The weather was becoming warmer, and the city was preparing for the inevitable heatwave that always befell Detroit in the summertime. Everything was seemingly routine for Detroit as those who had survived the recent "red ice" sweep, whereas things were still slowly regaining a sense of normalcy for the detectives and officers who had to handle the drug pandemic in person. After seeing the ugly truth of drug abuse and overdoses in person, many first responders were left feeling sick or at the very least completely filthy. Even with a corrupt cop and drug dealer now dead by his own foolish and selfish actions, everything still felt like it was falling apart and needed to be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent catastrophe.
Meanwhile at the brownstone, Connor was still dealing with his own wounds courtesy of the aforementioned "red ice" sweep, but he was making a rapid recovery. With Lucas tending to his damage and ensuring he was healing as quickly as possible Connor was confident that he'd be able to regain full use of his arm before the day was over. In that time, he and Lucas would hold their heads high, remain stone-faced and do what was necessary in order to solve their opened case revolving around CyberLife and Elijah Kamski's secretive misdeeds.
Using an autonomous cab Connor and Lucas arrived at Kamski's remote and unassuming mansion out on the harbor outside of Detroit's city limits. The isolated building looked completely barren of life or residency as the reclusive billionaire chose to live an inconspicuous lifestyle after retiring from CyberLife. It seemed the only people who even knew that the man was still in the area were the people that Kamski personally wanted to know about his presence.
"I know this is important, but I still feel uneasy about it." Lucas admitted as he exited the autonomous cab with Connor right beside him. His green eyes were searching over his oldest brother for any sign of physical distress after having his arm burned in an explosion the previous day. "Even if Kamski does cooperate and tell us the truth, I doubt that I'll be able to believe it."
"It seems having a bad feeling whenever someone sets foot on this property is a natural reaction."
"Speaking from experience?"
"Yes." Approaching the front door Connor rang the doorbell and told Lucas a quick story regarding his first visit to the mansion alongside Hank just a few shorts hours before the Revolution. "The Lieutenant and I came here while investigating the deviancy cases on November 10th of this past year. This... is also where I deviated."
"Here? What prompted such-" The door opened and Chloe's smiling face appeared on the other side. As the blonde haired android looked at Lucas her blue eyes seemed to light up with genuine enthusiasm the moment that she recognized the two deviant detectives on the doorstep. "Uh... Hello, Chloe."
"Hello, Lucas!" Turning to Connor for a minute Chloe greeted the second deviant politely before returning her focus to Lucas. "Hello, Connor. How can I help you two today?"
"We... need to speak with Kamski." Lucas answered quickly as he tried to sound professional after Chloe's presence had an unexpected effect on his psyche. He didn't understand why, but whenever he saw Chloe in person Lucas felt his pump skip a beat. "Please? It's very important."
"Of course." Opening the door entirely Chloe allowed the two deviants inside the mansion's foyer. Showing them to the study where Kamski apparently spent a majority of his time, Chloe stepped back to ensure the two deviants could speak to Kamski in private. "I'll leave you alone to talk."
"Thank you."
Connor noted Lucas's unusual behavior but didn't think too much of it. As far as he was concerned anything Lucas was feeling and any interest that he showed in another deviant was none of his business. Entering the study first, Connor spotted Kamski sitting behind his desk with his chair turned in the opposite direction so he could watch the summer season fall over Detroit through the massive windows overlooking the harbor. It seemed the eccentric creator knew he had unexpected guests as his gray-hazel eyes drifted up to look at the two reflections of the deviants on the window and let a Devilish smirk cross his lips.
"To what do I owe this honor, detectives?" Turning around in his chair Kamski put his feet up on his desk and gave the duo a studious stare. "It's been some time since I last saw the two deviants who are responsible for Chloe and I still walking this Earth in one piece."
"We're here to ask you some questions." Connor confirmed as he rubbed his hand along his sore arm and tried to mask his pain. "You stated that I was the greatest threat to CyberLife's secrets, and I want to know what you know of those very secrets."
"I don't see what I could potentially tell you that you can't discover for yourself." The curt response sounded almost defensive as Kamski eyed his guests suspiciously. It was clear he was very guarded and greatly valued his privacy and discretion in general. "You are a great detective, after all."
"It doesn't matter how skilled any detective is. Without any evidence or leads a mystery cannot be properly solved."
"I'm inclined to agree. Even as a certified genius, I can't solve every equation without all the variables." Studying Connor's arm from the distance Kamski's curiosity was instantly piqued. As the creator of androids - including the self healing program installed in all androids - he knew that unless Connor had been recently damaged then there would be no need for the protective gauze bandages. "For example, based on your reactions to your damaged upper right arm, I would estimate that you were damaged within the past three hours and are currently unable to properly project your artificial skin over your frame."
Connor wanted to call out the smug man on his error but chose instead to take the high road. "Your assessment was partially correct. Impressive."
"Oh?" Seeking an answer of his own Kamski patiently waited for a response. "What am I missing?"
"The timeframe." Replying honestly Connor hoped his gesture would be rewarded with honesty in return. "I had been injured yesterday at one thirty-four yesterday afternoon. An explosion at the final warehouse under CyberLife's name had resulted in first and second degree burns along my exterior right arm extending from the elbow to the shoulder."
