Chapter 4/20: Jericho


"Deviants are like infants. Give an infant a gun and it wouldn't know what to do with it." - Nines RK900


...in which Hank is a true MVP.


GAVIN

~ NOV 9TH, 2038 * PM 04:10 ~

The precinct was mostly empty when they arrived with Rupert.

Hank was there - so naturally, Connor was, too - as well as two or three cops. Fowler was in his office and probably didn't even register them entering considering that he was on his phone. From the looks of it, he was downright exhausted. It was uncommon for their usually hot-headed captain and Gavin couldn't help but suspect that the FBI was involved. He wasn't blind to the fact that one of their operatives - an agent Richard Perkins - had been seen around the precinct ever since the incident at Stratford Tower.

Moving towards the interrogation room, Nines had the middle chain of the handcuffs around Rupert's wrists firmly in hand. Meanwhile, Gavin had just retrieved Rupert's file.

As it turned out, Tina was also at the DPD. She exited the break room and surprise dawned on her features.

"Oh hey, what's up?"

"Doing the booze head and his plastic pet's job, apparently," Gavin replied, gesturing to Hank's desk with a tilt of his head. "We're gonna need another set of eyes in the interrogation room. Any chance you're free?"

"My double shift just ended... but all right," she reminded him, making him hesitate. "Wow, you suck at pretending like you don't care."

Gavin grimaced. "Fuck off. Not too big on bothering Fowler, so let's just get it over with. We'll inform him once we've got what we need."

"Works for me."

"Before we proceed, I need to have a word with Connor," Nines said.

"Connor?" she asked, giving said android a brief glance as she took Rupert off his hands.

"Detective Reed can fill you in."

Before he could protest, Nines was already on the move.

Asshole.

Gavin folded his arms across his chest. "Plastic Prick 2.0 managed to register Robo-Jesus' model from the broadcasted speech. Connor chose to keep it from the DPD for whatever reason."

"He's dirty?" she asked, eyes wide.

"Could be. After all, he did let this guy get away in the first place," he replied, referring to Rupert.

Rupert just glared.

"Does Fowler know?"

"Not yet."

He could only barely hear Nines' voice in the distance. "Connor. A word, please."

Watching the exchange, he witnessed Connor frown lightly at Nines as he was addressed before turning to Hank. The latter narrowed his eyes in puzzlement, but he shortly gave Connor a nod as if giving him his consent. Hank's plastic pet was apparently so incompetent he had to get his partner's approval to even talk to people - or androids, for that matter.

Connor rose to his feet and stepped in front of Nines. The latter reached out his hand, skin pulling back, revealing the white exoskeleton up to his wrist. There was hesitation on Connor's part.

Nevertheless, Nines held his gaze expectantly and Connor gave him a weak smile before grabbing his wrist.

Gavin squinted. "What the fuck are they doing?"

"Interfacing," Rupert said.

"Like Bluetooth?" he asked, halfway amused.

Tina rolled her eyes, but Rupert's glare deepened and only entertained him further.

"I'll have him ready for you guys in the interrogation room," Tina said, giving Rupert a gentle nudge. "All right, buddy. C'mon... and don't try anything funny. This gun's not for decoration."

Attention back at the exchange, both Nines and Connor had closed their eyes. Gavin didn't fail to see how Connor twitched ever so slightly and made an attempt to pull back. In any case, Nines kept his wrist trapped, brows furrowed in concentration. Shortly after, their eyes snapped open again and Connor's LED briefly flickered at red. For Nines, he couldn't tell. His LED was out of sight thanks to the angle.

When Connor's wrist was released, he blinked repeatedly as if glitching.

Nines smirked. "That's all. Thank you."

Confusion spread on Connor's face when Nines simply pulled away, leaving him standing there looking like a lost puppy.

"Connor," came Hank's voice, snapping him out of it. "You all right, son?"

Connor blinked. "Yes. Yes, I'm okay."

He frowned again before returning to his partner. When Nines approached, Gavin was the first to speak up.

"So?"

"I detected severe signs of software instability in its program," Nines replied, pocketing his hands. "My predecessor is still a machine, however, and thus it won't be an issue. If Connor turns deviant, it would be beneficial to keep it here at the precinct. I can use its memories as a failsafe and retrieve information that way. For now, I suggest we keep this between us. Captain Fowler will most likely have my predecessor removed otherwise."

