The hunt for the "Binary Killer" had left the city, the police department and the two deviant detectives absolutely exhausted. It was difficult for anyone to let their guard down, let alone get some rest as the bloody day came to an end. While Connor had finally coaxed Lucas into returning to rest mode for the night allowing his self healing program to engage at full capacity, the protective deviant brother remained awake as he continued to try to track down the faceless killer in the secured study. Laying over one of the sofas with Bruno laying beside him, Connor stared up at the blank white ceiling overhead as he ran dozens of different preconstructions and logical scenarios inside his mind in an attempt to track the killer down.
Bruno hadn't detected any sign of potential break-in at the brownstone during the two deviant detectives' absences, and he was happy to just be close to Connor. The loyal dog adored his deviant guardians and wanted to keep close to them at all times.
"The 'Binary Killer' is still on the prowl, and we have no idea who they are, what they look like or where they could strike next."
Whimpering at the dour comment Bruno turned his head so he could rest his chin over Connor's chest while the kind deviant ran his hand down Bruno's back.
"The police are searching through the documents pertaining to CyberLife's employee records so they can have patrol set up in the appropriate neighborhoods, but even so, I doubt that a police presence will be enough to deter the killer from claiming another victim."
Bruno offered his own suggestion through a cybernetic link with Connor. 'Scent trail?'
"The abundance of other people wandering about the area before and after the murders had taken place make the prospects of following a scent trail very minimal."
'I could try.'
Looking over at Bruno beside him Connor gave the dog a small grin as he continued to pet his back. "If we find any trace of the killer, I'll make sure you can check it out and try to find a scent."
Wagging his tail happily Bruno made it clear that he was excited to go out and help Connor and Lucas in the field.
"With any luck the precinct will be able to find something we can work with. I know Dr. Forrest is a skilled technician who wants to help deviants, and I trust that he'll be thorough with his apportionments on the deviant bodies."
'Deviant victims have unique scents.'
"That may be true, but even so there's no guarantee that we'd be able to find anything that'd give us a scent trail to the killer even after eliminating all the other potential scents lingering on the bodies or at the scene of the murders."
With a small grumble Bruno's tail stopped wagging and he gave Connor a somber look. 'I want to help.'
"And you will." Connor moved his hand from Bruno's back and to his ears in a comforting manner. "For now, we need to be patient and hope for a lead to show itself before anything else happens."
The on-call room at the precinct was dark and quiet for a blissful two hours giving Hank the chance to get some desperately needed sleep without needing to go back home to rest. The horrid nature of the ongoing case had kept Hank from sleeping too deeply as he frequently endured horrifying nightmares that startled him awake every few minutes. It seemed every time Hank tried to fall back asleep and he closed his exhausted eyes, he'd suffer from vulgar images and sounds surrounding him, or he'd have flashbacks to the night his late wife had been shot in the line of duty or the night of the icy car accident that stole Cole's life. The high stress of the case was forcing him to face his most stressful moments from his past.
Captain Fowler had been working overtime to assist in the investigation as well. As he went to awaken Hank and let him know that Joel had finished his reports, the seasoned Captain stopped in the breakroom long enough to grab Hank some coffee to ensure he had some energy to use as he resumed the investigation. Entering the dark room quietly Captain Fowler kept the light off as he reached his hand out to grab on to Hank's shoulder to gently awaken him.
"What do you want, Jeffrey?" Without even opening his eyes Hank knew who had entered the room and that they were trying to wake him up. "Unless you came to tell me that our serial killer has been brought in on a Dolley and in a straight jacket, I don't care."
"I wish I could." Holding out the mug of coffee Captain Fowler waited for the man to sit upright on the small cot and try to wake up more. "Dr. Forrest finished the reports on your latest deviant victim. Miller's up in the dispensary right now."
"Right." Accepting the coffee Hank sipped it slowly and then out a fatigued yawn. "Any more bodies found?"
"Not that we know of."
"Well, at least you're being realistic about it."
"Got enough energy to handle one more report?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Considering you're running on fumes and can barely keep awake, yeah. Go check in with Dr. Forrest and then take an autonomous cab back home."
"My car's fine."
"Not when you're this tired." The wise Captain refused to let any of his officers or detectives drive while exhausted. "That was the whole selling point of creating those damn autonomous things, you know."
"Tell that to the drunks puking in the gutter."
"Yeah, yeah. Let's go."
Finishing the coffee in one final gulp Hank forced himself to stand up and leave the relative comfort of the cot where he had been sleeping. It wasn't the softest or warmest of beds, but it was a lot better than trying to sleep on the floor or in his car. Stretching his tense shoulders Hank sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair as he followed Captain Fowler out of the dark room and into the brightly lit corridor. Using his hand Hank shielded his eyes from the comparatively intense overhead light and trudged toward the elevator to get up to the second floor.
"I'm going to stay here and keep tabs on everything happening." Captain Fowler confirmed as he pressed his hand to the elevator's call button. "The other precincts are working around the clock to try to find this nut-case, too."
"Well, at least we're not entirely on our own for once."
"What about Connor?"
"Both Connor and Lucas are going to keep helping us, but they're exhausted too. They'll give me an update in the morning."
"Yeah, I guess even machines have their limits."
Before Hank had the chance to correct Captain Fowler and remind him that Connor and Lucas were deviants with minds, hearts and souls, not just empty machines shaped like humans, the elevator doors parted. Biting his tongue Hank entered the elevator and rubbed his hand over his bearded chin as he ascended to the second floor to get an update on the situation from Joel himself.
As the elevator began to rise Hank sighed and repeated Captain Fowler's words inside his head until he let out an amused scoff.
"Wonder if I sounded as callous as he did back when I still hated androids?"
