Chapter 16

Markus sighed heavily when the autonomous vehicle settled to a stop in front of the Central Hart Hospital. The deviant leader had been going up and down the past two weeks, doing more work than necessary, especially when being the leader of an entire living race. However – despite his time being used to plan the Revolution anniversary festival, enforce laws with the president, visit other mayors of different cities across and other countries, as well as deal with the androids inside and outside of New Jericho – Markus found enough time to visit the hospital every day.

When the RK200 stepped inside the hospital room, after signing in and gazing over numerous rooms with hurting people inside, his frown deepened at the sight in front of him.

A few days ago, the surgery became a success and Hank managed to survive the bullet wound. Yet this rare occurrence left the Lieutenant in a state of rest, still to have to awaken from his slumber. According to the doctor, Hank's body was still trying to recover from the dangerous bullet. Since said item chipped some of his skull, there was a probability that Hank might or may never awaken with brain damage. As saddening as that was, they have yet to tell the conclusion.

So the man lay there on his hospital bed, unmoving except for the occasional slow bounce of his chest. 'At least he's alive and breathing' he thought with an inward sigh. Multiple wires were connected to the man; either on his wrist, forearm, or head; which made it all the more painful to see. Markus could only wonder if Hank could sense things around him.

If he could, then the man would have been worried for the frozen statue sitting right next to him, staring at him with a blank unbreakable stare. Connor had not moved or spoken ever since Hank was admitted into the hospital. As unhealthy as that was, nurses and doctors urged him to leave the first few days, but after Markus negotiated with the professional negotiator Connor managed to leave when necessary but soon returned the next morning when visiting hours started up again.

But Connor only stayed still – never blinking, never talking, never moving. Markus even brought Thirium to the deviant detective, but it sat still on the drawer, along with many get-well-soon gifts left by friends and colleagues, where he first left it last week. As much as Markus wanted to cybernetically connect with his friend, the android refused to accept the invitation. Taking a subtle deep breath, Markus spoke quietly to not startle the android, even though he's certain that he heard him.

"Good afternoon, Connor," he greeted as usual. "I spoke with the doctor over the phone earlier, it seems that Hank is recovering well. They predict that he'll awaken soon."

No response, as usual.

Markus forced a small smile to his face as he pulled up a chair and sat next to his honorary little brother. Unlike Jake, who forced the RK800 to be its family, Connor and Markus found each other more suited to the title of being brothers. Not only are they both RK models, but they shared a close bond that no one could fulfill.

"Are you doing well, my friend? I see that your Thirium is left untouched," Markus noted after a moment. Worry faintly resided on his tongue. "Despite our bodies being able to sustain more years than the human body, we still need to maintain it. I can see that your Thirium consumption levels are low, please you need to regain your energy."

Nothing.

"Anthony, Rex, and Audrey are worried about you. I spoke to them and they said they haven't heard from you in a while, but when I explained the situation to them they understood," Markus supplied. "I checked on them so you wouldn't have to worry about them burning the house down, they are fine as usual… Gavin also informs me that your Captain has left you and Hank on leave until fully recovered, everyone at the precinct misses you both… The woman, former technician Liliana, mentions that the Snowstreak school dance will be hosted next Saturday if you're still willing to chaperone, it would be good for you to join."

Silence.

"It's okay to feel what you are feeling, the worry, sadness, and anger. But please speak to me, to anyone, I don't like it when you are quiet," he whispered as he turned to look at the deviant. He realized that Connor hadn't even shown a flicker of emotion when Hank was admitted like he was a machine again. However, when he discussed this with a doctor, she assumed that Connor was in a state of emotional shock. And Markus didn't like that one bit. "Can you tell me what you are feeling? These emotions might be overwhelming right now, it's good to speak about them so it can lessen your stress."

No response. Despite his comment, Markus could scan and see that his stress levels have not changed from 0% since two weeks ago. It was like Connor was dead and he was just talking to the corpse of his friend. But his beating vitals and blue L.E.D proved otherwise.

"Do you know what I felt when Carl looked like this?" Markus suddenly began after a few minutes. He could have missed it if he was looking in the opposite direction, but in his peripheral vision, he managed to catch Connor flickering his gaze toward him. But Markus acted like he didn't see anything and continued to stare at Hank. "I was devastated knowing that the man I cared about, the man that cared for me, looked so… weak. Carl said that the human bodies are more fragile than we originally thought, but they are also stronger than we imagine. They fight injuries, viruses, and death with more than just willpower… But one day, when Carl was looking just like Hank, I couldn't understand why he looked so calm when there were so many things hooked into him and keeping him alive.

