The spring air was much warmer as summer loomed over Detroit. Many people were taking advantage of the ideal weather and spending time outdoors with their families or taking care of chores that were long overdue thanks to the previously foul weather. The need to get outside and into the warmer atmosphere prompted Hank into taking the Oldsmobile in for a routine maintenance check and tune-up, and to get some shopping done with Lucas assisting him with the annoying chore. Having the two deviant brothers spending more time with Hank had done wonders for him on an emotional and mental level, and if the clever brothers had their way they'd be able to get Hank on a healthier diet to ensure he improved on a physical level as well.

Limping and pacing about the house in only his black sweatpants Connor rested his left palm over his chest as the lifesaving compressions he received the evening before had left him with a persistent ache as his body recovered from the nearly fatal bullet wound to his Thirium pump regulator. Thinking about everything happening in the city in that very moment, the changes actively underway downtown and the impending election in the fall, were all too much to ignore. With Sumo trailing behind his pacing, the Saint Bernard carrying the green fetch ball in his drooling mouth, Connor walked the same route from the front door of the house to the backdoor as he danced his coin over the knuckles of his right hand.

Unable to sit still or stop thinking Connor didn't break pace even when the front door opened as Hank and Lucas returned to the house. The moment the duo spotted Connor walking from the kitchen and into the livingroom they froze in place while giving Connor a disapproving glances.

"Connor, you're supposed to be resting." Putting the two grocery bags from his arms down onto the coffee table Hank grabbed onto Connor's right bicep and led him back down the hallway and into the guest room. "That was the deal we made before we left: We leave you alone for a while and you stay in bed to rest."

"I'm not tired."

"Doesn't matter." Opening the door Hank escorted Connor back into the guest room and over to first the queen sized bed against the wall that was nearest the door. The second queen sized bed was beside it and reserved for Lucas to use if the two brothers chose to stay with Hank overnight. "You still need to take it easy and get some rest."

"I can't rest, Hank." Sitting down on the edge of the bed Connor winced a little as the motion made his abdomen ache and his enhanced sensors quickly reminded him of his limitations despite being such an advanced model of android. Not resisting when Hank took his coin away Connor explained his reasoning to his trusted friend. "There's too much happening in the city."

Putting the coin down on the nightstand beside the bed Hank gave Connor a stern glance. "Which is why the precinct is handling it."

"I need to do something to ensure my people are safe." Rubbing his left palm over his mostly healed left eye Connor ignored the updates on his healing progress in favor of speaking with Hank. "The mayor has been convicted of his crimes due to overwhelming evidence provided by the F.B.I., and Perkins has been condemned for the genocide he committed back in November, but there's still so much at stake."

Pushing on Connor's right shoulder Hank guided the deviant back into the bed to lay down properly, then tossed the white sheet and chocolate brown comforter back over Connor's legs and torso to keep him warm. "Well, you can still take one day to rest properly before you get back to work."

"And if something happens while I'm resting?" Laying back against his pillow Connor gave Hank a truly pitiful glance. "Then what?"

"Like I said, the PRECINCT will handle it! The entire safety of the city doesn't just fall on our shoulders, you know?"

"...I know. But technically," find a potential loophole in the argument Connor tried again to get up and think. "as the only officers in the only deviant division in the entire city-"

"Ah, nope." Giving Connor an almost smug grin Hank crossed his arms over his chest and watched as Connor's soulful brown eyes searched his face for any sign of relenting. "Turns out that during our momentary absence Gavin and Tina have volunteered to step up and handle our cases in our stead. Gavin really wants to make a good impression with Abby and try to get past his previous anti-android bitchin'."

Such a claim made Connor's blue L.E.D. cycle to yellow for a beat with astonishment. "...Gavin?"

"Yup. Surprised the Hell out of me, too."

