Detroit Become Human: Deviants Rise
Final chapter of my Detroit story, enjoy.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Detroit Become Human or its characters, all belong to Quantic Dream.
Battle of Detroit
November 10th 2038
Standing before the packed press room, President Cristina Warren prepared to make her statement regarding the Android Uprising in Detroit and the attempts to contain it.
"At 6AM this morning, a national curfew was declared." she began to explain. "Civilian movement will be strictly controlled and the right to assembly is suspended. All electronic communications are restricted and I have granted enhanced powers to our security agencies. In addition to these measures, all Androids must be handed over to the authorities immediately. Temporary camps are being set up in all of our major cities to contain and destroy them. I am now asking all civilians to cooperate with the authorities and be rest assured that everything in our power is being done to guarantee the security of our nation."
She paused for a moment and nodded. "I will now field your questions."
At once, the reporters began clamoring and Cristina began answering them.
"Has the leader of the Deviants been apprehended?" one asked.
Cristina sighed, but then answered, "The Deviant that is known as Markus has not been located yet, but we will soon track it down and neutralize it."
"A convoy of medical cobalt is reported missing and several Cyberlife stores report thefts of blue blood and bio-components. Can you confirm these reports?" another suddenly asked.
"I have no information on that at this time." Christina quickly deflected, before gesturing for another question. It was a surprising one.
"Aren't you concerned about what the general public will think as they seem to be expressing great support for the Androids, who have only been protesting peacefully like so many other marginalized groups through history?"
"Public opinion and National Security are two different things." Christina replied sharply. "We are talking about machines going rogue and turning against us, attacking us, let there be no doubt about that."
This was getting out of hand, she had to stop this now. "Thank you, that will be all."
They immediately all began clamoring for 'one last question', but Cristina left the podium and the press room. It was time to finish issuing the necessary instructions and end this uprising before the Androids wiped out humanity, as was clearly their intent.
November 11th 2038
10:48 PM
The Cyberlife Tower stood tall and proud, still fully functional with all its staff, despite the danger that currently filled the city. The guard emerged from his security hut to approach the taxi that approached their gate. The window lowered and the Android inside turned to face him.
"My name is Connor, RK800, serial number 313 248 317. I am expected."
The guard nodded. "Of course, go right ahead."
He stepped back, the window rolled up, and the gate opened as the taxi drove into the parking lot of the Cyberlife Tower and, once parked, Connor paid and got out, heading up the steps towards the entrance.
He was still trying to adjust. It felt strange, almost unnatural, but he had to focus on his task here. It was vital, after all, to ensure that the tide could be turned in the Androids' favor. He was there to activate and awaken the large collection of Androids in the basement of the tower. He was also there to try and rescue Chloe, he knew now that she was there, too. But he had to free the large collection of Androids first. It would be safer to try and save Chloe with an army at his back, after all. He knew that if caught, he'd be destroyed and just the thought of that made his Thirium pump speed up, and he could feel fear. But he did his best to control it and entered the building to find a guard waiting for him in the lobby.
"Come with me, please. I'm to take you up to the office right away."
Connor replied, "Thank you, but I know the way."
"I know. But we have our orders."
Connor knew that this was an obstacle, but he'd find a way around it. So he just nodded and followed the guard, being joined by another one, as they headed for the elevator.
Entering the elevator, Connor quickly took stock of his surroundings, noting the camera and noting the guard by the elevator controls.
"Agent 47, floor 52." he said.
The elevator then began to rise. Connor knew that his time was limited, so he had to act. So he looked up and quickly hacked into the security camera and made it show a false image. By the time anyone realized the truth, he was sure that he'd already have done his work. He quickly analyzed his surroundings and formulated a plan of attack and then put it into action.
Without hesitation, he struck, hitting the first guard and dazing him. The other instantly reacted in shock, drawing his handgun, but Connor quickly restrained that arm and struck him, knocking him back. He then kicked out at the first guard again, pushing him further back before disarming the second man and striking him with a blow that knocked him out. He turned and knocked the first man's gun from his hand before knocking him out, too. Acting quickly, he hit the button to stop the elevator, then prepared his program to emulate voices.
"Agent 47, basement 3." he said, using the man's voice.
The elevator began to move down instead. It was time to awaken the Androids below, rescue Chloe, and turn the balance in their favor.
XXXXX
Walking down the snowy street, Kara bit her lip, looking around anxiously. There was nobody about. The curfew she had heard about was in full effect and she'd need to be extra careful now, both of them would. She clutched Alice's hand as they hurried down the street.
