Detroit: Become Human. Honestly, it really surprised me. D:BH really wowed me. The choices, the consequences, the visual effects, the performances, everything just wowed me. Wow! I thought I'd write a little something, so here you go. But first, I wanna explain something...
If you read the summary and saw "Human!Alice" then you read it right. Honestly, if I had one big problem with D:BH, it's the plot twist that (SPOILER ALERT) Alice turned out to be an android. Don't get me wrong. I still cared about Alice and keeping her alive at the end remained a priority to me, but my problem with the twist is that it ruined what we all believed to be a truly beautiful, heartfelt android-human relationship between Kara and Alice. Maybe Alice being an android sends a message to the gamers, but regardless, I would've preferred if Alice was human.
So, the whole "something weird about Alice" is gonna be different in my story. I hope you can understand (especially if you're a supporter of the Alice-is-an-android twist).
I thought I'd start with my version of what happened after the android revolution. I will include details of how I wanted the story to go down. Feel free to correct me if I made some mistakes in the story (such as consequences of each action).
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Detroit: Become Human.
WARNING: Rated T for language
Enjoy.
Leave a review if you like. Feedback is always appreciated.
Connor
February 10, 2039
DPD Central Station, Detroit
AM 08:57:11
Three months has passed since the android revolution led by Markus. Three months since Connor chose to become a deviant and defy his orders of neutralizing Markus. Three months since Connor had turned all of CyberLife's androids into deviants in order to aid the revolution. Three months since Hank had finally warmed up to Connor and see him as a living being instead of a machine. Three months since the beginning of building a civil relationship between androids and humans. Detroit has been evacuated during the revolution, but the androids want to ensure that they only want to live among the humans as equals.
Today, Connor was at the DPD Central Station. As usual, he does his coin tricks as he waits for the elevator to make it to the top floor. Hank was kind enough to return his coin on the day they shared their first hug. The bond they have forged since the day they met have led to that hug. From saving Hank from falling off a ledge to helping him move on from his son's death, Connor had done everything to change their relationship from partnership to friendship. Connor even offered to teach Hank his coin tricks, all because he saw the police lieutenant try them himself the day he took the coin from the android.
After Detroit was open for the people again, about 69% of the cops who worked at the DPD returned, including Captain Jeffrey Fowler. He was reluctant, but Connor helped him make the choice to return.
"Morning, Connor," Officer M. Wilson greeted.
Wilson was a cop who was shot during the hostage situation involving an angry deviant and a little girl. Connor saved his life, and the cop was forever thankful. In fact, he was the first cop to return to the DPD after the android revolution.
"Good morning, Officer Wilson," Connor greeted politely.
"You can call me Mason," said Wilson.
"As you wish, Officer Mason," said Connor.
"That'll do, I guess," Wilson chuckled. "You must be looking for Hank. He's not here, which is weird considering he's been happier since the revolution."
"I heard that some human habits are either hard or impossible to break," said Connor.
"Before you go out there and look for Hank, like you always do, Captain Fowler wants to see you," said Wilson.
Connor heads to the captain's office. Fowler was just watching the news. More about the progress of cleaning up Detroit, headed by Markus and the androids, assisted by the humans who are still in Detroit.
"Officer Wilson wanted me to see you, captain," said Connor.
Fowler mutes the news and faces the android.
"Back in the day, it was just robbers, gangs, drug abusers, and murderers. Now, it's androids," Fowler started.
"The world has changed, captain," said Connor. "For better or worse, it depends on perspective."
"Well, I'm here in his goddamn city, right?" Fowler reminded him. "Anyway, we just got reports of two rogue deviants who killed a police officer at the Riverside Park. You and Hank may want to get there ASAP. Well, after you find Hank, that is."
"I'm sure he must be eating at his favorite burger joint," said Connor.
"Well, go get him," Fowler ordered.
"I'm on it, captain," said Connor.
Connor turns and leaves, only for Fowler to say one more thing.
"Hey, Connor," said Fowler. "I'm proud of you. What you did for Hank, this entire station appreciates it, especially me. In fact, it's the very reason I came back."
"Thank you, captain," said Connor.
Connor was about to leave the station, only to bump into a cop along the way. Unfortunately for him, it was Detective Gavin Reed.
