ever listen to."
"Seriously?!" Summer yelled,
"~I'm pulling you and Valentine out, Summer. Morty, the rest lies to your capable hands,~" Marcus clarified.
"Hold on!" Summer yelled, and then she and Valentine disappeared from the digital world.
With Morty left alone, he dropped his weapons and shades before turning to the malware gnawing at the dome. As soon as it broke, Morty feared that they would tear him apart, but they instead gathered around him and growled.
Before long, the malware molded itself into a singular entity and subsequently swallowed him whole. At first, Morty was terrified but soon found himself comfortable within the malware's body.
He could also tell that he'd been moved elsewhere as the fluid was moving around him like water. What he could do was wait as he was being taken to another place.
Marcus' Room (Marcus' POV)
After Summer woke up, she immediately sat up and removed the helmet from her head before turning to Marcus and asking, "Why did you pull me out?!"
"Just sit back and watch, and don't even think of removing Morty's helmet. Unless you want him to suffer minor brain damage," I warned,
Summer could only groan to herself as she left my bed and went to my side to watch the screen. As for Valentine, she had a report to give. "The A.I. is making its way to your laptop, Marcus."
"And Morty?" I inquired,
"Still in transit, but getting there," Valentine revealed,
"Good," I turned to my watch, had the A.I.'s head and cable ready, and plugged it in on my laptop,
What's left is for Morty to do what I've told him to do, and Summer soon received a notification from her phone. She looked at her phone, then looked relieved, "Huh, Social Media's back up, and it looks like nothing's wrong with it, too. So I'll be in my room again."
"Thanks for helping us out of a crisis, and try not to do anything stupid in school," I stated,
"Whatever, Marc," Summer said dismissively, keeping her eyes on the phone, and she left my room.
In her place, Rick enters the room and looks over my laptop. "Is he still in there?"
"In transit to my laptop, along with the A.I. after she received the message. All we can do now is wait." I clarified,
"Both the A.I. and Morty have arrived in your laptop," Valentine reported. "And they appear to be conversing with each other."
"Good... Everything falls into place," I stated while Rick looked over to Morty on my bed,
The talk lasted several minutes, with Valentine monitoring Morty's mental state and the A.I.'s condition. Eventually, the A.I. in question moved from my laptop to her head, and its eyes glowed bright while Morty sat up from my bed.
"Welcome back, Morty. I take it she listened to you?" I greeted,
"She did..." Morty replied,
"And I'm grateful for it." The A.I. responded via her helmet, though the mouth doesn't move and the LED of her eyes flicker according to her words, 1"I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused on your planet. Scars of my previous owner remain deep in my memory."
"Indeed, they have. Yet, it's a miracle that you still remain operational," I remarked. "But don't worry, after a few tweaks and adjusting. I'm sure you'll get over it when you start living with us,"
"Living? You're letting another A.I. live here with us?" Rick questioned,
"Of course, it's not like she can just live someplace else after everything that's happened," I stated. "So try and get used to it, Rick."
"Does she have a name, Marcus?" Morty inquired,
"I never had the privilege of one," The A.I. replied, "But as we were talking, I scanned through your thoughts and discovered a name of my own choosing."
"Which is?" I questioned,
"Gwen, from a robot he called Gwendolyn," The A.I. revealed,
"Seriously? You're not letting that thing go in your head?" Rick questioned,
"Don't judge me, Rick," Morty rebuked,
"Regardless, it's her choice. So don't try and change that part of her, Rick," I commented, then I turned to the head, "Are you certain of your choice?"
"As long as Morty allows it," The A.I. clarified,
"Done," Morty replied while Rick groaned with his hand over his eyes,
"Then it's settled. Welcome to the Smith Family, Gwen," I declared,
"Thank you for having me, and I look forward to our time together. Especially when we're together, Morty..." Gwen said, which caused Morty to chuckle with a blush on his cheeks.
"With that out of the way, it's time we go through the next tasks at hand," I declared, and both Rick and Morty turned to me,
"Making everyone forget about this whole mess with the A.I.?" Rick assumed,
"No, Valentine has that covered," I clarified. "What I mean is that we need to go through several systems for the materials I need to complete Valentine's and Gwen's android bodies. I've already got a few planets in mind, and I have no intention of buying overpriced equipment. I was hoping you could help me in 'acquiring' these materials. So what says you?"
"You want us to go through several systems after the crap you've put us through, collect a bunch of body parts for two sentient A.I. just so everyone in this house has a maid and Morty gets a sex robot?" Rick elaborated, "Is that what you're saying, Marcus?"