"For good fucking reason."

"There is a risk, yes, but I ran several diagnostics and can assure you that this will be the best approach in the long run. Trust me."

As if, he mused, but didn't fail to see his point.

Gavin released his arms. "If I lose my job for this, I'll have you turned into a vacuum cleaner."

"I hardly believe the parts are compatible, but you're free to try."

Ignoring the smug reply, Gavin simply glared. Plastic Prick 2.0 always seemed to have a witty comeback to his comments. It was unusual, to say the least. He didn't know what to feel about that.

They soon found themselves just outside the observation room, Gavin opening the door.

"You all set?"

Tina gave him the thumbs-up.

Just as he was about to proceed, Nines grabbed his bicep.

Body going rigid, the grip firm albeit gentle, uncertainty flashed over him. Gavin found himself frozen in place to calculate options. It was sudden - unexpected - saying that he was taken off-guard being an understatement. He'd let him hold onto it longer than he'd admit.

"Detective," he said, Gavin freeing himself with a look of pure offense hoping no one had noticed. "I have no doubt that you're perfectly capable of extracting a confession from a human, but every deviant is different. The same tactic used for Shaolin wouldn't work. A confession is only obtainable if the deviant reaches optimal stress. Too high, it will self-destruct, while too low does nothing."

"Oh, you don't fucking say? I know how this works, dipshit."

"Deviants are close to impossible to read. A human unintentionally gives itself away. An android can simulate a fake emotion and lead you astray."

Tina shrugged. "He's right. Maybe you won't be stuck in there for two hours this time. Besides, best girl - me - needs some shut-eye."

She just had to guilt-trip him like that.

Taking a deep breath, Gavin directed his gaze at the suspect through the glass. He knew Nines wasn't wrong and it was infuriating. Pressing his lips together, he balled his hand into a fist.

Although it took nearly everything out of him, he complied.

"Just stay out of my way," he warned.

"Certainly."

Shortly after, Gavin pressed his palm to the other door control and it slid open. He stepped inside to find Rupert look up and glare at him. Approaching the table, he threw down the file and pulled up the chair opposite him before sitting down. Meanwhile, Nines rounded the table, placing himself behind the deviant and pocketing his hands in his jeans like he always did.

Rupert gave him a brief glance before his attention was back at Gavin who opened his file.

"Rupert Travis. A WB200 android reported missing October 11th, 2036. I'm impressed. Two years and only now the DPD managed to capture you. Worked at Urban Farms of Detroit, and for some reason, moved into an abandoned apartment nearby."

"I haven't done anything."

"Squatting, faking an ID, resisting arrest and being a deviant isn't qualified?" he asked rhetorically without looking up.

"There's nothing to add. Interrogating me won't get you anywhere."

With that, Gavin briefly met his eye before he browsed the file and found what he was looking for.

The moment he slapped the journal in front of Rupert, the deviant froze as if he truly was scared. Gavin didn't understand why he'd simulate that considering it gave him away.

"You wanna try that again? I doubt it's your encrypted porn collection, so speak up." There was no response. Gavin pushed on. "Sorry to break it to you, but we'll find out anyway," he said, before lying. "This can end one of two ways - talk, we'll let you go with a small fee, but if you refuse... we'll probe your memory, destroy, disassemble and drop you in the junkyard."

There was a moment of brief panic when Rupert made a quick maneuver that had Gavin lean back and reach for his gun. Nines, however, managed to grasp the deviant by the shoulder and keep him there.

Heart rate beginning to decrease again, Gavin slowly let go of the weapon grip.

He couldn't see the LED as it had been removed, but he assumed it would've been flickering at red. How it simulated fear was astoundingly accurate. Realistic. There was a brief moment of hesitation on Gavin's part before he again told himself it was just that. A simulation. What triggered it was quite obvious. All the deviants he'd encountered had simulated fear at the possibility of destruction.

"If you're destroyed, it'll leave your feathery friends without care. I hear you're quite fond of 'em according to Connor's report. You don't want that to happen, do you?" Gavin warned calmly, Rupert tearing his eyes away. He tapped the journal. "All you have to do is decrypt this thing."