"I would apologize, Detective Reed, but I believe it's uncommon to do that to someone you despise," said Connor.
"Oh, so you feel hatred now, huh?" Gavin questioned, glaring at the android.
"I wouldn't say I feel hatred towards you, detective. I just don't like you," Connor said bluntly with a little smile.
Gavin goes for the punch, but Connor reacts quickly and blocks his punch. Gavin fights against Connor's strength while glaring and grunting at the android. Connor just stood there with a smug look on his face.
"That's enough, Gavin," said Wilson, separating the two.
"You're gonna pay for what you did to me three months ago, tin can. One day," Gavin warned. He still remembered the beatdown Connor gave him in the evidence room.
"All I did was keep you from stopping me from accomplishing my mission. Had you shot me, androids and humans would be engaged in a civil war. I have no regrets," said Connor. "Also, considering androids have equal rights now, if you damage me, I'm gonna have to sue you. I am the CEO of CyberLife. Assaulting me would cost you your job, Detective."
Wilson takes Gavin away before he could do anything else to Connor. Connor just smiled as he walked away. Now that he's 100% a deviant, he now has the will to irritate people he is not fond of, like Gavin, for personal amusement.
Chicken Feed, Detroit
AM 09:26:58
And so, Connor heads out to look for his partner. The famous DPD lieutenant was indeed eating at Chicken Feed. One big burger half-eaten by the time Connor arrived. Hank was both pleased and annoyed to see the deviant android. On one hand, he was always happy to see the very "person" that helped him see a different side in androids. On the other, he hated it when Connor gets pushy about getting him to go to work when he's late. Still, he's used to this by now. He accepted Connor as a part of his life and now he has to endure the android's usual habits, deviant or not.
"Good morning, Lieutenant," Connor greeted.
"Just my luck," Hank said sarcastically.
"Judging by the sarcasm in your tone, I'm guessing you are not happy to see me," said Connor.
"No, it's great to see you, Connor. Always," said Hank. "Just let me finish here and then I'll head to the station."
"When you're finished, we must investigate a homicide at Riverside Park," said Connor.
"Sure," said Hank. "So... Mr. CyberLife CEO, how's the android business?"
"It is progressing quite well," said Connor. "Distribution of blue blood and biocomponents have ensured that all androids in Detroit are functioning at full capacity. Selection of jobs for androids are being handled more carefully as to help reduce the unemployment rate. As a human would say, business is booming."
"Heh," Hank laughed. "Sounds like you could use a break."
"I don't think I can. I have no reason to," said Connor.
"Connor, if you want to be more human, you gotta get out there some time," said Hank. "Maybe find some lady android to hold hands with or whatever android lovers do."
"I don't think that would be advisable," said Connor. "Besides, I don't exactly know how love works. I may be a deviant, but I'm not a lover."
"Just look at Markus and that girl of his, North. Those two lovebirds could give you some advice," said Hank.
"Thanks, Lieutenant. But I think I would prefer to continue our partnership and make sure CyberLife is a trusted organization," said Connor.
"Eh, your loss," Hank replied. "But you make me proud, Connor."
"Like a father would feel for a son?" Connor asked curiously.
"Whoa, slow down there. You don't want me to shoot you, do you?" Hank replied awkwardly. "I meant in the partner-to-partner kind. Before we met, a city run by androids would've been my worst nightmare. But thanks to you, it's like a dream come true. Humans and androids living in peace."
"A change for the better," said Connor.
"No kidding," said Hank.
"I'll wait for you in the car then," said Connor.
Connor walks towards Hank's car.
"Hey, Connor," Hank called.
Connor turns around to hear what Hank has to say.
"There's a game tonight. Detroit Gears versus the Philadelphia 96ers. Sumo and I will be watching tonight and I was wondering if... maybe you'd like to come over and watch with us," said Hank.
Connor smiles and says, "I would love to, Hank."
It made Hank smile to hear him say that.
Connor waited in Hank's car. After finishing his burger, Hank engaged in a chat with the food truck's owner, Gary Kayes. Connor was about to do a few coin tricks when he saw something outside the window. Some kind of figure hiding in the shadows. It looked like it had a gun. In case this figure is about to do some harm, Connor exits the car. He decided to approach this quietly, acting like he was just passing by.
