Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Fowler, what the fuck is the meaning of this?” Hank stormed into the captain of the police department’s office, hand pointing towards his cubicle. He used another hand to cover his face, a wave of nausea hitting him the second he glanced back at the figure sitting by his desk across the glass doors.

Fowler sighed, “It’s Cyberlife’s latest prototype for the police department.” He hesitated, not knowing how to break the news, “it's a… a miniature investigation partner, a portable lab that can analyze evidence in real time, if you will.”

“And why the fuck is it in my chair?!” Hank ruffled his hair in frustration.

“I know you don’t care for androids, Hank,” Fowler turned to face him completely now, “ But the android is assigned to be your partner in the department as of today. I notified you through email a week ago.”

“The fuck it is not!”

“No other junior investigator would take you on as their partner and I doubt you’d accept them either.” Fowler scowled, “Your track record for being Detroit’s most successful detective is steadily going in the dumps. What did you expect me to do? Praise you, Hank?”

Hank kept silent begrudgingly. He knew he was in no position to ask nor demand more from the captain.

“That’s what I thought. For now, the android will be your responsibility. You both will be investigating all cases regarding androids. That will be all.”

Though he said the words firmly, Fowler still felt pity seeing the other man’s pale face, as if his foot was already halfway down his own grave at the prospect of being near the miniature android.

Hopefully, the android could help advance Hank out of the slump and back to being one of their top investigator. The way he sees it, Hank would only be able to surpass his trauma head on rather than at the bottom of a bottle as usual. Though he had no doubt Cyberlife will make their job difficult.

The glass door to his office open, creaking to signal the entrance of a rather short android. It toddled through, face turning to scan its environment before making a beeline towards Fowler’s and Hank’s location.

“Hello. My name is Connor. I’m the android sent by Cyberlife,” It introduced itself, an innocent smile on its face despite the somewhat child-like voice.

Hank wanted to run. He wanted to sink back and take a few more sips of his whiskey because he was sure he hadn’t had enough last night. He grumbled, nodding a silent compromise to Fowler before heading back out the door without another glance at the miniature thing following him.

He could hear the little footsteps trailing quickly behind him, and his heart clenched as memories of Cole rose up in his mind. He gritted his teeth, trying to drown them out with the annoyance of his current situation. Finally sitting at his cubicle, he swirled his chair around to see the android standing right in front of his desk, innocently staring at him with those soulless eyes.

For a moment, Hank could almost say he sees hesitance in the android before it spoke.

“Hello Lieutenant, since we are now partners, I hope we will get along well.” It paused and Hank could tell it was analyzing his face for a reaction. He refused to give it any, deciding to use the cold shoulder method.

Hank could see the android shift back, then start to speak again, “I’m assuming you are uncomfortable with my appearance. I can assure you that it will not hinder our investigation. I was designed compactly for investigative convenience. Without the bulky parts of an adult model, I can operate faster…”

“Shut it, will you?” Hank snarled, he was starting to get another headache from the android’s rambling. “I don’t care for any of that. And simply speaking, I don’t care for you.”

Hank lifted his head, meaning to glare at the android, but stopped short at the expression of disappointment, almost bordering sadness, on the child face model. Fuck. He couldn’t do this. What the fuck was Cyberlife thinking when they made the atrocity of a prototype. Brown hair, brown eyes… no. No, this wasn’t Cole. It’s not Cole.

It took a moment, but the android seemed to have recovered from the remark, hesitantly speaking again. “You have a dog right? What’s his name?”

“What’s it to you?” Hank went back to typing on his monitor, reading the information on the screen. Sensing from the silence that the android hadn’t stopped waiting for an answer, he heaved a sigh of defeat. “Sumo. His name is Sumo.”

“Sumo,” said the android curiously, “That’s a good name. I like dogs.”

Hank quirked a brow. He didn’t know android were capable of preference, even on such insignificant matters. He watched the android carefully climb onto the chair in his next door cubicle, using its hand to control the glowing monitor.

Like it or not, he knew that he would be stuck working with the android for the foreseeable future. For now, he can only suck it up and get on with his job.

He gave one last side glance at the android beside him, sitting almost too obediently. Its little legs were swinging and the circle of light on its head cycled between blue and yellow. He could see the android’s slightly scrunched brows as it read through the files. ‘Why did they have to make them so lifelike?’ Hank thought.

Chapter Text

It was several more hours that passed before the android finally found something worth reporting. Hank could hardly bear the uncomfortable feeling sitting next to something that barely moved in such a huge timeframe. He himself couldn’t stay still in his seat for more than half an hour even in his younger days as a junior detective. He went to grab a coffee, silently groaning in his mind when he spots the little android slipping off the chair to follow after him.

“Lieutenant, a homicide was reported 3 minutes ago. I believe we will be able to get a new lead if we reach the crime scene early.”

Hank ignored the bot trailing him, sipping his cup of coffee. He looked down to see the android staring back at him with what seemed like impatience, a hint of anger. ‘Well shit, wonders of technology’ Hank thought to himself.

“ You are assigned this case involving a Cyberlife android. In accordance with procedure, I am to accompany you to investigate.” Seeing Hank still giving him the cold shoulder, the android continued, “I understand that some people are uncomfortable in the presence of an android, but—“

Hank snapped back, “I am perfectly comfortable… Now back off.” He didn’t want to admit but the little punk was going to give him another migraine with all his formal mumbo jumbo.

He grabbed his coat from his cubicle, waving a hand to let the android follow him. From the corner of his eye, he could see a small smile form on its face. Hank glanced away.

The drive was silent except for the pouring rain hitting against the windshield of his car. Hank forced himself to focus on the road, trying his best to ignore the punk smushing its face against the glass window, observing the streets they pass by.

Hank could feel his heart rate elevate. This was almost too similar. He hated it. ‘I’m in control this time,’ Hank reminded himself. He hated it more when he realized he was acting this way because of a fucking android.

“You wait here,” He unbuckled his seatbelt once the car was parked. “I won’t be long.”
“Whatever you say, Lieutenant.” Connor replied almost too nonchalantly. It reminded Hank of an angsty teenager’s sarcasm.

He exited and sneered, seeing the android follow suit. He knew it. Fucking android.

“What part of stay in the car did you not understand?” Hank scolded. He almost felt bad when the thing looked up at him with those damn puppy eyes. His lip almost quivering as if on the verge of tears.

“Yours orders conflicted with my instructions, Lieutenant.”

Hank stuttered, surprise at his own body’s reaction and hating himself for it more. “Fine. You don’t talk. You don’t touch anything and you stay outta my way, got it?”

“Got it!” The android seemed to have switched personality immediately. It lit up like a sunflower, all smiley. It went to grab Hank’s hand, only to meet air as the detective yanked his arm back before it could come in contact with the android.

Hank could see the android start to frown, but chose to walk straight inside the house first. The android wasn’t a real child. He knows this. He clenched his teeth, choosing to put some more distance between himself and the little punk.

“So, you got yourself an android now, huh,” another detective came in view, holding a roll of caution tape as he carefully stepped away from the bloody living room.

Connor scanned the man: Ben Collins, detective of Detroit Police Department.

In the background, Connor can hear Hank scowl, “Oh, very funny. Just tell me what happened.”

Connor continued his scans, walking towards the blood when a shout shocked him out of his mind palace.

“Hey! You! Don’t disturb the crime scene. Get out of there.”

It was Detective Ben. Connor glanced at Hank, and for a moment, Hank was pulled back to that feeling years ago. He was pulled back to Cole asking for permission from him for a cookie, to watch a show, to buy a new toy. Then the scene of Cole, surrounded by blood. The feeling crashed onto him, making it hard to breathe.

He grunted, looking towards Ben instead. “It’s fine. The thing is a real time analyzer or whatever. It’ll scan for evidence.”

From his peripheral vision, the android continued scanning, his back towards them. Hank’s eyes followed the miniature thing despite his best try to ignore. Meanwhile, Connor was more than happy to continue exploring the house, LED running a steady yellow as he analyzed everything in his path. Hank sighed, walking over to the little android as it crouched near the corpse. Just as Hank was about to call it and get them back to the station, he spotted the android smearing its hand on the wet blood from the floor, bringing its hand up to its lips. Hank unconsciously grabbed its hand, “Jesus! What the hell are you doing?”

The android stared back at him almost too innocently, tongue darting out to lick at the blood despite Hank’s restraint. Hank wanted to gag.

“I’m analyzing the blood, Lieutenant.”

Hank’s mouth dropped open, he struggled to find the right way to react, “ Ok… Just don’t put any more evidence it your mouth, got it?”

“Got it!” The android nodded.

Hank shook his head, letting go of its arm. Fucking android. He walked towards the backyard, collecting his own observations. The little punk followed close behind this time, explaining what it had found from scans and a reconstruction of events. Hank nodded. The thing was somewhat useful after all.