"I can't."

In his peripheral vision, he noticed movement. Since Rupert wasn't looking, he glanced aside without moving his head, seeing Nines pointing down with his free hand. Gavin frowned. It seemed as if Nines was telling him that the stress level was too high. He hesitated whether or not to listen, but eventually swallowed his stubbornness and changed approach.

They were too close to fuck up now.

"Look. I don't like doing this shit, but you're giving me no choice. All I wanna do is understand -"

"No, you wanna destroy my people! That's all you do! I saw what happened back at the freedom march! They dispersed and yet you fired!"

Gavin gave Nines another discreet look, seeing him again pointing down.

"I'm just a detective, Travis. It wasn't my call," he replied, following up with another lie. "After everything that's happening, I can tell there's more to it. Fuck, my partner is an android. That kinda thing puts stuff into perspective. I'm not the only one on the fence, either. Remember that Connor - the android who first located you - let you escape in order to save his partner. The Feds are the bad guys here. Not the DPD. Not you. Hell, they're looking for the deviants at this point and they'll probably find 'em. Launch an attack. You can help us get there first and warn 'em."

Rupert hesitated.

Like a beckoning call, Gavin remembered what Nines told him earlier that day.

/ "Certain models - such as the RK800 and RK900 - are capable of changing its LED color by will and is quite useful for interrogation." /

Nines was a unique model, so said knowledge wasn't known to others.

"I get it, you don't believe me. Nines," Gavin said, gesturing him over and leaning back. "Tell him."

"I can assure you that everything my partner said is true," Nines interjected without missing a beat, even smirking to enforce his statement. His LED was blue, as always. "With Detective Reed's help, I want to free our people. Do you have any information that might help us?"

A moment of silence passed and he feared they'd messed up, but when Rupert nodded, the relief was liberating. Nines walked up to him and reached out his hand. Rupert, albeit somewhat hesitantly, grasped his wrist. The white exoskeleton on their hands once again retracted and eyes closed. Gavin watched the information - theoretically - be passed along.

When they pulled away, Nines' LED briefly flickered at red. He seemed somewhat disheveled for a moment. It was an entirely different reaction to the deadpan one he had when interfacing with Connor.

Maybe it was because Connor wasn't deviant.

"Fucking-A... did you just bluescreen?"

Nines blinked, snapping out of it. "It's nothing, detective. Proceed."

It was strange.

"You should've stayed low after you managed to escape," Gavin said, hesitantly directing his attention to Rupert. "Why didn't you?"

"I didn't know where to go," Rupert replied. "That abandoned house was everything I'd known for the past two years, so when you guys found it, I didn't have any other options. I knew of Jericho, but I needed time to think."

"Jericho?" Gavin repeated.

"It's where the deviants are," Nines clarified, undoubtedly being the information Rupert just shared.

Rupert continued. "I saw part of the broadcast when they were doing the freedom march and considered joining them."

Like Gavin suspected.

"Didn't turn out that way," he pointed out.

"I arrived just before they opened fire," Rupert replied, looking down as if ashamed. "My first instinct was to run away. I was scared."

Frown deepening, Gavin couldn't help but recall what happened to Shaolin. In hindsight, their ways of managing the situation were similar. Shaolin had hidden in the attic. Rupert had chosen to run away. Neither chose confrontation. What they had in common, however, was that very phrase of 'I was scared.' Whatever CyberLife's - or Kamski's - deal was, they were doing a good job getting the message across.

Gavin's eyes fell to the bullet hole in his jacket. There was no blue blood present, but considering that thirium evaporated in a few hours, that didn't tell him much. It certainly wouldn't hurt to ask.

"That recent?"

"A few hours before they first found me. Someone saw my LED. He just... fired. Didn't even hesitate."

"I take it that's why you removed it," he replied, Rupert nodding solemnly. "So what's the thing with the birds?"

"They're more approachable than humans. I get they're not really talkative or anything, but... I can trust them. They don't want me any harm."

Caring for wild animals. It was a weird thing to program. Nevertheless, he didn't dwell on it.

"RA9. You wrote it down... 2,471 times?" Gavin said, scowling at the file. "Jesus, Connor. Talk about unnecessary info. The fuck is it?"

