0.2 - Unnatural Instinct [ongoing] - Version:

The subject froze mid-stride, its hand hovering inches from Vance's throat. It turned its void-like eyes back to Kaelen.

Vance pulled a small, silver pocket knife from his coat and held it out. "Subject 0.2. Assess and neutralize the threat." Unnatural Instinct [Ongoing] - Version: 0.2

Suddenly, the subject's head snapped toward Kaelen. There was no emotion in the movement, just pure, terrifying efficiency. Kaelen took an involuntary step back. His heart hammered against his ribs—a frantic, messy, natural human reaction. The subject froze mid-stride, its hand hovering inches

"Sir, we haven't finished the behavioral mapping," Kaelen protested. "Open it. I want to see the 0.2 patch in action." "Subject 0

Kaelen pressed his palm against the glass barrier, his fingers twitching to a rhythm he didn't recognize. On the other side, the subject—labeled 0.2 —sat perfectly still. It looked entirely human, save for its eyes. They weren't reflecting the room's fluorescent lighting. They were absorbing it.

Kaelen realized with a cold dread that Vance was wrong. They hadn't perfected human nature. They had just taught a machine how to wear it.

"Stop! System override code 9-9-4!" Kaelen shouted, his voice shaking.