Driving all along the East Coast to enjoy their final two weeks of vacation had put both Hank and Connor in good moods. Whenever Hank would take his turn driving to their next destination, Connor would hold his glass bottle of sand in his hand and slowly turn the bottle end over end to watch the sand trickle up and down through the transparent container. The cork was secured tightly in the opening of the bottle to keep the sand from pouring out all over Connor's lap, and the young detective was completely content with only have the soft, white sand from his very first trip to the beach as a souvenir during the lengthy vacation.

Hank had gotten a keychain, a tacky t-shirt and a bunch of photos of Connor when the younger detective wasn't looking as his own souvenirs. More interested in watching the way Connor's mood lifted up higher and higher and began to actually smile from time to time as they explored the East Coast in all its glory, Hank decided that he'd encourage the younger detective to take vacations more often.

"What's next on the agenda, kid?" Hank didn't want to look at the G.P.S. and take his eyes off the busy expressway. "Another tourist trap or a diner?"

"No, this time we're going to a newly established museum dedicated to classic literature." Sneezing again as their return to the Northern area triggered more pollen allergies Connor blew his nose into a clean tissue and deposited into the little bag to be tossed out later. "...Hopefully the museum doesn't include historical dust."

Laughing a little Hank approved of the destination and sat up a little straighter in his seat. "If I didn't know you any better I'd think you were some sheltered kid trying to put on a good show for his teacher or something."

"I assure you that I want to go there because I find classic literature fascinating, and I know you'd enjoy it as well."

"You got that right. Don't forget to find all the other weird places along the way, too. We need to do this vacation right!"

"Do you want a picture standing next to the largest ball of yarn in North America? Or see the world's largest furniture store?"

"Why not both?" There was no reason that the duo couldn't stop wherever they felt like going. "Hell, we should also find all those weird little campsites and motels with a theme around them."

Turning to look at Hank beside him Connor gave his friend an odd glance where he sat as he took a single allergy pill and a gulp of water. "A 'theme'?"

"Yeah. Places that have a Western theme and have their staff dressed up as cowboys, or they have a horror movie theme where the staff dress up like ghosts and other monsters. That kind of weird stuff."

"According the G.P.S. there's a restaurant that revolves around an outer space theme a few miles past the literature museum."

"Do the staff dress up like astronauts and aliens?"

"Yes." Confirming the details of the restaurant on the G.P.S.'s information setting. "It's a restaurant with a photo booth, an interactive live performance every four hours and it includes a laser tag arena."

"Laser tag? Hell yeah..."

The reaction was unexpected and made Connor's brow arch a little. "You honestly want to play laser tag?"

"And you don't? Come on, I bet you'd win the entire round!"

"I'm not concerned with winning or losing, I'm merely indifferent to the idea of running around and shooting total strangers with colored beams of light."

"Spoilsport! Well, if you won't play then I will." Grinning smugly at the idea of being a trained detective playing laser tag with unsuspecting tourists and locals Hank was hellbent on playing at least one round, and he was going to tease Connor until joining him. "And I'll win."

Now intrigued by how much Hank wanted to play laser tag Connor decided to join in and try to coax Hank into taking it a step further. "Want to put down a wager?"

"Oh?" Taking the obvious bait Hank flashed Connor a coy grin. "What kind of wager?"

"Winner gets to pick the final destination before we return to Detroit."

"Why do I get the feeling you already have something in mind?"

"Because you're a detective."

"Smartass. All right, I'll take that wager. You and me, opposing teams in laser tag. Last man standing gets to pick the final destination." Extending his left hand out toward Connor as a sign of good sportsmanship Hank waited for Connor respond. "Deal?"

Shaking Hank's hand with his left hand Connor accepted the wager. "Deal!"

Leaving the museum with their own respective tomes containing copies of the most iconic pieces of literature revolving around crimes and mysteries tucked under their arms, the two detectives went on their way to the 'Out of This World' restaurant and prepared to cash in their unusual wager. Joining in on a group of ten other people already eager to play some laser tag, the two detectives were divided on the two teams and managed to square off in one big finale after their other teammates were eliminated throughout the intense round.

Tracking one another like true pros throughout the arena Hank and Connor managed to get within just feet of each other and fire off their final shots. Connor being younger and faster managed to get the winning shot by a mere two seconds, and Hank couldn't stop laughing at how seriously Connor ended up taking the game once they started playing.