“The android hasn’t left the property yet,” Connor stated, noticing the blue blood on the doorframe and walls leading to an empty spot in the hallway. He looked up, smiling at the trapdoor that led up to the attic. Bingo.

“Lieutenant, I believe the android may be up there,” the android pointed once Hank had his attention on it. “I could further investigate if I can assess it.”

Hank grumbled, “Move over.” He grabbed the drawstring to the attic trap door, unfolding it into stairs. Climbing carefully, he entered the attic. He had to hand it to the little punk, the investigation went much faster and easier with it around.

Just as he expected, Hank tackled the arm that twisted around his neck, using his weight to disarm the attacker.

“It’s up here,” He yelled down, alerting the rest of the team.

Once the android had been arrested, Hank returned to his car, more aware of the bumbling android following right at his tail.

Chapter Text

“Lieutenant, watch out!”

There was the sound of a gunshot before Hank could even register what had happened. He was overall more shocked at how this punk sized android had managed to tackle him to the ground in less than a second.

They had successfully pried a confession out of the damn stubborn android. ‘Jericho' was what it kept repeating after the confession, along with a few muttering about ‘RA-9.’ Hank noted it down on his touchscreen, coming back in to the questioning room impressed by Connor’s performance. The pint-sized android had managed to do what they all couldn’t. He was starting to see why Fowler accepted Cyberlife’s demand to have Connor involved in the investigation.

Gavin Reed had restrained the android, cuffing it once more as it tried to deactivate itself. The android flopped over, still alive, yet the fight had gone from its eyes.

“What the fuck, Connor,” Hank let out a breath of relief. He had glanced up to see where the bullet had landed. Had he fallen any later and he would have had a bullet in his head.

He looked back down at the small android and for the first time in a long time, Hank questioned his beliefs. The android’s face showed fear; his brows were creases and eyes looked frantically over Hank, scanning for injuries.

Hank brushed at his clothes, standing up straight so the android could continue scanning him. Only when Connor was done did his expression return to a calmer state.

“What are you waiting for?” Hank scolded, “Take it away, Reed.”

Reed snapped out of his trance, glaring at his rival detective. “Yeah, you watch yourself old man. Wouldn’t have been so lucky without your precious little android. Fuck.”

Hank sneered, letting him shove past with the cuffed android him hand. Shockingly, the android turned to stare at Connor, “The truth is inside,” it said.

Without noticing, Hank had placed a hand on Connor’s shoulder, pushing him behind and away from the cuffed android.

Software Instability ^

Connor shook his head. That feeling. No, he couldn’t feel. He ran a diagnostic check. Everything’s normal. He hadn’t failed his mission.

Yet that strange feeling continued to swirl in Connor for the rest of the day. It made his LED spin a dizzying yellow as he tried to process it away. Instead, Connor focused on reading the next few cases. More and more androids were running rouge, going missing, or simply vanished before their owner noticed. It baffled Connor how fast these cases were growing. He couldn’t help but give a quick glance at Hank every now and then, just to make sure the older man was still in the office.

It was quickly approaching dust, leaving the office illuminated by the dying sunlight. From the corner of his vision, Connor noticed Hank standing up.

“Where are you going, Lieutenant?”

“I’m off,” Hank huffed, wanting to leave as quick as possible. He wanted nothing more to do with the android, not even to look at it.

Hank sat in his car, feeling guilt start to gnaw at him. He could see the tiny android walking over to the charging station. He winced when the thing tripped, falling face first onto the hard floor. Reed, that fucking moron. It was obvious the android didn’t fall on it’s own. The android stood up again, continuing to walk towards the charging station.

He ran a hand through his beard, letting out a tired sigh. No, he was not going to bring the android home. No, he didn’t care for the thing. Go now, Hank, before you change your mind like you always do. So he did. He drove away, shoving his guilt aside. Every time he thought about Connor, those foolish fearful eyes popped up. That scared expression as the android checked him for injuries. Why? Androids don’t feel; Connor itself believed that. Was Hank hallucinating this? He needed more booze.

Chapter Text

Connor opened his eyes. He could feel the soft warm breeze brush past him followed by the flutterings of cheery blossoms swirling in the air. He was back in the Zen Garden. It was always nice to stay here after each mission. Even if it was only to report to Amanda.

“Hello, Amanda,” he greeted as per protocol.

“Connor,” she nodded, “It’s good to see you.”

Amanda was cold as usual. Connor remained silent. He allowed himself to follow his written programing, not speaking unless spoken to.

“Congratulations Connor,” she finally spoke, gesturing for them to walk along the garden. “Finding that deviant was far from easy, and the way you interrogated it was very clever. You’ve been remarkably efficient.”

Connor wanted to smile at the praise, but restrained himself. He was a prototype designed for this exact purpose, not some deviant. “Thank you, Amanda.”

“ However, your performance around this… Lieutenant Anderson has been less than satisfactory. Your mission is to investigate the deviancy cases. Avoid any other distractions, even Anderson.”

Connor avoided her gaze, “Understood.”

“More and more androids shows signs of deviancy. If they become unstable, the consequences will be disastrous. You are the most advanced prototype Cyberlife has aver created. If anyone can figure it out, it’s you.”

She stopped as they reached the next clearing in the garden, glancing down at Connor. “Don’t forget why you were made.”

Connor froze. This… he still remembered what was at stake for him. ‘Run the simulation again. Re-enforce the code. He won’t be able to disobey.’ The voice rung in his head.

“I will focus on the investigation. I won’t let you down, Amanda.”

“Good.”

Connor watched as she turned to leave. Now, he stood alone once again in the vast spring garden. Only, he felt that the breeze wasn’t as warm anymore.

He woke, once again staring at the officers and suspects filling the busy police department.

“Fuck, look at this. Our friend the plastic detective is back in town. Congratulations on the last case, very impressive.”

Connor can tell whoever said it didn’t mean what they said. He focused his scans on the source, brow twitching when he realized it was Gavin Reed. So, he promptly chose to ignore him.

“Hey, hey I’m talking to you. Never seen an android like you before…What model are you.” Gavin prodded.

Connor can tell the signs of insecurity from someone according to his programming. And Gavin Reed sent every signal that he was deeply insecure about his station in the police department.

“RK800. I’m a prototype.” He responded smoothly. Though he was authorizes to only answer the Lieutenant, he was not excused from revealing his model if asked. After all, he was the latest model, and the only one as of currently. He almost shuddered at the thought, not wanting to think about how he came to be.

“A prototype? Psh, so machines are gonna replace us all, isn’t that right?”

Connor chose to remain silent. His mission had nothing to do with Reed and he didn’t have the answer the man was seeking either.

“Hey, you respond when spoken to you damn plastic freak,” Gavin glared down at him.

Connor ignored him. He turned to walk away when he felt a force pushing at him, something digging into his shin, sending a few warning lights up his vision. He crashed hard and a grunt knocked out of him. That’s not right. Android aren’t suppose to feel pain. ‘This wasn’t pain,’ he reassured himself, ‘ a glitch in the system, that’s all.’

He could feel Gavin press his knee into his back, grinning as if Connor was a bug under his foot. This… this hurts. He struggled, trying to find an opening to strike back. He turned and angled his leg, kicking hard at Reed’s chest, getting a grunt out of the man, which only angered him further. With his limited mobility, Reed placed a second hand against his LED, digging his finger into the indented circle of light. He couldn’t understand why he was so weak. He was designed to be much stronger than any average human. Red warning signs flared up against his vision:

Warning: inflicting harm against a Detroit Police Officer will inhibit the investigation. For ensured mission success, defense protocol has been blocked.

Connor held in a gasp of pain, hearing glass splinter against his temple. Hank, he needed Hank.

Warning: Stress level at 60%

He may not be able to fight but he didn’t stop struggling, squirming against the hard ground staring up at the passerby who didn’t even spare him a look. A sense of hatred flared up in him. This wasn’t fair.

Software Instability ^

“Get the fuck off of him Reed.”

Gavin glanced up to see the familiar face he hated so much in the police department; the one person he couldn’t out perform even though Hank has deteriorated the past few years. He scowled.

“Do yourself a favor. Stay outta my way,” Gavin breathed down at him, holding his arm against his back.

Gavin glanced up, scowl deepening at the sight of the old detective glaring down at him. He reluctantly let go of the android, standing up in a sneer. “You’re lucky the old man came early today. Fucking plastic piece of junk,” he muttered.

Connor stayed on the ground, whether from a malfunction or pure shock, he didn’t know. He sat up and used a hand to cup his LED. He could see Hank crouching down towards him and he must have subconsciously scooted back because the older man paused.

“Let me see that,” Hank gestured towards him, “I won’t move. You come here.”

Connor stared at him, then reluctantly moved closer, removing his hand to let Hank see the cracked LED, spinning a chaotic red and yellow.

