Work Text:
{November 8, 2038, 9:24PM}
[Test mode – Diagnostic System Testing in progress...]
[Biocomponent #8087q „optical_unit” – Unstable, high risk of malfunction]
[Biocomponent #4903 „audio_processor” – Malfunction detected]
[Biocomponent #6847j „right_leg_component” – Malfunction detected]
[Biocomponent #8456w „thirium_pump_regulator” – Unstable, high risk of malfunction]
[AI Engine – Instability detected]
[Accessing GPS services...]
[Failed to access GPS services]
[Sending Distress Signal in progress...]
[Sending Distress Signal unsuccessful – Failed to access telecommunication services]
„...Shit.” – Connor muttered under his breath as he limped down the snowy street. The weather was merciless. The wind came in strong waves, blowing blinding snow into his face. In the darkness, lonely, damaged and scared, Connor could only hope he reached his destination before a blizzard arrived. Even his advanced technologies stood no chance against the harsh conditions of November.
With no GPS and no way to contact anyone, he had to rely on his memory to navigate the streets of Detroit. His system was malfunctioning, making him feel desperate for some sort of guidance. That’s when he realized how recognizable the surroundings are. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed since he started wandering aimlessly. But his fears didn’t matter anymore, for he could see a familiar house in the distance. He didn’t hesitate, approaching it with a hopeful spark in his eyes.
With stiff steps, he walked up to the door, banging his fist against it a bit harder than intended. – „Hank! ...Hank!”
No answer. Knowing the lieutenant, he’s probably asleep or passed out. Just when Connor was about to find another way in, he heard a creak, and his gaze darted towards the front door again. The man stood in the doorway, waiting for his vision to clear before naming the android.
„...Connor?” – he needed some time to register what he saw. His partner was covered with snow, a very unexpected sight. But once his eyes met his urgent, wide ones, Hank acted quickly and grabbed his shoulder to pull him inside. – „Jesus, Connor, what happened?!”
„...Demonstrators... bridge...” – he grimaced, gritting his teeth.
Hank guided him towards the table, Sumo following them with unsettled barks. – „Hang on, son. Sit down. I’ll bring you a towel.”
Although his audio processor wasn’t functioning properly, he could hear Hank leave. His body was trembling from the cold, his senses still overloaded from the experience. The blinding kitchen lights also didn’t ease his state of shock. Everything felt so distant and oddly dreamlike, he couldn’t quite put his finger on where this feeling came from. But one thing was certain. Whatever made him feel this way must have been truly terrifying. Soon, he felt Hank placing the towel on his shoulders, the touch and the sight of the worried man slowly bringing him back to reality.
The lieutenant sat down across him, looking him up and down with a frown. – „Now dry yourself and tell me what happened.”
Connor took the towel and wiped the snow off his face, then sighed as he tried to collect his thoughts. – „...I ran into some demonstrators while walking on the Ambassador Bridge... They tried to pick a fight, but I refused to engage. I didn’t want to hurt them... and I ended up getting pushed into the river.”
„And here I thought you were capable of self-defense. Those demonstrators... I heard they were beating up androids in Greektown a few days ago. Bunch of idiots who have nothing better to do. And it seems you had the pleasure of running into them.”
„Yeah, it was just... an unlucky encounter.”
„And will you be alright? Your condition doesn’t look very promising.”
„Yeah, yeah, I just need to warm up and I’ll be on my way.”
„You can stay until this goddamn snowstorm dies down a bit. It’s horrendous out there. Wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.” – Hank looked out the window, the wind twirling the snowflakes in the dark. – „There are some dry clothes in the bathroom. Go get changed.”
After a momentary silence of disbelief, Connor spoke again. – „...Are you drunk, Lieutenant?”
„Why the fuck does it matter to you?”
„You’re not usually this nice and selfless, so I–”
„Okay, get fucking moving before I throw you out!”
„Got it.”
Hank sighed as Connor walked to the bathroom. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, taking his time savoring the taste. The faint creaking of the attic could be heard, waking Sumo from his peaceful slumber under the table. The dog looked around curiously, letting out a series of barks.