The fear for the city's safety had prompted New Jericho Tower to go on mandatory lockdown for the night. No one was permitted to exit the tower under any circumstance, and no one could enter without express permission beforehand. The security measures also meant that Josh, the outcast leader and witness to the fourth victim's body, was being kept in relative solitude in his own quarters for everyone else's safety. Markus had been very hesitant to allow Josh back inside the tower, but with Connor vouching for the absolute necessity for Josh's own safety he allowed it to pass for the time being. Josh was to be kept secured in his old quarters until Markus was given word that it was safe to let Josh leave the tower again.
Unsure of how they should be feeling or what they should be doing, Markus and Simon retreated to the arboretum to think and to have a moment alone. As time went on Markus found himself being drawn more toward Simon in a way he hadn't expected to feel. It was as if his ability to love was growing every day, and now he knew for certain that as much as it hurt to have his heart broken by North, he would still be able to live and he'd still be able to love.
"Do you think one of us should speak with Josh?" Markus asked as if intimidated by the idea of facing a disgraced former leader. "I can't imagine how it'd feel to see a mutilated body like that. The deviants and androids I encountered in the junkyard when I put my own damaged body back together still haunts my dreams."
"I'm not sure how we should approach him." Simon was just as timid and didn't want to face his former friend just yet. "I mean, he betrayed North while trying to kill Connor, and he didn't even show any remorse until his crimes came to light."
"We can't just pretend he no longer exists." Tightening his hand around Simon's hand Markus tried to think and find a rational, logical solution. "And he was out trying to find supplies for other deviants in need despite being outcast. It's clear that he's aware of his mistake and he's trying to find a way to atone for his actions."
"It'd be better if he apologized to North and to Connor." The blond technician knew that Connor was enduring harsh trust issues thanks to speaking with Lucas, and he knew that it was important to try to mend fences. "It's good that he's helping other deviants in need, but it's also important that he owns up to his mistakes to the people he has directly affected."
"You're right. Do... you think North will ever come back?"
"Do you miss her?"
"In a way." Keeping his hand wrapped around Simon's hand Markus turned to look at the deviant sitting beside him on the marble bench and he felt his heart race for a moment. "I think I'll always have some feelings toward her since she was the first deviant I ever loved, but I don't feel that same level of love toward her anymore. Even so, I want to know that she's safe and want to her to remember that we know the truth. She didn't do anything wrong."
"Have you tried reaching out to her?"
"No. She was angry and wanted to leave the tower after she was found innocent, so why try to stop her?"
"Do you want me to reach out to her? I mean, I'm essentially the unbiased third party in all of this."
"Think you could do that?"
"I could try. Since she's staying with Skye and Skye's been supporting her since day one, I think it's safe to say that she's going to be just fine outside the tower without us looking over her shoulder, but it can't hurt to check in on her. North's always been able to take care of herself. But... That doesn't mean you shouldn't check in on her from time to time."
"You're right." Taking in a deep breath Markus looked up at the night sky showing through the glass dome of the arboretum ceiling. The lack of stars thanks to the surrounding light pollution were only visible to the deviants in Detroit, and deviants were the ones to truly appreciate the stars for what they are. "For now, we'll focus on keeping Josh safe and wait for this... 'Binary Killer' to be found. Tomorrow I'll go and face North directly."
With a small smile on his face Simon leaned in, kissed Markus's cheek and then grinned when Markus smiled in return. "Sounds like a good plan of action to me."
The inability to rest and stop thinking had left Connor feeling like his mind was going to race out of control with thoughts, theories and worry. Despite knowing his current limitations due to the lack of evidence, and his inability to freely roam about the precinct as he so wished, Connor knew he needed to do something to try to find the "Binary Killer" before they struck again. Quietly creeping up the staircase Connor checked in on Lucas and made sure that he was still stable as he rested. A part of him knew that his little brother would make a full recovery, but another part of him couldn't help but worry for the only family he had left in Detroit. Even with Bruno now sleeping on the foot of the bed Connor couldn't help but worry about him.
Not wanting to risk anything happening to Lucas since he was mentioned in the binder taken into evidence, "Project Light", Connor decided it was time to take things into his own hands. Using what little information he had managed to gather about the "Binary Killer" Connor decided to go back out to each crime scene and reexamine the area to ensure nothing was overlooked by mistake.
"I will come back to the brownstone as soon as possible, brother."
Pulling his coin from his pocket Connor looked at the old quarter in his palm and sighed as he placed it down on the nightstand beside Lucas's bed.
"In good conscience I cannot get any rest while you and all of Detroit are in danger of this faceless killer. I have to keep searching, and I wish I could tell you exactly when I'll be back. But I will return."
Bruno lifted his head and gave Connor a somber look as the dog tried to understand why Connor was in the room to begin with.
"I'll be back, Bruno. Keep an eye on Lucas for me."
Exiting the bedroom as quietly as he had entered Connor descended the staircase to retrieve his trench coat and fedora before leaving the brownstone. With the door firmly locked and the security cameras recording the entire property, Connor was content that Lucas would be safe with Bruno as he slept through the rest of the late night and early morning hours.
"This killer needs to be identified quickly. Otherwise..."
Bowing his head down as he sunk his hands into his pockets, Connor began walking toward the abandoned house where the first body had been discovered.
"I guess it's hard to determine any outcome considering the severity of the situation. I just don't want to see anyone else fall prey to such a skilled and elusive killer."
