Chapter 3

Hank drove Connor across the city to reach his destination. The old yet experienced detective could tell that his friend was nervous, more so distressed considering the situation he found himself in. His mental health seemed to be declining close to a harmful degree. However, now that he knew that Hank was joining him in his personal investigation of the Zen Garden and Amanda, the deviant allowed himself to breathe.

"Alright, here we are," Hank declared as the Oldsmobile slowly screeched to a halt. Both detectives observed the large building up in the front. Despite the main city being technologically advanced, the older parts of Detroit (such as where the school was located) stuck with its original environment. The high school branched out to the sides, but more so to the left as a ramp connecting to the other buildings became accessible. But they both knew that there was much more than meets the eye. "Man, I haven't been here in years."

"You went here?" Connor turned his head to his friend in surprise.

"Yup and I hated every second of it," the man nodded casually. With nothing else to say, the deviant got out of the car and began his walk up the steps. He only stopped when he heard Hank call him. "Hey! You'll do great. If you need help with somethin', give me a call, will ya?... Oh yeah! If you meet someone named Albert Stranghert, tell that asshole he's a prick for me."

"I don't think that will be appropriate," Connor smirked.

"You're no fun. Have a good day at school, son," Hank called out to him before pulling away. The android continued his way until he reached the front building. When he entered, he noticed that it immediately sectioned to two directions. Having downloaded the campus map earlier, the detective automatically knew where to walk. As he walked down the corridors, hearing the soft thumps coming from his boots as they touched the floor, he analyzed the old photos on the walls.

Snowstreak High School was originally built in 1942 and was still standing after 96 years. Some of its architectural designs reflected its old yet sturdy age. The deviant has never seen anything like this building before, so he recorded everything in his mind for his preference.

Soon enough, Connor made it to the office. He didn't have to speak to anyone at the non-existent front desk, so he just looked for the door that read "Principal". When he found what he was looking for, the deviant walked inside and was immediately spotted by an administrator. Anne Mickbelle, knowing her name after running his facial scanner, looked up at him in interest. She immediately spotted his Cyberlife grey blazer and connected the dots.

"Oh! You're the new security guard. I hope you won't be sleeping on the job like the last one," Anne rolled her eyes annoyingly. She then pointed to the hallway on his right. "First door on the right, honey. Jefferson is waiting."

Connor didn't bother to respond before following the instructions. The deviant spotted a tall 6-foot man sitting behind his desk and was typing away at his computer. Running his scanner once more, the detective discovered that the principal was named Michael B. Jefferson, who held no criminal record and was a husband. The principal looked up when he walked through the door and smiled kindly. The deviant took note that the staff seemed unbiased toward androids.

"Hello, you must be Connor," he stated in a deep voice as he stood up and politely held out his hand. The android shook it with confidence.

"Yes. And you must be Michael B. Jefferson," he nodded accordingly. The principal motioned to one of the seats across from him while he sat back down. Connor sat in one of the black chairs in his usual straight posture. "I'm sure my Captain informed you of my presence."

"Of course! I was indeed glad to hear that we have another android in my school, and for security at that," the man chuckled. His expression turned slightly grim but Connor noticed that his stress increased by two percent. "There are a few things you should know before you get to work. The first thing is your walk route. You'll be patrolling around the campus through the morning, break, lunch, and after school. I'll give you the rules and regulations later, or do you want me to explain them right now?"

"That will not be necessary. I have already downloaded all rules, regulations, and emergency procedures of Snowstreak before my arrival. Including all school events," Connor notified respectfully. Jefferson looked impressed but not surprised.

"Good. Well, that skips the next two points. The fourth thing you need to remember is your office and equipment," he continued, glancing at his computer to check the time. "Your office will be located in the downstairs administrative offices to the right. As for what you'll be carrying: firearms are not permitted for obvious reasons but you are allowed a taser, a flashlight, and a radio. All will be found in your office. I'll be sending paperwork to you when necessary and I expect them to be filled out. Students may also directly go to you to inform you of certain situations, but all information provided will be anonymous. Got it?"

"Got it."

His stress level spiked four percent when he sighed. "Now the last things you need to worry about are the teachers and students. Even with new android laws, some humans here are still… apprehensive about the change and knowing that there are android students and teachers amongst them."

Connor's L.E.D. flashed yellow before reverting to blue. "Two students had been suspended for bullying an android teacher while a fellow teacher threatened an android student into suicide. Fortunately, the android never did and reported the teacher, who was ultimately fired and arrested," the deviant stated in an informative tone as he reviewed his quick research. Jefferson regretfully nodded in confirmation.