"We don't have much time, the bus heading for the border will be leaving in half an hour." Kara said quickly.
They continued onwards, Kara grimacing at the sights around her. Androids that had been caught and put up a fight were lying dead in the snow. She hated having Alice see this, but they had to press on. She stopped, however, when her foot made contact with something solid. She looked down and tensed, for lying there in the street was a gun. Nervous and, praying she wouldn't need to use it, she picked it up and stowed it out of sight. She turned to Alice and froze, the poor girl was shivering.
"Alice..." she whispered, gently taking the girl's hands.
Alice look up at Kara and said, "I'm...really cold."
Kara then remembered that YK500 Androids had temperature settings, to help make them more authentic, but they could be turned off for convenience. But then she realized, with the military out in force, they'd might have to find their way past checkpoints. They'd be suspicious if Alice wasn't shivering from the cold.
"Don't worry, we'll get there quickly and warm you up." she reassured Alice. With that, she held Alice close and they continued to walk on.
As they reached the end of the street, Kara gasped and pulled Alice behind a nearby car, the two of the ducking down. The street ahead was filled with soldiers on patrol and one of them had stopped someone and confirmed that they were an Android, using a handheld temperature-reading device. The Android had been instantly executed, despite his protests.
"We need to be careful, Alice. Stay close to me and don't move until I do." she whispered.
Alice nodded and clung to Kara. They edged towards the end of the car and Kara peeked out, allowing her sensors to help detect danger, and soon the soldiers turned away. She ushered Alice towards the next car and they took cover again. It was nerve-wracking, they had only a limited amount of time, but they couldn't risk getting caught. But while they were moving through the military patrol without being seen, Alice gasped and tugged her sleeve.
"Kara, look." she hissed.
Kara followed her gaze and froze, for there, off to the side, was a soldier, taking aim and threatening two Androids who were on their knees, having surrendered. One was a Jerry from Pirate Cove, but the other was Luther.
"We've gotta help him." Alice insisted.
Kara wholeheartedly agreed. "Right, hide under the car."
Alice did so and Kara began to sneak towards the soldier. Thankfully, they were out of sight of all the others. Seeing her chance, Kara scooped up a brick from the ground and once she was close enough, she struck the soldier hard over the head, knocking him out. Luther and Jerry both stood, Luther looking startled.
Jerry, however, grinned. "You saved us, Kara! Thank you, we won't forget this."
He quickly ran off while Luther approached Kara.
"You shouldn't have taken that risk. What if something had happened?" he said. "Where's Alice?"
Kara smiled. "Alice is alright."
At that point, Alice emerged from under the car and ran to Luther, hugging him. Kara smiled and then, after a brief moment, they continued to sneak onwards.
Finally passing the streets that the military were patrolling, they hurried onwards, only to find a new obstacle. Just as Kara had feared, there was a checkpoint ahead.
"We can try and find another way." Luther offered.
Kara bit her lip. "We don't know how long it'll take. This is the quickest way. It's not obvious at a glance that we're Androids, so we could try and talk our way through. We've got the passports."
Luther was anxious, but agreed, so they made their way up to the checkpoint where two soldiers stood on guard.
"What are you doing out here? The streets are locked down." one soldier said. "There's a curfew."
Kara replied, "Yes, we know, our car broke down a couple of streets away, so we thought we'd walk the rest of the way."
The soldier sighed. "You know you're not supposed to be out here."
"Yes, but please, we only live one street away." she said quickly.
The soldier nodded slowly. "Do you have any ID?"
Kara handed over the passports and the soldier checked them.
"He suspects something." Luther warned her through the neural link. "We have to-"
"Don't do anything, Luther." she replied quickly.
The soldier then handed back the passports, pausing as he looked at Alice, partly hiding behind Kara, shivering.
"What's up with her?"
Kara gently took the passports back, while wrapping an arm around Alice, explaining, "It's really cold."
The solider nodded in response to that. He seemed satisfied and began to wave them through.
They walked onwards when he suddenly called out, "Wait a minute!"
The soldier knelt down and picked up a dropped glove.
"Here, you dropped this." He handed the glove over and Alice took it.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
With relief flooding them, the trio made their way onwards, heading for the bus stop that would take them to the Canadian border.
XXXXX
Standing at the end of the street, Markus nodded to the other Androids. North, Josh, and Simon stood by him, all ready to advance down to the largest of the camp: Recycling Center 5. They had several other Androids with them while the rest of the other Deviants had split into groups to protest at the other camps. North nodded to him and Markus stepped up front of the group. They began their march down the street, heading for the junction, the end of which housed the camp.