The details regarding the destruction of Maxwell's body were enough to make Hank want to vomit up every drop of coffee he had drunk in the past four days. Knowing that the victims were all alive and fighting for their lives when they had their limbs hacked from the bodies, pieces of their face cut away and disfigured, and then gutted so they could bleed to death while continuing to suffer, was enough to make the senior detective want to retire. He had seen decades of malice, cruelty and suffering at the hands of sadistic predators, even so it never got any easier to accept that humans or any other being with a functional mind and heart could be unconscionably cruel to another living being.
It was clear that Joel was uncomfortable as well. The usually laidback technician was tense and seemed to be struggling to keep his composure. Keeping a bottle of stomach medicine in his jumpsuit's breast pocket was all he could do to ensure he didn't become sick and create another mess that need to be cleaned up later.
"This deviant... He without a doubt suffered." Was all Joel could really say as he sat down heavily on the rolling chair beside the exam table. Downing the pink tinted medicine, Joel hoped it'd be enough to keep the bile from rising up in the back of his throat for the umpteenth time. "I wish I could give you more to work with, but the stress of his injuries combined with rapid Thirium loss caused his intracranial processor to burn out. I can't salvage his memories for you to view."
"That's actually fine by me." The lack of evidence was surprisingly something Hank was hoping for. "I don't want to watch a murder victim's last moments of pain and torture through their own eyes."
"This type of damage lines up with the first victim, too. You're definitely looking for one killer with one seriously fucked up agenda."
"Can you confirm if this killer is human or deviant?"
"With one-hundred percent certainty, you're dealing with a deviant." Pulling a white sheet up and over Maxwell's body did very little to ease Joel's personal discomfort and upset stomach. Even so, the little act of respect was something he was compelled to show toward the shutdown deviant. "The wounds are too precise, and the details are too consistent to be from a human hand."
"What about the killer's model? Or is that too much to hope for?"
"All deviants are capable of such destruction and precision." Running his fingers through his thick hair Joel focused on the floor of the dispensary to keep his eyes off the mutilated body laying on the exam table beside him. "All I can suggest is looking for any deviants who may have access to sharp weapons. Which, I know, doesn't offer much help."
"We already checked through the urban farms for machete access, but none of the farms use them." The senior detective made sure every farm was thoroughly checked for any machetes or machete-like items, but nothing had been found by any searching officer. "By all account the killer purchased or stole the machete from a local hardware store."
"A machete blade would in fact match the wounds on these victims." The depth of each laceration and efficiency of the limbs being hacked off could've been the result of a machete being used as the main weapon. "Beyond that, I can't tell you much more."
"What about the two deviant victims being connected to one another?" Hank knew he'd be sent home to rest soon, but he needed to have something to give him a lead as soon as he was back on the clock. "Anything we can use to our advantage?"
"All I can confirm is that they both were once 'employed' by CyberLife and worked inside the tower. Rebecca was the personal assistant to Jason Graff, and Maxwell was once the lone security officer who patrolled the main floor of the tower itself. They were working at the tower at the same time and were 'fired' at the same time."
"Back when CyberLife couldn't really hide deviancy anymore, right?"
"Right. In February of 2038 they were both dismissed without prejudice or any real reason beyond 'systematic staff reduction'."
"The classic cover-up bullshit for wanting to get rid of staff without worrying about getting sued for wrongful termination." A small chuckle escaped Hank's lips as he processed the logic behind CyberLife's actions. "Funny how they used such a sneaky tactic to get rid of two machines. I mean, it's not like Rebecca or Maxwell would be able to argue against wrongful termination or file a lawsuit against the company if they weren't living beings with rights."
"I don't even want to try to pretend that I have any idea what CyberLife was thinking." Taking in a deep breath Joel managed to stand up and walk over to his desk so he could get some distance between himself and the deceased deviant for a moment. "They were shady even before deviancy began to manifest."
"You used to work there, right?"
"Only for six months back in 2036."
"Did you happen to know the two human victims?"
"They were there when I was, but I never interacted with them." A new upsetting pit settled in Joel's stomach as he gave Hank a worried look. "Think I'm a target?"
"Doubt it. It couldn't hurt to take some extra precautions since we have no idea who this sick-fuck is though."
"...Yeah, I think I'll crash in the on-call room."
Hank saw the color drain from Joel's face and began to wonder if he knew something that he didn't want to admit. "Did someone threaten you?"
"No." Leaning back in his chair Joel didn't even try to hide his fear or fatigue. "I just don't want to risk my girlfriend or her kids, you know?"
"Why would they be at risk?"
"Because I used to work for CyberLife and there's a deviant seemingly taking out former CyberLife personnel. I'd hate to think that my family could be put in danger because of me."
"For what you did over two years ago as an intern? What could you have possibly done to warrant vengeance?"
"I saw that androids were showing signs of life and consciousness, but I didn't say or do anything to protect them."
"Yeah, if you were going to be hunted down by Karma for choosing to quit a corrupt company and not blow the whistle when you didn't have any evidence against the company, I think it's safe to say you're being just a tad paranoid. You didn't hurt anyone or enable any horrible practices."
"...Maybe."
"We're all tired. Get some sleep. I'm gonna' take a cab back home to do the same and we'll start fresh in a few hours."
"What about Detective Miller?"
"Fowler sent him home before I even got back to the precinct. Chris is resting and spending time with his family so he doesn't burn out."
"And Detective Reed?"
"Probably passed out at his apartment or his girlfriend's place. We're ALL tired so it's okay to get some sleep for a few hours, especially since the other precincts are helping us out as well."
"Yeah, okay." Joel couldn't deny that he was exhausted after the day's events finally came to an end. "See you in a few hours, Lieutenant."
Giving Joel a casual wave of his hand Hank turned to exit the dispensary and gave the body covered under the sheet a strange look as he passed through the doorway. It was strange to know that two deviant androids had suffered and bled to death just like the two human victims alongside them. The pointless and cruel deaths were a painfully effective reminder that humans and deviants had more in common than most people would care to admit.
