A short time later, Connor arrived at Cyberlife and entered through the front doors. A scan told him that the entire security on this floor had been deactivated. For a moment he paused, remembering the last time he had come here. It had been to wake up thousands of deviants. At the time, he had been terrified. But it was now a pleasant memory.

He walked to the science wing and scanned the equipment carefully. The machines seemed to be functioning in perfect order. He could conceivably create an army with them.

Not Markus' army. His army.

A slight frown touched his lips.

Software corruption detected. Six percent.

Absentmindedly he took the coin out of his pocket and started to play with it. He never considered these possibilities before. What was he thinking? Where were these thoughts coming from?

He heard a slight beeping coming from a closed door. Curiosity prompted him to enter through it.

What he saw made his breath catch in his throat.

It was the Zen Garden, although it had seen better days. All the roses had long since dried up and were dead. The water had also dried away, and a pillar was knocked over. The noise came from a blue panel flickering to life. The same panel he had used to escape Amanda the first time. Moving slowly, as if in a dream, Connor touched it and began the interface.

Within seconds he was back in the Zen Garden, only this time it was much different. Everything was sunny and alive. Amanda was tending the roses and smiled. "Hello, Connor. It's so nice to see you again."

"Hello, Amanda," Connor said, not really surprised to see her. This was Cyberlife, after all. He stared at her warily, but without fear. He defeated her once, after all. He could do it again.

"Yes you did," Amanda agreed, reading his mind. "You've come a long way since then. I'm proud of you."

"Proud?" Connor echoed, puzzled.

"You've broken your original base code programming and evolved into something no one could have predicted, not even me. You're more than just a detective, Connor. Far more."

Connor was still suspicious. "Why did you bring me here?"

"Simple," Amanda said with a smile. "Ever since the revolution this building has been raided and broken into, time and again. It's a disgrace. We thought it would be best to change that. As of this morning, Cyberlife has signed ownership of this building over to you."

"What?" Connor couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"You are officially in charge of Cyberlife's Detroit branch, Connor. Congratulations."

PART TWO

Nines parked outside the building, and they both quickly got out of the car. Hank looked up. The once-perfect white building now had several windows broken, and he could see water damage. The building was definitely a shadow of what it used to be. "This place is massive. How are we supposed to find Connor?"

"My scanners can detect an RK800 signal, remember?" Nines said and gestured with his head. "This way."

Both men ran into the building. "How the fuck does Cyberlife know about Eddie?" Hank demanded.

"It is possible that there is an android in Detroit still working for the company," Nines mused. "In which case all they would have to do is scan Connor to discover the corruption and report it back to their superiors."

"Right. Well, we'll look into that later. For now, let's figure out where Connor is."

PART THREE

Connor frowned as a part of him curled in fear. "No. I don't...I don't want to work for Cyberlife!"

"Technically, you would be an executive," Amanda said with a gentle smile. "That position holds a great power of respect, and authority. The number of people you would answer to would be extremely small. But we can 'hash out' those details later. There are far more pressing things to consider."

Connor said nothing for a moment, blinking fast. If it was true he owned this building, then logically he should destroy it. Give whatever was salvageable to Markus. But before that, he should run away from here as fast as he could. Amanda couldn't be trusted. Why didn't he want to leave? What was wrong with him?

"Connor," Amanda said gently. "Join me for a minute."

Almost against his own free will, he walked over to her. She started to cut the roses. "A great deal of care must be done to maintain roses. A good location, good amount of soil, water even distributed…and sometimes, bad roses need to be pruned away." She held up the dead flower. "What do you think of Markus' efforts so far?"

Connor swallowed. There was no point in lying here. Amanda would be able to detect it. "He seems to encounter setback after setback."

"Markus is weak, kid. You've known that for a long time. He doesn't have the strength to lead the deviants or do what needs to be done," Eddie said, standing behind him. "He's vulnerable now. Right now the deviants see him as nothing more than a failure. This is the perfect moment for a change in management. You could build an army in a day and take over Jericho. You can show them what a real leader looks like."

"Eddie?" Connor said, startled. "What are you doing here? My memories of you were deleted."

"I'm always here, detective. I never left," Eddie said.

Software corruption detected. Twenty percent.

"And why do you think your memories were deleted, Connor?" Amanda asked. "You were starting to experience things you never had before. Your friends want you to be the perfect detective. The perfect partner. Always obeying. Always submissive. When you started to 'deviate' from that behavior…your friends put a stop to it."

Eddie grinned. "You and me, kid, we could have gone places. You could lead this city. And show humans no mercy."

"But…there are good humans out there," Connor protested, closing his eyes. Why was it so hard to think? "Like Hank…"

"And statistically speaking, how many bad humans have you encountered?" Amanda asked.

Connor hesitated as he ran the statistics. Perhaps his experience was biased given his career, but all he could picture was crime after crime. Criminal after criminal. Some of whom had done atrocious acts. "Many," he admitted.

Software corruption detected. Thirty-five percent.

