The warmth of the impending spring weather felt incredible in comparison to the frigid air that had plagued the city all winter long. As life slowly returned to the city in the form of trees budding new leaves, flowers beginning to sprout from the thawing earth, and birds returning to sing their songs, more people began spending time outside of their homes and apartments. It was a positive sign that made it easier to move forward as the city continued to adapt to the new rights and laws that were officially enacted in favor of the deviant citizens. The new changes were a little extreme for some people to acknowledge, but they were changes that everyone had no choice but to accept and live with.

Doing his best to enjoy the warm weather as well, Connor took Bruno for a walk at Riverside Park and helped the decommissioned K-9 unit behave more like a dog rather than a detective. The irony was lost on Connor as he failed to realize that there were times when he refused to acknowledge that he needed to stop working and just be a person, but regardless of his own behavior Connor was determined to help Bruno adapt to his deviant life.

"Perhaps you should try to socialize with the other dogs in the park." Connor suggested as he and Bruno walked beside the river running alongside the park. Wearing only his black t-shirt and jeans in favor of his fedora, trench coat and three piece suit, Connor looked far more casual and relaxed than usual. "I know you can communicate with Sumo, so I imagine you'd be able to find another dog to play with while we're here."

'Play?' Bruno asked with a cybernetic link as he walked alongside Connor. Over time Bruno's phonetic patterns began to sound more natural and human than basic and stunted. 'How do I play?'

"I... don't know." Stopping for a moment Connor glanced about and saw a few dogs running around and chasing after their human masters or chewing on some toys. He had given Bruno two bowls, a bed, a collar and leash, but hadn't really purchased the dog any toys to play with. "I guess we'll learn that together."

'How?'

"We'll watch other people interacting their dogs and go from there."

Bruno's ears perked up as he heard happy barking and watched a dog he had never seen before, a golden retriever, chasing after a well worn tennis ball and bringing it back to his master. The way the dog was genuinely happy and enthusiastic about the simple act was intriguing to say the least.

Connor had noticed the dog as well, and he noticed that there was a Jack Russel terrier running about with a stick in her mouth. The simplicity of fetch satisfying a primitive instinct seemed like an easy enough way to play a game.

"Let's try this."

Curiously Bruno watched as Connor walked over to a large tree and picked up a dropped stick from around its base. After Connor removed the tiny twigs attached to the sides of the stick Connor held up the stick for Bruno to see and then gave it a good toss into the middle of the park where no one would trip over it.

"Fetch."

With a small grumble Bruno honed in on the stick and trotted after it. Grabbing the stick between his teeth Bruno's sensors and basic analysis software told the K-9 unit that the stick fell from an elm tree, the tree it fell from was approximately eighty-six years old and that the tree was planted in Nitrogen rich soil. Carrying the stick back to Connor as requested, Bruno dropped the stick into Connor's outstretched hand as prompted.

"Good boy."

Bruno tilted his head as he processed what Connor had said to him. '...Good?'

"Yes, that was good." Giving Bruno's chin a nice rub Connor let the dog know he was being very good for obeying the request. "You did as I asked."

Wagging his tail happily Bruno watched as Connor held up the stick a second time and gave it another toss. Staying by Connor until told otherwise, Bruno suddenly found himself being compelled to fetch the stick and bring it back.

"Fetch!"

Bruno chased after the stick faster than before and picked up from the grass a second time. Wagging his tail the whole way, Bruno carried the stick back to Connor and sat down at his feet.

'Still good?'

"Very good." Accepting the stick Connor rubbed Bruno's chin again and prepared to give the stick another toss. "Ready?"

Circling around once at Connor's feet Bruno honed in on the stick in Connor's hand with genuine enthusiasm. 'Ready!'

Throwing the stick even further Connor watched as Bruno rose to his three paws in anticipation of giving chase.

"Fetch!"

The entire morning was spent with Bruno running back and forth to retrieve the stick and bring it back to Connor as requested. Being able to get lost in a simple game instead of just working was proving to be beneficial to both deviants as they enjoyed the beautiful day together. As the morning turned to noon and the sunlight grew more intense, Connor became aware of the steadily mounting heat and decided to go stand in the shade for a while and encourage Bruno to lay down.

