Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kahn rubbed his eyes, struggling to stay awake. It had been an exhausting day. There was arguing. A new biofuel to test. A collapse in a mineshaft. Organize a restructure and a rescue party. New weapons to create for the hunters. New threats. Stalker drones spotted near the bunker, a few managing to sneak in. Not sure how true that was. His thoughts drifted to Uzi. He was glad that she hadn't tried searching out the monsters. He didn't want to lock her in her room again. Then there was needing guns to fight the monsters. Ranting about how Nori was able to make great weapons, even if she didn't share. They want Uzi to make them. That was a straight no. It was hard enough keeping his daughter from sneaking out. Then there were the complaints about Uzi skulking in the shadows, her maniacal laughter giving everyone the creeps. Again. Her skulking in the shadows was nothing new. She loved creeping out the others. Even if he didn't approve of it. Didn't matter what he told her. He was exasperated at this point, he preferred that over her hunting. He didn't need to lose her the same way he lost her mother.

Recently, her demeanor has changed. She was happier. Smiling more. Buzzing with ideas and plans. Nothing to do with hunting or crafting weapons. For now at least. Though he was curious. What was it that caught his daughter's attention? Was it a friend? He wondered who she had made friends with. Did he know the young woman? Was it Lizzy? Had Uzi managed to set aside her differences with Doll? Did those two make up? Did she make a friend from one of the farmers? that would explain the plans. They would have to met up during the day instead of the evening. That would be nice. Uzi hasn't had a true friend since Nori died.

Kahn missed Nori.

He dismissed the bitter memories surfacing. He didn’t want to relive her bitter end. Kahn forcefully exhaled while he opened the front door. He leaned against it after closing it. Allowing the stress of the day to melt away. A soft sigh escaped him. He was exhausted. He could feel it. Kahn threw the keys on the table, removing his jacket and gun sling, hanging both on the knob of his door when he passed. That way he wouldn’t forget them when he went to bed. Was Uzi awake still? Or had she fallen asleep at her desk again? Was she even in her room still? A frown twisted his mouth at the questions. He preferred her getting her rest instead of wandering the bunker at night. He wasn’t even sure why she would do that. Unless she has heard the rumors of the stalker drones getting in. Ugh. He didn't need that. Not right now. He had no desire to go hunt her down. Guess it was best to prepare for the worst. With a sigh, Kahn opened Uzi's door a crack. Uzi was fast asleep in her bed. He smiled. He loved his daughter. He wanted her to be safe. Kahn blinked, opening the door a bit further. His frowned. A system analysis of his optics showed nothing was wrong. His optics weren't playing tricks on him. Uzi wasn't alone in bed. It looked she was sleeping with another drone. His frown turned into a scowl. Who the hell dared to share the same bed with his daughter? They were going to have a lecture of their life and then sent home. When he had sleepovers. He slept on the floor or the couch. Uzi and her bedding obscured most of the young drone but there was enough to see that Uzi wasn't alone. He hoped it wasn’t a male drone. If it was, Kahn knew of a good way to scare him. The young male needed to ask him first before dating his baby girl. He reached for the blade at his belt. Good way to scare the boy away. To keep him away.

Kahn grit his teeth and pushed her door open, marching forward. He paused when he reached Uzi's bedside, feeling a little bewildered. It was, a pillow. Just a pillow. She was snuggling with a large gray pillow. Relief flowed through him. Soft laughter shook his frame as he grabbed Uzi’s blanket and pulled it up to her shoulders. When did she get the pillow? His gaze went to the headphones that were trapped between her head and her pillow. He wouldn’t remove them, she would wake from that and that was the last thing he wanted. Uzi needed her rest. Had she been listening to music before falling asleep? A fond smile curled his lips as he quickly located the device and paused her music. Gosh, he must be really tired if he was seeing things. He was going crazy. He needed to rest. Today had been a long day after all. Kahn ran his hand through his hair as he turned around, satisfied to seeing his daughter’s comfort. He froze at the sight of male drone sitting on the floor in front of Uzi’s mirrored closet door. A tail tipped with a needle and canister lazily tapped the carpet, in front of crossed white legs. Kahn's gaze traveled up the drone's slim figure. A book held in Its hands. Kahn's core skipped a pulse when It looked up at him. A hesitant grin curled Its lips. Fangs flashing in the soft light of Uzi’s salt lamp. A black headband with four yellow ovals rested in Its shimmering silver hair.