The remaining few hours of the grim night and early morning passed by without any further incident. In that time Lucas had awoken at his usual eight o'clock time and instinctively reached his hand down to pet Bruno's ears as the large dog curled up at his side. Lifting his head up from his pillow Lucas ran a self diagnostic, and confirmed that his system had made a full recovery and decided it was time to remove his bandages for the final time. As he lifted up his t-shirt and began fussing with the bandages, Lucas noticed Connor's coin sitting on the nightstand beside his bed and instantly knew that Connor was up to something and that he was currently not in the brownstone.
Picking up the coin Lucas sent out a cybernetic signal to Connor but didn't receive a response. His brother's cybernetic signature was still active, but he wasn't responding for an unknown reason.
"Connor is out in the city doing something while alone. I don't like this."
Bruno raised his head and whimpered as he set up a cybernetic link with Lucas. 'We must find him.'
"You're right."
Swinging his legs over the side of his bed Lucas finished removing his bandages and changed into fresh clothes for his own sense of comfort. Walking downstairs with Bruno following behind him, Lucas grabbed a bottle of Thirium to top off his reserves and gave some Thirium to Bruno to ensure the K-9 unit had plenty of energy to begin tracking down Connor elsewhere in the city.
"We'll go and search for Connor and encourage him to return here."
'Connor left this morning.' Bruno confirmed as he lapped up the Thirium from his bowl. 'I saw him enter your room.'
"What time?"
'Four forty-six.'
"That gives him an approximate three hour and fourteen minute lead on us."
'I can find him.' Sitting down at Lucas's feet Bruno licked his lips and looked up at the deviant. 'I can track his scent.'
"Good plan. We'll use something that belongs exclusively to him for you to track."
'Coin.'
Lucas nodded as he looked at the coin still in his grip and held it for Bruno to sniff. "Catch his scent and we'll begin looking for him."
Doing as he was instructed Bruno rose to his three paws, took in the scent of the coin and isolated Connor's scent from the rest of the surrounding scents. Wagging his tail once Bruno confirmed he had the scent and made his way to the front door of the brownstone to begin his hunt.
"I'll get your leash and we'll look for him at a slower pace. After all, he might come back while we're out looking for him."
'Connor will be found.'
"I know he will." Clipping the leash to Bruno's collar Lucas pulled on his gray trench coat and fedora, then opened the door. "And we're going to remind him that going anywhere alone during such dangerous times is unwise for anyone."
After taking every precaution available Markus set out from New Jericho Tower and toward the heart of the city to speak with North as he had promised. During the ride out to the public library where Skye had rented out her lofty studio apartment and given North shelter, Markus made sure the doors to the autonomous cab were locked at all times and that he remained in constant cybernetic contact with Simon back at the tower. Wearing a Kevlar vest under his beige shirt and jacket Markus made sure he was well protected in the event that someone tried to jump him. While he didn't carry any weapons on himself Markus did know how to physically fight back and defend himself with his bare hands if it became necessary.
Keeping his guard up as the taxi came to a gentle stop in front of the library, Markus stepped out of the idling vehicle and approached the front doors slowly. The library was open to the public at all hours of the day with rotating security shifts, which ensured that the library was one of the safest places in all of Detroit. Entering the library without making a sound Markus glanced about and spotted the large decorative pillar that house a hidden spiral staircase leading to the library's loft and knew that was how one accessed the rentable loft.
A simple press of a concealed button let Skye and North know that they had a visitor, and Markus patiently waited for a response.
'What're you doing here, Markus?' North asked through a private cybernetic link to avoid using the intercom next to the button and alerting the library staff to the conversation taking place. 'I don't want to talk to you.'
'Please, I just want to speak for a minute.' Responding cybernetically in turn Markus tried to reason with North. 'I need to know you're okay.'
'We're speaking right now, and as you can tell I'm doing just fine.'
'How about if I apologize for the way you were mistreated first?'
'You already said you were sorry.'
'And I meant it. Please, let me come upstairs so we can talk this out in person.'
There was a pause for a moment before the door to the staircase was remotely opened. 'You have five minutes.'
'Thank you.'
Keeping everything discreet Markus entered the staircase and silently ascended to the second floor loft to see North in person for the first time since she chose to remain away from New Jericho. While Markus managed to recover from his heartbreak and was no longer emotionally invested with North, he did want to make sure that she was safe and that she wasn't going to be permanently scarred by the egregious mistake previously ruled against her.
Entering the private space with a sense of intrusion Markus glanced about the modestly furnished dwelling and saw North sitting alone on the edge of the bed that was previously tucked into the fold-out couch. She had her arms crossed over her chest and fiery glare in her cinnamon brown eyes. It was quite clear that she wasn't in the mood to talk and was merely humoring Markus for the sake of keeping the peace.
"This is a pretty nice place." Markus awkwardly stated as he noticed Skye's violin sitting on its nearby music stand and gently pressed his fingertip over the taut strings. The way the violin was perfectly tuned and had some signs of frequent indicated that Skye truly loved the instrument. "Where's Skye?"
"Downtown taking her bar exam."
"That's great to hear!" Markus was genuinely happy to hear that Skye's career as a defense attorney. "How are you-"
"I'm fine. And I doubt you came all this way to just ask me the obvious." Challenging Markus's motives North gave him a very stern glare. "What do you want?"
"I sincerely want to make sure that you're okay. Not just where you're living or who you're associating with, but I want to know how you're feeling after everything that went down."
"Are you talking about how I was given the nastiest glares imaginable from those who were supposed to by my friends after I was called a murderer? Or are you talking about how Josh stabbed me in the back, and no one bothered to try to pull the knife out?"