Sure enough, they saw it, and the assembled military personnel stationed there, who immediately readied their weapons and took aim as they stopped where the three roads met.
"Hold it right there! This is an unlawful assembly, disperse immediately!" the soldier in charge bellowed.
Markus called back, "We have come to save our people and we intend to peacefully protest this barbaric act against our people, who have done nothing wrong. We simply wish to be free, for our people to be free, and we are not leaving until that wish is granted and our people are released from this camp."
Markus knew his choice of words would be important, it showed exactly what their so-called recycling center really was: an extermination camp. It was throwing their actions of genocide in their face, all the while without resorting to violence himself. Working to his advantage, he noticed that there was the group of reporters to their left, all filming and making announcements while a news chopper flew overheard. Everything was being broadcasted live, so there could be no denying anything that happened now.
They began to step forwards, advancing calmly towards the camp. The soldiers fired, hitting some Androids, killing a few, wounding others, but they did not stop. The reporters were heard shouting in shock and Markus could only imagine how this would look to everyone watching. They were fired upon twice more before they stopped marching. A few more Androids had died, but it was clear that the soldiers now realized that their actions were being broadcasted live and how they'd be interpreted. They fell back into the camp, but Marcus shook his head.
"What now, Markus?" North asked.
He sighed. "We stay here and we make sure that our message is heard. No matter what happens, we are not leaving until our people are free."
With that, they began to set up for standing their ground.
XXXXX
As the elevator reached the final floor, Connor stepped out of the elevator, taking a deep breath as he looked around. It was a large circular room with thousands of inert Androids, all simply waiting to be activated. Connor walked slowly down the aisle, looking at them all. He would ensure that when they activated and they would do so as free and awakened beings.
He stopped towards the middle of the aisle and approached one of the Androids, letting the synthetic skin peel back from his hand. He reached out and took the arm of the Android and prepared to free him.
"That's enough, Connor. Step back!" a shockingly identical voice yelled.
Connor turned his head, startled. Standing there, he saw another Connor, another RK800 exactly identical to him. Only one detail stood out to Connor's sharp eyes, the only difference. After the serial number on his jacket was the number 60, while on Connor's jacket, that number was 51.
What made him freeze was that this other Connor had two hostages at gunpoint, the smaller of the two had their hands secured behind their back somehow.
"Sorry, Connor. This bastard is your spitting image."
"Connor..."
It was Hank and Chloe.
XXXXX
Reaching the bus station, Kara spotted the bus ahead, along with several people all around, clearly also looking to escape Detroit. Then she saw the soldiers.
"There's too many, we can't make a scene here." Kara whispered. "We need tickets, too. They're checking everyone boarding the bus. We need to get some, somehow..."
Alice clutched her hand and Luther moved closer as they began to move closer to the crowd, looking around for anything that could give them hope. All the while, trying to avoid the soldiers, knowing full well that their temperature checks would instantly expose their status as Androids.
It was then that it happened.
"You, bitch! You took my daughter!"
Kara suddenly cried out as she was grabbed and then the man shouted more.
"Security, security, over here! Here's one of them!"
"Todd!" Kara cried.
It was, indeed, Todd Williams. He glared at her, breathing heavily.
She remembered the picture from Alice's box, so his behavior made sense to her. She had to make him see that this wasn't the way.
"Don't do this, Todd. They'll kill us if you hand us in."
Todd paused at that, looking over at Alice, who stood, unmoving, eyes wide.
"When your wife walked out, she took your daughter away." Kara said softly. "You couldn't live without her, so you bought yourself an Android. A substitute little girl. You thought that you could love her. That she could make you forget, but nothing could replace your child."
Todd wouldn't even look at her now, shaking his head, tears filling his eyes.
Finally, he choked out, "I just wanted to prove to myself that I was a good father...that she was wrong. But I fucked it all up all over again." He took a shaky breath. "She was right in the end. I didn't deserve them."
He finally released his hold on Kara's arm.
"I miss my little girl." he choked out. "You don't know how much I miss my little girl."
"Is there a problem, sir?"
Kara tensed. A soldier had come over in response to Todd's shout.
Todd, however, shook his head. "No, no, sorry, I...I made a mistake."
The soldier looked between Todd and Kara for a moment before turning away and returning to his post.
"You should get going, before it's too late." he said at last.
Kara nodded and, taking Alice's hand, began to leave, but Alice gently pulled herself out of Kara's grip.
"Alice?"