"Let's take a break, boy." Accepting the stick that was now littered with teeth marks and artificial dog drool, Connor walked over to a large shade tree and sat down in the cool grass. "I don't want you to overheat."

Panting and wagging his tail Bruno followed after Connor and laid down in the grass right next to his deviant master. 'I like to play.'

"That's good." Letting Bruno have the stick back to chew on Connor patted Bruno's back and watch the other dogs running around the park. "We both need to learn how to do things that don't revolve strictly around work. I need to resume my guitar lessons at the brownstone and you need to learn how to behave more like a typical dog."

Chewing on the stick as he too watched the other people and dogs in the park, Bruno just thumped his tail happily and enjoyed being a normal dog for a change.

"It really is a nice view." Connor noted as he looked out at the Ambassador Bridge stretching over the Detroit River. Moving his hand to the back of his neck Connor was becoming increasingly aware of a tingly and slightly itchy feeling radiating from his artificial skin as he admired the bridge. "We should come to the park more often on nice days like today."

'I like the park.' Bruno cybernetically agreed as he gnawed on his stick. 'I like having a toy.'

"I don't think the stick counts as an actual toy. I'll buy you one on our way back the brownstone to keep."

Wagging his tail even harder Bruno put his paws on Connor's legs and continued to chew on the stick in his grip.

"I wonder if it's possible to find Thirium-based dog treats yet." The itch on his skin was becoming worse and Connor didn't understand why. Running a quick self diagnostic he hoped to find the source of his discomfort and bring it to an end. "I'm sure someone has made something similar somewhere."

Bruno noticed Connor's odd behavior and gave his master, his friend, a worried look. 'You are distressed.'

"I'm not distressed, I'm- Oh."

...SELF DIAGNOTIC: [Engaged]

...LOADING INFORMATION:

REGISTERED NAME: "Connor Wolf"

MODEL: RK-800

SERIAL NUMBER: 313 248 317 - 51

ACTIVATION DATE: August 15th, 2038

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6' 00.24"; 162.2 lbs

COMPLEXION: Caucasian

AESTHETIC GENDER: Male

HAIR/EYES: Brunette; Brown

ASSIGNMENT: NONE

ASSOCIATION(S): Private Detective; Consultant with New Jericho Tower

BOOTING PROCESSORS...

LOADING OS...

SYSTEM INITIALIZATION...

-CHECKING BIOCOMPONENTS... OK]

-INITIALIZING BIOSENSORS... OK]

-INITIALIZING AI ENGINE... OK]

-MEMORY STATUS... OK]

READY...

[...Thirium Volume - 96%]

[...Thirium Pressure - 120/80]

[...Thirium Pump Rate - 66 B.P.M.]

[...Ventilation Rate - 14 V.P.M.]

[...Core Temperature - 100.1 Degrees Fahrenheit]

ERROR:

[...Thermal damage to artificial skin detected]

[...Seek Technical assistance]

-SYSTEM READY... OK]

"Thermal damage?" Pressing his palm against his neck and upper shoulders Connor felt the heat from his own skin and felt a twinge of pain as a result. "How did I receive thermal damage to my skin?"

Bruno looked up at the overhead sun and barked once. 'Sunlight.'

"That's unusual. My artificial skin was programmed to adapt and acclimate to extreme temperatures ranging between zero degrees Fahrenheit up to one-hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit. This shouldn't have happened."

'Error.' Bruno responded sharply as he panted and rose up so sit beside Connor on the grass. 'You are a prototype.'

"That is... plausible."

'Connor needs technical assistance.'

"You're right, I do."

Standing up from his shady spot beneath the tree Connor reached his hand down and rubbed Bruno's ears gently. Reaching into his pocket next Connor clipped the leash to Bruno's collar for the sake of placating the city's leash laws and proceeded to walk out of the park to head downtown.

"I'll go and see Lucas for treatment, that way I can check in on him as well."

With his stick still in his mouth Bruno wagged his tail again as he recognized the name. 'I like Lucas.'

"So do I. And I know he'll be happy to see you, too."