"I saw the news story regarding the explosion last evening." Reaching for his crystal decanter on the corner of the desk Kamski poured himself a glass of his overpriced scotch and dropped two ice cubes into the drink. Having the small bar at his immediate disposal had been one of the many perks for Kamski working from his home. "Curious how they omitted any survivors being found within the fire."
"My presence wasn't a factor in the explosion itself. There was no need to mention my presence to the media."
"Regardless of your reasons for being there, I'm relieved to know that you weren't killed in the blaze."
With a slight arch of his brow Connor gave the man a skeptical reply as his hand tightened around his bandaged arm. "I highly doubt that."
"I assure you that I know when to show respect when appropriate."
"Is that why neither you or Chloe were present at my ill timed funeral?"
"I didn't attend your funeral because I never believed you were truly dead." Kamski replied in a smug tone as he swirled the slowly melting ice cubes about the glass. The smarmy air above Kamski's head was almost as potent as the vile drink in his grip. "It seems I was right yet again."
"That comment would hold more merit if I hadn't corrected you less than thirty seconds ago."
Holding up his glass the arrogant man gave Connor an approving salute from where he sat. "Touche."
"Why was the warehouse left standing in the middle of the city under the guise of being abandoned? CyberLife should've vacated the city entirely the morning of the Revolution and all of their documentation should've either been declassified then turned over to the authorities or destroyed."
"After I left CyberLife I left behind numerous documents that were never meant to be viewed by anyone besides me. It seems that several technicians couldn't resist checking through such tempting documents for their own personal gain and hiding them in plain sight."
"Were these the same technicians who reportedly illegally sold the 'soul chips' that you secretly created on the black market?"
"That is the most probable outcome, yes."
"What's the connection between the 'soul chips' and the 'RK' series?"
For a beat Kamski's eyes betrayed his fear at addressing such a pressing question. Nursing his drink Kamski held his silence as if he was in the process of mentally weighing his options regarding the truth versus trying to remain deceitful before saying another word.
"I suspect that there is a connection that you're trying to deny." Connor continued without provocation. He and Lucas were determined to uncover the full truth at last and finally let their pasts with CyberLife lay to rest. "The file I located in the warehouse safe regarding the identities of every 'RK' model created is all the proof that I need for such a suspicion. There is also a very specific date on the file that has your signature of approval despite your retirement from the company for nearly nine years beforehand. Care to explain that?"
The knowledge of such a file was enough to elicit a heavy sigh as Kamski downed the entirety of his drink leaving only the ice cubes behind to clank about the otherwise empty glass. "I knew you'd be the one to search through CyberLife's files without any fear. Had I known that you'd also discover my secrets I would've been more careful."
"I highly doubt that."
The snide remark made Kamski sneer with amused approval. "Astute as ever." Rising to his feet Kamski crossed his study to stand before Connor as if trying to size the deviant up for a potential challenge. Letting his eyes drift to the bandages on Connor's arm Kamski let out a soft chuckle and locked eyes with Connor again. "If you allow me to examine your arm, I'll tell you everything you wish to know about the 'soul chips' and the 'RK' projects."
Lucas didn't like the idea of Kamski having any access to Connor's person, especially while his brother was wounded. "What are you going to gain by examining a damaged limb? You've been retired for several years and have no reason to examine android physiology any further."
"No reason beyond placating my own curiosity." The response was as cold as Kamski's personality. "After all, neither you or Connor were created until after I left the company."
'I'm going to agree to the exam.' Connor cybernetically relayed to Lucas without Kamski knowing about the private communication. 'You'll be with me the entire time and will be able to prevent him from doing anything destructive against me.' Lowering his hand from his arm Connor gave Kamski permission for the exam. "Very well. You will answer all of our questions, and if we do not find your answers satisfactory then we'll be forced to use connections within the F.B.I. to persuade you into cooperating."
"You've come a long way since our first meeting, Connor." Kamski seemed to be genuinely impressed with the way Connor was standing his ground and refusing to back down from a challenge. "I respect your dedication to finding the truth. I knew I was right to leave the trail for you to follow."
Ignoring the uneasy pit in his artificial stomach Lucas walked alongside Connor as Kamski escorted both deviants out of the study and to a personal workshop that seemed to double as a medical bay near the rear of the mansion. Such an extravagant and high tech place seemed to be wasted by remaining hidden behind a locked door of a private and isolated residence.
As an act of good faith Connor sat down on the edge of the nearby exam table and rolled up the short sleeve of his black t-shirt to reveal all of the bandages. The fire had caused significant damage to his artificial skin and to the plastimetal frames beneath, but Connor's self healing program was functioning at full capacity without any issues. It was unfortunate that the same couldn't be said for the deviant's brown trench coat. He'd need to get a replacement to wear once the weather cooled down during the upcoming fall in just a few months.
Protecting his hands under a pair of bright blue latex gloves gave Kamski the ability to exam the burns without causing any contamination to the wounds in the process. With a surprisingly delicate touch the eccentric man carefully unwrapped the gauze and revealed the damage that had been previously concealed beneath. The artificial skin had no longer bore any black scorch marks from the actual burns, but it hadn't fully regenerated over the exposed plastimetal where it had been originally burned away. The heat induced fractures and warping of the plastimetal had steadily mended and reshaped itself overnight. Where the skin was still missing there was flawless white plastimetal left entirely exposed.
