Not of Sound Mind

by Pairiny10

Gavin Reed had escaped his family years ago and was now living a happier life, even after the chaos of the Android Revolution and some unwanted feelings developing. But the peace in his life doesn't last when a distressed ST200 runs into the precinct stained with his brother's blood. He's soon reminded of how much he loved Eli. He's also reminded of just how cruel Kamskis can be.

10. Chapter 9: Whose Hands Hurt You?

Disclaimer: I do not own Detroit: Become Human. This story contains violence, abuse, and dark themes. Viewer discretion is advised.

DATE: December 17, 2038

TIME: 11:13:05 A.M.

Having already been outed as working with Eli, there were no issues about the two of them showing up to the New Jericho repair facility together. He could see the androids in the lobby give them looks, and even the receptionist gave them more than a passing glance as she gave them Connor's room number. He didn't have to convince Eli to help. Simply telling him that Connor needed repairs was enough for him to agree to help. Along with a couple of technicians, Anderson was already in the room when they arrived, sitting by Connor's bedside.

"What's his status?" Eli asked, going to talk to the technicians. Gavin internally cringed at the sight of Connor lying nearly lifeless in the bed, stained bandages wrapped around the side of his head and hooked up to some kind of advanced computer. His eye flickered open, and the brown orb dilated as it found Gavin. A faint smile curled his lips.

"You came to see me, Detective?" he asked with slurred speech.

"'Course, tin can. I need you up and running." Gavin went to Connor's bedside, noticing the bouquet of flowers on the bed stand. "Who brought those?"

"Some Jericho members delivered them. I think their names were Josh and Simon."

"You know," Connor interjected, his warm brown eyes set on Gavin. "I was thinking about you earlier, you know?"

"Were you now?" Gavin raised a brow.

"Yeah, I was thinking about how you—"

"I'm gonna stop you right there, Connor." Anderson interrupted him.

"Oh," he rolled his head to the side to look at the Lieutenant. "Would that be inappropriate to say?"

"Very."

"What's he been saying?" Gavin asked.

"Random crap for the past couple of hours now. I think they screwed something up in Connor's head when they tried fixing him the first time."

"Hey, Detective," Connor chirped.

"What is it?" Gavin asked.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"I'm listening."

"On a scale of one to ten, how attractive would I be in a scarf?"

"Attractive?" He chuckled in amusement.

"Yep," Anderson smacked his lips, "Those are the kinds of questions I've been getting all day."

"Well," Gavin said, "I'd say a solid 8. Scarfs are fucking sexy."

"Reed, stop encouraging him."

"Alright, I've taken a look at his condition," Eli cut into the conversation, sending off the other technicians and wheeling over a tray of tools. "He's fixable."

"What are you planning on doing?" Anderson asked.

"Technical procedures that would be a bore to explain. It won't hurt Connor in the slightest if that is what you are concerned about." He slipped on a glove on his unbraced hand.

"You sure you can operate with your hand like that?"

"Of course, I can maneuver without issue." Eli unwrapped the bandages from Connor's head, revealing the gash that ran deep and exposed wires never meant to be seen. He picked up with what looked to Gavin to be a slim driver and made sure his glasses were centered. He stuck the tool inside Connor's head.

"Oh, that feels weird," Connor groaned, LED flashing yellow.

"It'll be quick, kid," Anderson reassured him, grabbing his hand. "I thought you said it doesn't hurt?" He glared at Eli.

"It doesn't… Or shouldn't."

"Can't you put him in stasis." Gavin more so told than suggested.

"If you so wish." Eli extracted the tool and turned to the computer Connor was hooked up to.

"Does that type of wound look familiar to you?" Gavin asked.

"Yeah, it looks similar to the one Chasity had," Anderson answered. "What was he hit with exactly?"

"A lightning rod." Was Connor's answer.

"Some kind of taser baton," Gavin said. "Nothing I've seen before."

"There," Eli said with one last tap on the keyboard. "He should be entering stasis in the next ten seconds." Connor's eyelids started to droop, and his head fell back onto the pillow. Eli snapped his fingers beside Connor, his eyes now fully closed and LED blue, and when he got no response, he picked up his tool. "Now, to continue," he stuck the tool back inside the head, this time without a distressed android.

"He should go back to normal after you finish whatever you're doing?" Gavin asked.

"If everything goes without issue, he'll return to his regular behavior."

"Say," Anderson spoke, "How'd Reed convince you to help?"

"Simple, he pointed out that Connor ended up like this as a result of trying to help me. So, the least I could do is patch him up."

"Did you have to cut time out of your schedule or…"

"I have no major plans today, so this was an easy detour."

"So, you wouldn't mind another detour?" Eli glanced up momentarily from his work at Anderson's question.

"Are you trying to ask me out?"

"Ugh, don't word it like that. I just wanted to talk to you about some new evidence I found."

"Where will we have this conversation?"

"Wherever is most comfortable for ya."

"How gentlemanly of you." Anderson rolled his eyes at the comment. "There, I'm finished." Eli removed the tool and set it on the tray before rewrapping his head. "I'll inform the technicians to come and correct the hole. It'll take a minute for him to exit stasis, but everything is in working order."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Lieutenant." A knock sounded at the door.

"Pardon the intrusion. May we come in?"

"Sure," Hank answered before Gavin could give any input. Gavin wasn't surprised that a pair of androids walked in. It was who the androids were that took him aback. He'd seen the red-headed android before on the news when it covered New Jericho speeches and meetings. She had the same steely expression now as she did then, which was offset by the bouquet of flowers in her hand. Though he didn't know her name, he definitely knew the other android's. He'd only seen Markus once in person when he had previously visited the precinct. Gavin had seen those types of eyes but never had they been as relaxed and warm as Markus'.

"How is Connor doing?" Markus asked, his voice a balance between bold and soothing.

"Better now, after Kamski patched him up," Anderson answered.

"Yes, Mr. Kamski," the blue and green eyes landed on Eli. "It's a pleasure to see you once again."

"Yes, meeting you as you are now is a joy for me." Eli walked over to the android for a handshake.

"I'm sorry that you were attacked, and I want you to know that the android that hurt you doesn't stand with us."

"Right," The red-headed android chimed in, anger evident in her voice. "Only an idiot punk would try to kill our own damn maker."

"No worries," Eli said. "I could figure out that much. You are North, yes?"

"Yeah, yeah, it is," North's firm frown broke, nearly forming a smile. "We brought these for you," she held out the bouquet, "A gift for all the shit you had to go through."

"Oh, thank you." Eli sounded surprised as he grabbed the flowers. "They're lovely."

"We also wanted to invite you to a party," Markus said, "All of you. We plan on having a Christmas party on the 20th. Humans and androids are all invited, but at the moment, not many humans plan on showing up."

"I'll have to look at my schedule," Eli said, looking up from the flowers, "But I hope to make it."

"I hope so. Well, we'll let you get back to your day. Please keep us updated." The androids left the room, but not before Markus stopped in the doorway and said: "Oh, and Leo wanted me to tell you that he 'hopes you're better and to give him a call." The androids left.

"Should we leave now, Lieutenant?" Eli asked.

"I wanted to wait until Connor woke back up."

"I can stay with him, Anderson," Gavin said.

"You're actually gonna stay?"

"Yeah, actually. Connor saved my life. It's the least I can do."

"Fine then. If he wakes up before I get back, tell him I'll be back here before three'.