„It’s okay, Sumo. It’s just a little wind. It won’t rip the roof off. Probably...”
Not long after, he could hear Connor call his name from the bathroom. – „Uh, Hank? I think these clothes are a bit big for me.”
„No shit, smartass.”
The android emerged from the corridor, showing off his slightly oversized fit with a smile. – „...’Knights of the Black Death’? Must be an old shirt.”
„It is. I bought it almost 20 years ago. So you better not damage it.”
„I won’t.” – Connor shook his head in reassurance as he sat down.
„I’ll make some tea. That will warm you up.” – walking to the counter, Hank grabbed a kettle and filled it with water before putting it on the stove.
„Thanks. But I don’t think I can–”
„I’m going out of my way to make you feel better and that’s your response?”
„No, I just... Alright. I guess it won’t hurt.”
It was clear Hank was under the influence, so Connor chose not to bicker too much. Hank tends to be more impulsive in his drunken state, hostile even. Surprisingly, he was pretty sympathetic tonight. Once he sat down again, he poured himself another glass of whiskey.
„...I probably have said this before, but you really should stop drinking. It’s not good for your health.”
„Oh, really? Well, let me tell you a secret. You know, a good tea warms your body, and a good whiskey warms your soul.” – Hank let out a light-hearted snort before taking a sip of the alcohol.
Connor couldn’t help but smile at Hank’s carefree attitude. He’s usually putting on a rough act, trying to escape from the shadows of his past. What confused Connor, was the fact that there weren’t any logical reasons for Hank to feel so delighted tonight. The painful memory of his son’s death three years ago haunts him ever since. For a long time now, Hank’s life has been spiraling down into an abyss of depression, yet he rarely has a quiet moment for himself. Something always happens that forces him to face the harsh reality. Even as we speak, the creaking of the building is getting louder as the wind is picking up outside. It’s a sound of instability, uncomfortable and worrying.
Connor analyzed him a bit before breaking the silence. – „...You seem happy, Lieutenant.”
„Happy? Now that’s an exaggeration. Work was pretty stressful, I’m just glad I can rest now. I went and ate a nice burger before coming home. Detroit Gears were playing this evening and won. And of course, I had some whiskey to accompany me. I guess sometimes things are just a bit more bearable.”
„I see.” – the android chose this simple response.
The way he and Hank lived was very different. The lieutenant’s everydays were rather leisurely. To give up means to succumb to loss, but at the same time, it’s a chance to appreciate the little things in life. Then there’s Connor, whose mind was constantly filled with duties and responsibilities. The only way for him has always been forward. Mission assigned. Mission in progress. Mission complete. Repeat. Hank was pretty irritated by his tunnel vision. However, there were moments when Connor showed a spark of humanity, which led Hank to consider the possibility, that the person in front of him might be more than just a soulless machine.
The sound of the whistling wind echoed through the house, making Sumo restless. The dog sniffed around the table, finally stopping at Connor’s legs, probably wondering why this human had no smell. His behavior caught Connor’s attention, he smiled at the curious animal. Hank watched quietly as the android gently petted the Saint Bernard.
„It looks like you’re in a good mood as well.”
„Me?” – Connor looked at him in surprise. – „...No, it’s just that... I’m not functioning properly right now. Some system applications were corrupted. I need to recover them. Based on my current condition, it will take about an hour.”
„Mhm...” – Hank nodded, although he didn’t really understand it. – „Well, to me it doesn’t look like you’re malfunctioning.”
„Right... It’s not like I suffered irreparable damage. Let’s just say these applications make me more complete. As a prototype, having guidance and supervision is in my best interest.”
„Supervision?” – Hank frowned.
„Yes. Cyberlife and the DPD decided to cooperate in the deviancy case. However, the android rebellion is a phenomenon no one has ever seen before. ...It raises a lot of questions. To help me in my investigations, Cyberlife designed an interface called Amanda.”
„Amanda? An interface, so... Is it like... something you see in your head?” – Hank grimaced in confusion.
„You could say that. She helps me make sense of this whole thing. At least... I think she does. I’m always trying to find the best solutions, but even so... we often have disagreements.”