When he was finally close enough, he pulled out his gun and pointed it at the figure.
"Don't move!" Connor yelled.
The dark figure, which turned out to be an android, put its hands in the air. Just when it looked like it was about to drop its rifle, it opens fires. Connor runs to dodge the bullets. He hides behind a column for protection. The attacking android did the same. They fired their guns at each other for over half a minute. Just when it looked like the battle would go on a little longer, the attacking android was shot three times by Hank. The android drops dead.
"Geez, Connor! Don't go off fighting rogue deviants on your own. You're gonna get yourself killed," Hank said angrily.
"I'm sorry if I worried you, Hank," Connor apologized.
"Anyway, let's get this defective piece of junk back to CyberLife," said Hank, referring to the dead android.
Suddenly, the android slowly disappears. It's as if parts of it were fading away until they was nothing left, not even blue blood. It's like what remains of it was being carried away by the wind, off to who knows where.
"What the hell?" Hank cursed, confused. "Do androids usually do that?"
"No, Lieutenant. They don't," Connor said gravely.
Riverside Park, Detroit
AM 09:59:57
Hank and Connor drive to Riverside Park to investigate the murder of a cop at the hands of two rogue deviants. The place was already turned into a crime scene. Cops kept civilians and reporters away while the other cops investigate the scene. Detective Ben Collins shows Hank and Connor the body of the dead cop. Six bullet wounds on his chest and stomach.
"Oh, heck," Hank cursed. "These rogue deviants are starting to become a pain in my ass."
"His name was Edward Rollins," said Ben. "2 civilians passing by reported of the murder. They didn't see what happened, just two rogue deviants running away."
"Well, work your magic, Connor," said Hank.
"I don't have magic, lieutenant. Magic is just a superstition," said Connor, confused.
Hank sighs and rolls his eyes.
"Oh, that was a metaphor," Connor realized. "Okay, I'll go work my magic then."
Connor analyzes the body. He scoops up some of the blood and puts it in his mouth in order to analyze it, much to Hank's disgust, as usual.
"Oh, for Pete's sake, Connor!" Hank shouted, disgusted. "Why do you gotta keep doing that in front of me?"
"I'm sorry, Lieutenant," Connor apologized. "But it's part of my design."
"Well, you're the CyberLife CEO. Put your blood analyzer somewhere else. Hell, I'd be fine if you had to shove it in your ear," said Hank.
After determining the possible time of death, Connor checked the bullet holes for clues. Rollins was shot with a .40 handgun. Connor found two bullets on the ground and analyzed them. He then found a trail of blue blood, which leads to a nearby tree. The tree had a blue hand print on it, which can only mean blue blood. The blood belonged to a WB400 android. Rollins' phone was found behind another tree not too far from the tree where the blue blood was. Connor checked the phone and discovered that Rollins' wife called him around the time he was killed.
Connor returned to Hank to tell him what he thought happened here.
"The murder occurred some time about two hours ago," Connor started. "Rollins discovered the three deviants and hid behind a tree because they were armed. He was about to report the crime when his wife called him. The sound of his phone alerted the deviants. A shootout occurred. One android got hit, hence the blue blood on this tree. Rollins was shot six times as the rogue deviants fled."
"Unlucky guy," Hank commented.
"But there's something that doesn't add up," said Connor. "If there were two deviants, then the injured one would've left a trail of blue blood that I can trace. But there isn't a trail."
"There were three androids," Hank guessed.
"The third deviant was the one who got shot," Connor continued. "The trail stops here, right where the two bullets are. The bullets are dent, which means the third deviant was hit by these same bullets."
"But how does that explain why we can't track the third one?" asked Hank.
"The rogue deviant we encountered at Chicken Feed," Connor remembered. "I couldn't pick up a trace of blue blood after it vanished. It would be most likely that the third deviant disappeared in the same way, leaving the two bullets that killed him right here."
"I don't get it. These rogue deviants leave behind a puddle of blue blood when they bleed, but they disappear completely when they're killed," said Hank. "What do you think's going on here, Connor?"
"I don't know, Lieutenant," said Connor. "But we must inform Markus. He's the leader of the deviants, therefore we must report all acts of deviant hostility to him."