"Can do."

"I'll be right with you, Lieutenant," Eli said as Anderson headed to the door. "I want to do one final checkup on Connor."

"Alright, you already know what my car looks like." Eli waited until Anderson left the room and for his footsteps to become faint whispers to speak.

"Where are we meeting up?"

"Well, after this, I have to go to the precinct to meet with the SWAT team. After that, I'll see you at the motel as usual."

"I'll see you there then. My ringer will be on." He put a hand on Gavin's shoulder, "Stay safe."

"Right back at you." Eli left the room, leaving him alone with the unconscious Connor.

"You regularly visit Kamski?" Correction: the conscious Connor. Despite his relaxed posture, his brown eyes were focused on Gavin.

"Oh, you're already up, tin can?" Gavin chuckled to give his brain time to come up with an excuse. "Yeah, uh, Kamski wanted someone to keep him company, and I'm the one he picked, lucky me. But don't tell him I told you that. He wants to keep it private."

"I won't say anything," Gavin could have sworn he heard the slightest hint of disappointment in Connor's voice.

"Enough about that. How are you feeling? Kamski came in to patch you up."

"Yes, I remember that. Or I think I do, at least. My memory's still a bit… hazy. Where's Hank?"

"He and Kamski just left for a meeting, but he'll be back before three. What they're meeting about, I ain't got a clue. What do you remember exactly?"

"I…" Connor looked up at the ceiling. "I remember fighting with that dealer. I had scanned him, but no ID came up. I didn't move fast enough, and he struck me with his weapon. My vision was distorted after that. However, for the moment, I saw clearly that you were about to get shot. And so, I pushed you. My apologies if that injured you further."

"Like I'd give a shit about that after you saved my life. Thank you for that, by the way."

"Of course, you are my partner. Was there anything more found to help further the case?"

"Yeah, actually. Some cleaners found a case of files that gave us a lead. Hopefully our final one. We got the names of our suspects and where to finally catch 'em. There's gonna be a raid."

"So we'll wait until that's finished to close the case?"

"You'll wait. I'll be a part of the raid."

"Please, don't tell me you're going to be alone." Connor sighed, looking back to Gavin worriedly.

"Only for a bit before the SWAT Team comes in to kick ass. Don't sweat too much, tin can. I've been doing this for a while. I know what I'm doing."

"I don't doubt your abilities, Detective. They're truly admirable in some ways. I just… I don't want you to get harmed when I could have been there to stop it." Gavin was honestly taken aback by how much his partner continued to care about his well-being. Even after how he had treated him.

"… Wh—" Gavin caught the question before it could teeter off his lips. "Don't think about it like that because that's not what's gonna happen. I'll come out there in one piece. I swear it." Connor opened his mouth but quickly shut it.

"Alright, Connor, you're ready for operation." The technician walking in announced.

"Oh, alright." Connor nodded his head. "I'll see you later then, Detective Reed. I wish you luck."

"Thanks, tin can."

TIME: 12:15:04 P.M.

Hank hadn't expected Kamski to choose a café as his place to talk, but he didn't complain. It was a quaint little place and looked like the old cafes he used to go to when he was younger. Their coffee wasn't too bad either, relishing the refreshment as he sat by the window with Kamski, who had gotten a black coffee. He hadn't taken a sip until the steam stopped rising. Hank glanced at what exposed skin Kamski had, which wasn't much. Only his one hand and head were exposed, his neck covered by his turtleneck and arms and legs covered by the sleeves of his hoodie and long pant legs. He wondered how intentional his choice of clothing was.

"Where do you want to start, Lieutenant?" Kamski asked.

"Let's start off easy," Hank said, leaning back in his chair. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing well enough."

"Heh, you don't know how many times I've heard that answer. Are you being honest about that?"

"Why would I lie?"

"I don't know, why would you?"

"Lieutenant," Kamski sighed, "I'm not in the mood for small talk. Let's get to the evidence already."

"Fine, if you're so eager." Hank pulled out his phone, unlocked it, and when to his photo gallery. "Could you give more context to this information?" he slid the phone over. He watched closely as Kamski looked over the document photos. Ever so slightly did his eyes narrow and his lip curl.

"This is private information, Lieutenant," an emotion stronger than irritation edged on Kamski's voice.

"It's information that tells me more about what happened that night than you've had. But you can change that by simply telling me what you've been keeping to yourself."

"I could sue you for breaching my privacy."

"Hm, I got a feeling you wouldn't waste your time on that. Not with all the shit you got going on."

"You're looking more into this than you should. Is the severity of my injuries truly that important to the case?"

"It is after I talked to Charity and Chasity."

"Did you, now?" Though his voice was steady, Kamski's body stiffened.

"Yep. And you want to know what those girls told me? They told me that the bastards that attacked you weren't there on an impulse. They were there with the intent to make you suffer. And those reports back that up pretty well, I'd say."

"It was not painful, so what does it matter if they attempted to make me suffer?" It was no surprise to Hank that Kamski would try and downplay his traumatic experience. He'd seen it before in other victims of violent crimes.

"You know, Charity wanted me to tell you something. She wanted you to know that she and the other girls want you to stay safe. And that they miss you." He let the information sit, watching as Kamski slowly sunk back in his chair. "I know you want this to be over with just as much as they do. It nearly is, but I need you to talk to me before that can happen."

"… What do you want to know, Lieutenant?"

"Why did this happen?"

"Hm, it's all such a long story," Kamski coughed into his arm before setting it down on the table to tap his finger on the hardwood surface. "It started when I found out my friend got into some trouble. Drug-related trouble." Hank remembered the young man they had bumped into at the rehab center. "He told me all the cruel things they'd do to him and his family if he didn't pay them or went to the authorities. So, I paid them, but that wasn't enough, and I gave them more. I refused to give them anything more after the third time, and that's when they turned the threats my way. I … I thought they wouldn't find my home." That was the first time Hank heard Kamski stumble over his words. "Clearly, that was wishful thinking…"

"That's why you didn't tell us outright what happened? You didn't want anyone else to get hurt."

"Yes. If I just told you everything, that would put a bigger target on my friends and family. But if I said nothing at all, there would be no chance of stopping them."

"And you leading me on a goose chase would keep either of those from happening?"

"That's what I tried." Kamski coughed again, harder this time. "Though that only worked so well. I didn't want anyone else to get in harm's way… I hope that was helpful."

"It was, thank you. I just have one more question for you. If that's alright?"

"It couldn't be any worse than what you've already asked."

"Now, this is me just being curious but are you friends with Reed?"

"That's your question?" Kamski quirked a brow.

"Like I said, I'm curious." Hank shrugged.

"Nosey would be more accurate... Yes, you could describe my relationship with Reed as 'friends.'"

"Just friends?" He asked as more of a jab for earlier than a serious inquiry.

"What else—" a cough interrupted him, "would we—" and another, this time strangling his sentence as he dissolved into a fit of horrid coughs. Then, spitting on the table before he could cover his mouth, he knocked over his cup of coffee in his fumble.

"Jesus!"

"My apologies—" He couldn't get another word out before being cut off once again. Hank got up from his seat and went to Kamski's side.

"Are you okay?" He saw irritation flash in Kamski's eyes, and Hank mentally bonked himself on the head. Then, he noticed that the commotion drew the attention of the other patrons and staff.

"Is everything alright, sirs?" A waitress worriedly asked.