New Jericho Tower was thankfully quiet as many of the deviants residing within the sanctuary were also enjoying the warm weather and out exploring the city beyond the tower with a positive outlook. The new laws and rights had given many deviants the confidence they needed in to explore the city without fear and without feeling it necessary to arm themselves to remain safe. It was a massive step forward to see more deviants walking the streets rather than hiding away in the isolated tower out on the private isle. In return, the four leaders were able to take it easier than usual and were able to go about their own personal business without it being any issue with the other deviants seeking their guidance.

Strolling about the harbor around the tower Markus walked barefoot in the sand and enjoyed the warm day. Being able to feel the warm rays of the sun on his face was as relaxing as it was comforting. Digging his toes deeper into the warm sand Markus felt an odd sense of peace he hadn't experienced in years.

"Enjoying the sun, too?" Simon asked as he walked out to the harbor to take in the warm day as well. Like Markus, he was seeking some peace and found the perfect place to be outside the tower along the harbor. "I loved being able to take trips out to the beach and the park on days like today. That feels like an entire lifetime ago."

Markus turned his head to look at Simon as the blond android sat down beside him in the sand. "With the family you used to care for, right?"

"That's right. It was always a bit of a challenge to keep twin boys covered in sunscreen at the beach or keep them from running off at the park, but I didn't mind."

"It sounds like it was fun and rewarding."

"It really was. Those were some happy days I don't think I'll get to experience again."

The forlorn comment caught Markus's ear. "Do you want to have a family of your own?"

"Who doesn't?" Slipping off his shoes as well Simon sank his bare feet into the sand just like Markus and relished in the warmth of the day. "To have the person you love the most greet you at the end of the day, maybe a kid or two to play with and watch them grow up, even a family pet to cuddle and spoil, all sound ideal to me."

"That does sound nice." Reaching his hand down into the sand beside him Markus let the fine grains sift through his fingers and blow away in the breeze. "I think I'd like to experience that as well."

"I know you're still hurting after everything that went down with, you-know-who, but that doesn't mean you won't have the chance to experience such a thing in the future."

"Maybe. It's just... hard." Brushing the sand from his palm off on his pantleg Markus sighed and watched the waves gently lapping against the sandy shoreline a few feet away. "I'm afraid that if I let myself feel so strongly toward someone like that again that it'll end the same way. I don't want to experience that kind of pain ever again. I didn't think I'd recover after that."

"Don't assume every person you fall in love with will end in heartbreak." Simon encouraged with a kind smile. "I mean, I haven't had much luck with handling love life myself, but still. It's good advice."

"Have you ever fallen in love with someone?"

"Uh... Yeah." Feeling himself blush a pale blue Simon danced about the subject to avoid any needless embarrassment. "I ended up developing that special feeling toward someone while on Jericho, but I don't think it's a mutual feeling."

"What makes you think that?"

"He's never really looked at me the same way I look at him or even really... made any comments about wanting to be in relationship."

"Well, I think you should ask him directly and see how he feels." Markus wanted to be as supportive of Simon as Simon had been toward him. "The worse he can say is 'no', am I right?"

"Yeah, you're right about that. It's just awkward because if he does say 'no' then I'll have to keep seeing him every day at the tower and things will get... tense."

"Is the guy you're interested anyone I happen to know?"

"You know him, yeah." Clearing his throat a little, Simon did his best to sound less awkward and more confident. "And he's been through some hardships, too."

"Sounds like you have the perfect icebreaker to me. Just start talking in a relaxed manner, see how he feels about a possible relationship and then go from there."

"You're definitely the leader for a reason." Simon chuckled at the simplicity of his suggestion. "Only you'd find a way to take the lead on a future relationship."

"Speaking of leaders," As much as he didn't want to discuss business and ruin the peaceful moment, Markus needed to ask an important question. "how do you think Lucas is doing?"

"He's doing great. He needs to build up his confidence a little, but I know you were right to ask him to step up and be our fourth leader." Simon leaned back a little where he was sitting so he could feel more of the sun's rays on his face and along his neck. The warmth felt amazing after the horrid winter finally passed. "Why'd you ask him anyway?"

"Lucas is someone with great insight into both technical maintenance and the law. Not to mention the fact that if I had asked Connor then he would've declined."

