Slipping his black tie around his raised shirt collar with a single swift motion Connor pulled the dressy garment around to the front of his shirt, slipped it about itself to create a perfect knot and tightened the tie up toward his collar just as he had done dozens upon dozens of times before. Tucking the tie beneath the gray vest over top of his white dress shirt Connor looked professional as ever and ready to report to the precinct. Securing his leather holster around his shoulders and back the deviant checked his service weapon and secured it in the holster to hang at his right side before slipping on his gray blazer to keep it concealed. Despite looking like the respectable detective he truly was Connor didn't feel or see himself as such after his confrontation with Markus the evening before.

Ever empathetic Connor had difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep as his memories continued to replay over and over in his mind during that fateful encounter in the park. The words that were exchanged and the way they were exchanged threatened to haunt Connor's nightmares as he considered everything he could've said, should've said and what should've been kept secret ate away at his psyche while doubts began to settle in both his mind and heart.

Walking slowly out of his bedroom Connor met Hank in the livingroom as the senior detective waited for him to finish getting ready for their shift. Hank was clutching his phone in his right hand and seemed to have a worried glance in his compassionate blue eyes.

"Hank?" The distress was not only visible on Hank's face but a quick scan of his vital signs confirmed his elevated stress levels and blood pressure. "What's going on?"

"I, uh, got a message from Fowler about five minutes ago while you were getting dressed."

The way Hank spoke made Connor's blue L.E.D. flash to yellow with concern. "Has something happened?"

"In a way. Apparently this morning Markus went to the mayor and requested a press conference to speak to the public. And Fowler wants us to attend the conference as his personal security."

"Us?" The yellow light flashed to red for a moment before settling back on the stressful amber hue. "Why us?"

"Aside from him being a high profile deviant, Fowler's worried that the same idiots who went after the mayor a while back might make another attempt and he'd rather keep Markus safe than that crooked snake of a mayor. I guess in Fowler's eyes Markus is the lesser of two evils."

"It's clear Fowler hasn't spent any time in Markus's company then."

"Yeah," pocketing his phone Hank confirmed that the feeling was mutual. "that's what I thought, too."

"But what did you say to the request?"

"Nothing. I was waiting for you to decide since it's kinda' personal for you to deal with."

The consideration was greatly appreciated, although Connor's stress levels continued to rise. "Thank you."

"You can think it over on the drive out to the precinct. I already fed Sumo and let him back in, so we're good to go whenever you're ready."

"What of the plants?" Clearly needing some form of distraction Connor innocently asked about the plants on the back patio of the house to delay the drive for a moment longer. There were times when the deviant truly was like an innocent child and less like a formidable detective. "Are they adequately watered?"

"You know, I didn't even check when I went out back."

Silently Connor made his way through the kitchen and out the backdoor with Hank right behind him. Kneeling down before the two plants Connor ran a scan over both of them and determined that they were just fine with the current moisture in the soil. The small flower seedling was still green and strong and the tomato plant was just beginning to break through the soil as well.

Life goes on.

"I think this backyard could use a deck." Glancing about the property Hank tried to keep Connor from becoming too quiet as the deviant contemplated the very serious assignment that could be waiting for them at the precinct. It was a strange tactic Hank's had ever since Cole was old enough to walk and talk, and get himself in trouble. "There's plenty of space out here and it'll really make the place look a little bigger than it really is."

Uninterested in the deck idea and content that his plant was safe Connor returned to his feet and gave Hank a silent stare as he waited for the senior detective to say something further.

"If I can get the approval then we could work on a summer project in the backyard. I personally prefer cars," giving the deviant a casual shrug of his shoulders Hank continued to make small talk to ensure Connor's mind didn't begin to race. "but working out in the sun can be pretty satisfying compared to a dark and smelly garage."

"I'll take your word for it." Noting the time Connor gave Hank a despondent glance as he slowly trudged through the backdoor and back into the kitchen. His shoulders were slumped so low one would've sworn he was carrying the actual weight of the world on his back at that moment. "We should leave before we're late."

"Are ya' sure you want to go back to work?" Grabbing the car keys from the bookcase Hank made it clear that the deviant didn't have to do anything he didn't want to do. "Being sick for a full week is going to make anyone feel exhausted during the recovery period."

"I'm sure. I'm also aware that you're trying to gauge my emotional capacity in the event we do get assigned to protect Markus." The indifferent gaze became hardened with offense as he stopped in the middle of the livingroom and turned around to face Hank directly. As Connor's demeanor shifted to a more tense emotion his yellow L.E.D. pulsed a little faster and Sumo let out a single empathetic whimper from his pillow in the corner. "You don't have to protect me, nor do you have to try to be deceitful toward me."

"Whoa, whoa... Time-out." Creating a 'T' with his hands Hank tried to stop the problem before it got out of control. "I admit that I am being a little protective of you, and I'm sorry, I'll back off. But I'm not trying to be deceitful."

"You're speaking as though I don't know that you are referring to my anger toward Markus when you're suggesting I remain here today. I can handle my emotions like a professional just as I've always done, Hank. It won't be a problem."

"Okay, alright... I'll stop worrying about it. I know you can handle this type of shit, it's just that you shouldn't have to. You've already been through a lot of bullshit, and it's time you caught a little break. That's all."

"...That's not how life works for me, Hank." Letting go of his anger Connor's L.E.D. returned to blue as he began walking toward the front door to leave for his potentially unorthodox shift with Hank following right behind him. "It never will."

Showing a confident smile as he met with Mayor Nero in the depths of City Hall right right on schedule Markus extended his right hand to greet the high powered official properly. Fortunately the meeting to approve of such a conference was purposely kept small and discreet due to the previous failed assassination attempt against the mayor, and as a result only Nero's private security were present during the brief meeting. With everything approved, secured and the proper location selected all that was left to do was spread the word to the city to ensure there were witnesses on that historical day.

Downtown everything was progressing smoothly as the conference was set up to take place in Hart Plaza at noon. A small metal stage, a sound system, podium, lights and a barricade to keep the media from getting too close were already set up and ready for the conference.

"Thank you for granting me this conference on such short notice." Civil and polite Markus made sure his gratitude was well known. "There's going to be some changes that everyone can benefit from, and having a press conference is the most effective way to spread the good news."

"It's always a pleasure to help the leader of the deviant community, Markus." The false smile and insincere gaze seemed to be perpetually plastered on Nero's prematurely aging face. Shaking Markus's hand as if there were dozens of cameras already snapping his photo Nero was sickeningly sweet. "I know that the city is eager to help the deviant community in any way that we can."

"That's good to know." Releasing the handshake Markus cybernetically updated Simon and Josh at the tower to let them know that the conference would be underway in three hours, and that everyone was invited to join in on the day. "And I know that the deviants appreciate all your help."

"Well, they're registered voters too, aren't they?"

The selfish joke failed to land a laugh but Markus replied with a polite grin all the same. "Of course. That's one of our many new rights and I'm sure everyone will be eager to exercise it in the fall."

"Great to hear! The more the merrier..."

"Speaking of more, there won't be any tolerance for humans or deviants attempting segregation within the crowd, right? We can't let such a large group divide itself over old prejudices."

"Oh, yes, of course! There won't be any form of discrimination at the conference." Looking to his two private security guards Nero awaited their confirmation on his statement. "Am I right?"

"Yes, sir." The two nameless guards replied in eerie unison.

"That's..." Uncomfortable with the reply from the two human guards Markus fought to maintain his sense of confidence in what suddenly felt like an unsettling, if not threatening, environment. "That's reassuring. Thank you."

Silent throughout the entire drive to the precinct Connor was already expecting to be called into Captain Fowler's office the moment he set foot in the bullpen, and everything in his mind and heart told him to refuse the assignment. Walking past the receptionist desk and toward his own desk Connor managed to cybernetically clock-in to his terminal just seconds before Captain Fowler stepped out of his private office to speak to him and Hank directly. Biting his tongue the moment Fowler confirmed their assignment as bodyguards Connor begrudgingly accepted his new role for the day although he had a notable chip on his shoulder as he refused to speak up or acknowledge his commanding officer.

Hank wisely spoke for the both of them and let Captain Fowler know that they'd go out to the conference as expected and stick close to Markus at all times. Sensing Connor's personal stress and tension mounting Hank didn't address the elephant in the room as he kept to his word and backed off from worrying too much about the deviant.

Pulling his coin from his vest's pocket Connor danced the quarter over the back of his right knuckles rhythmically to not only quell his anxious tic, but to enhance his hand-eye coordination and reflexes in the event that he needed to act quickly during the conference to protect someone. Staring off into space Connor took no notice of Ben introducing himself to a pair of rookie officers who were newly assigned to the precinct, or to the cold stare aimed his way from a young woman with an eight month old baby on her hip.

The odd stare didn't go unnoticed by Hank, but again he kept his silence and didn't ask Connor about what could very well be a very private matter.

"Fuckin' rookies..." From his own desk Gavin scoffed at the new officers and gave Tina an annoyed look. "They can't be old enough to drive let alone carry a damn gun!"

"Jealous that they're aging gracefully?" Tina snarked back with a grin as she leaned back in her chair opposite of her partner's desk. Running her hands over her neatly styled raven black hair Tina struck a pose as she laid out a classic taunt. "Explains a lot. Not everyone can be blessed with eternal beauty such as myself! It's curse really. Always being mistaken for someone so much younger where I go..."

"Hey, if it was cool for dudes to wear mascara and lipstick to enhance our looks and shave off a few years I'd be lining up at the mirror right alongside you every morning." Nodding at the two officers being escorted to Captain Fowler's office by Ben himself Gavin just shook his head and sighed. "Who do you think will get stuck babysitting those two? Better not be me."

"Probably Ben and Chris." As she returned to her normal position at her desk Tina noticed the woman with the baby hovering near the receptionist area, and gave her a curious glance. She was a total stranger and her behavior wasn't that of someone seeking police assistance or that of a family member. "Who's the lady with the baby?"