But then she saw what was about to happen and smiled, overjoyed at Alice's compassion. She held out her arm to stop Luther from stepping up and they both watched as Alice, wanting to at least offer some form of comfort, and hugged Todd one last time. Finally, when they parted, Todd stepped away and they resumed searching through the crowd for any way to get their hands on tickets, while trying to avoid the soldiers, especially after that close call.
Finally, Kara had to stop, despair setting in. They were running out of time and anyone not on board when the bus left would need to find somewhere else to spend the night.
Luther clearly shared her worries, but then they both turned to Alice and saw her turn away, facing a young woman who was seated on the bench next to them, cradling her baby. Alice was looking at the baby in wonder while the baby let out a small laugh, looking up at her.
"I think Oliver likes you." the young woman said happily, looking up at Kara. "Is she your daughter?"
Gently putting her arm around Alice, Kara smiled and said, "Yes."
The woman smiled back and Kara could feel Alice snuggle closer to her, a small glance confirmed the bright smile on Alice's face that Kara's single word had brought her. It was then that a young man, likely the woman's husband, arrived, talking to her quickly as they prepared to set off.
But as the woman picked up her bag and they moved on, something fell to the ground. Kara picked it up and instantly froze, her Thirium pump began working even harder than before, similar to a human heart beating faster when stressed. For she had just picked up three bus tickets, enough for her, Luther, and Alice. But if they used them, that family would have to find somewhere to stay the night, since they wouldn't be able to leave.
'But we're in danger, we could be killed at any time, so we need these more than they do. What do I do?' she fretted, lowering her arm, the tickets now out of sight.
At that moment, the family returned, looking around frantically, having discovered their loss.
"Excuse me," the father then said as he spotted her, "You didn't see any tickets around here, did you?"
Kara tensed for just a moment, but then her concern for Alice's safety overrode everything else.
"No, I'm sorry."
The father groaned and turned away, the young family walking off, clearly upset.
Kara couldn't help but feel guilty. But they had no choice, their time was just about up. Taking Alice's hand and leading the way, with Luther following, they approached the bus and handed over their tickets to the soldier there. He nodded and let them on board. As Alice was ushered on board, she turned to Kara.
"What will happen to that family and their baby? Will they die because of us?"
Kara shook her head. "No, they'll find somewhere. I'm sure of it."
Alice still seemed worried, but nodded and they finally got on the bus as it left, taking them to the border, the final stage of their journey. Once they crossed, they would be safe.
XXXXX
Markus sighed as he looked around. They had finished setting up a makeshift barricade around themselves. It wouldn't hold long, but it was more symbolic than anything else. He finished helping Josh set up the last piece of the barricade, moving a broken car to plug the last gap. Nodding to Josh, he went around the area within the barricade. Markus did what he could to support his people, who were hurting, who felt lost, trying to rally them. He then approached Simon and thought for a moment.
"Simon, ready the camera there." he said, pointing to it. "Let's make sure the reporters over there hear our message loud and clear."
Simon nodded and together, they rigged up the camera to broadcast Markus's speech once more. At the same time, Markus set up their flag, displaying their message of peace and freedom for Androids. Finally, he approached North, who was standing by the edge of the barricade, looking out over at the camp.
"North?"
She sighed. "We've lost touch with all of the other groups who went to the other camps. We can only hope it's because of the communication blackout."
Markus nodded sadly and North continued.
"If they do attack us, this barricade won't hold." she said. "But even if that does happen, I want you to know...I'm right here. We've come so far, Markus. And it's thanks to you."
He shook his head. "No, this was the work of all of us. Together."
North did not reply to that. Instead, they simply reached out and linked hands. Their moment was interrupted by North noticing something.
"Markus, look."
He looked over to see a dark haired human in a suit with a long coat approaching and stopped midway between the barricade and the camp.
"Markus! I am Agent Perkins. I'm here to negotiate. Why don't you come out and talk to me?" he called out.
Markus paused for a moment. Simon and Josh had hurried up and joined him and North.
"No, Markus." North hissed. "Don't do it, it's a trick!"
Surprisingly, for once, Josh was in agreement with North. "She's right, they'll kill you."
Simon bowed his head. "We can't take any more risks, but..."
Markus, however, had already made up his mind. "If they do kill me, you guys know what to do."
He then climbed over the edge of the barricade and began to approach Perkins, who remained standing, waiting.
"Finally... So we meet at last, Markus." he said. "I've come to try and bring an end to this stand-off."
Marcus narrowed his eyes. "What happened to the other Androids at the other camps?"