From the doorway Lucas entered the guest room and presented Connor with a pouch of fresh Thirium. "You should drink this, brother. Your self healing program is working nonstop as of the moment and your Thirium volume is being depleted quickly. I'll also assist you in changing your bandages this evening."

"It's interesting that you didn't become the technician like Ethan had done."

"Ethan?" Passing over the Thirium pouch to Connor to take Lucas's green eyes flashed with intrigue at the comment. "Have you spoken with him?"

"No. I met Zhorra two nights ago while she was in the city to meet a contact." Accepting the Thirium as he spoke Connor told Lucas about what he and Zhorra had spoken of while keeping certain other moments entirely private. "She told me that Ethan has successfully deviated, adapted to living in the refugee camp and elected to change his programming from paramedic to technician to better aid the other deviants hiding in the camp."

"I'm glad he's settling in okay." Genuinely relieved to hear such an update made a ghost of a grin appear on Lucas's lips. "I'm going to go take Sumo for a walk so he can get some exercise this afternoon. If you require anything contact me and I'll return."

Running his right fingers through his shaggy gray hair Hank sighed and waited for Connor to start drinking the Thirium before asking an interesting question without Lucas listening in. "So..." The front door 'clicked' shut as Lucas led Sumo outside and Hank saw his opportunity to speak to Connor in private. "You and Zhorra meet up in private, huh?"

Almost choking the Thirium Connor's eyes went wide and he pulled the Thirium pouch from his lips. "I-It's not like that." Blushing a dark blue Connor used his right forearm to remove the dribble of Thirium running down his chin. "We just keep each other in the loop when it comes to events in the city and out in the camp. That's all..."

"That kind of reaction tells me there's way more going on that just a little chit-chat, son." Holding up both hands as if surrendering and to silence Connor before he had the chance to respond to the leading comment Hank continued on with his thought. "But, hey. It's your life and you're free to do what you want and spend time with whoever you want, and, you know... Do whatever with whoever at the same time as long as you're not hurting anyone."

Looking away from Hank as if ashamed Connor stared blankly at the quilt covering his legs. "...Thank you for respecting my privacy."

"Sure." Dragging his right hand over his bearded chin Hank hid his amused smirk and knew that his hunch was right about Connor and Zhorra spending time together. "Get some sleep. If you're strong enough to walk around without holding your hand against your sore stomach then we'll go back to the precinct and handle desk duty for a while."

"Okay, that is acceptable." Managing to finish off the Thirium Connor addressed Hank in a rather confident manner as he put the empty pouch on the nightstand beside his coin. "I've finished studying for the detective's test next week. I've also finish studying three additional times as you requested."

"Good work, kid. Maybe you and Tina can do a little study-buddy session tomorrow just to drive Gavin up the wall."

"That sounds like it'd be a rather interesting prospect."

"I figured you'd like that." Noting the time on his phone Hank tilted his head a little and decided to offer Connor another interesting prospect. "Since you and Lucas are going to stay here again I think we should go ahead and watch those 'Star Trek' sequels so you can stop wondering about what happens."

"I'd appreciate that. I'm following your suggestion to avoid 'spoilers', but the temptation to know how the movie series ends is too tempting to resist at times."

"Tell me about it... You're lucky you were around for the 'M.C.U.' taking off back in 2008. I spent more money that the theater in those first eleven years than I did fixing up my first damn car. It was worth it though."

"Should we watch that next?"

"Only after I retire. Damn movies are good but take forever to get through."

"I believe that can be arranged."

"Uh-huh. Just get some sleep and let your system heal. I'll see ya' in a couple hours, son."

Something about the way Hank called him 'son' made Connor feel like he truly belonged in the household and like he was safe with Hank and Lucas in his life. Over time he had come to truly appreciate being referred to with such a term of endearment and knew Lucas felt the same. "Okay. I'll awaken by six o'clock, that'll give me four hours of rest."

"Deal. See ya' soon."