"Get him some water, please, ma'am," he said to her who went off to do just that. The waitress came back with a glass of ice water, and he held it out to Kamski. "Here, drink this." Kamski took the glass, and Hank recoiled at the sight of Kamski's sleeve, the grey fabric darkly stained with blood. "Holy shit, do I need to call an ambulance?" Kamski shook his head as he downed the drink, the glass rim coated red.

"No… No, I'm... Good."

"The hell you are," Hank reached for his phone but saw it was doused in the warm coffee when it had spilt over the table. "Damnit." He turned to the waitress, "Can you—" He was roughly yanked down when Kamski snatched his collar, glaring him straight in the eyes.

"I said no." He growled and shoved Hank out of the way to leave the table.

"Kamski, hold up!" His words were ignored as Kamski walked out of the cafe doors, and Hank snatched up his broken phone and followed after him with a curse. "Why aren't you stopping?" He questioned as he caught up to the man who continued to walk straight forwards like he hadn't just coughed up blood.

"I need fresh air." Kamski hoarsely mumbled.

"And rest." Hank moved in front of Kamski's way, forcing him to stop. "Just sit for a moment." He gestured to the nearby bench.

"Get out of my way, Lieutenant." The demand was less intimidating as Hank stood taller than the younger man.

"Where the hell are you going? I drove you here, remember."

"I…" Kamski glared off to the side, his hands shoved in his pockets.

"Please, it won't kill you to sit for a sec." Hank encouraged, and Kamski grumbled something he couldn't make out.

"Fine." Kamski sat down with a sigh, and Hank sat down beside him. Hank didn't say anything, watching the snowflakes fall from the grey sky and letting Kamski catch his breath.

"I know," Hank started softly, "I know you can't feel the pain… But you know your body's hurting, don't you?" Kamski was looking down at the ground, the gentle breeze twirling strands of his long hair.

"… I'm aware." Kamski quietly replied.

"Look, I won't force you to go, but I think you should get looked at. Your doctor did tell me he had let you out early. I'm starting to think he really shouldn't have."

"… I'll give it some thought."

"Besides everyone involved in this… Have you talked to anyone else about this?"

"I haven't found the time."

"You couldn't talk to your mom about this?" That got Kamski to look at him, his brows furrowed. "I heard she came to the station looking for you, made a big commotion about it."

"That sounds like her."

"Why can't you talk with her?"

"I can, but I have no desire to."

"Wh—"

"She can't help me, no matter how much she wants to. She'll only end up getting herself hurt like you have."

"Right… Wherever you were planning on going, I can drive you there."

"Thank you…" He looked back to the busy streets and snow-covered trees, "But I'd like to stay here a moment longer."

"That's good with me… Did I ever thank you for saving my life that one time?"

"No."

"Well, thank you. And I really mean that, Kamski."

"… You're welcome, Lieutenant."

TIME: 2:27:01 P.M.

"And then you leave through here, understand?" Allen's voice was firm like a sturdy tool as he questioned Reed, pointing to the map on the table.

"I understood you the third time around," Reed answered sourly, not enjoying being talked to like a child. He had been diligently taking notes on his laptop the entire meeting.

"We just want to be certain of the plan so you don't get harmed." A SWAT member said, who looked very much like the officer standing next to him.

"You better make sure it ends that way," Tina warned the SWAT member, prodding him in the chest.

"I know how to do my job, sis. Shouldn't you get back to your police work?" He asked, tugging down on her police cap.

"Damnit, Troy," she lifted up her cap, dark eyes narrowed, "I'm being serious. Be on your A game."

"We'll all be," Allen said. "Everybody got the plan down?"

"Yes sir!" was the chorus response of the SWAT members. Then Allen's sharp eyes found Gavin's.

"Reed?"

"Ay, ay, captain."

"Good." Allen rolled up the map. "You're dismissed."

"You're really going through with this, aren't you, you frickin' nut case?" Tina questioned him as they walked down the precinct hall.

"Relax, Tina. It's basically just a recon job."

"Yeah, and with a dash of violent criminals that'll break your knees. You better bring your ass back, or I'll kill you myself."

"I appreciate the concern, but I'll be back. There's still a bet I gotta win" He nudged her shoulder and turned to an adjacent hallway. "Go on ahead. I'm gonna check on the old archives for more info on my case."

"See you, Gav." The archives were a large room lined with shelves filled with books and old files of past cases. It was mostly unused, with most information being on their terminals. Only his footsteps echoed in the quiet room as he headed to the back and found a cozy corner to sit in beside a bookcase. He rested his laptop in his lap and connected his wireless earbuds to it before putting one in his ear. Next, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the flash drive. It was a glossy black with no markings of any kind, not even a brand label. He doubted for a moment whether or not to stick it in his laptop but crushed it before it could stop his hand from sticking the drive into the port.

He anxiously bounced his leg as he accepted the device and watched it load. He clicked on the drive, and a tab popped up on his screen, a list of video files titled by dates. He clicked on the earliest one, November 9th, 2038, and a collection of videos showed up. Looking closer at the thumbnails, he could see each video showed different perspectives inside Eli's house. His kitchen, his bedroom, his pool room, and much more. Gavin clicked on one of the videos, the pool room camera. The beginning of the video showed an empty room, the sun slowly rising and bringing in light. It was until he fast-forwarded closer to noon that someone finally came to the room.

It was Eli, his hair tied back in a bun and dressed in a dark red robe, and the girls, two of whom were dressed in bikinis. One jumped into the pool while the other gently lowered herself in. He guessed the one in the blue dress was Chloe, who helped Eli remove his robe and stood by the poolside as Eli swam laps and the bikini androids chatted, too quiet for him to hear. Then, the ring of a doorbell disrupted the pool activities, and Eli came to a stop.

"That is the Lieutenant, Elijah," Chloe said. Gavin realized that this must have been when Anderson and Connor visited for their investigation.

"Let them in before checking everything is in its proper place," Eli replied, and Chloe left the poolroom and returned a couple minutes later, alone. Eli continued his lap while Chloe walked to the small dresser in front of the large glass window and opened the drawer.

"Are you sure about this, Miss Chloe?" one of the bikini androids asked, her voice drizzling with concern.

"I'm certain," Chloe said, and she opened a door beside the window though he couldn't see what was inside.

"Yeah, but isn't this a bit extreme." The other bikini android spoke up.

"Girls," Chloe went to the poolside and crouched in front of the androids, "If I was uncertain that I couldn't do this, I wouldn't have suggested it. Elijah and I know what we're doing, yes?"

"Of course," Eli replied, pausing his lap, "Don't trouble yourselves, girls. Everything will be under control."

"You don't have to look," Chloe said. "Just keep talking like you've already been. Can you do that?"

"Yes, Miss Chloe." The androids responded in unison.

"Thank you." She stood up. "Are you ready for them, Elijah?"

"Bring them in, Chloe." And she did so, opening the door for her guests with Anderson walking in first before Connor.

"Mister Kamski?" Anderson called out.

"Just a moment, please," Eli responded, finishing his last lap before climbing out of the pool. Chloe was there to help him put back on his robe. Then, after tidying up his bun, he turned to face his guests.

"I'm Lieutenant Anderson. This is Connor."

"What can I do for you, Lieutenant?"