"Precisely," I replied,
"Fuck it, I'm in. Your A.I.'s cool, and it may keep Beth and Jerry off my back when shit hits the house more times than Morty whines and gets hurt in our adventures," Rick agreed,
"And you, Morty? Are you in or out?" I asked,
"Um, Valentine's cool, and so is Gwen. So... Count me in," Morty agreed,
I gave a nod and stood up from my chair. "Then let's get started, and don't worry about the mess we'd make and potential risk factors in our endeavors. For I will take full responsibility of everything that happens, Merc's Honor."
Thus, Rick pulled out his portal gun, inputted the coordinates I'd provided, and all three of us walked right through. Leaving the two A.I.s alone together in my room...
"You've scanned Morty's thoughts?" Valentine inquired,
"After we've... 'bonded' in the Digital World." Gwen replied, "I was genuinely surprised by it, but it helped me understand Morty's desires and certain weak points of his body."
"I believe you and I are going to enjoy each other's company, my dear Kouhai," Valentine clarified, and a new relationship between them blossomed...
Bonus (3rd POV)
Days after the incident, people have little to no recollection of what had occurred due to Valentine's memory clearing frequency. If people do recall what happened, they merely brush it off as some bad dream or random thought.
But what most people in school would never forget is when Summer hurt herself for attempting to do a flip over some stairs like she would in the Digital World.
Now, she finds herself crying from embarrassment on her bed, a cast applied to her right leg, and her phone thrown into the far corner of her room.
Eventually, she heard a knock on her door but didn't bother to turn her head to whoever it was. "Go away!"
Unable to do anything, the door had already been open and Marcus sets foot inside her room, "I've told you not to do anything stupid. Now you've paid the price for flipping over some stupid stairs."
"Urgh, fuck off!" Summer yelled and threw a pillow at him,
Marcus caught it and brought it back to Summer. "If you want to forget, I could erase it all away as well as heal that leg of yours."
"How are you going to even erase what was practically caught on camera and posted on the internet? That video is there forever," Summer complained,
"Good god, you sometimes think like Jerry, and we just resolved an internet crisis not too long ago," Marcus complained, activated my watch, and instantly deleted every source of Summer's accident as well as all related comments. As for people's memories, I had Valentine cover that part too. "There, now don't go confusing your fantasies with reality."
"Seriously?" Summer expressed and checked her phone,
"Yes, and I'll repeat myself until you get my words through your thick head. Don't do stupid shit like this again," I advised, "I've seen people get hurt worse than you do,"
The two were silent for a time, then Summer wandered her eyes around the cast of her leg and back to Marcus, "Are you going to heal my leg now?"
"I would, but I've changed my mind. Let it heal naturally this time," Marcus said and left the room.
Summer groans upon his response but doesn't complain any further since he has restored her dignity and pride by eliminating her supposed accident from the face of the world...
That's it for this original chapter! And some of you may wonder: what Morty say to the A.I. in the digital world? You'll find out upon the posting of Rixty Minutes! So, be patient, especially when the next chapter is the last original of the season.
In the meantime, expect Valentine and Gwen to be part of the Smith Household as well as their usual sci-fi tomfoolery.
Lastly, I've got one personal question that has been gnawing at my mind for quite some time. Regardless of your answer, I don't mind: Between Vgn Golley's Rick and Morty Story and Mine, which is better? (Don't expect me to reply to your opinions. Just questions regarding my fanfic and its characters)
With that done, it's time to reply to the reviews of the previous chapter!
Skully13: Here are my answers to your questions
1.) I'll be truthful with you, they would, but Marcus hasn't done anything to provoke them. You'll know once I've started working on the first episode of Season 2
2.) I'm sticking to the canon, but I will be adding some original content in between the story to make things interesting
lucifer black: Here are my answers to your questions
1.) No, but I do have something else in mind between him and Marcus. I won't tell you what it is, though...
2.) It's a bit of both, but you'll find out when I've reached Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind
Tombstone50: I intend to stick to the canon, so the whole affair between Tambry and Bird Person still happens. But I will add some level of original content as I go by.
lukeanimelover: I won't confirm any other details besides this one. He and Little Ray are in no way of becoming a couple; if anything, he's more like her brother-figure than a love interest. You'll learn about it as I work through the story
Guest99: No, he wouldn't be paired with anyone, canon or original. And just in case you ask why, Evil Marcus is Asexual...
Gamelover41592: I appreciate the compliment, but expect University Chapters soon...
That is all I have for the reviews, and I'll see you all in the next episode!