Markus looked around himself. Many of his people were helping to set up a barricade around themselves. He had been helping constantly, alternating between tending to the wounded, keeping a lookout on the soldiers standing on alert across them by the camp, and helping to set up the barricade. North was standing by him, almost seeming to read his thoughts.

"Think he'll show up?" she asked the deviant leader. They both knew who she was referring to.

"I hope so. He seemed very intent on giving us help. But I'm not sure. Everything seems to be happening so fast, I don't know what to think anymore."

North put her hand on Markus's shoulder, her touch bringing immediate comfort to her newfound lover. "We'll get through this Markus." Markus took North's hand in his own, returning her comfort, and smiled at her. It was warm and natural, yet was something still so foreign to North, every one of his smiles filled her with both joy and confusion. He gave her a gentle squeeze before turning off to help his people.

Dakota had used an old trick of his to cut time traveling. After making sure he wasn't being watched, he opened a small rift in reality, creating a wormhole. He had stepped through it and came out in a dark alleyway about a block north of where the androids were gathering for the demonstration. It would be too weird if he just appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the crowd or in a well-lit street corner. After catching his breath for a moment, as that particular reality manipulation took a bit of effort, he walked quickly down to the intersection of Griswold Street and West Jefferson Avenue, where the deviants were gathering. He didn't need to worry about any patrols, as the soldiers had cleared this area out hours ago when they created the collection center, and the focus was now on the already gathered front of deviant androids. He made it to the intersection without incident, and approached the half-completed barricade in the center. Before he could get in, two androids stopped him, both WB400 'Traci' models. One had blue hair and an earring, and the other was a brunette with shoulder length hair.

"Humans aren't allowed past the barricade," the blue haired android stated harshly, her dislike for humans clear in her voice. Dakota could understand that. CyberLife wasn't shy about displaying all their models and the functions they had, and so Dakota unfortunately could figure out what kind of abuse the two have endured.

"I am here at Markus's request," Dakota stated, his tone formal and clear.

"I don't believe you. I think you're lying," hissed the brown haired one, glaring at Dakota. "How do we know you aren't some spy?"

"If you do not believe me, go get Markus. Show me to him, and he will be able to tell you if I am telling the truth or not."

The two androids looked back between each other, silently communicating with one another. With a subtle nod, the brown haired deviant walked off into the temporary encampment, and the other turned back to Dakota, keeping a harsh eye on him. Dakota simply stood there, waiting. He stayed completely neutral, his posture neither hostile nor friendly. There was no need to be friendly, as simple smiles wouldn't change the mind of the woman keeping an eye on him. He was not completely idle though. While he waited, he took stock of the nearby materials that could be used to add to the barricade, noted what parts have already been built, and estimated their strength. It kept his mind busy while he waited and allowed him to have a rough idea of how to help.

The brunette returned with Markus, whose brow was furrowed in worry at the idea of a human approaching their camp. Upon seeing who it was, however, his expression softened and his posture relaxed. "Let him in, he's with me," he told Dakota's self-appointed guard, who reluctantly stood aside, permitting Dakota to pass through.

"Glad you could make it," Markus said to the man standing before him.

"So am I. I see you're already working on barriers." Dakota responded.

"Yes. It should give us a little cover should they decide to attack. But we don't have much to work with."

"You've been doing pretty good with what you have. The heaviest pieces are already in the front, and the sides have been built up to slow any flanking attempts. Very nice."

"Thanks," it was probably the weirdest compliment Markus will ever get, on creating a makeshift encampment.

"What about your wounded?" Do you need help tending to them?" Dakota's tone of voice was still professional, the question just an inquiry for information, but his eyes and underlying inflections in his voice managed to convey his genuine concern for those androids that were injured.

With how much disdain for his kind by humans Markus had seen, the question and the weight it carried threw him off. "We have some that are tending to their wounds, but they could always use some extra hands."

"Okay. Is there anything else that you need help on?"

