It was over, the revolution was over and the androids won their freedom. It had been over for a month now, yet not much had changed. Sure, androids were accepted as alive and there were some rights that have come about thanks to Markus pushing as much as he could but there were still cases of anti-android people and those who still discriminated. They did that by using loopholes in the new laws or doing things that not yet have come to pass. It was tough but it was to be expected, the only thing anyone could be thankful of, was it wasn't a crime to be alive.
For one android it was tougher than the others to adjust to being alive. That android was the former deviant hunter. Due to the job laws not passing yet, he had no purpose. He couldn't work with Hank and more so, he felt out of place even more. He wanted to interact with his kind more but he felt their stares and looks, could tell the stress levels rise a little and it didn't help that even humans were not fond of him much. So due to this he had spent most of his time with Hank, staying at home and going out to get food supplies for Hank so he can eat better. Essentially Connor had become more of a house-maid than anything, but it kept him occupied.
He made meals, cleaned the house, looked after Sumo and Hank. Sure it was boring compared to what he was used to and he felt worse than usual, but he couldn't complain. Hank was nice enough to let him stay anyway so this was the least he could do to make it up to the lieutenant. More so make up for bringing him into his mess, with the other model of him threatening to kill the human. It wasn't the fact it was his mess that bothered Connor the most, it was the fact it was another him that was doing it. If he had remained a machine, that could have been easily him; about to kill Hank or worse yet going through the actions and feeling nothing.
He shook those thoughts to the side as he sighed, he was glad Hank was at work, since it meant he had time to think and to do it where the human could not see him and worry. He didn't need anymore worry given to him then he already got. He knew his LED was flashing amber as he worked himself up so he went and turned on the television, wanting some sort of distraction from his thoughts and as he flicked through the channels he found a news report with Markus. Curious, the android sat down and turned the volume up to watch the newscast.
"So, you are what the androids call their leader. What are your thoughts about your role? Did you think you ever would step up to it, before all this started?" The interviewer asked, leaning in curious of the android's reply. Markus sat quiet in thought for a second before moving so he was leaning back in his seat.
"No, I never did think I was going to be able to be in this position and to this day I still don't. I don't think of myself as the leader of androids, I just did what I could to help and what I thought was necessary to help androids and humans respectively." The android showed no signs of lying and his tone was calm and polite as he gave a small smile as he continued.
"When I was following my orders, my dad, who I worked for at the time...It's thanks to him I was able to be who I am today. Also...I have to give credit to my brother. He helped push me to become a deviant, I never would have woken up and made my choice if it wasn't for him." He left out the part, unknown to the public and to those at Jericho minus North, where Leo had literally pushed him and Markus had to fight back to defend himself. He didn't want anyone thinking anything negative of the situation of course.
The interview held a curious look as they raised a brow. "You said, your father and brother. Android's can have families? You mentioned you worked for him meaning he was a human yes?"
"Yes, my father is a human. I still see him from time to time when I can. Androids feel and they think so why would they not have a family? Androids can be in a human family as much as an android family. Think of it this way, if a human were to adopt an android they'd be in the family or if the android wanted to stay with the people they worked for…that again would be considered family." Markus explained with careful thought.
"Androids are not so different from humans, we need company and feel we belong. If we don't have that familiariarity then it's hard to see the light. As cliche as it sounds, everyone needs support and family provides the best kind. People you trust and care for while also having them care for you." Markus finished off with a small laugh.
The interviewer laughed a little with him and changed position to sit so they were on the edge of the chair leaning forward with a serious look on their face. "So a question that many humans have been asking us to ask you is this. What made you decide to go about this peacefully as you did? Despite the fact many androids were killed and how they were treated, you could have easily went to fight."
Markus seemed to frown for a second with a small sigh and sat forward also, his expression changing to serious. "An eye for an eye and the world would be blind as it was once said. I always refused to answer crime with more crime. It never would have solved anything. Sure, we could have been freed that way but how many more would have died? How many humans would have been caught in the crossfire? Not all humans are bad. Despite how other androids felt at the time, I knew not all humans were bad. My dad for example is a human and he is one of the greatest men I know." He paused as he thought about what he was going to say next.