I didn't understand because I knew that humans can't survive old age as we can. I felt angry because after everything that happened, after everything he's gone through, why would he leave me?" There was a tense pause. "... So I shut myself out to the world, I blocked out all responsibilities and connections to the people I care about so I could be right next to Carl to the very end. Remember when I told you when North caught me drowning myself in a bottle of bourbon? That was the night I made the biggest mistake of my life because I realized how badly I treated others when I only focused on Carl, although he told me to continue to fight for our people. But I couldn't do it because I thought if he or anyone saw me so upset, I feared… I feared that they would think that I was broken and needed to be smothered with unnecessary attention when all I could think about was Carl. But then I learned that they weren't trying to smother me, they were helping me through and giving me light in the darkest part of it all.

… My point is: it's okay to feel the way you do, to divert your attention to the one who needs it most but don't block out those who want to help you and Hank. That's why they are close to you, that's why they're called family."

Connor, whose L.E.D flashed a quick yellow before returning to blue, sat as still as ever. Markus outwardly sighed this time before nodding in defeat. He stood up, bid the android goodbye by patting his shoulder, then left for New Jericho.

If he doubled back or even stole a glance at Connor, he would have seen the android look at the Thirium and reach for it. If he stayed a moment longer, he would have caught him pouring the essential liquid down the sink.

If Markus would have looked through the window, he would have watched Connor insanely scratch his wrist that causing blood and plastimetal to appear.


The next time Markus saw Connor was a few days after he had that conversation with him. It was around noon and, considering that he had a tiring day of handling the wellbeing of deviants around; the leader was thrown out (quite literally) of New Jericho to get some well deserved alone time according to his friends, he found himself just walking around Detroit to admire its beauty.

It's been a while since he's ever been truly by himself, if he wasn't at the Tower or talking to someone involving android rights, he was stuck doing something to occupy his mind. Ever since the revolution, his stress levels had stayed at a minimum of 50%, but never to the point of self-destruction (except when Carl passed away). Right now, however, it has settled to a mere 15%, which is saying a lot.

The sun wrapped his body in a warm blanket, a soft breeze blowing from the east, and distant sounds of life all around him made him relax in a way he never thought was possible. It was like nature was settling in perfect harmony for him.

He was zoning out as he walked, but the sudden horns beeping to his side warranted his attention. Markus gazed to the left and was shell-shocked to the point of abruptly halting and nearly tripping on his feet when he saw the least expected person he'd come across.

"Good afternoon, Markus, a pleasure seeing you around," Connor happily greeted with a bright smile. The deviant leader wasn't only bewildered by the personality change and he was talking again, but also the fact that the deviant detective was seated upon a black and red motorcycle. Similar to Connor's analysis scanners but not as high-tech, Markus was able to determine the model of the bike. According to his processors, it was a 1969 Honda CB750.

"Connor… where did you get this? My processors inform me it's an old and rare model," Markus finally spoke from his small state of shock. Connor simply smirked and shrugged a little.

"After you left, I decided that you were right and decided to spend my time more than sitting in a hospital all day waiting for Hank to wake up, so I thought why not take a trip? And I couldn't take an autonomous vehicle everywhere, so I purchased this bike," the deviant easily explained. "I needed to repair it so for the past few days that's what I have been doing. I'm quite proud of myself for my accomplishment."

"Well good for you, Connor, I'm glad you're feeling better," Markus smiled kindly, though he had a gut feeling something was wrong, he ignored it for the time being. "Have fun on your trip, I hope to see you soon."

Before he could walk away, Connor called him back again. "I was hoping to kidnap you for several hours," he admitted. However, his choice of words made the RK200 pause and turn to him with a tilted head. "You seem to be stressed lately and I would like you to come to join me, you might refresh yourself and clean your slate."

Markus wanted to debate on it, considering he had so many responsibilities here in the city, but he couldn't help but want to agree with the offer. He did want to get away from everything for a bit.

"It's okay, Markus, the city and everything you built for our people won't go up in flames the moment you turn your back," Connor encouraged with a smile, almost like he could sense his inner conflict. Markus wanted to refute considering that an entire revolution took place in a week, but he decided to keep his mouth shut. "It'll only be a few hours. We just need a pause from what we usually deal with, wouldn't you agree?"

"I suppose so…" Yet after a minute of thinking, Markus finally smiled more genuinely and nodded. "Okay, I'll take you up on that offer."

"Great! Hop on and let's get going!" Connor cheerily exclaimed as he patted the seat behind him, where the other obediently sat. Handing him a spare helmet, Connor revved the engine before zooming out into the intersection.

"So, where are we going?" Markus asked, raising his voice slightly over the wind.