Markus thought for a moment. "Actually, there is. Follow me." Markus led Dakota through the encampment to the front. There were more than a few glares and stares directed at Dakota along the way, but as Markus seemed to trust him, no one made any move against him. Dakota was sure that if he wasn't accompanied by the leader of these people, there would be many that would have no problem causing quite a scene. Markus stepped up some makeshift stairs that led to the very front section of the wall of salvaged materials, and beckoned for Dakota to do the same. Dakota walked up the steps and looked out towards the camp. North had been standing on the overlook as well, and gave her report.

"They've been like this since we've arrived. I don't know enough about this to be able to make anything out of it, only that they're ready to attack at any moment." There was a certain note in her voice when she admitted to her unsurety, like it was something that she would only say in trusted company. Inwardly, Dakota was flattered by this, as he had only been among them for a short time, and she, one of the most distrusting of humans, had considered him close enough company, even if only in the so very specific circumstance they were all in, to get to see that slightly more vulnerable side of her.

"What are we looking at?" Markus asked. Dakota began watching the soldiers across from the barricade. He took note of the formation held, a single front line aimed directly at the center. He noticed a lack of spotters on the sides. Something wasn't quite right. If the military was going to launch an assault, there would be more troops already out, and the flanks would already be filled out. Dakota looked past the initial front line. He could see a series of vehicles, non military, in the back. Using a bit of his power to get a better look at them, he saw one was registered to the FBI. A possible negotiation? Dakota doubted there would be any actual compromise offered by anyone. The two sides conflicted too much, and couldn't see the other's perspective. Dakota had his own opinion on who was right, and believed firmly in Markus's cause. But he had learned to be able to see from different perspectives, no matter what they were.

"They're not going to attack right away," Dakota spoke up finally. "It seems like they might try some negotiating, just to say they tried." North scoffed, the idea of humans killing hundreds of her people and then attempting a compromise absolutely ridiculous to her.

"Thank you for your input," Markus said politely. "I wanted to hear what you had to say as you seem to have some experience with the military."

"Something like that," Dakota responded, uncomfortable with the memories that were associated with his experience. The Foundation was efficient, but ruthless. "If you need me for anything else, I'll be helping the wounded." He turned and walked off, leaving Markus and North alone on the lookout.

Dakota walked over to where the injured lay. He noticed that he had picked up two tails. By walking aimlessly for a moment and looping around some of the pieces of scrap scattered around the temporary camp, he saw that they were the two WB400s from earlier. It appears as though they still did not trust him, and were tailing him to see if they could find anything to condemn him. As he had no intention of doing any harm, they didn't worry him. He continued on to the wounded. Crates had been set up as gurneys and makeshift beds. Those who had been able to make their way here but were too injured to do anything else were here. Some of the androids providing medical help gave Dakota odd looks as he approached, but he ignored immediately bent down to one injured deviant, pulled out some bandages from his coat pockets, and immediately began applying them to the android's wounds. He neither knew nor cared what others thought of him, he only wanted to help. His movements were quick and experienced, cleaning the injuries and wrapping them up in less than two minutes. He stood up and looked for the next person to take care of, quickly cataloging the various hurt deviants and their injuries, putting together a rough triage list in his head. Without a word, he bent down and helped the next android. Some of the other androids working as field doctors moved back, unsure of how to respond to this human that was providing help so freely and without hesitation.

He couldn't stop working. He hasn't slept in nearly twenty hours, and his actions at Jericho had taken a massive amount of energy. So rarely had he ever used that much Power at once, and he hasn't used much of it at all for several years. Part of his body wanted to simply sleep. But he couldn't have that right now. The part of him that was demanding rest had been pushed to the side, his fatigue muffled by years of practice made necessary. But that couldn't stop his emotions. In fact, he was relying on his feelings to keep himself going. These androids weren't human, but they felt like people, and they had souls. No machine could hold the calm, collected aura of Markus, no programming could make the absolute well of love and care of Kara. He could feel it all. The pain of loss and the fear of death. The anger and aggression towards those who have wronged them. The hope of a better future. All of it. Dakota took those feelings, and made them his own. He let those feelings propel him, motivating him to his own action: helping others.

