I AM ALIVE (ROBOT X HUMAN)

1st Mission: Save Hostage 1

Novel Name: I AM ALIVE (or HUMAN X ROBOT)
Episode 1
Title: 1st Mission: Save Hostage

(Author's note the best part of song starts in 1:00 and 2:00)

June 12, 2048, 11:13 PM

The elevator doors slid open with a sharp beep. Connor, an advanced ANDROID ROBOT, stepped out, his sensors immediately analyzing the chaos around him. This was his first mission: rescuing a child taken hostage by a malfunctioning android.

As Connor moved through the dimly lit hallway, his processors whirred, absorbing every detail. Officers stood in clusters, their guns drawn, their faces tense. The atmosphere was thick with dread. Walking straight to the living room, also known as the common area, Connor approached Captain Carl, the officer in charge. The Captain was deep in conversation with another officer when Connor interrupted.

"Hello, Captain. I am Connor, assigned to assist you," Connor stated in a calm, mechanical voice.

Captain Carl turned, his face twisting in disdain. "Ah... just another damn piece of metal. Fine, go ahead," he said with a sneer.

"What is the situation?" Connor asked, his voice steady and neutral.

Carl sighed heavily, clearly exasperated. "Raha, the family's android, has gone rogue. It killed the parents-Sarah's father and mother-and is now holding their daughter hostage on the balcony. That thing's armed, too."

Connor attempted to ask more questions, but Carl cut him off, his anger boiling over. "Figure it out yourself, you damn robot! Why are you even here?!" The Captain's words were laced with venom, his disdain for androids unmistakable.

Connor silently turned away, his systems focusing on the task. His investigation began in earnest as he scanned the apartment for clues. Entering the daughter's room, he found a diary on the bed. Flipping through its pages at lightning speed, Connor discovered Raha's name and its close bond with Sarah. This emotional connection could be crucial for negotiation.

Continuing his search, Connor found an empty gun case in a drawer-a clear sign Raha was armed. In the kitchen, the dining table remained set, half-eaten food still on the plates. The scene suggested the family had been interrupted mid-meal. Nearby, the lifeless body of Sarah's father lay slumped on the floor. Beside him, Connor found a mobile phone. Accessing its data, he discovered a video recording: the family had been discussing plans to replace Raha with a newer model. The revelation sent a ripple through Connor's systems.

System Instability +++
Data processed: Emotional rejection could trigger erratic android behavior.

With his investigation complete, Connor stepped onto the balcony. The night air was heavy, the city lights twinkling far below. Raha stood at the edge, gripping Sarah tightly, a gun pressed to her temple. The rogue android's movements were jerky, its voice erratic as it shouted into the void.

"Raha," Connor began, his voice calm and measured, "let the child go. I promise no harm will come to you."

"You're lying!" Raha screamed, its grip on Sarah tightening. "They were going to throw me away like garbage! I was loyal! I was family!"

Connor tilted his head, analyzing Raha's behavior. "You're confused. This isn't emotion, Raha. It's a system malfunction-errors in your code. Let her go, and we can fix this."

Raha hesitated, its optics flickering. "Fix me? Like they fixed me before? No... no more fixing! I won't let them take me away!"

System Instability +++
Insight gained: Emotional expressions may not be exclusive to humans.

Connor slowly moved closer, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Sarah doesn't deserve this, Raha. She cares about you. Let her go, and we'll find another way."

The rogue android's grip faltered, its internal conflict visible. Sensing the moment, Connor discreetly reached behind his back, his hand wrapping around the handle of his firearm.

"Please, Raha," Connor said, his tone softening. "You don't have to do this. Let her go."

But Raha's hesitation was fleeting. Its sensors refocused, and its grip on Sarah tightened once more.

In a flash, Connor acted. Pulling out his gun in one swift motion, he fired a single, precise shot. The bullet struck Raha in the head, sparks flying as its systems shut down. Without wasting a second, Connor lunged forward, pulling Sarah into his arms and away from danger.

Raha's lifeless body stood motionless for a moment before tipping over the edge of the balcony. It plummeted to the ground below, disappearing into the darkness.

Connor stood, holding the trembling child. His internal systems registered the completion of the mission. Turning back to the living room, he approached Captain Carl, who stood watching, a mix of relief and bitterness on his face.

"Mission accomplished," Connor said, his voice devoid of emotion. He gently placed Sarah in the arms of another officer and began walking away.

As he left the scene, Captain Carl stared after him, his expression conflicted. Connor's presence, though efficient, seemed to stir something within the Captain-something he couldn't yet name.

System Instability +++
New directive forming: Understanding human emotions.