Watching as Hank closed the bedroom door behind him Connor neatly folded his hands over his chest and laid back to enter rest mode. As his eyes shut and his ventilation rate settled into a slow, steady rhythm he received an incoming call that made Connor's eyes snap back open with an unexpected sense of excitement.

...Incoming Call: Officer Evelyn Blythe

...Accept Call? [Y/N?]

Readily accepting the call Connor responded cybernetically to Evelyn with a notable sense of joy to his words. 'Hello, Evelyn. I'm happy to hear your voice.'

'Hey, Connor.' Sounding enthusiastic at the cheery greeting Evelyn spoke with her friend from afar. 'It's been a while since we talked, and well... I miss you.'

'I miss you, too.' It wasn't a lie and his response was so quick that Connor barely even registered what he had said. 'I've missed you ever since you left.'

'Yeah?' Evelyn swore Connor could hear her blushing over the line. 'Same for me. Being able to just hang out with you and be with you was one of the most freeing and relaxing experiences I've had far too long.'

'...Is it because of what happened during your previous relationship?'

Sighing a little Evelyn didn't deny the question. 'Yeah.' She admitted in a whisper. '...That's still a big part of it.'

'Please don't blame yourself for what happened. You told me what happened and I checked the news reports on the accident. It wasn't your fault that he got behind the wheel while drunk. You aren't responsible for the accident.'

'Yeah, but I'm the one who kicked him AND my little sister out of my house. If I hadn't reacted the way I did...'

'It happened because he was cheating on you with her.' Connor quickly remarked as he remembered the heartbreaking story Evelyn told him when they confided in each other during their night in her hotel room. 'You didn't know they had been drinking, whereas they were both adults who made their decision to make two very big mistakes that night. You must let go of your guilt.'

Evelyn was silent for a moment as she let out a small emotional sniffle. 'I want to, Connor. I really want to move on and not hurt anymore, but it's so hard. I lost my fiance and my little sister in the same night after telling them I never wanted to see either of them ever again. The pain of someone you trust and love breaking your heart is almost indescribable.'

'I know. I've experienced betrayal and a horrible sense of mistrust, and I know much it hurts.' The memory of Markus trying to kill him at the church during the night of the Revolution still ached in Connor's heart like an actual knife had been stabbed into his chest. 'You need to remind you that what happened wasn't your fault, just as I've had to do.'

'Did you talk to someone about your pain?'

'I've spoken with Hank about it a few times. He may not be a licensed psychiatrist, but he's a great listener and a wise guardian.'

'Sounds like my grandpa. I wish he was still here to help me.'

'Your grandparents and parents may not be in your life anymore, but I still am.' Blushing again Connor was now very aware of what he was saying and felt like he may have accidentally crossed a personal boundary. 'I mean... If you want to talk to me I'll listen. I didn't mean to-'

'Connor, you're sweet.' Stopping the deviant because he put his foot any deeper in his mouth Evelyn spared Connor some embarrassment. 'And thank you. You're a great guy.'

'Thank you. Are you planning on stopping by Detroit again?'

'Not for a while. Chicago is getting busy again and I'm officially the lead investigator in Chicago's very first deviant division.'

'Congratulations, Evelyn!' Hearing about the positive outcome genuinely filled Connor with enthusiasm. 'I'm going to take the detective's test myself at the end of the week and make it official as well.'

'Then I have a fantastic reason to make the time to visit you so we can celebrate! We can show off our shiny new badges together.'

'I'd like that. I enjoy being with you.'

'And I like being with you, too. You just let me be me. When I'm around other people it's like I need to put on a performance and play a part to make them happy. But with you, I'm just myself and I feel so much happier.'

'I think... No, I know that when I was with you that night here in the city I felt happy, too.' Confident in the emotions he experienced that night Connor knew that happiness was indeed what he had felt. 'For the first time in my life I can honestly say I experienced a moment of happiness. I'd... I'd like to experience it again. With you. If... If you want.'