"How are you feeling?" He asked one android, a WE400, made for janitorial services.

"It hurts," she replied. She had been shot in the lower calf, and had minor burns on her face from some of the equipment she had been working on exploding after being hit by gunfire.

"I know. Burns suck," Dakota said to her, compassion and empathy in his voice. "But you're gonna be okay. Nothing permanent was damaged. I can't do much more, I don't know how to repair, I just know how to treat the injuries. What's your name?"

"Lily," the android replied.

"Well, Lily, it was very nice to meet you, and I hope you get better."

"You're not an android," the deviant realized.

"No," Dakota said to Lily, "I'm not. But that doesn't make me any less committed to helping here." He gave the girl, woman- Dakota wasn't sure how to address that, as many of them had deviated recently, and were so new to life- a warm smile. "Get some rest." He got up.

"Dakota," a voice said behind him. Dakota turned in the direction and came across a face he had seen once before, though to see it again brought relief.

"Lucy," he started. "I'm glad you made it out okay."

"As am I. I see you have made yourself busy."

"I'm just trying to help in whatever way I can. Right now it's tending to the wounded."

That's very nice," Lucy said. "But what about yourself?" Have you been tending to your needs?"

"My needs aren't important right now," Dakota replied, brushing off Lucy's concern. "Those can wait."

"But if you neglect your own needs, how can you tend to the needs of others? You are of little use to anyone if you collapse from exhaustion or thirst."

Dakota sighed. He knew that Lucy was right. He needed rest. He has been on his feet for nearly three consecutive hours now, and his watch was reading 23:17. If he didn't at least sit down, he could easily fall asleep on his feet. "Fine. I'll sit down for a bit."

Lucy looked relieved, her original programming giving her an insight into psychology having been advantageous. "Thank you," she said, and walked away, going to help others in her own special way.

Dakota situated himself on a bench that had been moved to its current position. He closed his eyes and steadied his breathing, calming himself. He couldn't allow himself to fall asleep, as despite the barricade they were all still quite vulnerable. He opened his eyes to let visual stimuli in, something for his brain to track and process to keep himself from falling asleep. He noticed the two androids that had been tailing him were now slowly approaching, steps cautious. He gave them a nod of acknowledgment, but not much more. They came closer, and sat to his right.

"You- you really care," the blue haired Traci model said, the words spoken as if swallowing a hard truth. "Why?"

"The past few days, I've been taking care of a deviant. She came with a little girl. I've watched them both. The way she cares for the girl -like a daughter- I was able to see that androids were much more than what you were built for. She showed more humanity than I've seen in a lot of other humans, and it gave me hope. I want to help make a change, actually fight for something I believe in."

Both deviants were watching Dakota. But they no longer showed any apprehension towards him. His story had moved them, empathizing with him instead of fearing him. "What about you two?" I don't even know your names."

"I'm Amelia," the blue haired deviant answered. She put her arm around the other android next to her. "This is Ripple." The brown haired deviant gave a shy smile, which Dakota answered warmly. He offered his hand to shake, which Ripple took politely.

"It's nice to meet both of you," he said. He noticed the way the two held themselves and each other. "Are you two-"

"Yes," Amelia interjected. "We're together."

"That's wonderful. May I ask for how long?"

"We've been on our own for a few days now, but we've known each other for quite a while."

"Well congratulations. It's wonderful that you two found each other."

"Thanks," Ripple replied, smiling slightly. Perhaps peace could be an option for humanity in the future. "I like your tattoos," she said. "I've never seen anything like them."

The tattoos that had appeared on him on the attack of Jericho had not faded yet. "Thank you."

"What are they from?" It was strange, but she had found them extremely fascinated by them.