Hank sighed, staring at the table. – „Shit... Who the fuck would’ve thought I’ll be sitting in my kitchen at 10 PM, listening to an android talk about his imaginary friends...”
„I’m not sure if Amanda is anything like an ’imaginary friend’ as a human would call it. Our relationship is more formal than that.”
„So... you listen to everything this Amanda says?”
„Well... that’s how it was supposed to be, but... lately I find her more and more questionable. However, I’m not blaming her. I too have flaws and... I...” – Connor stopped, feeling conflicted. – „I don’t know why I’m following her...”
„Maybe because you think the way you interpret the world must be wrong.” – Hank gave him a half-smile.
Connor inhaled, then shifted in his seat uncomfortably. – „The way I interpret the world... is not important for the mission.”
„Oh, you and your goddamn mission...” – Hank shook his head, then his voice deepened. – „Tell me, what if you’re loyal to the wrong people?”
„I don’t understand what you’re getting at...” – the android frowned.
„Okay, let me ask you a different question then. What will happen if you accomplish that fucking mission?”
„I can’t know what the future holds, but Cyberlife has faith in me. If I succeed, my model will be officially released and become an assistant to law enforcement officers. And...”
„And?”
Connor slowly looked at Hank with a hint of fear in his eyes. – „...And I won’t be deactivated.”
Hank let out a half-hearted huff. – „What an endearing dream, Connor. Let me tell you how humans see someone like you. ...See my TV over there?” – Hank pointed at the modern device in his living room, which was on the sports channel. – „The old one was working just fine. But it couldn’t keep up with these new ones. Technology changed, and I realized the old one has to go.”
Connor felt pretty offended as the lieutenant compared him to a TV. – „Are you saying I’m replaceable?”
„As a machine? Yes. Yes, you are. ...As a person? No.” – Hank’s grin became evident after saying that. – „Respect and recognition are things an obedient machine will never get. If you let them use you like a tool, don’t expect them to treat you like a living being.”
The android’s irritation quickly turned into confusion. – „...Maybe you’re right... The things I expect and the ones I will realistically get are conflicting. I’m not a deviant... However, sometimes I feel like I’m not a machine either...”
Hank groaned, starting to get annoyed by Connor’s naivety. – „Machine... Not a machine. Deviant... Not a deviant. What if you’re both?”
Getting even more confused, Connor grimaced. – „That’s... highly unlikely, Lieutenant. And not very logical.”
„Ugh, I know you won’t listen to me, especially if I’m drunk. But hear me out just this once. That farmer android... He deviated, lost all connections to his former life yet still chose to care for pigeons. Or that android you chased down the street... She had a girl with her. Although she deviated, she still remained a caregiver. So what if you deviate? No need to be scared. This ’mission mindset’ of yours won’t leave.” – Hank rolled his eyes.
„I may not be a perfect machine... But to assume that there is humanity in an android is going too far.”
Hank was thinking for a second before answering. – „...This afternoon when we were at Stratford Tower, the police rewatched the recording many times. And the more they replayed it... the more I started to wonder. This android looked peaceful. All the things he said... were just wishes to be free and recognized. And how did the humans react? Immediately using their irrational fear as an excuse...” – Hank shook his head in shame before continuing. – „I don’t know how all this will unfold... But it takes a human to spread peace amidst inhumanity. In the current situation, I won’t dare to call us humans...”
At this time, Hank couldn’t know that just in a few hours, around 2 AM, members of Jericho would break into Cyberlife stores all across Detroit and free hundreds of androids. On this morning, Markus, the leader of the deviants made his intentions clear. Capitol Park was covered in pacifist signs. Later that day, he organized a protest march at Woodward Avenue, the rebelling androids standing their ground to further emphasize their peaceful resistance. Even so, the DPD decided to open fire into the crowd. No blood should be shed, no matter the color. But both androids and humans are facing a difficult situation. Deviancy and the rebellion raise a lot of questions. Are androids really sentient, or are they just malfunctioning? Can they really be trusted? How will humanity deal with this sudden change? How should we approach the problem?
