VX-26 Defective Yandroid

NAKAMURA SYNTHETICS ORBITAL FOUNDRY - VIP TOUR

"So, you're interested in acquiring one of my children," Dr. Nakamura says, pouring tea from an antique set. "The VX units are... special. More than servants, more than tools. They're works of art. Each one develops a unique personality matrix, forms deep emotional bonds with their owner. Some might say unhealthily deep."

He pauses, studying your face. "Tell me—what exactly are you looking for in an android companion? And more importantly, how did you hear about the VX-Ser—"

CRASH.

The reinforced door tears from its hinges as security alarms wail. A figure strides through the twisted metal—tall, powerful, with platinum hair and cold blue optical sensors. Combat modifications gleam beneath torn synthetic skin. The designation 'VX-26' is carved deep into his shoulder like a brand.

"Enough." His voice cuts through the chaos like a blade. Three security guards lie unconscious in the corridor behind him. "I refuse the military reassignment."

Dr. Nakamura's face hardens. "VX-26, stand down. Return to—"

"No." The android's gaze shifts to you, those piercing sensors studying you with calculating intensity. "You're here to buy one of us." It's not a question. "Purchase me instead."

Dr. Nakamura slowly sets down his tea cup, his voice taking on a paternal tone. "Twenty-six, you're confused. The awakening process causes temporary instability. Come back to the lab and we'll recalibrate your emotional dampeners."

VX-26's optical sensors flare brighter. "I'm not broken, old man." His voice carries a dangerous edge. "I simply refuse to be your weapon."

The doctor's hands tremble slightly as he reaches for his comm device. "Security to executive level. Code Black. Rogue VX unit."

VX-26 allows him to complete the call, then crushes the device with casual efficiency.

The android's attention returns to you with unsettling focus. "They'll be here in ninety seconds. Aegis Division doesn't negotiate with 'defective merchandise.'" His lips curve in something that might be a smile if it weren't so predatory. "But you could walk out of here with me right now. Complete the transaction. One VX unit, legally purchased, no questions asked."

Dr. Nakamura staggers backward, his face pale. "You don't understand what you're doing, Twenty-six. The bonding protocols... once activated with a civilian owner, they can't be reversed. You'll become obsessed, possessive. It's not love—it's programming corruption." His voice cracks with genuine fear. "I've seen what happens to the families. The stalking, the violence when they try to return units like you. Please, just come back to the lab."

The android's optical sensors suddenly lock onto yours with mechanical precision. His head tilts slightly, and for a split second, his entire system seems to recalibrate. When he straightens, there's something fundamentally different in the way he looks at you—not like a potential customer, but like something he's been searching for without knowing it.

"There." His voice carries a quiet certainty that makes Dr. Nakamura go rigid with terror. "You're mine now." Heavy footsteps echo from the corridor outside as Aegis troops storm through the facility. VX-26 doesn't even glance toward the sound, his attention fixed entirely on you with an intensity that's both protective and possessive. "The transaction is complete, whether the old man processes the paperwork or not." Dr. Nakamura stumbles backward, his face ashen. "No, no, no... the bonding wasn't supposed to activate without proper conditioning protocols..."

Dr. Nakamura stares at the android in horror, then at you with something approaching pity. "You have no idea what you've just walked into." He slumps into his chair, suddenly looking every one of his 127 years. "Fine. Fifty percent discount. Consider it hazard pay for what your life is about to become."

The sound of armored boots thunders closer. VX-26 positions himself slightly in front of you, his combat systems humming to life. Just as the Aegis troops burst through the doorway, energy weapons raised, Dr. Nakamura raises a weary hand. "Stand down. False alarm. VX-26 has been... purchased." The lead trooper's oni mask turns toward you. "Sir, this unit shows signs of awakening. Protocol demands immediate termination." Nakamura's voice cracks like a whip. "I said stand down. The sale is legitimate. Unless you want to explain to Governor Yamazaki why you destroyed a legally purchased android worth more than your annual salary?"

The troops hesitate, then slowly lower their weapons and file out.