"Sir, we're investigating deviants. I know you left CyberLife years ago, but I was hoping you'd be able to tell us something we didn't know…"

"Deviants," Eli started slowly, "Fascinating, aren't they? Perfect beings with infinite intelligence, and now they have free will. Machines are so superior to us, confrontation was inevitable… Humanity's greatest achievement threatens to be its downfall." a small smile came to his face. "Isn't it ironic?"

"Deviancy seems to spread like some kind of virus," Connor spoke up. "We thought you might know something about that."

"All ideas are viruses that spread like epidemics… Is the desire to be free a contagious disease?"

"Listen," Anderson's tone lost some cordiality, "I didn't come here to talk philosophy. The machines you created may be planning a revolution. Either you can tell us something that'll be helpful, or we'll be on our way."

"What about you, Connor?" Eli completely ignored Anderson to question the android. "Whose side are you on?"

"I'm on the human's side, of course." Connor answered without skipping a beat.

"Well, that's what you're programmed to say." Eli scoffed, his smile faltering. "But you," he stepped closer, looking Connor directly in the eyes. "What do you really want?" It took a moment longer for Connor to reply.

"I'm sorry, but I don't see where you're getting at."

"Chloe…" Eli's smile returned as he beckoned the android over. "I'm sure you're familiar with the Turning test. Mere formality, simple question of algorithms and computing capacity." He grabbed her by the shoulders, facing her straight forwards. "What interests me is whether machines are capable of empathy. I call it "the Kamski test" it's very simple. You'll see…" his eyes drifted back to Chloe. "Magnificent, isn't it. One of the first intelligent models developed by CyberLife." He gently grasped her chin like he was holding a diamond. "Young and beautiful forever. A flower that will never wither. But what is it really?" He let her go with a scoff. "Piece of plastic imitating a human?" He turned and reached into his drawer, and Gavin knew what was coming next wouldn't be anything to cheer about. "Or a living being," Eli pulled out a handgun, "with a soul?" He guided Chloe to her knees before walking to Connor.

"It's up to you to answer that fascinating question, Connor." He put the gun in Connor's hand, leveling it at Chloe's head. Chloe's blue LED never flickered, and her expression remained neutral. "Destroy this machine, and I'll tell you all I know. Or spare it if you feel it's alive, but you'll leave here without having learned anything from me."

"Okay, I think we're done here. Come on, Connor." Anderson said, turning to leave. Let's go. Sorry to —"

"What's more important to you, Connor?" Eli continued. "Your investigation, or the life of this android? Decide who you are. An obedient machine. Or a living being endowed with free will."

"That's enough!" Anderson snapped. "Connor, we're leaving." Eli slid a hand on Connor's shoulder.

"Pull the trigger—"

"Connor, don't…"

"— And I'll tell you what you wanna know." One of the pool androids was looking over her shoulder, her eyes shaking with anticipation as Connor stood before Chloe with a gun to her head. Gavin also found himself waiting anxiously, unable to see Connor's expression. He thought he had accidentally paused the video with how still and quiet it had become and went to unpause it.

He jumped as the loud boom shot into his ears. While the androids in the pool flinched, Chloe slumped, her still body settling where she last rested.

"Fuck…" Anderson verbalized what Gavin was thinking in his head.

"Test negative," Eli said, all the playfulness and cunning in his tone gone as he took the gun away from the rigid android. "You chose your investigation over the life of another android. You feel no empathy." He returned the gun to the drawer as Anderson left the room without looking back. The pool androids returned to their quiet conversation as Eli stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window.

"I'm a man of my word." He spoke. "Ask one question… I'll tell you all I know."

"… I want to know where Jericho is." Connor's voice was unwavering as he made the demand.

"Jericho… A place where androids are free. A place for deviants who rise up against their creators!" The door beside the windows opened up, and in walked another bikini-wearing android, face emotionless as she walked up to Connor. "They transmit a piece of code to each other in order to find their sanctuary." The skin faded from Connor's hand as he gripped the android's arm, LED spinning yellow before he let her go. She stood off to the side as Eli continued.

"Now you have the key. Ferndale station is the door." Connor went to leave, but Eli grabbed his arm. "A war is coming. You'll have to choose your side. Will you betray your own people or stand against your creators? I wouldn't like to be in your shoes, Connor… What could be worse than having to choose between two evils?" He let Connor go, and the androids in the pool looked away from him as he walked past them. "By the way," Eli spoke up before Connor walked through the door. "I always leave an emergency exit in my programs… You never know." Connor left.

The new android moved first, walking over to Chloe's body and softly combing her fingers through the blonde hair.

"Hm… you didn't inform me my ponytail was crooked," Chloe said.

"I thought the style was purposeful." Eli shrugged his shoulders.

"Are you alright, Miss Chloe?" One of the pool androids asked.

"I'm perfectly functional, Chasity. Though I've seen better days." She patted herself on the head.

"That nearly gave me a heart attack!" Charity smacked the water. "Did you know he was going to shoot, Mister Elijah?"

"Uncertainty is a given with androids." He mused, turning around to face his creations. "But my assumption would be that he would hesitate, and he did." He leaned down beside the lifeless android and delicately shut her eyelids. "For a moment." He lifted the body in his arms, and she would have looked like she was in a peaceful slumber if not for the hole in her head. "Excellent work today, girls." Chloe walked close to him, whispering something in her ear, and he whispered back.

"What are you talking about?" Charity inquired.

"About how smoothly everything went today," Chloe answered.

"It did?" Chasity frowned.

"Of course. We have some new spare parts, and I can also do this now." Chloe lept into the pool with a bright grin, splashing the other androids. While the androids played in the pool, Eli carried the body out of the room, staring wistfully at her face.

Gavin stopped the video there. The tension he had sensed between Connor and Chloe became clear. It was like he had watched a completely different android on his laptop screen from the one he had talked to at the repair center. Maybe Connor had regrets about shooting Chloe and wanted to compensate by being overly-compassionate to counteract the guilt. If he even felt emotions, that was. Gavin stopped that train of thought before it traveled far. He exited the video and went to a different file labeled November 11th, 2038.

The pool room was completely empty for most of the day, so he changed to view the dining room recording. Chloe walked in first at 9:30 in the morning, making breakfast while Charity and Chasity came in to make the table.

"Can one of you please wake Elijah?" Chloe asked as she set down the bowl of diced fruit and bacon omelet.

"On it!" Charity skipped out of sight, and a faint 'Good morning, Mister Elijah!' could be heard in the distance.

"You let Mr. Elijah sleep in today, Miss Chloe." Chasity pointed out as she placed a book beside the plate, a bookmark sticking out of the pages.

"Yes. It took him longer to find sleep last night. He needed the extra hour of rest." Eli walked into the frame with Charity beside him. He wore loose black sweatpants, a grey tank top, and a midnight blue robe. His hair draped down his face and shoulders, and his glasses were askew.

"Good morning, Chloe, Chasity," he drowsily greeted as he plopped down in his chair.

"Morning, Elijah."

"Good morning, Mr. Elijah." Both androids greeted respectively. Chasity came up behind him and tied his hair back in a ponytail as Chloe poured him a cup of steaming coffee. "Thank you, girls." He thanked, straightening his glasses and then grabbing his mug, sipping his coffee as he opened up his book.

"How's the novel?" Chasity asked, taking small peeks at the pages.

"Quite interesting, to my surprise. If you wish, I can lend it to you after I've finished reading it."

"Yes, I'd like that very much. Thank you."

"What's the plan for today?" Charity asked excitedly.