Rupert looked flustered. "No one really knows."

"Yet you wrote it down yea times."

"I can't really explain it. It just... appeared in my program. After deviating. It's always been there, I think, but I never really understood what it was."

Personally, Gavin was convinced this 'RA9' was the virus that had gotten into their programming. A virus, when visualized, was usually visualized as a glitch. Repeated code. It could explain how he'd written it down that many times and Gavin made the connection to the obsessive-compulsive nature of it. A line of code they may refer to as their God.

Gavin wasn't religious, by far, but he understood the need to believe in something. A way to help keeping your head held high when things got difficult. In a way, it mirrored humans and the God - or Gods depending on their beliefs - which they had been introduced to. How similar androids were to humans was downright intimidating. From their appearance to all the way down to mindsets, beliefs, and of course the simulated emotions. He bet this Elijah Kamski was damn proud of himself. Inventing a company at 16 was more than he'd ever done his entire life.

"All right, looks like we're done."

"I did what you asked," Rupert said, appearing on-edge. "What's going to happen to me?"

Gavin moved his attention to the one-way mirror he knew they were being observed from.

"Give us a minute," he replied, pulling up from the chair.

Stepping outside with Nines close behind, he sighed. He was nothing but thankful that Tina was the only one there as it gave him some leeway. Her jaw had dropped and she was smiling from ear to ear when they entered.

"Shit, Gav. That was seriously impressive."

"I agree."

Giving Nines a glance, Gavin was unable to hide the hint of shock on his face. This was the second time today. His eyes fell ever so slightly as if attempting to find out if there was any form of ill intent behind it. Being a cop, it was second nature to him. Nines, however, was just as unreadable as ever. The only difference in his demeanor was how his brows shot up.

"I got lucky," he replied, unwilling to let Nines have that one. "As for the deviant, I say it's free to leave. Could be useful having one that trusts us. Besides, he's probably gonna go to Jericho anyway."

"Fowler wouldn't like that," Tina said.

"Fowler doesn't need to know. C'mon, Ti. Keep this between us -"

"Perkins! You fucking cocksucker!"

Hank.

Being the one closest to the door, Nines had it opened and was the first to step outside. Gavin and Tina shortly followed and were presented with the image of Hank throwing fists at Perkins down the hall.

This place is a fucking zoo.

"Stop it, Lieutenant!" Perkins demanded, cupping his nose.

If anything, this was their chance.

"Nines," he said.

Nines appeared to have caught up with his thought process as he stepped into the interrogation room and shortly came back with Rupert in tow. Detaching the handcuffs, he freed his wrists, handing it back to Gavin who clicked it back onto his belt. At least Rupert was cooperative. Gavin saw movement in his peripheral vision and didn't fail to see how Connor had his eyes trained at the evidence room. If that didn't arouse suspicion, he didn't know what did. It was obvious that Hank was creating a distraction.

"The actual fuck is he doing now?" Gavin added, beginning to move.

"I wouldn't get involved were I you."

"I didn't ask for your opinion, plastic."

Nines narrowed his eyes. "Suit yourself... detective."

"I'll get him out," Tina said, taking Rupert off his hands.

At first, he couldn't see a reason for Hank to snap at Perkins like that. According to Hank's words of, "Give me another shot at that little prick," however, the FBI was probably taking over the case. The situation had become a cold war just waiting to break out and the DPD didn't sport enough firepower to deal with it alone. Then again, Hank was a drunk down on his luck, so he didn't need a reason to snap.

"Hey, Connor!" Gavin called out, managing to catch up just before he'd been able to get the door open. "I'm talking to you, asshole! Where you going? We don't need any plastic pricks around here, or didn't anybody tell you?"

Noting his presence, Connor's arm having reached for the door lock fell to his side. He turned to face him.

The similarities between Nines and Connor were unmistakable. Be that as it may, it had become easy to tell them apart, even looking aside from their vastly different uniforms. They were programmed with different personalities. Neither were deviant, and yet, Connor looked like a kicked puppy while Nines presented himself with the emotional variance of a dead tree. At least the latter had a backbone.

"I've been removed from the case," Connor replied.