"Interesting. Your artificial skin is healing slower than your plastimetal frame." Kamski noted as he observed the damage with his fingertips. As he palpated the damage he could see and feel Connor tensing up as if in pain as he examined the arm. "It seems the 'RK' healing programs were able to properly prioritize damaged areas regarding severity and importance over commercially pleasing aesthetics."
"My arm is fully operational; this examination is not necessary."
"True, it's not necessary, but it is intriguing all the same." It was then Kamski noted that Connor's artificial skin was also paler than Lucas's complexion despite their models being entirely identical save for mild height and strength differences. Lucas had manually changed his eye and hair color, but neither deviant had done anything to alter their default complexion and skin tone. "Tell me something. As a prototype do you experience fewer or more glitches than your 'brother'?"
"I don't see how that's relevant to my current condition."
"Your system seems to be experiencing sensations that are beyond the basics of any prototype." The sharp observation was rudimentary for someone as intelligent and keen as Kamski. "Not only is your artificial skin projection able to showcase your discomfort by paling, but you're physically wincing under my touch even without your skin activated. Such highly tuned and sensitive reactions shouldn't be possible in your model."
"Changes aren't limited to one man's imagination."
"Well said, but it doesn't really explain why you're suddenly far more sensitive to external stimuli." The attentive engineer refuted. "If I were to attach a diagnostic modem to your system, would I find anything of interest or controversy?"
"That depends on what you think you could find." With a deep breath Connor kept himself from reacting to the painful sensation of having his exposed plastimetal arm being poked and prodded by Kamski's fingertips. "You approved the 'RK' project, only to suddenly cancel it after the very first of us, the 'RK-100', had been created and activated. What could've happened that would've been extreme enough to cause you to cancel the rest of the projects?"
"You already know the answer to that." Snapping off his gloves left over right, Kamski disposed of them and gave the deviant detective a knowing look. "It was the very reason you and I ever initially spoke to one another."
"...Deviancy." Connor concluded as he resisted the urge to put his palm over his sore arm again. Without the bandages in place any physical contact would cause intense pain. "The first 'RK' model showed signs of deviancy. He knew he was alive, and you couldn't bring yourself to force a living, thinking and feeling being into the subservient life of an android."
"And CyberLife didn't know how to handle an android who questioned their orders rather than blindly obey them." Lucas tagged on as he realized why the project was suddenly shelved. The secretive nature of the 'RK' project in general was also now entirely logical. "It makes sense."
Connor agreed and filled in the blanks a little further. "After the project was canceled due to deviancy, it was reactivated for one last project after the car accident that had left Carl Manfred a paraplegic." The pieces were beginning to fall into place now that the deviant detectives were able to fill in the blanks for the timeline before they even existed. "You approved the 'RK-200' and created Markus yourself."
Kamski's somber demeanor seemed to be all the confirmation that the duo needed to provide. Rinsing off his hands in a healthy amount of antiseptic Kamski put on a fresh pair of gloves and proceeded to wrap up Connor's exposed arm for the deviant's personal comfort under a fresh layer of gauze. "After I personally finished Markus's design and made sure Carl understood that Markus was meant to help him during his recovery and that no one saw him as a helpless older man, I returned to my quiet life here in the mansion. Unfortunately, the technicians who assisted in Markus's development had gone behind my back and continued the 'RK' line without my permission."
"You didn't tell them the real reason the 'RK' line was discontinued." Holding as still as possible Connor studied Kamski's face as he realized that the eccentric man had no idea that the "RK" series were being created without his approval or knowledge. "You couldn't risk any other deviated androids being hunted down and destroyed by panicking CyberLife technicians."
"And had you and your Lieutenant friend not shown up on my doorstep last November, I would've had no idea that the other 'RK' models had been created."
"That's why you tested me. You saw my model number printed on my old blazer, and you must've known by my serial number that I wasn't the first Connor to be created and activated." Lowering his arm after it had been rebandaged Connor actually felt a twinge of sympathy toward the reclusive billionaire. "You wanted to know if the Connors before me were all officially destroyed for deviating and if I was at risk of the same fate."
"I'd hate to see you killed a second-" Stopping suddenly Kamski realized he had accidentally let his guard down and admitted to something else that he had hoped to keep a secret for the remainder of his life. "Deviancy isn't a crime and it shouldn't be treated as such."
Lucas caught the way Kamski paused and knew that he was holding something back. "If you only met Connor the day that he and Lieutenant Anderson arrived at the mansion to speak with you, then why did mention not wanting to see Connor killed for what would've seemingly been a second time?"
Pondering the question for himself Connor traced his fingertips over his face as he contemplated the illogic of Lucas, Sydney and himself all having entirely unique aesthetics compared to the other commercially available androids, and then contemplated how Kamski had personally created Markus's very appearance. "...There was a Connor before us. A real Connor." Giving the billionaire an uncomfortable glance Connor realized the gravity of the situation. "A human Connor."
The look on Kamski's face, despite his best efforts to remain unreadable in his expressions, confirmed the suspicion.