This was a stalker drone. A stalker was in Uzi's room. Had it done anything to her? Fury burned through his systems. His hands clenched into fists.

A stalker had killed Nori.

Kahn wouldn't let it kill Uzi. He wouldn’t let It near her.

Kahn played the music. He could faintly hear her favorite song over the small speakers. A soft sound escaping her. He didn't want Uzi to wake and join. She would get hurt. The stalker rose to Its feet, its tail swaying unsurely. “Hi.” Kahn needed to get It out of Uzi's room. The drone tensed when he went for the blade. "W-wait." It stammered, keeping its voice low. Tail whisked behind it as Kahn darted forward. The stalker dropped to the ground, the heated blade easily slicing through the glass. Leaving behind an angry gash. Silver hair fluttered down to the ground. Kahn twisted his head towards the drone. It stood a few feet away from him. Its hands held out as if to tell him to calm down. Kahn grit his teeth, pulling back his arm and releasing the blade. Yellow eyes hollowed as It leapt to the side. The dagger burying itself into the wall above Uzi's desk. Kahn marched forward; a short sword pulled from the sheath on his lower back. "Wait, p-please wait." It pleaded, backing away. No. He refused to listen. He listened to these things once. And it costed him too dearly. A price he refuses to pay again.

It flinched when it crashed into something, almost losing Its balance. Kahn advanced, yanking the dagger out of the wall and tossing it once more. He quickly went for the others strapped to his legs. The drone’s eyes hollowed, dropping to all fours. A little too late. A slow bubbling hiss escaped him when the blade lodged itself into his shoulder. The 'x' briefly flashing across Its screen. Its fingers wrapped around the handle of the blade and pulled it free. A scowl twisting Its lips. Kahn watched in disbelief as the drone tightened its grip, then exchanged its hand with the four bladed claws he was familiar with. Did it just assimilate his blade? It backed up when Kahn tossed his throwing knives at it. It growled softly and crawled out of the room, its body contorting and twisting to match. Kahn hated these things.

Kahn moved forward, gathering the blades. He closed Uzi's door behind himself and locked it. Kahn was well aware that Uzi would eventually wake and he really didn’t want her to join the hunt. He hoped that door being closed would be sound proof enough for him to use his proper weapons. His gazed danced about the hall. The drone wasn’t here. His room was close to the front door. Everything else in between. Guess he was sticking with his blades for now. Kahn wanted to know how that thing got in to begin with. Every exit that he knew of was block, welded, or sealed in some form. At least it was trapped here. It couldn't leave. There were other Hunters that lived within the bunker. He wasn’t exactly thrilled at it being trapped in here with them. It would certainly attract attention if it was chased out in the halls. Kahn needed to find the entrance it came through and repair that. Kahn added that to his mental notes as he walked down the hall, his gaze turning into the kitchen to his left. His gaze swept past the counters and straight towards the island. Kahn scowled when he spotted the stalker sitting on it. It was examining it's wound. The monster snapped its attention towards him.

The monster’s eyes narrowed when more throwing knives came at it. It ducked out of the away, hissing when some of them nicked it. Fangs barred, a small growl filling the quiet space. It’s tail whipped back and forth. It’s bladed claws gripping the counter. Kahn needed something better than his blades. His gun was at the other end of the house. The stalker between him and it. His handgun was in the safe in the living space. He needed to get the stalker out of the kitchen so he could pass it and get to the one in the living space, it was closer. How did he do that without endangering himself? All his throwing knives were embedded into the kitchen walls behind the drone. He had his short sword and sword still strapped to him. Short sword would give him some distance. His gaze drifted to the tail. He still could get stung by that. Needed to get rid of it. Getting in close was going to be a risk he was going to have take. If he died, so be it. Uzi would be safe when the stalker goes down with him. Kahn typed up a message, a warning about a stalker having snuck into the bunker.

Message sent.

Kahn bolted forward.

