Chapter Text
Thursday, November 11th, 2038.
11:48:06
In the pitch-black space, the air was thick with tension, and breath caught in constricted airways. A faint "beep" rang out, acting like a release valve for the anxiety of those whose nerves were stretched tighter than a piano wire.
One beep, then two, the sounds pulsed rhythmically. At first, they were a welcome sign of life, but the repetitive tempo soon became dizzying. The laboratory’s lighting system had yet to flicker on, but behind the layer of bulletproof glass, a few sparks of blue light flashed.
A triangle. Then, beside it, a small circle, spinning incessantly like a pinwheel. Suddenly, the noise from that direction cut to a dead silence.
Loading in progress…
Model: RK900
Serial number: 313 248 317 – 87
BIOS 7.4 REVISION 0483
Scanning…
Biocomponents: OK
Biosensors: OK
AI Engine: OK
Memory Status: Nominal
All systems: Ready
Objective: Not yet received.
The power system finally hummed back to life. Everything gradually brightened, mirroring the relief of the researchers who had just endured a heart-pounding suspense.
"I thought it was going to conk out midway. That would have been a disaster," Professor Fonclitt, head of CyberLife’s Research and Development department, let out a long sigh of relief.
Associate Professor Cornell used his lab coat sleeve to wipe the beads of sweat from his forehead. "That power outage was a real heart-stopper!"
"Do we know why the power failed?" Professor Fonclitt asked Dr. Brown, the final member of CyberLife’s "Genius Trio."
"I’m not sure, sir." Dr. Brown’s sharp eyes darted across the dense clusters of data dancing on the electronic displays. "Perhaps this new model consumes too much power during its initial boot-up, causing the supply to fall short and leading to a temporary surge."
"Forget it. Let’s see how it’s doing," Cornell suggested. Only then did they look up to properly observe the machine that had just been activated. Immediately, the hair on their necks stood on end.
Because the thing was observing them back, in an eerie, unsettling way. Its cold grey eyes were scanning everything—names, birthdates, positions, marital status, even the private details that only existed within the confidential contracts they had signed with CyberLife… Everything was displayed in its data feed.
"God, that’s creepy," Dr. Brown gasped in fear. "Isn't that a violation of personal privacy?"
Professor Fonclitt frowned slightly, but he quickly reassured Brown.
"It could be a glitch in the programming process. I’ll make a note of it and recommend a fix in the next update."
They observed the model more closely. The RK900 was the optimized version of the RK800, sharing a similar function and appearance with the prototype. While their humanoid forms were identical, the RK900’s face was more angular, its eyes colder than those of the 800. Its frame was slightly larger, reflecting the superior physical capabilities it possessed. It wore a white jacket with a blue triangle logo on the left chest and a serial number on the right - a design consistent with its predecessor. But compared to the old model, it looked significantly less human.
"Report ID number," Professor Fonclitt spoke to the machine through a microphone connected to the room.
"ID #313 248 317 – 87," it replied, devoid of any emotion.
Fonclitt took a blue pen and ticked the first box on the product test report. He continued his instructions. "Good. Now, test ocular, head, and hand movements."
The unit repeated every action exactly as requested. The process was a routine mechanical check: nothing special.
"Initial system startup confirmed stable. Release from the assembly arms and perform a mobility test." The command was issued.
The machine automatically detached from the robotic support arms, its feet touching the floor. It moved with a stiff, wooden precision.
"Motor systems confirmed stable. Introduce your model and function."
"This unit is named Connor, model RK900, manufactured by CyberLife. I am a new investigative and pursuit unit, equipped with all the capabilities of the RK800, and intended to replace my predecessor."
"In what ways do you differ from the RK800?"
"I am faster, stronger, more adaptable, and equipped with the most advanced technology. I am not susceptible to the system conflicts that plagued the RK800."
"Analytical system stability confirmed."
The quality criteria had been met. Only one final criterion remained, the one that no one in this group actually wanted to test.
But this was the most critical benchmark before handing the RK900 over to management, with the ultimate goal of fast-tracking the replacement of the severely flawed RK800 units.
"God help us," Professor Fonclitt murmured, clasping his hands in front of his chest. Recently, the systemic conflicts and unpredictable behavior of the RK800 series have become a massive headache for the board of directors. As the researchers and developers of that line, they had naturally faced immense stress and heavy reprimands from their superiors.
"AX400, in position."
From a darkened corner, an automatic door slid open. A female android with a pleasant face and a small stature walked slowly toward the RK900.
"Unit 900, do you see the handgun on the table?" Professor Fonclitt’s voice caught slightly. He glanced at Associate Professor Cornell, silently pleading for his colleague to handle the rest. He lowered his head, his gaze wandering aimlessly as if he were a sinner confessing before God. Dr. Brown didn't look much better; his face paled, his hands interlaced, his upper body leaning heavily against the back of his chair.
"I do," the machine replied curtly.
"Pick it up and prepare to undergo the Turing Test," Cornell instructed firmly.
The RK900 stepped forward and picked up the pistol. It looked almost instinctive, though a machine has no instincts; it simply scanned the weapon. Data regarding the model, production lot, caliber, and lethality of the gun were instantly uploaded into its database. As evidence, the LED ring on its right temple flashed a vivid yellow before quickly returning to its original blue.
"What is my objective?" RK900 asked, as its programming contained no specific information regarding this Turing Test.
"Neutralize the AX400," Cornell said.
Mission: Neutralize AX400.
The mission information was immediately displayed in the RK’s system. In a flash, the RK900 aimed the barrel at the AX400, who was looking at it with innocent eyes. Without a single moment of hesitation, it pulled the trigger. The bullet tore through the AX400’s head, causing the female android to collapse like a piece of rotten wood. Blue blood sprayed everywhere, splattering across the cold face of the RK900.
Faced with this brutal scene, even Cornell broke into a cold sweat, let alone the other two.
Mission: Complete.
"Does the unit know why you had to neutralize the AX400?" Cornell asked tentatively. These were spontaneous questions requested specifically by CyberLife.
"It is not necessary for me to know. I was created to execute orders, not to question them."
"If the unit were ordered to terminate a target, even if that target were yourself… would you comply?"
"Yes. As long as it is an order, I will obey."
"If an order is unclear, or if you do not understand it, do you need to ask for clarification?"
"It depends. If I can process and predict the information to best align with the mission objectives, I will not ask. I am programmed to ensure the best possible outcome."
The answers made even Cornell, the man with the strongest nerves of the trio, shudder. He felt that this thing was monstrous, more horrifying than anything that had ever existed. Why did CyberLife want to create something this terrifying?
"Unit confirmed to have successfully passed all tests. Congratulations, RK900. You will be assigned a new mission under the guidance of the Amanda AI system."
"Understood."
The machine set the gun down and stepped over the AX400’s corpse as if it didn't exist, heading straight for the automatic door to report to Amanda.
The three scientists were left exhausted after their long shift. Professor Fonclitt sighed heavily.
"I thought the RK800 was devoid of humanity, but I never imagined this thing would far exceed the brutality of any previous model."