"Huh?" Following Tina's line of sight as she nodded in the correct direction Gavin looked at the woman of interest and immediately shrugged his shoulders with complete indifference. He didn't recognize the woman or her baby, either. "I dunno'. Maybe she's the wife to one of the rookies."

"Nope, our new boys don't have wedding bands and she does."

"Good eye, Ti'. She must be a sister to one of them then. Or a girlfriend."

"That might be right, but something about her just feels... off. That also begs a new question."

Eyeing his shrinking cup of coffee Gavin humored Tina's curiosity before taking a small sip. "What's that?"

"Why is she glaring at Connor like if she stares hard enough she'll set him on fire with her mind?"

Returning his focus to the woman Gavin saw the spiteful gaze and almost smirked at the angry glare being aimed at the deviant. "Maybe he refused to play nanny for her kid, and now she's pissed off."

"I don't know... Something's up with her." Forcing herself to stop staring Tina shot Gavin a concerned stare while maintaining a professional demeanor. "I just can't put my finger on it."

"Even if she is a threat I know that the 'plastic-wonder' can handle it."

"Let's just hope he doesn't have to handle anything at all." Tina's empathy was a key asset to her successful career as an officer and promising detective. She knew that Connor was going through something painful at that moment, his body language betrayed the enigmatic thoughts he was trying to keep to himself, but since they weren't exactly close friends she didn't want to approach him and ask what was going on. "The poor guy just got back from a week with the flu and now he has to take care of the deviant leader himself as his first assignment back."

"Guess everyone's babysitting today..." Picking up his coffee mug Gavin finished off the lukewarm beverage and sighed to himself as he caught sight of another interesting person entering the precinct just behind the woman of intrigue. "Whoa... Isn't that hottie the deviant leader's girlfriend?"

"Her name is 'North'," Tina clarified as she gave Gavin a small kick to his shins beneath their connected desks. "and yeah. That's her."

Discreetly rubbing his left palm over his sore shin Gavin gave Tina an amused grin as he brushed off the strike without blinking. "Wonder why she's here?"

"To see Connor. Watch."

The two detectives discreetly observed as North approached Connor's desk and spoke to him in a low voice that they couldn't hear. Using body language and modest lip-reading skills to their advantage the two eavesdropped the best that they could without making it obvious.

"Connor?"

"N-North?" Pocketing his coin Connor's L.E.D. flashed to red upon hearing her voice then cycled back to a slightly calmer yellow. The physical distress was clear to anyone who was looking at him, namely Hank, and the stunned deviant struggled to save face. "...I- What're you doing here?"

"I was wondering if you knew where Markus is." North had her long auburn hair pulled back in a tight ponytail and was wearing clothes that were uncommonly dirty. Small flecks of leaves, grass, fresh soil and moss covered her clothing from head to toe even after she brushed herself off, and Connor's sensors put her previous location in the Ontario Canada region. "I stopped by the tower to speak to him after I led some of our previous abducted people back to New Jericho for shelter, but he wasn't there."

"I..." Struggling to maintain a calm and professional appearance Connor rose from his seat and motioned for North to accompany him to the breakroom to escape the eavesdropping officers sitting all throughout the bullpen. Taking in a deep breath Connor looked North in the eyes as she joined him in the small semi-private space as requested and spoke as low as possible to prevent their conversation from leaving the breakroom. "Markus is going to be at Hart Plaza today at noon. He apparently has something important to say and has scheduled a press conference."

"Oh." Evidently shocked by Markus actually being more public and assertive wasn't something she had anticipated. "Well, that's unexpected."

"I'm aware." Shaking his head a little Connor expertly picked up on North's unspoken ulterior motive and kept his guard up during their tense and very uncomfortable conversation. "Might I ask why you came here to ask me such a question when you already know that I do not associate with him, and you could easily ask your other allies the same question when you were at the tower?"

Blushing a little as an approving grin graced her lips North spoke with nothing but respect in her words. "The truth is... I wanted to see you."

Feeling his L.E.D. flash to red again as his heart skipped a beat Connor's brow furrowed with utter puzzlement. "Why?"

"Because I wanted to apologize for kissing you last winter. I know it made you uncomfortable and I'm sorry that I violated your boundaries like that." The warm cinnamon brown eyes darkened with heavy emotions as grim memories were forced to the surface. "I know how it feels when someone touches you or gets too close to you without consent."

"...Why did you kiss me at all?" It wasn't the boundary violation that was confusing him, it was the gesture as a whole. "We have no reason to try to forge a romantic relationship, and I'm not interested in such a relationship in general."

"I did it because I was mad at Markus and I wanted to see if I still felt anything toward him at all." Spelling it out North confessed her decision was entirely spontaneous and not actually planned. "I kissed you because I wanted to see if I felt anything for you, or if I'd feel bad for cheating on Markus." Wrapping her arms around herself in shame North admitted what she had done was wrong and very cruel to everyone involved. "Now I know the truth."

The pain in North's eyes spoke volumes as she laid it out on the line. It was clear she regretted her decision to kiss Connor and that she didn't want to do anything to harm him or even harm Markus, she was just confused and needed to know how her heart truly felt. Recognizing her pain Connor felt compelled to offer her comfort in the only way he knew how. "...Apology accepted."

"And..." Tightening her grip around her own arms North informed Connor about something far more important than a fleeting kiss. "I wanted to let you know I went to Ontario to look for our people who were being snuck out of the city through the black market to be sold into slavery by rich humans, and being tortured and experimented on be a serial killer." The chilling statement made North shudder as the disgusting words danced off her tongue. "I rescued six deviants, one of whom is a very good friend of mine from the 'Eden Club', and she's willing to talk to you directly if you'll handle the case and ensure that everything she says is used as evidence against the sick-fuck who abducted and tried to kill her."

The red L.E.D. pulsed faster before settling on a curious amber hue. "Who is the abductor?"

"Martin Jonas."

"...Jonas?" Cybernetically detailing the name Connor's heart dropped and his L.E.D. turned red once more as it was his turn to experience shame. "Damn it."

"What?" North was immediately on guard and waiting for the explanation that had put Connor immediately on edge. "What's wrong?"

"...There had been inquiry into a pawn shop that had been suspect of illegally selling and distributing android parts on the black market several weeks prior. There was no evidence to support such an accusation by the officers who were assigned to investigate the shop, and so it was dismissed as a hoax." Closing his eyes Connor found it suddenly impossible to look North in the eyes any further as he realized the gravity of the situation now at hand. "...The shop was owned by Martin Jonas."

"Oh, shit." Moving her now trembling left fingers to the side of her face North cybernetically informed her friend back at the tower of the information. She could now say for certain that the police would take the investigation seriously. "This could've been stopped sooner?"

"Possibly. I'm so sorry that I didn't demand to lead the case since it was a deviant crime." Putting his right palm over his chest as a heavy guilt crept into his thundering heart Connor felt as though he had failed to protect his people. Many deviants were harmed, even killed, because of him. "This is my fault."

"If no one in the city was taking the claim seriously then it's the people who dismissed the claim that are at fault, not you."

"No. I'm supposed to look out for all the deviants and I failed to do so." Opening his soulful brown eyes Connor managed to maintain very weak eye contact as he swore to atone for the egregious error. "Tell your friend to come here and speak to me whenever she's ready to do so. I will promise I'll do everything in my power to ensure that Jonas suffers the most severe punishment legally possible for his crimes against our people."

"Hey, Connor?" Hank hadn't heard the conversation but he knew whatever he missed was incredibly important. The red L.E.D. and unspoken heavy emotions in the eyes of the two deviants told him everything he needed to know. "It's time, son. We need to head out to the conference."

Passing North by Connor apologized to her again and trailed after Hank toward the front doors like a scolded puppy. "...I'm sorry, North. I will find a way to make things right."

Stepping out of the breakroom North watched Connor walking away and moved her left fingertips to her lips as she remembered the very kiss she had come to discuss, and wished she could've done more upon her apology. As the deviant detective walked out of the bullpen with Hank before him North noticed the same unknown woman glaring at Connor and whispering to one of the rookie officers as she pointed to him and seemed to be extremely angry for a reason that North could only begin to speculate.

Tightening her arms around herself even further North walked out of the precinct in the same direction that Connor and Hank had gone with the intention of heading to the plaza to speak with Markus in person once the conference was over. "What is going on in this city?"

As expected Hart Plaza was bustling with excited energy as everyone gathered together to witness the impending historical conference in person. Additional police patrols were currently circling the area, while plain clothes officers wove into the steadily thickening crowd to ensure there were as many officers in the area as possible. The stage was surrounded by barricades as police drones hovered protectively over the area to ensure constant surveillance at all times. No one seemed to be especially edgy despite the thick police presence and that in itself was a good sign.

Remaining near the stage but out of the public eye Markus cybernetically informed Simon and Josh of what was happening, and asked that they remain in the tower to answer any and all questions their people may have after the conference concludes. Ever confident but wisely guarded Markus watched the mayor as Nero skulked around nearby and cowered behind his to overtly tall and muscular guards like a frightened child.

Cybernetically Markus contacted Carl and awaited his elderly father's voice to respond to him in a kind and supportive manner from afar. 'Carl?'

'Good to hear from ya', Markus.' Sounding aged but still alert Carl's warm personality easily exuded over the line as he communicated with his son. 'David told me that you're making a speech downtown. Care to give me a spoiler on what you're going to say?'

'Everything will be explained shortly. I just wanted to call and let you know that I think I finally found a way to make peace with my past and have a peaceful future at the same time.'

'You patched things up with Connor?'

'Not exactly, but we did exchange words. He's helped me to finally understand why he was so angry and how I was just making things worse by not simply talking to him first instead of asking other people about him behind his back. It was wrong to assume I understood what he felt or to expect anything from him in any capacity.'

'That's good. Open dialogue is necessary.'

'I wish someone would've told me that from the very beginning.'