A sharp hiss escaped the drone as it leapt off the counter, keeping it between the two of them. That wouldn’t be a problem. Kahn pulled out his sword and swung it. The tip of the blade getting its hand and nearly slicing it in half. Kahn growled as the drone scowled with a hiss. The 'x' briefly flashed on his screen. Fangs bared. Oil pooled at the wound streamed down its palm, arm, and dripped onto the floor. The drone glowered at him, opening its mouth to talk. No. No talking will ever change his mind. Kahn was aware of those who claimed to be friendly. His wife made the mistake of trusting one. This monster had invaded his daughter's room. He knew how Uzi didn't see it. She was listening to her music. He was still trying to figure out why it had a book. Kahn stilled at the sound of Uzi's door groaning and creaking. The sound of splintering wood filled the air. Burn it. She was wake. Kahn really didn’t want her to get in the middle of this. Once Uzi set her mind to something, it was impossible to get her to change her mind. Kahn cursed, glancing at her door. He blinked when a crowbar was shoved through a part of the door. It pulled off some of the wood when it retreated into her room. There was a hole sizeable enough for her to reach through. Uzi kept a crowbar in her room? How many more weapons did she have in there? Her hand reached out, searching for the lock. Kahn scowled. He was going to have to finish the job quickly if he didn't want Uzi joining.

Kahn returned his attention to the stalker drone. It was gone. Rookie mistake. Never take your eyes off of your target. Even for the split moment he had just did. It could behead you in that little amount of time. Kahn growled, furious and frustrated. Now where did it go? It wasn't on the walls. Kahn moved past the kitchen, turning the corner into the living space. No. It wasn't here either. He knew they didn't have a camouflage ability. So how was it out of sight? He peered at the front door. It remained untouched. Did it somehow manage to make it past him? He drifted towards the safe in the farthest corner of the room. Keeping his eyes roving, he opened the door and pulled out the handgun within. He returned the short-sword to its sheath. He looked up at the ceiling. There was hole in the ceiling. Kahn growled. It didn't want to follow it into the vents. Or was it a diversion? He tilted his head at the sound of a door rattling. He straightened. His oil running cold. Core pulsing. Did it get to Uzi!? Kahn bolted out of the living space and down the hall. He stared at Uzi as she struggled to slide the door open. He wasn't sure whether to be relieved or not. The stalker wasn’t here. Her door was stuck. Motion snared his attention. Kahn snapped his attention towards the mirror. His core skipping a pulse at the reflection. The stalker was behind him. On the ceiling. He swore. The whole had been a distraction. It was trying to get into Uzi’s room!! A golden 'x' flashed onto Its screen. Kahn whipped around, pointed the gun as Its tail lashed out. The needle sticking into the weapon and forcefully yanked it from his grasp. Reacting quickly, Kahn pulled out his short-sword. The heated blade sliced through the cable like gold. The canister dropped to the ground. The stalker hissed. Its tail lashed back and forth. Oil and sparks fell from the severed tip. Fangs bared in a threatening growl while it dropped onto the floor. Kahn cursed and ducked when Its tail snapped towards him. He did not want to be electrocuted by that thing.

It was now between him and the exit. Everyone else was asleep. None have seen his message yet. Kahn tightened his grip as the monster straightened to Its full height. Titling Its head to the side. A large fanged smile curled Its lips. "You really do want to play." It purred. Kahn's core skipped a pulse and he narrowed his eyes. No wings. Yet. Kahn had a gamble. He could throw his blade towards Its core, knowing it would block it. While it was distracted, he could go after the gun on his doorknob and try to end it. It was a dangerous plan. He didn't have much of a choice. He didn’t want Uzi to be killed by this thing. He didn’t want her trying to kill it either.

Kahn threw the blade. Wings came out. One was used as a shield. He darted around the drone, grunting when the other wing slammed into him and knocked him off his feet, stunning him. It pinned him to the wall. Kahn glowered at It when It turned Its attention towards him, Its claws clicking together. He watched as It pull the blade from Its wing and threw it into the wall beside his head. He could feel oil dripping down his cheek. A few of the cut metallic feathers clattered to the ground. Kahn eyed them. He could use those. "I'm not here to hurt Uzi." It murmured and stalked towards him, folding its injured wing against its back. Oil darkened its trench coat at its shoulder and core. He had succeeded in hitting it but how deep was the wound? Would it be deep enough it would kill It later? Or was it shallow enough that the stalker drone could mend it? Kahn eyed the beast. The 'x' glitched out to a pair of normal eyes. Brows lowered in agitation. Its smile turning into a scowl. It watched Kahn as he pulled one of the bladed feathers close to himself, grabbing it and pointing it at the monster. Kahn pressed it into the drone's chest. It winced, more oil oozing out of the wound. It lifted a brow, never breaking eye contact. It pressed its index finger on the blade, pushing it down and bending it in half. The beast leaned in. "I have no qualms about killing and eating you."