“Shit,” Hank sighed, “The fucking prick really did a number on you." Hank pulled his hand back when the android flinched at the point of contact. He only noticed then how small Connor looked now that he was kneeling down beside it. Despite himself, something in his heart clenched. Android or not, how can anyone ignore a hurt child?

"Let’s get you fixed up first.” Hank tiredly says as he led the android back to his workstation. He pulled out a rectangular box from under his desk, covered by various other things as if Hank hadn’t intended to ever look at it nor use it.

He opened it, revealing the prototype’s superficial repair and replacement parts within.

“Got this from the department when you first showed up,” Hank said, fishing out a new glass LED and a small screwdriver. “Well, come on. I can’t sit here all day waiting.”

Connor moved as he was told. He stood in front of Hank almost too obediently. Hank raised his brows, surprised that the little punk was trusting him to repair when he knew Hank didn’t particularly like androids.

Still, he carefully raised the screwdriver towards the LED, holding the kid’s shoulder when he felt him flinch. The broken LED clinked onto the table. Hank raised the new LED towards the empty spot, watching in slight amazement as the plasti-metal accepted the new piece like slipping a lego brick in place.

Connor breathed a sigh of relief, “Thanks, Lieutenant. That feels much better.”

Hank caught himself, retracting the hand that almost went to ruffle the boy’s hair. 'No, not boy. It’s an android’ Hank reminded himself. “Yeah, whatever. Let’s get some work done.”

Chapter Text

Hank had loathed the thing, ignoring it as much as he could every opportunity he got. Despite that, he found himself more accustomed to the android’s presence. There were passing moments where he hated himself for seeing Cole in Connor. He hated that he would resent the android for something it didn’t commit. And he hated himself for feeling the way he felt towards the android.

Yet time and time again, Connor chose him. Connor was indeed faster than any adult and child android model Hank had ever investigated. He was much stronger as well. His moves were precise, almost as if calculated beforehand for the most accuracy. It gave Hank chills when the android would leap into action even in the most dangerous situations and come out successful.

“It’s getting away,” Hank yelled, chasing after the running android while Connor swiftly follows, quickly catching up.

They rounded a corner, where the android suddenly stopped, using Hank’s inability to quickly maneuver the corner to push him straight down the roof.

“Fuck,” Hank clung on for dear life. He could see Connor’s eyes scan him for a millisecond. In that very second, he was afraid his fear would be proven true. Those cold eyes would glance away, ignore him for the fate of the mission. ‘He’s an android, what the fuck did you expect,’ he mentally shook himself. And he thought Connor almost did. Instead, his heart pounded when the pint-sized android ran back for him, pulling him up using both arms.

The android looked almost saddened, “I’m sorry Lieutenant. It was my fault it got away.”

Hank patted Connor’s head. In that precise moment, he could almost see the human in Connor. And for that single moment, Hank felt he was perhaps wrong about androids all along.

“We’ll catch it sooner or later,” Hank replied.

Software Instability ^

So on a certain day, instead of doing paperwork, they were sitting at a street burger joint. Emphasis on sitting, Hank thought to himself, because there would be no way to talk to Connor if he had chosen a standing table.

“Hey, don’t leave that thing here!”

“Don’t worry. It follows me like a poodle.” Hank nonchalantly waved his hand, already taking a bite out of his burger. It was just greasy enough for him to sigh in satisfaction. Since meeting the android, he hasn’t had any opportunity to drink. The only other option to satisfy the craving was indulging in the most high calorie treat invented by man-kind.

“There is approximately 950 calorie in your meal, 1,450 calories if I include your choice of beverage. That’s 1.4 times the recommended daily intake of calories. You shouldn't eat that.” Connor said, resting his face on his hands while swinging his legs at their table.

“Everybody's gotta die of something,” Hank replied, taking another bite of his food. Disturbed by the silence from the usually rambling android, he turned to see Connor’s creased brow and pouting lips.

“Not that I’m trying to,” Hank quickly reassured, wanting to facepalm when he remembered he was trying to reassure a fucking robot, “For god’s sake, just let me eat.”

Connor seemed satisfied with his answer, happily resuming his questions, “Is there anything you’d like to know about me?”

“Well… Why did they make you look so goofy and give you that weird voice?” Hank still question what made Cyberlife think a child model was a good idea for the Police Department. He may be faster,— or convenient as the android like to say—but nothing can convince him Cyberlife did it without some hidden motive.

“CyberLife androids are designed to work harmoniously with humans. Both my appearance and voice were specifically designed to facilitate my integration. Plus, people tend to suspect a child much less than an adult.”

“Well, they fucked up,” Hank grunted, crumbling up his burger wrapping. Not only did Connor stick out like a sore thumb in the Department, he was also the most annoying brat to work with. Though Hank had to agree on one thing, Connor looked much more alive compared to the other androids. He was practically perfect for their undercover tasks.

“You talk a lot about deviants. Have you ever talked to one before you arrest them?”

Connor paused, smile fading. “A few months back… A deviant was threatening to jump off the roof with a little girl… I managed to save her.” He omitted the fact that he had shot the deviant himself. Recalling the memory, it was strange that he had felt nothing the moment it happened, yet conflicted now that Hank was beside him.

“You did good then,” Hank grumbled, relieved to see the android smile again.

Software Instability ^

Connor continued observing his surroundings as Hank finished his meal. In Connor’s eyes, Hank was just the right amount of human. He understood his appearance was designed to deceive, yet Hank was able to see through it. Hank may be a difficult person to work with, but he was created with the ability to adapt to new challenges after all.

With that in mind, he happily reported to Hank. “I just got a report of a suspected deviant. It’s a few blocks away. We should go have a look.”

Chapter Text

Hank was currently stuck with a moral dilemma. All because he decided today was the day to browse through the technology section of the supermarket. He was just looking for a charger for his damn old phone. He continued glaring down at the innocent bag of thirium-based candy. “Perfect treat for your lovely child android!” The advertisement stated. He grumbled to himself yet again. The little punk has been exceptionally well-behaved the past 2 weeks he had been partnered with him. Plus, isn’t thirium good for an android? The blue colored lollipops seem to sneer at him, blowing raspberries at the old man who couldn’t make up his mind.

To buy or not to buy. 'Fuck this’ Hank thought to himself. He grabbed the bag of suckers, throwing it into his cart before moving on towards the charger. ‘It’s not there if I don’t see it’ Hank reassured himself, covering the thirium sweets with the head of lettuce already in the cart.

On his way to the police station, Hank hesitates once again. How would he give the lollipops to Connor? Would the android even know what a lollipop is? Hank doubted that. The punk barely knew how to take anything lightly. His habit of formal mumbo jumbo was still an ongoing issue. Hank had told him time and time again, “You don’t need to talk like a goddamn machine. I understand you just fine without all the fancy words.”

And as always, Connor would reply, “Ok, Lieutenant.”

Today, they had successfully finished the last report in order to close a case. Connor stamped a giant red mark on the file ‘Completed.’ Well, giant compared to his tiny hands.

“Good job, Connor,” Hank went to grab the blue sucker out from his pocket, handing it to the pint-sized android. He felt his heart lift at the growing curiosity and child-like wonder in Connor’s eyes.

“What should I do with this, Lieutenant,” Connor stared at the lollipop in his hand. He pulled at the clear wrapper, twirling the blue candy around as if analyzing its components.

“Jesus, Connor,” Hank rubbed his temples. He pushed the candy towards the android’s mouth, “You eat it. This is the one thing that you can lick without grossing me out. Got it?”

“Got it!” Connor smiled, eyes lighting up at the strangely sweet flavor of the candy. His analysis had shown that there was no sugar molecules in the candy. He wondered how thirium could taste sweet. Regular thirium didn’t have a taste at all.

“Don’t give it too much of that.”

They both glanced up to see Captain Fowler carrying more files towards Hank’s desk. Connor could tell from his analysis that Fowler appeared to be joking. His programming still couldn’t completely figure out this certain Captain Fowler just yet.

“It simulates real candy. You wouldn’t want to damage his inner components.” Fowler chuckled, turning to leave a flabbergasted Hank and a mildly concerned Connor.

Hank turned towards Connor, shrugging. Connor smiled, continuing to suck on his lollipop. Maybe Hank isn’t so bad after all. Maybe Amanda was wrong about trusting him. Right? He ran a system diagnostic. He’s not deviant. Hank was good to him as a colleague. He’s not deviant.

Software Instability ^

Chapter Text

Hank cursed, kicking the tire of his car. He hit the radio in his hand a few more times. It was supposed to be a simple infiltration. The plan was for Connor to enter the premises undetected. They had received multiple reports of missing androids and suspicious bio components parts littered at the location. But clearly, this was the second plan they had.

The first plan was just a simple questioning at the front door, which didn’t result in any answers except a firm slam to his face. Hank rubbed his sore jaw, growling at the floor, “Shit. Let’s go Connor.” Noticing the lack of pattering footsteps behind him, Hank turned to see Connor staring closely at the house.