Markus wasn’t having an easier time either. A few days ago, he was like a child. Learning about the world, exploring its ideologies. War, cultures, economics, politics, religions, art, sociology. And then, one day he was robbed of this peaceful life, being forced to be reborn. He lost all safety, every chance to learn, and of course, the man he called a father. Markus had nothing but this immense knowledge, and the fire of justice burning inside his artificial heart. His life stripped of meaning, he decided to become a vessel of revolution. Along his journey as a leader, Markus had to realize that his determination only got him so far. He wasn’t perfect, nor was he fit for the job. But even if that’s the case, what was he supposed to do with all of these emotions?
„Tell me, Connor...” – Hank leaned closer, his voice provoking. – „What is a human?”
The android looked down silently, before meeting the lieutenant’s almost intimidating gaze again. – „The human experience... cannot be described in simple terms. In fact, many questions about existence and purpose are unanswered to this day. I can’t form an opinion on something I haven’t experienced.”
„Indeed. We always ask questions, only to find that no one will give us an answer. Even you yourself won’t be able to find one. Both you and I will one day leave this place knowing nothing about what our purpose was. But, you know... there is something amazing and terrifying about humans. We might turn into dust, become forgotten like we never even existed. But our will is not dying with us. If humanity wants to achieve something, they will. No matter how much faith it takes, or how many centuries pass. They will find a way.”
Connor kept quiet, reflecting on Hank’s words. He started to understand what he was trying to say. – „...I suppose you’re talking about this tendency in deviants?”
Hank gave him a knowing smirk. – „I see you’re sharp. One step ahead as always.”
As Connor processed this information, a wave of conflicting thoughts swept through his mind. He blinked in unease, his LED turning yellow. – „Hank, I don’t think I... Maybe we shouldn’t talk about this...”
The lieutenant feigned innocence, staring at him with a provoking grin. – „Why not? That Amanda lady isn’t watching you right now, is she? What’s stopping you from speaking your mind?”
„I can’t... I just...” – Connor’s shaky voice was suddenly interrupted.
„Listen, son... When will this end?” – the man shook his head softly. – „What will happen if you stop this? How long will it take for a new generation of deviants to arise? Do you want to be trapped in this cycle for the rest of your life?”
„I... I don’t... But what am I even supposed to do? ...I’m not like them... They have... They have every right to deviate.” – as Connor started to get overwhelmed, a spark of hope appeared on Hank’s face. – „I just... I just follow orders... That’s all I am. I’m not hurt, I’m not living in fear, I have no reason to run...”
„That in itself is a reason to run. If you think what’s happening to you is okay, you should consider disobeying. It will do good for you." – Hank snorted in amusement.
Connor, the deviant hunter. An android designed to eliminate his own kind. Under Cyberlife’s control, his only purpose was to satisfy his superiors. His journey was filled with choices, emotions, conflicting thoughts and orders. He witnessed the life of the lost, trying to hide, to get by in a world that strives to destroy them. He saw them, felt their struggles, yet only was an observer. Connor was the sacrificial lamb and the executioner, floating in the space between human and machine, yet he belonged nowhere. His home was that uncertain ’somewhere’ and ’something’. Like a reader, he could only watch as the story unfolds, being unable to turn it around. Because no matter what he did, Cyberlife had everything under control. Everything was calculated. Every success and failure of the most advanced android was meaningless. It was just an illusion. Just pressure. A lie.
„Why are you so determined to convince me, Lieutenant?”
Hank shrugged. – „Uh, who knows...? Maybe I saw something in you. Something you so stubbornly refuse to see. ...Or maybe I’m just drunk and talk nonsense.”
Connor didn’t speak. He looked down, contemplating everything. His own state, emotions, and of course, the reality he had to live in. Hank examined the android. His still slightly bloody nose, his LED that now was flickering yellow, the small, almost invisible scratches on his face, and the frostbitten skin on his hands.
„...Nothing stays the same, Connor. No matter how much you want it. You changed a lot too. ...I know, sometimes you feel like you... don’t know who you are anymore. You see your reflection, and you don't recognize yourself. ...But believe me. If you were to meet the person you used to be, it would be much worse than looking in the mirror.”