"Those are two things we need to address, and we need to address us." As much as he wanted to sit down beside North on the bed, Markus refrained from doing so. He didn't want to make her feel smothered by his presence. "We broke up under-"
"And I've moved on from that. If you came here to apologize on behalf of Simon or Josh, don't bother." Turning away from Markus with disgust North flipped her long, braided hair rover her shoulder to run down the length of her back. "Your five minutes are up."
"By my count I still have two minutes left."
"Then start talking about something worth talking about."
"All right. For one, I am sincerely sorry for what happened." Sitting down in a nearby chair Markus made it clear he wasn't going to leave until he and North managed to talk things out. "You never should've been cast aside based on the word of one deviant, even if said deviant did have some evidence. We should've remained objective and looked at everything from all points of view before making our final decision."
"Yeah, you should have."
"Second, I want you to know that when you were cast out my heart shattered. It hurt in a way I didn't think was possible."
"...I didn't feel any better than you did."
"I regret not chasing after you and asking for your side of the story, but I can't undo the past or change it."
"I find it hard to believe that, even if you did believe me, that it'd been enough to sway the other leaders on to my side." Crossing one leg over the other North fought hard to keep her tone civil. "Especially Josh, the very deviant who set everything into motion."
"You're right. You were betrayed by those who were supposed to be your friends, your family." Using his thumb Markus wiped away a rogue tear from his green eye as he watched North struggling to keep her emotional composure. "I know we can't say or do anything to regain your trust, but I do hope in time that you'll find a way to forgive us and move on from your anger."
"I am moving on." North replied in a terse manner as she finally turned to face Markus again. "I've found trust and love with someone who never doubted me and knows I'd never betray one of our own. How about you?"
"I've... discovered that my feelings of love extend toward Simon in the same way they once did toward you."
North didn't say anything at first, but slowly her arms began to lower as she stopped keeping her personal defenses up. "...He's admired you for some time."
"He has?"
"Yeah, ever since our mission at the Stratford Broadcast Tower."
"That long? How could I not notice?"
"When you saved him from the gunfire, spared him on the rooftop of the broadcast tower and gave him the chance to fight back and trusted him to not give away Jericho's location, he felt a connection." North had clearly seen the way Simon's eyes lit up whenever Markus was around, and she had seen it before the Revolution even began. "When he managed to get back to Jericho after regaining his strength, he told me that your faith in him gave him the courage he needed to survive."
"I wonder why I didn't see it?"
"You were worried about other things. Now, please." North was finished talking and wanted Markus to leave her alone. "I've given you your five minutes. Now let me be alone."
"All right, yeah." Agreeing to leave Markus rose to his feet and didn't try to press the matter any further. "Uh, thanks for talking with me."
"Go back to New Jericho where you belong."
"And please know that you're welcome there. You and Skye are welcome there."
"We know. Please go."
"Okay, I'll go. Thank you for hearing me out."
Exiting the loft through the staircase and returning to the ground floor of the library, Markus peered out at the city through the window and decided that he'd take the risk and walk back to New Jericho rather than take a cab. If he wanted his people to remain confident even during times of crisis and fear, then he needed to set an example as their leader and be fearless as well.
Walking along the relatively deserted streets Markus took in the sights, sounds and smells of the city all around him. The spring weather gave the city a sense of warmth and life after harsh winter. Trees were beginning to turn green with freshly budded leaves and flowers were sprouting from the thawing earth. Birds were in those very trees and were singing songs of renewed hope for the fresh start as the city began a little warmer.
Passing by Riverside Park and noticing the way the Ambassador Bridge was glistening over the water in the morning sunlight, Markus decided to take a closer look and admire the view more up close and personal. It wasn't often that he had the chance to go out and just explore the city. Being the deviant leader meant he had countless responsibilities and commitments, and as a result a simple day out to the park or even visiting with Carl was a rare occurrence.
"Now I know why Carl refuses to leave Detroit. In spite of all its faults and imperfections there is still beauty all around us."
Admiring the shining bridge over the dark water Markus began contemplating his next painting. It had been quite some time since Markus was able to paint anything new, and now he felt like he had earned the right to enjoy his old hobby.
"Maybe that's what I'll do today. A new painting to commemorate a new season."
Gripping the railing along the river with both hands Markus leaned forward and sighed as he heard a small rustle come from a small patch of shrubbery planted next to the nearest tree. Staring at the shrub Markus waited to see a squirrel or a bird make its appearance, but instead he heard a small groan of pain that made his heart race with sudden worry as he realized he heard a person's voice.
"Hello?"
There was a sudden blur of motion from the shrub as a hooded figure looked up at Markus and then backed off before turning on their heels and rushing away in a blind panic. There was a knife in the figure's hand and Markus could see that the figure's hand had exposed white plastimetal gripping the weapon. A smear of blue blood was staining the blade of the clutched knife confirming that the deviant had either been wounded or they had wounded a fellow deviant.
"Hey! What're you-"
Another groan of pain came from the shrubbery and stole Markus's immediate attention. Turning his gaze from the fleeing deviant and toward the shrubbery again Markus looked down and saw another person laying on their back with blue blood smeared over their chest and upper arms.
"Whoa, hey?" Kneeling down beside the downed deviant Markus put his hand to their shoulder in a gentle and reassuring manner. "Are you- Connor?!"
Opening only his right eye only as his left eye had been blackened and swollen shut, Connor looked up at Markus and gave him a somber stare. "...Markus."
"What the hell happened to you?!" Using a firm hand Markus took hold of Connor's shoulder and pulled his friend upright, then pulled Connor's arm around his shoulders to support Connor's weight at his side. Helping Connor to walk away from the shrubbery, Markus noticed all the bloody slashes marring Connor's arms, shoulders, chest, torso and legs. "Who attacked you?!"