"If we fought, it would have gotten out of hand. Either the people in Detroit would have to evacuate and be forced to accept us against their will or they'd fear death by us or…." He trailed off thinking about the alternative North had once suggested, again unbeknown to the public. "I couldn't let myself become the monster humans thought Androids were. There was no need for violence and I do not regret how things were handled to this day." He sat back as the serious look never faded, this revolution could have gone so many ways and he was thankful it ended the way it did now.
"I see, you seem to place a lot of the responsibility on yourself. Why is this?" The interviewer asked and Markus' expression changed from serious to a look of solemn. It had been a question he had expected to come up and yet it was also a question no one really knew the answer to and one North certainly kept asking him. She kept asking him why and that Jericho was always behind him so he wasn't alone.
"This is a tough one to answer…" He admitted with truth. "I guess it is because it is a burden no-one else should ever have to carry. We were all lost and confused, hiding in the dark waiting to be shut down by our injuries. Someone had to do something and I guess since then, I have taken it on myself to be there for any android in need. No matter their background and no matter if it seems hopeless." He didn't care if it drained him and hurt him to hear how some androids were treated or see them shut down in front of him. If he could help at least a little, that's all that mattered to him.
The interviewer nodded as they gave him some time to collect himself as they spoke again. "Our final question we have here for you is what do you plan to do next? We know you are the one who is trying to implement laws for androids and some have come about already. So what we want to know is what upcoming laws are we to expect?"
"Well right now in the process and will be happening soon is that androids will be allowed to seek and get jobs with their own pay. I understand this may hold issues but as people all androids will have an opportunity to get work if they wanted, and that includes new workplaces opening for opportunities for humans and androids alike. There will be charity places run by us at Jericho where anyone can help and work and we will try to aid in a kind of payment that can help you as you help others if you ask for it and need it, and I am trying to sort out more for everyone so no one is left out."
The interview had come to an end with some polite chatter and thank you's and by that point Connor turned off the television. He sat in the quiet with a small smile, he was going to be able to apply at the DPD and as a proper member this time. It did make him feel better then he was when he woke from rest mode. The deviant checked the time in his internal systems, Hank wasn't due to leave work until another few hours or so, so he needed to do something to fill out the free time he had.
He got up and stretched a little, one of the many habits he had picked up from Hank and he headed to the kitchen and started to prepare something for the lieutenant to eat. Sure it was early for dinner but if he made something that had a long cooking time, it would be done for when Hank got home.
Connor first went to feed Sumo and let the dog out and then went to work on dinner. He scanned the cupboards and decided what he should make, some homemade lasagne, this way it would take a little bit to cook and can be reheated for Hank's lunch some other day or a quick dinner. Set with the goal in mind, he began to gather what he needed and started to prep dinner and as he did so the android began cleaning up the kitchen and then the house to pass time. When he detected when Hank would have finished, Connor began to start on the food.
He didn't realise Hank had come into the house until Sumo started to bark at his presence, it caused the deviant looked up and smiled at Hank as he sat at the table so the two could talk easier. "How was work Hank?" Connor asked, a faint smile on.
"Shit. It was like if you threw everything good in the world into a landfill site and that was buried into hell." Hank grunted as he glared at the table, making Connor laugh a little at the act.
"You were doing desk work all day and had to share work with Detective Reed. Did I get it right?" Connor took the two things he knew got on Hank's nerves most.
"Worst. I had to go on a case with the prick. Bank robbery. Sadly he didn't get caught in the crossfire and even worse he tried to tell me how to do my job." He grumbled. "Please say you can come back. I don't care about the law, I will shoot him myself if I have to go on another job with him."
The smile on Connor widened. "Actually Hank, we may not have to break any laws. Markus was on the news today and he said he was working on letting androids get a paid job." He had to admire that android but so did everyone, but at the same time he felt guilt to be around him due to his actions and what Amanda nearly made him do.
"So Robot Jesus has it covered huh?" Hank looked back at Connor with a smile of amusement but also pride. "Good, it means we can get you your job back and we need to go shopping then." At that Connor got confused, shopping? It seemed Hank caught his confused look and sighed with a smile.