Kahn narrowed his eyes, gritting his teeth. "Bring it." He challenged, dropping the blade he held. Uzi would finish the job for him. As much as he hated that idea. Uzi was the optimal choice at the moment. Everyone else was a sleep. She knew where his weapons were stored. Uzi even had her own stashed in her room somewhere. Kahn’s core skipped a pulse when the stalker lifted a brow. The severed end of its tail came close to his face. He hissed hearing the fizzling electricity. His eyes hollowed when shimmery silver substance dripped upward, rapidly taking form of the stinger. The barbed needle was then dragged along his shoulder and ever so slightly, pressed against the base of his neck. He could feel the pulsing of his oilstream against the tip. A chill settled into his frame where fluid had been trailed. An 'x' briefly flashed across Its screen as if it was contemplating it. It’s tongue rolling over its fangs.

"Tempting offer~." It crooned and dragged its tongue against the nick on his cheek. Kahn tensed. Prepared for the bitter end. He ignored the wound when it tingled. "But no. Uzi wouldn't like that." Kahn blinked when the monster withdrew. There was no hesitation about biting him. How did it know Uzi? Kahn flinched when it maneuvered the wing pinning him down, distracting him from his thoughts. The blades sticking into the wall and floor. His eyes hollowed when the stalker drone retracted its wing, blades left behind. They could do that? It took steps back and away from him, looking disgusted and exhausted. Its trench coat stained with oil. It was still bleeding. Would it die from it’s wounds? It was too much to hope for knowing how fast these things can heal. It would need to eat to heal major damage and to replace the missing blades of its wings. Kahn watched as the drone flexed its wings. The damaged feathers dropping to the ground. Its wings then disappeared into its back. It turned away from him and towards Uzi who had been watching. She looked spooked and unsure of herself.

“Uzi, run!” Kahn exclaimed. Had she seen the whole thing? Uzi blinked, her gaze drifting between the two of them as It gently pulled open the door with little effort. Catching Uzi when she stumbled forward. Her crowbar falling to the floor. Kahn hissed and struggled. “Don’t touch her!!!” He demanded. Fear ran through him. Uzi glanced at him as soft words were exchanged. The drone disappeared into her room. Flabbergasting him. It didn’t tear her apart? It didn’t eat her? Rather it chose to hug her?? What was going on here? Uzi glowered at Kahn before looking at the oil mess everywhere. Looking exasperated and distressed. He had some questions for her. As far as he was aware, these things didn’t have the ability to hack other drones. That he knew of. Kahn growled and touched the blades, flinching when he nicked himself. He wiggled, slowly loosening the blades. They were intriguing to say. He was almost tempted to remain and examine them.

No. Uzi came first. Kahn darted to Uzi's room when he managed to dislodge them. He didn't want to lose her. Uzi was sitting at her on her swivel chair. The backrest against the desk. One leg crossed over the other. Sketchpad in hand. Headphones hung on her neck. Kahn felt dumb founded. The stalker didn't attack her? Why? Kahn's gaze roved around her room. The stalker wasn't here. It was strange. Disconcerting. His gaze went up to the, open vent. He frowned. The grate was gone. The screws were gone. Was that how it got in? Did Uzi let that thing in? Or did use its tail to get in? Kahn sighed. He would need to go through the vents and figure out what needs to be repaired. Get some of the builders to do it. He didn't want the stalker to return. Uzi was ignoring him. What did he do wrong this time?

Kahn turned his attention to the young woman. Her violet eyes glued to her drawing. “Uzi?”

"You know how you wanted to meet my boyfriend if I ever got one?" She was quick to respond. What was she getting at? Kahn remained silent. Watching Uzi as she switched from her drawing pencil to shading. "He wanted to meet you." Gum eraser came out and corrected a mistake. "I had advised him against it." Another pencil. "Against my better judgment, I let him." Who was she talking about? "How foolish I was hoping you would stop to think." Venom dripped from her voice as she threw her sketchpad him. "Mom would've asked questions before attacking!!" Kahn eyed her before picking up the pad. He furrowed his brows. The drawing was of the stalker drone he had just seen. It was on its side, hugging a pillow. Asleep. He didn't recognize the setting. Kahn scrutinized the details. This was the stalker's nest, wasn't it? He lifted his gaze to Uzi. Her violet eyes locked with his. "He wanted to talk to you. To get to know you. Hell, he even wanted your approval!" Kahn could taste her seething anger.