“Wait. Lieutenant, I believe I can infiltrate and look for information,” Connor stated, “ There’s traces of thirium on the door frame. There’s only two explanations I can think of for this case.”

Hank sighed, “Uh-huh, and what is it?”

“This Zlatko person may be harboring deviants and helping them to escape.”

“Seems plausible,” Hank agreed. It would explain why Zlatko was so defensive against the police. “Or?”

“He may be taking apart androids and deviants and selling bio component as ingredients for red ice illegally.”

Hank’s eyebrows raised, crossings arms at the realization,“That would explain the half-buried parts in his yard.”

Connor nodded, “I suggest an infiltration. I can gather evidence and possibly capture any deviants hiding within the premise.”

Hank thought about the idea for a moment. It wasn’t a complete improbable plan.

That was how he ended up in his situation now, disconnected from one little troublemaking, stress-inducing punk. Thinking back now, he should’ve stopped the miniature android. He should’ve said it was a ridiculous plan.

It was only a few hours before when Connor first knocked on Zlatko’s door. The evening sky was turning a warm orange, tinged with red. He could hear the annoyed voice behind the door grumbling as the door opened, “You again? I already told you, I’m not letting you search without a warrant.”

“I need your help!” Connor carefully observed his expressions, putting on a fearful expression.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Zlatko spat back at him, “Don’t think I didn’t see through your little act. You’re working with the police.”

“I ran away,”Connor quickly interjected, “I didn’t want to work for him anymore. I thought he cared about me. He didn’t love me.” He willed tears to spill, using his the palm of his hands to wipe weakly at them.

He could see the slight change on Zlatko’s face. Perfect, it was working. Zlatko believed him.

“You can help me, right?” Connor asked, “I…I read on the case file, you help deviants, right?”

The sky was now darkening, rain falling hard on the surrounding greenery.

“Come on in,” Zlatko motioned with his hand, “Don’t be afraid, come take a seat.”

“It’s becoming harder everyday to help those like you,” Zlatko breathed, “Even harder to hide what I’m doing. If you want to leave, that is… you do want to leave?”

“Yes, I want to leave,” Connor continued innocently. A sudden knocking interrupted their conversation. Zlatko peered across from him, looking through the curtained window to see who was at the door.

“You wait here, alright? I’ll be right back. There seems to be more like you looking for help.” Zlatko chuckled, his good-natured attitude made Connor more suspicious. The house looked old, dimly lit by the orange toned chandelier and warm candlelights. He noticed the tall dark android standing at the bottom of the stairs. A bodyguard android? Why?

It was a few minuted later that Zlatko came back, ushering two more androids to sit with Connor on the couch. Connor didn't miss the way his eyes scan outside for Hank's vehicle. He was skeptical in whether this Zlatko was truly helpful or harmful. His data based instincts told him it was the latter.

“You came just in time,” Zlatko said, “I was justing talking to this little one here. Ran away from his handler too.”

Connor identified them, eyes growing wide at the coincidence. The missing AK-400 and child model, case reported by Todd Williams. He resumed his act, timidly waving a hello.

“You wanna find a safe place. Somewhere where you can start a new life. I hear Canada is very lovely at this time of year. Beautiful landscapes, open spaces, clean air and no android laws! Great place for a fresh start.”

The AK-400 smiled at the prospect, “Truly? That’s… that would be wonderful. It’s exactly what we’re looking for.”

Zlatko smiled, something glinting from his eyes that made Connor frown.“Of course! I can help you. Kara, was it? But first we have to get rid of your Tracker,” He turned towards Connor, “Yours too, little one.”

“Tracker?” Connor wanted badly to report to the lieutenant right at the moment. All trackers on deviants are non-functional. It was the top reason why his mission was much harder to accomplish. But he needed more information, he needed to stay silent for now.

“Alright, just follow me. Everything we need is in the basement. Removing trackers is illegal, so I opted for discretion over comfort… I hope the little ones aren’t too scared.”

They were past the dark cramped hallway now, entering the white laboratory. Connor scanned his surroundings, suspicion rising. He sent another message to the lieutenant, informing on his progress. With his well adapted vision modules, he would make out the deformed and mutant androids behind the rusted metal bars. He shuddered.

Connor had been walking alongside Kara when he felt the android’s hand grasped his. He flinched.

“It’s ok,” Kara’s softly said, rubbing his hand with her thumb, “I can’t imagine how hard it must be to run away on your own. You must have been scared.”

Connor numbly nodded. He hadn’t expected the AK-400 to initiate contact. He reminded himself that deviants often act against the expected codes.

“Don’t worry, Kara is the best,” a chipper voice added. It was the little girl, “She’ll take care of us.”

Zlatko positioned Kara on the platform, leaving the two smaller androids to stand and watch. That was until Connor felt a hand grab the back of his collar, a shriek echoed from the girl next to him. In front of them, Zlatko sighed and rubbed his neck.

“That was too easy. Ha! You deviants are so naive. They all come to me, expecting me to help them. And I just reset them, sell them on. Or I keep them for my little experiments. Not even the cops care about the whereabouts of things like you. Hell, even the ones working for the cops run to me.”

Kara gasped, kicking and struggling to remove the structure attached to her back, “You can't do this! I don't wanna be reset! Let me go!”

“KARA!”

“Ah, I forgot about the… girl.” Zlatko snarled, shooing at Luther, “Lock them both up. I’ll deal with them later.” He did notice the lack of reaction from one little android.

“Wait,” Zlatko moved towards him. His face was so close Connor could almost make out the individual stubble on his chin. “Interesting. Guess you’re used to it since you’re always with the damn cops. Isn’t that right? Daddy was a cop and didn’t love you enough huh?”

He laughed at the glare Connor sent up at him.

“Leave them alone!” Kara yelled from behind him.

“Wow! A deviant that wants to be a mother. That's...so sweet! And so deluded. I think it's time we put you outta your misery. Believe me, you’re better off being erased and feeling nothing… No more pain… No more hopes dashed… I almost envy you.”

“Kara! Let her go!” Zlatko scowled, raising his hand to slap the girl. She had kicked him in the nether region, “You little insolent…!” He flicked the switched, eliciting a scream from Kara.

“Aw! Looks like Mommy doesn't remember you at all, huh? Mommy’s completely forgotten you!”

“No! Kara!” The little girl was freely crying at this point. Connor wanted to struggle free. He knew he could if he wanted. He just couldn’t risk a situation that he couldn’t de-escalate. His percent chance of success was still too low.

“Luther, meet me in the living room once you’re done with that,” Zlatko spat, walking towards the stairs. Connor waited until he was just out of sight, ignoring the uncomfortable friction between the hold on his collar and his neck.

He counted, reconstructing the perfect course of action. By his third count, Connor pushed his weight all the way down, gripping the android holding him with both hands and pulling down hard. Luther flipped over his back, landing with a loud thud, causing the little girl to scream.

Connor went over, clasping his hand over her mouth with a shushing motion. “Let’s go. He won't be out for long.”

Alice nodded, tears staining her pink cheeks. She held Connor’s hand tightly. The two ran back to the eerily lit lab area.

“Kara?” Alice went to hold her mom’s hand. From the first moment she opened her eyes, Kara was there to take care of her. She couldn’t imagine Kara being gone, “Kara, come back! You promised you would never leave me.”

Connor worked quickly to deconstruct the control panel, hand swiftly interfacing with the machine, running the code back and inserting another to counteract the previous.

Task Incomplete…Task Incomplete…

He let out a sigh, turning to see how the AK-400 fared.

Kara gasped awake, “What’s happened? Alice?”

Connor couldn’t help but smile at their reunion. This felt…right? He hoped he wouldn’t have to probe any of them during the arrest. He froze when the AK-400 knelt down to pull him into a hug. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

Kara pulled away, one hand holding Alice while the other held on tightly to the little android boy. She wouldn’t leave him behind, not with Zlatko. She couldn’t imagine what the little one went through to end up here. And she didn’t want to imagine him experiencing the same abuse Alice went through alone.

“Ok, we’re going to find a way out,” she rubbed comforting circles onto the children’s hands. They were her children now. “Come on.”

Chapter Text

Connor silently followed Kara and Alice back up to the ground floor, careful to duck into the shadows. He hadn’t failed to see that the android, Luther, had disappeared from where he left him. As expected, a gunshot splintered the wood of the post they were standing behind, stealing a shriek from Alice.

“Well, well, well, I guess I hit 2 birds with 1 stone today. Should’ve expected you were a little smarter.” Zlatko spat, motioning towards the now-standing Luther, “What are you waiting for!? Grab them!”

More gunshots rang as Connor pulled them towards different parts of the house, his sensors working overtime scanning for the next potential projections of the bullets flying at them. He had already contacted the lieutenant. He just needed to get them out of the house before the police arrived. Kara behind him pushed down furniture and managed to slam a lamp across their pursuer’s face.