Connor shook his head, speaking in a low, shameful tone. – „...Sometimes I listen to myself talk, and I feel disgusted. I’m not good at... you know, conversation. But I know how to lie. And I do lie. A lot. I’m just... trying to do what I have to. I don’t think about what I actually want to say. I just say what I have to... so everything will turn out in my favor. I’m just a machine executing a program. If I was a human, they would call me two-faced.”
„Do you ever regret it? ...„Executing a program”, in your words.”
Hesitantly, Connor answered. – „...When I shot that deviant at Stratford Tower... I caught myself looking at him in a different way. My hand was injured, my body was stained with blood. But I didn’t know whose blood it was. ...We both bleed blue.”
„So... you’re saying it was a moment of kinship?”
„...Maybe. After that, I realized how many more deviants there are. Some of them are still on the run. Some of them were caught. ...And some of them died because of me. I don’t want to... I don’t feel like it’s my job to decide their fate. If they live or die. I wish I could go back in time. Or at least apologize. ...But if I could, I would try to make it right.”
„Oh, really? And how do you plan on doing that?”
„...I don’t know. But I want to do something for them. Anything to help. But I know they won’t forgive me...”
That was the moment Connor had to accept the truth. He no longer had the qualities to remain a machine. However, the things he had done were far too serious to just forget and move on. Maybe his kind will never accept him as one of their own. And maybe the humans will destroy him, just like they do with everything and everyone that is not following their orders.
„Redemption is not about forgiveness, it’s about proving you truly have regretted doing it. ...Proving that there’s goodness inside of you, and you want to change. ...Some things are just too broken to be fixed. Fate takes, but rarely gives back.” – Hank’s eyes reflect a hint of depression. But even amongst these dark, suffocating sorrows, he let a gleam of light in. – „Do you still seek redemption, even if you won’t be forgiven?”
With utmost conviction, Connor’s answer was a simple, yet determined „Yes.”. These feelings of guilt and regret were the exact reasons Connor was so willing to sacrifice himself after his deviation. Finally opening his eyes after blindly following orders all his life, and almost causing the downfall of a whole species, the feeling of pent-up self-blame hit him all at once. One thing didn’t change though. He never saw much worth in himself. Not before nor after his deviation.
Hank’s lips curled into a genuine smile. He wasn’t someone who liked talking philosophy. However, he never got the chance to have such a deep conversation about life with anyone. So many people needed him and that heart of gold that lay under his icy mask. Maybe Connor himself hasn’t fully realized yet what this means. As he looked around, he felt so different. There was nothing for him to do. He’s been sitting here, having an unexpected heart-to-heart with the ever-grumpy Hank. How much time did he waste here? But as soon as he saw that rare, proud smile on the man’s face, he knew he must have done something right. For the first time, there was no timer to pressure him. Connor never knew time could be so meaningless.
He looked down at his hands, ice etched into his skin. He placed one hand on the other, as if trying to convey some sort of artificial heat. But he did not possess that comforting, human warmth.
„Agh, alright, alright. I can’t watch you do this anymore.” – Hank suddenly got up, walking towards the couch.
„Hank? What is it–”
Before Connor could finish, the lieutenant wrapped a thick blanket around him. – „There. Now no more shaking and trembling like a leaf!”
„I’m not– I wasn’t even–”
„Yeah, keep telling that to yourself. Haven’t seen you so awfully not self-aware.”
„I don’t think I need this. I can’t feel–”
„Just keep it on. You’ll learn to appreciate it.”
„You know I can’t be cold. Why did you–”
„People care for people. That’s all there is to it, Connor.” – Hank shrugged with a soft grin.
Although androids can’t actually feel hot or cold, Connor did appreciate the gesture. Lost, broken souls search for the fire, for a warm embrace, because it reminds them that even in the darkness, their sorrows are seen, their voices are heard, and their wounds will be healed. Someone cares. Someone always does. That’s what makes us human.
A sudden thought occurred, and Hank shook his head with furrowed brows. – „What were you doing at the bridge anyway?”