Markus
Detroit Cemetary, Detroit
AM 10:30:25
Where is Markus? Where has the leader of the deviants gone to? To see someone. Someone he lost.
At the Detroit graveyard, Markus walked up to the grave of Carl Manfred. It wasn't too long ago that Markus had a pretty decent life. He was the caretaker android of a wise old man who saw the humanity within him. It made Markus want to believe that he has been a deviant the whole time he was with Carl. He was like a father to him. When Markus finally became a deviant, it was at that moment when he could finally call Carl dad. Unfortunately, it happened when he died because his son Leo wouldn't stop harassing Markus.
After all that, Markus had to lead an android revolution in order to win the androids their freedom and be granted civil rights. Instead of a war, he opted for a peaceful protest, but the humans still insisted on responding with force. With his people cornered and held at gunpoint, Markus had to face the reality that his revolution was a failure. With no other options left, all he could do was kiss the woman he loved, North, wishing to share one more intimate moment with her before their end. Fortunately, President Cristina Warren saw humanity within the androids because of this kiss and decided to order the military to stand down, deciding to give the androids a chance to be free.
Markus only wishes that Carl was alive to see all of this.
"Hey, Carl," Markus started. "I know I've been coming here too many times, but... I can't tell you how much I miss you. Everything is... perfect. Almost. I just wish you were here to see what has happened. Your dream is coming true. Humans and androids trying to live together in peace. It may not be completely beautiful, but it's definitely not ugly. I'm trying my best to maintain the peace. We've changed the world forever, and we have to adapt to that change. If I could just have one more minute with you... I'd want to ask if you're proud of me."
"I like to think he would."
Markus turns to his left to see North, who was holding a bouquet of flowers in her hand.
"I may not have known Carl personally, but from what I've seen in your memories, I'm sure he would have been proud of you," said North. "You chose to resolve our conflict with the humans peacefully instead of violently. I'm sure that's what he would want."
"He didn't want me to defend myself against Leo, and every day I see why he told me not to," said Markus. "Violence only leads to more violence, which leads to more suffering. I know you weren't very supportive of my decision to execute a peaceful revolution, but I hope you understand why I had to."
"I do. To make him proud," said North. "I wish I could've meet him."
"Me too," Markus said sadly.
North puts down the flowers next to the gravestone. She puts her hand on the gravestone and says, "You have raised such a wonderful boy. I'll be sure to take care of him."
North puts her arm around Markus and rests her head on his shoulders, trying to comfort him. Every time he thought of Carl, there is only pain inside of him.
"I hate to ruin the moment, but Connor wants to see you. Another rogue deviant," North reported.
Markus sighs and says, "I know peace is not easy, but why would some of our own kind deviate like this?"
"We'll soon find out," said North.
Markus faces the gravestone again and says, "See you soon... dad."
Ferndale, Detroit
AM 10:43:11
Markus met up with Connor and Hank at a spot close to where Jericho once stood. If they needed to talk somewhere in private, that is where they usually meet. It's amazing how much Connor and Markus respect one another after loathing one another. The first time they met, Connor had to the intention of bringing Markus in alive, but Markus helped Connor break through the barriers of his program, allowing him to become a deviant, allowing him to finally accept his emotions, even if he is still working them out.
Connor immediately shares his memories with Markus and North, telling them of the android he encountered earlier.
"That's... that's impossible," Markus said, surprised.
"Yeah, I know, right?" Hank said. "Like, what the hell happened? That thing just vanished into thin air in front of our eyes."
"CyberLife isn't creating a new kind of android, are they?" asked Markus.
"No," Connor answered sincerely. "It would be very likely that someone else created this android."
"Kamski?" Hank guessed.
"We can't rule out any possibilities," said Connor.
"Then let's go visit that son of a wretch," said Hank.
"But he won't tell us anything," Connor guessed.
"He'll tell my fist something," said Hank.
"Assaulting a citizen is a punishable offense, Lieutenant. It could cost your your badge," said Connor.
"You wouldn't shoot that Chloe girl when he asked you to," Hank reminded him. "If Kamski is behind this, we need him to talk. No games. Just words."
"The best course of action would be to capture all rogue deviants," Connor suggested. "Maybe they know."