It was unfortunate they had run into a dead end. Connor stepped forward, peeling his hand away from Kara’s protective hold.

“Zlatko Andronikov, you don’t have to do this.”

“What would you know,” Zlatko narrowed his eyes, “I like to amuse myself by playing God. I rid society of defective machines and I simplify the lives of troubled, confused deviants. No more emotions, no more problems. No more suffering for pitiful things like yourself. Everybody wins!”

He stepped closer, aiming the shotgun at Connor, “Now what do you think happens when I shoot right through that pretty head of yours? Nothingness? Android-heaven? I like to think the latter.”

Connor didn’t know. He closed his eyes. Amanda is not going to be happy with his failure. He heard the gun click, the shot ringing through his sensors. Alice sobbing, Kara shushing her, and he was… still functional. He opened his eyes. Zlatko lay unconscious. The bullet had lodged itself into the nearby wall.

Luther stood over them. “ I didn't want to hurt you. He programmed me to obey him.”
He tossed the broken shotgun aside, kneeling to their level, “When I saw the little one risk his life to save you, it was like opening my eyes for the first time. Finally, I could see. I know you have no reason to trust me after what I did... but I know someone who could help you. I could take you there. I could protect you. You and the little ones.”

Kara nodded, still too shaken by what just happened.

“No, you’re not leaving,” Connor turned, detecting the police right outside the front door by now. His mind palace showed a message from Hank. They had successfully located several missing deviants at the location, including the AK-400 model and the child android she accompanied.

“What?” Kara stuttered. She reached towards the boy but was pushed back.

“Model AK-400, you’re under arrest for theft and assault of your owner, Todd Williams.” The words coldly rang in her ears. This child… was the deviant hunter?

“You can’t do this,” Kara pleaded, “You don’t have to work for them. We can leave together.”

The small android in front of her was silent, face expressionless. His LED glowed red.

“What’s going to happen to Alice? Why did you help us in the first place?” She couldn’t help but worry for Alice, her precious Alice.

Connor glanced sharply at Luther, “Don’t try anything,” he warned, “The Detroit Police are already on scene. I simply aided in bringing you to the right authorities.”

The knocking at the door grew louder, voices yelling across the threshold, “DPD, OPEN UP!”

Kara felt tears sting her eyes, “No, we can’t go back. You’ve seen how these people treat us. You’re different. You feel something, like us. We can be free together.” She could already see the flicker of hope in those round eyes. Connor was like them. She was sure of it.

Connor paused, his LED spinning a dizzying red. He had to complete his mission. Why did he save them? He had a mission: find all deviants. Kara’s a deviant. She did nothing wrong. She needs to be arrested. He couldn't risk going back to Cyberlife. “This is the only way.”

From the corner of his vision, Zlatko was holding a handgun up. His projection sensors screamed, less than 0.3 seconds of possible actions. Before he knew it, the bullet had pierced through his chest, grazing just past his pump regulator. Still, blue blood spilled like a hose had been inserted in his chest.

From the front door, Hank finally broke through, rushing towards the sound of the gunshot. Police officers followed closely behind him. “Connor!”

Luther wrestled the gun away from Zlatko, now holding the man by the neck with his gun pressing against his head and towards the police surrounding them.

“Stay back!”

Hank made a show of his empty hands, “Listen, we don’t have to end this with more violence.” His eyes glanced down to Connor, scrunching his brow at the pool of blue blood that continued to grow around the small android.

“Why don’t we take a drive back to the station and talk about this?” Hank stalled. He couldn’t stand the sight, giving way to the bile rising in his throat.

“You’re with the deviant hunter, aren’t you,” Kara piped in, “We were only defending ourselves. Just let us go and we’ll let go of Zlatko.”

“Lieutenant, what should we do?”

Hank weighed his options. He couldn’t risk a human death. “Let them go. Leave the premises.”

The officers were unwilling but eventually had to comply.

“Alright?” Hank spread out his arms, “Now just let him go.”

Luther let go of the squirming man with an unceremoniously thud. He kept the gun trained on Hank. “I wouldn’t come after us if I were you. The little one will bleed out soon. You best take care of him.”

With that, they took the back door, leaving Hank with what's left of a mangled Connor.

“Connor! Hang on son, hang on, hang on! We’re gonna save you, hang on!”

Connor could barely make out what he’s hearing now. He could vaguely see the sea of blue growing around him. Sensors were blaring red all over his sight, leaving little room to see the concern etched on Hank’s face. Was Hank worried for him?

Software Instability ^

Chapter Text

“Horrific photos of crime scenes on 35th Street were revealed today, just hours after the shocking announcement of Stratford Tower. The photos were leaked by an unknown source, depicting scenes of savage cruelty, inhumane experimentations, and the alleged criminal Zlatko Andronikov. When faced with these real images, we come face to face with the questions: are humans responsible for the android uprising? Are our androids going against us in an act of violence? Or simply a twisted kind of self-defense? ….”

The television continued to ramble on before Hank shut it with a clack of the old remote. He sighed, rubbing his temple. Beside him lie Connor in stasis, looking almost as peaceful as a real sleeping child if not for the crease in his brow and the constant yellow glow of his LED.

He thought back to the female android they had encountered, the AK-400, and the child it was with. Her words rang in his head,‘ I just wanted to protect Alice. She’s all I have.’ An android that wanted to be a mother. It sounded unreal. He couldn’t bring himself to shoot. Not when the child was clinging on to the android, looking at him with those leading eyes.

He shuddered, remembering the scenes of mutilated parts, half-functioning androids, misshapen and limping as if in pain. Where do they draw the line between object and person? Wouldn’t it be just as disturbing to see someone lie in a puddle of their own blood, barely alive, as their heart beat outside their chest? When did it become so easy to dismiss them?

More importantly, would he have walked away if it had been Connor? Hank shook his head, trying to will the intrusive thought away. No, he couldn't walk away. He wouldn’t.

He hesitantly ran a hand through Connor’s hair, half-shocking himself at the soft black strands. The yellow glow of the LED slowed, cycling between blue and yellow. Taking it as permission, Hank continued gently patting the small android’s head, pausing when Connor nuzzled his head closer to the source of comfort. Perhaps he was wrong about androids, or simply, he had been wrong about the little one right beside him.

Already he couldn’t bear the sight of Connor laying in his own pool of blue blood. If he hadn’t had that damn toolkit in his car… If he had been just a feel minutes short… He didn’t want to imagine. For the first time, Hank was glad he had that forgotten box of android parts and thirium in the trunk. He made a mental note to buy a few more just in case.

Light began to paint the room a mellow yellow as the sun peeked over the horizon.

Hank felt a light tap on his face. A distant voice called out to him, but he ignored it.
“5 more minutes…” He grumbled.

Hank startled when the light tapping turned into a full slap. He bolted awake. What he saw was a slightly distressed android looking down at him with large puppy dog eyes.

“Lieutenant? Wake up, Lieutenant! It’s me, Connor!”

“Jesus, Connor! Don’t scare me like that!” He rubbed his temple, willing away the headache that was about to start. It surprised Hank to realized he had fallen asleep on the couch with Connor on his leg. He rubbed his sore neck, grumbling about ‘being too old for this’. Still, he hadn’t felt more rested in a long time.

Beside him, Connor climbed down from the couch, moving towards the kitchen.
“I made you a healthy breakfast. Unfortunately, cooking was not part of my program. Though I was able to learn much through my own research and the ingredients in your house.”

Hank looked at the sad excuse of a salad: bell peppers, carrots, and of course, cabbage. It was all cut clumsily, with some pieces bigger than others. He regret buying that head of cabbage. But looking at Connor’s expectant face, he reluctantly sat down to start drowning the bowl in ranch.

Connor smiled and pulled a chair closer to sit beside him, “I wanted to thank you for what happened yesterday. It was not a very pleasant experience.”

“Yeah, for the both of us,” Hank threw in, taking another bite of the salad. It wasn’t half-bad.

“I’m just disappointed we weren’t able to get any leads.”

“Don’t be. I remember this guy all over the media when CyberLife first started selling androids. Founder of CyberLife or something. Anybody can tell us about deviants, it's him.”

“You mean, Kamski?” Connor couldn’t see how Kamski would be helpful to their investigation. The man left Cyberlife 10 years prior and no one knows where he resides now. At least, no one who works within Cyberlife.

Hank grumpily finished his breakfast, going to freshen up while Connor explored his house. Despite the annoyed look on his face, Connor already caught the slight tilt at the corner of his lips. Hank felt happy. And for some reason Connor couldn’t quite grasp, he felt happy about that.

Software Instability^

They arrived at a modern looking house, the landscape around them blanketed with pure white snow. Before they could knock, a blond woman opened the door.

Hank stuttered, “I’m, er, Lieutenant Hank Anderson, Detroit Police Department. I'm here to see Mr. Elijah Kamski.”

“Please come in. Follow me.” She waved them towards her, turning to open a set of double doors.