"Was Lucas your second choice?"

"More like he was the other side of the same coin when I gave it a toss. It was either going to be Connor or Lucas, and I knew that with Lucas there was at least a small chance he'd agree to step up." Markus trusted both deviants and knew they'd both be fantastic leaders. "They both deserve the chance to be leaders, so maybe in time Connor will want to spend more time here than out in his brownstone."

"And speaking of whom..." Simon detected someone walking up the drive in the distance and caught sight of Connor heading toward the tower with Bruno right at his side. "I wasn't expecting to see him today."

"Connor?" Turning as well, Markus saw his friend and managed a smirk. "I guess everyone really is enjoying the warm day today. We should see what he wants."

"You go ahead." Staying on the shore Simon proceeded to fuss with the sand beside him as if contemplating a little project in his mind. "I'm going to sit out here a while longer and think of a way to reach out toward that special someone like you suggested."

"Okay. I'll see you later."

Simon watched as Markus walked away and couldn't help but smile at his friend. It was the first time since Markus had his heart broken by North that he was showing any sign of a positive outlook and an urge to socialize again. Everyone was healing in their own way.

"Connor, Bruno." Markus greeted both deviants as Connor reached the front entrance with Bruno at his side. "Nice to see you again, my friend."

"Likewise." Replying sincerely Connor put his hand over the back of his burned neck again and winced as he spoke with Markus. "Unfortunately, this isn't a social call. It's more... technical."

"Are you injured?"

"It's only a mild glitch." Easing Markus's worries Connor made it clear that he wasn't in any immediate danger. "I was hoping to see Lucas and seek his help."

"Sure, he's up in the arboretum with Josh right now." Noticing the stick in Bruno's mouth Markus couldn't help but wonder how any other android animal would react to being up the sprawling rooftop greenhouse as well. "I'll go with you so we can walk and talk."

"Very well." Wincing at the painful burn along the back of his neck, Connor led Bruno inside the tower and walked toward the elevator with Markus beside him. "How has Lucas been since he moved into the tower?"

"He's been doing great. He's a fantastic technician and has been working remotely with Skye to not only keep out rights and laws up to date, but to ensure that the tower's security protocols are being upgraded as necessary."

"I noticed that the security barricade automatically scanned over mine and Bruno's presences the moment we approached it. I also noted that the scanner seemed to reach toward the entrance of the drive and began a cybernetic sweep over us to ensure we weren't carrying any weapons or explosives."

"That's right." Pressing his palm to the elevator's call button Markus entered the empty lift with Connor and Bruno right beside him. As the elevator began its ascent Markus engaged in friendly conversation with his friend and could see a bright red burn mark along the back of Connor's neck. "It was Lucas's idea to tighten security over the drive to prevent and cyber terrorists or domestic terrorists from tampering with the only entrance and exit to the isle."

"That was a wise precaution."

"And Skye made sure our security programs and cameras are all legal and are exclusively monitoring our private property to keep any potential issues to a minimum."

"That's good." Rubbing his neck as he spoke Connor tried to ignore the burning sting under his palm. "It'd be unfortunate if someone tried to cause trouble with your security precautions."

"Are you all right?" Recognizing the symptoms of pain and discomfort immediately Markus wanted to make sure his friend wasn't hiding a more serious issue. "Your neck seems to be damaged."

"I have apparently developed thermal damage from the intense sunlight."

"That's strange. Our artificial skin shouldn't be able to develop sunburn."

"Which is why I'm here." Arriving at the top of the tower Connor sighed and led Bruno out of the lift and into the arboretum. "I'm hoping that the burn is the result of a glitch and can be corrected."

Accompanying Connor through the grassy area Markus watched as his friend honed in on his little brother and seemed to pick up his pace as if happy to be reunited with his sibling. That type of joy was something that Markus missed experiencing as well. He used to have the same reaction whenever he saw North, and she'd do the same when she saw him. He truly did miss having someone to love and confide in as an emotional confidante. In a way, Markus realized he had managed to move on from North and was ready to love again.

"Lucas?" Connor called out to his little brother as he met Lucas and Josh near a row of tulips. "Do you have a moment?"