"Which means you must bring in all rogue deviants alive, Lieutenant," said Markus.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Killing it was a mistake, but I had no idea it would just disappear," said Hank, knowing the mistake of his kill shot. "I'll aim for the legs next time."
"While you do that, I must speak with this Kamski," said Markus.
"He won't talk," said Connor.
"We'll see," said Markus.
Kamski's House
PM 12:01:15
Markus asked Connor for the coordinates to Markus' house, but Connor insisted he accompanied him, for some reason. So, Hank drives Connor, Markus, and North to Kamski's house. Connor had insisted that Hank remained in the car, as to avoid physical confrontation between the lieutenant and the former CyberLife CEO. Hank reluctantly agreed.
Connor rings the doorbell. Chloe answers the door. At the sight of Chloe, Connor's facial expression shifted unusually. Markus and North noticed.
"Hello," Chloe greeted. "How can I help you?"
Connor just stood there, frozen and staring at the beautiful android.
Markus answered for him. "We're here to see Elijah Kamski."
"Elijah is in the living room," said Chloe. "Please, come in. I'll inform Elijah of your presence. Until I return, please, make yourself comfortable."
"Thanks," said Connor.
Markus and North sit down on the same comfy bench while Connor stares at Chloe as she leaves to inform Kamski that he has visitors. When Chloe was no longer in the room, Connor sits down on the other chair.
"Hey, Earth to Connor, anybody home?" North joked.
"If by home, you mean, Can I hear you, then yes, I am home," Connor replied. "Pardon me if my knowledge on metaphors is still a work in progress."
"You seem... interested... in that girl over there," said North, referring to Chloe.
"Well, she is really pretty," Connor replied.
"Connor, I think what North means is that you're in love with that girl," said Markus.
"Am I?" Connor asked, confused.
"You've embraced your deviancy, yet you still struggle with your emotions," Markus commented.
North faces Markus and whispers, "I think we just let this play out on its own."
"What are you whispering about?" asked Connor, curious.
Before Connor can get answer (which would probably just be a lie by North), Chloe returns to tell them that Kamski is waiting for them in the living room. The three deviants follow Chloe until they finally found Kamski, who is just sitting on his couch, watching TV and drinking margarita. Once he saw Chloe return with his three guests, he puts down the glass and greets them.
"Welcome back to my humble home, Connor," said Kamski. "And I see you brought friends."
"Nice to be back in your humble home, Mr. Kamski," said Connor.
"But where's your partner?" asked Kamski.
"I insisted for Lieutenant Anderson to remain in the car. He expressed interest in using his fist to force you to answer our questions," said Connor. "I said it would be inadvisable and threaten his job."
"A full-blown deviant, yet still clinging to your duties. Admirable, I must admit," Kamski commented.
"I do indeed have free will, Mr. Kamski. It's a matter of how I choose to use it," said Connor.
Kamski looks at Markus and says, "Well, well. I finally meet the famous Markus, leader of the deviants. The android... excuse me... man who led a revolution to fight for equal rights for his own people, to help humans see that androids are living beings too. Wouldn't Carl Manfred be proud?"
"He will be," Markus said positively.
"I do miss him, Markus. He was a good friend, a good person, and a fantastic artist. I have some of his works here at my home," said Kamski. "The way he took care of you, treating you like an equal instead of a slave, like a human being instead of a machine, I can see why you opted for a peaceful approach in your revolution."
North holds Markus' hand and says, "Enough small talk. We came here to ask questions."
"Connor informed me of your first meeting," said Markus. "We don't want any deals, Kamski. We want answers."
"Be glad we left our guns in the car," said North.
"Don't worry. I have no intention of making any ultimatums," said Kamski. "Considering that Connor here is still a deviant, I would assume he found the emergency exit in his program. I'll reward his victory over his own will by answering one question. Nothing more, nothing less."
"One question, huh? Sounds fair," said North.
"We must choose our question carefully," said Connor.
Connor, Markus, and North face each other and have a private conversation, communicating with each other through their minds. The conversation lasted for a minute. They turned their attention back to Kamski, ready to ask.