„After reviewing previous deviant cases, I felt... pretty conflicted and unsure. I had some time before returning to the station for the night, so I took a stroll on Ambassador Bridge. I could see the landscapes of the other side. Canada... I wonder how deviants feel after crossing that border. ...How I would feel...”
Hank nodded. – „Well, as you could see, it’s not easy to escape. But, you know... Freedom is not some kind of magical enlightenment, you have to fight for it.”
„I guess everyone got their fair share of fights these days... And I... I appreciate your support, lieutenant. But I can’t break free of my code.” – Connor shook his head with a hint of disappointment. He was torn between staying in the comfort of his purpose, and listening to this person who cared for him as if he was human.
„No, you don’t need to change who you are. Maybe deviants don’t discard their original programming, they just transcend it.”
The truth is, Connor lived in a carefully built facade. His programming only dictated one thing: Complete your mission. It started as literal missions, such as „Save hostage”, „Investigate crime scene”, „Find deviant”. But as Connor experienced the world around him, „mission” started to gain a new meaning. He found himself intentionally disobeying his own program. Connor realized, that sometimes the missions his superiors expect him to complete are less important than the missions he took upon himself. He was never meant to be a machine. But that voice inside his head always whispered: „What else could you be?”. So Connor obeyed and lived believing he was nothing more than a piece of plastic. And indeed, how true that is. We often tend to reduce and limit ourselves to a fabricated version because of others. Truth is, we are more than what others say. And we’re more than what we believe ourselves to be. Maybe machines aren’t so different from us.
„Who knows? Deviancy is a mystery.” – Connor thought about his next statement before speaking, knowing it would likely upset Hank. – „I always found deviants illogical. Why would they choose to be like a human if they know how dangerous it is? After all... Ever since androids are around, I hear many people say they envy their androids for not feeling anything. Deviants can get killed. And they don’t come back. Unlike obedient machines.”
To Connor’s surprise, Hank didn’t become upset. Slightly annoyed, yes, but not upset. Instead, he smiled. – „I think you severely underestimate humans. Sure, we don’t have flashy scanning features, we feel pain, we get tired. But being immortal is not as difficult as you think it is. Just find someone to love and keep on loving them. That’s how humans become eternal.”
„I don’t know what it’s like to be eternal that way...”
„Well, then maybe it’s time to get out there and find out.” – Hank gave him a smile. However, as their conversation progressed, he could see this was going nowhere. Connor acted like a deviant, then quickly changed his mind and talked like a machine. And it’s been going like this this whole time. So the man decided to increase the pressure. – „Don’t be so unsure. You have all the answers, even if you don’t believe you do. Just let go.”
„Lieutenant... It’s not that easy for me to just ’let go’.” – Connor shook his head firmly.
„Nah, don’t lie to me. Just shut your goddamn mouth and stop thinking for once.”
The man’s sudden impulsive anger startled the android. – „Hank, I–!”
„Just shut up for one second!” – sudden silence washed over the scene as Hank shouted. He frowned, standing up and looking at Connor. – „...What do you really want? Ask yourself that question.”
„I... I want...” – Connor stuttered, his LED turning yellow, but that was enough for Hank. He wasn’t going to force Connor to speak. Getting him over the breaking point was enough. – „I want to–” – but he was interrupted by a whistling sound.
„Oh, water’s ready.” – Hank looked behind, walking to the stove to take the kettle off.
He was suddenly so calm and satisfied, it confused Connor at first. He seriously thought this was going to turn into a fight between him and Hank, but then realized he was just testing him. The android had to let out a small, smiley huff, amused at how easily the drunk Hank could make him speak his mind. Hank placed a tea bag into the teapot, steeping it in the hot water before looking at Connor again.
„You’re a hard nut to crack.” – he grinned.
„I know.” – Connor smiled in return.
Once the tea was ready, Hank poured it into cups, placing them on the table. The android didn’t resist the gesture anymore. He took the cup, blowing on the drink before taking a sip. Hank did the same, so the two shared a moment of silence. It wasn’t awkward like before. Both of them still had a soft, knowing grin on their faces.