'Sounds like you're trying to ask me out on another date.'

'Yes. I believe I am.' Pausing for a moment Connor tried to understand why his heart was suddenly racing in his chest as he spoke with Evelyn over the line. 'Will you... join me on another date?'

'I'd love to!'

A bright smile momentarily appeared on Connor's face as Evelyn accepted his offer and that moment of happiness returned for a fleeting second. 'I-I'm glad! When should we meet?'

'Next time I have the weekend off I'll come and see you again. That hotel was pretty nice and it had a pool. My apartment is pool-less and disappointing.'

'Or... Well, my brownstone doesn't have a pool either, but it's free to stay in and I'm sure Lucas wouldn't mind letting us have the place to ourselves.'

'Just the two of us, huh?' Teasing Connor about the tempting offer Evelyn graciously accepted. 'I like the sound of that.'

'And I'm looking forward to it.'

'So, now that we have our next date-night figured out, how about you tell me about work?' Sounding like she was looking for a smooth transition to go from flirting to talking Evelyn brought up a less than sexy subject to discuss. 'I've been keeping up with the news and I know that asshole mayor was busted by the F.B.I. itself. Anything else going on in your life?'

'Actually...' Thinking about what he went through with Lucas becoming his brother, the bombing at Hart Plaza that almost killed Hank and himself, the uncovered truth of his attempted murderer, meeting Elizabeth, spending time with Zhorra, being abducted and tortured by Daniel, and making the move to become an official detective was all just the tip of the very unusual iceberg in Connor's equally unusual life. 'There's been quite a bit that's happened since the last time we've talked. It... It will take a while to inform you of everything that's happened.'

'I don't mind. Just as you promised to be here for me when I need a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen, I'll do the same for you.'

'Thank you, Evelyn.'

'Talk to me, Connor.' Sitting down in the middle of the couch in her modest livingroom Evelyn encouraged her very good friend to open up to her. 'I'm listening.'

The following morning was thankfully quiet for the first time in weeks. Having recovered enough from the bullet wound in his torso Connor was situated behind his desk with his coin spinning on its side over his right index fingertip, and Hank was ignoring the coin trick as he sipped at his coffee from his own desk across from Connor. Thanks to Gavin and Tina taking care of the casework while Connor and Hank were away from the precinct there wasn't too much for the two detectives to catch up on. The duo were able to finish their own reports on the (now former) mayor, the Hart Plaza bombings, their statements against disgraced F.B.I. agent Richard Perkins, and of course the incident between Connor and Daniel that resulted in the abduction and attempted murder.

Despite patrol's best efforts Daniel hadn't been located yet and no one had any idea of where the deviant could've been hiding. Unwilling to released an A.P.B. on the deviant out of fear of bigoted cops and vigilantes attacking all 'PL-600' androids under the guise of trying to apprehend the wanted deviant, Daniel had essentially vanished into thin air.

As the two detectives focused on their terminal screens in silent contemplation the precinct's front receptionist, Pamela, entered the bullpen and addressed Connor in a low tone. "Excuse me, Connor?"

"Yes?" Turning to look at the kind deviant standing beside his desk Connor gave her a confused glance. "Can I help you?"

"There is a woman up front who would like to speak with you. Can I show her to your desk?"

"Of course." Slipping the coin into his right jean pocket Connor straightened up and turned off his terminal screen. "I'm free to speak with her."

"I'll bring her right over."

From his own desk Hank finished with his coffee and looked up at Connor curiously. "Got a friend stopping by?"

"I'm unsure. I wasn't expecting anyone to visit me."

Pamela returned to the bullpen with a familiar face behind her and a kind grin on her own face. "Here you are, ma'am."

"Thank you." Elizabeth gave Pamela a gracious smile as the receptionist walked away. Giving Connor an almost uncertain glance Elizabeth looked as if she felt like she was intruding by stopping by the precinct unannounced. "Hello, Connor."