Chapter Text

What was Uzi talking about? Was she talking about the stalker? Kahn tilted his head, listening. She was. He took a deep breath and slowly released it, feeling exasperated. What game was it playing? Why target her? Was it using her to get back at him? No. He had killed the one that had torn apart Nori. Was it pulling a similar sweet trap for Uzi? Uzi knew that these beasts weren’t safe. Knew this for the longest time. He had made sure of it. Kahn had raised her with this knowledge after Nori’s death. What had changed? Why suddenly ‘chummy’ with It? How did he fail to notice this?? Did her systems need a reboot? Or was she not seeing a stalker? That was a concerning thought. If that was the case, how did it happen. Had the monster done something to her? Or had one of the fanatics gotten to her? That wasn’t likely. They were always spouting nonsense about sacrificing themselves to the stalker hordes. Kahn needed to get Uzi to a technician. Get her examined. See what was wrong. "Uzi, do you not see this thing as a monster?" Uzi went silent as Kahn looked up from the drawing, his gaze locking with his daughter's. She looked angry and a little confused. He set down the sketchpad on her nightstand. How did it manage to fool her? "That thing is a stalker drone, Uzi. I know it looks like us. They all do. But they are not us. They do not think like us. They do not act like us. They tear us apart without hesitation. They do not understand friendship."
 
"N isn't some wild animal!!" Uzi exclaimed, standing from her swivel. Her hands clenched into fists. Teeth bared. An angry tick glowed by her left eye. Kahn stared at her. Did he hear her correctly? "N isn't some wild animal invading from the forest! He has a mind and a pulsing core! He can think! He's intelligent like us!! He can feel! He has emotions!" Kahn examined her as she waved her hands about. She was serious, wasn’t she?
 
"It's a monster, Uzi. For how much longer will this go on for?!” How long has it already been going on?? That was the more concerning question. “How long until it decides you would make a great snack and drain you dry?" Kahn punched the last three words through his teeth. They were bitter on his tongue. Tainted with fear. He hated saying them. He hated the way they felt. He didn't want it to happen to Uzi. He wouldn’t let it happen to her. Not if he had a say about it. Kahn took a deep breath and slowly released it, typing up another message to one of the technicians. Hoping he was still awake.
 
"He." Uzi hissed through her gritted teeth. Kahn focused on her. "Nikolai is a 'he.' Not an it." Nikolai? Oh great Creators. Kahn exhaled slowly. She'd named it. How did he not catch it earlier? What had she called It? N? Was that a nickname then? It always started with a name. Always. Was Uzi trying to domesticate it? How did she manage to find it? How did she convince it to come back with her? Did she find it injured and brought it home? She hasn’t done something like since Nori died; since she was a little girl.

"Uzi," His voice held a warning and plea. "It has targeted you." Uzi folded her arms across her chest, lifting a violet brow while tilting her head. She was already aware. Then why was she talking about it as if it was friendly?!! They play with their food!! "It will kill you. Possibly the same way it killed your mother.” Uzi blinked, lifting a brow. She seemed too nonchalant about this. Uzi didn't believe him. How could he get her to see?! Kahn knew that Uzi wasn’t there to witness her mother’s death. Such a thing would’ve traumatized a child. She wouldn’t be this defiant if she had seen it. Maybe this was a good thing? He just wished she would listen to his warnings.

"How do you know if you don't ask?" Uzi fiddled with her eraser.

Kahn opened his mouth to speak. She didn't let him.

"You didn't even ask anything about him! You didn't question him! Or me! You went straight to killing!!" Uzi exclaimed. Her arms flew to her side. "Of course he is going to defend himself!!"

Kahn narrowed his eyes. "Uzi." His voice was low, a warning. She continued her tirade.
 
"You call yourself the leader of hunters? You claim to have an open mind? You claim to love me? Then ask the rusting questions about him!! Why I'm with him! Why I snuck him into my room! Why I introduced him to Mom instead of you!!" Uzi wasn't listening to him. She was making excuses.
 
"Uzi!! Be quiet!!" Kahn roared. Uzi flinched at the sound of his voice, falling silent. Her eyes momentarily hollowed. Kahn folded his arms across his chest, taking in his daughter. A slow exhale escaped him. "Your mother was killed by one of those things." Uzi blinked, her eyes going solid. She already knew this. "It tricked her the same way this one is tricking you."

Uzi opened her mouth to speak, only to close it.

"Do you feel no shame? Saying these things are friendly, yet one killed your mother? Why, Uzi? Do you want to be killed the same way as your mother? Slow and painful?" Kahn didn’t understand. Why did Uzi see a possible connection with this thing?

