Chapter 13
For the next few days, Connor decided it was best to not agitate Jake. While the RK900 kept acting as normal as possible around others, he acted poorly to his predecessor. The deviant was so tense around him, knowing he couldn't do anything to defend himself without risking the lives of his friends, and Jake knew that perfectly well. Yet, no one seemed to notice their relationship change.
As he arrived at the school, he had been thinking all week long about how to insert the USB drive into Jake's processors without letting him suspect anything. He couldn't do it at night because Jake seemed to watch him at all hours of the night and he couldn't do it during the day because he always seemed to be around someone. Connor also needs to plan how to eliminate Jake without tracking too much attention. He's thought about if maybe he could kidnap the RK900 into an abandoned warehouse or possibly Kamski's mansion – after all, if he got caught, the man could defend him.
Or double-cross him. That plan is still a work in progress.
His eyes suddenly traveled up to the news billboard he was standing near, then he groaned when he saw the reminder that today was a student-free day.
"I've been so focused on Jake, I forgot about today's break," he muttered aloud. Now disappointed when he now had nothing to do, the deviant once again began to think about who could help him out with Jake's murder as he walked to who knows where.
Hank is out of the question, along with his teenage friends and coworkers. They had become too attached to Jake and Connor has a feeling someone might give away his plan of attack. One of the advanced features of the RK900 was that Jake is more than just a professional manipulator. Like Connor, he can get any information out of anyone if he wanted to. So if someone slipped up, they'll all be dead in a second. As much as he hates to think about it, he can't let the others figure out what he's planning. And that includes the ones in New Jericho Tower.
Connor can try to do this on his own, but working with a partner had proved to him before to be more efficient. He also needs to train, but without a proper sparring partner, it is deemed more difficult than he thought. There are so many holes in his plan that if anything goes wrong then he's going to fail – 99% guaranteed.
He's somehow managed to walk himself into a random construction site. After checking his location, Connor concluded that he was not too far into the city and an hour's walk from home. The deviant, not seeing anything of interest, turned to leave the site.
"What the fuck, you fucking plastic bitch?!"
Connor stopped mid-step and whipped around to locate the annoyingly familiar voice. His eyes rapidly scanned the area before he found the source of the loud cursing. His Thirium pump skipped a beat as the deviant saw Gavin dangling 35 feet off the edge of the unfinished structure with Jake towering over him.
"Help me up or I swear to god I'll rip your stupid face piece by piece!" Gavin roared in both fear and anger as his grip on the metal beam began slipping. Jake glared at him but when he caught sight of Connor watching from below them, he smirked lightly before stepping on the detective's fingers. One hand reacted immediately, which left him with one more hanging on for dear life.
"Bye-bye, Detective Reed." Jake then stepped on the other hand, making Gavin finally let go. Connor rushed as fast as he could to the drop zone. Thankfully with his new enhancements, he was able to get there before Gavin had crashed into the ground.
Instead of landing on the painful floor, he fell directly on top of Connor, who ultimately broke his fall.
"Oof!" Was the sound that came out of the fallen man. He opened his eyes and noticed that he was okay, other than a sore back. He let out a laugh. "I'm alive, hell yeah!"
"Please, if you could, get off of me," Connor strained in politeness.
"Woah! Tinman, what the hell?!" Gavin shot off of the deviant, who groaned a little bit as he slowly stood up and dusted off his clothes. There was some Thirium leaking from his chest and nose, but he looked otherwise fine from the detective's point of view. "What are you doing here?"
"I was walking by and witnessed what Jake did to you. I tried to catch you but there was a higher probability that you'd land on me," Connor explained. "Are you okay?"
"Well as good as I could feel from being dropped to my death and landing on a plastic cushion," he shrugged. Gavin looked up to where he was before, but he noticed that Jake had already disappeared. "Where'd that fucker go?"
"Most likely to go somewhere where it can create an alibi," Connor frowned. "Jake is more dangerous than you think. I may not know what it's done to befriend you-"
"Befriend me, ha! Tinman's got humor!" He mocked a laugh. "That asshole has been kissing up to everyone's asses, but that thing has been getting on my damn nerves. It shows off, acts like it's a fucking wild college student cracked up on red ice, and has no filter."
"What were you doing here in the first place?" The deviant asked, rubbing his chest slightly in a wince.
"Hank called in sick today so fuckin' Fowler paired me up with the plastic douche. We were working on a case and apparently, the plastic prick got a lead, the witness told us to meet here. We investigated the place but the next thing I know, I'm hanging for my life after the sonofabitch pushed me," he admitted as he stuffed his hands into his pockets.
"Then it must have led you here to kill you," Connor sighed. "I'm running out of time."