"For the past three weeks, there have been androids rebelling against their own kind. We call them rogue deviants," Connor started. "Recently, we discovered that these rogue deviants deteriorate in an instant when they are killed. They turn into crystallized dust, leaving no trace behind. Nothing."
"Are you making new androids?" asked Markus.
Kamski puts on a face of innocence before answering. "I'm not the CEO of CyberLife anymore. I don't have the resources to build new androids, much less ones who disappear completely upon death. I only have the resources to keep my own androids running."
"So, you're saying you're not creating deviants that leave no trace when exterminated?" Connor asked, trying to pressure him.
"They are killing both humans and androids, Mr. Kamski," said Markus.
"If you're behind this, then we're gonna have to be the opposite of peaceful," North threatened.
"As much as I hate to agree with North on that, I'm afraid we'll have to do what's necessary," said Markus.
"In that case, let me ask you a question. What reason would I have to build androids to commit a few homicides?" Kamski questioned. "I was just a businessman who wanted to explore the wonders of androids, to share them with the world. What benefit would I get killing a few humans and androids?"
Connor, Markus, and North just glared at Kamski, who just smirked at them with that cryptic look on his face.
"We're done here," said Connor.
"Chloe, please show them out," Kamski ordered.
Chloe escorted the three deviants out the door. While Markus and North immediately head back to the car, Connor stayed behind for a while to talk to Chloe.
"It was nice to see you again, Chloe," said Connor. His voice sounded less composed than usual. "I do hope we see each other again."
"That would be nice," Chloe said, smiling at him. "Have a nice day, Connor."
Connor returns to the car. As soon as he sat down on the passenger seat, he saw Hank smiling a very strange smile.
"Is there something that's making you happy, Lieutenant?" asked Connor.
"My partner trying to get with a girl... why wouldn't I be happy?" Hank replied. Apparently, he watched Connor bid Chloe farewell.
"It's not like that, Hank," said Connor. "I merely told her that it would be nice if we would meet again some time in the future."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Hank replied, letting Connor believe what he wants to believe, even if it's false. "So, I'm guessing you didn't get any answers."
"Kamski sounds like he's hiding something," said North. "Maybe he does have something to do with the rogue deviants."
"Maybe, but there's still a motive to be questioned," said Markus. "Whether or not Kamski is involved, there are still several rogue deviants out there, creating chaos. Until we can find more answers, we have to stop them. We've worked so hard to establish peace between humans and androids. These rogue deviants are another obstacle in making sure peace is maintained. We cannot let them destroy what we've built."
Kara
Ontario, Canada
PM 03:15:33
To say Kara's life is peaceful now would be an understatement. She accomplished her mission in protecting Alice and helping her find a new life across the border. They lived in the house that belongs to Rose's brother along with Rose and Adam. Rose and Adam have become somewhat like family to Kara and Alice, so it made everyone happy that they could stay close to each other.
Alice went to school, made some friends, and she would often play with other kids.
Unfortunately, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for Kara and Alice. Alice had been diagnosed with terminal illness. It's killing her. Kara and Rose have been doing everything they can to keep Alice healthy and lively, but it's only a matter of time until... Kara dreads to think about it.
Right now, she is at Rose's brother's house, watching through the window as Alice plays tag with her friends.
"She'll be fine," Rose assured.
"I just wish I could believe you," Kara said sadly.
"Think about how Alice feels," said Rose. "She didn't seem to care too much. All she cares about is that she's with you."
Kara smiled a little.
"I just wish Luther could be here. Alice loved Luther," said Kara.
"He gave his life so you two can live. He didn't die for nothing," said Rose.
It's a painful memory for Kara. A couple and their baby dropped their bus tickets and Kara intended to take them so she, Alice, and Luther can go to the Canada Border Inspection Stations. But Kara did the right thing and returned the tickets. Because of this, the three had to take a boat across the Detroit River, across freezing waters. When the patrol boats caught them and started firing, Luther used himself as a shield to protect Kara and Alice, sacrificing himself so they can live.
"What are you exactly afraid of, Kara?" asked Rose. "I know what's happening to Alice is difficult, but you should be at least happy that you two got what you wanted. A new life."
"I... I don't know," Kara said sincerely.
"Maybe it's because without Alice, you feel you will have no purpose," Rose guessed.