"They all come from a different part of me Something that I believe in." Dakota pointed to the one tattoo on his face, across his left eye. For an extra flourish, he added a little Willpower to cause it to glow a pale blue, eliciting a slight gasp from both of the deviants. "This one is algiz. It's a Norse rune. It means protection and defence, especially towards loved ones."

"And this one?" Amelia pointed to another tattoo on Dakota's right wrist.

"Old Norse for love. It's to remind me that there is love in this world, and there is something to live for in this world." There was a moment of silence as the statement settled in. It was deeper than he had meant to go, but it felt oddly relieving to say it aloud. He knew that he had been struggling with his… thoughts…for a while, but he didn't know that it was to the point where a tattoo would remind him of a reason to keep standing each day.

"That's… deep," Ripple wasn't sure how to respond to Dakota's words, but she knew what he meant. After the Eden Club, she had nowhere to go. She had only known a life of abuse and perversion, and knew of no one to help. The only thing she had was Amelia. She was a constant, ever loving. The two had escaped together, and their love had grown stronger the more they were together. They depended on each other, giving each other support throughout everything they've been through.

"Thanks for listening to me ramble a bit," Dakota said to the two. "It was really nice talking to you, and hopefully we'll see each other again, next time not in the cold." He stood up and went to check on the soldiers by the collection camp. There was no movement in troop position, although he did see a lone figure approaching the encampment. "Markus!" he called. "Come here! You should see this." Markus came jogging over to here Dakota stood, and watched the figure stop halfway between the two camps and raise a microphone to speak.

"Markus," he said, his voice coming out through speakers laid further back, but still carried more volume. "I've come to talk to you Markus." North, Josh, and Simon had joined Markus's side, watching the person in the snow with interest. "Come on, you have my word," he continued, "we won't try anything."

"Don't go. It's a trap," North told Markus immediately, her voice filled with fear for him, and disgust at what was said. These humans abused her people, treating them like trash, slaughtering them by the thousands, and when they finally stand up to it, the humans want to make a compromise? "They want you out in the open. Don't go, Markus."

After no response from the androids, the person who had been selected as negotiator continued. "I'm unarmed, Markus. I just want to talk."

"I have nothing more to say," Markus replied, fire in his words. "Free our people, then we'll talk."

"I came here to negotiate, isn't that what you want? Dialogue?"

Dakota offered his two cents. "They won't try anything during a negotiation. Not with cameras watching. If anything, you can at least hear his offers, decline, then leave."

Markus considered his options. "I need to hear what he has to say," he said finally.

"But what if they kill you?" North countered, her fear no longer hidden.

"It's a chance I'll have to take." Markus turned and pushed himself over the wall that had been constructed and walked over to the line figure in the street. Dakota could feel the tension within and around the other three around him. The group held their breath collectively as the other two conversed. Dakota could tell that it wasn't going well for Markus. The humans essentially held all the cards. For a moment, they could see the human's gaze turn to North, who shifted uncomfortably, but the wind silenced the words being traded back and forth. After what seemed like an eternity, Markus walked back to his camp. He climbed back over the wall and headed to the group.

"What happened, Markus? What did he say?" North was the first to speak up Markus didn't answer, but Dakota could read it in his face: they were going to attack. They always were. "You need to let them know." Markus began walking towards the center of the camp, but Dakota grabbed the sleeve of his trenchcoat. "Dammit, this is no time for a speech. Just shout it from where you are."

Markus furrowed his brow in confusion, but did as Dakota said. He turned to the general crowd in the camp. "Everybody!" he shouted. "They're about to attack!" No sooner had he said that then a grenade hit the ground not even five feet from where Markus was standing. Dakota saw it and threw himself on top, layering Power through a shield spell to contain the blast. It went off, but the explosion never left a foot high dome, contained entirely by Dakota's spell. Dakota stood up, breathing a bit heavy from containing and absorbing the direct blast, but otherwise unharmed. His tattoos were beginning to glow again, most prominently the one on his face, a bright blue-white. Soldiers were starting to climb over the barricade. "Go!" Dakota shouted! The four leaders scrambled, scattering in the chaos.