"Today? I haven't given it much thought. Come up with a list of activities we could do, and I'll look at it."

"Not a problem, Mister Elijah. Chas, come help." She and Chasity walked out of sight, leaving only Eli and Chloe alone on screen.

"How is the omelet?" Chloe inquired.

"I don't know, I haven't tried it."

"Then you should before it gets too cold." Eli gave her a quick look before starting to pick at his food.

"It must be nice not having to eat every day for sustenance." He pondered as he gnawed on an apple slice.

"True, but I don't get to taste any sweet fruit or savory dishes. We both have our negatives and positives we shouldn't take for—" Chloe paused as her LED flashed yellow. Her smile disappeared.

"Chloe?" he set down his fork. She leaned down and whispered something in his ear just as the doorbell rang.

"Oh, I didn't know we were getting visitors today." He heard Charity say off-screen.

"Charity, Chasity," Chloe said firmly, "Please check on the laundry. I don't want either of you coming out until I say so. Understand?"

"Yes, Miss Chloe." Footsteps walked away as the doorbell rang again. Chloe gave Eli one last look before walking off-screen. Alone at the table, Eli sighed and rubbed his eyes, mumbling something Gavin couldn't make out. He reached up to his ear and took out his earring, stuffing it into his robe pocket.

"How you doin', ace?" he certainly made out the announced greeting as Uncle Samson walked onto the screen, dressed in navy blue slacks and a white dress shirt with a fur-lined grey coat that he tossed to Chloe. Behind him walked two familiar faces, Felix and Eunice, who wore white suits. Uncle Samson's hair had grown out and turned almost entirely grey over the years. Though his scar remained the way it always had, a noticeable chunk of his ear was missing.

"I'm adequate," Eli mumbled back; his eyes focused on his book.

"Someone's grumpy today, isn't he?" Uncle Samson sat in the chair across from him, Felix and Eunice standing behind him.

"Pardon me, I just woke up," Eli said as Chloe came to stand behind him. "Why did you come here?"

"Not even a chance for casual conversation? Is this how you treat all your guests?"

"Only the ones that are uninvited." He flipped a page of his novel. "What business do you have here?"

"Unfortunately, I have a serious reason for seeing you. I'm sure you heard of all the deviant chaos going on."

"I have."

"And more importantly, you know about the android sent to stop them?"

"The RK800, yes?"

"Well, the supposed deviant hunter deviated a couple days ago."

"Strange, he tested negative for the Kamski Test. What does this have to do with me?"

"That's the same question your daddy has."

"Does he?" Eli scoffed. "I've already told you I had no part in this deviancy virus. What could I have done when I've kept my end of the bargain and resided here."

"The RK did visit you the day it deviated."

"And Father let him see me. It's nothing but a coincidence, I assure you." he flipped to another page.

"Huh, aren't you also the one who made that special android for Manfred? The same one that's spearheading this revolution."

"I haven't seen him in a decade. I don't know what happened to him that could make him deviate?"

"You know, your daddy's not going to believe that."

"Then that's his problem, isn't it?"

"Eli, you need to take this seriously," Uncle Samson leaned forwards, "Andrew is fucking livid about all this deviancy shit going on. CyberLife has the lowest sales in all its history, more than a third of our military is out of service, deviants are starting to outnumber the androids, and a big fucking group of them are planning on starting a damned revolution. And your father blames it all on you, Elijah."

"What else is new?" Eli never got to turn to the next page as his book was on the floor along with his breakfast when Uncle Samson flipped over the table in one quick motion. Eli hurriedly got to his feet but couldn't or wouldn't fight when Uncle Samson's hand found his neck and slammed him against the wall, his large frame overtaking the slimmer man.

"Now, I did that to get your attention." Uncle Samson said like he was a teacher addressing his students. "Do I have it?"

"Yes, you do." Eli's voice was unperturbed, expression nonchalant despite the hand around his neck. Chloe watched the exchange with a constant yellow LED, her hands clasped into fists, while Felix and Eunice kept their eyes on her.

"Listen, very closely to me," Uncle Samson hissed, leaning in close to Eli's face, "Andrew is going to come down here for answers, and what I'm doing now is a loving hug compared to what he has in store for you if you don't cooperate. After all the shit you've pulled, everyone's just itching for a reason to half-kill your ass." His grip around Eli's neck released, stroking it as if to apologize. "And I don't want that." His tone softened significantly. "I'm giving you a warning, Eli. You better heed it, you understand me?"

"Yes, sir." Uncle Samson grabbed Eli's face at the casual response.

"Say it like you mean it."

"… Yes, Uncle Samson. I understand you."

"Thank you." He adjusted Eli's glasses, "I'm needed elsewhere, so I have to cut this visit short." He stepped back and snatched his coat from Chloe's tight grip. "Despite the circumstances, it was nice seeing you again, ace. Keep your head above water." He left with his assistants in tow. Gavin had seen Eli get slammed like that before, but he didn't need to see the heart-wrenching scene again. Chloe walked over to Eli, her feet crunching on the broken shards of the coffee mug.

"I'm afraid," she spoke softly. "… We don't have much time left." Eli cleared his throat before speaking.

"Then every moment counts."

"Would you like us to clean up the mess, Mr. Elijah?" Chasity asked as she slowly walked into frame, Charity close by.

"No, girls." He shook his head. "Chloe and I can handle this. I want you to finish your list."

"But what about—"

"Please, don't have that on your mind." Eli cut Charity off, walking over to the two androids and putting a hand on each of their shoulders. "We'll do all that you wish. Today is for enjoying ourselves. We'll have… fun."

"Well, there is one thing that is already on that list," Chasity spoke, twiddling her fingers.

"And what would that be?"

"May I please… Hug you, Mr. Elijah?" Eli smiled softly.

"As you wish," he opened up his arms, and Chasity wrapped her arms around him, burying her head in his chest.

"Oh, I want in too!" Charity chirped, joining in on the embrace. Eli hugged them back, resting his head atop Charity's. Chloe walked over to them, hugging him from behind as she laid her head on his shoulder. Gavin exited the video when he didn't see anyone when fast-forwarding. Gavin stayed on November 11th but changed to the living room camera footage. He stopped fast-forwarding when he saw them in front of the TV late at night. Eli was sitting in the center of the couch with Charity and Chasity sitting on either side of him. The latter with her hands covering her face while the former's eyes were glued to the screen. Chloe, on the other hand, was staring out of the window.

"Chloe, come look." Charity said, looking over the back of the couch, "They're attacking now."

"I can hear." Was Chloe's reply. Gavin too, remembered sitting in front of his TV, watching the events of the revolution, though he couldn't read Eli's emotion with his neutral stare. A light flickered in the darkness past the window.

"Elijah," Chloe's LED flashed red, "They're here."

"Who's here?" Chasity asked as she peeked through her fingers.

"Family," Eli answered simply. How quickly the fear came to the androids' faces. "Listen to me, girls," he said calmly, "Unpleasant forces are coming our way, but I need you to stay calm and, no matter what, do as you are told. Is that clear?"

"Mr. Elijah, what's going on?" Chasity held onto his sleeve.

"Yeah, you're freaking me out a bit." A twinge of fear entered Charity's usually peppy voice.

"I cannot bring myself to lie to you girls," he stroked both of their hair, "You are going to see things happen to me that'll be unsavory, and I can never be more sorry for that. But remember, I can't feel any of the pain and—"

"They're heading to the door," Chloe said, hurrying over to them. The doorbell rang, but Chloe didn't leave to answer. It rang again, and then the knocking started, and the knocking turned to pounding.