"Woah, don't leave me hangin'. What do ya mean?" The android tried to respond but realized that it was getting harder to breathe. He doubled over as he did a quick self-diagnostic. "Hey, man. Don't go weird on me, what's up?"
"V-Ventilation systems damaged… 60% integrity," he gasped before turning off the bicomponent entirely. He stood straight again and nodded at the detective. "I've disabled the program, but now my thermal regulator is rising in numbers."
"What? English, asshole!"
"My... lungs were damaged by the fall, but I have temporarily disabled them," Connor explained uneasily. "I need to get to a facility for repairs."
"Ah fuck… well, since you saved me from being a human pancake, I'll take ya," Gavin awkwardly offered before gesturing his head to the side where his car was. "But don't tell anyone I'm doing you this favor."
"Thank you." To his surprise, Gavin's car was similar to Hank's. Just like the older detective, the younger one didn't want to go near anything technologically advanced, which meant autonomous cars were out of the question. Seeing the 1986 AMG Hammer parked on the curb was easy to pinpoint compared to other cars surrounding it. They both simultaneously stepped inside before Gavin turned on the ignition and drove to the nearest facility, directions courtesy of his phone.
"So you want to tell me why that thing had the right mind to end me?" Gavin demanded. Connor shifted in his seat slightly so he could avoid as much pain from his chest.
"...What I'm about to tell you, you have to promise me that you won't tell anyone," the deviant stared at him with a serious expression. "This cannot be shared, the lives of many innocents are at stake. No one can know not Captain Fowler, not Hank, not Tina. No one."
"Alright, alright. I won't tell anyone, I'm a man of my word. Just spit it out already." The android sighed heavily, or as much as he could without being able to breathe, before telling Gavin everything he knew. Despite knowing that his relationship with the young detective was a little strained, compared to others he seems to be the only one he can trust at the moment. And if the detective believes him then that means that maybe they can work together to stop Jake. But one step at a time.
After he finished, which took around half an hour of translating it to an easier way the human could understand, Gavin was left in silence. He didn't speak at all until they reached the facility, only talking to the front receptionist to inform them of the wounded deviant. He didn't speak when Connor was taken away into the repair bay, sitting back in one of the chairs to wait and collect his thoughts. Until the deviant returned an hour later and they returned to the car, he spoke up again.
"So you want to off the plastic faker so it can't kill you or anyone that has a relationship with androids and that's why your body is all souped up on upgrades," Gavin summarized, which received a nod response. "Holy shit… I knew that lying sonofabitch was bad news… So what are you going to do now?"
"Considering that it has attempted to kill you today, that means that Jake is starting with the people I've met in my life. I don't have much time and need to work quickly," Connor sighed as he pulled out his quarter and danced it between his knuckles. Unlike Hank, Gavin didn't seem to mind. "But now I need to make sure that no one is going to be targeted by Jake. With that added to my list, I have to install a virus into its systems and calculate how I can eliminate Jake."
"Sounds like you have a full plate," Gavin noted. There was another pause. "... Since you're doing us all a favor by getting rid of this nuisance even if no one knows it yet, I can't believe that I'm saying this but know that I got your back."
"Really?" He looked at the other in surprise.
"Listen, we might not have the greatest history but you helped me out today. More than that, you are still a part of the DPD family. I don't care who you are or what you're made of, you did a lot of good things," the man spoke sincerely. Connor's eyes lit up, making the detective growl and pull out his cigarette and lighter when they stopped at a red light. "Ugh, don't give me that look. Christ, Hank was right. You look a lot like a dog."
"Uh, thank… you?"
"You're welcome." Puffing out a smoke cloud, the detective glanced at the android. "So are your weird robot lungs all good?"
"Yes, they're fully functional. I will need time to rest, however," Connor nodded. Gavin suddenly handed him the cigarette, which he looked at in confusion. "What?"
"Go ahead. I want to test somethin'," the detective urged. Connor hesitantly grabbed the cigarette from his fingers and held it to his mouth before he inhaled. At once, his ventilation system reacted. The android used this time to test his new upgrade to filter out any chemical sources before puffing out a fog. The android cleared his throat a bit when his processors analyzed the residue in his mouth as he passed the item back at the amused detective. "Wow, guess you androids can smoke."
"Technically we can't, but considering I've updated my programs to an RK900's I can endure a lot more chemicals in my body," Connor thoughtfully stated. "I don't know how some humans do this every day."
"Everyone's gotta die somehow." The android narrowed his eyes slightly at the familiar comment. "So, do I take ya back to your place or…?"
"No. I need to go to the station to keep an eye on Jake before it can try anything else," the android decided. The man nodded a little before continuing his drive to the precinct. "Maybe I can convince Fowler to give me back my old position, but if I'm successful I wonder who I'm going to be partnered with when Hank is already with Jake."