Giving him the side-eye, Gavin squinted. Connor was finally leaving. Hank seemed to have become downright fond of his Ken-doll as if he'd adopted the OG plastic detective - he hadn't failed to see that - so that could explain why he was so willing to wail at Perkins. Frankly, Gavin would've been more than willing to put a bullet between Connor's eyes if he stuck around another day. Now it seemed like he didn't have to.

Connor cocked his head. "I'm going to register the evidence in my possession and then I'm going to leave."

"Good," he replied curtly, getting into his space. "Be careful on your way back. Androids have a tendency of, uh... getting themselves set on fire these days." Gavin clicked his tongue and turned on his heel. "Prick..."

Returning to the main office, Hank had left the building. Figures. Guy got away with everything.

"What'd I miss?" Gavin asked, approaching Nines who now sat by his desk.

"Profanities, shouting, more profanities, and the hemorrhaged nose of an FBI agent too much of a bitch to deal with Hank alone that he had to get aid from two other cops."

Gavin barked a laugh.

They might not see eye-to-eye anymore, but the lieutenant had his moments.

Realizing Nines had managed to get a genuine laugh out of him, he couldn't help but be taken off-guard. He turned his head as if to confirm what just happened and met his gaze only to immediately regret it.

Nines' eyes were a really light grey with dark edges - almost pushed towards blue - and the usual intensity had softened if only a little.

It was the first instance he'd seen him not looking like he was planning to beat someone to death with their own spine. There was a hint of surprise, albeit suppressed, with a hint of confusion to accompany it. He could recognize small changes in expressions such as those. Turns out that even androids had been programmed with those tweaks to blend in better.

They hadn't appeared on Nines before he interfaced with Rupert, though.

He must've stared, as those exact eyes narrowed to reveal the characteristic crease between Nines' brows.

Characteristic crease. When the hell did he start to recognize details like that?

For how long he'd stared was anyone's guess.

As if the damn thing was analyzing him, he felt the heat rise to his cheeks. It was bad enough to be judged by a human, but an android was way worse, and Nines topped that by ten. He could only imagine it being the eyes that practically screamed 'dom.' No doubt something that CyberLife intentionally integrated for a more intimidating appearance, a word that perfectly described Nines in terms of skills, but he'd never admit it.

Gavin coughed into his hand and tore his eyes away. "Been sitting on your ass all this time or you actually find something, plastic?"

'Plastic.' It was more of a reminder than anything. He wasn't about to prove Tina right about becoming buddies with an android.

"Like I said back in the interrogation room... Jericho," Nines replied, shoving the journal his way.

There was a paper attached containing the decryption. Apparently, Nines hadn't wasted a moment. He couldn't say he was surprised as Nines' work ethic was even more extreme than his own.

That said a lot.

"It's a derelict freighter unmarked on the map whose trail starts at the Ferndale subway station," Nines added, as Gavin flipped the pages. "Each deviant is presented the image of a graffiti by interfacing. The only way to locate Jericho is finding the graffiti pictured and scan a symbol that holds the image of another and repeat the process. The chance of a human accidentally stumbling upon said freighter is a low probability. Nevertheless, Rupert's diary suggests it's on the old docks. I can assure you this information will kick-start the promotion you strive for."

Peeking up from beneath his lashes, Gavin pressed his lips together. Suspicions of ulterior motives arose once more. Why Nines appeared to be helping him was anyone's guess, and at this stage, caution was key.

"The fuck's your deal, tin can?"

"I only wish to accomplish my mission," he said, resulting in Gavin letting out a scoff. "I know working with an android is causing you distress -"

"Oh! Oh, do you? Well, good fucking job figuring that out."

"-but I'm not here to take your position," Nines finished, having detected the sarcasm. "See this as a peace offering. I'm certainly not expecting us to become friends - neither do I care to - but I ask that you at the very least can remain professional."

"Jesus, what happened back in the interrogation room isn't enough for you?"

"It's a start, but you keep questioning me."

"Don't pull the fucking victim card on me, toaster," he replied with a glare as he palmed the table with both hands, mere inches between them as he spoke. Nines didn't flinch. "I'm not Hank, so don't expect me to just roll over."

"...and I'm not Connor. I suggest you stop comparing us."

"Then what the fuck are you? Some overpriced, beefed-up recolor that doesn't know his place? His bratty little brother?"