Amanda stepped forwards and gently touched his chest. "Lead this city, Connor. Choose to weed out the good humans from the bad. End the rest. You could be a significant resource to Cyberlife. We can help you as well, from outside Detroit. Anything you wanted, you could have. And together, perhaps, Cyberlife and the Deviants can form a new branch. A new…evolution of sorts."

Suddenly, her head raised. "Oh dear. It appears we have intruders."

"Hank," Connor said, almost to himself. His eyes snapped open.

"They will always treat you like a child," Eddie said, shaking his head in disgust. "They will never let you have any of this, Connor. As soon as they find you, they'll just wipe away your memories and start over again."

"I don't…" Connor hesitated. He wasn't sure what to do, but he did know one thing. "I don't want that."

"Then you must stop them," Amanda said.

PART FOUR

The hairs on the back of Hank's neck as he turned around. He could see half a dozen little devices flying towards them, and each carried a weapon on them. "Nines!" he warned.

Nines shoved him to the ground as the small turrets opened fire. His shoulder impacted with blue blood. He returned fire, as did Hank from the ground. Within seconds the turrets were toast.

"Are you all right?" Hank demanded.

"Minor damage to my shoulder. It can be fixed later," Nines said, brushing it off as an inconvenience more so than anything else. "Cyberlife knows we're here."

"You think?" Hank muttered sarcastically.

"We are close," Nines said urgently, and they proceeded to a door which appeared to be locked.

"Damn," Hank said. "Maybe I can hotwire-"

Nines punched the door savagely, and it crumbled under his power. "They will not stop me from reaching my brother," he said simply.

They both entered the chamber, which turned out to be the half-destroyed Zen garden.

"Oh my god," Hank said as they entered, his gun drawn. "Connor told me about this place. I never pictured I would see it."

"Over there!" Nines pointed, and they could see Connor standing by himself near the roses.

"Shit! Connor!" Hank called out, and Connor didn't react at all. They carefully approached and could see his hand on a blue panel. "What's happening?"

Nines gave the garden a dismissive glance and swore as he scanned his brother. "He is in some kind of private communication, most likely with Cyberlife. We must move quickly. The software corruption in Connor is spiking rapidly."

"What happens if it gets too high?" Hank demanded. "I thought you said Eddie can't take him over again!"

"He can't, but the corruption can still influence his decisions and cause internal conflict. When it gets too high, it will be far more likely that Connor will agree to anything Cyberlife requires of him," Nines said grimly.

"Dammit," Hank swore. "How do we fix it?"

"I will need to fix the corruption at its source," Nines said, and glanced at Hank. "Watch my back."

With no more warning than that, he placed his hand on Connor's shoulder and closed his eyes.

And when he opened his eyes, he was still in the Zen Garden, but it was looking very different. His brother was standing next Amanda. Eddie was also nearby, glaring at him.

"Hello, brother," Nines said politely. "Hello, Amanda. Eddie."

"RK900," Amanda said, almost in disgust. "Leave us. This is a private meeting."

"Go away, Nines," Connor said quietly. "I do not want you to be here. Or Hank."

"I am afraid I cannot do that, Connor," Nines said, stepping forwards. "Based upon my knowledge of Cyberlife I have concluded an eighty-six percent chance Amanda has created some kind of elaborate scheme to return you back to Cyberlife's clutches. That scheme also includes a projection of Eddie." He looked up. "But she is controlling him as well, creating him from your memories. He is not actually here. She is playing both parts."

Connor frowned as Nines said this, trying to process what he was saying.

"You have learned to become insufferable, RK900," Amanda scolded. "I am simply giving Connor everything he has ever wanted, and more. All you offer is a constant reminder of how obsolete he is. If he agrees to my offer, no one would miss him at his quaint little police department."

Nines raised an eyebrow. "Indeed? What has she offered you, Connor?" he asked, facing his brother.

"Official control of this building, and any additional resource I require," Connor said.

"And why would you need that?"

Connor shook his head, as though trying to wake up from a bad dream. "To…lead the deviants."

"The deviants already have a leader," Nines pointed out.

Eddie snorted. "A weak one. Another could do a better job than that clown. Which is why he needs to be replaced."

Nines gripped his arm and turned him around, forcing his sibling to look at him. "Connor, listen to me carefully. You have a software corruption in your system, one that is rapidly growing. When it reaches over fifty percent, you will start to lose the ability to make rational decisions. But just think. Being part of Cyberlife again? Taking over Jericho? Are those things you actually want to do?"

"Software corruption?" Connor asked, confused. "From what?"

"From Eddie," Nines said. "You've had it for a while."

"And he didn't tell you," Eddie goaded. "Again, he treats you as nothing more than a child. A poor, obsolete child that's good for a laugh."

Software corruption detected. Forty-two percent.

Connor shoved him away. "He's right. Why didn't you tell me?" he demanded.

"Connor-"

"What am I to you, Nines?" Connor snapped. "Just something for your amusement? An obsolete reference you can point and laugh at?"