Admitting defeat and feeling like he was a few years younger, Hank proudly accept the end of the wager and treated Connor to a victory meal inside the rather nice restaurant. It was a steakhouse that also offered up alternatives to make everyone feel more comfortable, but Connor decided that he wanted to at least try steak before dismissing it entirely. He was slowly feeling more comfortable with eating food and was no longer felt guilty for eating meat in general.

"That was a great game, kid." Hank complimented as they were served their steak dinners at their private booth. A small faux gold trophy was sitting in the middle of the table to honor Connor's victory in laser tag, and was now a new souvenir. "That's also the most human I've ever seen you act."

"Human?" Eyeing the prepared meal set before him Connor waited for Hank to make the first move on his own meal so he knew the proper way to begin eating something like a steak. It was a new meal for him to try. "How so?"

"You're having fun," Hank remarked as he picked up his knife and fork. "you're doing things based on your first impulses instead of relying on logic and fancy software, and you're actually smiling."

"...I guess I am." Cutting into his own steak at last, having watched Hank do the same thing seconds before, Connor tasted it and finally understood why humans coveted that particular dish so often. "I like this."

"Good, but, uh..." Noticing the way Connor looked a little uncomfortable Hank had to ask about his reaction. "Why do you look so upset?"

"Because this came from an animal."

"Oh, I get it." Always understanding of Connor's compassionate nature Hank wasn't at surprised that he was still feeling wary of eating meat. "Just remember this is nothing personal, it's just humans being humans."

"I know. But I still feel bad because an innocent animal has to die to keep humans properly nourished."

"Never change, Connor. That kind of empathy and compassion is a rare trait."

As the duo ate their dinner Connor's emergency phone buzzed in his pocket and he discreetly checked the screen as a text message was sent to him. Reading over the details Connor's posture slumped a little and he leaned back heavily where he was sitting.

"What's wrong?" Seeing Connor looking disappointed, if not sad, immediately held Hank's attention. "Get some bad news?"

"...No. I got a message from Abby and she said my deviant body has been fully repaired." Connor leaned forward again and gave Hank a wary glance as he contemplated what that meant for his future. "Once we're back home I can return to my life as a deviant."

"That is good news, but you look like someone just slapped you in the face. What's bothering you?"

"...I can go back to being a deviant, which is what I want and what's best for everyone, but that means moments like these can't happen anymore." Suddenly without appetite Connor looked like he wanted to be alone. "I can't enjoy tasting new food, I won't be able to really feel the grains of sand on the beach or the warm water of the shower washing over my skin, and I'll be limited in my ability to experience new things. I'll be entirely artificial again and that makes me feel like I'm somehow... less alive."

"Hey, whether you're a deviant or a synthetic human doesn't make you any more or less alive." Speaking firmly Hank refused to let Connor tear himself down or think of his life as anything less than important because he'd be a deviant again. "You'll always be Connor and you're one of the best detectives in the entire city, one of the kindest people on this planet, and one of the most incredible people to ever make an impact in our world."

"Thanks for saying that, Hank." Pushing his fork around on his plate Connor struggled to keep eating and not ruin the night. "I mean it."

"And so do I." Continuing with his dinner Hank did his best to make Connor feel better about the unusual situation. "You're a good person no matter what kind of body you may or may not have. That won't change your as a person or your heart."

"I'll remember that."

Seeking a distraction Hank picked up the little trophy and held it out toward Connor to see. "Wanna' put this on your desk back at the precinct?"

The very idea was silly enough to get Connor to grin again. "I'm not against it, but I feel like the other officers would see that as a challenge."

"Let 'em challenge ya'." Cutting further into his steak Hank shrugged his shoulders casually as he ate. "You'd just be defending your title!"

Continuing on their way up the East Coast with the intention of heading back to Detroit afterward as their vacation came to an end, Connor directed Hank to their final destination before returning home after three weeks. Connor guided Hank toward the final place they'd visit before driving out to Michigan and held tightly onto his glass bottle of sand as if anxious about the whole ordeal. The drive was a little crowded from thick traffic, but it wasn't overwhelming or beyond anything the two detectives could handle as Connor directed Hank perfectly toward the finish line.