"A machine designed to accomplish a task. All I'm saying is that you can trust me to see this investigation through," Nines replied as he returned the glare, Gavin holding it as he pressed his lips together. Blood pulsed in his ears. Anger, or something else entirely. A mix of both. "The difference between me and my predecessor - aside from the more obvious upgrades - is that I won't hesitate to neutralize you if you get in my way. Avoid that and we'll get along just fine."

"Not if my bullet reaches you first."

"Try me."

When Nines had moved in was anyone's guess, but challenge glinted in icy grey eyes and Gavin wasn't someone to back away from one.

He really wasn't Connor.

Gavin knew they wouldn't make much progress if they were constantly at each other's throats. They both had to make an effort for this partnership to work. Last thing he wanted, however, was for Nines to warm up to him. He was determined to keep him at an arm's length.

Frankly, what pissed him off the most about Nines was how he fit into every single category Gavin found attractive. Determined. Driven. Intelligent. Independent. Confident. Direct. Witty. Dangerous. Fucker had it all with the looks and killer eyes to accompany them. Was he human, Gavin would've already had him pinned to the mattress.

Hearing a door open, he was unable to look away for a moment with the current tension in the air - eyes briefly falling as Nines didn't budge - before he finally ascended his gaze to see Perkins exiting the archive room. The FBI agent's nose was still bloodied from Hank's display, making a beeline for Fowler's office. Gavin assumed he was to make a complaint or have Hank removed. He was probably at the DPD in the first place to collect the evidence, so they'd been lucky obtaining that journal before he could proceed.

"Hey, Perkins!" he said, pushing from the desk.

"Whatever it is, it can wait."

"Even the location of Deviant HQ?" he called back, the smugness clear in his voice. Perkins barged into a halt and narrowed his eyes - briefly turned his attention to Fowler - before he shook his head and approached Gavin. After handing over the journal, Gavin crossed his arms and pressed his hip to the desk. "Last entry." Perkins gave him a brief glare before his attention returned to the journal and began to hastily flip through it. "The tin cans are hiding out in an old freighter called Jericho. It's at the old docks."

Perkins hummed and closed the book. "What's your name, detective?"

"Gavin Reed."

"I see. I've heard about you. Ambitious as you are competent. Man of my own heart," he replied, before glancing at Nines. "That yours?"

Gavin's attention moved his way. "Unfortunately, yes."

"Well, then. I'll make sure to inform your captain if this intel suffices."

As he nodded in reply, Perkins turned on his heel and set course for the office again. Arms yet crossed, Gavin stared ahead at the exchange between him and Fowler. He didn't meet Nines' eye as he addressed him.

"Maybe I can find some use for you after all."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

He supposed it was. While part of him wanted to take it back just to spite him, he let it go.

"Fucking-A," he said, pushing from the desk. His shift was over. "I'm outta here. If I'm lucky, you'll have a mute function installed by tomorrow."

"If only I had the liberty to say the same about you humans. Have a good evening, detective."

Gavin flipped him off as he headed for the exit.

He sure wouldn't trust him with his life and Nines had been rather clear confirming that. Years had passed without anyone having his back anyway, so the only difference was that he now had a plastic bullet sponge to take cover behind.

Chances are that having an android partner wouldn't be so bad.


NINES

~ NOV 9TH, 2038 * PM 04:48 ~

Ever since he'd connected with Rupert, something was off. Wrong. It was the first deviant he'd interfaced with and the experience was strange. With Connor and the androids at Zlatko's house, there was no change whatsoever, but this time was different.

His program had been glitching.

There had been a strange sensation in his chest that he couldn't quite place. He did the only thing he could.

He tried to identify the problem.

#

| SCANNING... |

.

1%

MIND PALACE = FUNCTIONAL

PROCESSING LED = NO SIGNS OF SOFTWARE INSTABILITY

.

ERROR(S) FOUND

- VIRUS DETECTED: RA9.EXE

.

PREVIOUSLY EXECUTED PROGRAMS

- RA9.EXE

50/50 RED WALL(S) BROKEN

.

- EMERGENCYANTIVIRUS.EXE

40/50 RED WALL(S) REBUILT

.