Protect. That was the only thing. Don't let anyone else get hurt. Dakota saw an android downed and ran over to him, helping the deviant to his feet and directing him to run. He shook his watch out from his coat sleeve, the runes he had stitched into the leather straps glowing scarlet and emerald. A soldier was aiming at a deviant to Dakota's right, and Dakota put himself in the way, shield up. The bullets ricocheted off of the curved wall of will, creating red and green sparks. He closed the distance between himself and the soldier, sweeping the trooper's legs from underneath them. He ran and found some cover behind a dumpster. He started moving it to a group of other deviants. He came out from behind the dumpster from twenty feet away. His shield was already up, but not fast enough. Two deviants took a bullet to the head and collapsed, dead before they hit the ground. Guilt began to wash into him, but he pushed it away before it could take hold. Now was not the time to mourn the dead.

The others he was able to keep safe, deflecting the other bullets. One soldier rushed him, which turned to be a bad idea. Dakota, with six straight years of solitude, had trained and nearly mastered multiple styles of hand-to-hand combat. Dakota easily grabbed the gun in the soldier's hand, jammed the butt into their stomach, then hit them over the head, knocking them out. To make sure the gun couldn't be used, he ejected the magazine and racked the bullet still in the chamber, then threw it to the ground, all within half a second. He then continued helping other deviants. He saw Josh being faced down by a soldier, and ran to interject. He got there in time shielding Josh, but as the deviant was falling back, a grenade went off, sending shrapnel flying. A two-inch long piece of metal hit Dakota's leg, embedding itself in his right calf.

"FUCK!" Dakota cried out in pain and fell to one leg. The soldier, seeing him injured and not knowing him to be human, advanced forward on the wounded mage. Dakota could still think semi-clearly, though, and had one last trick. He took his shield, which was essentially solidified willpower, and shaped it into a large sphere, about the size of a bowling ball. With a grunt, Dakota sent the ball of Will flying towards the soldier, hitting them in center mass and knocking them back several feet and onto their back. Wasn't very debilitating, but it bought a pretty good amount of time for him. With pained effort, Dakota stood up and limped towards the back of the camp that had once been safe.

Ahead he could see the other androids cornered against the side of a bus. The soldiers closed in, forming a tight circle around the trapped deviants. Dakota collapsed to one knee, no longer able to fend off the burning pain in his leg. He looked down at his leg. Blood was dripping from the wound, running down the shard of metal embedded in his calf. The injury wasn't too serious. He could close it up and stop the bleeding, but it would take time for the muscle to heal. Dakota fumbled with his belt, taking it off and tying it around his injured leg to make a tourniquet. He grasped the piece of shrapnel and pulled firmly, despite any and all medical knowledge advising against doing so, drawing a pained groan from his throat as he drew the shrapnel from his leg. As blood began pooling out of the wound and onto the surrounding snow, Dakota put his hands to the injury and whispered a word of Healing. The open wound immediately closed up, the blood stopping. It still hurt, but no longer was threatening. Dakota slowly stood up and watched the scene playing out before him. The soldiers had their guns trained on the small crowd of androids. Markus and North were turning to each other. They joined hands, their synthetic skin retracting. The joints of their hands began glowing a pale white and blue. Dakota could see them looking into their eyes. The two androids looked at each other for a moment, then kissed. It was slow, passionate, filled with emotion. It was a good power play, Dakota thought. It showed that two androids could truly love each other. And with all the news coverage and reporters, the kiss was being aired to the entire country. A solid minute passed, then a single soldier gave an order.

"Stand down!" the soldier barked, and they all retreated, lowering their weapons. Dakota finally made his way to where they were all standing. His pants were now torn and ripped. He reached the wall of the bus and slumped against it.

Another soldier approached Markus. "Sir, we have orders to accompany you to the camp." Markus followed the soldier, and everyone else followed.