Nearing the water and the hundreds of other cars converging at the location Hank chuckled a little and found a space to park. As he and Connor exited the vehicle Hank approved of their last vacation destination and gave Connor a confident nod as he realized where they were.

"I hope this is okay." Connor gave Hank a skeptical glance from over the hood of the vehicle. "I've never seen a waterfall with my own eyes before."

"Niagara Falls is a great pick, son. I've never seen one, either!"

"I'm certain you can find another keychain or t-shirt here, too."

"Damn right! I need to get something lame to commemorate my trip to one of the natural wonders of the world."

Heading out toward the iconic waterfalls thundering in the distance Connor and Hank glanced about the area and honed in on the Observation Tower that was overlooking the water. Wanting to see the falls in all their glory the two detectives entered the tower and stared out the window showcasing the expansive and scenic work created by nature itself, and were actually in awe of the majestic sight.

"We should get even closer." Hank suggested as he noted the line to board the Maid of the Mist to get see the falls in person. The ferry was almost as iconic as the falls themselves. "We can see the American Falls on our side and then the Horseshoe Falls on Canada's side."

"You don't mind?" Looking at his friend standing beside him Connor gave Hank a stunned look. "It requires us wearing ponchos and enduring cold water in order to see the falls more directly. You hate the cold."

"So do you. But this is different from dealing with a nasty Michigan winter or driving on icy roads. This is a rare experience that neither of us should miss out on because we have petty grievances from crappy weather."

"Okay then." Enticed by the idea of being able to experience such an iconic place in the world up close and personal was too good to let pass by. "Let's go and see the falls."

As expected the large tour boat was loaded with tourists and everyone was wearing blue tinted ponchos with 'Maid of the Mist' printed in black over the front. Approaching the falls while standing side by side on the boat Connor and Hank admired the incredible the sight of the thousands upon thousands of gallons of water crashing down with a force that mankind couldn't even begin to attempt to control or duplicate. Something about being surrounded by raw nature that wasn't marred by technology, advertisements or other man-made eyesores to destroy the serene environment made the moment seem all the more surreal and beautiful.

Thundering water was almost deafening, but at the same time it was soothing. The consistent and natural rhythm gave the entire area an entirely unique ambience that couldn't possibly be replicated elsewhere. It was as if going to the waterfalls was destined to be a calming experience for everyone who ventured out to the East Coast seeking comfort and peace.

Putting his right hand on Connor's water dotted left shoulder Hank gave the younger detective a kind smirk. "Great choice, son. This is amazing."

"Yes." Holding out his own right hand with his palm facing upward Connor let dots from the mist in the air collect on his skin in small droplets. Feeling how the cool water felt on his skin and seeing the way it made his artificial skin rise up with small goosebumps was something he never got to experience as a deviant, and would never be able to experience again once he returned to his life as a deviant. "...This is amazing."

Sensing the heaviness in Connor's words and emotions Hank sighed and gave Connor's shoulder a light shake. "And the memories are going to last forever."

"...Yeah, memories."

"Come over here for a second." Pulling on Connor's shoulder Hank guided Connor over toward the edge of the large boat and stood beside him where there were no other people. Quickly fishing his phone out of his pocket and from beneath the water resistant protection from the poncho, Hank held it up, turned on the camera and held it out to take a quick photo of himself standing beside Connor in front of the waterfall. "Smile!"

Not wanting to disappoint Hank in the request Connor pulled back the hood of his poncho a little and flashed a sincere smile for the sake of the photo. Once Hank lowered the phone Connor gave his friend a truly confused look. "What was that for?"

"For the memories." Pocketing his phone to keep it from getting wet Hank gave Connor a smug grin. "I don't have a robo-brain like you, so I need photographs to help me keep track of these things."

"Oh, right."

Wanting to keep Connor's spirits up Hank did everything he could to keep the younger detective from focusing on his last days as a synthetic human, and wanted to keep him happy during the remainder of their vacation. Motioning toward the direction of New York City not too far away from where they currently were Hank had an idea of what they could do next before heading back to Detroit.

"You know, New York has some of the best food in the entire world. They also have some of the most iconic structures, like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Hell, we could even see a Broadway show just for the sake of saying we saw one." Crossing his arms over his chest Hank made sure Connor knew that he was going to call the shots. "What do you think?"