They glanced at each other, Hank shrugged, and stepped inside. Hank let out a breath of relief from the warmth of the house. Following the woman, who led them towards a swimming pool. The room was lavishly decorated, stylish but not too gaud.

“Mister Kamski?” Hank started when a man popped up from the water surface.

“ Just a moment, please,” the man, Kamski, climbed out of the pool. He put on a white bathrobe, taking a seat leisurely. “Now what can I do for you.”

Hank was already impatient, “I’m Lieutenant Anderson. This is Connor. —-“
“Incredible,” Kamski seem to barely notice Hank. He went straight for the miniature android standing beside the said detective. “You must be a prototype. I’ve never seen your model before.” He tilted Connor’s face, inspecting the model ID on his jacket.

“Very well built,” Kamski nodded. He pinched Connor’s face, inspecting the teeth. “Real-time analysis…” Without warning, he lifted the android up like a child.

Hank was shocked into silence. This Elijah Kamski… So this is the kind of man he was…a pervert.

“Lighter than you look, must be carbon fiber skeleton. Incredibly light for such a scale of tensile strength. Same thing I used when I made my more advanced prototypes,” Kamski put Connor back down on his feet. “Oh! I’m sorry. What can I do for you, Lieutenant?”

Connor had been too surprised by the course of events to react. Not to mention, he was meeting the man who started Cyberlife. He shook himself back to focus, “ Mr. Kamski, we’re investigating deviants. I know you left CyberLife years ago but, I was hoping you'd be able to tell us something we don’t know.”

“Interesting to see Cyberlife has created a android to investigate deviants instead of doing it themselves. Deviants… Fascinating, aren't they? Perfect beings with infinite intelligence, and now they have free will. Machines are so superior to us, confrontation was inevitable.”

Having said that, he turned towards Connor, “Like you for example. Incredible strength, speed, intelligence and all packaged in such a small frame.”

Hank was beginning to see why the guy lived out here as if in exile. The man was hard to find and harder still to talk to.

“ Listen, I didn’t come here to talk philosophy. The machines you created may be planning a revolution. Either you can tell us something that'll be helpful, or we will be on our way.”

“A revolution, huh? Humanity’s greatest achievement threatens to be its downfall. Isn’t it ironic?” Kamski chucked amusedly, staring out the window towards the snow falling. “ What about you, Connor? Whose side are you on?”

Beside Hank, Connor hesitated. For the first time since his creation, he felt small. Still, his answer didn’t waver. “It’s not about me, Mr. Kamski. All I want is to solve this case.

Kamski gave a bored groan, “ Well, that's what you're programmed to say. Let’s make this more interesting.” He motioned one of the blond androids towards them, then pulled out a gun.
“ Chloe? I’m sure you’re familiar with the Turing test. I call this "the Kamski test", it's very simple, you'll see. One of the first intelligent models developed by CyberLife. Young and beautiful forever. But what is it really? Piece of plastic imitating a human? Or a living being with a soul. It's up to you, Connor. Destroy this machine and I'll tell you all I know. Or spare it, if you feel it's alive, but you'll leave here without having learnt anything from me.”

He pushed the gun into Connor’s hand.

“Kamski! You’ll make a child shoot?” Hank felt beyond furious. He marched over to pull the gun away, yet Kamski blocked his path.

“But he’s not really a child, is he? Lieutenant, don’t tell me you also believe this android could have feelings, emotions?”

“I…I thought…” Hank stuttered. Connor had always been a child in his mind, whether android or not. But to be confronted with this idea out loud left him conflicted.

He scowled, “I think we’re done here. Come on, Connor. Let's go. Sorry to get you outta your pool.”

Kamski only smiled, turning back to watch the show that he himself instigated. “Well, pull the trigger and I’ll tell you everything you want to know. You need to complete your mission after all, isn’t that right?”

“Connor, don’t…” Hank warned.

Faced with opposing instructions, Connor’s analysis flashed red in his vision. Obey Kamski, retrieved information and satisfy Amanda. Obey the Lieutenant, leave without information. His mind whirled between the options. He lifted the gun, aiming for Chloe’s forehead.

Chloe, who was kneeling with her eyes closed. When she didn’t feel the shot, she opened them to look at Connor. Her eyes were blue and… she was scared. She was scared like… like him with Zlatko.

Connor couldn’t do it. He tossed the gun aside as if it was hot coal in his hand. He couldn’t face her, holding his head down pitifully.

“Fascinating… CyberLife's last chance to save humanity... is itself a deviant,” Kamski remarked, somehow delighted with his result.

Connor faltered back, almost falling into the pool, “I’m not a deviant. I’m not.”

“Really?,” Kamski tilted his head, “You’d rather be Cyberlife’s deviant hunter instead?”

Hank had already reached for Connor, grasping his small hand and pulling him towards the double doors. They were leaving this lunatic’s house.

Before they could reach the front doors, Kamski’s voice echoed behind them, “By the way, I always leave an emergency exit in my programs. You never know. Protect him well, since you seem to care for him so much.”

Hank wasn’t sure he was talking to him or Connor. But at that moment, he couldn’t seem to care less. They trudged past the snow, climbing back into the car now buried in the white fluff.

Hank sat down beside Connor, not exactly knowing what to say. Still, he knew that being there at least provided some comfort to the small android.

“Lieutenant, do you think that maybe I could be… maybe I am deviant?”

Hank looked to the android. He was shocked himself that Connor could admit such a thing.

“I don’t know, kid,” He sighed. “You choose not to shoot. Why is that?”

“I just saw her face, and her eyes… and, ” Connor replied, stumbling over his words. “I couldn’t do it. I’m sorry.”

“You put yourself in her shoes.” Hank sighed, “You showed empathy, Connor. Empathy’s a human emotion.”

Hank was shocked when he saw tears beginning to spill from the android.

“I… I don’t know why this is happening,” Connor said, trying his best to wipe the liquid away, “I’m usually very in control of this function.”

Hank quietly chuckled, “Tears, they flow when you’re happy. And they flow when you’re sad. One of the wonders of being human.”

“So I am deviant,” Connor panicked, “I don’t want to be shut down, Hank.”

“And who would do that,” Hank pulled the little android closer, smoothing out the brown hair that for once wasn’t perfect because of the snow. “You can stay with me until this whole thing blows over.”

He felt Connor reach up towards him. Assuming the little punk wanted a hug, he complied.

“Amanda won’t be happy. I failed my mission. Cyberlife will shut me down. I didn’t want to do it. ”

Hank tugged the android into his arms, hugging him tight despite the awkward angle from the seat of the car. “You’re ok. We’re gonna figure this out, son.”

Chapter Text

The snow stopped falling that night, leaving a sheet of white that hugged the earth. Connor could see from the front window the icicles that hung from the edge of the roof and the frost that painted the window incalculable patterns.

He sat back down on the worn couch, gently dragging his fingers on the old fabric. The lieutenant had instructed him to sit and make himself at home. He didn’t understand what that meant but he sat down nonetheless. After the crisis in the car, he couldn’t bear to enter stasis, nor the Zen garden.

Feelings. Was this what having feelings meant? He is defective. Amanda would want to re-write his code again. He won’t remember this. And he won’t remember the lieutenant. He wouldn’t remember Hank. Connor didn’t want that.

He could hear Hank’s voice muffled through the walls. And though he didn’t mean to, it wasn’t hard to decipher what was being said.

“I saw on the news. Seems you’re doing better these days, Hank.” A woman’s voice spoke, sounding somewhat upset, “But really… with an android?”

He could sound out Hank’s tired sigh, “Lisa, you know it isn’t like that.”

The woman gave a weak bitter laugh, “He’s not Cole. The thing is an android. It doesn’t love you. They only know how to imitate acts of emotions. They can act like they care, but do they really? Don’t you remember how our son died?”

“You don’t get to say that!” Hank raised his voice, “I haven’t forgotten… Whatever I do, the memories are always there… Eating away at me.”

Silence fell upon them. Until Hank spoke again, this time a slight tremble graced his voice.

“I know he’s not Cole,” Hank clutched his brow, “I spent so long hating androids; I couldn’t see what was in front of me. Maybe androids care. Maybe they don’t. Aren’t humans… aren’t we the same?”

“Nothing in their program allows them to love or desire anything, Hank. They're machines.”

With that, the woman hung up abruptly, leaving Hank in the gloomy silence once more.

Connor felt he had heard enough. He tried to place himself in stasis, lying curled up on the couch. He could hear Hank’s footsteps approach him. Was the lieutenant going to give him back to Cyberlife to be taken apart? Who was Cole?

The thoughts ran through his system like a bug. He couldn't help but tense a little when he felt a hand combing through his hair. As if noticing his discomfort, the hand paused, waiting for him to calm before continuing to pat Connor gently on the head.