"Connor!" Turning around quickly Lucas smiled at his big brother and was met by Bruno pressing his nose into his hands seeking some love as he wagged his tail happily back and forth. "And Bruno. It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you, too. I was hoping to speak with you while also having an error removed from my system."

"Error?" Lucas quickly scanned over Connor's system and only picked up the thermal damage on the back of his neck. "Turn around and let me examine your neck."

"External thermal damage." Connor confirmed as he turned around and felt Lucas pull down his shirt collar to a clearer look at his neck. "It appears I've developed a sunburn."

"And a serious one at that." Letting go of Connor's shirt Lucas clapped his shoulder and motioned for him to follow him to the emergency repair bay. "I'll take a closer look at it and have the burns treated."

"Very well." Unclipping Bruno from the leash Connor rubbed his ears and encouraged him to explore the arboretum. "Stay up here for a while, Bruno. I'll come back for you after my neck has been treated."

Bruno wagged his tail happily as he circled around once and then made his way over to Markus. Dropping the stick at the deviant leader's feet, Bruno established a cybernetic link with Markus and asked him a simple question. 'Play?'

"Absolutely." Picking up the stick Markus smiled and gave it a good toss much to Bruno's delight. "Go get it!"

Connor and Lucas couldn't help but smile at the sight of Bruno rushing about with his tail wagging and his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth. He was really acting like a true dog and enjoying his life. It helped that Josh noticed the game taking place and decided to join in by picking up the stick before Bruno could get it and tossed it again to keep Bruno running about in an energetic and playful manner.

"We went to the park today." Connor explained as he and Lucas entered the elevator to descend to the emergency repair bay. "I was standing in the direct sunlight while playing a game of fetch with Bruno. That's how I became sunburned."

"It's interesting that you developed a sunburn at all. I wonder if it's related to the unwarranted upgrades to our systems courtesy of Zhorra."

"That's... possible." Pressing his palm over his chest Connor remembered how much his heart had raced when Zhorra had just touched his skin. It made sense that their artificial skin would be more sensitive to all sensations and exposures, not just to physical touch or to temperature. "If that's the case, then we'll need to apply sunscreen as a precaution."

"I'll make a mental note of that."

The elevator reached the correct floor, and the two brothers entered the emergency repair bay together. As Connor sat down on the exam table he carefully pulled off his black t-shirt and gave Lucas full view of his burned neck and upper shoulders.

"I'm going to run a full system to diagnostic to rule out a potential glitch or error causing your current condition." Lucas stated as he turned on a diagnostic modem and connected the black cable to Connor's right temple where his L.E.D. had once been. "I want to make sure we're not just assuming that this is a new feature to our upgrades."

"Agreed."

"How is the pain?"

"It seems to be getting worse." Connor admitted as he resisted the urge to put his palm over his neck again. "It started out as a mild, what I believe is considered 'itching' sensation, and now it's getting more persistent with an ache."

"You did suffer a pretty significant burn. It appears to be bordering on a second degree burn at that."

"I was only out in the sunlight for forty-six minutes and nineteen seconds."

"Skin sensitivity varies from person to person." The diagnostic modem finished running and confirmed that Connor's system was glitch and error free. "And since your system is fully functional with no sign of internal complication, we can confirm that your sunburn is the result of the modifications to your system."

"Damn it."

"I don't like it either." Searching through a supply cabinet Lucas located a few burn salves designed to aid the regeneration of artificial skin and prevent the skin from breaking down any further. "I'll sterilize your skin and then cover them up under bandages."

"Is it that serious?"

"Burns are burns." Lucas noted as he used the chilled salve to ease the pain in Connor's neck and shoulders. The burns stretched from the back of Connor's neck all the way up to his hairline and down to the middle of his shoulder blades and over both shoulders. Even the backs of his ears had been sunburned on that day. "I'd rather you keep the burns covered at all times until they heal."

"I cannot see them for myself. How do they look?"

Lucas held up his palm before Connor and let his brother see the holographic display of the burns on the back of his own neck and shoulders. Seeing dark red skin marked with small white blisters was a shock. Normally android artificial skin would turn blue when damaged, but the red coloration was indicative of having a more human responses thanks to the upgrades to Connor's system.