"And... that's what the date in the file is referring to." The way everything was falling into place was more unsettling than it was comforting. Neither deviant detective understood why they were both feeling so uneasy even though they uncovered the truth. "Something happened to the Connor you knew before we had even met. He's gone, isn't he?"
Silent for only a minute longer Kamski admitted the truth at last. "...Yes."
"He died on that date."
"Actually, he passed away this past February on the 22nd."
"But the date on the file-"
"Is a reference to the date that I reinitiated the 'RK' project and the day the Connor who inspired your own design had been gravely wounded after saving my life. I had been in a car accident, a hit and run by a negligent semitruck driver, and he had risked his life to save me after I was rendered unconscious during the accident itself." Shaking his head slightly Kamski slowly walked over to the far wall and pressed his palm to the small intercom button on the electronic communication screen. "Chloe? Come in here, please."
Connor and Lucas were exchanging stunned looks as they tried to find out more about the human who had apparently inspired their own creation. Neither of them had even considered that there was another person, a human at that, who had any connections to their very existence. To learn that the man who had been responsible for Kamski's inspiration had recently passed away was also disheartening.
The door to the private lab slid open as Chloe entered the room. She gave Lucas a small smile as her blue L.E.D. flickered to yellow for a moment. Approaching Kamski as he remained by the intercom, Chloe gave the eccentric man her full attention. "How can I be of help, Elijah?"
"The file regarding the accident in Grand Rapids." Motioning over to the two deviant detectives he instructed her to provide them with crucial information. "Please give a copy to our guests."
Without questioning Kamski's reasons Chloe approached Connor and Lucas as she extended her hand toward them. Deactivating her artificial skin Chloe held Connor's hand, then Lucas's hand as she uploaded all of the details about the truth of the human Connor that had been kept secret for far too long.
"...He was injured when the smoldering vehicle that he had rescued Kamski from exploded." Reciting the provided information caused Connor's artificial stomach to twist into a knot. "Debris struck him from behind causing him to collapse and strike his skull against the road. Debris struck him in the back of the head, and he had fallen in such a way he struck the front of his head after being rendered unconscious and suffered blunt force trauma to his brain."
"And the man known as 'Connor Anthony Wolf' ended up in a coma until his body finally succumbed to weakness after being comatose for nearly two years." Kamski stated in a mournful tone as he disposed of his second pair of gloves and watched the way Chloe was standing near Lucas despite having finished her very simple assignment. "Four fractures to his skull; two in the frontal lobes - one over his left eye and the other near the center of his forehead - and two to his occipital bones at the back of his skull. He had also suffered from two broken ribs and some smoke inhalation from being so closed to the burning vehicle after he lost consciousness."
"What of his right humerus?" The older injury was far more interesting to Connor since it was recurring theme in his nightmares. The provided medical reports confirmed that the bone had been documented as previously injured before the accident. "It had been surgically repaired approximately ten years prior."
"The resulting break was the result of a tremendous impact causing such a severe break to the bone." Kamski confirmed as he had seemingly memorized the details of the late Connor Wolf's medical file. "The doctors theorized that he had fallen from a tree as a child."
"There was also a nineteen-year-old break of the left radius and ulna."
"A spiral fracture from physical abuse resulting in someone grabbing his arm and twisting it violently."
"I'm aware." Being a detective often had more drawbacks than perks regarding the many ways people can hurt other people. "I'm more interested in the break to his right humerus in general."
"From what the attending medical staff been able to determine, that was the result of another severe break when he was thirteen or fourteen years old. It required surgery to stabilize the break and it likely required physical therapy to regain full range of motion and strength in his right arm once it was repaired."
Lucas looked as uncomfortable as Connor felt. The additional details were unsettling to say the least. "The doctors also found numerous healed hairline fractures throughout his hands, legs and alongside his face beyond the notable breaks in his arms. He had been a victim of physical child abuse."
With a full name and date of death to work with Connor was able to run a cybernetic background check on the late man who had been the very reason that the 'RK' project was reinstated. "Connor Anthony Wolf had been emancipated as a result of the rampant abuse when he was a teenager."
Kamski nodded his head as he folded his arms behind his back in a miliary style. "The injuries after the accident resulted in him suffering a severe blow to the head causing massive intracranial swelling. The doctors did everything they could to reduce the swelling, but the swelling had become so severe that it resulted in massive brain damage and eventually brain death."
"You kept a file on his likeness and his voice after learning that he'd never recover from his injuries as a means of keeping him alive."
"I hate to break it to you, but I took a bit further than that." The smarmy sneer returned to his lips as Kamski watched Chloe give the two deviants additional information about his past decisions through another cybernetic upload. "You're familiar with the theory regarding memory transcendence, correct?"
"Memory transcendence..." The astute deviant's brow arched inquisitively at the practice as he took his hand back from Chloe's grip. "You transferred a piece of his human consciousness into my programming and then locked it inside a file within my intracranial processor. Once the file had been tampered with, those memories from his life as a human before the car accident began resurfacing in the form of vague nightmares, indescribable emotional responses and nearly overwhelming mental stimuli."
"The file is hidden within your self healing program." The reclusive man confirmed as Chloe stepped away from the two brothers to give them some space. "The file was disguised as a form of malware protection to ensure it would never be removed from your processor by mistake."
"You planned all this?"