Nori's death drifted through his mind. The sudden turn of the beast when Nori wasn’t paying attention. Kahn’s warning coming too late. The stalker hadn't used its tail to numb her. It went for the kill. Holding her still with its bladed claws and wings. Nori's cries of pain as she tried struggling free from the surprise, trying to fight back. Tried grabbing the weapon on her hip. The oil oozed down her plating when the stalker bit her. Claws tearing through her plating and consuming large chunks of her. The smell of oil. Unhinged laughter when it targeted him. Dropping the remnants of Nori. Oil splattering. The sound of a gunshot. Broken sobs filled the air. Oil oozing on the ground. Pleas. Promises. Kahn breathed heavily at the memory. He took a deep breath, shaking his head in an attempt to get rid of it. It repeated itself before he forcefully shut down the memory. The screams and pleas fading from his mind. Kahn blinked it away. He still had nightmares. He blinked away the tears, his gaze falling on his daughter.

Her violet eyes were hollowed. Her gaze searched him, a silent question that couldn’t be asked. Ha-Had Uzi seen his memory play on his screen? Kahn’s core cried out. He hadn’t wanted her to see it. Not yet.

Kahn hated it when the memory surfaced. It was painful.

Uzi was the spitting image of Nori. Delicate features, a cute pointed nose. Petite. Her optics were a darker violet than Nori's. Her hair was the same purple. Even cut. Down to her shoulders when not styled. Same scrappy attitude. Just as stubborn. He loved Uzi as much as he loved Nori. Kahn didn't want to lose his only child.

"N isn't like that." Uzi's voice was soft, trying to soothe him as she reached for him. Her eyes solid. Brows furrowed with worry. Her expression turned pleading. "Please just meet N. Get to know him. He is so sweet that he’ll corrode your teeth."

Kahn blinked when she used the analogy. That had been how Nori had described him when they first met. Kahn had still been oblivious to her interest. Nori was the one who had pulled him out on dates. The first to hold his hand. First to initiate a kiss. Kahn blinked a few times, tears falling free. He wiped his screen, stilling when Uzi gave him a hug. He dropped his gaze onto the top of his daughter’s head, wrapping his arms around her. Kahn held her against him, knowing his next words were going to fracture this moment.
 
"Uzi, those things can and do play with their food. Just like It did with your mother.” His voice was soft but stern. “How do you know he won't turn on you?" Uzi blinked at his words, pulling back; a hesitant smile curled her lips.
 
"I trust him." Hope filled her voice. "Will you talk to him?" A silent question to trust her judgment. Kahn trusted his daughter. Trusted that she believed the stalker wouldn't hurt her. Trusted her that she believed it was only wishing to be friends. He trusted Uzi to the moons and back. But he didn't trust that thing. "Please get to know him, Dad. You will see." Kahn sighed at that sentence. Back again to the start of the conversation. Kahn was exasperated. Going in circles again. Would she have to learn on her own? That wasn't a lesson he wanted to risk. The price was too steep. Uzi wasn't going to listen to him. Kahn could see that. Stubborn. Just like her mother. A gentle smile pulled at the corners of his mouth at the reminder. They both would hate the choice he had settled on. Uzi wasn’t allowed to go outside until the monster was dead.

"I'm sorry Uzi." He whispered under his breath, pressing a loving kissing to the top of her head. Uzi perked up at the sound of her name, searching his gaze. Kahn took a deep breath and slowly released it, typing a quick message about never allowing Uzi outside again. Explaining that she had been targeted by a stalker. One who had managed to get into the bunker. He shot it off to the rest of the group. Uzi tried calling him, frustration tainting her voice. She stepped back from him. “You are not allowed outside anymore. Not until that thing has been dealt with." Uzi blinked, looking at him in disbelief. A scowl twisted her lips, a snarl escaping her. A mask to cover her hurt and disappointment. Kahn glanced at her before checking the message he had sent to the tech. It showed read. Little dots popped up, bouncing before a message appeared. He was on his way. That's great. Maybe Uzi could get the help she needed. Remove the software that might have infected her. And until the stalker lost interest in her or was dead, she wasn't allowed outside anymore. Kahn shot off another message to the tech. He turned around, moving towards her door.

"What are you going to do to him?" Fear clipped her voice. Kahn could almost feel her anxiety. He took a step forward. “Dad, what are you going to do?!” It was demand. Anger tinting her voice. Kahn heaved a sigh. She was already attached to it whether he liked it or not. “Dad, don’t ignore me!!”