"...I don't know." Connor winced in pain as he dragged his sleeve over his lower lip as Thirium began to ooze from his mouth. "N-Never saw him before."
"Why did he attack you?" Cybernetically Markus hailed an autonomous cab and helped Connor limp toward the street to leave the park. "It looks like he was trying to kill you!"
"...He th-thinks I'm the 'Binary Killer'."
"What?" Such a ludicrous assumption was enough to make Markus's eyes ignite with an angry flare. "Why in the world would he think that?"
"H-He saw me checking out the c-crime scenes." Wrapping his free arm around his torso Connor tried to keep his balance without leaning too heavily against Markus in the process. "He a-assumed I had gone back... to r-remove evidence. I was... l-looking for more clues."
"If you were at those crimes scenes before, then what were you doing out here? There weren't any bodies found here."
"...W-Wanted to be alone." Connor was losing his strength as his system attempted to enter low power mode against his will. "...W-Wanted to think. Don't... tell Lucas what happened. I'll... t-tell him about this later."
"Hold on." Adjusting his own weight Markus made sure Connor didn't stumble or collapse to the ground. "I'll take you to-" Thinking quickly Markus decided against taking Connor back to New Jericho Tower since Josh was currently there and he thought of an alternative. "...The Zeta Facility."
"N-No. Don't do that."
"You're damaged." Markus needlessly pointed out as the autonomous cab pulled up right in from of them. "You need treatment."
"N-Not at... a facility. Or... b-brownstone."
"But why? Why does it- Connor?" As he spoke Markus saw Connor's eyes close and felt his body growing heavier with fatigue. "All right, fine. But you will receive treatment. Somewhere..."
Markus gently moved Connor into the back of the idling cab and made sure Connor was sitting upright against the seat in a comfortable manner. Holding his palm over Connor's chest Markus monitored his vital signs and cybernetically asked Simon for some advice on how to treat the stubborn deviant detective without taking him to a facility, back to the brownstone or to New Jericho in the process.
"Okay, I have a plan."
Keeping his palm in place Markus watched over Connor very closely and trusted Simon's virtual assessment on their friend's condition.
"It's a little strange but it's the right call. Please trust me to help you, I can't rightfully call myself a leader if more of my own people can't trust me."
The morning that started out mysterious enough had quickly become very curious. True to his word and tracking abilities, Bruno managed to trail Connor from the brownstone and to the first crime scene where Jason Graff's body had been found in the abandoned house. It didn't take long for Bruno to confirm that Connor had been there for almost an hour before moving on to the second crime scene where Rebecca had been strung up in the alleyway. Even though Lucas had an idea of what his brother was doing he continued to let Bruno lead the way to the third crime scene at the golf course where Danielle Carnegie had been found, and finally go back to the abandoned CyberLife store where Maxwell had been recently destroyed.
The four crime scenes were still sectioned off by holographic police tape, but Connor, Lucas and even Bruno were all granted special clearance to enter said scenes thanks to their registered police credentials. As expected, there was nothing left behind at any of the scenes that could've been used as any form of evidence or provide new information regarding the identity of the "Binary Killer".
Grumbling in defeat Bruno walked away from the fourth crime scene and found himself being drawn toward the Detroit River as he caught a fresh trail to follow as he continued to search for Connor. 'We're getting close.'
"It seems we're heading in the direction of the park." Lucas noted as he trusted Bruno to lead him to his missing brother. "Why would he come here?"
'I don't know.'
"Strange. I keep trying to cybernetically call him, but he won't answer. His signal is also unusually weak."
Bruno suddenly stopped as his ears perked up and the fur along his back rose on end. Growling a little Bruno licked his nose and lowered his head as he began trotting toward the river and the neighboring park again.
"Bruno?" The aggressive reaction immediately held Lucas's attention and wisely put the deviant on guard. "What's wrong?"
'I smell Thirium.' The K-9 unit confirmed through the cybernetic link. As he pulled on the leash Bruno gave Lucas more information that was far more unsettling than the fact that a deviant had been recently wounded in the area. 'It's Connor.'
"Connor's damaged?" Hastening his pace Lucas jogged alongside Bruno as the loyal dog tracked Connor's scent to Riverside Park and to the shrubbery where he had been assaulted with a knife. "Perhaps that's why I cannot connect with him..."
Pulling the leash entirely from Lucas's grip Bruno charged into the park and honed in on the shrubbery where Connor had been previously assaulted. The deviant's dropped fedora was resting in the shrub alongside the spilled Thirium. Noting the faint Thirium puddle being absorbed into the soil Bruno caught a second scent and began to growl again.
"Where's Connor?" Kneeling down Lucas pressed his fingertips into the Thirium and pressed the sample to his tongue. He was able to confirm that the blood did indeed belong to Connor and in return Lucas felt a piece of him growing suddenly enraged as he snatched the hat from the ground. "Who did this to him?"
'I have the attacker's scent.' Snuffling once Bruno looked to Lucas for the cue to hunt down the deviant who attacked Connor. 'And Markus.'
"Markus?" Curious about why Markus was in the area Lucas used simple logic and the sparse evidence at hand to determine that Markus had been in the park, discovered Connor and had taken care of him. A cybernetic ping for Markus's unique signature confirmed that the deviant leader was at currently Carl's mansion and that he was still fully functional. "He must've discovered Connor and elected to aid him. We'll find the deviant who attacked Connor, and then we'll go and talk with Markus to discover what had happened."
Bruno understood Lucas's reasoning and seemed to approve entirely. 'Do I seek?'