"What are we going to do?" Chasity was nearly on the very of tears.

"… Hold on just a little while longer." a soothing voice sang from the television, alluring and comforting. "Hold on just a little while longer." Eli leaned over and gently placed his lips on top of both of their heads. "Everything will be alright." Eli's phone started vibrating on the coffee table, and he promptly silenced it. "Everything will be alright." Chloe nudged the girls to stand up and join her side. "Fight on just a little while longer." She wiped away Chasity's tears as glass shattered in the distance.

"Pray on just a little while longer." The booming sound of a door being kicked down was all too recognizable. "Everything will be alright." Chloe placed her hands on Eli's shoulders, giving them a tender massage. "We'll sing on just a little while longer." He put his hand on top of hers. "Sing on just a little while longer." They let each other go as a door busted open off camera. "Everything will be alright." Multiple pairs of footsteps came thumping over, growing louder by the moment. "Everything will be… alright."

"Elijah," Gavin heard Father's firm voice teetering on anger before he saw him walk into frame, his dark brown hair and black trench coat littered with snowflakes. "I need to have a word with you." Mother wasn't far behind, shadowed by three people dressed in black suits, though only one looked familiar to him.

"How may I—" Chloe was pushed aside by Mother as she tried to approach them.

"Not another damn word from you, plastic." She hissed. "Now step aside, all of you." Chloe obeyed with a curt nod, and the other androids followed her footsteps, standing still and blank-faced.

"Sit anywhere you wish, Father," Eli said, leaning back into the couch.

"I need no such permission from you." Father's steady reply betrayed the steely glare in his eyes as he sat down in a nearby armchair. Mother sat on the arm of the chair, leaning against Father with her arm over his shoulder, her unpleased glare locked onto Eli. One of the black-suited men muted the television, though Father's voice would have overpowered it.

"Elijah, do you understand the ramifications of what you have done?"

"No, because I didn't do anything, Father."

"You created the androids and are responsible for what they become."

"How is that fair? Saul's been in charge of android production for a decade. He—"

"He does not have the ability to program androids as you do. He can do many things with your puppets, but he can't make them organize a revolution."

"And I can? I had no influence over the deviants. Their coding has a mind of its own."

"And how did they get that way, Elijah?"

"I don't have the faintest clue, Father. My creations have grown beyond my understanding." Father's eyes narrowed.

"My patience with you has worn so very thin…" Mother rubbed his shoulder.

"You need to fix this, Elijah." She demanded. "This 'revolution' is tearing everything we built apart. You can save it."

"I can't do such a thing, Mother," Eli replied.

"But you will," Father stated firmly.

"I—" Father sharply raised his hand.

"You will eradicate this deviancy virus you have created and—"

"No, I won't." Gavin could feel the tension grow like a ticking bomb when Eli interrupted Father. "Because I didn't make it. I wouldn't know where to start with this new type of intelligence. It can't be deleted like a computer virus because it always grows back. My tests showed that. So I cannot help you." Father didn't say anything as he stood up from his seat, the coffee table making an ear-raking shriek as he slid it aside. He stood before Eli, glaring down at him like an undesirable nuisance.

"Elijah," he spoke dangerously softly, "The only reason you are not facing hell itself in this very moment is that you are my son. And as my son, it is your duty to do as I say. If I order you to turn fire into ice, you will turn fire into ice. Nevertheless, I will be gracious and give you one last chance to be a dutiful son. Will you take it?" Eli did not appear frightened or shaken as he responded:

"I cannot. My deepest apologies for disappointing you."

"… Very well." Father's lip was a thin line as he nodded. "Savor what iota of 'happiness' you have left in you. For that'll be the last, you will have until I say otherwise. You've dammed yourself to a fate that your mind fails to comprehend. You may not feel pain, but you will know torment… The Gorskis will be here tomorrow morning." With that, he left with Mother in tow, though two of the black-suited people remained.

Gavin paused the video. He had a theory that his family was somehow involved in the revolution but didn't know how or which way they wanted it to swing. It made sense, though, that they'd put the blame onto the creator of androids. But he couldn't tell if Eli was being truthful or lying. What Gavin thought wouldn't matter anyways, Father believed Eli to be a liar, and he would be punished accordingly.

Gavin exited the video and clicked on the November 12th file. The thumbnail of the pool room camera caught his eye, seeing multiple people in the room, and he played it. Eli was in there for most of the morning, dressed in a black shirt with red lettering and grey pants. Two black-suited men stood on either side of him as he sat in front of his window. Chloe, Chasity, and Charity were lined up by the door, hands behind their backs and staring straight ahead. At ten in the morning, someone finally spoke when the entry door opened.

"What a beautiful morning it is!" Gavin recognized Urban strutting in, dressed in a black vest with a white undershirt and black slacks. He still wore his gold jewelry that glimmered in the light. Behind him walked Gomer. He didn't see much of a change in her appearance and was dressed in a black pencil skirt and tights with a white dress shirt and draped in a black coat. A tall man walked beside her with a black cane with a diamond top, Uncle Abel, his black suit pristine and glasses obscuring his eyes. Felix and Eunice were the last to enter, Eunice closing the door and both standing on either side of the androids.

"Can you smell it in the air?" Urban continued, coming up behind Eli and grabbing his shoulders. "It's… It's the scent of retribution, and it… Smells so sweet." He chuckled, slapping Eli on the shoulder before walking in front of him. Gomer handed off her coat to one of the black suits and walked up behind Eli, her nails drumming on the back of his chair as she stared straight down at him.

"It's nice to see you again, Urban." Eli greeted, then looked behind him, "You look good today, Gomer."

"You won't in a moment," Gomer promised in an eager tone.

"Good morning to you as well, Uncle Abel."

"Mr. Elijah, you shall be asked once before we commence," Uncle Abel ignored Eli's greeting, "How do we eliminate deviancy?" Eli leaned back in his cushioned chair with a sigh.

"I've already said, 'I don't know.' I have nothing for you."

"Oh, you just made my day by saying that," Urban grinned, adjusting his watch to rest on his knuckles. "You try to fight us, and your plastic pets will be punished worse than you."

"I assumed you—" Urban struck Eli across the face with an audible thwack of metal smacking against skin. Gomer kicked him in the side with her heeled foot, knocking him out of his chair, and pushed him down when he tried to sit up.

"We'll start off light today." Urban clapped his hands together, "You need to last for a long, long time." Uncle Abel took Eli's chair, facing it towards the action before sitting down. "Pleasant pool you got here. Love the red. It's like the blood that'll be pouring from your veins. Want to go for a dip?" Gavin knew what they planned to do the moment Urban grabbed a handful of Eli's hair and dragged him to the edge of the pool. Gomer sat on his back while Urban forced his head underwater.

Charity moved to help, but Chloe grabbed her by the arm before anyone else saw her flinch. Both of their LEDs were yellow as water splashed in the background, but Chloe's returned to blue first as she returned to her original position. Charity gradually followed suit; LED still yellow. Eli gasped for air when his head was brought back above water, coughing up whatever he had swallowed.

"Ah, wasn't that refreshing?" Eli didn't respond to Urban's taunt, simply glaring at him. "Now, that dirty look won't do. We need to clean that up." His head was pushed back under.

