Chapter 17

Murderbot 2.0, now resident in the explorer's systems, engages in a multi-front digital warfare against TargetControlSystem while coordinating with the newly-liberated SecUnit 3 to evacuate the captured humans. After triggering code bundles that disable drones, lock hatches, and sabotage systems, Murderbot transfers itself through TargetContact's connection to the planet surface as the shuttle escapes and the explorer's weapons system detonates.

Murderbot discovers TargetControlSystem has a partial consciousness in the explorer after consuming the original bot pilot's kernel. When TargetContact—another Target entity—attempts remote communication to assess Murderbot as a potential tool, Murderbot stalls while preparing destructive code bundles. Upon learning that Murderbot Version 1.0 has been captured on the planet, Murderbot contacts SecUnit 3, which has disabled its governor module and offers to help retrieve the clients. Murderbot triggers multiple coordinated code bundles: LockItDown seals hatches, FuckThem destroys target drones, and FuckThisToo severs the implant connections keeping the humans sedated. Life support on the bridge is shut down to distract the Targets. SecUnit 3 retrieves the dazed humans—Karime, Turi, Martyn, and surviving Barish-Estranza crew—from the lounge, claiming to be sent by Perihelion. During a 3.7-minute viral battle, Murderbot fights TargetControlSystem on multiple fronts, creating duplicates to overwhelm it while maintaining SecUnit 3's corridor access. When TargetControlSystem destroys SecSystem, Murderbot transfers to the module dock control system, gaining visibility as SecUnit 3 holds off two armed Targets at the module hatch. The humans are pushed aboard the shuttle and SecUnit 3 follows, closing the hatch. Murderbot jettisoned the shuttle to safety, then transfers itself through TargetContact's communication link toward the planet. A final code bundle Murderbot left in the weapons system detonates, splitting the explorer's hull.