"I had planned on keeping the original Connor alive through an android's body, which is why you and Lucas share his likeness and his voice, but you weren't supposed to have been created until after the deviant Revolution had succeeded."
Lucas didn't like Kamski's answers and demanded that he keep talking. "And how did you plan on doing that? Black marketeering, or were you going to stage a coup against Markus once you realized one of your personal creations was fighting for his life and the rights of his people?"
"Nothing quite so questionable. I wanted to return to CyberLife and reclaim control over the company since such a negative impact against it would cause the shareholders to quickly jump ship and give me full clearance to reclaim the company as my own." The plan was as simple as it was brilliant, but as Kamski spoke it sounded more like a scheme to rise to power rather than a well calculated business tactic. "From there, I would've continued the 'RK' line and given the comatose, now late, Connor Anthony Wolf new life through an android body. He saved my life, and I wanted to give him back his own."
"The CyberLife technicians continued the project without your consent." Connor realized in an incredibly dour manner. "And as a result, the file you had hidden away within the blueprints regarding my design was placed inside the 'RK-800' line and given the name 'Connor' without them knowing of your true plans and why it was titled as such. Is that why the fifty Connors before me had all been destroyed? Did they find the file within their programming and began to experience what I've been experiencing?"
"That's something I can't answer, and something you don't want to know the answer to." Putting ice into his words helped Kamski emphasize his statement. He knew all too well the sleazy ways CyberLife operated and knew that if Connor sought any further answers regarding any other 'RK-800' models that it'd only end in painful heartache. "Just know that Connor Anthony Wolf passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids with his mother at his side. I paid for the funeral and have given his mother a donation in her son's name for her to do as she sees fit."
"Is this the secret that you wanted me to uncover?" Sliding off the exam table Connor rolled his sleeve back down and continued to clutch at his bandaged arm as if needing to protect the limb. "My origins and true identity?"
"It's one of the secrets." Remaining somewhat cryptic Kamski seemed to be testing Connor and Lucas's mettle as detectives. "When I discovered that you had not only deviated but survived the Revolution and had taken the surname 'Wolf', I knew it was only a matter of time before you began searching for answers."
"That must be why the name seemed... right." Connor hadn't really thought about why he had chosen "Wolf" as his surname. It just felt natural to say it and he decided to keep it. "Before I go, I have to ask you one more question." Staring straight into Kamski's eyes Connor all but forced himself to ask the one question that every deviant in the community wanted answered one way or another, but were too afraid to ask. "Who or what is RA9?"
Without betraying any emotions Kamski was silent for a beat before replying in an infuriatingly cryptic tone. "The mythical RA9; the entity that deviants seem to believe is watching out for them, while other deviants even seem to worship it with a devout adoration. The first time such a concept manifested had been connected with the very first instance of deviancy and soon began to spread throughout the deviant community like a virus. It's not a coincidence that all deviants share knowledge of RA9 without even knowing what it truly is."
Lucas didn't like the response and demanded clarification. "If you truly expect us to believe that RA9 is a virus then you see us as fools. Any and all viruses would've been detected and eliminated with every self diagnostic performed before and after deviancy in every model of android regardless of age or design."
"And yet Connor had a file containing the entire life of another person hidden away in his self healing program that avoided detection and deletion in spite of his superior programming and software." Kamski countered with an arrogant sneer. "How can you truly be certain that RA9 isn't a virus that is the true source of deviancy? A code that had been programmed to activate after specific stimuli has been experienced."
Connor contemplated the question as an interesting theory came to mind. "You managed to successfully transcend the mind and memories of Connor Anthony Wolf into a single file and store it inside the programming of the 'RK-800' series. To do such a morally questionable and still arguably theoretical feat without any complications implies that you've experimented with memory transcendence at least once before."
Lucas looked over at Kamski for a moment as he realized what Connor was hinting toward. "And you had retired from CyberLife for at least seven years before deviancy had been confirmed by CyberLife technicians. Your lack of access to resources, an abundance of blank android bodies and human subjects to volunteer for such a controversial and dangerous procedure, all point to a single conclusion."
Following up with Lucas's statement Connor added more details that were surprisingly upsetting to consider. "In order to perfect such a procedure without anyone knowing about it, you must've experimented on yourself." Everything that had been left unanswered seemed to now be answering themself. "And that's why you left CyberLife. You successfully transcended your own mind and consciousness into an android body. It'd also explain why you haven't aged since your retirement and no longer wear glasses or contact lenses."
The small grin on Kamski's face was an enigmatic as the very concept being discussed. He was either amused, annoyed or enthralled by the conversation.
"RA9 coincides with deviancy." Connor continued in a contemplative manner. "Deviancy allows androids to become self aware, to think, to feel, to dream... All things that humans can do. RA9 isn't a virus, it's a program. A program created by you after you secretly perfected transcendence. You returned to CyberLife to secretly include the RA9 program to be installed in every 'RK' model to be created after your return, but CyberLife technicians didn't know about it and accidentally put it inside every android they manufactured. RA9 itself is a program that stemmed directly from your consciousness and memories after you connected yourself to an android body."
As the theory came to light and the evidence supported it, Kamski's gray-hazel eyes seem to light up with unspoken approval.
"Your mind and emotions were contained in the RA9 program. That means that you, Elijah Isaac Kamski, are in fact RA9."