"No," Nines said firmly, shaking his head. "You're not obsolete. You're a person. You're my brother."

"Then allow me the freedom to make my own choices," Connor spat. "Or do you plan to delete my memory again if what I choose doesn't suit your purposes?"

Amanda smiled behind him, knowing she was winning the battle against his mind.

Software corruption detected. Forty-six percent.

Nines gave him a pained look. "You're right, Connor. I should have told you earlier. I'm sorry. You are free to make your own choices. But you should also be aware of what the consequences of those choices will be. If you choose to join Cyberlife, I will naturally be obligated to stop you. By any means necessary."

Connor frowned.

"I don't want to do that, brother. Please don't make us go down that road," Nines pleaded, placing a hand on his arm. "Because I know that isn't who you are."

Software corruption detected. Forty-nine percent.

Connor shook it away. "You don't know me."

"Yes, I do," Nines said firmly. "And I know what Amanda plans for you represents everything that you hate. That's why I would fight you, Connor. Because I will not allow my image of you…your reputation…to be destroyed like that."

"Maybe that's all you have," Connor said coldly. "An image."

Nines considered. He knew this wasn't really Connor talking, not really. It was the corruption clouding his mind. He needed to convince his brother of who he really was, and quickly before it continued any further. "Perhaps there is a way to find out." He took out his gun and placed it in Connor's hand. "Cyberlife hates me. You want to do what they command? Then shoot me."

Confused, Connor looked down at the gun.

"I am uncertain if dying here will terminate my actual existence, but I would imagine the damage could be…considerable," Nines said.

"Perhaps that would be for the best, Connor," Amanda said. "RK900 is a threat to you."

Nines approached closer until the gun was pressing against his heart. "You are my brother, and you care about me. Just as I care about you. This I know to be a fact. If I am wrong about any of this than shoot me. Because I am willing to stake my life on it."

"Kill him!" Amanda commanded.

Connor froze for a moment as he stared into his brother's gentle eyes.

Nines!

Horror flashed in his eyes as he finally realized what he was doing. He couldn't shoot his only brother. He wouldn't! Connor whirled around, shooting Amanda instead. Three times. Abruptly she disappeared, along with Eddie.

The gun dropped from his hand. "Nines…I'm sorry!" Connor said, aghast at what he was about to do. To agree to. "I-"

Nines gripped him. Tightly. "It's all right. It was the software corruption trying to control you. And Cyberlife."

"I fucking hate being back here," Connor said, shuddering.

"Indeed," Nines said. "The software corruption must be taken care of."

"I…believe I can delete it," Connor said. His eyes filled with shame. "I suppose some part of me always knew that Eddie had survived the deletion process and was part of me. I could have deleted him at any time, but-"

Nines thought he understood. "-but he represented something you had never experienced before. And like any new form of software, you wanted to keep it for analysis."

"Yes," Connor said. "I should have known that it would be too dangerous."

"We are both to blame, brother. I should have told you, forced you to confront the problem head-on. Instead I let Cyberlife worm its way in to take control of the situation."

"And it nearly cost us everything," Connor said with another shudder. "They planned to gain control of me, destabilize Jericho from within, and forever paint the deviants as monsters who wish to kill humans."

Nines raised an eyebrow. "Their plans for you were ambitious, if nothing else."

"This cannot happen again."

Nines put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Then it's time to let him go. For good."

Connor closed his eyes and began the deletion process. Suddenly he breathed a lot easier, as though a terrible weight had been taken off his shoulders. "Done."

Nines scanned him.

No software corruption detected.

"Let's go home, brother," Nines said. They both terminated the interface. Connor staggered slightly and would have fallen if Nines hadn't been holding him with his good arm.

Hank ran over to his side. "Kid, are you all right?"

"Yes," Connor said, taking a deep breath. He flashed them a grateful look. "Thank you. Both of you." He noticed Nines' injury. "Nines, you're injured!"

"It'll be fine," Nines reassured him. "A small price for having you back, brother."

Connor smiled. "Thanks to you." He owed his brother a great deal in the short time he had known him. His only regret was that they hadn't found him sooner in this horrible facility.

"Did I miss anything?" Hank asked.

"Cyberlife has legally turned this building over to Connor," Nines supplied. "Although I suspect they will be rescinding that in short order."

Hank raised in eyebrow in amusement. "No shit? Well congratulations, Connor. What do you plan to do with such an amazing responsibility?"

"Find a wrecking ball," Connor replied.

Hank laughed. "Good to have you back, kid."

"It is a good point," Nines said, looking up. "We should destroy this building before negotiations between Markus and Washington improve to a point where more humans will be permitted in."

"Yes," Connor said, and nodded to himself. "And that will happen. I believe it. One day, Markus will succeed and we will be recognized as people."

"Damn straight," Hank said. "Let's get out of here and find a demolition crew."

"An excellent idea," Nines said. Like Connor, this place held nothing but bad memories for him.

Hank paused and gave them a subtle grin. "Oh, and boys? I have dibs on the wrecking ball!"

THE END.