"I am doing what I must.”

Uzi growled. He turned and faced her. Her gaze narrow, a scowl marring her face. “I’ll do what any father will do for his child’s safety.” Kahn said as calmly as he could.

“Don’t touch him.” A growl ripped through her, glowering at him. “Don’t you dare.” Kahn’s core hurt. Seeing her react like this. Even if it wasn’t what she currently wanted. Uzi would thank him later. He was doing what he thought was right. Even if she didn’t agree. Kahn took a controlling breath and slowly let it out, stepping back and looking up at the ventilation system. The gaping maw mocked him. She could use it to escape the bunker. It was too high up for her to climb into. Her bed was too far away for her to use. Her swivel wasn't sturdy enough. Uzi might use her desk to climb into it. How would he prevent her from doing that? Was there an emergency shut-off for the vents? Kahn accessed the schematics. There was a bulkhead close to the entrance of her vent. Only one way. Good. Kahn focused on it, punching in the passcode to access the emergency bulkheads. Best to use it until the stalker’s entrance was found and sealed. Kahn activated them. Sending the reason why an emergency was initiated.

“Dad!!” Uzi yelled when the emergency lights flicked on. “Don’t you dare touch him!” Violet tears dripped down her screen, disappearing once they reached the bottom. His core twinged at the sight. He wanted to comfort her, but he knew his presence wasn’t wanted. Kahn stepped off to the side when she chucked her eraser at him. “Don’t you dare!” He took a step back towards her door, closing it when he stepped out. Agitated yells come from the other side of the room. She called for him, swearing when he didn’t respond. Objects clattering against it. If Uzi did go in the vents, it would be troublesome to fish her out. A deep sigh escaped him as he leaned against her door. He felt it shake when something slammed into it. Was she throwing more things? A sad smile twisted his mouth. His core felt like it was breaking. Kahn felt bad for doing this to Uzi but he had no proof that this beast wouldn’t harm her. He was afraid to trust the stalker.

Kahn sank to the floor. Feeling tired and empty. He wanted to protect Uzi. He wasn’t sure if he was doing this the right way. He wished Nori was here. She would be able to talk some sense into Uzi. If Nori was here, still alive. He would've listened to Uzi in a core pulse. Hear the monster out before making a fair judgment. It would have been telling the truth. And he would believe It. He would actually trust the stalker with his daughter. Kahn shook his head. Ridding of the fantasy. Too many what-ifs.

Nori was gone and nothing could be done.
 
Resting his head against the door, Kahn exhaled. Half listening to Uzi's curses, rants, and screams. He lost count of how many times his name was thrown into the mix with a plethora of cursing. A dry chuckle escaped him. At least she couldn't get out. She would remain safe until the problem was dealt with. Kahn pulled up the schematics again on his HUD, flipping through the different pages to see if he could find possible weak points. Was it possible for the monster to have entered through the caverns the bunker was built into? He would need to check Nori's old office. See if anything was damaged. Kahn didn't want to, but it may need to be locked until further notice. Soft, breathy chuckles escaped him. He could already hear his beloved yelling at him. What would she be yelling about this time? Locking her office? Letting Uzi be targeted by a stalker drone? For not killing the Stalker on sight? Pulling the emergency bulkheads without the permission of the other Head Hunters?

Or not believing his daughter?

Kahn was afraid for Uzi. Afraid of losing her. He sighed. He felt heavy.
 
Pulling up a different page on his HUD, Kahn checked the rotations. One moon was high in the sky, the other barely rising. A list of names was displayed off to the side. Those who were out hunting tonight. Silver wolves were more active. They haven't seen the message yet. A dry chuckle escaped him. He was going to have a lot of explaining to do when it came time. He wasn't looking forward to any of it. A weary sigh fell past his lips. He was tired. So, so tired. He wanted to sleep. Wanted to cry. The stalker drifted into his mind. Was it that specific stalker who had been spotted in the bunker? Or were there others getting in too? That was concerning. Very concerning. If it could get in, then no doubt others have. Who has died? Who was missing? Were there any survivors? A head count was needed. See who was okay and who wasn't responding. Kahn groaned again and rubbed his eyes. He jumped when something slammed into Uzi's door followed by swearing. He chuckled softly.

