From Your Wires to Your Core

Final Preparations

"Phck, I don't feel ready for this," Gavin sighed as they entered the bullpen. It was Tuesday morning, and they were finally ready for the operation. Theoretically. They'd tested out Nines' GPS and backup to ensure they worked, along with his improved communications device. Elijah had assured them that his casing could now withstand a substantial amount of abuse. Gavin had also spent a few hours learning as much about his internal workings as possible. He still wouldn't be able to do much, but Elijah had at least taught him how to bypass the flow of thirium to certain parts, so if he got badly damaged in the shoulder or leg, he could bypass the limb to save thirium. He'd also been shown how to perform an emergency reboot by disconnecting and reconnecting the main flow valve that ran between his core and thirium pump. It wouldn't work for all malfunctions, but it was a good start.

"What's this?" Hank asked as Nines handed him a neatly folded piece of expensive looking paper. Gavin watched curiously as he opened it with a frown. "Are you fucking kidding me?" Connor appeared at his shoulder as if summoned, and he handed him the paper with a scoff. Connor always showed up when Hank was in a bad mood. He was the only one who could ever calm him down. He quietly asked what it was all about as he looked down at the note. His LED span yellow once before he lowered the paper and looked up at Nines.

"Mr Kamski acquired your schematics?" He seemed deeply troubled at the notion.

"He did. I believe he has been in frequent contact with Markus. That was how he was able to repair the damage to my outer casing, as well as fully upgrade my internal systems." Nines offered his hand to interface and allow him to assess the changes himself. Connor accepted the exchange. Their LEDs flashed yellow upon connection. It was a sign they were linked as they both froze in place. "Elijah believes he will be able to upgrade your body also, should you feel so inclined. His offer is sincere." Connor's expression was filled with distrust, but not for Nines. It made Gavin curious as to what shit Elijah had pulled in the past.

"Are we ready for the final rundown?" Hank asked as they headed to the small meeting room they'd been working in. Gavin nodded silently, finding himself too pent up to answer out loud. It was just the four of them. They would also have Tina and Collins in a cruiser, but they wouldn't be coming until later. They didn't want to risk a marked car near the abduction site. Hank stood while the other three sat. Connor was upright and attentive, totally untroubled on the outside. Gavin was slouched in his chair, staring at Hank but not really seeing him. He was too worried to focus. He already knew the plan inside out anyway. Nines was listening attentively, but his eyes would often stray to Gavin, offering a reassuring smile.

The plan was set. They would go to the second drop point. It was in an alley close to the Eden Club, which was a popular abduction spot. Nines and Gavin would go into the alley and start looking around as if investigating, then Gavin would leave Nines as if he were going to search for more witnesses. Nines would remain in the alley alone. Hank and Connor would watch his signal from their car parked one street over and Nines would remain connected to Connor in a call. They'd settled on the early evening. It was early enough that it was believable for detectives to still be working on a case, but late enough for the club to be open. Gavin would go inside and question witnesses until Hank called to either chase after Nines or call it off for the night. There was no guarantee it was going to work.

In the event Nines got taken, Hank would set off immediately and call Gavin on the way. Gavin would get in his own car to follow, and if they had an exact location, they'd call in Tina and Collins for backup. More if the area seemed busy. They'd wait for backup, burst in, arrest the suspects, and free Nines. If Nines got in hot water before then, they'd have no choice but to move in early. Gavin had made it clear that Nines wasn't expendable. Not that Hank or Connor had ever suggested otherwise.