"You're a free man Connor. You don't need the CyberLife uniform anymore. Unless...y'know. Unless you still want it." The human stopped, giving a patient but caring look to the android. Connor had never thought of giving up his jacket. Sure, he occasionally wore some normal clothes around the house but if he went out, he wore his jacket.
"I...don't think I'm ready to get rid of it yet...Sorry…" Connor looked down as he turned off the oven. As he did so Hank stood up and stood behind the deviant and pulled him into a hug. Instead of pushing away, he leaned into it wanting the comfort.
"It's okay Connor. If you want to keep it and if you want to wear it then do it. You don't need to apologise kid." Hank soothed as he rubbed soothing circles on Connor's back, allowing him to relax a little into the hug. Connor was always so self conscious of how others saw him and how he was getting along, as for what he knew he was the only deviant that still wore their given uniform and one of the few who kept their LEDs in. It made him feel out of place with his own kind but also with humanity, but he couldn't bring himself to part with them yet as it felt like a part of him.
"Thanks Hank…" Connor mumbled back as he begrudgingly broke the hug and turned to the oven and got the oven gloves on and took the food out. "How much do you want?" He asked, but before he got an answer, Hank took the gloves off him and guided him to sit at the table as he went and served up. What confused the android was, he was serving two plates. Hank did not need to eat that much right?
He got his question answered as Hank placed a plate of the food in front of him and Hank put one down where he was sitting. "Before you give me your bullshit. I know you have a stomach or whatever you call it. You've never actually had anything you made or anything since being around me. So eat." It wasn't an order though, it was more of a suggestion but Connor found it warming he was given the opportunity.
Grabbing the knife and fork and glancing to what Hank was doing, he cut the food in the same manner and blew on the hot contents. He could still burn his mouth on it after all and he did not need that, especially since it could mess with his analysing program. So once satisfied it was cool enough he put the food in his mouth and chewed, then swallowed it. He could only say one thing. He loved it. His face lit up as he ate more of it without hesitation, making a little mess as the sauce spilled and it caused a small laugh from Hank.
"Should've guessed though you would have got something healthy. But what do I care? It's edible." Hank tried to pass off, trying to make Connor feel less in attention as he ate his first meal. Connor had made a vegetarian lasagna for the two but Hank had to admit, it did taste decent. For the android however, it seemed to be the best thing he had ever tasted. Because of this, it made Connor a little down when he finished the food, but he did feel full. His food compartment probably couldn't take more food.
"It...was rather nice." He admitted with a smile. He hadn't needed to eat before but this felt right. The food tasted great and it left a nice feeling inside him, only issue was he felt more sluggish due to the food in his system. He didn't realise Hank had gotten up and took both plates to the sink to wash them as he placed his head on the table with a satisfied sigh and closed his eyes.
"Don't fall asleep on me yet kid." Hank laughed a little as Connor felt a hand shake him. Waking up a little, he rubbed at his optical units, he hadn't realised he went into rest mode at all. "Come on, let's get you to bed son." Connor tiredly nodded as he felt Hank help him to his feet and to the sofa where he claimed for his own. Laying down, he felt Hank throw the duvet on him and tuck him in before heading to his own room. The two satisfied for the night and looking forward for the day tomorrow.
At precisely 6:14 am, Connor woke up, rusing himself from sleep mode. Their day started at 8:00 am and he knew to wake Hank at 6:50 am to give him enough time to wake up and get ready. The android got up with a stretch, still feeling slightly sluggish, and headed to the bathroom to start getting ready. He ran a shower, mainly to feel more relaxed due the fact androids did not really need to wash as much as a human would. He dried himself off, got into his CyberLife uniform and brushed his hair into place and then went to the kitchen to make the lieutenant some coffee before waking him up. Connor learned the hard way of not doing that.
Once the coffee was brewed and on the table, Connor knocked on the door of the sleeping human. "Hank, you need to get up if you want to get ready for work on time." On the other side of the door he heard something being thrown at it and a comment on him not being his mother. "I made some coffee...would be a shame to let it go to waste." Connor put on a nonchalant tone as he heard a few curses on the other side of the door and some creaking as Hank got out of bed.