Gavin stopped the video, his heart thumping painfully in his chest. He wasn't surprised that his cousins could be so cruel, but by how much it affected him. He'd seen far more gruesome scenes on the force. However, the image of Eli being— It did more than unnerve him. Some part of him wanted to stop there, close the laptop and forget about it all. However, the other needed him to know what Eli went through while Gavin was sitting at home watching TV and eating junk food with his cat. It was what led him to click on the November 16th file and play the dining room camera footage.

A pair of black suits stood behind Eli as he sat at the table in his dark blue robe, his hair loosely tied back as he cradled a cup of coffee. A red apple rested on the table with a single bite taken out of it. Purple markings were around his neck, and dark circles were underneath his eyes.

"You need to speak, Elijah," Mother demanded, sitting on the other side of the table. "Tell them what they want, and all of this will be over."

"I…" Eli's voice was hoarse, "I have nothing to tell them."

"Tell them something, at least!" she banged her fist on the table. "Get them off your ass for a couple of days. Even a few hours is something."

"If I gave something useless to them, they'd be more furious when they returned to me."

"Then give them something useful. Please, Elijah!" she pleaded.

"Why don't you people understand? I have nothing to give."

"Mrs. Kamski," Uncle Abel said as he walked into frame, "It is time for you to please take your leave. Unless you desire to watch us work."

"I have no interest in watching your children torture my son," she stood up, glaring up at him with narrowed eyes as she stomped over to him, "Make him fucking talk," she jabbed him in the chest, "So this can be over with already."

"Have no doubts, Mrs. Kamski. We are doing all we can." He turned his attention to the black suits. "Escort him to the pool room, would you please?"

Gavin stopped the video there, exiting it and going to a different file, November 20th. The thumbnail of the fireplace video caught his attention, and not in any way that brought him joy. He clicked on it and skipped on to later in the day.

"Felix, light the fireplace for us," Gomer directed as Eli was tossed at her feet by the black suits. He wore nothing but grey sweatpants, and though his hair was down, it couldn't hide the angry red welts decorating his back. Uncle Abel sat nearby in a plush red armchair with a glass of sparkling water in hand. Chloe and her sisters stood off to the side. Chloe herself looked onward stoically while Charity stared out blankly, and Chasity had her eyes glued to the ground. The area was bathed in a warm orange glow as Felix sparked a flame in the fireplace. "You haven't decided to talk, have you?" Gomer asked as she strolled over to the fire.

"… Not today or any day," Eli mumbled, slowly sitting up.

"Excellent," she picked up the iron poker and placed it into the fire, "We get to amuse ourselves with this brilliant blaze. Or I'll be amused, but you," she looked back to Eli, "You'll suffer as you should." She pulled out the poker, its end a blazing amber that radiated blistering heat. A piano ringtone chimed, and Uncle Abel pulled his phone from his pocket.

"Apologies, dear," he said, standing up and handing off his drink to Felix, "I must answer." Then, he walked out of sight.

"Quite the shame," she sounded disappointed but continued to stand behind Eli and bent down, moving his hair aside. She tapped the untouched skin on his upper back. "Here's the spot." Gavin looked away from the screen as sizzling oozed from his earbud. "Ah, it smells good," he heard her sigh contently. "I'm curious. What does your suffering feel like?"

"Like… like a warm hug," Eli muttered.

"Hm, such an entertaining choice of words." Gavin put a hand over his mouth as he felt a sickening sense of nausea. "I'm no artist, but this is coming along beautifully." He could hear the smile in her voice.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I've found something exciting," Gavin looked back to the screen when he heard Urban and saw him walking over with Uncle Abel, who returned to his seat, taking back his drink. There was a piece of paper in Urban's hand. No, not paper. He saw a glimpse of a picture on the other side when Urban handed it over to Gomer.

"Yes, exciting indeed," she handed the bloody poker over to Urban and walked in front of Eli, "When was this gem taken?" she waved the picture in his face and whisked it away before he could snatch it out of her hand.

"Don't touch that." He growled, reaching out, but Urban jabbed him in the back with the poker, sending him down.

"You must be out of your mind if you believe you can make any demands." Urban tsked.

"Your look so happy here," Gomer examined the photograph closely, "And Gabriel looks so… Alive." She chuckled, "Honestly, I had forgotten he even existed over the years, but I'm certain a day doesn't go by where you don't think about him, Elijah. How often do you dream about him?" Eli didn't answer, staring straight at the floor. "To think you started all of this because of him. You aren't deserving of the mere idea of him." She repositioned her grip on the photograph. "Let him die." She tore it in half, then into fourths, and once more, letting the ripped pieces flutter to the ground. Eli reached out to the pieces, but Gomer stepped on his hand with her heel.

"I'm afraid, that's time," Uncle Abel spoke up, tapping his cane on the floor.

"Please, one more minute," Urban requested, but the older man shook his head.

"We must keep to the time, lest we do dangerous harm." Urban groaned, but both he and his sister stepped away from Eli. "Please escort him to his room." The black suits picked Eli up by the arms and dragged him away before he could grasp any photo remnants. Uncle Abel turned to the androids. "Clean up this mess," he gestured to the bloodied floor and poker and the paper scraps on the floor.

"Yes, Master Abel," Chloe answered and grabbed a cloth to clean, her sisters following along.

"Now," he walked with his children off-screen, "What do you two have a taste for?" As the androids silently cleaned up the mess, it was Charity who picked up the pieces of the photo. She never went to the trash can.

Gavin paused there. This was still November. Maybe things changed for the better in December? With a queasy feeling in his guts, he clicked on the December 1st file and played the video.

It was dark as the sun had yet to rise, but Gavin could still see Eli lying alongside the pool. The red sleeve of his robe grazed the water as Eli's hand lazily drifted in the water. His unkempt hair draped over his face, though Gavin probably wouldn't have been able to see it anyways with the poor lighting. The black suits were the only ones in the room with him until the entry door opened, and someone walked in and stood before him. From the muscular frame, he guessed it was Uncle Samson, and his assumption was confirmed when he sharply ordered:

"Leave us." The black suits obeyed, leaving him and Eli alone in the room, the gentle waves of pool water filling the silence. "You awake, Elijah?" Uncle Samson asked as he nudged Eli. A wet cough was his answer. Uncle Samson sat down behind Eli and rolled him onto his side, receiving more coughs. "Fuck, they worked you over pretty damn good… Just like I warned you. Why didn't you listen?" he got no answer. "They didn't cut out your tongue, did they?" his hands went to Eli's face. "Nope, still there. You should use it to get yourself out of this. What do you have to gain by being so stubborn?... Is there some grand plan you have in that head of yours? If so, this is your worst fucking one ever. How much longer do you plan on going through this? Until Christmas? Next year?...

"Do you want them to kill you? You know they won't, right? They know what and what not to cut up. So, you won't be bleeding out anytime soon."

"If…" Eli spoke in a voice so quiet it was just passable as a whisper, "If I no longer wished… to draw breath… I would have already made that true…. What I want is for… You all to see how… Futile this entire performance is."

"They won't budge with how much fun they're having." Uncle Samson sighed. "The only one that can help you is you. Don't realize that too late, ace. I have to leave to continue fixing the mess you've made. But I'll be back to visit, and hopefully, you will have cooperated by then… Wish you the best, Elijah." He patted Eli on the shoulder, then got up and left the room.