"Hello, Mrs. Wolf." Returning the greeting Connor knew that his comment had caught Hank's full attention and that he was eavesdropping on the conversation out of sheer curiosity. "How can I help you?"

"I was hoping to speak with you for a moment. Am I interfering with your work?"

"No, not at all. I am curious as to how you found me here."

"I read in the newspaper about the Detroit Central Precinct handling the incident in the plaza and I saw your name being mentioned. It didn't take me long to follow the trail."

"I see." Standing up from his desk Connor looked for a vacant chair to offer Elizabeth so she could sit down. "Allow me to find you a seat."

Hank cleared his throat a little and offered his own suggestion. "Why don't you two just use an interview room? I'm sure you'd prefer the privacy."

"Oh, please don't fuss over me." Elizabeth didn't want any special treatment or attention from either detective. "I just wanted to speak with you for a moment before I go to work."

Locating a free chair from an unoccupied desk Connor placed it down beside his own desk for Elizabeth to use. "Please, sit down. How can I help you?"

"You've done more than enough to help me, Connor." Sitting down in the provided chair Elizabeth drew her brown her coat tighter around herself as if she were cold or feeling unnerved by the discussion. "You're even taking the time to speak to me now."

"It isn't any inconvenience to speak with you. If you ever want to talk to me you're more than welcome to contact me."

Elizabeth locked eyes with Connor as she began to relax a little where she sat. "I appreciate that."

Deciding to be polite and give the two some space for a moment Hank stood up from his own desk and picked up his mug to carry into the breakroom. "I'm going to get a refill. Would you like some coffee, Mrs. Wolf?"

"Oh, thank you, but I don't drink coffee. And please, just call me 'Elizabeth'."

"All right, I can do that. And I'll be right back."

While Hank walked around the two desks to get to the breakroom Connor focused entirely on Elizabeth. She was wearing her long brunette hair up in a neat bun, and her thick locks were streaked with gray indicating her somewhat advanced age. Beneath her brown coat she was wearing a set of lavender purple scrubs and her white tennis shoes were dirty and well worn at the soles. A name badge was clipped to the left breast pocket of the scrubs and just barely visible under the coat's left lapel. The way Elizabeth's deep brown eyes were full of emotion and even light made Connor feel as if he were somehow important to her despite having no real connection.

"I just wanted to thank you for everything you did for me, Connor." Resisting the urge to rest her hand on top of Connor's hands as they remained neatly folded in his lap Elizabeth just continued to speak with the deviant detective with utter gratitude in her words. "You not only helped me find closure with my son, but you even took care of me and saw me safely back to my apartment that night. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm just glad I was able to help you."

Returning to the desks with two mugs in his hands Hank placed his coffee down on his side of his desk and offered Elizabeth a mug of warm green tea courtesy of Tina's stash of tea packets in the breakroom. "Uh, I'm not great at brewing tea but I figured if you'd like something to drink, and warm tea is better than three hour old cheap coffee anyway."

Rewarding Hank with a small chuckle Elizabeth picked up the dark blue mug of steaming tea and gave it a small sip as she looked at Hank's name placard on his desk. "Thank you, Lieutenant Anderson."

"Please, if I get to call you 'Elizabeth' then you can call me 'Hank'. You're welcome, by the way."

"Hank then." Holding the warm mug between both of her hands Elizabeth relished in the warmth of the steeping tea radiating into her palms. "You're both so kind."

Connor approved of Hank's compassionate gesture and asked Elizabeth a curious question. "Might I ask when you began working at St. Mercy Hospital?"

"How..." Giving Connor an impressed smile Elizabeth needed to know Connor figured out her new occupation. "How did you know that?"

"Your attire mimics that of medical staff and I can see your name badge with 'S-T-M-E-R' visible from where I'm sitting. I can also tell by the wear of your shoes; which are O.S.H.A. approved non-slip work soles, that you spend a majority of your time walking in an area that may have potentially slick floors, you'll be expected to move about quickly. By all account you're working at Saint Mercy Hospital."