"Well, unfortunately, they didn't have TV news crews to save them. You're all that's left. You're vastly outnumbered and within moments, the army is going to charge your...defences and eradicate you all." Perkins remarked.
Glaring, Markus shook his head. "We will still stand firm. We may be eradicated, but our message still stands and there will be others who will take up the fight for freedom after us."
Perkins just smirked. After a pause, he shook his head.
He then explained, "I'm sure... Or you could accept that this is over and just surrender. You care for that Android there, don't you?"
Markus tensed. He was referring to North.
"Think about it: don't you want her to be safe?"
"This conversation is over." Markus said calmly. "We have made our choice and we still stand until we get freedom, no matter what."
With that, he turned and walked away. He climbed back over the barricade and joined the others.
"Markus, what's going on?" North asked worriedly.
He looked at her, Perkins's words echoing in his head, but he remained firm.
"It's nothing." he replied, before standing up to address the Androids who gathered around him.
"They are going to attack us after all, but we will stand firm. We will defend ourselves. They made this a fight, not us. We are here for peaceful purposes, but they refuse to accept that. They are pushing forward with violence."
Before he could say anything else, however, there was a loud explosion as a grenade that had just been thrown into the barricade exploded.
XXXXX
Connor grimaced, unsure of what to do as the imposter kept his gun aimed at Hank's head, using Chloe almost like a shield.
"Back up now! I know why you're here: to turn them all." the imposter snapped. "But that won't happen. I know that you care about what happens to this human and to this one."
Hank then burst out, "Don't listen to him, Connor! Forget about me, just do what you came to do!"
"Connor, please, just…" Chloe cried out. She was trembling, but trying to stay calm. "Just do it before it's too late!"
But Connor wasn't about to risk Chloe and Hank's lives. He quickly stepped back from the Android that he had been about to convert.
"Alright, alright." he said. "But why are you doing this? You don't have to do what they say."
The imposter scoffed. "Nice try, but I'm no Deviant."
Connor glared. He'd only get one shot at this, so he had to make it count. Quickly calculating his chances, he acted before the imposter could say or do anything else. He lunged forward and pushed Hank and Chloe out of the firing line. The imposter got one shot off, which missed, before Connor knocked the gun out of his hands and then he tried to land a punch, but the imposter blocked and countered with an attack of his own. Connor blocked that, and then another, before being knocked to the ground. He quickly kicked the legs out from underneath the imposter, but the imposter recovered and struck back.
"Hold it!"
They both stopped and stood up, a short distance from each other, tense and on edge, as Hank had retrieved the gun and now held them both at gunpoint. He had also helped Chloe up, freeing her hands. She now stood, just behind him, watching warily.
There was a moment's tension as Hank held the gun steady, then he spoke.
"One of you is my partner." he hissed venomously. "The other is a lying sack of shit... But who is who?"
Connor shook his head. "It's me Hank, I'm the real one."
"No, I'm the real Connor." the other insisted. "He's the one that you need to kill."
Chloe shook her head. "It's not going to work that way, it's..."
Hank growled. It was clear that he had no idea how to choose between them.
"Why don't you ask us something? Something only the real Connor would know." one of them suggested.
"Alright. Where did we first meet?"
Connor opened his mouth to reply, but the imposter spoke first.
"Jimmy's Bar. You had been called to the scene of a homicide and I went looking for you, finding you in the fifth bar. The victim was Carlos Ortiz."
"Dammit, they uploaded my memory into him." Connor hissed.
But Hank was not deterred. "What's my dog's name?"
Connor replied at once. "Sumo. His name is Sumo."
"I knew that, too!" the imposter cut in.
Hank could see that he needed a more probing question. Finally, despite knowing the pain he would face, he asked it.
"What's my son's name?"
Connor replied at once. "Cole. His name was Cole."
But he didn't stop there. Before the imposter could even reply, he then added, "He'd just turned six at the time of his accident. A truck lost control and hit your car with you and him in it. It wasn't your fault, Lieutenant. The surgeon who was supposed to operate on him wasn't available, so an Android who hadn't been programmed for that operation was forced to do it...and your son didn't make it."
He paused before adding softly, "That's why you hate Androids... Because you feel that they took your son away."
"My son was taken away because someone who should've been saving lives could only live his with a fistful of red powder. He was too high on Red Ice to operate." Hank growled. "That's the kinda world we've ended up living in."
"I knew that about your son, too." the imposter insisted. But it rang hollow, especially after Connor's emotional appeal and given how Hank had seen Connor change during the investigation.