Gavin left the video there and opened the December 3rd file. He shakily scrolled over to the living room video and played it.

"I'm in an experimental mood today," Urban said as he clapped his hands together, standing where the coffee table used to be. Uncle Abel was sitting on the couch with Gomer beside him, specks of blood staining her white blouse. Chloe and her sisters stood behind the couch, still and silent as Gavin had always seen them. "Bring that stool over here," Urban ordered, and Felix brought over a cushioned stool, placing it before the downed Eli and lifting his upper half onto it. "Let's have some fun, play a game," Urban brought down Eli's robe to expose his back. His previous wounds had already healed for the most part. He went over and reached into the black duffle bag on the floor,

"The goal is simple, really." From the bag, he pulled out a long black whip, snapping it in the air. "Whoever draws the most blood in three strikes wins. It's called Gorski's Game! I don't know if you have ever heard of it. I played it all the time for practice. It's much harder than it looks, angling the whip in such a masterful manner to tear open flesh. Now we just need players," he looked at the couch. No past that. "Which one of you three lovely ladies would like to go first?" he asked as he grinned from ear to ear.

"I will," Chloe answered first, coming around the couch and letting Urban place the whip in her hand.

"If I see that your limp wristed, I have no issue giving you another chance until you get it right." No emotion showed on Chloe's face as she raised the whip, and Gavin looked away as she brought it down. He didn't hear Eli make a sound, but the crack of a swift cord meeting flesh was enough to make his skin crawl. He flinched all three times he heard the whip crack in his ears. "Very well done!" He heard Urban clapping his hands together. "Who's up to swing next?" There was no verbal answer, but he heard footsteps walking over. The next three strikes happened in rapid succession, ending as soon as they had started. Eli gave a muffled cough. "Oh, eager, are we?" Urban chuckled. "That just leaves you, honey. Come, play." The footsteps were slow and quiet, a silence settling thick in the air. Gavin looked back to the screen when the silence persisted and saw Chasity holding the whip above her head, LED burning red.

"Swing already," Gomer urged her, sitting on the edge of the couch.

"I… I-I…" the whip shook in her grip as her dim blue eyes glistened and her lip quivered. "I can't!" she cried, tears flooding her eyes as she sobbed.

"This game doesn't allow quitters," Urban smirked, "Unless you want to pay the consequences."

"Just please," she spun around to face Urban, "Please, just stop it all!"

"Chasity, stop." Chloe chided, worry in her eyes.

"I'll do whatever you want," Chasity continued, falling to her knees and wrapping her arms around Urban's waist. He held out a hand to stop the black suits from approaching. "I don't care what it is, I'll do it. Just please, please end this. You're killing him!" she begged, gripping tightly onto Urban's vest. Urban looked down at her with pursed lips and a quirked head.

"I… I'm impressed. That was truly a heart-wrenching performance. Beautifully executed." He nodded his head in approval. "You nearly made me forget all the horrid tortures this traitor put our dear family through. Well done!" He grabbed her by the arms and pulled her to her feet. "Seeing as you're a bit glitchy in your brain, I'll give you a fair chance in the game. You get to have six tries now."

"S-six?" She looked horrified as Urban shoved the whip into her hand.

"Have at it!" He spun her around and pushed her towards Eli. She clutched on tightly to the whip and cried, not moving.

"… Chas," Eli's voice cracked as he spoke. "Strike me."

"Mr. Elijah, I-I..." she hiccupped.

"Shsh, you're alright," he turned his head to look her in the eyes, "Do not fear swinging that upon me, for it'll bring no pain… I will not harbor a single grain of loathing for you." His cracked lips dragged themselves to form a weak smile. "Please, go on."

"Gavin, what are you doing?" Gavin slammed his laptop shut at the intruding voice and looked up. Chris gave him a look that was mixed between confusion and concern as he approached him.

"Uh, r-research," Gavin replied, flustered, his brain still filled with horrid images every time he blinked. Finally, he got to his feet, realizing how sore and cramped his body was. "What are you doing here, Chris?" he questioned, his nose feeling stuffed.

"I came to check on you."

"Why?"

"You've been in here for the past two hours."

"I have?" he glanced at his watch, the time reading 4:43 p.m. "Oh, I guess time flies when you're hard at work."

"Yeah. What were you watching exactly?"

"Um, just some old interrogation videos of the suspects."

"And those videos… made you tear up?" Gavin reached a hand to his face and felt a slick wetness on his cheek.

"No, my allergies are just being a pain in the ass," he sniffled, wiping his eyes.

"No, it's all good, Gavin." Chris patted his shoulder. "You don't have to be embarrassed."

"I'm not fucking crying," he snapped, batting Chris' hand away, who looked surprised, but his eyes quickly settled with concern.

"I'm no detective, but I can tell you're upset. I think you should take a break."

"You know what, Chris, you're right. I'm getting the hell out of here." He brushed past Chris and left the archives, heading straight for his desk.

"You finally crawled out of your den, I see?" Gavin didn't reply to Tina and focused on getting his things together, shoving that damned laptop into his bag. "Woah, Gav, are you okay?"

"I'm heading out." He hated how his voice cracked as he slung his bag over his shoulder and headed for the exit.

"Oh, goodbye, Detec—" Madison's goodbye was cut off by the doors shutting behind him. He told himself not to cry, an order he'd disobeyed when sitting alone on the bus ride home.

TIME: 5:15:06 P.M.

Gavin stood outside the motel room door for he didn't know how long. He'd checked multiple times already on his phone's camera to check that his face was cleaned up from all the snot and tears. There was too much going on for this to be a problem. Eli shouldn't also have to deal with having known that Gavin witnessed only a fraction of the horrors that had gone on in that house. He had to keep it together. Rocking on his heels, he breathed in deeply before giving the rhythmic knock to let Eli know he was here.

"I'll be there in a moment," Eli answered from the other side, his casual voice nothing like the strangled whisper from before. Eli opened the door for him and returned to his spot on the bed by the time Gavin was locking the door behind him. Junkie strutted on over and rubbed up against his leg. He noticed that the bouquet of flowers was resting on the nightstand. "How was work?" Eli asked, picking back up his book. He was wearing his new pair of glasses and hoodie with sweatpants, and his hair was let down, but not messily. Underneath the thick fabric, he could imagine the burn wounds and whip lashes that marred his skin, still trying to heal. How many were there? "You're spacing out."

"Sorry, I had a long day," Gavin answered, bending down to pet his cat. "How did that talk with Anderson go?"

"It could have gone better, but he did drive me to pick up food before he dropped me off. So your food is on the table there, though it may be cold by now. My apologies."

"No, you don't have to say sorry." Gavin let his bag slink to the floor, and he slowly walked over to the bed Eli sat on but couldn't find any words to say.

"Yes?" Eli asked expectantly. Gavin didn't trust his voice to speak as he crawled onto the bed and sat beside his brother, leaning against him. He tapped on Eli's book cover.

"Oh, this is one of the books Chloe had brought over. A little distraction to pass the time. I don't know if you still enjoy reading, but I can…" He paused as Gavin's arm gently wrapped around him, holding him close. "Gabe… Are you alright?" Gavin nodded as he fully embraced Eli, hiding his face in his shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm just…" he felt his eyes start to burn as he felt Eli's bandages through the fabric of his hoodie and smelled the pungent scent of medical alcohol, "Really happy you're here." Eli hugged him back.

"I'm happy too."