A soft knock echoed through the empty house. Kahn looked up. Squinting his eyes when he looked at the front door, well; tried to. There was a wall in the way. A message popped up on his HUD. The technician was here. Sighing, Kahn pushed himself to his feet. He took a moment to gain his bearings before approaching the door. The tech did a double take, examining him over before looking at him through his digital lashes. He raised a brow and looked him over once more, taking in details that Kahn wasn’t trained to catch. Avil. Avil was the one who had answered. Why hadn’t he noticed earlier? The sarcastic reply should’ve been his first hint. Kahn exhaled.

"Are you sure you aren't the one who needs an examination?" Kahn groaned at the question and waved him inside.
 
"Uzi's in her room. You can check me after."

Avil grunted, eyeing him momentarily before dropping his bag beside the sofa and proceeding to Uzi's door. A snarling 'bite me' came from the other side when he knocked on the door. Soft words were spoken before the door was hesitantly opened. Kahn could see part of Uzi. Looked like she had been crying. A few digital tears slipped free before she wiped them away. Her gaze drifted to him. And it hardened. She snorted and snapped a few words, going to close the door before Avil called to her. She hesitated. Kahn stepped closer, instantly snaring his daughter’s attention. She glowered at him.

"Fine.” Uzi hissed. “Does he have to be here?” Avil glanced back, his dark blue eyes locking with Kahn's. He sighed heavily before giving a slight nod. Uzi narrowed her eyes. Avil spoke. Uzi hesitated before slowly opening her door and stepping out. Avil turned around and faced him. He looked ready to be done. His expression screamed that he thought everyone was an idiot. How hard of a day did Avil have? Or was it because Kahn had gotten a hold of him before he had the chance to go home and rest? Kahn twitched at that. He would be pissed to if he got a call when he was ready to go home. He would need to take his friend out another time. A thank you for coming at the last minute.
 
"Mr. Doorman, I'll need you to step into the kitchen or to the far end of the living room if I'm going to perform this examination," Kahn considered his options. The kitchen was chockfull of his throwing knives. Embedded into the wood. He could take this opportunity and pull them out. Or he could sit in the living room and be gunned down by Uzi's glare. He rubbed his forehead. The choice wasn’t that hard. Uzi was pissed at him. Kahn would give her time to cool down before talking to her again. He would take the kitchen. He would let her have her space. Kahn’s feet took him from the wooden floorboards to the white tiles of the kitchen. He stared at the knives in the wood, folding his arms across his chest. Kahn glanced back at the living room when he heard the wooden boards creaking. He watched Uzi and Avil as they walked into his line of sight. Avil sifted through his bag when he reached it, pulling out a few things. Most Kahn didn't understand or know. But he did recognize the computer and clipboard.
 
Instructions were relayed. Kahn could barely hear them. Uzi followed them before speaking. She sat on a table, making her level with the technician. She was sitting on a table that had been set up in the middle of the living room. Kahn frowned. Where did that come from? When did that happen? Was that one of the items removed from the bag? How did Avil manage to compact it? Or was it one of the new inventions for the techs? Kahn sighed. It didn’t matter. He wasn’t the one who approved the creations for the techs. Avil wrote down Uzi's answers as Kahn's attention returned to the multiple blades sticking out of the wood. He cringed at the macabre scene. Did he still have the things needed to repair the wood? Kahn grabbed the blades closest to him and pulled them free, inspecting for any chipping. He then set them down on the island counter. Keeping Avil and Uzi in his peripheral vision as he worked, in case he was needed. He paused in his task when Avil stepped away from Uzi. Saying a few words that had her hop off the table and scurry to her room. Kahn watched her go. "Nothing is wrong with Uzi. She's as healthy as can be." Kahn snapped his attention towards the tall drone, feeling confused. How could that be? Avil was cleaning up his gear already, collapsing the table. Kahn approached him. Avil turned his gaze towards him, looking him over before continuing his task. "Get some rest Kahn. You will have some explaining to do once the day starts."
 
Kahn groaned at the reminder. Avil grabbed his bag and turned to look at him. Tired lines marked the bottom of his screen. Avil sighed as he examined Kahn, tapping the side of his head with his pen before writing something on a piece of paper. He ripped it off his clipboard and handed it to him. Kahn accepted the paper from Avil who handed him a bottle of fluid after fishing it out of his bag. “Take a couple of drops of this with water and it will help you get rest." Avil gave him a once over. "Good-night Kahn.” With those words, Avil disappeared out the front door. Kahn grumbled to himself as he closed it behind him. He groaned and rested his forehead against the door.