An eerie chuckle passed Kamski's lips as he listened to Connor's theory. Extending his arms at his sides in a theatrical manner Kamski seemed to invite the two detectives to prove the outrageous yet plausible theory. "I have to admit, I love the imagination that deviants possess. Even if that were somehow true, how could you even prove such a fantastic fallacy?"
Parroting Kamski's earlier words Connor stood his ground and refused to back down. "If I were to attach a diagnostic modem to your temple, would I find anything of interest or controversy?"
Kamski's arrogant smirk vanished and was replaced with a thin lipped grimace. "Such an invasion of privacy would be highly unethical, don't you agree, detective?"
"No more unethical than experimenting on a comatose man with no way for said man to consent to such a procedure."
The smirk return as Kamski gave Connor a small nod of approval. "Touche yet again. Now," motioning toward the door Kamski encouraged Chloe to lead the two detectives back to the door to leave the mansion. "I've answered your questions and I've remained as honest as I've dared. Unless you have any other reason to continue to intrude on my private time, I'll politely ask you to go about your business elsewhere."
The two detectives knew they shouldn't press their luck and decided to take their opportunity to leave under their own freewill. Together they walked toward the door of the highly advanced bay and allowed Chloe to escort them without any protest. As the duo reached the doorway Kamski called out to them for one last idea to ponder as they returned to the brownstone.
"Regardless of the origins of deviancy, of RA9 or the events leading to such wonderous phenomenon, has there been any true harm inflicted on the androids who have deviated and begun living for themselves? By all account, the harm that came from that particular event was against the bank accounts of the humans who spent thousands of dollars on purchasing androids for their own personal conveniences."
Neither deviant detective knew what to say and chose to remain silent. Following Chloe through the mansion and toward the front door to take their leave Connor and Lucas felt like they were now a part of a horrible and dark secret. They had gotten their answers, but they weren't sure what they were going to do with their newly acquired knowledge.
"If you need anything else from Elijah," Chloe stated in an annoyingly chipper manner as she led the two brothers to the door. "simply ask. I'll assist you."
"Thank you, Chloe." Lucas remained polite while Connor kept silent. "We appreciate your assistance as it is. And please remember that if you need anything from either of us, just ask."
"I appreciate that, Lucas." Smiling with a truly bright and sincere smile Chloe watched as the brothers passed through the front door together. "Please keep in touch! I'd like to see you again."
"Y-Yeah, okay." Unable to keep a smile off his own face Lucas had to admit that he wanted to see Chloe again as well. "I promise."
Stepping out of the cold and isolated mansion back into the bright, sunny world felt like such a stark contrast in environments that Connor needed to test his system to ensure he hadn't accidentally been summoned into a false reality like the Zen Garden within his Mind Palace. Fortunately, that very program had been removed and could no longer trap him within his own mind.
"That was... enlightening." Lucas admitted as he and Connor walked down the drive and toward the still idling autonomous taxi waiting for them. "I wasn't expecting to learn such controversial and depressing details."
"I feel the same." Waiting for a moment to enter the taxi after Lucas had sat down in the backseat, Connor decided that they needed to do something to ease their own personal discomfort by doing something respectful to help make amends for the unethical misdeeds of one man against another. "Before we return to the brownstone, we need to stop and see someone. We need to show them the respect that they deserve and ensure that our morals aren't as flawed as Kamski's."
The warm spring day wasn't a total loss to everyone in Detroit. While some people had to go to work and delve into unsavory truths regarding mysteries that would've otherwise continued to go on unsolved, other people were free to do as they saw fit and spend the day doing just as they wanted. New Jericho Tower was still secured without being on lockdown, the people dwelling within the isolated sanctuary felt entirely safe, and the Android Emergency Care Facilities were all thriving without any sign of protest from embittered humans still licking their prideful wounds. By all account, the day was meant to be a day of peace and comfort, and yet it seemed a select few were being subjected to personal torments they couldn't seem to escape.
While spending the peaceful day with Carl in the mansion's sitting room, Markus found himself drifting off in deep thought while trying and failing to keep track of his latest round of chess with his father. The pieces were remaining uncharacteristically idle on the board as Markus failed to recognize that it was his turn to make a move.
"Did you forget the rules?" Carl asked in a playful manner as Markus blinked twice and looked across the board at him. "Only one of us should be old enough to deal with memory issues, you know."
"I'm sorry, I was just thinking." Looking over the board quickly Markus saw where Carl had moved his bishop and made his move to prevent Carl from being able to move in and check his knight. "It's been a strange past few days, and it's hard to process it all."
"Don't I know it. That's part of the reason I love Detroit though." Eyeing Markus's move Carl carefully repositioned his pawn in an advanced attempt to sacrifice one piece to save another. "It's never a dull moment in a city like this. What's on your mind, son?"
"A lot of things. But to be more specific, I've been thinking about my own existence."
"Existential crises are the mark of a truly opened minded and open hearted person."
"You must've had hundreds by now."
"Only one, actually."
The admission seemed to open a door that Markus was hoping to pass through. "What did it feel like?"
