Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Rick returns to the San Francisco Hall of Justice, exhausted but determined to begin his hunt for the remaining Nexus-6 androids. In Bryant’s office, Bryant explains that Polokov, the android who attacked Holden, has taken a job posing as a trash collector. Rick studies the details of Polokov’s cover and prepares to confront him. Bryant mentions that a Soviet W.P.O. officer, Sandor Kadalyi, has arrived to observe and assist. Rick resists the idea of working with Kadalyi, preferring to operate independently. Bryant agrees to let him handle Polokov alone but expects him to work with Kadalyi on the next target, Luba Luft.

While en route to Polokov’s workplace, Rick receives an unexpected phone call from Rachael. She offers to assist him, arguing that as a Nexus-6 herself, she can approach the escaped androids in a way he cannot. Rick is skeptical of her motives and declines the offer. Annoyed, he ends the call and orders the police operator to block any further calls from the Rosen Association.

Rick visits the Bay Area Scavengers Company, where Polokov works. A manager informs him that Polokov did not show up for his shift. Rick then heads to Polokov’s apartment in a dilapidated building. The apartment reeks of abandonment, filled with leftover debris and no personal items. Frustrated, Rick concludes that Polokov has fled. He contacts Bryant to report his failure and decides to move on to Luba Luft unless Polokov resurfaces.

Before Rick can leave, a man arrives in a taxi. The man introduces himself as the Soviet officer, Kadalyi, and offers a handshake, appearing friendly and professional. Rick notices Kadalyi’s unusual laser tube and inspects it. Sensing something is wrong, Rick sabotages the weapon and pulls out his own weapon, just as Kadalyi—who is really Polokov—moves to attack him. The android lunges at Rick, aiming for his throat. Rick manages to fire his pistol, hitting Polokov in the head. The android’s body convulses violently before Rick finally neutralizes it. Shaken but alive, Rick contacts Bryant to report that he has retired Polokov.

The encounter leaves Rick unsettled. He calls Iran to share his progress and earnings from the bounty but finds her consumed by depression. Her disinterest in his news deepens his frustration, and he reflects on their failing marriage. He compares Iran’s lack of vitality to the androids he hunts, questioning whether she offers him any meaningful support. Rachael’s warning about the Nexus-6 androids lingers in his mind, and he reconsiders her offer of assistance.

Ultimately, Rick resolves to hunt Luba Luft next, though he plans to ask Rachael for help if Luft turns out to be a problem. Then, he reviews Luft’s profile and formulates a plan to pose as an opera enthusiast to engage her. As Rick approaches the opera house, he distracts himself by singing arias. Despite the challenges so far, he feels optimistic about this next confrontation, convinced that Polokov was the toughest of the six.