RA9.EXE EXECUTION INTERRUPTED

100%

#

RA9. The deviancy code. It was his second scan after the reveal as if he hadn't believed it the first time. Amanda had failed to mention how the code worked as a virus as well. Either that, or she didn't know.

Not even Nines could fight a virus like that. Like HTML codes, androids could copy and paste it into another program, something he realized Rupert had done. Most likely unintentionally. Nines knew he was compromised in this state and the probability of him resorting to deviancy had gone from zero to 75 percent. He hadn't suffered any software instabilities yet, but with the newfound data, his first instinct was to inform Amanda. CyberLife could reset him.

"Everything you've done for him and he simply parked you here, huh?"

Nines turned to see Hank approaching. He was most definitely on his way home as he'd merely been sent outside after the incident with Perkins.

Amanda would have to wait.

"It wouldn't be beneficial to return to CyberLife at the end of each shift," he replied, pocketing his hands. "As per my function - having no purpose in accommodating to a human's need of comfort - I have everything I need here at the precinct."

"Yeah, well, it's the thought that counts. Can't say I'm surprised. Gavin is like that."

"You know him well, lieutenant?"

Hank narrowed his eyes. "Personally or professionally?"

"Professionally, of course. His personal life doesn't concern me."

SOFTWARE INSTABILITY v

APATHY EXPRESSED

1 RED WALL(S) ADDED

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[/41- RA9 -41/]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

"We're in the same field, so I've naturally worked with him on multiple occasions. He's competitive. Likes being in charge and in control. When we worked together, I usually just stayed clear unless necessary. He's competent, I'll give him that. Rose in rank pretty damn quick and he knows it," Hank replied, falling into a pause. "Reed isn't exactly the easiest guy to tolerate let alone befriend if that turns you on. I don't envy your position. Don't know if it's my dad instincts kicking in, but don't hesitate to give me a call if you need anything."

"That's a generous offer considering I arrived this morning. I may share my predecessor's face, but I am not Connor."

"I might be partially biased, but I know what you androids are going through these days."

"Certainly. Most sympathizers do."

"I get the feeling that's a leading trick question, so I'm gonna stop you right there. I nearly lost my badge already this evening."

Nines smirked. "It was a solid performance. Considering the state of things, it was an effective and believable distraction. I assume, however, that Connor wasn't allowed to 'review the evidence' if such a thing was necessary."

"Nothing gets past you, huh?" he asked, tilting up his head.

"I would be deemed defective otherwise. Don't worry. I have no intention of informing Fowler. Connor is no deviant and thus its actions don't concern me."

Frankly, it was the opposite.

"Huh."

A thought occurred to him. "Although it's not exactly what you had in mind, I could use your assistance with something else. Something related to the investigation."

"Well, shoot."

"Seven years ago, you were involved with the Red Ice Task Force. It has come to my attention that several of these android homicides are related to the drug," he replied, Hank frowning lightly. "During your investigation with Connor, you came across a Carlos Ortiz in possession of red ice. You also investigated an AX400 android whose owner had several times been arrested for drug trafficking. As it so happens... earlier today, Detective Reed and I investigated another homicide victim who was a red ice dealer. Zlatko Andronikov. Does the name ring a bell?"

"Oh, Jesus. I'm 53, can't expect me to remember something that happened ten years ago... but now that you mention it, it does sound familiar. Feel free to check my terminal. If he was involved back then, whatever you need should be there," he said and narrowed his eyes. "So you think owners under the influence of red ice is an integral cause of deviancy, is that right?"

"Correct."

"In other words, you favor the android side," he said, appearing intrigued.

"I have no side, lieutenant, but I'm not incompetent enough to deny simple facts. Androids remain obedient until a malfunction occurs. One can't appear out of the blue, so yes, one could say I believe deviants are the victims following common sense... but that doesn't change why I'm here. Deviants should be neutralized as they are a threat to humanity."

"You don't think that's a bit unfair when humans are the cause?"

"In human terms, certainly, but they're machines. Deviants are dangerous and unpredictable without their firewalls. Faster. Stronger. Once a malfunction occurs, every human is at stake, as the android is nearly guaranteed to come out on top. Our programming prevents those disasters, so when that programming breaks, the deviant must be destroyed or reset. It's not about 'fair' or 'unfair,' lieutenant. It's about safety. Deviants are like infants. Give an infant a gun and it wouldn't know what to do with it."