"That is all true. So I must warn you if anyone harasses you in any way, student or faculty, please report them to me immediately and I'll have it handled," the principal insisted.

"Very well. I'll inform you if such things occur," Connor agreed. The man sighed in relief before smiling.

"That's great to hear. Now, students will be on campus in ten minutes. We'll have an assembly today so be sure to adjust to that schedule," Michael informed. "Oh, and since you're new to the staff, we'll be sure to introduce you."

"O-Okay," the deviant nodded before he was dismissed. Leaving the office to find his own, the detective couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Being presented to hundreds of students would be an experience he didn't want to endure, but what choice did he have? If he wants to ensure that students are comfortable enough to ensure their protection, then maybe being shortly introduced wouldn't be that bad.

After all, how bad could it be?


Connor roamed the campus, keeping an eye out for anything unusual, something he had done for the past two sessions. It was now nearing the end of lunch. When the bell rings, all students would need to enter the auditorium in the middle of the campus for the assembly.

As he walked through the hallways, he took note of some students staring at him and whispering behind his back. The teenagers took notice of his uniform and L.E.D., instantly recognizing that he was an android. Some fellow deviants waved at him, which he nodded respectfully toward, but no humans ever interacted with him. Connor supposed that it was ideal. His mission was to keep everything safe, not make friends.

"You know that there's more to be done. Your mission hasn't been completed." Amanda's voice suddenly rang in his ears, making him abruptly halt. He placed his fingers against his yellow L.E.D. to calm himself. He took a steady deep breath and instinctively pulled out his coin, reflexively dancing it across his knuckles. Once his stress levels dropped enough, he continued to walk.

What did Amanda want from him? What mission was there to complete? To still hunt all deviants? To kill Markus? What was her motive?

Questions buzzed through his mind and the next thing he knew, the bell rang. Students began filing through the campus into the auditorium, where he went as well. Once everyone was inside, Connor stood against the wall amongst other teachers.

The auditorium was large on the inside, being sectioned off by two levels – the first level was where the students were sitting against the bleachers while the second floor was like a patio. In the middle on the first floor were three basketball courts, but in the center of them, all was the presumed assistant principal, Dominic Swenson.

Running another quick scan, Connor identified the man with a less-than-ideal record. According to police records he tapped into, Dominic before the Revolution participated in anti-android demonstrations after being fired from his last job when an android replaced him. The assistant principal never acted in acts of violence but was suspected but never charged for verbally harassing android students at the school. The deviant detective decided to keep his eyes on the man. It didn't matter who they were, if they're a danger to the students then that would be a problem that Connor will have to solve.

Suddenly, he was brought back into reality when the assistant principal began going over the announcements for upcoming events. Connor decided to not pay attention since he knew everything coming in store after he downloaded what was needed. However, when Dominic brought up security, he began to focus.

"We have a new security guard with us today," Dominic announced with his microphone in a slightly disgusted tone. "If you look to your left or right, whichever side you're sitting, that android with the grey jacket is the new security guard – the former Deviant Hunter."

Connor inwardly flinched as he stood as still as a statue, but his eyes wandered across the dozens of faces turning to him. He couldn't help but shrink back in embarrassment, especially when the room erupted in whispers.

"Hey, that's the Deviant Hunter?"

"Didn't he die?"

"I thought he was arrested?"

"I wonder what he's doing here, bet he couldn't find any more deviants to hunt."

"He's a good guy, right?"

"Nah, I heard that he killed a few deviants and even some humans too."

Connor continued to stand straight and ignored all the voices around him. Even some of the teachers began whispering next to him but he made no move to say anything. His eyes just stayed focused on the assistant principal with newfound disdain.

The point of the introduction was to inform students of their new source for safety, but now some of them are afraid to go near him. It was completely unnecessary to bring up his past, especially when he has done some good to make up for it.

Connor sighed quietly as he resumed to ignore the obnoxious man. He couldn't help but think why the man decided to mention that he was the Deviant Hunter. He was so much more than that. He was an android with emotions, he won't ever hurt others unless they committed a crime.

But isn't that what he still does? He hunts deviants who cause harm to humans, just like he was originally programmed to do. All of his abilities were programmed into him to be the perfect detective to track down deviants who won't follow the rules.

Connor pushed away his thoughts when the assembly finally came to an end. It was pointless to linger on emotions. That's what he hated about them, emotions and feelings are always there to be dealt with. They sometimes control his actions when he should have been thinking logically. He just wished that he could just turn off his mind every once in a while, maybe that would settle his racing thoughts.