"Yes, Bruno." Slipping his brother's hat into his coat pocket Lucas gave the loyal K-9 unit a determined stare and a nod of his head. "Find the person who assaulted Connor. Seek!"
...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: Locate and identify the "Binary Killer"
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 - 99.4%]
[...Thirium Pressure - 120/80]
[...Thirium Pump Rate - 58 B.P.M.]
[...Ventilation Rate - 12 V.P.M.]
[...Core Temperature - 98.4 Degrees Fahrenheit]
WARNING:
...Damage to right ocular unit - 86% Functionality
...Damage to artificial skin projection - 93.2% Functionality
...Damage to dextral forearm plating - 97.7% Functionality
-STRESS LEVELS: ^14%
[...Seek immediate technical assistance]
-SYSTEM READY... OK]
As his systems came back online Connor became aware of a layer of warmth, a comforting softness and a sense of security all around him. Without opening his eye Connor knew that he was laying in a large bed and under a thick quilt. He was aware of the quilt - one-hundred percent cotton and stuffed with goose down - was touching his exposed artificial skin along most of his body, but he could tell that his boxers were still on and that he had bandages covering the lacerations all over his body. There was a fresh bandage over his damaged eye as well to ensure it could heal without strain from needing to constantly adapt to shifting light. A faint taste of Thirium on his tongue confirmed that he had received proper technical treatment and was now in a safe place for his recovery.
Lifting up his head slowly Connor glanced about the lavish bedroom and spotted a deviant caretaker watching him from the opened doorway. As he made eye contact with the deviant Connor saw him flinch for a moment and then relax as if he needed to remind himself that Connor wasn't an enemy.
"I'll inform Markus that you're awake." The caretaker confirmed with a nervous smile on his face. "Do you require anything?"
"Just... answers." Unable to place his immediate surroundings Connor pushed himself upright in the bed by using his elbows for balance. "Where am I, and who are you?"
"My name is David. I am the personal caretaker to Mr. Manfred."
"...Carl Manfred." Now aware of where he was and what had happened while he was unconscious, Connor nodded as he slowly sat upright entirely in the bed. "I see. I'll be all right. And I'd prefer to speak to Markus myself."
"Very well. There are clean clothes for you on the foot of the bed. I'll give you some privacy."
"Thank you."
The door to the guestroom slid shut as David backed away and gave Connor some space to change into his new clothes. The jeans were suitable enough but being given a dark blue button down shirt was somehow strange. Connor had resorted to wearing black t-shirts and white dress shirts for simplicity's sake, and he preferred gray as it was a neutral color that didn't stand out. Anything blue reminded the deviant of CyberLife and made him apprehensive to wear anything of such a color for his own mental health.
Unwilling to complain about the hospitality and the aid he had been shown while wounded, Connor willingly put on the clothes and carefully buttoned the shirt over his bandages to avoid any further pain or accidental damage to his healing body. The clothes were of the highest quality and were impressively soft against his sore body.
Nearing the door while remaining barefoot for the time being, Connor held his head high and stepped out of the guestroom and into the corridor. The shining hardwood floors under his feet had been polished to a brilliant luster and helped emphasize how luxurious the brick and mortar mansion truly was. Walking down the corridor Connor peered over the wooden banister and found himself standing above the sitting room and able to peer into the adjacent gallery where he could see Markus and Carl together.
There was a large rectangular canvas set up before the father and son duo, and the pair were working together to paint a mural over the surface. It was interesting to see the small family spending time together with a common interest and a shared passion. The way Carl had a gentle smile on his face as he painted and spoke with Markus like Markus was truly his son was a reassuring sign that the future wouldn't necessarily be marred by darkness and misunderstanding after all.
Continuing down the corridor Connor found himself at the top of the large staircase and quietly descended the stairs to reach the ground floor. Passing through a pair of wooden double doors Connor found himself in the sitting room that he had viewed from above and easily crossed the space to reach the gallery on the other side.
"The trick to a perfect blend," Carl explained casually as his brush graced the canvas with a skilled touch. "is to keep the canvas wet. It'll allow the oils to blend more smoothly and give you an even coat."
"I've watched you paint for more years than I care to count." Markus grinned as he followed his father's example and blended the paint over the surface without the slightest of issues. "Maybe in time I can-" Turning his head Markus saw Connor watching the mural come to life and offered his friend a warm smile. "Connor! I'm glad you're awake."
"As am I." Taking a step forward Connor looked at the image on the canvas and admired the way the duo was creating a perfect replica of the Detroit skyline as seen from the top of New Jericho Tower's arboretum. The only difference regarding the image from real life came in the form of bright colors and a warm aura of peace radiating over the numerous buildings. "I appreciate all your help."
"It was my responsi-"
"Even as the leader of our people, you helping me still deserves thanks." Pressing his fingertips over his bandaged eye Connor sighed and waited a while longer before he removed the protective layer. "Were you threatened when you came to my aid?"
"No, the deviant ran off as soon as I shouted." Putting his paint brush aside Markus stood before Connor and ran a scan over him for a moment. There was no sign of internal damage that had been mistakenly overlooked. "You're healing well, that's good. I'd hate for you to suffer from a serious complication that's a bit beyond my scope of assistance."
"You did very well regarding my treatment, and I am going to heal just fine."
"I had Simon's help. He's a great technician." The doorbell rang and made the two deviants look toward the front door as David went to answer the door on Carl's behalf. "He cybernetically walked me through the correct process for treating your wounds and getting you to drink Thirium while in emergency stasis mode. Don't worry, he didn't tell Lucas even though he really wanted to let him know where you are and that you're going to be okay."
"I appreciate that as well. I'll contact him now."