"I've done some research on what humans do to pass the time and relieve stress over my stay at the hospital and concluded that taking short trips to isolated areas such as forests and mountains is a great way to disconnect from technology, enjoy peace, reduce stress, and improve relationships. These, along with other points, are beneficial to our health, despite us being androids." As he said this, Connor made the turn to leave the city as Markus glanced behind him to see buildings moving by at a quick pace. "This has no specific name to where we are going, but I'll send you the coordinates."

Markus received them a moment later. After reviewing the location on his GPS locator, he realized that he was being taken to the middle of the forest with no civilization for miles. As unnerving as that was, Markus kept his cool and sent a message to North involving his disappearance and the location of where he'll be. Almost immediately he received a response from his lover.

'Wait – Connor? He's taking you somewhere? I thought he was still with Hank and not talking to anyone,' her voice vocalized in his head.

'Yes, him. He offered me to join him on a short trip to the forest for a moment of relaxation. I think that this is good for both of us and you did tell me to get out of the tower more often,' Markus cybernetically replied.

'Yeah, but I meant… something else. I don't know, Markus. Connor hasn't been acting like himself lately ever since what happened to Hank. Just be careful, alright? Contact me if ANYTHING goes wrong.'

'Although it hurts me to hear you not trust our friend, I'll inform you of anything,' he agreed with a sigh. Connor glanced at him with a blank look using the mirror but didn't comment. 'I think this is a great opportunity for me to understand what's happening with him. He might have set this up so he could speak to me privately. Do not worry, I'll be on alert if something goes awry.'

'... Fine. I'll see you soon.' She hung up on him after that. Markus couldn't help but shake his head and roll his eyes. He couldn't believe his lover would think that Connor would pull something on him. On his behalf, it left the deviant leader a little offended to hear someone close speak rudely about the other who is in no position to defend himself.

Markus took a deep unnecessary breath through his nose as he watched Detroit slowly disappear into the horizon. As his friend continued to drive, the RK200 finally had time to process the sudden change in the other. His abrupt optimistic attitude caught him extremely off guard – Connor was the type of person who is reserved with using… positive emotions, which explains his introversion. So seeing the RK800 act beyond himself was more than a little suspicious. With Hank still being in his coma, it was hard to believe that the android changed from a moppy isolated person to the exact opposite.

Then there was the talking. Markus paid attention to how he spoke, he's been around enough humans to understand how they forced their tones when necessary. He remembers when Carl used to do the same when paparazzi came up and asked him certain questions he was a little apprehensive about, so he "kindly" told them to back away, however, when they got back home not too long later Carl said he would "kick their asses if only he could use his legs". As amusing as the memory was, Markus learned from then on how others could change their voices to manipulate others. Like how Connor was forcing enthusiasm.

"Here we are~!" Connor suddenly sang with bold excitement as he switched off the engine of the motorcycle. Markus snapped to attention when he realized that they had arrived.

Tall trees, thick bushes, sounds of animals, and distant rushing water surrounded them. While Markus had left the city before to discuss things about work, he and the younger android had never been directly in the center of a forest. It was a little creepy, considering it was getting dark, but it was nice to be away from everything.

"I have to admit, Connor, this is indeed therapeutic," the RK200 placed his hands on his hips as they both got off the bike. He took an exaggerated deep breath and felt the fresh air enter his ventilation system. "Fresh and peaceful, indeed."

Oddly, he didn't receive a response. Turning around in confusion, Markus was met with nothing but trees. He couldn't stop the panic growing in him as his eyes darted hazard across the forest in search of his friend. He tried to scan the area, but it was too dense to pinpoint anything. "Uh, Connor? Connor!"

"Up here, Markus!" A chuckle came up from above him. The deviant leader looked up and was startled to see his friend dangling from one of the high branches. Connor cheerily waved at him before properly sitting. "What's up?"

"You… apparently. W-What are you doing up there?" He stuttered in absolute bafflement.

"I want to show you something, come on!" And with that, Connor disappeared into the trees, swinging and strategically bouncing from branch to branch like a professional. Markus would have been more worried if he wasn't an android, but that didn't eliminate the uneasiness he felt. Yet with a huff, Markus approached a tree and climbed it with ease before following his friend, remembering to mark the location of the bike when they got back to it.

Reluctantly, Markus followed his friend for a while, jumping from every other branch and occasionally slipping (but he caught himself!). After a few minutes, he was getting a little impatient. "Connor, how far is it?"

The RK800 glanced at him before he dropped to the ground floor with a small thud. He waved him down as he stood a few feet away. Markus raised an eyebrow as he too dropped down.