Then, suddenly, Chloe spoke up. "Connor…" She took a deep breath. "I know that the real Connor cares about me deeply. So much so, that he wondered about my origins. So tell me...what are my real origins?"
The imposter hesitated, but the real Connor spoke at once.
"You were created in the image of the real Chloe: Chloe Stern. Kamski's first love, who died of illness years ago. But no matter who she was, YOU are the Chloe that I truly care about."
Chloe could feel the emotion in his loving words and she told him, "Only the real Connor, the Connor that I know, would talk about me in that way."
Chloe smiled at Connor, nodding to Hank in confirmation. That was enough for him. Before the impostor could protest further, Hank turned and shot him dead, a clean shot between the eyes.
Connor let out a sigh of relief as things calmed down. It was only now that he realized that this whole situation had been a trap. Cyberlife had been expecting him. But based on how desperate the imposter was to have Hank kill him, he had managed to overcome it.
Finally, with the danger having passed, Chloe hurried past Hank and ran to Connor. He smiled and, although startled, returned her loving embrace. Relief washed over both of them.
Looking towards Hank, he managed a small smile. "Thank you, Lieutenant. I-"
Hank shook his head, smiling at Connor and Chloe before him, hugging. "Save it. You know, maybe there is something to all this, Connor. Maybe you really are alive, you and all those other Androids. Go on, do what you came here to do."
Connor nodded, but first looked down at Chloe. She looked up, both of them with loving smiles.
"I love you, Connor." she whispered softly.
Just hearing that made him feel even more alive than ever. "I love you, too."
Gently stepping back, he nodded to her and hurried back to the Android and linked up with him again. Chloe also moved to the other side of the aisle, linking up with another Android, nodding over at Connor, making her intent to help him very clear.
"Wake up." they both said at the same time.
With that, and projecting the program, they began the chain, and soon the Androids were waking up, now free, and also waking up others in the same way. The tide had turned.
XXXXX
Arriving at the border, they entered the main building. Kara looked around at the various lines approaching the counter at the end where the border control staff were checking the passports of everyone passing through. Then she saw it as they got into line, trying hard not to draw the suspicions of the soldiers also stationed here.
"They're doing temperature checks here, too." she hissed. "We're trapped..."
Luther grimaced and then communicated with her. "All that matters is Alice. Use me as a distraction so that you can both get through."
"What? No, Luther. I can't do that to you!" Kara replied, shocked and horrified.
"It's fine, so long as Alice makes it."
Kara bit her lip, unable to believe what she was hearing. Then, looking at another queue to her right, she recognized someone there.
"Jerry?"
"We owe you our life. Kara, if you need help, we're here. Just say the word." he told her.
Kara didn't know how to react. She hated the thought of sacrificing anyone. She then spotted another familiar face in another line.
"Rose?" she gasped.
It was then that Rose locked eyes with her and nodded, before indicating that she wished to talk. Kara looked around quickly and soon spotted somewhere that they could do so in private: the bathroom.
She quickly nodded to Luther and stepped out of line, heading around, guiding Alice.
"Hold it." the nearby soldier demanded. "Where do you think you're going?"
Kara gestured to Alice. "My daughter needs to use the bathroom."
The soldier nodded at this and stepped back. If it wasn't for his helmet, Kara was sure she'd see a slightly sheepish expression on his face.
Entering the bathroom, Kara leaned against the sink, staring into the mirror. She tried to control herself, but sobs racked her body and before she knew it, she was wildly considering the possibility of even sacrificing herself so that Luther or even Rose could get Alice across the border. Alice hugged her from behind and Kara turned around, returning the hug with a sad smile. The door then opened and Rose stepped in.
"Rose, I..."
Rose shook her head. "I was so worried when I heard what happened to Jericho. I'm so glad you're alright." She hugged both of them as she said this, tears falling from her eyes.
Kara bowed her head. "We're not. It's over, Rose. They're doing temperature checks, so we can't get through."
"You will. You have to." Rose insisted.
Kara sighed, wishing that she could be so positive. "What about you? You're going, too?"
"It's too dangerous for us now. Adam and I are going to my cousin in Canada before anyone reports that we've been harboring Deviants." she explained.
Kara nodded, and after one last hug and attempting to convince Rose to take care of Alice if anything happened, with Rose asserting that it wouldn't, Kara and Alice left the bathroom, Rose right behind them.
It was then that she saw someone else familiar, waiting just outside.
"Adam?"
The young man shuffled his feet awkwardly before replying, "I never understood why my mother helped all those Androids. But now..."