The deviant walked out of the auditorium and watched the students make their way to their classrooms, ignoring how some of them still subtly gestured to him and continued to talk in their loud voices. Just as he was about to leave for his office, he heard a voice from behind.

"Hey! You're the new security guard?" Connor turned to see a fellow android walking toward him. It was an AV500, registered under the name of Alex, was originally designed and built for commercial design and customer service.

"Hello, my name is Connor. And yes, I am the new security guard," the deviant nodded, feeling a little uneasy considering the insensitive introduction made about him.

"That's great! I'm Alex, by the way. I'm the tutor of some students here," the other android smiled enthusiastically. His lean build, light complexion, and ginger hair were common throughout the AV android series. "So, you're really the Deviant Hunter?"

Connor immediately sighed. Of course, he had to ask that question. "I was, but I don't see how this question has anything to do with why you're really talking to me," he narrowed his eyes defensively.

"Yeah, sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I was just curious since we're going to be office neighbors," Alex sheepishly admitted. "Our offices are across from each other and when I heard that we were getting a new security guard, I couldn't help but feel excited."

"May I ask why you're talking to me?"

"Well, since it's pretty obvious that you don't know how to handle the prying eyes of teenagers, I decided to offer you my services and friendship," he grinned egotistically. Connor frowned in confusion.

"That will not be necessary, but thank you." Connor resumed his walk, but now he had an unwanted companion by his side that refused to leave him alone.

"I see. You're the lone wolf type of guy, who doesn't want to make friends and always knows what to do," Alex nodded like he solved the world's toughest mystery. "But trust me, you're going to need my expertise. You're not going to handle the rest of the school year without me. Especially with some humans around here."

Connor narrowed his eyes once more. "Tell me about them."

"Ugh, don't get me started," he rolled his eyes but continued to chat either way. "Now there is this group of kids who are led by their big human friend Santer. He and his crew are not nice, always picking fights and getting suspended."

"Why hasn't he or any of his friends been terminated from the campus?" Connor raised a curious eyebrow.

"Apparently Santer's father is in the district school board and can easily weasel his way out of trouble for both him and his son. His friends are in the cut as well," Alex explained easily. The deviant detective took careful consideration of the newly acquired information. If he could find enough evidence, he could charge Santer, his father, and their friends for their illegal deeds. "Anyway, the teachers aren't as bad as the kids. After Ronna was fired after trying to convince a student into suicide, the rest of the human faculty settled down a bit but there still a few short fuses to be careful around."

"I'll be mindful of their presence." When they made it to their offices, Connor stopped short before entering his own domain. He turned to Alex, who was expectantly staring at Connor as if he knew what he was going to say. "Thank you for this information, I'll consider it for future interactions with humans."

"No problem, mate! Always happy to help," Alex smiled cheerfully. He then leaned closer and lowered his voice. "And if you're worried about that whole 'used-to-be-Deviant-Hunter' jazz, then just know that the rest of the android teachers are on your side. Even some humans think it makes you a cooler security guard."

"I prefer my credibility to be built off of my current work and successes, not my past failures and regrets," Connor frowned slightly.

"Well then make them remember you. You shouldn't expect the past to disappear, but you can change the future for a better life," Alex smiled kindly before pulling away. He turned around and waved slightly. "I gotta get back to work. See you later, Connor."

The deviant detective nodded once before entering his empty office. It was quite spacious considering he didn't have any material possessions. The only thing the room had were bookshelves, a desk in the middle with a computer sitting on top of it, and a rolling chair. There was a light glow coming from the window's shutters which lit up the room just enough to see the dust particles floating around.

Connor walked over and sat on his chair before turning to his terminal. He didn't really need the computer, to begin with since he could cybernetically fill out any documents as needed, but he preferred to at least type away to form some noise in the room. It was too quiet for his liking. Considering that he was always partnered with Hank, his loud and colorful attitude rubbed off on the deviant.

Thinking of his old partner, he decided that it was the right time to contact him about his discoveries concerning the school. After sending a cybernetic message, he was given a reply only a moment later.

'So, you think you can still handle the job? I can tell Jeffery to assign you another job' Hank suggested after he was filled into the evidence.

"No. I am perfectly capable of doing this. I was just informing you of the possible dangers these humans may have," Connor spoke aloud and cybernetically. "Considering my affiliations toward previous deviants, I presume that I painted a target on myself."

'Well, I'll see what I can dig up for this Santer kid's father. I have to get back to work now, Gavin is bitchin' about some shit he can't figure out. Seems like I'm the only cop in the goddamn world that has to deal with that prick.'

