Reed me until 900 - #7

Back at their desks, Gavin and RK900 reviewed the information they had gathered. The tension between them was still palpable, but there was a sense of progress. RK900 showed the possible warehouse the suspect could mean after analyzing where he looked on the map.

"An old warehouse on the east side," Gavin muttered, staring at the map on his screen. "We need to move fast."

RK900 nodded. "I will inform Captain Fowler and request backup."

As RK900 stepped away to make the call, Gavin leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. The day's events had taken a toll on him, and the constant presence of RK900 was both a comfort and a source of irritation.

A few minutes later, RK900 returned.

"The mission starts tomorrow morning. Backup will be here early, but we will need to prepare for the operation and first, they'll prepare a blockade around the warehouse and the streets around it which they'll start slowly during the night. We should prepare for an early briefing tomorrow."

Gavin nodded but still seemed angry.

"What's if it's a waste of time... it seems too easy," he muttered.

RK900, standing beside his desk, replied calmly,

"The suspect provided valuable information. It may lead us to the mastermind."

Gavin glared at him.

"Yeah, if we can find him before he finds out we're onto him. This guy is smart, and he's got a whole network of psychos protecting him from what the guy suggested."

RK900's LED was a calm blue, barely flickering.

"It is crucial to remain focused and professional. Emotional responses will not aid in the capture of the suspect."

Gavin scoffed.

"You and your damn professionalism. Sometimes, I wonder if you even understand what we're dealing with."

RK900 stepped closer, his gaze steady.

"I understand that our objective is to apprehend the suspect and prevent further harm. Personal grievances should not interfere with our mission."

Gavin's eyes narrowed.

"You keep saying that. You think I'm not professional enough?"

RK900's expression didn't change.

"Your emotional responses are understandable, but they can cloud judgment. We need to work together efficiently."

Gavin stood up, frustration boiling over.

"You know what? Maybe you're right. Maybe I am too emotional. But at least I'm not a cold, unfeeling machine."

Before RK900 could respond, Gavin stormed out of the office, needing some air to cool down. He walked briskly down the hallway, trying to clear his mind. The constant tension with RK900 was wearing him down, and he needed a break.

He made his way to the break room, hoping to find some solitude. He poured himself a cup of coffee, leaning against the counter and taking a deep breath. The room was quiet, offering a brief respite from the chaos of the day.

Moments later, the door opened, and RK900 walked in. Gavin groaned inwardly, his brief moment of peace shattered.

"What do you want now?" he snapped.

RK900 approached his movements precise and controlled.

"I believe it is important to address the tension between us. It could impact our effectiveness as a team."

Gavin set his coffee down, turning to face RK900.

"Oh, now you care about our effectiveness? You're the one who keeps pushing my buttons."

RK900 tilted his head slightly.

"It is not my intention to provoke you. My goal is to ensure we work together efficiently."

Gavin's anger flared.

"Efficiently? You think this is all about efficiency? We're dealing with lives here, not some damn machine operation."

RK900 stepped even closer, his voice calm.

"I understand the gravity of our mission. But we must remain focused and professional to succeed."

Gavin felt a surge of frustration.

"You keep saying that. But you don't get it, do you? You're just a machine, following your programming."

RK900's LED flickered.

"I am more than just a machine. It's not that I follow my programming to do my work. I do my work thanks to my programming. My purpose is to assist and protect. That includes you, Detective."

The sincerity in RK900's voice caught Gavin off guard. For a moment, he saw something almost human in the android's eyes. The tension between them shifted, becoming something else as they stood mere inches apart.

Suddenly someone came in, and Gavin quickly went to the sink, to put his cup away and then left the room without glancing back.

*

Since the day drew to a close and they had to get ready for the next day, Gavin and RK900 prepared to leave the office. The tension between them had eased, but there was still a lingering sense of something unresolved.

"Detective," RK900 said as they walked towards the parking lot.

"Yeah?" Gavin replied, turning to face him.

"Thank you for being honest earlier. I was able to understand your point of view and learn how you see me. It will help us work more effectively."

Gavin nodded too tired to get angry.

"Yeah, well, let's just keep trying to figure this out."

RK900 extended his hand, a rare gesture for him. Gavin hesitated surprised for a moment before shaking it.

"Goodnight, Gavin," RK900 said, his voice softer than usual and a bit low... He even used his name. It made Gavin shudder suddenly.

"Goodnight, RK900," Gavin replied, feeling a strange warmth in his chest, trying to sound calm and neutral.

As Gavin drove home, he couldn't help but think about the day's events. The tension, the frustration, and the unexpected moments of connection with RK900. There was something about the android that was different in so many ways...

Back at his apartment, Gavin poured himself a drink and slumped onto the couch, his mind galloping to the mission ahead of them. He hoped they could catch the bastard. But at some points his thoughts on what RK900 said earlier that day... He's doing it not because of his programming but thanks to it? What did he mean? Was he trying to say in his weird manner that he's doing the work because he wants and thanks to the programming he's got the skill to do it? Or what..?

It was true that he did well on the interrogation. Gavin didn't have enough patience... Now when Reed thought about it, they were complete opposites. Just like Hank and Connor in a way... But Hank and Connor were like good old dad, and his pup... eee... son. While here? They were... bickering a lot... Or rather Gavin was but the way RK900 responded... he was actually barking back at him in his own way wasn't he? Now... that was... interesting.