"We could have walked you know," he huffed in frustration, rubbing the dirt and splinters sticking to his hands. Markus stepped forward just as Connor pushed back the leaves and stared out into the distance. The RK200 widened his eyes to see a cliff leading down into a crystal clear lake below them. It sparkled against the sunset, giving that serene feeling to it. "Wow… This-This is beautiful."

"It is, isn't it?" Connor softly spoke, his tone diminishing to a calmer alternative. They stood closer to the cliff that overlooked the forest. "I never thought I would see something as unique as this. Life itself is such a thing to behold, so complex yet simple to see. Ecosystems that are diverse in perfect harmony, knowing what needs to be done to survive and thrive. And this is what we are now, we are like these vital organisms that grow to help the world. In nature: there are no humans, no androids, no laws and rights to be broken or followed… there is only life."

"Well put, brother," Markus smiled as he put a hand on his shoulder. Connor's eyes softened into a more realistic expression than his enthusiastic one as he gazed out into the sparkling water.

The moment of serenity was over when Connor spoke up again.

"Let's go swimming," he suggested.

"Connor, we can't swim," Markus stated the obvious. "Our bodies are heavy, we'll just sink to the bottom. And remember: our biocomponents are vulnerable to water-"

"I'm aware, Markus," Connor sighed with a little annoyance in his voice. "I just… want to do this."

Sensing a deeper motive, Markus simply nodded, so they turned off their ventilation systems and closed any other parts where water may enter. Together, they jumped off the cliff gracefully and dived into the water with a loud splash. As predicted, they indeed sank to the bottom, but with their advanced optical units and already clear water, it was easy to spot what was around them.

'This is weird,' Markus cybernetically spoke as he slowly gazed around his surroundings. It was a little dark and dusty, considering when they landed a whole cloud of dust appeared beneath their boots, but mesmerizing all the same. 'It feels like we are defying gravity.'

'Indeed,' Connor agreed with a nod. 'According to my processors, we are approximately 34.2 feet deep. If we move further east, we can reach the maximum depth of 53.'

Markus paused to observe a small-mouthed bass swimming around. He carefully extended his hand and stroked its scales, surprised to see the animal let him touch it. '...Is there anything significant you wanted to see?'

Connor outwardly hummed, sounding muffled in the water, as he looked around the clear yet dark abyss. As Markus waited for an answer, he decided to stomp around and look around the aquatic habits.

'It's amazing to think that a simple swimming fish, depending on water to survive, evolved to a reptile walking on land with plenty of oxygen to breathe,' Markus commented in awe as he watched an eel slither away from him. 'And even some reptiles choose to stay in the water. Do you think that humans will evolve like these creatures if they adapted to the water long enough? I wonder what they would look like and how it will affect their society. Will they build a new community underwater and a new government? Will humans all develop with aquatic abilities or some of them?... Though, considering that it took millions of years for sea creatures to develop limbs, I assume that no human or android will survive to know what the answer might conclude.'

Silence.

'Connor?' Markus slowly whipped around, trying in vain to see the android. Before he could start searching for him, he saw Connor staring off into the distance where the light abruptly ended and pure darkness began. That was the east, he realized. Swimming over to his friend, he cautiously approached the deviant. Before he could clamp his hand on his shoulder, Connor moved out of the way and began swimming deeper into the lake.

Despite having their ventilation systems closed, the weight of the water could still harm them like any other human, so it made Markus worry as he hurriedly followed his friend.

'Connor? Where are you going? We can't stay this deep for such a long time, the pressure will build and-'

'I understand, Markus! You don't have to remind me,' Connor snapped, refusing to slow down for the RK200. 'Just shut up and let me focus!'

Bewildered, his swimming slowed down so he wasn't beside the RK800. Markus then glared at the figure in front of him. But because it was so dark, it was hard to tell if he was doing it at Connor, yet a moment later his 'night vision' program, if you would call it that, activated. Dark green murkiness surrounded them while a few fish swam around them. It was more creepy down here. 'If you recall, you are the one who took me here. I'm only concerned about our safety, something you can't seem to understand.'

Connor didn't respond this time.

'...Can you at least tell me what we are looking for?' Markus huffed. Once again no verbal answer, but instead Connor abruptly halted. The RK200 swam up and stood next to him, his irritated expression turned to one of confusion. 'A car wreckage. What's so special about a relic left to rust?'

'It's much more than a relic,' Connor ominously supplied as he began to walk closer to the algae-covered vehicle. Each step he took he looked more tense and rigid like he was approaching something he was never supposed to witness. Markus trudged over to inspect the car, noting that it's an old gas-powered model. A few years it has sat there at the deepest part of the lake, he concluded. Near the surface above a steep hill was the main road that led back to Detroit. He was no detective like Connor, but he assumed that the car had swerved down from that road and crashed into the water.