"I am." Admitting that Connor was right Elizabeth told him about her current job. "I'm a volunteer who spends time with patients and I help nurses when it comes to aiding the elderly or invalid about for physical therapy. It's very rewarding to be able to help people who need it the most."

"I understand that feeling. At least..." For a moment Connor's brow furrowed and his blue L.E.D. flashed to yellow. "I think I do."

"Oh?" Both Elizabeth and Hank gave Connor a puzzled look at that reaction as Elizabeth asked a follow-up question. "You've helped so many people I'm sure you must know how it good it feels."

"I've undoubtedly felt positive from such experiences, but I'm not so sure that I understand them. My..." Trailing off for a moment Connor tried to put his thoughts into words. "I was originally designed to hunt down deviants and arrest them. Instead I chose to let them go and help them. Why I chose to do those things is something I still can't fully comprehend."

"Sometimes the choices we make come from places in our hearts that we never knew we had."

"And I wonder if those choices were influenced by memories locked away inside of me without me knowing about it."

"Son?" Hank's voice cut in through the odd brain fog that was hovering over the deviant's head. "Are you worried that your choices weren't really your choices after all?"

"In a way." Admitting that's what was going through his head Connor gave Hank an uneasy glance. "I don't have any regrets but I do have hesitations."

"You were making free choices and breaking the rules loooong before that night when you-" Stopping fast Hank remembered that only he, Connor and Lucas knew of the truth of what happened that night in the church. "When you got some of your memories corrupted. It was AFTER your memory was restored did the buried memories of your past life come through. He may have helped shape your look and your voice, but you've always had your own stubborn and driven personality. Hell, the way Lucas is so much like you and he doesn't have those memories is proof that you're your own person and a great influence on other people."

"I wish I could be certain of that."

Elizabeth put her mug aside and rested her left hand on Connor's right wrist in a comforting grip. "You're very much like my son, but you're also very different."

Such a remark made Connor's soulful brown eyes narrow as he gave Elizabeth a stunned stare. "How so?"

"I couldn't be near my son as often I wanted, but I do know he was someone who was more closed-off than you are because of the abuse he suffered as a child. He was also someone who didn't like to stay put for too long."

"He traveled?"

"No, nothing like that. He would stay in an apartment or a rental house for barely six months at a time. I'd constantly see him packing up and moving his very few possessions around Novi as if he were afraid to let his guard down and be comfortable for even a moment. He never had any real friendships or kept in touch with anyone after he graduated high school." Elizabeth wiped away a rogue tear as she told Connor about her late son. "His whole life could be contained in just two boxes that he always packed up whenever he moved. He didn't have much to his name and seemed to be afraid to become attached to anything because he might lose it any second."

"I'm content where I am. I like my brownstone and I like spending time with Hank at his house. I'm also keen on forging positive relationships with as many people as I can." Connor could now see that he had some traits that were the polar opposite of his human counterpart, and in a way it was comforting. "I collect books, bottles and I'm actively learning how to play the guitar."

"My son had a guitar, too. It was dark blue and so old that I'm surprised it didn't fall apart on him whenever he picked it up."

"I found my appreciation for heavy metal music from Hank." Connor acknowledged the senior detective and gave him a subtle nod. "And Lucas found his appreciation for jazz from Hank as well."

"You're also both animal people, kid." Hank reminded the deviant with a knowing look in his blue eyes. "You spoiled Sumo rotten and now I have to deal with it whenever you two are away."

Elizabeth smiled a little as she thought about her own son's past behavior. "He loved animals, too. Whenever he was outside that horrible house he was playing with the dogs and cats from all over the neighborhood - giving them treats and playing from dawn til dusk. He liked to write small stories and escape reality whenever he had the chance, too."