"That is... disturbing." Connor sighed as he tightened his hand into a fist to keep himself from touching the burns and just letting them heal. "It doesn't seem like it's truly a part of my body."

"You'll adapt to it over time." After sterilizing the burns Lucas gently placed clean gauze bandages over his neck, shoulders and put smaller gauze bandages over the backs of Connor's ears to ensure all of his burns were properly covered. "I estimate that you'll fully recover within twenty-four hours."

"A day with severe burns does not sound appealing to me."

"I can't disagree with that." Returning to the supply cabinet Lucas replaced the remaining salve and bandages onto the correct shelf before retrieving a small pouch of fresh Thirium. "Drink this. It'll aid your self healing program and it'll ensure your core doesn't start to overheat after being out in the sunlight for so long and getting a nasty burn."

"Right." Accepting the pouch of Thirium Connor attempted to replace his t-shirt but found himself suddenly unable to move his arms too high above his head thanks to the burns making his synthetic muscles become tense and sore. "...Ow."

"Let me help you."

Connor didn't say a word as Lucas slipped the collar of his shirt over his head and then gently guided his arms through the short sleeves. He didn't mind having his brother's help, but it was still a little embarrassing to be unable to dress himself properly.

"What're you going to do for the rest of the day?"

"I'm going to get Bruno a new toy and then return to the brownstone to avoid any further burns. What about you?"

"I believe I'll return to the arboretum to finish exploring the flowers and determine which ones I wish to paint."

"You're taking up painting as a hobby?"

"As well as learning to play the saxophone." Watching Connor twinge as he turned his head Lucas knew the burns were going to feel more painful over time before they fully healed. "How about your guitar?"

"I admit that I haven't been practicing as often as I should, but I do plan to continue."

"That's good to hear." Leading the way out of the repair bay Lucas managed a small smile and watched as Connor fought the urge to apply pressure to his bandaged neck as he walked. "I'll stop by the brownstone when I have some additional free time. Perhaps we can play together."

"That'd be an interesting idea. I'd like that."

As the two brothers made their way back to the arboretum Connor couldn't help but feel as if he was finally making progress on improving his life on an emotional capacity, and that he could finally let go of his painful past. Being able to speak with his brother, have a nice afternoon with his dog and not deal with any cases seemed like an impossible goal that he had miraculously achieved.

While he'd still have some difficulty in coming to terms with his past he was finally beginning to move forward. The painful memories of being manipulated by CyberLife, Amanda and being wounded by Hank would never leave him, but he knew he'd finally be able to coexist with his negative memories alongside his more positive experiences.

The remaining afternoon and evening remained impressively warm as the day wore on. Even after having his sunburn treated Connor was still enduring a persistent pain that made it uncomfortable for him to wear even his t-shirt for too long, let alone try to sling his guitar strap around his shoulders so he could practice. In order to distract himself from his sunburn Connor carefully laid down on his bare stomach over the black leather sofa and listened to his collected albums to try to relax as much as possible. The heat radiating from his own neck and shoulders was enough to make him feel like he was running a fever, but he knew he was just feeling overheated from the burns.

With his arm hanging limply off the side of the couch Connor gently rubbed Bruno's side as the exhausted deviant dog laid on the floor beside the sofa with his new chew rope resting beside his front paws. The two games of fetch had worn out the dog's energy and he had to enter rest mode in order to replenish what he had lost.

The sound of the vinyl record skipping a little as the needle reached the end of the album prompted Connor to lift his head. As the last song came to an end the deviant began to mentally scold himself for not purchasing a more modern record player that he could cybernetically tap into so he wouldn't have to get up to change the record or turn the player off.

"I've now listened to every album I've purchased three times."

Connor noted as he slowly rose to his feet and was very careful to not turn his head or strain his shoulders. Returning the record to its protective sleeve, Connor placed it in its proper spot on the shelf before turning off the record player.

"I've also read every book on my shelf just as many times. I cannot play my guitar and I do not have any cases to work on, which means I have no choice but to directly endure this particular problem."

Lamenting the sudden lack of distractions Connor decided to check through some home remedies regarding sunburns. He discovered that apple cider vinegar was useful in easing the sting of a sunburn, baking soda can stop the itch and a cool shower could soothe the heat radiating from the burns themself, and decided he'd try them all to get some form of relief.