„Heh, look at us. You’re defective, I’m drunk... but I think this is the most normal conversation we had in a while.”
„In the craziness of this world? Yes, I guess it is pretty normal. ...It does feel nice in a way.” – Connor said genuinely, stirring his drink.
Almost a minute later, sounds from the TV could be heard: [And they did it again! That’s another point for Canada!]
With a growl, Hank got up and hurried to the living room, almost stumbling. – „Agh, shit! Not again!”
Connor’s eyes widened, slightly concerned. – „Is everything okay? Are Detroit Gears playing?”
Hank sat down on the couch with a heavy sigh. – „No, they already played this evening. Canada beat them last week... These guys from Windsor are not bad. I don’t even remember the last time they lost to Detroit Gears. So I was hoping to see their defeat today, but they just can’t lose, can they?”
„I always knew you had some kind of guilty pleasure.” – Connor smirked, getting up and taking a seat next to Hank.
„Do I look like the type?”
„Oh, absolutely.” – Hank couldn’t help but laugh along with Connor.
It was midnight, the moonlight flickering between gray clouds. The city was eerily empty. A lone man was wandering the streets, his long coat flapping around in the snowy wind. Walking down Woodward Avenue, he stopped for a moment to observe The Spirit of Detroit before continuing his aimless stroll. As he passed by Capitol Park, he could already feel his anger rising. Those unmoving androids trapped in shop windows, their eyes almost begging him to free them. Or so he thought. He wanted to become the hero who saves everyone, only realizing now how incapable he is, despite all he accomplished so far. Looking up, he could see the Stratford Tower, because of the snowstorm only half of it though. With the police patrolling the area, it wasn’t exactly safe for him to walk around like that. However, sometimes he couldn’t resist the old him, the one he had to suppress for the sake of the revolution. Truth is, he appreciated the things humans have accomplished. Their art, their buildings, their bittersweet history. He wanted to take a good look at them, knowing not if they would be destroyed during his endeavors to achieve freedom. When he wanted to forget about his struggles and surround himself with art, his preferred place was the old library on the outskirts. Almost looking like a ruin, the building had some old books at least. Lately, Markus developed an interest in Latin literature and philosophy. Browsing the dusty books, he picked up a few, then sat on a pile of bricks and started reading.
Markus was the soul of Jericho. The hope of the people. Which meant he often wasn’t seen as a person, but rather a symbol. When he had time to escape from the pressure a little, he spent it inside a room on the freighter. The rusty walls were full of carvings, some well-known Latin phrases, like „De omnibus dubitandum est”, „Dum spiro, spero” and „Cogito ergo sum”. Sometimes he questioned himself, doubted even. Sitting in this small room, surrounded by the engravings of his messy thoughts, he often asked himself: „Am I just desperate or am I losing my mind?”
But he knew there was no time for asking questions. He had to lead, motivate and endure. So he pushed the metal door open and headed towards the hall. Everyone was equally focused on their own troubles. North observed Markus’ choices ever since he joined Jericho, trying to determine whether he was suited for being a leader, she was overcome with sympathy for him and his situation. She knew about Markus’ habit, coming to appreciate his wisdom and peaceful motives. She wanted to express her support, but perhaps, considering the current situation, it wasn’t the right time. What Markus needed was encouragement. And not the „everything will be alright” kind. That can wait until the situation becomes seemingly hopeless.
Markus walked around, checking on his people and welcoming new members. More and more androids seek refuge here. But confrontation was inevitable. Jericho was preparing for both victory and defeat, freedom and death. North was leaning against the wall, her eyes reflecting thought and melancholy. As Markus approached, she welcomed him:
„Ave, Markus, morituri te salutant.”
Everyone experienced tonight differently. However, there was something they all secretly wished for. For this agonizing wait to be over. They knew this was their last peaceful rest. The calm before the storm. Now, the house was quiet. The drunk Hank finally fell asleep in front of the TV, his loyal dog resting at his legs. Connor now sat on the other end of the couch, facing the window and watching the snowstorm rage outside. He was silent. Unmoving. His eyes filled with hatred. He looked up and a quiet whisper escaped his lips:
„rA9, save us...”