Connor laughed a little as he walked to the kitchen and fed Sumo his breakfast as he pet the large St Bernard and heard the door open and another closing. Hank was up and about it seemed. The android got two slices of bread and put them in the toaster and as they came up, Hank had come into view and sat at the table. Connor put the two bits of toast and buttered them, putting them in front of Hank as he sat next to him. "A record time Hank, it only took you five minutes to get out of bed today." He laughed a little.
"What have I said? No talking until I had my coffee." Hank brushed off with a huff, taking a bite of the toast. Sure, it could be seen as cold but Connor knew better. He knew Hank was far from a morning person then any person on the planet he knew. Whereas, Connor was more of an early riser, he never slept in. So instead of annoying the grouchy man more, he turned on the television and put the weather channel on, setting the volume lower. Seemed today was meant to be cloudy but no rain.
Once Hank ate and drank his coffee, the two got to the car and began to drive to the precinct. If there was one word to describe how Connor felt. It was nervous. He was bouncing his legs a little and he pulled out a coin he had, flicking it back and forth, what was once a calibration method was now a tick. He didn't notice as his LED cycled amber as he kept his eyes on the road, memorising the street names, number plates and rough road speeds of the other vehicles passing by. Just something to take his mind off of all this.
"Connor, relax. They know you already, you got nothing to be nervous about." Hank spoke up, trying to calm the android before he worked himself up more. Connor's gaze moved to Hank as he caught the coin between his fingers.
"I know but...this is an actual job and they can still refuse me. What if I'm not good enough? What if they don't want me because I'm an android? What if…" He trailed off his mind racing as he thought of multiple outcomes of this day. He wanted this job, there was no way Connor could try and get another.
"Then I'll have a talk with Fowler. You deserve this job more than anyone there. You will be fine and you will do great. Anyone who says otherwise is a shitbag who doesn't know what they're saying." As they pulled up to some traffic lights, Hank gave a smile to the nervous android. "Trust me Connor. If I still work there, you can land the job."
As the light turned green, Hank looked to the road and continued the drive. The pep talk helped calm his nerves a little but not all the way. Connor put the coin in his pocket as his leg continued to bounce and him still memorising what he sees outside. As they pull into the driveway of the familiar police department, the two headed in and the android took a deep breath and exhaled, Hank giving him a pat of encouragement as he headed to the captain's office as Hank went to his desk, but looking into the place to let Connor know he wasn't alone.
"Captain Fowler, my na-"
"I know who you are Connor. I remember you the first time you were here. Take a seat." The captain interrupted. The deviant nodded as he sat down, his stress levels rising to 34%.
"My apologies captain I just...I was here wondering if I could…" He stalled, he was nervous again, he couldn't do this. He needed to get out of here. What was he thinking, trying to demand a job? The law wasn't through yet, of course he won't get the job, if he just waited…
"Thank christ I never been more relieved to hear someone ask for their job back." Fowler's words cut through the anxious androids thoughts. "More and more android cases have been popping up since the revolution and people coming back to Detroit. So I want you and Hank to work on these okay? You two are best qualified. I can't say you will be paid for certain until the law passes though. So when do you want to start?"
Connor froze for a few seconds, trying to process this. He got the job back? But he shouldn't have had. In a daze he blinked a few times trying to get his bearings back. "Um...today?" He meekly replied, not having the voice or processing capacity to handle this information. He heard the captain laugh a little with a nod.
"Then consider yourself part of the team. Now, you will be working unofficially right now but I will do what I can within the law until that new one comes in." The rest of it was a blur, he signed some paperwork in his usual CyberLife Sans font handwriting and some basic rules talked to him that he already knew and then he was sitting at his desk beside Hank. He still was coming to terms with the fact, he was accepted.
"What'd I tell you son? I knew you'd get the job." Hank just laughed a little as he gave a proud smile Connor's way.
"I guess you did...I'm just happy I got it. I can work here and with you." Connor was happy to work alongside Hank, he was his work partner and friend after all. "I guess we have a lot of work to do though. Captain Fowler told me android cases have increased."
"I knew we couldn't catch a break. Alright let's do it, but no action today. I am not awake for this shit." Hank huffed, and so began his usual routine of working as a police detective. For the first time in a while, the android felt his life was going on how it should. With a purpose.