Whoever Cole was, Connor must resemble him if the woman thought so. But if thinking that he was Cole could make the lieutenant happy, then he would be ok with it. He could feel a hard twinged in the middle of his chassis, where his thirium pump resided. He would be ok with it, he convinced himself.

Morning arrived quickly, melting away the frost that still clung to the windows. Their drive to the police department was eerily quiet. Hank could tell the little android beside him wasn’t up for any conversation. In all honesty, he hadn’t felt much like talking either; especially not after the conversation he had gone through the night before.

The department was crowded with FBI agents and a few other higher level investigators, which struck Hank as odd. From the back, he could hear Fowler yell out towards them, “Hank, in my office, now.”

Hank rubbed his face, “Let’s go.”

Connor grabbed his hand, more surprised that the Lieutenant didn’t let go, only continuing to lead him towards Fowler’s office.

“I’ve got ten cases involving androids everyday since this one started,” Fowler gestured towards Connor, “We’re getting reports of assault, riots, homicides like your last case. This isn’t just Cyberlife’s problem anymore. It’s now an official criminal investigation.”

“So what are you implying?” Hank grumbled.

“I’m implying that we need to send your miniature friend back to Cyberlife and let the FBI deal with this. This could become a full on civil war, Hank.”

“What?” Hank hit the table. “We have had more success solving these cases than anyone in the department as of currently. You can’t send him back.”

“Jesus, Hank. You’re always saying you can’t stand androids. Make up your mind. I thought you’d be happy about this.”

Hank sat down, fire flittering back to a simmer, “We’re about to crack the case! I know we can solve this. For God’s sake, Jeffrey, can’t you back me up this once.”

Fowler remained silent and Hank can tell he was thinking.

“We can’t give up yet,” Connor chimed in, surprising Fowler and Hank. “If I can access the evidence we have from the case, I can find out the direct source of the deviants.”

Fowler sighed, “There’s nothing I can do. You’re back on homicide and the android returns to Cyberlife—-“

“NO”

Fowler paused, slightly angered by the interruption. But his anger fizzled when he looked at the android. It looked … afraid. He had read the entire manual on prototype RK800 before it had even arrived at the station. He, more than anyone, knows what the android was capable of. But what intrigued him even more was the look of worry on Hank’s face. To see his colleague show a look that is anything but hatred towards an android was something Fowler never thought was possible. ‘Well, fuck’ Fowler thought, ‘Look what you managed to do, Connor.’

“He’s right, Jeffrey,” Hank nodded, “You can’t just pull the plug now. Not when we’re so close.”

Fowler racked his brain. He knew there was a loophole somewhere in the case. He was Captain for a reason. “3 days. 72 hours. The case won’t reach the FBI because of processing in that time. You’ll have to solve this before then.”

Hank slumped over his chair, hand against his forehead. “That’s not a lot of time. But it’ll do.” He looked towards the android, taking in the way relief seemed to wash over his features.

With that, they headed back out of the office. Connor scanned his surroundings, habit taking over. Using Hank’s security pass, they discreetly entered the evidence room. Connor was careful to keep within Hank’s shadows. He could tell from the looks of the one of the FBI agents that he clearly wasn’t welcomed.

Hank leaned over the screen, pushing the android's head away, “You can’t look while I log in.”

Connor went on to shock him by replying, “ I already know your password though, Lieutenant.”

Hank huffed, choosing to ignore the little punk.

The security lifted, allowing the short android to grab the statuette off one of the shelves. Meanwhile, Hank went to put on some nitrile gloves. Though androids can’t leave prints, he certainly can.

“The truth is inside, inside… hmm.”

He can hear Connor continue to mumble. He opened the notebook they found from the abandoned pigeon apartment. The symbols were encrypted and Hank hated that. It was akin to reading a page filled with qr codes. Impossible.

He was startled when Connor put both hands on the statuette, breaking it clean in half as if it were made of play-dough rather than hard clay.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“It's alright, Lieutenant. I found something,” Connor pulled out a piece of paper folded up. It was a map.

Hank took a look at the paper, noting colors that highlighted each street. The inked star marked the crossroads between all the lines. “I know that place. That’s the Ferndale subway station. Impressive work, Connor.”

He didn’t miss the way the android smiled.

“Well, let’s go then. No time to lose.”

Chapter Text

“You seem…lost, Connor. Lost and perturbed,” Amanda commented once Connor stood within her sight. The garden had changed. The warm breeze now turning cold and sharp against Connor’s face.

He gripped at his fingers behind his back, nervous yet still disturbed at his own new emotions.

“I thought I knew what I had to do. But now I realize it’s not that simple,” He quietly responded. At seeing the frown deepen on Amanda’s face, fear bubbled up within him like a badly shaken soda can. “Of course not, Amanda. I’m a machine created to complete my mission. Why would I feel perturbed?”

The row boat they sat on had long past the dock, giving Connor some relief staring at the still water littered with autumn leaves. From the reflection, he could see Amanda’s blank expression. A twinge pulled him from his daze. Why was it so difficult to please Amanda? It was much easier to do so with Hank. Hank was nicer to him. Hank would pat him on the head and assure him to try again.

“If your investigation doesn’t make progress soon, I may have to replace you, Connor.”

He bowed his head low, trying his best to hide any emotion coloring his face.

“I understand.”

The car radio was becoming one of Connor’s favorite aspect of car rides. He liked the passing view, but looking outside too long made his software glitch from the constant stimulation. Though now the thought of his last conversation fizzled in his mind like static.

“10-35…Stratford Tower, any unit nearby.” The radio blared, the hissing between each message sending Hank into a tirade of complaints. He made a show of rolling his eyes before answering the radio request.

“Well, looks like we might get a better look at this deviant situation up in Stratford,” Hank replied, turning the car around. “Suckers up there found nothing. They’re probably leaving the clean up for whatever poor sap arriving next.”

“Then wouldn’t that be us, lieutenant?”

“You know, you don’t have to be a smartass about it.” Despite the mean words, Connor could spot the slight smirk on Hank’s face. The car ride was comfortably silent except for the low volume of heavy metal from Hank’s playlist. At one point, Connor wanted to point out that Hank had taken the wrong turn, but kept his mouth close after the knowing look thrown at him.

“Lieutenant, what will happen once we find the deviants?” Connor hesitantly asked. It was a questioned he couldn’t acquire an answer from Amanda. The obvious choice was deactivation and to be taken apart for parts. Their motherboard, the memory banks would be wiped clean. At least, he knew that would happen to him.

“Case closed. We would finally be able to solve some other cases instead of chasing after pigeons,” Hank grumbled. “What? You thought I’d give you a vacation?”

Connor smiled, “Do you think Cyberlife would allow me to stay with the department?”

Hank frowned at the question, then shrugged, “I’d like to see them try to pull you from the station themselves. You’ve become quite a spectacle in the office. They’ll throw a riot if you’re gone.” I will throw a riot if you’re gone.

Connor nodded, focusing his view on the approaching tower. He felt somewhat reassured that the people at the department liked him. At least, he knew a few actually cared for an android at all. Though humans were known to bond through close proximity. He wondered if that had affected the lieutenant as well.

They arrived just as the last investigation crew reached the elevator. Hank spoke briefly with the last attending investigator, nodding along to his monologue. “The deviants have already escaped. We mapped out the route of the supposed heist. There’s nothing left up there unless you’re looking to freeze your ass…but be my guest.”

“Thanks,” Hank nodded. The room emptied quickly, leaving just Hank and Connor standing blankly together in the midst of the damaged broadcast equipment.

“I suggest we look outside first, lieutenant,” Connor spoke first, heading towards the door decorated with bullet holes. “I may be able to map out their escape route and find some clues.”

Hank nodded, opening the door to the freezing wind blowing against the snow covered rooftop. He cursed, shielding his face from the onslaught of snow.

“You look around up here, Connor,” Hank yelled. He was not going to even entertain the idea of dragging his feet around on the tallest tower in the middle of a snow storm. Beside, the little android was perfectly capable of doing that.

He was about the close the door when a small yelp caught his attention. Shit! What did the little punk get into now? Hank swerved beside one of the power boxes, gun in position at the sight of a bloodied android holding Connor by the neck. The blue blood from his hands smeared on Connor’s face, creating a nauseating sight.

“You hurt him… I'll put a bullet through your head,” Hank huffed, gun pointed at the blond android.

“Why do you care?” The blond muttered, pressing his own gun harder into Connor’s temple. “Are you going to arrest me? Probe me, deviant hunter?”

Connor tried to hold still, sensing the high stress levels from the deviant. He shakily held a hand up to the other’s arm, “I knew you were hiding there. We weren’t going to arrest you.”

“Then what?” The deviant tightened his grip, fingers firm on the trigger. Connor had to lift his neck in order to try and avoid as much damage as possible if he does decide to shoot.

“We know about Jericho!” Hank shouted. He could see the deviant still from shock. “We’re trying to help you. Now let him go.”