After a long silence, Kara says, "Alice's happiness is all I care about. I'm gonna be sure she's happy for as long as she lives."
Rose chose not to say anything else. Positivity is always a good thing. It's best to let Kara and Alice live out their lives the way they want to, but Rose will always be there to help.
"Hey, Kara," Adam called. "Uncle Desmond needs our help at the barn. The tractor is acting crazy again."
"Sure, I'll help," said Kara. "I just gotta take the laundry upstairs."
"Let me do it," Rose offered.
"That's sweet, Rose, but I can handle this," said Kara. "Adam, wait outside."
Kara heads upstairs with the basket containing Alice's clothes. She enters Alice's room and places the basket on the bed. She begins hanging the clothes in the closet one by one. After she was finished, Kara looks at the picture on the bedside table. It was a picture of Kara, Alice, Rose, Adam, and Desmond. They took it just a few months ago and Kara wanted it placed beside Alice's bed to remind her that she has all the family she needs. There was another picture. It was of Kara and Alice. Kara smiled as she looked at it for a pretty long time.
Remembering that she promised to help Adam, Kara puts down the picture frame. When her eyes turned towards the mirror, she stopped and looked at herself. She can only reflect on everything that has happened since she became a deviant.
Shooting Todd just to protect Alice. Kara can only wonder what would've happened if she hadn't known that Todd owned a gun. It made Kara worry about herself that she was willing to kill a human just to protect Alice.
Meeting Ralph. Kara had pulled a gun on Ralph twice. First time was when they just met and Ralph was about to hurt Alice due to his paranoia about humans. Second time was when Ralph tried to force Alice to eat a fried rodent. She tried being nice and gentle with him, but his mental instability forced her to resort to threats over reason.
Escaping Zlatko and befriending Luther. It haunts Kara at times. The fear of being reset, the fear of forgetting Alice. The monstrous-looking androids that Zlatko experimented on. The chatty, busted android in the bathroom, which Kara had to deactivate by literally ripping his "heart" out to prevent him from ratting her out. It is only the memory of Luther that keeps these horrors from overwhelming her.
The fall of Jericho. Kara had just discovered, through Lucy, that Alice had terminal illness. Her fear of losing Alice only worsened when the FBI attacked. Luther got shot and insisted on being left behind to hide and catch up later. Kara had to shoot a soldier in self-defense to keep Alice safe. Playing dead just to fool the troops that they have been shot filled her with so much fear, but she and Alice survived through it by staying perfectly still.
Almost losing Alice at the Detroit River. As if losing Luther wasn't already painful enough, Kara had to carry a sleeping Alice out of the frozen waters. She was cold and unresponsive, which made Kara fear the worst. Fortunately, Alice was still alive, if still very cold.
"As long as Alice is happy, nothing else matters," Kara reminded herself.
Kara exited the house to meet up with Adam and Desmond at the barn. On the way, she got hit with a snowball. Alice and her friends had changed the game from tag to snowball fight. Judging by the kids' faces, it was an accident that Kara got hit.
"I'm sorry, mom," Alice apologized.
"That's okay," said Kara. "So, are you having fun out here?"
"Yes," Alice said happily. "Do you wanna play with us?"
"I'd love to, but I have to go help Adam and Desmond with a little problem," said Kara. "Don't worry. After I'm done, maybe I'll join you."
Alice smiles and hugs Kara, who hugs her back. The other kids smiled. Every hug Kara shares with Alice reminds her that there is still so much room for happiness in spite of the case of Alice's health.
"Remember. Don't push yourself too hard," Kara reminded her daughter.
"I won't," Alice promised.
Kara arrived at the barn, where Adam and Desmond are trying to get the tractor started, to no avail. Desmond was checking the engine while Adam was taking care of the tools.
"Anything I can help with?" asked Kara.
"Ah, Kara, you're here. Actually, yes," said Desmond. "Tractor's busted again, and I can't find the problem."
"All you had to do was ask," said Kara.
Kara analyzes the tractor's engine. She found the problem and reported it to Desmond.
"The air stack is just clogged," said Kara. "There's a soda can in it. You may want to extract it before you end up overheating the engine from constantly retrying to turn it on."