"It doesn't matter, but I can't wait until I see your evil twin again. I have a thing or two to say to the asshole," he growled.
"Jake would have most likely already declared where it was and you were, not supplying the truth. The highest probability of no one believing you when we arrive greatly outweighs the others. Even if I make a statement, my behavior toward Jake would be greatly noted and others would assume that I'm trying to frame him somehow."
"In other words, we're on our own," Gavin grumbled as he puffed out another cloud of smoke. "Fucking great, just what I needed."
The android stayed silent as he turned back to the window. His mind wandered to whatever thought came first and surprisingly it was pure static. Connor tried to decipher what the corrupted program was but nothing seemed to pop up. It was like something was wrong but his self-diagnostic couldn't identify anything. It was frustrating him, yet he couldn't help but start scratching his wrist again. This feeling he didn't like – it felt like something bad was going to happen, maybe it was paranoia.
"Hey, Tinman! I don't need robot drool all over my leather, they don't make seats like this anymore." Gavin's voice snapped him awake (he didn't even notice he fell into stasis mode). Connor also realized that they had arrived at the station. "Come on, I won't carry your plastic ass inside."
"That will not be necessary," Connor shook his head as they left the car to enter the precinct. "I also appreciate the ride and trip to the facility."
"Shut it. Remember, we didn't even talk to each other," Gavin narrowed his eyes as a reminder. Connor nodded in agreement as they split up when they entered the bullpen. The deviant scanned the area, noting that Hank was not there before walking to the glass office. Tapping on the door, he waited for a small command then entered the soundproof room.
"Good morning, Captain Fowler," Connor greeted as he approached the desk where the man sat.
"Connor, aren't you supposed to be at Snowstreak?" Fowler frowned in confusion.
"There is a student and teacher free day," he explained. "I came by to discuss my position with you. I wish to reassociate myself as a detective."
"I'm glad to hear that but there is a problem," the man sighed. "Jake has already filled your position to be Hank's partner, so even if I made you a detective again you have to find a new division and partner. Unfortunately, none of either are available… well, except for one."
"To work alongside Detective Reed in the human-deviant division," the android confirmed. "I am aware of this limited choice but I can reassure you that I can adapt to Gavin's behavior."
"You might, but can Reed?" Jeffrey raised an eyebrow. The man then sighed heavily before standing up from his desk. "Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice. There's been a killing spree, targeting both humans and androids. We need all the help we can get."
Captain Fowler opened his glass door and shouted across the bullpen. "REED! My office."
Gavin came in not too long later, looking as irritated as ever when he was getting some of the flavorless coffee from the break room. "Yeah, Cap'?"
"There's going to be a change around here. You're being partnered up with Connor, who is a newly assigned detective," the Captain shortly explained as he returned to his desk. While Connor looked relieved, Gavin was close to exploding in anger, almost like their earlier interaction didn't even occur.
"What?! Why the fuck would you pair me up with the plastic asshole, it's bad enough I see one of them a day but now two?!" Gavin complained. "How the hell is that fair? I'm doing fine on my own, I don't need a fake partner breathing down my neck."
Again, it was like the earlier heart-to-heart moment never happened and it hurt the deviant a little.
"Quit your bitchin, I'm not in the mood," Fowler interrupted the rant. "If you haven't noticed, more bodies are turning up the minute and not even Jake is enough."
Both detectives scowled at the name.
"Now, Connor here can help us out, and I mean all of us. This isn't my call. With the higher-ups breathing down my neck I was about to file some new resumes if Connor didn't show up. Now leave and get to work! And Connor, I'll file a report of your resignation at Snowstreak. You can pick up your stuff tomorrow and transfer properly," the Captain finalized before ushering them out of the room.
Gavin was seething when he marched back to his desk with Connor mindlessly following.
"I apologize for having you deal with me, but I assumed that our partnership could mask our real intentions of dealing with Jake," Connor whispered to the man, sitting at the empty desk after Gavin silently told him to sit.
"Tinman, I know, you don't have to apologize," the human detective sighed quietly. "I was just acting. We wouldn't want people to know I suddenly find you bearable."
"... I see your point," Connor nodded in agreement before returning to a proper sitting position. His eyes traveled to the desks in front of them, specifically his former desk. "I-"
INCOMING MESSAGE…
FROM : Jake
OPEN MESSAGE?... Y/N
He hesitated before opening it.
'Gavin survived only because of luck. I'll make sure the next time won't be as such… Careful, Connor. You wouldn't want to see someone else get hurt… maybe a certain few teenagers, per se?'
"What's wrong with you? Are you glitching again?" The detective glared in annoyance at his new partner. The android froze for a split second, feeling his stress levels skyrocket, before glancing at the human. Yet he didn't get the chance to respond when Jake suddenly appeared right next to Gavin, making him flinch in fright.