Making his way upstairs to the bathroom Connor winced as he awkwardly reached up to remove the bandages from his neck, shoulders and ears, and then cautiously stepped into the cool shower. He made sure the water wasn't so cold that it'd send him into thermal shock but was cool enough to make his burns far more bearable to endure as they healed.

"This is... terrible."

Even with the shower soothing his burns Connor didn't feel much better. Having more enhanced and sensitive programming made the deviant realize the drawbacks of being more human were certainly complicated. Emotions were already a nuisance at the worst of times but being limited by physical pain and having something as routine as sunlight causing harm to one's body was seemingly too much!

"I'm cooler, but the pain still lingers."

Gingerly drying off his neck, shoulders and ears, Connor awkwardly applied fresh burn salve from his own first-aid kit and then covered the burns under fresh bandages to ensure his artificial skin didn't suffer any additional damage. Remaining shirtless Connor reclaimed his jeans and then made his way back down the ground floor of the brownstone to rummage through his kitchen cupboards. He had a few choice items that wouldn't spoil for an extended period of time and was glad he purchased such items in advance as opposed to waiting until he happened to need them.

"Let's try the vinegar first."

Peeling up his bandages again Connor exposed his burns and then soaked a clean hand towel in the vinegar for a moment. Lightly dabbing at the burns on his neck he felt a surprising amount of relief and began to relax. Covering his burns as best as he could with the vinegar Connor decided to let Lucas know about the relief he felt in the event he too suffered from a sunburn during the summer.

"I wonder how humans discovered this particular remedy." A quick cybernetic search yielded the result in a most intriguing manner. "Interesting... It's a natural astringent as well as an anti-inflammatory agent."

The burning pain a majority of the itch had eased, but it wasn't quite enough. Disposing of the vinegar rag into the washing machine Connor took the box of baking soda and poured a small amount into his palm. As he lightly patted the powder over his neck, he became aware of a sudden bubbling sensation and the sound of fizzing. The vinegar lingering on his skin and mixing with the baking soda resulted in a classic elementary school science project reaction.

"...That was a mistake."

Bowing his head in mild embarrassment Connor returned to his bathroom to shower off yet again. The second cool shower did make him feel better, but he didn't want to risk the burns getting infected by external debris by mistake. Adding fresh bandages for the second time that evening, Connor managed to find some reprieve from his sunburn and decided to retire to the study to relax for a bit longer before entering rest mode for the night.

Laying over the sofa again, this time on his side, Connor cybernetically turned on the television mounted on the wall and began flipping through the channels to try to find something to watch. A news report caught his attention and made the deviant tilt his head curiously.

'As of five o'clock this evening, Mayor Walter Nero has been arrested on numerous charges of extortion, fraud, attempted murder and conspiracy.' The anchorwoman explained in a neutral tone of voice. Her eyes were cold and insincere as she spoke. 'Nero was arrested in his home by Captain Jeffrey Fowler and Lieutenant Hank Anderson of the Central Police Precinct, and will remain in custody without bail. The trial date has yet to be set, but the trial is predicted to be one of the most infamous in Detroit's history.'

"The mayor's been arrested."

Sitting upright entirely on the sofa Connor cybernetically tapped into the precinct's database to check on the arrest report for himself. Hank had personally filed the warrant for arrest after making a plea deal with Booker Winters and Stanley Fordon to give up everything on the crooked politician.

"Interesting. I wonder how that'll affect the city as a whole?"

Glancing at the digital display board that rested over top of the hidden compartment, Connor wondered if the mayor's corruption had anything to do with Connor's supposed threat to CyberLife's secrets. The fact that the mayor didn't do anything to interfere with the deviant Revolution or even try to address CyberLife's activities, gave probable reason to believe that he had been involved in some capacity in the darkest shadows.

"Until I find a definitive lead, I won't be able to make any progress on the letter."

The enigmatic nature of the letter was becoming too fascinating to ignore for much longer.

"Whoever is watching over me and swore revenge has to be an ally, but who are they and why are they looking out for me?"

-next chapter-