Why Connor looked so haunted seeing the car was a mystery he doesn't think he'll figure out at the moment.

He heard muffled movement coming from the car. Markus walked over to his friend, who was trying to desperately open the car door, but rust prevented any progress.

'Need help?' Markus gestured to the door. Connor paused with a forlorn look on his face before nodding curtly. The two androids gripped the back door intensely, using their advanced strength to dent the old metal enough so they could hold it better. The two glanced at each other and nodded before pulling as hard as they could. The door loudly creaked under their grip until it popped off and floated down to the sand. Markus and Connor looked inside and were easily spooked to see dried blood covering the back seats.

'Connor…?' Markus' eyes traveled from the interior to his friend. 'Whose car is this?'

'... This was previously Hank's car, the one he crashed into the water after a truck skidded on a sheet of ice and hit him,' Connor whispered after a moment. 'The one his son died in.'

Markus staggered back, feeling his chest tighten. When he realized it wasn't the sudden burst of emotions, the pressure built up around his body. A warning flashed across his vision informing him of a sudden system failure. His ventilation system started back up again, making him unintentionally inhale a large intake of water.

Markus' hands shot up to his neck as he began choking. Without giving much thought, he kicked off from the bottom and shot off to the surface. He swam as best as he could before he broke through the water and gasped for air, coughing any excess fluids from his artificial lungs. Forgetting he was with someone, Markus desperately swam to shore.

When dry sand and dirt were able to shift through his fingers, Markus expelled the rest of the water from his body. Weak and exhausted, the deviant leader coughed one last time before sitting properly on the ground.

Then he remembered he was with the RK800, who has yet to resurface. "Connor?!... Shit."

Before he could scramble off of the beach, Connor sprang out of the water as he did and ran out of the lake while coughing.

"Connor!" Markus rushed to his side to help, but the RK800 shook his head and pointed to the distance where the motorcycle was. "What? What is it?"

"Hank!"


Markus and Connor burst into the hospital after an hour-long drive back to Detroit, still soaking wet from their swim earlier. After Connor received a sudden call from the hospital involving Hank's condition, the two drove as fast as they could back to see the results.

Seeing most of his friends there, Markus joined them while Connor spoke to the doctor. "What's happening? The doctor only told us of Hank's sudden critical condition."

North sighed heavily. "We don't know except for the fact that he woke up screaming bloody hell before passing out again," she quietly explained. Her eyebrow then raised when she realized how wet he looked. "Why are you soaking wet?"

"Long story." His eyes then traveled to the worried teens, who were either pacing or sitting down. "Don't worry, Hank is stronger than he looks. He'll make it."

Anthony opened his mouth to refute, calculating that the fact that Hank had experienced kidney failures in the past including his old age, there was a large frightening chance of him not surviving, but he kept quiet instead. No time for facts, only hope.

"What if he doesn't?" Audrey snapped her worried gaze to Markus, her eyes brimming with tears. Rex placed a comforting hand on her shoulder with a somber frown on his face.

"He has to," Markus deeply frowned.

Suddenly Connor walked out of the hallway from where he was speaking to the doctor, with a tense blank look and solid red L.E.D. The deviant leader approached him but he was already out the door.

"Lieutenant Hank Anderson?" The same doctor called. Markus and the rest approached, anxiously awaiting the news. But the way the woman's solemn expression gave away, it left them with rising fear. "I'm sorry for your loss, but Lt. Anderson passed away. You have my condolences."

"Shit," Markus whispered as his hand ran through his short hair. Audrey cupped her mouth as a small sob escaped her mouth, which Rex immediately reacted by bringing her into a hug. Anthony tensed as he looked away, battling tears that threatened to escape. North crossed her arms, but whether it was from anger or sadness was debatable.

Markus was in another world as he processed the information, paying too little else as the woman continued to explain what happened. Another father figure – gone. Lost to a battle of death. He wanted to cry. He wanted to scream. He wanted to trap himself in a room and never leave again. How is this happening? Why? Hank was still strong, he was supposed to fight off until the very end of old age, not a bullet! Oh, Connor must feel so-

Wait a minute. Where is Connor?

"Sonofabitch… I need to find Connor," Markus cursed as he ran out of the hospital, not waiting for anyone to catch up. The motorcycle is gone and so is his hurting friend. Panic hit him fiercely, allowing his stress levels to increase by the second. He looked up at the shining night stars as tears blurred his vision. "Please don't do anything you might regret, my friend. Not when you are hurting."

TBC...