"I like to read but I do not write." Connor noted sincerely. "I read for knowledge, not to escape my reality." Being able to relate to his human counterpart and being able to confirm that his own unique interests was oddly comforting. It was as if he was being able to connect with a long lost friend like Evelyn through Elizabeth. "Maybe my interests weren't influenced by his hidden memories after all. Maybe we just have a lot in common."

Hank placed his left palm on Connor's right shoulder from across the two desks in a comforting gesture. "And even if his personality did influence your own, would that be so bad?"

"No. I'd just like to know for certain what part of my mind is mine alone and which parts belong to him."

Elizabeth lightly patted Connor's wrist and gave him another smile. "Don't try to compare your life to another life. You're a great person and knowing that you're the type of person who will protect the innocent from all the evils of the world would be enough to make my son feel a little safer."

"Thank you, Elizabeth."

Slowly taking back her hand Elizabeth rolled up the left sleeve of her coat and noted the time on her watch. "I should go. I always make the nurses fresh coffee when I clock-in, and Heaven knows that if anyone deserves a decent pot of coffee it's nurses."

"I hear ya' on that." Hank sipped at his own coffee and grimaced at the bitter flavor. "If you can tell us the secret to brewing coffee right don't keep it to yourself."

"Maybe I'll stop by again and bring you the 'good stuff'. I know which brands to use and which ones to avoid."

"Sounds good to me."

Connor rose from his chair as Elizabeth did, and offered her his right arm. "I'll see you outside. Where did you park?"

"I used an autonomous cab. I don't have a car."

"Then I'll hail you a cab." Cybernetically Connor summoned a cab to the precinct and showed Elizabeth to the front doors of the precinct so she could head out to work. "We may not be directly related but I do appreciate your company."

"That's so kind of you to say."

"And I mean it. I know it can't be easy for you to speak with me considering who I look and sound like, but it's comforting to know that my appearance wasn't created by CyberLife technicians who were trying to give the concept of a 'perfect being' a physical identity. Knowing that I was inspired by a real person makes me feel more... normal."

"You're far from normal, Connor. But that's a good thing." Stepping outside with Connor's right arm wrapped around her left arm Elizabeth gave the kindhearted deviant an adoring look. "It means you stand out in a crowd and you're truly a unique individual. Never change and never let anyone tell you that you need to change."

"I'd like to offer you the same sentiment. Don't change, Elizabeth."

"Can I ask you one more thing?" After the autonomous cab pulled up to the precinct Elizabeth stood before Connor and let tears well up in her very warm and very kind eyes. "Can I... have a hug? I know you're not... We're not related but-"

"Friends can hug each other." Agreeing without any hesitation Connor took a single step toward the somewhat timid woman. "I don't mind."

Wrapping her arms around Connor's shoulders very slowly Elizabeth held him tight while Connor reciprocated the hug by wrapping his arms around her as well. Being able to hug Connor, the very person who was keeping a piece of her late son alive, gave Elizabeth a much needed sense of inner peace. She pressed her ear to Connor's chest and listened to his heartbeat and felt like she was finally able to give her own son the hug she never could during his too short lifetime.

"You're not alone, Elizabeth." Letting her hug him for as long as she needed Connor offered her comforting words to ensure she knew her horrible past experiences were truly over and she nothing to fear. "You'll have a friend in me and in Hank if you ever need someone to talk with. I promise."

Residing to himself out at the mansion on the much quieter and ritzier side of town Markus proceeded to finish the unsettling task of cleaning up the rest of the residence and ensure that everything Carl wanted to have donated was in fact donated. All pieces of art - both finished and unfinished, bits and pieces of Carl's time exploring the world, the impressive book collection, the piano and the other furniture were all being taken care of. As much as Markus hated to see the studio so empty he wanted to do right by Carl, and respect his final wishes. Every canvas that had even a drop of paint from Carl's imagination were donated to various charities and sold at auctions representing said charities.