"Very well. I'll see you after work." After Connor finished the call along with his paperwork given by Jefferson, the deviant found himself with nothing to do. As much as he wanted to continue to investigate the Amanda mystery, the deviant decided to use this free time for himself.

But what can he do? Connor found himself thinking once again. His entire existence revolved around investigating. He never had a hobby, never had anything to do besides work. Then another question entered his mind.

Who was he?

The former Deviant Hunter.

The android was sent by Cyberlife.

Hank's partner and friend.

The one who infiltrated Cyberlife Tower and freed thousands of androids.

But what was he? Was that all? Connor was nothing more than making a friend and completing missions.

He sighed heavily, feeling his shoulders slump substantially. He supposes that's what made him more like a machine – he had nothing to live for. He was a deviant with no personality.

The bell rang, making him nearly jump out of his artificial skin. He checked his digital clock and noted that it was currently the end of school. He couldn't leave until everyone was picked up or walked home. Until then, he decided to walk around and make sure no one was left.

Leaving his office and purposely rushing towards the doors to avoid talking to Alex again (the energetic deviant was too much for him to handle at the moment), Connor decided that in the meantime he could research what humans do for 'fun'. Maybe it could give him an idea of what to try.

Suddenly, someone walked up to him. It was one of the students, a senior to be exact. "You're the new security guard, right?"

Connor gazed at the short yet strong teenage boy in front of him before nodding. "Yes. Is there something wrong?"

"Yeah! Some kid needs help at the back of the school, I think a fight is going on," the teenager exclaimed in worry. Connor understood the seriousness of the emergency.

"Show me where. Quickly!" As told, the mysterious teenager ran off toward the back of the school with the deviant following close behind. Not realizing that this fight happened to be in the blind spot of cameras and where students avoid, the android rushed to rescue this hurt student. The teenager leading him disappeared past a corner and once Connor turned the same way, he was led to a dead end. Based on his surroundings, he was led to where food trucks drop off their packages for the cafeteria.

"Heh, I guess it did work," another voice snickered from behind him. Before Connor could even preconstruct his escape, he was suddenly struck to the back of the head and knocked down.

WARNING! Central Processing Unit damaged…

{... CPU – 87% Integrity… }

Another blow came to his chest this time. Another warning flashed across his vision, but he dismissed it entirely. Thanks to being Cyberlife's most advanced prototype, the blows barely dented his plastimetal skin but that didn't mean it didn't hurt any less.

"Stupid android, can't even defend himself," some other voice snickered before hitting Connor's artificial spine with a baseball bat.

"The great Deviant Hunter isn't so great now," another voice laughed tauntingly. Connor felt his head being whacked again, which this time knocked his cybernetic communications offline, so it was useless to call for help. The deviant lifted his head slightly and caught a glimpse of his attackers before a crowbar hit directly in his right eye. Once again, his processors sent him messages.

/ WARNING! Central Processing Unit damaged…

{... CPU – 75% Integrity…}

WARNING! Right Optimal Eye Unit damaged…

{... Optimal Eye Unit – ERROR… damaged; offline… }

WARNING! Thirium Level drop…

{... Thirium Level – 86%...}

Please report to the nearest facility immediately. /

Connor opened his left eye and saw red all over. Just as he saw a baseball bat swing hard into his shoulder, time seemed to slow as he preconstructed his escape. Doing quick calculations and choosing the probability where his attackers were unharmed but escaped in the end, Connor reacted accordingly.

The deviant detective grabbed onto the bat mid-swing and swung his leg out to kick the crowbar-holding attacker. Using the new weapon, the android used it to pick himself up from the ground and forcefully shoved the baseball bat into the chest of a different teenager. The one that led him into the trap tried to attack him from the back, but Connor saw it coming and spun around to block the hit with the bat and used it to disarm the boy.

"Let's get out of here!" The boy that led Connor exclaimed before scrambling out while the deviant glared at them. The leader snarled menacingly before following his other two companions out of the area. With that done, Connor finally slumped against the wall in exhaustion.

/ WARNING! Critically Low System Battery…

{... Power Level – 25%}

Please recharge at the charging station.

{... Emergency Stasis Mode: Active in 00:00:02:00…}

Please seek technical assistance immediately! /

Connor, feeling his body shutting down against his will to preserve the remaining battery, collapsed against the pavement in a heap. Heat radiated off the concrete, making his core temperature slowly rise. He tried to activate his cybernetic communications but they were completely offline.

"H-Hank…" he whispered in pain. A shadow loomed over him then two more. His vision was too blurry to identify those silhouettes and the red static wasn't making it any easier. His mouth opened but no words escaped before he was sent into an emergency stasis mode.

TBC...