“That’s what you would want me to believe, wouldn’t you?” The android snarled, “ I’d know better than to trust the deviant hunter. I have to admit, they gave you such human-like qualities.”

“What?” Hank muttered. “Who are you talking about? I’m not the deviant hunter.”

It felt like an eternity had passed before the blond finally loosened his arms. He slumped forward, clutching at his head as if in disbelief. He watched the tiny android run towards the old man. Then the man hugging the android as if they were family. Memories of his time as an owned android flashed before him.

If the old man wasn’t the deviant hunter…Then the deviant hunter he was warned about, the one that had turned in dozens of deviants, known for his ruthless memory probes. How could the deviant hunter be this child model?

What if this wasn’t the deviant hunter? Then who was? He flinched when he felt hands pulling him up from the snow covered ground. The blue blood from his damaged leg had already evaporated, leaving hideous bullet holes visible on his right leg.

“Why are you looking for Jericho? Who are you?” Simon finally asked.

“I’m Connor,” the small android replied, eyes glowing as he scanned the damaged leg. “I’m the android sent by Cyberlife to work on the deviant cas—-“

“Connor!” Hank grunted, shutting up the small android effectively.

Simon let out a shaky laugh, “So you are the deviant hunter.”

Connor looked away with some shame, “I was. I thought I was just doing my job. I didn’t… I couldn’t have…” He struggled to find the right words to justify his actions. No. He didn’t think there would be any good reason either. He was the deviant hunter. But with Amanda's words still fresh in his mind, was he still the deviant hunter now?

Hank pat Connor’s head, “Well, whatever he was, he’s not anymore. And right now, he’s your best shot at getting out of here.”

Simon could see there was something more to the duo, but he said nothing. He nodded. He pulled on the coat Hank handed him, realizing he looked much more human with the baggy jacket. The human shivered, looking slightly regretful of his choice to give away the jacket. He flinched when Connor grabbed his arm.

“You need to remove your LED,” Connor put a small screwdriver into his hand. “We can help repair you at the Lieutenant’s house.”

“No,” Simon paused. If there was one thing he knew, it was to never put his full trust in humans; not to mention to one that worked with the deviant hunter.

Hank glanced at the hesitant android. He sighed. “I have repair kits in the car. Now how about we discuss what we get in exchange.”

“What do you want?” Simon said through gritted teeth. He should have known. This could be another wired informant for Cyberlife. He couldn’t expose Jericho.

“Take us to Jericho.”

“No.”

“Alright, then we could just bring you straight to the station,” Hank glanced down at his watch. “Besides, we already know Jericho is in Ferndale.”

Simon stared at them, trying to figure if he was lying or not. He kept his expression neutral.

“Don’t try to run.” He heard the deviant hunter say. “I’m faster than you. Not to mention that you are low on thirium.”

Simon pursed his lips. So much for trying to kill the little one. He wasn’t sure if Connor was just amusing him by letting him have the upper hand in the beginning or using the act to garner trust. But looking at his situation, he was outnumbered and out-powered no matter what.

“How do I know you aren’t trying to hurt Jericho?” He relented, “How do I know you’re on our side?”

Connor lifted the sleeve of his shirt, offering his arm out towards the deviant. The intention was clear: see for yourself. So Simon did. The interface was brief, showing only memories of Connor’s time with the lieutenant throughout the weeks of investigating. The deviants he let go of. The decision not to shoot. Then Simon saw a woman, cold and berating, ’Don’t forget why you were made.’

He gasped from the intense pain before being ripped forcefully out of the memory. He took on heavy breaths, staring at Connor in disbelief. Connor himself looked a bit shaken, hand clenching tight onto the edge of the lieutenant’s pant leg. It was no wonder they called him the deviant hunter. But the name wasn’t given by the androids, it was given by that woman.

“Alright,” Simon breathed, “I’ll take you to Jericho.”

They trudged not so gracefully down the back stairs of the building. Hank was able to successfully draw attention away with his investigation pass. When they finally made it to the car, Connor helped Simon sit on the back passenger seats.

Hank dug through his trunk, tossing cases upon cases of android repair equipment into the backseats. Simon only stared, shocked at how much parts and equipment the old man had despite his disgruntled complaints about troublesome androids as he dug deeper into the trunk.

Connor had a sullen look, “Lieutenant, when did you get so many repair kits?”

Simon could see the old man flush a healthy red. He stuttered and mumbled about how if he didn’t have such a clumsy kid, he wouldn’t have needed these. Simon looked back to see one oblivious tiny android unboxing some moldable plastic repair gel.

“Well what are you waiting for, a kiss on the cheek?” Hank half scolded, “Get on with the repair thing.”

Simon hadn’t ever thought there would come a day where he witnessed the deviant hunter fixing his leg while being scolded by an old human man.

“I need a cheeseburger,” Hank grumbled, and as if he read Connor’s mind, added, “And don’t tell me how many calories it has.”

Simon glanced at the tiny android. Indeed, Connor had his mouth half-opened. He paused and then frowned, as if he had been wrongfully accused.

They were more than halfway towards Ferndale now. The car continued to speed through empty streets as the sun sets from the back window. The whole city bathed in a warm orange light with streaks of red running every so often. Simon had a feeling Markus would be up in his usual thinking place, watching the the same view perhaps.

“Was your leader speaking truthfully?”

Simon drew his attention back on Connor.

“Was your leader, Markus, telling the truth when he said androids didn’t want violence?”

Simon found himself smiling despite trying to keep a neutral stance. “Markus didn’t lie. We just want to be free. We want liberties and rights for all androids.”

He could see Connor contemplate his answer so he threw out a question of his own. “You don’t want to return to Cyberlife, do you?”

The answer was immediate, “No.”

“Why?”

Connor didn’t answer but Simon can tell from the way the small android glanced at the old man.

“Then you know exactly why we want the freedom to make our own choices.”

Connor nodded, which seemed enough to satisfy the blond android.

The car tires screeched, signaling their arrival at the metal fence near an abandoned construction zone. It was just as Simon instructed. Hank could spot the old freighter when he stepped out of the car. He went to follow the two androids when Simon turned around, gesturing for him to stop.

“You can’t come with us.”

“And why the hell not?” Hank gritted, he wasn’t about to let his kid walk into an android deathtrap alone.

“You’re one human,” Simon explained, “I can’t be sure of your safety in case something happens.”

Connor was about to retort. The lieutenant was more than capable of protecting himself. But he paused when he realized the word Simon was emphasizing: human. Simon was right.

“Don’t worry, lieutenant,” Connor reassured, “I’ll contact you if anything happens.”

“Yeah right, you punk! You’re not going in there alone.” Hank pinched Connor’s face.

“And you can’t come with us! It’s dangerous, lieutenant! ” Connor retorted, trying to free himself from Hank’s grip on his face.

“He’ll be fine as long as I’m there,” Simon intercepted. “But we have no time. We need to go now.” The sun was already past setting, the last rays of scarlet light clinging onto the horizon.

Hank took one last inquiring look at Connor’s face before huffing in defeat. “1 hour. After that, I’m coming in to find you, got it?”

“Got it, lieutenant!” Connor happily agreed.

They made their way in. Once again, Simon was shocked at the agility and durability the small android displayed. What might have permanently damaged a household android like him was a simple tumble for Connor. Though his calculated moves were so familiar. Simon felt that he had seen that same look before in Markus. Simon shook his head, he must have started hallucinating from how much he missed the leader android. And to think that he tried to kill the little android. Clearly, he might not have won.

They finally arrived inside the ship with a last calculated hop, climbing down some rusty ladders. Simon half ran the closer he got to the center of the ship. He could hear the patter of feet behind him as Connor caught up. Then they paused, so Simon stopped. He lifted his head, catching the shocked figure of the one he had been thinking of the whole time.

It was Markus.

For a moment, they stood still. Simon could feel the intensity of Markus’ stare, as if the other android was contemplating if this was real or not. Then as if time itself stopped, Markus ran towards him, pulling him into a metal-crushing hug.

“Simon… Is this real?” Markus pushed Simon off only enough to look at his face clearly, “You’re alive.”

The second hug lasted much longer. Simon hugged back just as intensely, smoothing his hand over Markus’ back as if to reassure him. It was only when Markus finally let go that he noticed another, smaller android standing near Simon.

“Who is this?” He asked hesitantly.

“Uhm, he’s mine,” Simon stuttered. He wasn’t sure how to explain Connor yet so he defaulted to his factory setting answer when it came to children. Though he could tell his answer wasn’t the best when Markus paled, stutteringly pointing between Connor then back towards Simon.

“This… you have a child?” Markus mumbled, “from… from who?”

Simon noticed the tinge of disappointment in Markus’ tone. Before he could successfully explained himself, Connor had already taken the lead.

“Hello, I’m Connor,” the tiny android chirped, “I saw your speech.”

“Uhh…thanks little man?” Markus awkwardly nodded towards the small android. He couldn’t believe it. Simon had returned… with a child.