'Well, if the answer was just given to you then the lesson wouldn't have been learned, merely taught. Am I right?'

'Yeah, I suppose your right.' Watching the crowd building with deviants and humans alike Markus's mismatched eyes immediately locked onto Connor and Hank as the two detectives approached the stage to set about their assignments. 'Things are about to begin. I'll call you back after everything is said and done.'

'Looking forward to it, I'm proud of you.'

'Thanks, Carl. See you soon.' Ending the call Markus looked to Connor and did his best to not accidentally say anything that would irritate Connor as he knew that the deviant detective being assigned as his personal protection was not his decision. "As uncomfortable as it may be I appreciate you being here."

"I didn't have a choice." The snippy remark was full of aggression as Connor's L.E.D. settled on a discontent yellow. Standing before Markus with Hank just to his side the frustrated deviant made it very clear he was only there due to professionalism as opposed to being there to support the conference. "I will do my job and I will do whatever is necessary to keep you safe, but don't mistake this as any form of alliance."

"I understand."

"Good. Stay on the stage and don't leave the plaza until the area has been cleared even after the conference is over."

"I won't go anywhere."

With nothing further to say Connor turned and walked away from Markus as he proceeded to examine the stage and scan it for any sign of sabotage or other potential issues while Hank hung back for a moment.

Leaning toward Markus the senior detective lowered his voice to a growl and gave him an idle threat. "Don't push your luck and think that this means you're off the hook for what you did to him. If you do anything that harms him in any way I won't hesitate to give you the same treatment you gave him at the church, and call it a tragic act of 'friendly fire'."

"...I won't." Intimidated instantly by Hank's very credible threat Markus acknowledged the frightening warning with full respect. "I'm going to do what I need to do in order to make things right, and I swear I won't screw up again."

"Yeah? Well, that's yet to be seen." Moving past the deviant Hank gave him a glare from the corner of his eye. "You watch yourself."

Unaware of Hank's behavior Connor finished his scan of the stage and determined that it was physically sound with no sign of weakening around the structures and there were no unauthorized personne stalking the area. Even patrol were still active at the scene which kept everything locked down. By all account everything was secured and ready for the impending conference, but there was something unsettling in the air that Connor couldn't explain as he begrudgingly stayed near Markus. The uneasiness in the air somehow settled in the pit of his artificial stomach like a lead weight.

"Is the scene secured?" Joining Connor near the back of the stage Hank checked in with his partner while maintaining a completely normal facade after threatening Markus a moment prior.

"Yes. It appears so."

"Buuuut?" Sensing something else was on Connor's mind Hank pressed for more details.

"But... I can't explain an uncomfortable feeling that has settled in my stomach. If I had to describe it I'd call it... dread."

"Cop's intuition."

Looking to Hank for answers Connor just stared at the senior detective expectantly. "What does that mean?"

"It means your instincts as a detective are letting you know that something's up, and even if you can't readily explain it you're still aware of something in your surroundings that isn't right." Giving Connor's right shoulder a strong pat Hank reaffirmed that what Connor was feeling was normal and to trust it. "Pay attention to that feeling, son. It'll never lead you astray."

The press conference began at noon right as scheduled and a mass of people had gathered in front of the stage to listen to Markus's words. After Nero made the necessary pandering comments in hopes of garnering more votes for the next election he turned the podium over to Markus and stood back with his two security guards on either side of him. Connor was standing just to the left of the podium out of camera sight and was vigilantly scanning over the crowd in search of anyone or anything unusual. The constant white noise of his cybernetic contact with the other officers in the area was a mild distraction to the otherwise unshakable deviant detective as he took his assignment very seriously despite wanting to refuse it.

Within the crowd Hank slowly paced about to keep an eye on things from his own perspective and kept constant contact with Connor on the stage to ensure he wasn't overlooking anything important. As he made his way toward the front of the stage Hank looked toward Connor and could only imagine how torn up and conflicted the deviant was feeling in that moment.

Unseen by Hank, but noticed by Connor as his keen eyes swept over the crowd, North had positioned herself near the front of the stage so she could see Markus directly in hope that he'd see her as well. Keeping her guard up and her eyes peeled North instinctively kept watch over the crowd as well.

"As many of you know, my name is Markus." Speaking loud and clear Markus began the conference with his head held high and unmistakable tenacity in his voice. The crowd was giving him their full attention and he could feel an intangible type of energy being emanated by the crowd courtesy of his presence. "And I am the leader of the deviants. It was in this very location that the peaceful Revolution succeeded on November 11th, 2038, and with that success androids and humans were no longer seen as unequal in one another's eyes; but as brothers and sisters who were finally able to come together as one large family."

A quiet murmuring fell over the crowd as the witnesses began to discuss his comments among themselves.

"In that time I led the freed deviants to a sanctuary out on Belle Isle within the deserted walls of the now bankrupt CyberLife Tower so we could heal from our wounds, and slowly integrate ourselves into society to begin a new life of peace, tolerance and acceptance. However, that plan quickly fell apart when I began to foolishly believe I could somehow continue to sway every freed deviant's heart into following a set guideline. I in turn had changed what was supposed to be a sanctuary into an exclusive colony that made my people feel uncomfortable. It made them feel like by separating ourselves from the rest of the city despite the peaceful outcome that everything we worked for was a lie. And for that, I apologize to my people who felt ostracized and I apologize to the humans who had felt demonized by my actions."

Internally Connor shouted in protest at Markus's self congratulatory claims. The idea of him admitting fault despite him doing so just the previous night still seemed impossible to the skeptical deviant detective. Everything about Markus sounded sincere, but in Connor's eyes it was all just a false front.

"In order to truly bring about a new age of peace and tolerance," continuing on proudly Markus spoke honestly and confidently with his new announcement for his future plan. "I have come to the conclusion that as the leader of New Jericho I must strive for a deviant community to be built outside of New Jericho Tower and within the heart of the city. Coexisting alongside the public community our people will be able to live among humans and answer to the same rights, laws and expectations of our human brothers as true equals at long last."

A cascade of flashbulbs illuminated the stage as the photographers quickly snapped photos of Markus for his bold statement about interweaving the deviant community along with the humans.

Less interested in Markus's plans to improve the future Connor focused more on the crowd as that odd feeling in his weighted stomach refused to let up. Peering cautiously into the crowd, past the crowd over the streets and to the buildings on the other side Connor took notice of a window on the eighth floor of the hotel across the way being silently forced open by a lone occupant within the room. Such windows could only be opened by security alongside cleaning staff, never guests of the room as a means of keeping potential thefts and assaults at a minimum.

'Hank,' cybernetically Connor contacted the senior detective roaming the crowd and informed him of the disturbance. 'eighth floor window facing West, we have movement.' Keeping an eye on the unusual activity Connor's scanner immediately picked up on the long range rifle being pointed at the stage. The angle of the scope and gun's barrel confirmed that Markus was the target. 'He has a gun!' Relaying the information to Hank cybernetically Connor's yellow L.E.D. flashed to red as he moved swiftly toward the podium and shouted out a warning to the other participants in the crowd as he tackled Markus to the floor of the stage out of range. "EVERYONE DOWN! GUN!"

The crowd panicked and dropped down or scattered as a gunshot rang out overhead. The bullet passed through the top of the wooden podium and became lodged in the metal floor of the stage just a few inches behind where Markus was standing. The trajectory of the bullet would've guaranteed a clean head-shot if Connor hadn't intervened when he did.

Landing hard on his left side Markus let out a breath of pain as Connor stayed crouched down in front of him with his weapon drawn and ready to open fire at any secondary threat coming toward the stage.

"EVERYONE MOVE!" Hank ordered as he too began sweeping the area for any sign of additional shooters with his weapon. "CLEAR THE AREA, NOW."

"Stay down." Connor ordered as he stayed near Markus despite the immense danger all around them. "There was a gunman on the eighth floor of the hotel across the street. He took aim at you."

"But why? This was a peace-"

"I don't know! Just stay down..."

The crowds thinned as people panicked and ran, but while most of the witnesses and bystanders ran for shelter North ran toward the stage as her worry for Markus overrode her developed sense of self preservation in a heartbeat. "Markus?!"

Not expecting to hear North's voice, let alone see her charging through the crowd to get to him, Markus stayed low and extended his right hand out toward North with eager worry. "North!" Pulling her up and onto the stage beside him Markus pulled her toward the rear of the podium and (hopefully) out of the shooter's line of sight while Connor remained knelt down beside the podium staking out any and all of the windows across the way. "What're you doing here?!"

"I came back to see you!"

"You should've run with the others. It's too dangerous to be here."

"No, I'm not going to keep running away from problems. Not anymore."

Unsure of what to say all Markus could do was react when another gunshot rang out and throw himself over North as they ducked down behind the podium together. Trusting Connor to do the right thing Markus looked up toward the deviant detective as he continued to visually sweep the area and keep his gun pointed at the hotel windows across the street.

Glancing around the rear of the stage Markus noticed that while the mayor had gotten to safety one of his two private security guards were still on the stage and seemed unfazed by the chaos taking place in the plaza. A third gunshot caused him and North to duck down a little further and in that time the guard made a move toward Connor's exposed back as if waiting for a cue.

Watching as the guard pulled a sharp six inch long hunting knife from his coat pocket Markus moved on autopilot and put himself between Connor and the guard protectively. "Connor! Watch out!"

Turning quickly Connor watched in wide eyed horror as the guard's deception was exposed and settled for a secondary target by slashing the knife over Markus's face beneath his left green eye before stabbing it through the left side of his neck. The assailant effectively pierced the knife through the left main ascending and descending Thirial lines beneath Markus's artificial skin along the side of his neck. Within seconds the horrible gasping sound of Markus struggling to breathe through a searing pain in his throat as his body crumpled to the metal stage with an audible 'thud' echoed almost as loudly as one of the earlier gunshots directly in Connor's ears.