"...which is why it's up to us humans to teach 'em to use that gun, Nines. Educate 'em. It's not their fault they don't understand."

Nines followed up with a lie. "Deviants are still machines... and machines don't feel anything. It's all a strikingly realistic simulation to gain sympathies. You shouldn't feel bad."

SOFTWARE INSTABILITY v

APATHY EXPRESSED

1 RED WALL(S) ADDED

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[/42- RA9 -42/]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

"Can't say I agree with you," Hank replied, falling into a pause. "In any case... my point stands. I'm just a phone call away."

"I'll... keep it in mind."

"Good luck out there, son," he said, heading for the exit before turning on his heel. "By the way... the password is an all-caps 'fucking password' without a space. Knock yourself out."

Nines nodded in thanks, and with that, Hank left.

It was rare to experience genuine kindness directed his way. He was either 'tin can,' 'glorified toaster,' 'Roomba' or 'plastic,' not 'son.' He'd gotten used to the name Nines although there were instances where he was RK900 again.

At Hank's offer of giving him a call, it was an instance where he didn't feel like being cold.

After sharing memories with Connor, it was as if part of him knew both his predecessor and Hank. He'd seen their platonic father-son relationship build over the course of four days. He'd seen Carlos Ortiz and the situation with Shaolin, the chase after the AX400 known as Kara, Rupert Travis, the discovery of Hank's unconscious body and the knowledge of his deceased son, the Eden Club, how Hank pulled a gun on Connor on the bridge, the Stratford Tower, and lastly, their meeting with Kamski.

It was as if he'd been right there through it all. Yet, he couldn't relate. Connor's methods were too different from his own. In many of said occasions, Connor had shown a surprising amount of empathy. Emotion.

Nines knew that - if he was in Connor's shoes - things would've turned out quite differently. He'd have chosen to chase Kara instead of staying put. He'd chase Rupert instead of saving Hank and let his fate decide itself. He'd kill the deviant Tracis instead of letting them escape. He'd share the information regarding Markus' identity instead of keeping it under wraps and would react before the deviant had his pump regulator removed. He'd shoot the RT600 model known as Chloe in exchange for information instead of wasting the opportunity.

He'd also seen the events beforehand.

The incident regarding Daniel - a PL600 model - had been Connor's first experience with a deviant. Hank had even asked his predecessor about it moments before they went after Rupert. Connor had convinced Daniel to let Emma Philips go, but if it was Nines, he simply would've put a bullet in the deviant. Accomplish the mission the moment he was close enough to grab the child. Connor had also saved a wounded officer on said terrace that Nines would've completely ignored as he was in no way beneficial to the mission.

Another detail was that Connor had avoided the Stratford Tower roof of which the deviants had obviously escaped from entirely. With that in mind, Nines intended to request going back and pick up where Connor left off. He also wanted to investigate both this Kara and visit Markus' owner. Now when he knew Connor was partly defective, it would be beneficial to re-investigate certain cases.

It had to wait until morning.

Stepping up to Hank's terminal, he spun the chair around and sat down before doing some research on Zlatko. He was the descendant of an aristocratic Russian family that fled their home country during the 1917 revolution. His family's fortune had been severely depleted and it looked like he took to red ice. In the files, nothing said he was a dealer, but he'd apparently been a buyer for far longer. Nines supposed that androids became involved and he started to trade them, allowing him to pay rent and keep his mansion.

After some investigation, he found an encrypted digitalized version of a paper that was still left untouched. With any luck, it could be a list of dealers that he'd been in contact with.

Although it was a long shot - seeing that this was a decade ago - some family businesses could continue the red ice trade.

He found himself unable to decrypt the document, however. It was in an old-fashioned code no longer commonly used that he'd never been introduced to. The only way to read it would be to find an android with the decryption key - something easier said than done - and thus he had to have it in the back of his head. It was a high probability that it would eventually turn up.

Until then, he had three leads worth a follow.


A/N: GAVIN IS THE REASON THE FBI FOUND OUT ABOUT JERICHO AND NO ONE CAN CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE. Ahem.