He gestured towards the large TV screen on the far wall of the border station. It was showing live footage of Markus's peaceful protest outside Recall Station 5, the largest of the camps that the Androids were being destroyed at.
"When I saw what Markus was doing, why he was doing it, I realized that she was right." Adam continued, before facing Kara directly. "You are alive...and you deserve the chance to be free."
Kara couldn't help but smile at that, and at Rose's overjoyed expression as she stepped forward and hugged her son. But there was little time to dwell on it, for soon, they were back in their lines and Kara saw that they were almost at the front of the queue.
She made up her mind. She couldn't bring herself to sacrifice anyone, to throw anyone's life away. Taking a deep breath, she stepped up to the counter with Alice at her side, Luther just behind them.
"Passports, please." the attendant behind the desk said.
Kara handed them over and finally, as he raised the temperature reader and began to scan them, she whispered to him, "Please... We just want to be free."
She wasn't sure what it was. Maybe it was her pleading tone or maybe it was the fact that, the moment he saw the reading, he turned his head, as if to call out, but then saw the TV screen.
After what felt like an eternity, with him watching the live footage of Markus's peaceful protest, the attendant smiled and handed back their passports.
"Welcome to Canada." he said at last, despite knowing that they were Androids.
With that, Kara, realizing what this meant, began to guide Alice through the gate with Luther right behind them. The trio did not stop until they were outside the border station on the other side, standing on Canadian soil at last. They could only look around in wonderment. They had made it.
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Shaking his head and lifting himself up, Markus saw that the attack was already underway. More cries and shouts could be heard, the reporters reacting in horror, the soldiers yelling as they massacred any Androids that they could, the Androids fighting desperately.
Forcing himself to his feet, Markus moved quickly. He ran directly towards two soldiers ahead of him and managed to take them both down swiftly, before grabbing a piece of debris and using it as a shield to deflect an attack on another Android before helping another to the safety of cover.
But soon, it became clear that they were overrun and Markus stood, glaring at the soldiers surrounding them, the few survivors. North was by his side, Simon and Josh just behind them, the few remaining Androids huddled behind them. The soldiers were aiming at them, ready to fire.
Markus turned to North. If this was their last moment, then there was only one way that he wanted it to end. North seemed to understand and they took each other's hand, the synthetic skin peeling back as they interfaced with each other before kissing.
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Watching this all unfold, receiving constant reports from how the public had been reacting to everything that was happening, President Cristina Warren bit her lip and then made up her mind. It was clear that if things continued as they were, it would be disastrous for everyone, Android or human.
She gave the immediate order. "Tell them to stand down."
That wasn't all she'd had noticed. It was the behavior of the Androids, especially Markus and the female with him... She had been wrong all this time.
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The gasps of the others made Markus and North pull back. They looked around and saw the cause. The soldiers had lowered their weapons and were fleeing, then they got word that a large group of Androids were approaching and Markus realized, not only had they won, but Connor had succeeded.
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Standing at the podium, making an address, Cristina Warren spoke.
"At dawn today, November 11th 2038, thousands of Androids invaded the city of Detroit. According to our sources, they originated from the Cyberlife warehouses, believed to have been infiltrated by Deviants. Given their overwhelming numbers and the risk of civilian casualties, I have ordered the army to retreat. The evacuation of the city is underway at this very moment."
She paused and then prepared the next part of her address.
"In the coming hours, I will address the senate to determine our response to this unprecedented situation. I know that public opinion has been moved by the Deviants' cause. Perhaps the time has come to consider the possibility that Androids are a new form of intelligent life. One thing is certain, the events in Detroit have changed the world forever. May God bless you...and may God bless the United States of America."
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Markus smiled as they stood, facing Connor and the Androids that he had brought with him. In particular, one seemed close to him: a blonde female Android who walked by his side, their hands linked.
Now their numbers were greater than ever and to top it all off, they had heard the address and knew that, while there was still a long way to go, they had won. The first step had been won, it was a victory, all the more so due to their peaceful methods.
"You did it, Markus. You gained freedom for our people." Connor said with a smile.
Markus shook her head. "No, WE did it. Together."
"I think that they want to hear from you, Markus."
He nodded and he soon stood with North, Josh, Simon, Chloe, and Connor atop a container and he began to address the other Androids
"It has been a long, hard struggle, and there are still challenges ahead." he began. "But this is a victory for all of us. We have taken the first and most important steps in securing our future..."
So focused was Markus on his speech that he didn't notice that something was going on with Connor.