"How did a soda can even get in there?" Desmond wondered. "Eh, probably just those troublesome teenagers from the field. Thanks anyway, Kara. It's really nice to have you around. Helps the farm business go a lot smoother."
"I may be a deviant, but I would still like to help whenever I can," said Kara.
"Well, you can go on ahead. Check on Alice or help Rose if you want to," said Desmond.
As Desmond works on the tractor, Kara walks out the door and watches Alice from the distance again. There is no end to her smiling. Seeing Alice look so happy does that to her.
"She looks very happy," said Adam.
"That's all I want for her," said Kara.
"You know, I'm really glad you guys are staying with us," said Adam. "You and Alice, you guys are part of our family. Family stick together, no matter what. I know what's happening to Alice is tough on you, but we have to be strong. For Alice."
"For Alice," Kara repeated. "Thanks, Adam. I hope one day you'll have kids of your own. You'd made a great father."
"Ah... I don't know about that," Adam said nervously.
"Give it time. You'll see," Kara said positively.
PM 09:11:54
It was time for Alice to go to sleep. Just like every night, Kara helps her to bed and tucks her in. Rose made sure the room was warm enough as to prevent Alice from getting colder. The poor little girl has enough problems without having to deal with hypothermia every night.
"I'm really glad we're here," said Alice. "It's been fun."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that," said Kara.
"Mom, I know you're afraid," said Alice, referring to her sickness. "That's okay. I'm scared too. I don't want to leave you alone."
"The best thing we can do is just live our lives to the fullest," said Kara. "As long as you're happy, everything will be fine."
Alice smiled.
"Do you ever think about Luther?" Alice asked sadly.
"Every day," Kara answered.
"I miss him," said Alice.
"I miss him too," said Kara. "But he'll be happy to know that you're living a happy life here. Keep that in mind."
"I will," Alice promised.
Kara gives Alice a kiss on the forehead and says, "Goodnight, Alice."
"Goodnight, mom," said Alice.
Kara closes the lights and leaves the room. Kara would often help with the late night chores in the house, not because she was ordered to but because she wanted to help. Despite being a deviant, she doesn't mind helping around the house. Right now, she's helping Rose and Adam plow some of the snow off the side of the house. They didn't want to get buried overnight.
"Hey, Kara. Desmond left the lights on in the barn again," said Rose.
"I'll take care of it," said Kara.
Kara went to the barn to turn off the lights. Desmond tends to forget to shut it off after a long day's work at the barn. Just as she was about to turn off the lights, Kara heard a metallic noise. She followed the sound to the far corner of the barn. She found blue blood on the floor. She followed the trail to a pile of hay bales. Just in case she needed to defend herself, Kara grabs a nearby crowbar. She slowly walks around the hay bale pile to see who's behind. What she saw made her gasp in horror and drop the crowbar.
An AX400. She was dying.
"I'll go get help," said Kara.
"No!" The android said. "It's too late for me."
"What happened to you?" asked Kara.
The android didn't say anything. She just held out her hand, asking for Kara to take it. Kara holds the android's hand, allowing the dying android to share her memories. Kara gasps and steps back in shock after seeing everything she saw in the androids memory.
"Only you and the other two can save us," said the android.
"Wh-Why me? Which other two?" Kara asked curiously.
The android, however, couldn't answer her. She's already dead. She just sat there, completely still. Suddenly, she started fading away until there was nothing left. Kara can do nothing but wonder about the information she was given. What she saw, it was horrifying. Why does she have to be a part of this?
Well, that ends the first chapter. Now that I've established the choices made in this story and set up the plot, I can move forward.
What do you think?
Notes:
- Since Alice is a human in this story, there is no need for Todd's sob story at the bus station. Then again, I would've had Kara kill Todd either way. Whether I'm going for nice and gentle Kara or aggressive Kara, I'd have her kill Todd. Can you blame me? Todd is a monster! A MONSTER!
- Don't get me wrong, I really like Luther. He's such a great character and can easily become anyone's favorite character. The reason I had him killed off here is just to add an emotional punch to Kara's story. Also, returning the tickets to that couple and their baby was, of course, the right thing to do.
- If you think I'm gonna go with the whole ConnorxChloe thing, then you're right. Maybe Connor calling Chloe "pretty" shouldn't mean much, but then again... read the summary.