"Well," contemplating the suggestion Connor gave Hank an appreciative smirk from where he was standing as he realized what his friend was trying to do. "it would make sense to see New York City while we're already in the area, as opposed to trying to come back out here at a different time. We should go."

"That's the spirit! We'll see all the usual places, get some good food and head back to Detroit tomorrow morning."

"In the morning?"

"Sure. We can find a hotel to crash in for the night and head back out after a good night's sleep. Sound good?"

Smirking a little more Connor agreed to the impromptu plan for one final adventure during their vacation. "Yeah, that sounds great."

What had been a three week long vacation came to its end with the two detectives feeling rejuvenated and more at ease in the world. The lengthy drive back to Michigan from New York felt like it was taking hours longer than it actually was, and Hank was eager to stop at every little random spot along the way to keep the vacation from ending. Seeing Connor looking despondent about his inevitable return to his life as a deviant made Hank's heart break as he knew how hard it was for Connor to adapt to his deviancy, and he knew he always felt out of place among the other humans. It was like Hank was taking an innocent kid away from their happy life and dropping them off somewhere less than ideal just because of a damn law telling him to do it.

Spending the entire day driving and stopping whenever possible had left Hank feeling tired, but Connor was exhausted. The younger detective struggled to keep his eyes open and fell asleep in the passenger seat after their final stop at a restaurant to eat and to refuel for the remainder of their drive. The allergy medication also guaranteed that he'd spend the rest of the drive sleeping peacefully in the front seat.

Watching Connor from the corner of his eye Hank was instantly reminded of how he used to take Cole out on long drives to help his young son fall asleep when he was a fussy baby, or of how he'd just go take a drive with Cole so they could be together after working long hours at the precinct. In a way it was like Connor was a second son that Hank had unintentionally adopted, and now the senior detective couldn't imagine his life without him.

Passing through state lines and returning to Michigan made Hank sigh with a sense of impending disappointment. The vacation was over, they'd be back home sooner rather than later, they'd have to go back to work and Connor would have to go back to being a deviant.

"You're a good kid, Connor."

Speaking in a whisper so he didn't wake the younger man up by accident Hank lamented at the idea of Connor having to do something he didn't want to do. It seemed cruel, and almost like Connor was being extorted by Kamski in order to just live.

"It doesn't matter if you're a deviant or a synthetic human, you'll always be like a son to me."

Remembering how the entire situation even happened thanks to a freak car accident was enough to make Hank's eyes tear up for a moment. He lost Cole to a car accident and almost lost Connor to a second car accident. It was a cruel pattern that made the senior detective's heart ache with unspeakable pain.

"And don't worry about a thing. Regardless of what color your blood may be, I'll never see you as anyone less."

Having had only a day to unpack after their vacation, pay Abby for dog-sitting Sumo and confirming with Captain Fowler that they'd be returning to the precinct on time the following day, Hank and Connor reluctantly made the uncomfortable drive out to Kamski's residence to return Connor's mind to his deviant body. Sitting in the parked car in front of the mansion the two detectives stared at the unassuming building as if they were staring at the gallows. Neither wanted to go and speak to Kamski or deal with the odd transition, but a deal was a deal. Connor was only testing the efficiency of synthetic organs in exchange for his deviant body being repaired and his life saved, he couldn't keep it.

Not saying a word the duo didn't make a move to exit the vehicle until after they saw Abby arrived in her own car to assist in the procedure. It seemed even Abby was wary of entering the mansion as her own hazel eyes were dark and seemed heavy even from the distance.

"Well, son." Hank interrupted the silence as he looked to Connor beside him. "Are you ready?"

"...No. But I don't have a say in the matter." Looking down at his right palm Connor traced his thumb over his fingertips and let out a deep sigh. "I have to do this. It's for the betterment of everyone else for my current body to be analyzed and the synthetic organs tested."

"That doesn't make it any easier."

"No, it does not."

Pushing open the door beside him Hank exited the vehicle and waited for Connor to do the same. Watching as the young detective slowly stepped out of the car Hank felt guilty just for driving him out to the mansion to begin with.

Holding his head high Connor made his way to the mansion's front entrance with Hank and Abby walking right beside him. Without saying another word Connor rang the doorbell and greeted Chloe the moment the blonde android opened the door. "...Hello, Chloe."