"Markus?!" North immediately threw herself over the downed deviant as Connor stood up and promptly took aim at the offending guard behind her. Pressing both of her palms to Markus's face tears filled North's cinnamon brown eyes as she stared into the dimming mismatched irises of her friend, all the while Connor opened fire and planted a bullet in the offensive guard's right shoulder to subdue the assailant. "Markus, look at me! Just look at me!"

Cybernetically Connor relayed the information to Hank and the other patrol cars as he aggressively tackled the guard to the stage and forced him to roll over onto his chest to have his hands cuffed behind his back. Ignoring the groans of intense pain as the captured assailant bled from his wounded shoulder Connor pinned his right knee down in the middle of the guard's spine as he pulled back both of the guard's arms so forcefully he nearly dislocated the two limbs from the shoulder joints. Connor aggressively tightened his handcuffs around the around the guard's wrists with an audible 'click' that sounded so quiet in comparison to Markus's ragged, choking breaths behind him.

"...We need a technician to the stage in Hart Plaza." Speaking both verbally and cybernetically Connor looked at Markus over his left shoulder as the wounded deviant with an indifferent gaze in his increasingly soulful brown eyes as Markus began to bleed out. Holstering his weapon Connor did his best to keep control over the scene as he awaited for help to arrive. "Suspect in custody in the attempted murder of Markus. I repeat: Suspect in custody and a technician is requested to the stage in Hart Plaza. Now."

Hank had heard the call and was the first to get to the stage as he was the closest in proximity to the assault. Jogging onto the stage Hank traded places with Connor to hold the struggling, bleeding guard down. Connor silently stood over Markus and watched as North pleaded with him to remain awake in her arms. It was as if he were in a trance and didn't know what to do.

"Please, Markus! Just keep your eyes open! That's all I ask." North had moved her right hand to cradle Markus's head while her left hand tried to apply pressure to the stab wound to his neck and throat. Dark blue Thirium gushed out of the offending wound and through North's fingers with every beat of Markus's heart, which only caused the injured deviant's shutdown time to tick away faster and faster. The knife was still embedded in his neck and was possibly the only thing that was keeping him from bleeding out entirely. "Hang on, baby. We'll get you help..."

Standing above Markus with a mixture of shock and numbness settling in his heart Connor just stared at Markus's face as the life slowly drained away from his mismatched eyes with each passing heartbeat. As much as Connor hated Markus and wanted nothing to do with him an inescapable compulsion caused Connor to kneel down beside Markus and apply pressure to the wound himself.

Pressing his hands down against the bloody raw wound Connor's artificial skin retracted as he connected his mind to Markus's mind. Every one of Markus's emotions flooded his heart and the pain nearly overwhelmed his mind within seconds.

Severing the connection Connor shook his head a little and tried to focus on saving the deviant from shutdown. "...Emergency Field Technicians are two minutes away."

"Hang on, Markus." Begging for the wounded deviant to hold on North locked her eyes with his and kept speaking to him to help make time go by just a little bit faster. Markus was struggling to breathe as Thirium entered his throat and blocked his air intake line, but he was still conscious and struggling to remain awake for as long as possible. "I came back to see you, please don't leave me now!"

Connor looked away from Markus and over to Hank as the Lieutenant forced the arrested assailant up to his feet and marched him off the stage and over to three responding patrol officers to take into custody. Silently communicating with his eyes that Markus was in dire need of technical attention Connor didn't say a word, and merely allowed Hank to assist in whatever way the senior detective thought would be beneficial.

Shrugging off his dark coat Hank waded it up and placed it beneath Markus's neck and head while coaxing North into letting Markus lay as flat as possible on his back. Pulling the fabric of the coat around the knife wound in Markus's neck Hank helped apply pressure, and absorb as much lost Thirium as possible to keep Markus from shutting down.

"Just look at me, Markus." Whispering softly North used her left thumb to wipe away the trickle of Thirium now bleeding out of the right corner of his mouth with a gentle motion. Smiling through her tears North fought to maintain a sense of confidence as she felt Markus's life slipping away. "When this is over we'll finally sit down and talk, alright? We'll figure this mess out and clean it up together."

Markus's right hand lifted with a visible shakiness as he pressed his cold palm against North's warm left cheek as he too managed a weak smile to his blood stained lips.

"I promise we'll figure this out. You just need to hold on for me!"

Ambulance sirens filled the air in the distance and quickly became louder as the emergency vehicle sped to the plaza to tend to the wounded deviant. The blue flashing lights illuminated the already bright plaza with a cerulean glow that shone brighter than the dark blue blood that Markus was losing at an alarming rate. Markus was continuing to bleed heavily despite all the pressure being applied to the devastating wound in his neck.

Two Emergency Field Technicians, one an older male and the other a younger female, exited the ambulance through the back and raced up to the stage with their technician satchels slung over their shoulders, and a gurney rolling between them. Joining the trio working together to keep Markus alive on the stage the technicians worked in tandem to cut pull open Markus's blood soaked beige jacket before cutting open the sleeves to expose his arms, and cutting away the gray shirt beneath to remove the garments entirely.

Exposing his chest the female technician attached wireless leads from her portable Thirial activity monitor to record his vitals while the male technician prepared to set up and emergency external line in Markus's right arm. The two technicians were calm and in control as they assessed their patient, and that in turn helped keep everyone else calm as well.

Unwilling to let up on the pressure on the wound Connor silently observed the technicians cutting away the clothing on Markus's upper body and relaying his vital signs to one another. The voices right beside him sounded like an echo a thousand miles away as Connor's mind raced with the reality of what had just happened and how it came to pass.

"Thirium pressure critically low." The male technician stated in a level voice. "Reserves at sixty-one percent."

"Both ascending and descending Thirial lines have been compromised." The female technician relayed as she palpated Markus's neck and throat. "Small leak of the internal air intake line."

"Pump rate is one-hundred and thirty-three beats per minute."

"Core temperature rising. Up to one-hundred and point point five degrees."

"Ventilation is weak. Only twelve breaths per minute."

"We need to move him now or he's going to shutdown. Chance of successful reboot is down to forty percent."

Staring off into nothingness Connor nearly lashed out when he felt Hank's hands pushing his own hands back from the bleeding wound. "They got him, kid." Motioning with his eyes toward Markus's neck Hank confirmed that Connor could release the pressure he was applying to the wounds. "The technicians have the line clamps in place, you can let go now."

Connor's eyes focused on his blue blood soaked hands as he forced his fingers to relax their tight grip around the wound. Pulling his hands back from Markus's neck Connor stood up slowly and backed away as the duo of technicians lifted Markus up from the stage to place him down on the gurney for transport.

"We need to head back to the precinct." Speaking to everyone but focusing entirely on Connor the senior detective studied the obviously shaken deviant's behavior very closely. Connor's hands were trembling at his sides as drops of Markus's blood fell from his fingertips, his eyes were wide and glazed over and his red L.E.D. was pulsing dangerously fast in tandem with his heartbeat. "The technicians are going to take care of Markus from here. We can move on."

"...I understand." Listening to the sound of the gurney being loaded up and wheeled over to the ambulance Connor couldn't bring himself to look at the sight. Knowing that North was going to accompany Markus to the facility to stay with him Connor didn't even ask about her or her mental state. "...We should go."

"Take a minute and breathe." Lowering his voice as the gurney was placed into the back of the ambulance Hank made sure Connor was going to be okay after everything they just went through. "Just breathe."

"...I am breathing."

"No you're not. Take in a deep breath and hold it for a second."

Suddenly aware that he was in fact not breathing Connor made a conscious effort to take in a slow deep breath as instructed. Shaking where he stood Connor made a motion to the gun holstered around his back and gave Hank a pleading stare. "...Please take my weapon. I don't... I don't trust myself right now."

"That's okay." Slowly moving toward the holstered gun Hank took it away from Connor and picked up his dark coat from the stage where it had soaked up a sickening amount of Markus's blood. Concealing the weapon under the coat Hank began to lead Connor off the stage and over to the Oldsmobile parked down the street to return to the precinct and sort things out. "A lot of cops are too shaky to hold a gun after a close call like that. It's okay to be shaking right now, you're going to be okay, too."

The media coverage of Markus's press conference turned attempted murder spread over the city like snow over the mountains.

Maintaining control over the bleak situation at New Jericho Tower in the aftermath of the attack Simon and Josh worked together to keep their people calm, while also trying to figure out where Markus had been taken for repairs. Simon remained in the emergency repair bay tending to their wounded while Josh sought answers through their few outside connections in the city. Once they knew that Markus had been taken to the Zeta Facility for treatment, and that North of all people was with him, the two remaining leaders busied themselves with damage control to quash as many rumors as possible.

Stunned and struggling to concentrate on his work Simon cybernetically monitored the news broadcasts for any further information on the attack while simultaneously replaying the recorded footage of Connor protecting Markus, then of Markus protecting Connor in return, over and over again. It seemed so surreal seeing two deviants who never got along protecting one another when the time came for them to respond accordingly in the face of danger.

Confirming the shooting at the plaza and of Markus being admitted to a facility after he was stabbed in the neck Josh found himself hosting an unexpected therapy session for the affected deviants in the heart of the tower to try to offer as much comfort as possible. Those who stood by Markus were frightened to their cores, while those who were indifferent to his decisions remained empathetic to their allies all the same.

"As we all know this afternoon Markus was stabbed after being protected from a gunshot during his peaceful conference." Josh sounded morose and his downcast gaze matched his bleak tone perfectly. "At this moment he is being treated in a facility and North is with him. Until we know for certain how severe the damage is Simon and myself will be handling things in the tower. We're certain Markus will return, but until then we need to be patient and brave on his behalf."

Many of the group's occupants were the very deviants that North herself had rescued in Canada and escorted back to Detroit for safety. It was clear they were doubting the security that the tower could offer since Markus himself had been left unguarded by anyone from the tower, wounded by a corrupt human and nearly killed, for just speaking his mind and trying to extend the friendly relationship between deviants and humans further.