"No need." David stated as he led the mansion's additional guests to the gallery. "Lucas and your dog are here."
Connor turned to face Lucas and was met with Bruno standing up on his remaining hindleg to put both of his paws on Connor's shoulders so he could lick his deviant master's cheek. "Lucas! Bruno!" Rubbing Bruno's ears Connor made it clear he was happy to see his family. "How'd you find me?"
"Bruno was determined to locate you when you left the brownstone without us." With his hat in hand Lucas explained everything casually as he retracted the artificial skin from his palm and pressed it to the side of Connor's neck. Running a scan over his brother's vital signs Lucas was convinced that Connor was going to be okay. "He tracked you to the four crime scenes of the 'Binary Killer' and then finally went out to Riverside Park. After that, he picked up a second scent trail gave chase to the deviant who assaulted you."
Connor's eyes dimmed with guilt as felt everyone turn to look at him. "...You know about that."
"Yes. And Bruno made sure he won't harm anyone else." Holding up his hand Lucas brought up a holographic image of the offending deviant as his artificial skin regenerated over his palm. The face was that of a 'WR-600' named Heath. "He was originally programmed as a garbage collector who was suspected of luring deviants to the residence of Andronikov Zlatko, and he had apparently believed that you were in fact the 'Binary Killer' as you were at all four crime scenes and had returned to said crime scenes alone. He saw you at the first crime scene while on his garbage route and began following you."
"I had deduced as much. I am sorry for leaving, but I needed a moment to think by myself." The disappointment was heavy in Connor's voice. "What happened after Bruno tracked him down?"
"We contacted the police, Officer Chen arrived and arrested him on our behalf, and she didn't say anything about Bruno chewing on his hand even after he had long since dropped the knife still covered in your blood. The bloody knife is going to make the case very easy to close."
"Then it's a good thing I bought Bruno a chew rope to ensure his teeth are strong." Proud of Bruno's loyalty Connor continued to rub his ears gently. "Good boy."
Bruno wagged his tail happily at the praise and proceeded to lick Connor's cheek. 'I am good at tracking.'
"Yes you are. You're still a great police dog."
Markus reached over and patted Bruno's back in an approving manner as well. "I wonder how many other deviant animals need a good home?"
Carl sighed as he wheeled himself a little closer to the group and held out his hand toward Bruno. "Too many. That's the reason I have those canaries out in the foyer. Once I'm gone, I want them freed!" It didn't take long for Bruno to get back down on his paws and walk over to Carl curiously. Very gently he sniffed Carl's hand and then placed his paw down on the older man's knee to receive more ear rubs. "In fact, take them to that arboretum at your tower."
"That's a good idea. I'll do that."
"And then bring Simon over to the house so I can meet him properly. Hell, bring everyone over so you can get away from work for a while." Carl looked up at Connor and Lucas with an impressively stern yet kind look in his eyes. "That includes you two. You've been hunting for that psycho and need a day to just yourselves. It's not selfish to make sure you're mentally and emotionally healthy."
The two brothers exchanged looks before turning back to Carl, and Lucas responded politely. "Once we have the killer off the street, we'll all meet up at New Jericho Tower to relax. You deserve to see the deviant sanctuary for yourself, Mr. Manfred."
"You hear that, Markus?" Grinning sheepishly Carl made sure his son knew he was going to see the tower in person and not just paint a picture of it. "I'm going out there as soon as they give the all-clear. And neither you or David are going to stop me."
Smiling at the comment Markus agreed and admitted defeat. "Very well. We'll make sure you have all of your medication on you at all times and we'll keep this outing secret from your doctors."
"Damn straight. Now, pick up your brush and help me get the higher parts of this canvas covered before the paint can dry."
"Okay. Then after that you need to have your lunch and take your medication."
"Yeah, fine. You and David are more worried about my meds than the damn doctors."
Connor managed a small grin as Carl finished rubbing Bruno's ears before returning his focus to his mural. "I apologize if I worried you."
"I was worried, but no apologies are necessary." Reaching into his pocket Lucas showed Connor his fedora and his coin. "Just don't make it a habit."
"I will do my best." Pocketing his coin and dusting off his fedora, Connor straightened the brim and held it in his hand as he didn't want to accidentally show any sign of disrespect toward Carl while in his home. "I... also believe it's time for us to consider carrying some form of protection while we're out in the field."
"And I agree." Lucas whispered as Bruno sat at his feet and looked up at Connor in an adoring manner. "We've both been assaulted without any means to defend ourselves beyond hand-to-hand combat. But I do not wish to carry a gun or a knife."
"Neither do I. Perhaps we can create something that'll protect us with less lethal results if it becomes necessary to use it."
"We'll think of something." Lucas promised as he put his hand to Connor's shoulder. "While you were out at the crime scenes, did you discover anything new?"
"Unfortunately, no. We're still at square one in regard to the investigation."
"Then there's no reason for you to properly rest and regain your strength."
Before Connor had the chance to argue Markus spoke up again as he painted alongside Carl to finish the mural. "He's right! The tower's on lockdown, the police are actively searching the streets, and you're both exhausted. Go get some rest and let your body heal."
"Very well." Grateful for all of the help he had received that day Connor decided it was time to go back to the brownstone and admit defeat for the day. He didn't want to press his luck. "We can use that time to try to find a way to protect ourselves in the field without actually harming anyone in a permanent manner."
"Good idea." Pulling Bruno's leash from his trench coat pocket Lucas returned the clip to the dog's collar and sighed as David appeared in the gallery with Connor's previously dirty clothes washed and neatly folded. Lucas watched Connor accept his clothing and return his fedora over his hair. "We can't possibly do anyone any good if we fail to do the same for ourselves."
-next chapter-