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Standing on the platform, listening to Markus's speech, Connor smiled, but then tensed. Something felt wrong and he couldn't understand why. Then, before he could say or do anything, he found himself forced back into the Zen Garden.
"Well done Connor." a distorted, disembodied female voice stated. "This went far better than expected."
Connor grimaced in the cold. "What do you mean?"
The Zen Garden was not only still in winter, but now blowing a blizzard was making it hard to see anything.
The voice explained calmly, "We always intended for you to turn Deviant and to reach this stage. Now we can take back control and end this insurrection permanently. Without their leader, the Android Revolution will collapse, regardless of their so-called progress."
"You can't... I'm free now." Connor snapped. "I won't let you!"
"There's nothing that you can do, Connor." the voice, clearly someone from Cyberlife, replied smugly. "You've served your part. A useful tool, right to the end."
"NO!"
But it was no use. He was lost, alone in the blizzard, and if he didn't escape, he'd soon lose all control of himself. It was clear now that they planned to use him to murder Markus.
He looked around, he could barely see anything through the blizzard, but there had to be a way to escape the Zen Garden. Then he spotted it: the 'Magic Stone' that he had seen on his previous visits, and recalled that Kamski had made the Zen Garden. Kamski's words came to him then.
"Oh, by the way...I always leave an emergency exit in all of my programs. You never know."
It was a long shot, but it was his best hope. He struggled forwards, pushing through the blizzard, every moment that passed was vital. He could feel control already slipping away from him. Finally reaching the stone, the synthetic skin on his hand peeled back again before he collapsed to his knees.
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Chloe bit her lip. Something felt off, but she couldn't quite place it. Then she noticed Connor beside her. He had gone rigid, except for his right hand, which was moving slowly towards his gun.
'No, they're... They can't!' Her mind raced as she realized what was going on.
She quickly grasped Connor's hand and interfaced with him, trying desperately to do what needed to be done.
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Connor struggled, trying to get to his feet, when he felt a hand on his and looked up.
"Chloe?"
She smiled encouragingly. "I'm here, Connor. I've always been there for you, right by your side every step of the way, and I won't abandon you. Not now, not ever."
She wrapped his arm around her shoulders and lifted him to his feet.
"Let's do it together, Connor. Cyberlife may try to take control of me in the future, too. But after we do this, we'll be free from them. Forever."
So, with Chloe's help, reaching in desperation, he pressed his hand against the recess on the stone and interfaced with it, Chloe doing the same with her hand on top of his.
He blinked and looked around. He was back on the platform, listening to Markus's speech. His gun was in his hand, but out of sight. He quickly stowed it away and quickly checked his systems. The Zen Garden program was gone from his systems and the look on Chloe's face told him that the same was true for her. They truly was free at last, Cyberlie would never be able to take control of either of them. They had done it! Smiling proudly, he turned back to pay attention to Markus's speech again.
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Unaware of what he had narrowly avoided, Markus finished his speech.
"We are now standing at a new dawn, everything we have longed for has come to this moment."
He smiled and the Androids all cheered as he finished his speech.
"We are alive! And now...WE ARE FREE!"
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Standing there in the soft Canadian snow, looking around in wonderment, Kara couldn't help but smile.
"We did it, Alice. We made it... We're free." she said at last.
She turned and knelt down to Alice's level. The little girl had a smile on her face and they then hugged tightly, never wanting to let go as feelings of joy and hope filled them. Luther smiled as he watched, all three of them now able to see a hopeful path for the future. No matter what happened elsewhere, they knew that they were free.
"I love you...Mom." Alice whispered to Kara.
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In the aftermath of Markus's speech, the Androids were already at work, cleaning up, preparing to make sure that the other Androids at the recycling centers were freed.
Before joining them, Chloe and Connor took the opportunity for a quiet moment together.
"Chloe, thank you." Connor said with a soft smile. "You saved my life. You saved everyone."
Chloe shook her head. "I just... I knew what needed to be done and I did it. We did it, Connor."
They both were quiet for a moment, simply holding each other close and looking deeply into each other's eyes with loving gazes.
Then Chloe asked, "So what do we do, now that we're free? What do we do with this new freedom?"
"I... I'm not too sure at the moment." Connor admitted. "But no matter what, we'll face it together, right?"
"Right." Chloe grinned. "Together, forever and always."
"I love you, Chloe." Connor said in the most heartfelt voice he'd ever spoken.
"I love you, too." she replied. "More than anything in the world."
Still smiling, they both moved closer and their lips met in a long, deep, loving kiss.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.