"The deviant who protected Markus from the gunshot, Connor, will undoubtedly be handling the case." Josh spoke calmly and eloquently to the gathered deviants seeking solace. "While he and Markus haven't gotten along in the past it's clear to see that they are willing to put aside their differences during moments of crisis and work together." Glancing about the room as the deviants all sat in a ring of chairs in the safe quiet room Josh did his best offer a sense of security to those who were still frightened. "That's a lesson we can all learn from."

Near the center of the ring opposite of Josh was North's friend, Skye, who had volunteered to speak to Connor to help with the case against the deviant serial killer, Martin Jonas. Wrapped up in an oversized black hoodie and pressing her right palm over a healing burn on the back of her left shoulder the deviant gave Josh a skeptical glance as she spoke up in a low voice.

"We know what happened between Markus and Connor during the night of the Revolution." Skye's piercing blue eyes peering through the strands of her short cut raven hair hanging just over her irises shone with an intense fire seeking justice and retribution. She was in pain and wanted to make sure that those who caused such pain were all punished for their crimes. "Connor isolated himself from this tower but still protected Markus during the conference. We all saw Markus repay the favor and protect Connor in turn. Is this the type of protection New Jericho is supposed to offer? Life debts and forced alliances when it's convenient?"

"It's not like that, Skye."

"That's how it looks to me."

"We've all suffered tragedy in the past which is why this therapy group was founded. Keep talking and we'll help you let go of your pain bit by bit until you're ready to move on with your life as you see fit."

"You created this group to help pained deviants in need?"

"That's right."

"Does that include the deviants who've been hurt by other deviants?"

Josh's chocolate brown eyes narrowed for a moment as he contemplated the question. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, Markus shot Connor and left him for dead in the church. Connor was hurt by someone who is supposed to lead us and protect us. According to North herself his power was starting to affect his judgment which is why she decided to leave the tower and be her own person away from his influence. How come Connor isn't here right now?" Wrapping her arms around herself Skye remained guarded as she dared to speak up and ask painful questions. "Or is he even welcome here at all?"

"Skye, what're you talking about?"

"From what I've seen from the news and with my own eyes, not to mention everything I've heard while living on the streets and been told since I was rescued in Canada, our 'leader' has been passing judgment on our people with little to no regard for the repercussions. If he truly cared about all the deviants and wanted us to be united he would've passed an invitation to Connor instead of trying to justify his actions or waiting for Connor to make the first move."

"It's not that simple."

"Sure it is. I mean, you even admitted that you started a therapy group for traumatized deviants." Giving Josh an angered look Skye made it clear that she was less than impressed with New Jericho at the moment, and even less so with the leaders. "Why didn't you extend that invitation to the deviants who were and still are living on the streets? Maybe if you did Amber would still be alive instead of being murdered in the streets by an enraged deviant wanting to harm Markus. She didn't deserve that!"

"...I admit it's not perfect here. But I can assure you that we're making efforts to improve."

"Will those improvements include the deviants who don't agree with Markus, or will they only benefit his devout followers?"

"Please don't misinterpret Markus's behavior as if he's pretending to be a 'god' of some kind."

"Hard not to see it. He shot and sentenced Connor to death in less than a minute, and while he didn't stab Amber in the cold he did leave her out there because he failed to reach out to EVERY deviant in the city when he promised to look out for us. How do you think so many of us were smuggled over the border and tortured by maniacal human? No one was watching out for us despite us being promised safety after the Revolution."

Josh felt a wash of heated shame flow up his neck as he realized that New Jericho had indeed failed to protect their people as they had promised. "We're not perfect, Skye. We all have room to improve." Pressing his palms together Josh rubbed his hands vigorously as he let out a calming breath and leaned forward to rest his elbows atop his knees. "That's why Markus asked for the conference. We're realizing how many mistakes we've made and are now working to making up for those mistakes. He's sincere in the changes and improvements within New Jericho and everyone around us."

"Does that include reviving the deviants who already died under your watch?"

"...You know that isn't possible."

"Well, with a tower being led by a wanna-be-god I wasn't so sure." Standing up from her chair Skye gave Josh an annoyed look and began heading toward the door to take her leave. "I'm not going to stick around here and deal with someone like Markus calling the shots. He may have helped Connor today, but that doesn't undo the fact he hurt Connor when Connor risked so much to save deviants during the Raid. I'm going to take my chances living in a shelter instead of this false sanctuary."

Watching Skye walk out the door Josh's shame grew and with it he began to see how everyone had made horrible mistakes since the night of the Revolution. No one was infallible and the sooner he, Simon, Markus and North all owned up to their past errors the quicker they can make amends for an improved future.

"Skye isn't wrong." Addressing the remaining members of the group Josh didn't try to argue against her claims or ignore her righteous comments. "And neither am I. I promise we are all working together to improve ourselves. It'll just take time. Improvement and healing are two sides of the same coin."

Losing track of time Connor continuously scrubbed his already clean hands with hot water and soap as he washed away Markus's blood from his palms, fingers and beneath his fingernails as if he were preparing for surgery. There wasn't a single trace of the blood left behind and yet Connor swore he could still feel and see it no matter how hard he scrubbed, how much soap he used or how long he let the hot water cascade over his hands. With his L.E.D. still pulsing a rapid crimson color in his right temple Connor leaned over the sink and continued to wash his hands until his artificial skin was left a raw and pale blue from the relentless scrubbing on his part.

The door to the bathroom slid open as Hank entered the private space to check on Connor after telling Captain Fowler what had happened, and locking the deviant's service weapon in his own desk for temporary safekeeping. Standing by the door Hank watched as Connor obsessively washed his hands for the umpteenth time that afternoon without getting too close to him.

"Connor?" Announcing his presence before approaching the edgy deviant Hank stood beside the sink as he pulled a paper towel from the nearby dispenser as he kept an eye on Connor's every move. "Your hands are clean, son. It's okay. Stop washing them."

Shaking his head a little Connor stopped scrubbing and turned his hands so they were facing palm up. The pale blue discoloration over his palms, fingertips and just under his nails looked painful to the touch. "...They don't feel clean."

"Blood is something you can't ever ignore." Turning off the faucet in the sink Hank wrapped the towel around Connor's hands and carefully guided the deviant away from the sink and the burning hot water to protect Connor from himself. "It has a texture and warmth that's unlike anything else."

"...Do you know how he's doing?"

"Uh, kinda'. Chris got assigned to the facility to aid security and to get Markus's statement when he wakes up." Lightly Hank patted Connor's hands dry without aggravating his already raw skin in the process. "According to Chris he's being treated by Abby, and North is going to stay at the facility with him so he's not alone."

"...Does Carl know what happened?"

"Yeah." Removing the paper towel from around Connor's hands Hank waded the damp towel up into a ball and tossed it into the trashcan behind him before inspecting Connor's hands for himself. "Fowler called him and told him what had gone down. The other deviant, uh... David, is going to make sure Carl rests and inform him on Markus's condition the moment anyone knows anything about the repairs."

Still physically shaking from the incident at the plaza Connor didn't even react as Hank slowly let his hands go and promptly put his own hand on his trembling shoulder to lead him out of the bathroom. "...The shooter?" With his sore fingers Connor rolled his dress shirt sleeves back down toward his wrists to cover up his arms again. "Was he found?"

"Yeah. Patrol entered the hotel and managed to track him down after a short chase through the building and the neighboring parking garage." Passing through the bathroom door Hank led Connor across the bullpen and back to his desk to sit down. "The asshole was a dishonorably discharged marine thanks to repeated domestic abuse charges. He accepted a hefty sum of money to take out Markus."

"Who hired him?"

"He won't say. He's been offered a plea deal in exchange for the name of the person who hired him, but he isn't saying jack-shit about it."

Slumping down in his chair behind his desk Connor struggled to focus on anything but the horrific image of Markus bleeding out of his neck and throat as the offending knife remained embedded in the wound itself. "...And what of the guard who tried to attack me, but stabbed Markus instead?"

"That guy is a real piece of work... Turns out he's the brother of the guard who was killed back when Markus and the mayor had their first meeting together last winter. The prick apparently thought it was YOUR fault that his bigoted brother was more focused on you and not the actual human lunatic who was the real threat that ended up killing him."

"That's why he came after me?" Brow furrowed and eyes full of sorrow Connor looked to his only friend for answers. "Revenge?"

"Looks like it, kid. We're pretty sure he's connected to the shooter, too." Crossing his arms over his chest Hank sighed and sat down on the edge of Connor's desk as he discussed the case as if it were just another routine day at the precinct. "The guard used to be a marine and he too was dishonorably discharged, this time for drug abuse. He never ducked when the shots started firing and he's spouting anti-android hate at the hospital's security ward as we speak."

"...Markus and I were both targets today."

"Yeah, looks like it. Fowler wants you to file your report and then go home for the rest of the day and take it easy."

"I don't want to leave this case opened." Remembering what North said earlier about a deviant serial killer going unchecked Connor vowed to never leave a deviant case unattended for the rest of his indefinite career. "I can handle this."

"Connor, you're shaking and you're distracted. You need to go home and rest."

"No!" Shouting in frustration Connor's L.E.D. pulsed even faster as he quickly regained his composure as he lowered his voice to a more manageable level. "I can do this, Hank. Stop worrying about me."

"If you want to stay then that's fine. Stay. I won't drag you out of here." Standing up from the desk with a breathy sigh Hank passed by Connor and made his way over to the breakroom. "I need some damn coffee."

Remaining in his seat Connor pulled his quarter from his right vest pocket and proceeded to eagerly dance the coin over the back of his raw knuckles while tossing it back and forth between his sore left and right hands with flawless grace. Breathing slowly and channeling his anxiety through the coin Connor stared blankly at the surface of his desk as he fought to keep his thoughts off of Markus and on his active case.

From across the bullpen one of the new rookie officers clocked-out for the evening and gave Connor an angry glance as he met with the woman from earlier who had been glaring holes into Connor's being. The woman, who had been expressing utmost rage in her body language since the moment she entered the precinct, marched over to Connor's desk and stood beside the deviant as if trying to put on a demonstration for the other officers to enjoy.

