The 9 hours till lift off was annoyingly long now that I had no need to sleep or do anything remotely human, though that was still a mental fighting point inside my head I aimed to forget. Maybe work past this stuff instead of letting it in the past. Who knows. Staring out the window, I was left to think how to approach the meeting room and honestly that was an odd thing to be worried about now. Personally, I should be more concerned about making sure I was constantly in the moment and not somewhere in my memories like I was on the plane with Kamski and Chloe.

Something pegged in my system as a warning; 'Proximity Alert.' I turned quickly to nearly jump out of my sk-circuits… I think… I don't know how to even think in my head anymore. In front of me, Markus just seemed to chuckle, "I figured you should have someone to talk to before you leave… And I have to talk to you about some things before you leave anyhow."

With a simple nod from me, I was watching him sit in front of me on the facing seat towards me with what I could only think was a hint of recognition. He looked like he was contemplating something that I couldn't even fathom. His voice was calm and yet filled with worry, "First things first… I figured you shouldn't be alone the first night you don't have to sleep. Since Ev-"

"Don't say her name. I don't wanna hear it," I said quickly. I struggled to stay in the moment with an attempt to focus on Markus, "She has done enough. I'm just here and I have a job to do. But I need to ask… How'd you do it? Lead all those androids into a rebellion and not feel like you might fail…"

Searching his gaze, he just smiled to me coyly as he went along with the new subject it seems, "I didn't. I was always worried that we would fail. Yet here we are. In the great eyes of the public and even working with the single biggest corporation since CyberLife went down. I lead them before, but you lead all of us now. I'll take care of things here. Its better we get as many up and going as possible with a positive attitude. You just need to stand tall and do what you did before. Give the right orders and never doubt that you don't have control of this situation. No matter what you think, you do have control. Just need to know how and where to exercise it."

I could only give a weak nod as I thought of earlier, "I don't know. Earlier… I just said what needed to be said. Stood up and told the facts and how we could fix them. That's all… Anybody could have done that…"

"No, they couldn't have. I can lead and start a revolution, but you know how to weasel your way into just the right manipulative point," he said with a reassuring tone, continuing with a softer tone now, "Carl told me a long time ago that I had more humanity than some humans. In a way, he isn't wrong. We're considered a people now. Equal to them. You found a way to get us back in Detroit. Now figure a way to build that trust. You have morally driven political ideals that are perfect for leading the remainder of us. I'm always a call away, but remember what Carl said. You were human, and, in a way, you still are. That's why you're perfect for this. You decided who you wanted to become and that's what matters. All I ask is that you stay safe."

With a slow nod, I looked out the window, "Markus, I never wanted to lead this. I wanted to fix you so that you could do all of this. It's your story that got everyone to listen… I'm just a figurehead and it feels wrong. I'm… I'm a literal half-breed. A brain made code. You should be leading this…."

"Don't talk like that. You wanted to do this, right? To live… I'll admit that I was moderately shocked by what I saw when I scanned you. Deep down I knew that you would still be you, just remember what this all meant to you. Even if you have a lot of doubt, think of the androids you're saving and making a better life for. I'm behind you, meaning they will all follow you too. Don't forget that. I chose to follow you because of the confidence you showed in that garage in front of all of us," Markus smiled, continuing after motioning a hand towards the window, "This place was made because of you and saved so many androids because of you. We have a place of our own to live, work, have families, and just be free. Now you should be free to experience living for yourself. Don't lock yourself away anymore. Carl saw great things in you and so do I. Don't let either of us down, okay?"

I felt water drip onto my hand, finally noticing I was crying. With a quick dab of my sleeve, I wiped away my tears, "Thanks Markus. I'm glad I made friends like you after all. Before… I was alone. Now I have Hank, Connor, North, the other androids, and you. Its like this weight has been lifted from me in a wave of relief that I've needed my entire life. I only wish that things were different. I wanted to prove that a human could support this effort, but I'm not human anymore. I'm an android, a deviant even. Just don't block my messages okay. I may need some leadership advice. Fair?" I could only smile in return to him with a part of me feeling less stressed.

"Of course… This may sound empty, but don't let who you were define you now. Let who you want to become define what you do next and why… Carl told me that…" with a small reassuring pat on my shoulder, he stood up to leave. He left the plane as soundlessly as he came in. I was alone again, but not really this time. I had friends.

I sat there for hours running simulations and probabilities until I think I found one. It was all risky, but what wasn't. I just had to figure out a way to stand in front of them without revealing what I am…. Wait! Is that even possible? Kamski said he made this body in my likeness, so no revealing points besides an android telling them, which Kamski said they wouldn't.

After a few hours, day break was starting to show in reddish hues in the sunrise. My father called as his number shown in the corner of my eyesight. I answered as calmly as possible, "Hi… Sir. How are things?"

"I heard you went to the hospital. Are you alright? What happened?" he sounded panicked and curious all at once.

With a soft sigh, I shook my head, "I'm fine. A few scratches. Pyre got me a little bit. Just a scratch or two. Everyone freaked out and sent me to the hospital. Apparently I'm developing an anesthesia allergy because I had a reaction. But I'm fine now. I have some meetings to go to but-"

"Wait… Before you go," he said carefully, "Be careful. I heard your first move as Equal Partner in CyberLife is to appeal to the police department. Don't let anyone deter you but don't let anyone hurt you either. You may have supporters but not everyone supports androids."

I just let him speak until that memory came to mind. Deciding to bring it up, "Dad… Did Mom ever let me in her lab? I remembered something… I feel like I should know more about it… Though those memories were so fuzzy."

His pause made me worry until he spoke softly, "Y… yes. She did. You first learned to walk in her lab. First words too. Mama… She let you play in a safe area while she worked. You always ended up watching her work though. It was like you were born to be as brilliant if not more brilliant than your mother." I could tell he was upset because he let out a small sniffle, "The accident that took her was one of science. I only regret she didn't get to see the amazing work you to help androids and become a better engineer and programmer by the day. She would have been so proud."

"Thanks, Dad… That means a lot. I… I really should get ready for this meeting. Get some rest okay, you sound tired again, and don't lie to me. I know when you sound tired. You get all emotional," I joked with him.

He let out a small chuckle, "Alright. You get some rest as well. I know you work so hard but remember you are sick."

"I know, Dad. I know," I said before he hung up. I was at a loss for words. First steps, huh? I should investigate these memories more after I have this meeting and meet the new recruit. For now, I should run more simulations to be safe. Strength in the numbers… Calculations and simulation numbers that is…