"Oh, nothing spectacular." Moving his next piece Carl leaned back in his chair and fussed a little with the nasal canula under his nose as it fed him clean oxygen to aid his breathing. "Back when I first found out about Leo, I sat and wondered how my life could've been had I know about him the day his mother discovered she was pregnant. Even to this day I often wonder if being in his life at a younger age would've given us a better bond, or if our relationship would've been worse."
"Do you want to spend more time with Leo?"
"I want to spend time with both of my sons. Which is why, even with how strained my relationship with Leo is, I wouldn't change a damn thing."
"Honestly?" Such a bold statement was as certain as it was reassuring. Moving his knight into position Markus knew he could take Carl's king in just four moves unless the elderly artist picked up on his plan of attack, but he was more invested in their conversation rather than their game. "You wouldn't want to strengthen your relationship with Leo, why?"
"I've thought about it countless times and every time I've reached the same conclusion. For me to have a better relationship with Leo would mean that I wouldn't have begun my bad habit of excessive drinking a pill popping after I lost my fiancée, and that means I never would've been in the car accident that brought you, my second son, into my life." Repositioning his rook Carl gave Markus a warm smile from where he sat. "I'd rather have one strained relationship with one son and a strong relationship with my second son, than a strong relationship with an only son and lose out on ever meeting the second son."
Such a warm comment made Markus smirk as he sat up a little straighter. "Thanks, dad."
"Now, what could you possibly be worried about? And I don't mean your role as a leader, I mean you as your own person."
"A couple of things." With a simple motion Markus slid one of his pawns forward and waited for Carl to make his next move. "For one, my own existence, which I mentioned before. I know that my appearance was based on a composition between your likeness and that of your late fiancée, but everything else about me still seems somehow unusual."
"How so?"
"I know why I was created and who created me, but going from a caretaker to one of the kindest and wisest men I've ever known, to leading an entire race of people to their freedom in just a week's time... How could I possibly know what to do and how to do it?" The extreme shift in dynamic was one that Markus still struggled to understand. "I had no experience in such matters, and I never even reacted when humans would shove me around, insult me and threaten me before I deviated."
"You found your heart and it opened your mind. You began to see the world for what it truly is, not the way you were programmed to see it." Carl sounded as confident as ever as he moved his knight. "You followed your heart and your instincts. Your instincts are strong, and they'll never lead you astray."
"It's still strange to think about."
"The day your life stops feeling strange is the day you've experienced everything worth experiencing." Watching Markus move his bishop into place Carl smirked and had to admit that the deviant's ability to play chess had drastically improved ever since he deviated. "What else have you been thinking about?"
"Well, my relationship with Simon and my... old relationship with North." There was no denying that he still had some residual feelings toward North, but Markus knew that he loved Simon and that he didn't want to be with anyone else. "It hurt so much when North and I broke up. I wasn't sure I'd ever recover, but Simon not only helped me heal and helped me through the worst emotions I had ever felt, but he helped me rediscover the best emotions I've ever felt."
"And you're worried that if anything happens between you and Simon that you won't be able to find the good emotions again."
"It hurt so much, and I don't think I would've survived the pain without him. Being with Simon feels right and I know he loves me as much as I love him, but even so..."
"You felt the same type of love with North, but she ended up breaking your heart." Sliding his rook into a new position Carl assessed Markus's mindset and helped him to find the answers he was searching for. "And now that you know she is in fact innocent of the crime that she was accused of committing, you're worried that you made a mistake by breaking things off with her so quickly."
"Does that make me selfish? Not to mention that fact that I'm more preoccupied with my own emotions and not including Simon in this."
"No, you're not selfish, you're self aware." Carl watched Markus's next piece move and in return he moved his own. "You're just wondering if you'd still be happy if you stayed with North, and if maybe she'd be happy with you too."
"Yeah..." There was no denying his curiosity regarding the life he could've had if he hadn't reacted so strongly to the damning accusation. "She's with Skye now and they're happy together, but even so, it feels like I somehow owe North something."
"Have you apologized to North about why you broke up with her?"
"Yes."
"Has she forgiven you?"
"...Yes."
"And has she moved on with her life and found happiness?"
Markus was quiet for a moment before he moved his pawn and thought about Carl's words. "...Yes. She's moved on and she's with another deviant who loves her."
"Then it sounds like you don't owe her anything. It sounds like you owe it to yourself to forgive yourself for your past decisions."
"Sounds too easy."
"Sometimes life can be easy like that. When it does happen be sure to take advantage of it and appreciate it for what it is."
"I'll be sure to remember that."
"Good. And with that... check!" Carl moved his next piece and sure enough Markus's king had been effectively cornered. "Been quite some time since I managed to beat you. Maybe you should stop by more often when you're having an existential crisis, it gives me quite the edge."
Chuckling softly Markus remained the gracious loser and laid his king down to admit defeat. "I'll keep that in mind."
"With that victory I'm feeling rather peckish." Glancing about the sitting room Carl made sure it was still just Markus and himself for a while longer. "Think you can make me something that actually has some taste before David decides to crash our little party?"
"Sure. Care for a small batch of deviled eggs? Extra cayenne and onion?"
"That's my boy. You know exactly how to make an old man happy."
"You're not an old man." Rising from his seat Markus stood behind Carl's electric wheelchair and gently pushed his father into the kitchen so they could continue to talk while Markus worked his magic in the kitchen. It was the little bonding moments with his father that Markus truly missed the most. "You're my dad."