"Gavin, dude! What happened? I was lookin' all over for you, man!" Jake exclaimed as he patted the detective on the back. Gavin was trying hard not to pull out his gun and shoot the android right then and there, but Connor was protectively standing by in case anything happened. "I'm not gonna lie, you ditching me was so uncool. But thank goodness I caught a ride from Tina, she's a nice doll. Hey, I have a witness in the interrogation room, why don't we go see if we can get anything out of her."
Gavin looked around and caught sight of Captain Fowler glaring at him. So he sighed heavily before standing up. "Whatever. But my partner is comin' with, to supervise you know?"
"Oh…" Jake's cheery expression dropped for a millisecond, but Gavin and Connor caught it which made them feel wary. But again he flashed a grin and led the way. "I didn't know you had a new position, Con! Great work, big bro. Maybe we can solve mysteries together like on TV!"
"We're not brothers," the deviant gritted out when they made it to the interview room. Jake went in first with the witness, while Gavin and Connor stood on the other side of the glass.
"So what are we working with?" The young detective asked aloud. Connor stepped forward and revealed his plastimetal hand, which he laid on a tablet sitting on the table.
"Samantha Williams; 36 years old, lives alone after divorcing her ex-husband a year before, has multiple speeding and parking violations but no other… what?" Connor paused, looking down at the tablet to see it with his own eyes. "This… This doesn't make sense."
"What doesn't make sense?" Gavin walked over to peer at the tablet, which was ultimately handed to him. "'Suspected for murder' what?"
"That wasn't there before," he muttered. "Someone must have hacked into her records but why?"
Suddenly, during the aggressive interrogation between the android and the woman, Connor caught sight of Jake looking at him through the two-way mirror. The RK900 smirked before returning his attention to the suspect.
"... Jake did it. He changed it," he whispered as his mind tried to process the information.
"What? How do you know?" Connor just shook his head as he slumped against the wall, feeling exhausted all of a sudden. He checked his battery and noted that it had already reached fifty percent. Gavin decided not to intrude on the coping deviant, so instead, he continued to quietly watch Jake demand answers in the most threatening way possible without actually harming the sobbing suspect.
When Jake reported the woman to be arrested according to all "the evidence" he collected, the android had managed to persuade the officers to keep her in a holding cell. After the interrogation, Connor ignored the looks from Gavin and Jake as he left toward his new desk, sitting down stiffly and turning his attention to his terminal.
But three hours into his work, he began to get a cybernetic call from Hank. Despite it is surprising, it wasn't unusual since the man kept contacting him every few days ever since he moved in with the teenagers.
'Hey, son. How's work?' Was the first thing Hank asked when he answered the call.
'... Good. Today I spoke with Captain Fowler about reassigning me as a detective,' Connor replied cybernetically.
'Oh really? What'd he say?'
'He accepted. However, since Jake has taken my previous position as your partner,' he began a little bitterly, 'I had to be reassigned to the human-deviant division with Detective Reed.'
There was a small pause before Hank roared out laughing. Being so close to the microphone, practically damaged Connor's audio processors. The deviant glared at his screen and began to scratch his wrist again.
'Hank? I find my situation to be anything but humorous.'
'S-Sorry, kid. But you and Gavin?' He barked out a small laugh. 'Wow! Gosh, that must suck. Bet he's complaining to Jeffrey and been bitchin' ever since. I'm sorry, Connor, but you have some seriously bad luck. Hey, maybe if you're lucky, he'll get suspended again and you'll be free!'
'That isn't a very kind thing to say to your coworker, Hank,' he scolded. 'Detective Reed hasn't been as obnoxious as he usually was.'
'Probably because he found Jake better than him at everything,' Hank snorted, oblivious to Connor's building irritation. 'Anyway, that's not why I called. I finally found 'Cybernetics' a place to play. It's a small coffee joint and open mic night, you guys can finally play in front of other people! You guys have been practicing, right?'
'Yes, we have,' he lied. Being so distracted with the RK900, he hasn't even touched his guitar for a few weeks. And now he has to play in a band in front of the public. The words "Uh oh" flashed across his vision. 'Uh, when is it?'
'This Saturday at 7. I already told the rest of the band. And don't worry your introverted little ass, I didn't tell anyone else,' Hank reassured. 'You better keep practicing, Con! I'll see you tomorrow at work, okay?'
'Okay, Hank. By the way, how are you feeling? I heard you were sick.'
'Nah, I'm good. Just didn't want to get outta bed today,' he chuckled. Connor sighed and rolled his eyes but decided to scold him later.
'Very well. I'll see you tomorrow, Hank.'
'Later, kid.'
TBC...