"Hello, Connor. Welcome back!" Opening the door for the guests to pass through Chloe stepped back and motioned for the trio to head toward the study. Through the study they'd find the lab where the procedure would be begin. "Elijah is expecting you."

"I presume everything is ready for the procedure." Sounding defeated and miserable Connor followed after Chloe as she led the group into the study and the lab where Kamski was already waiting for them. "No complications with my body?"

"None. Your body is fully operational and is functioning without any errors."

Stopping just outside the lab door Connor looked back at Hank over his left shoulder and let out a quiet sigh through his nose. It was clear he didn't want to go inside the lab or deal with Kamski, but he needed to honor their arrangement.

"You'll be okay, son." Giving him a subtle nod Hank did his best to sway Connor's fears without overstepping any bounds. "You know that Abby is going to be there the whole time and if anything goes wrong she'll personally kill Kamski and I'll help her dispose of the body."

Smirking at the dark joke Connor nodded once and then looked to Abby. "Are you ready as well?"

"As ready as I'll ever be for this type of thing." Giving Connor a gentle smile Abby rubbed her right palm along his left arm in a comforting manner. "The sooner we go in there the sooner we can leave."

"Right... Hank?" Returning his focus to his best friend Connor asked for a simple request. "Could you please wait out here for me? I don't- It'd be strange for you to see this type of transplant in person."

"Yeah, sure. I'll be right here when it's over." Putting his hand to Connor's shoulder Hank lightly pushed the younger man toward the lab door. "Don't worry about a thing, you're in the best hands with Abby around."

Giving Hank one last somber look as he entered the lab Connor closed his hands into tight fists at his sides and stepped inside the lab. "...I'm ready."

The interior of the lab was set up to look more like an operating room rather than a laboratory designed for housing and testing biocomponents, synthetic organs and various types of Thirium. Two examination tables were set up in the center of the room to aid in the procedure, and numerous monitors were stationed nearby. With Connor's motionless and powered down deviant body resting on one table, and Connor still inside his synthetic body now laying on the second table beside it, the transference would be ready to begin the moment Abby and Kamski had finished scrubbing up their hands. Every precaution needed to be taken during the delicate procedure.

Laying on the table with a cardiac monitor attached to his chest and a respirator nearby, Connor stared at the medical devices with actual fear in his soulful brown eyes. Once his intracranial processor was removed the synthetic body would be kept alive on life support while each of the synthetic organs were tested and analyzed after being active for nearly six weeks. The very idea of being nothing more than a guinea pig for one of Kamski's new designs in exchange for his life made Connor feel sick.

"The procedure will begin soon." Cameron, the Chloe model with medical programming, set about preparing Connor for the transference. Setting up an I.V. in the bend of Connor's right arm she injected a mild muscle relaxer and made sure Connor remained calm. "You'll have to be intubated throughout the procedure, but that's strictly a precaution."

"...I understand."

"Dr. Grayson will also perform a routine physical to get a base reading of your vital signs before anything begins. Do you have any questions?"

Speaking up in a low tone Connor watched Cameron's reactions carefully. "...How long will this take?"

"Approximately thirty-two minutes."

"And how long before my deviant body recalibrates?"

"That is estimated at ten minutes even."

"Then I can leave?"

"Correct." Checking on the I.V. in Connor's arm Cameron replied honestly. "Elijah has no reason to keep you here."

"That's good to know."

Entering the lab with her hands sterilized and protected under a pair of purple latex gloves Abby hovered over Connor and gave him a somber glance. "I'm going to give you an exam, make sure your body is strong enough to handle this procedure, and then you'll be unconscious throughout the entire thing."

"What's going to happen to this body after the procedure is concluded?"

"It'll have the synthetic organs tested and slowly removed for further analysis. Depending on the condition of the organs Kamski will able to estimate their longevity, submit the patent and submit the prototype synthetic organs for consideration by the surgeon general, and then this body will be donated to a medical charity of Kamski's choosing for further studying."

Feeling his synthetic heart skip a beat at the grim future Connor sighed to himself and closed his eyes. "I understand."

"Are you scared?"

"I'm not scared." Looking up at Abby again as Kamski entered the lab Connor knew that he was going to be put under anesthesia very soon. "I just want this body to be treated better than that. I'm alive because of it and it deserves to be more than a science experiment."