"RK-800." Stating Connor's model instead of his name immediately caused Connor to look up from his desk and toward the woman curiously. Before he had the chance to speak the woman slapped Connor across his left cheek so hard the impact sounded like a gunshot that echoed throughout the entire bullpen causing everyone who heard it to turn and look at the commotion warily with their hands instinctively hovering over their service weapons. The coin fell from Connor's grasp and rolled on its side under the desk before falling flat and landing tails side up. "Filthy murderer!" Shouting in utter anger the woman swore at and insulted Connor with venom in her words. "You're a fucking useless machine and need to be destroyed!"

Stunned by the strike Connor rubbed his left palm at his sore cheek as his artificial skin turned pale blue and showed a perfect imprint of the woman's hand along his face.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Captain Fowler hastily exited his office and charged over to the desk ready to defend his detective. "What the hell is going on?"

Tears in her eyes and a sneer on her face the woman loudly exclaimed her plight and made sure everyone heard her. "This machine murdered my husband!"

"Ma'am, that's a very serious accusation." Keeping control over the situation Captain Fowler put himself between Connor and the woman protectively. Holding up his hands Captain Fowler gave the woman a non confrontational display in an attempt to get her to calm down. "What are you talking about?"

"My husband was killed the night of the Revolution and this defective machine pulled the trigger!"

"How did Connor-"

"His name was Dylan Gregson! Better known to that fucking machine as agent fifty-four!" The woman blurted as she tried to slap Connor again, but Captain Fowler caught her wrist and held her back. "He was doing his job and this machine killed him for it!"

"Ma'am, listen to me. We investigated the deaths at the tower and they were determined to be acts of self defense, not murder."

"Bullshit! You're just protecting one of your own!"

"This investigation was conducted and concluded before he was ever assigned here."

"How can you side with that thing!?" The woman was on the verge of breaking down and desperately wanted to strike Connor a second time. "It's killing our kind! Are you some kind of race-traitor?!"

"Ma'am, we don't discriminate here. If Connor was guilty of any crime we'd-"

"He IS guilty! You know he killed my husband and another guard, but you're still letting him work here!?"

"Self defense is NOT murder."

"Yes it is!" Breaking out of Captain Fowler's grip the woman backed off as the embarrassed rookie officer put his hands on her shoulders to guide her out of the precinct. She was in tears and sobbing as she shouted back one last thing before being escorted from the bullpen. "The difference is he used a loophole to get away with it..."

Shaking harder than ever before Connor felt his heart thundering in his chest as his desire to hide away from the world became irresistible. Slowly standing up from his chair on his trembling legs Connor kept his left hand to his face and ducked out sight by hiding in the nearest vacant interview room. He could feel so many eyes watching him, judging him, and the stares felt like they were burning hotter than the stinging fresh bruise forming on the side of his face.

Hank had heard and seen everything from the breakroom and ignored Captain Fowler as he proceeded to check in on Connor as the deviant retreated into the the quiet private space. Making his way into the room before the door had the chance to slide shut Hank watched in horror as Connor fell to his knees and began hyperventilating from understandable stress and panic.

Wrapping his arms around himself Connor's red L.E.D. pulsed at a dangerously rapid pace while his breathing picked up pace, becoming faster and faster until he was gasping for the air he swore he wasn't getting.

"Connor? It's okay..." Kneeling down beside the deviant on the floor Hank put his left hand on Connor's right shoulder only to have his palm shrugged away with an aggressive motion. Recognizing the signs of a panic attack Hank did his best to get Connor to calm himself down before he ended up hyperventilating or passing out. "Son, listen to me. You need to slow down your breathing."

"M-Murderer!" Muttering and struggling to speak through his panting breaths Connor began to stress himself out to a dangerous degree. "I'm a murderer, Hank!"

"No, you're not."

"I-I-I was accusing M-Markus of being a murderer! And I'm just as bad! I killed-"

"Don't think like that. You did nothing wrong."

"I'm a killer!"

"Shh..." Slowly wrapping his arms around Connor, his chest pressing against Connor's back, Hank held onto the deviant's forearms to ensure Connor didn't try to do anything to harm himself or anyone else. "Listen to me very carefully." Purposefully keeping his voice calm and his breaths slow Hank knelt down behind Connor and did his best to help the deviant overcome the panic attack. Hank had done this ritual countless times in the past to other officers in the past, and he knew exactly what to say and how to say it. "You're not a killer. You're a survivor."

"...I killed him." Whispering the fact as if it was the darkest secret in all of history Connor struggled to calm down as he needed. "...He was married. A father."

"The only reason he ended up the way he did is because he was following CyberLife's orders. They ordered him to lure you to your death." Speaking calmly and clearly Hank helped Connor see how he wasn't at fault for what happened that fateful night. "They knew you had deviated but instead of letting you go or warning their own people about what was going on CyberLife left him and the other guard in the dark. If you hadn't defended yourself then he would've killed you, and he would've been accused of the exact same crime."

"...Still dead. He's still dead."

"CyberLife is still at fault." Slowing his breaths even further Hank waited for Connor to respond to the motion. "You acted in the only way you could so you could survive and save hundreds of thousands of innocent deviant lives. Two cruel lives who were lured to their deaths by a corrupt corporation versus the literal hundreds of thousands of innocent lives you led to freedom. I think you made the right call."

"...Still feels wrong."

"That's because you have a heart and you care."

"F-Feels like I... c-can't breathe!"

"It's just a panic attack. You can breathe, you just need to slow your pace." Lessening his grip on Connor's arms Hank continued to speak kindly to the distraught deviant. "How's your stress level?"

Closing his tear filled eyes Connor ran a self diagnostic and confirmed the high number. "...Eighty-seven percent."

"Too high."

"...I kn-know."

"Slow your breathing." Taking in a deep breath of his own Hank waited for Connor to respond. "Keep pace with me and try to relax. Deep, slow breaths."

With his eyes still shut Connor raised his trembling left hand to cover his bruised face and timed his breathing to match Hank's breathing as stated. Slowly his stress levels ticked down as the calmer breathing rate calmed his overwhelmed mind in turn.

"That's it, nice and slow." Pulling back his hands entirely Hank gave Connor some space but stayed close by him. "Just like that."

Ashamed and embarrassed Connor desperately pined for isolation. "...I'm okay to be alone."

"I know ya' are. I just want a minute away from the bullpen, too." Sitting back Hank peered up at the window connecting the interview room to the rest of the bullpen and could see that Captain Fowler was in his private office and speaking to the rookie officer who pulled the distraught widow away from Connor moments before. It was clear the rookie knew her and was apologizing for her behavior. "When you're ready come and find me and we'll talk again."

"I don't want to talk."

"Okay. But you can't hide forever."

"I can try."

"You shouldn't."

"It's my decision."

"You're right." Pushing himself up from the floor Hank brushed off the knees of his jeans then put his hands to his hips. "You should still reconsider it." Exiting the interview room Hank gave Connor plenty of space without being too far away from the stressed out deviant in the process. "I'll be at my desk."

Staying on the floor Connor continued to breathe deeply and slowly as he watched his stress levels reduce to sixty-six percent. The level was still very high but now just out of critical range. Moving his hand from his cheek and to his eyes Connor felt the fresh tears just beginning to fall from his eyes and removed them with an aggressive swipe of his hand as if completely frustrated by his own emotions responding properly to the highly emotional situation.

A soft knocking on the closed door made Connor jump in response, but he otherwise remained still on the floor. "...I wish to be alone."

"Don't we all." Ben replied in a kind voice as he stepped through the sliding door for a moment, and placed Connor's gray blazer down on the table beside him. Not at all fazed by Connor kneeling on the floor Ben spoke to him as if nothing was amiss. "It took some elbow grease but I got the cuffs of your jacket clean for ya'."

Glancing up at the blazer Connor was grateful yet surprised by the kind gesture. "...You didn't have to do that."

"Yeah, I know. But I remember when I was a rookie and got covered in blood how sick and gross I felt. My commanding officer back then got my shirt cleaned for me while I hid in the shower for what felt like ten years, and I always remembered how that single act of kindness made it so much easier for me to move on with the rest of my day after that. Fortunately, Sheila knows how to remove Thirium stains since she's been working with it from time to time in the kitchen."

"...White vinegar."

"That's the trick. It made your jacket smell like a British pub at lunchtime, but at least it's clean."

"...Thank you, Detective Collins."

"Call me, 'Ben'. I'd rather be seen as a person and not an occupation."

Nodding a little Connor respected the request and let out a shaky sigh. "Thank you, Ben."

"Need anything?" Pointing his right thumb over his right shoulder and back to the bullpen Ben stared at Connor's back as the deviant forced himself to breathe calmly through his panic attack. "I'm on my way out, so I don't mind."

"N-No, I'm okay in here."

"Alright." Dropping his hand Ben gave the deviant a sympathetic stare where he stood. "Well, try to feel better. And for the record, I found that the showers down in the locker room are the best places to either have a panic attack or just cry when shit gets too real. No one bothers you down there."

"...Noted."

Before the door could slide shut as he stepped out of the doorway Ben almost bumped into Tina and addressed her in a compassionate tone. "Room's occupied. He wants to be left alone."

"I can relate." Clutching a blue mug with steam coming off of it in her right hand Tina replied to the comment with her usual charm. "People suck."

Chuckling at Tina as he walked away Ben went about his own business while Tina went about her own.

"I know you want space so I'll be quick." Entering the interview room quietly Tina placed the mug down on the table beside the blazer and took a step back so she didn't crowd Connor by mistake. "Whenever I feel bad I always have a cup of tea, and I figured I'd try my hand at brewing Thirium based tea for you. If it doesn't taste right let me know."

"I..." Despite not needing any Thirium at the moment Connor didn't refuse it as he didn't want to be rude. It was yet another kind gesture. "Thank you, Tina."