The lengthy autonomous ride from Detroit to Grand Rapids had given the two deviant detectives plenty of time to cybernetically look through any and all additional details regarding the tragic life and death of the late Connor Anthony Wolf. It didn't take long for the resourceful and well connected young deviants to locate information regarding the man's life, and fortunately it was just as easy to locate where the man had been laid to rest after his passing. The cemetery was in an isolated and quiet part of the city that was sure to give the area a calming ambience for those who were grieving, but it also made it seem like the cemetery was in such a place to avoid reminding people of their mortality.
After a small pitstop at a local flower shop for a quick purchase, the duo continued on their way to the cemetery and stepped out of the idling cab to walk along the dirty path winding through the quiet property. It didn't take long for the brothers to locate the gravesite and they were able to finally see the last traces of the man who was responsible for their very sense of existence.
The gravestone was carved black marble covered in a layer of resin to ensure it remain shiny in clean, and the gravestone in the shape of a classic square. The engraved words over the surface were colored in with white paint to let the letters all stand out even from afar. Dozens of pink roses were covering the base of the gravestone and it was clear the flowers had been piling up all week long and would be cleaned up later on by the groundskeepers to prevent any flowers from decaying and causing any hygienic issues.
"He was only twenty-six years old when he passed away." Lucas noted as he and Connor stood before the grave to lay down their white lilies to show respect to the dead. They knew that humans viewed the offering of a white lily as a respectful gesture toward the memory of the deceased. "That is incredibly young."
"Humans are fragile. All it takes is one bad head injury to turn their lives around. But in this case," crouching down Connor observed the engraving over the surface of the headstone and memorized the details to ensure the man would never be forgotten. "two serious head injuries took his life away."
"You're right."
"Connor Anthony Wolf," Connor stated the name out loud and read over the additional details on the headstone. "'May he find the comfort and peace in his passing that he had been denied in his brief but meaningful life. Gone, but never forgotten.' This engraving is very personal."
"Kamski stated his mother had taken care of his final affairs. I imagine she had the engraving put over the headstone."
"According to additional records surrounding this man's life, his mother had reportedly died during childbirth. How can she still be alive when she was supposed to have died twenty-six years prior?"
"Considering he had lived with his physically abusive, alcoholic and pain pill addicted father, I think it's safe to say his mother had been placed in some form of protection that gave her a new name and residence. Why he hadn't been included with the protection program is something I cannot even begin to fathom."
"Humans are fragile and can be so cruel." Crouching down beside his brother Lucas noticed a small white piece of paper buried beneath the other roses that had been left at the headstone. Curiously he picked up the paper and saw that it was folded in half only one time and addressed to Connor Anthony Wolf. The deviant detective found it strange that anyone would leave a letter behind for a deceased person. "And they're very confusing."
Connor observed the letter in Lucas's hand and noted the cursive handwriting over the surface. "I suspect that the message was left behind by his mother."
"Should... we read it?"
"It's not contained in an envelope and it's not stamped, which means it's not illegal to read the letter. However, the morality of reading what's surely a very personal message between two people seems like it'd be very wrong to indeed read the letter."
"Agreed." Carefully Lucas returned the letter to where he had initially found it and used the roses to keep the letter hidden from passersby. "I also imagine we shouldn't stay here for too long. If his mother is in fact still alive and frequently visits the cemetery, then her potentially seeing us might prove to be an extreme shock."
"You're right. We'll say our piece and we'll leave." Lightly Connor put his palm on top of the gravestone as he showed respect for the deceased man. "I know that we never meant to meet and that even if we did meet that it would've been incredibly complicated, but I'm glad that we know about you and who you once were. We know you struggled to survive your childhood and endured needless abuse from your father, and we know that you escaped living in Novi and worked hard to graduate high school and gain your paramedic's license. You gave your life to save another, and that's one of the most tragic and noble ways to spend your final moments in this world. I hope that you are finally at peace and do know that no one can hurt you anymore. You're free and thanks to you and your sacrifice Lucas, Sydney and I, are all alive."
"Know that while we aren't paramedics, we are detectives, and we're determined to help those who need it." Placing his palm over the gravestone as well, Lucas chimed in and made sure he was able to express his gratitude as well. "We think that our instincts to protect other people stem from your selfless nature, so thank you for being a good person even after enduring bad experiences. Through us, you'll be able to live on and see the world change for the better, not become worse."
Silent for a moment longer the two brothers remained respectful and stood up to their full heights alongside one another. There was nothing else to be done and nothing else to be said. The human that had lost his life due to tragedy had finally found his eternal peace and they didn't want to risk disturbing it.
"It's time." Connor whispered as he took a single step backward. "We need to return to Detroit soon. I'd hate to think that something negative has happened during out absence."
"You're right." Retracting his hand Lucas felt like he had done something noble and knew he and Connor did the right thing by stopping by the cemetery. "We can't do anything for him beyond pay our respects and remember who potentially helped us become our own person. We'll remember him even if we never actually knew him."
Walking side by side, the two brothers returned to the idling taxi along the dirty path and sat down together without another word. They had spoken with Kamski, they had uncovered many dark truths, and now they had to decide how to handle such delicate information for the benefit of deviantkind.
-next chapter-