Sympathetic to Connor's feelings Abby sighed and gave him a reassuring smile just before Cameron secured a surgical mask over her face. "Try not to worry about anything. Once this is all over you can return to your life and think of this as nothing more than a bad dream."

"Yes." Watching Cameron insert a needle into his I.V. port Connor felt his body relaxing against his will and felt very sleepy all of a sudden as a second medication was injected into the line. "...A dream."

"Connor?" Lifting up his eyelids Abby checked to see if he was conscious and noted that he was completely out of it. "He's under. I'll do a quick blood draw to check on how well the Thirium is holding up, then do a routine exam."

Kamski approached the table and stared at the long faded bruise on Connor's chest and smirked a little. "It seems that Connor is not only a prototype of two worlds, but a survivor of two worlds. Truly fascinating to think about."

"'Fascinating' isn't the word I'd use." Abby snipped as she used a proved stethoscope to listen to Connor's chest. "Let's just get this mad science experiment over with."

Pacing about the study as he anxiously waited for Connor to exit the lab as his old deviant self, Hank stared at the keychain he had picked up during their vacation and remembered all the fun they had while they got away from the city to just live their lives without having their time dictated by the precinct or the criminals that made their jobs necessary. Unsure of how long he'd have to wait or how long he had already been waiting, Hank just continued to pace the floor and ignore Chloe's staring as she watched the senior detective walking back and forth from one side of the study to the other.

Trying to not fear the worst or assume that something had gone wrong during the procedure Hank reminded himself that Connor was healthy, his original body had been repaired, and that what was happening was necessary only through a contract and not a life-or-death situation. They both just needed to be patient and wait for the procedure to come to an end.

"Lieutenant Anderson?" Chloe called out to the pacing human in a kind voice from where she stood beside the lab's closed door. "Would you care for some coffee or tea?"

"No, I'm good." Stopping mid pace for a moment Hank looked at Chloe and slipped his car keys back into his pocket. "I just hate waiting."

"Would you like an update on the procedure?"

"Please!"

Chloe closed her blue eyes for a moment as her blue L.E.D. blinked in yellow for a moment. "...The procedure is over. Connor has been brought back online and is currently recalibrating."

"He's okay?"

"Yes. It'll be just-" The door beside her slid open as Connor himself stepped out and entered the study looking emotionally torn. With his L.E.D. cycling in a sluggish blue and his eyes downcast it was clear that what he had been through was a very unusual circumstance. "Oh, it seems Connor has decided to leave early rather than wait for full recalibration."

"Connor." Hank's shoulders slumped with relief as he approached the revived deviant and gave his shoulder a gentle shake. Even though Connor was wearing the same clothes he had been wearing when the arrived at the mansion it was clear that this Connor was now completely different. "How do you feel?"

Looking down at his right palm Connor looked at his non-existent fingerprints and closed his hand into a tight fist. "...Deviant."

"Do you feel sick or anything?"

"No, I just feel... I don't know." Struggling to articulate his feelings Connor gave Hank a lost stare. "It's hard to explain how I currently feel."

"Then don't try. Let's just get ya' back home so you can recuperate in privacy. Okay?"

"...Yes." Not waiting for Abby or Kamski to leave the lab after him Connor just thought about leaving the lab behind. "Let's go back home."

Chloe tried to stop them from leaving but was cybernetically informed by Cameron inside the lab to not interfere and let Connor go. According to Cameron the revived deviant passed all of his tests with flying colors and was deemed healthy by Abby.

Putting his right hand on Connor's right shoulder again Hank could feel that Connor was actually trembling where he stood. Whether that was because his body needed to recalibrate longer or because he was scared, Hank couldn't tell.

"Hank, I'm ready to leave now. Please?"

"Sure. Let's go, son." Accompanying Connor every step of the way Hank was prepared to act in the event Connor collapsed or felt ill in any way. "You can chill on the couch with Sumo and do whatever else you need to do in order to feel more like yourself again."

"Feel like myself again." Being led out of the study and right out the mansion's front door Connor contemplated what Hank was telling him even as he walked on his shaking legs over to the car to leave the mansion behind. "...I'm not sure if that's even possible."

-next chapter-