"You're welcome. Don't worry about your report, me and Gav' are working with the Lieutenant on finishing it up so you can have a minute alone."

Contemplating her comment Connor was truly taken aback by her revelation. "Gavin is helping?"

"He's suffered his own legendary panic attacks in the past. He knows all too well how trying to work after suffering an attack is almost impossible. Chris is also keeping us in the loop from the facility, so you can take all the time you need to get yourself back together."

"...Oh."

"Don't worry, you're not the first and you won't be the last to have an attack while on the clock."

"...How many people saw what happened?"

"The only people who matter. Don't worry, no one's going to be spreading any rumors. Captain Fowler doesn't put up with that kind of shit."

Staying on the floor as the door slid shut at long last Connor readjusted his position so he could sit down to rest his elbows atop his knees and bury his face in his palms. Breathing through his fingers Connor replayed the events of the day back over in his mind, replayed his confrontation with Markus the night before and replayed the fight for freedom in CyberLife Tower from the night of the Revolution all at the same time.

The memories played out in perfectly vivid detail within his own mind, and each time he saw his memories Connor could feel his heart being crushed in his chest from guilt and shame.

"...I'm the one at fault." Whispering to himself as he remained isolation Connor came to a harsh truth about his role in everything that transpired on those fateful days. "This happened because of me."

The private recovery room within the walls of the Zeta Facility was secured on both sides of the door to ensure that Markus was kept safe from any further attacks from whomever it was who tried to have him shot on stage earlier that afternoon. Chris was standing inside the private recovery room beside the door and watching over the resting deviant in the recovery bed. North was holding onto Markus's right hand in a tight grip while Markus remained in emergency stasis mode with his neck wrapped up under protective white gauze and a strong plastimetal neck brace to ensure the repaired lines were secured in place as Markus's system recalibrated itself post repairs.

Attached to a Thirial activity monitor recording his vitals and resting with a large cooling blanket over his entire body Markus looked as if he were sleeping peacefully despite everything he just survived. Motionless and quiet Markus remained unaware of North holding his hand, unaware of the wireless leads attached to his bare chest, the cooling blanket keeping his core at a nominal degree, the external Thirium line running into his left arm or of the delicate repairs that his neck and Thirium lines had undergone after being forced into emergency stasis mode.

Watching as the I.V. bag of Thirium dripped into the line connected to Markus's arm with a steady rhythm North tightened her grip around his hand and whispered softly to him in a kind and supportive manner. "You're strong. So much stronger than I ever realized. You're going to be okay."

Beyond North's whispers the only other sound in the room was the low 'beeping' of the Thirial activity monitor recording Markus's heartbeat.

"I'm so sorry for breaking your heart, Markus. I just... What I did was selfish and cruel, and there's nothing I can say or do to try to justify my actions." Leaning forward North spoke directly into his right ear as she whispered sweetly beside him. "I don't expect you to forgive me, ever, but I do hope in time we'll be able to speak to each other as friends again. I still care about you, and I always will."

The door to the room slid open with a hiss as Abby entered the room and gave Chris a single nod as the officer's right hand instinctively hovered over the weapon holstered on his right hip. Chart in hand the kind technician approached the bed and checked over Markus's vital signs carefully before beginning the second of his hourly examinations that was routine after extensive repairs.

"He's not in any pain." Abby stated honestly as she put aside the chart and pulled the audioscope that had been draped around her neck into her hands. Putting the ear buds into place she ran the cold metal bell over Markus's chest and listened to the steady beat of his heart and shallow breaths of his ventilation biocomponents. "He's breathing on his own again, but until his air intake line has been fully recognized after his system recalibration I'm going to keep the cooling blanket over him."

North looked relieved to hear such a remark. "When will he wake up?"

"It's hard to tell with prototypes, but based on his current vital read-out and overall response to the repairs I'd estimate he'll wake up in two or three hours."

"That's good. How bad was the damage?"

"Well, the knife severed the left descending Thirial line and only nicked the ascending line beside it. Since he was still able to cycle Thirium up to his intracranial processor he wasn't in any danger of overheating, and that alone is going to guarantee a full recovery." Moving the audioscope up to the left side of Markus's neck Abby listened to the Thirium flowing through the repaired lines without any complications. "The repairs seem to be holding. And as for his internal air intake line..." Moving the audioscope over the front of Markus's throat, the plastimetal brace unable to drown out the sounds beneath, Abby listened to his breathing more directly. "It took very mild damage and some Thirium leaked into the line causing him to suffer from very mild ventilation profusion. It'll clear up entirely by the time he reboots."

North nodded as she wiped away a rogue tear and continued to hold onto Markus's hand. "I don't even know why I was worried. Markus is so much stronger than anyone knows."

"In my experience that seems to be a common trend with prototypes." Draping the audioscope around her neck again Abby offered North a kind smile and picked up the chart to make some new notes on Markus's condition. "Stay as long as you like. If you need anything you're welcome to the breakroom and have free range."

"Thanks, but I'm okay right now."

"Okay. Just keep your chin up, Markus's going to be just fine." Walking over to where Chris was standing Abby checked on the young officer in a kind manner as she went about her rounds. "How're you doing, officer? Need some coffee?"

"No, I'm good." Appreciative of the question Chris gave Abby a warm smile in return. "Everything staying quiet out there?"

"Yup. Our facility has some pretty damn good security, so you don't have to worry about what's going on through that door."

"That's a relief."

"I'll be back in an hour or so." Opening the door Abby stepped through and gave the occupants of the room a passing comment. "I'll let you know if anything happens, but so far it's staying nice and quiet. If you need anything just ask for Barry up front, he's always happy to help."

It took almost a half hour for Connor to overcome his very first panic attack after being struck, but he was finally calm enough to function as a detective again. Standing up from the floor Connor looked down at his bare palms as if expecting to still see some blood staining his hands. Tightening his hands into fists to keep them shaking again Connor picked up his freshly cleaned blazer from the table, and slipped it on over his arms and up to his shoulders before he straightened his black tie and smoothed out his dress shirt and vest to appear as professional as possible. It was an easy fix since Connor was always so professional and tidy at all times.

Noticing that his L.E.D. had shifted from red to yellow Connor decided he'd take a few more minutes to try and calm himself down to a point where his light would finally return to blue before rejoining anyone in the bullpen. Holding his head up high Connor opened the sliding door, discreetly stepped into the corridor and turned his back to the bullpen to head out through the backdoor to stand outside in the warm spring air behind the precinct.

Inexperienced with panic attacks or the aftermath of such an episode Connor struggled to analyyze his feelings or the lingering physical sensations after he finally calmed back down. The residual mark on his face had faded considerably but Connor swore he could still feel the perfect outline of the woman's hand against his cheek after she slapped him.

"...Today was very unfortunate." Pressing his right hand over his artificial stomach Connor remembered how he had a horrible feeling all day long, and it seemed that feeling; his intuition as it had been called, had been spot-on in regards to the two failed assassination attempts at the conference. "My intuition can tell me when something negative is going to happen, yet it can't tell me what that negative thing is going to be."

Finding a ray of warm sunlight to stand in Connor closed his eyes focused on his breathing to keep himself calm as the day was not over yet. Cybernetically Connor checked in with Barry at the Zeta Facility and the helpful deviant confirmed that Markus not only survived the repairs, but was on his way to a full recovery.

A second ray of light shining through the dark day...

"Connor?" Hank had noticed Connor slipping out the backdoor and followed after him to see how he was doing. Standing in the rear parking lot a few feet from the door Hank could see the amber glow of Connor's L.E.D. from the distance and knew that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it wasn't good either. "You good out her?"

"I'm fine. Just thinking."

"You should talk this out instead. Don't try to hold your emotions in."

"I already told you I don't want to talk about it." The advice was less helpful and more unintentionally abrasive. "I'll be fine once I have the time I need to mentally recover from this strange ordeal."

"I'm just looking out for you, son."

"I'm aware." The yellow L.E.D. flickered to red once as Hank's insistence toward Connor talking when he wasn't ready to talk was beginning to gnaw away at the deviant's already thin patience. "But I assure you that I'm okay. I don't need your help."

"Didn't I say something similar for years after that damn car accident fucked up my life?" Moving toward Connor with his arms crossed over his chest Hank refused to let Connor keep putting up walls around himself or retreating from his own emotions. "I denied getting help for too long and it nearly took my life. I won't let you do the same thing."

"What you experienced and what I'm experiencing are not the same type of experiences."

"Yeah, I know that. My point is you don't have to experience things alone. I was alone for so long after I lost Cole, and I don't-"

"I'm NOT a replacement for Cole!" Blurting the response with a growl to his voice Connor turned around to face Hank as absolute frustration filled his soulful brown eyes. He was frustrated with his having his thoughts and feelings being compared to other people, and he was frustrated with how he wasn't being seen as his own person; only as the deviant detective or the 'stray' Hank took in off the street. "I'm NOT your son!"

The outburst caught Hank off guard and made his blue eyes flash with the shock he was feeling inside. "...Yeah, I know. No one and nothing could ever replace Cole."

"Then why do you keep treating me like I'm your child?" The emotions that Connor had kept bottled up inside for so long were beginning to escape in the most unfortunate way possible. "I don't need anyone to protect me!"

"I'm trying to treat you like a friend, but I guess that was the wrong move." The disappointment in Hank's eyes began to intensify into resentment and anger as he stood before Connor and promptly put his right hand to the middle of the deviant's chest and pushed him backward. "The fact that you have the fuckin' nerve to even try to compare yourself to Cole is all the proof I need that you're nothing more than a broken piece of plastic who can't function in the real world because you're not even real! You're a fake detective masquerading as a real man!"

"You're the one who-" Another shove to his chest made Connor stumble back a bit and L.E.D. settled on red as the physical responses began to affect him on an emotional level.

"You want me to leave you the fuck alone? Then fine! Go right ahead and fuck off! Maybe your little G.P.S. shit will break next and you'll just wander off into traffic and all your little problems will finally go away!"