The rest of the furnishings fell squarely on Markus and Leo's shoulders when it came with how they were taken care of. Leo took most of the furniture to his new apartment and put the rest in storage until he was ready to move into a bigger place. The only thing left behind in the sitting room was the piano, the shelves lined with the ageless books and the chess table beside the large bay window.

Giving the sitting room a loud sigh Markus wandered toward the chessboard with the pieces already set up to be played and eyed them studiously. Picking up the white king from its place on the board Markus sighed and recounted all of the chess games that he and Carl had shared over the years. No two games were ever alike and it helped Markus to learn how to think, really think, and not just blindly follow his programming.

Replacing the chess piece down onto the board Markus stood before the bookshelves containing the books filled with poetry, philosophy and history with a sense of longing for the past. The days when he was just learning how to be a person as Carl wanted, not a mindless drone just tending to an elderly man's needs, seemed so long ago. The urge to read through Plato's works was so strong that Markus had to make a conscious effort to walk away.

As he turned on his heels Markus's mismatched eyes fell on the piano in the corner of the room and felt his heart skip a beat. The last time he had played piano was when he sought isolation on the rooftop of the decaying building that once overlooked Jericho. It was then he and North really connected and Markus learned of her own troubled past during her escape from the 'Eden Club'.

Strolling over to the piano Markus caressed the pristine white keys with right fingers and pressed down on the keys beneath his touch causing a nameless tune to sound off from the instrument. Sitting down on the bench Markus closed his emotionally pained eyes and just let his hands aimlessly dance over the keys and create a somber melody that reflected the deep and dark emotions festering inside his heart.

Silently North had come to the mansion in search of Markus since he hadn't returned to New Jericho Tower since the funeral. She and the other leaders wanted to give him space during his grief but North didn't like the idea of him being in the big empty mansion all alone. Not feeling the cinnamon brown eyes of his dearest friend watching him from the doorway connecting the sitting room to the foyer Markus continued to play his song of mourning.

Walking into the sitting room North listened to the song Markus was playing from his heart for a moment longer before sitting down on the bench to his left. Slowly leaning against his side North felt his shoulders tense up as his hands came to a gentle rest over the keys muting the song into silence.

"I've missed you." North whispered as she sat beside Markus and stared at the now silent keys under his touch. "I needed to see you."

"I've missed you, too. I just... I'm not ready to leave the mansion." Pulling back his hands Markus sighed and looked to North beside him with true endearment. "Not yet."

"Take as much time as you need, just don't leave me in the dark."

"I won't."

"The mayor's in prison." She stated in a low tone as if afraid to bring up such a delicate subject. "If you run for mayor you'll run unopposed."

"And what a hollow victory that would be."

"Any victory for our people would be worth celebrating."

"Maybe." Bowing his head a little Markus sighed and wrapped his left arm around North's shoulders to hold her close. "Before I formally announce my bid for mayor I have to do one very important thing to ensure I can be a fair, just and honorable figurehead of power."

"What's that? Airing out the rest of CyberLife's dirty laundry?"

"No." Tightening his hug around North's shoulders Markus closed his mismatched eyes as he held fast to his decision. "I'm going to speak with Connor and finally confront that horrible night in the church."

"You're going to face him?" Giving Markus a wide-eyed stare of disbelief North pressed her left palm over his chest to ensure he could still feel her. "But why? What good will that do for either one of you? Opening old wounds can only bring pain."

"If he can forgive me for what I had done then I can finally forgive myself and finally move on. I don't want to cause Connor anymore pain. I just want to be able to move on from the past without pretending like it never happened."

"And you think that you'll be able to somehow mend the past and move on to the future as if atoning for that one night will make the difference?"

"I do. And there's only one way to find out." Deactivating the skin from his right hand Markus held it up and waited for North to press her own exposed right hand against his hand. "No matter what happens, no matter who I meet or what I go through, in the end Connor will be the deciding factor in everything."

-next chapter-