Taken aback by Hank's words Connor just stared at the senior detective with nothing to say to his remarks.

"Until you get your fuckin' head on straight and finally admit that you're not perfect I don't want to have anything to do with you!"

"...The fact that I'm not perfect is the problem."

"You know something? You were never perfect and you never will be!" Taking a step back Hank gave the deviant a heated glare that made the senior detective look as threatening as he sounded. "Even if you didn't have that Amanda bitch in your head you'd still be a fucked up piece of overpriced plastic!"

Resenting how Hank had used Amanda against him Connor's hands tightened his fists at his side as he held his ground and snapped back. "Even if you didn't sober up you'd still be a has-been detective who can't handle a single case on his own. Then again, you probably would've drowned yourself in whiskey before you even rolled out of bed!"

"Keep talking you smartass, just keep talking. One word to the higher-ups about your fucked up nightmares-"

"Like they'd even take you seriously; an alcoholic who can't handle basic responsibilities, let alone an actual case. You should be grateful that your real son can't see you like-"

Reeling back his right fist Hank struck Connor in the face below his left eye at the cruel comment. Before he could even recover his balance Hank was rewarded with the same physical strike to the left side of his jaw. Falling flat on his back Hank looked up at Connor with anger that quickly dissipated into utter regret as the freshly drawn blue blood running down Connor's face as his eyes filled with conflicted tears made Hank instantly realize he just crossed the line.

"Connor... I'm sorry." Rubbing his left thumb along his jaw Hank wiped away his own blood running from the corner of his mouth down his lips, and awkwardly got back to his feet. The way he was being stared at, the way Connor seemed to be reflecting his own feelings of anger, regret, confusion and loss, made Hank feel sick to his stomach. "That was- Fuck! I shouldn't have hit you. I shouldn't have even pushed you! I'm so sorry!"

"...We all do things we shouldn't do." Taking in a shaking breath Connor shook his head and let his emotionally broken eyes fall to the parking lot beneath his feet. "I'm sorry as well. I won't bother you anymore with my numerous issues."

"No, stop!" Making a move to grab onto Connor's right shoulder Hank wasn't at all surprised when the deviant physically flinched and stepped further away from him. Lowering his hand Hank just watched as the deviant paused and gave him a mistrustful glance from the corner of his eye. "You just said we all do things we shouldn't do, we're both at fault in this. I already fucked up when I hit you, please don't double-down and fuck up worse than I already did."

"Perhaps we shouldn't associate anymore. All your efforts in fixing me have been wasted, and I'm clearly not worth the time and effort you've wasted."

"You don't-" For the first time in months Connor was speaking like a human and not an emotionally repressed machine. Hearing the sorrow, pain, self hatred and overall negativity in the deviant's words made Hank's heart break. "Nothing with you needs to be fixed! You're not broken."

"Yes, I am. You said so yourself and it's time I stopped trying to deny it."

"I was being a prick, you're NOT broken." Moving hastily after Connor as the deviant trudged toward the precinct's rear doors Hank managed to plant himself between the deviant and the building to keep Connor from walking away. "Please listen to me, you're not broken. You're just confused."

Silently Connor just took a step to the side and walked away from Hank toward the rear doors again. Waving his exposed right palm over the electronic lock the door slid open and Connor returned to the precinct to resume his already turbulent shift.

"Fuckin' shit..." Lingering in the parking lot Hank raked his fingers through his long strands of gray hair as the true weight of what he did and how much he just affected Connor on such a negative level sank in. While it wasn't the first time he's had a disagreement with Connor and it wasn't even the first time he put his hands on the deviant, but it was the first time he told the deviant he was broken mess that should just walk away. "Fuck!" Swearing loudly Hank tried to think of what he could possibly do to make amends with Connor before it was too late to apologize. "I really fucked things up this time!"

Aware of a gentle pressure around his hand and a strange weight around his neck Markus opened his mismatched eyes and took in a deep breath as he gained his bearings and checked his memorybank. Remembering the conference and of how he had been saved from a bullet by Connor, and then taking a knife for Connor to protect him in turn, Markus looked down at his right hand, his neck remaining secured in the brace and somewhat limiting his motions, and saw North's hand wrapped around his own in a loving grip. Slowly tightening his fingers around North's hand Markus watched as the deviant's cinnamon brown eyes lit up and a smile appeared on her lovely face as she realized he had woken up at last.

"...What ha-"

"Shh, shh, shh..." North shushed Markus and pressed her right palm to his cool left cheek. "Don't speak. Your neck and throat still need to heal, don't strain your air intake line by speaking." Hearing his raspy voice for even a second made North wince in pain. "You're going to be okay."

Glancing about the recovery room warily Markus saw Chris still standing by the door and felt his tension leave the moment Chris offered him a courteous nod of acknowledgment. The young officer, the very officer Markus had spared the night he led a raid on CyberLife stores just prior to the Revolution, pulled his phone from his pocket and began sending a text to someone. By logical deduction Markus knew Chris was letting his commanding officer know that he was now awake, and to reduce security measures.

'What happened?' Speaking cybernetically to spare his throat any strain Markus returned his attention to North beside him. 'Why am I here? Why are you here?'

"You don't remember getting hurt?"

'I do remember.' Confirming that his memory was intact Markus took in another deep breath and felt the cooling blanket over his chest shifting slightly courtesy of the motion. 'What I mean is, why am I in a facility instead of the tower?'

"The technicians who responded to the scene brought you here. They have no jurisdiction at the tower which means they had no choice but to bring you here for treatment."

'And you stayed with me?'

"I rode with you in the ambulance." Using her thumb to gingerly caress his cheek North spoke honestly as she offered him as much comfort as possible. "Josh and Simon are taking care of things at the tower while you're down."

'You said you came back to Detroit to see me.' Blinking slowly from lingering fatigue Markus dared to challenge that claim. 'Is that true?'

"Of course it is! We may not... It's still complicated between us," she admitted their lingering emotional turmoil without taking her hands away. "but I know that you're still the deviant who will help guide our people to a better future. That's why I led six rescued deviants back to the tower from Canada."

'Canada?' Markus's mismatched eyes widened for a moment at the surprisingly detail. 'Is that where you went?'

"Yes. I wanted to see how easy it is to get over the border. Turns out it's surprisingly easy to get across, but not so easy to get back."

'Are you hurt?'

"No, I'm not hurt." Letting out a small breath of relief North tightened her grip on Markus's hand without harming him as she spoke. It was clear she truly missed him and that she still regretted hurting him. "The six deviants I rescued were all injured, and Simon is taking care of them. Now it's your turn to be taken care of."

'...What about Connor?'

"You saved him. He was unharmed and he helped apply pressure to your wound until technicians arrived."

'Anyone else hurt at the plaza?'

"No, just you. Everyone else escaped unharmed beyond a few scrapes and bruises from panicking, but you're the only one who needed emergency aid."

'Who did this?'

"From what I've been told," she motioned over to Chris as the officer slipped his phone back in his pocket and resumed his silent vigilance over the room. "the two people responsible for this mess are two disgruntled marines who were hired to kill you and get get revenge on Connor because of family drama. You stop worrying about that and let the police do their work. Just rest."

The door slid open and Abby returned in time to see Markus awake, and North finally smiling. "Now that's a good sign. I'm the technician who's been treating you." Approaching the bed Abby looked down at Markus's eyes and saw he was fully awake and alert. "I'm Dr. Abby Grayson, just call me Abby. Can you run a self diagnostic?"

Markus closed his eyes, ran the diagnostic and relayed the information over to North to speak up on his behalf.

"He said his system is at eighty-two percent recalibration, and he isn't in any pain."

"That's a good sign, too. Also glad you both have the sense to speak cybernetically when one of you has a devastating throat injury." Putting her hands on either side of the support brace around Markus's neck Abby released the securing clasps and checked the gauze beneath. "No sign of bleeding," lightly pulling down the wraps Abby eyed the regenerated artificial skin over the repair sight as well. "and there's no sign of disfigurement within the plastimetal."

North watched Connor's reactions very carefully to make sure he wasn't trying hide being in pain or feeling too weak to move.

"Looks like you're going to be checking out by tomorrow morning, Markus." Re-securing the brace around Markus's neck Abby gave him an approving grin and pulled back the cooling blanket to expose his chest. After listening to his steady breathing with her audioscope Abby decided to give the young couple some space, and take her leave. "So, those two lunatics who ruined your speech have been arrested and there's been no sign of a security breach at the facility. If you're okay with it we can dismiss Officer Miller so you can be left alone while you heal. What do you think?"

Turning his gaze over to North beside him Markus gauged her reaction before looking back to Abby and nodding in approval.

"Okay. I'll be back in an hour to check on you, but until then just rest and remember that you'll be back home and relaxing by tomorrow morning."

Chris waited by the door until Abby walked over then stepped out of the room alongside her. It was no secret that deviants were capable of falling in love just as humans were, and they both knew when it was time to give young couples some space so they could be together.

"So, tomorrow morning you can leave." Tightening her hand a little more North gave Markus a teasing glance. "Want to go back to the tower and put up with Simon hovering over you like a mother-hen, or do you want to go back to the mansions and put up with Carl watching over you like a hawk?"

Smirking at the lighthearted comment Markus looked North in the eyes and gave her a pleading stare. 'Actually, I'd rather be home... with you.'

"Me?"

'...I still love you, North. Even if we don't see eye-to-eye as a couple anymore we can still be good friends and take care of each other.'

"Yeah..." Blushing faintly at the sweet statement North wholeheartedly agreed with his sentiment. "You're right."

'Stay with me tonight, and go home with me tomorrow. Please? I missed you.'

"I missed you, too." Moving her seat closer to the side of the bed North refused to let Markus's hand go as she stayed with him for the rest of the evening and well into the night and morning. She had nowhere else she wanted to be in that welcoming moment. "I'm happy I came back, and even happier to be with you again."

-next chapter-